bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of the BNIP3/NIX‐dependent mitophagy aggravates copper‐induced mitochondrial dysfunction in duck renal tubular epithelial cells
Authors: Bai He , Fang Yukun , Cao Huabin , Xing Chenghong , Zhang Caiying , Zhuang Yu , Guo Xiaoquan , Li Guyue , Hu Mingwen , Hu Guoliang , Yang Fan
Published: November 2022

The accumulation of copper (Cu) in the organisms could lead to kidney damage by causing mitochondrial dysfunction. Given that mitochondria are one of the targets of Cu poisoning, this study aimed to investigate the role of mitophagy in Cu‐induced mitochondrial dysfunction in renal tubular epithelial cells to understand the mechanism of Cu nephrotoxicity. Hence, the cells were treated with different concentrations of Cu sulfate (CuSO4) (0, 100, and 200 μM), and mitophagy inhibitor (Cyclosporine A, 0.5 μM) and/or 200 μM CuSO4 in the combination for 12 h. Results showed that Cu caused mitochondrial swelling, vacuoles, and cristae fracture; increased the number of mitochondrial and lysosome fluorescent aggregation points; upregulated the mRNA levels of mitophagy‐associated genes (LC3A, LC3B, P62, BNIP3, NIX, OPTN, NDP52, Cyp D LAMP1, and LAMP2) and protein levels of LC3II/LC3I, BNIP3, and NIX, downregulated the mRNA and protein levels of P62; reduced the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), ATP content, mitochondrial respiratory control rate (RCR), mitochondrial respiratory control rate (OPR), and the mRNA and protein levels of PGC‐1α, TOMM20, and Mfn2, but increased the mRNA and protein levels of Drp1. Besides, cotreatment with Cu and CsA dramatically decreased the level of mitophagy, but increased mitochondrial division, further reduced MMP, ATP content, RCR, and OPR, mitochondrial fusion and thereby reduced mitochondrial biogenesis. Taken together, these data indicated that Cu exposure induced BNIP3/NIX‐dependent mitophagy in duck renal tubular epithelial cells, and inhibition of mitophagy aggravated Cu‐induced mitochondrial dysfunction.
Tackling obesity and health inequalities
Authors: Kirby Roger
Published: November 2022

In this editorial, Professor Roger Kirby, Editor‐in‐Chief of Trends in Urology and Men's Health, reflects on the impact of rising obesity and the importance of continuing to encourage healthier lifestyles.
Prostate cancer treatment with exercise medicine
Authors: Newton Robert U , Hart Nicolas H , Galvão Daniel A , Taaffe Dennis R , Saad Fred
Published: November 2022

Exercise can reduce the risk of death in men with prostate cancer. Although the effect was demonstrated over 10 years ago, exercise medicine is still not recognised as a critical therapy in cancer management. Nevertheless, the evidence base is building, and an ongoing randomised controlled trial has been designed to assess whether a targeted and highly sophisticated exercise medicine intervention causes a survival advantage in men with metastatic castrate‐resistant prostate cancer.
Journal watch
Authors: Kirby Mike
Published: November 2022

Professor Mike Kirby, Editor of Trends in Urology and Men's Health, picks some interesting recent papers and highlights the ‘take‐home’ messages.
Effects of low‐level laser therapy on impaired mobility in dogs with naturally occurring osteoarthritis
Authors: Barale Loris , Monticelli Paolo , Adami Chiara
Published: November 2022

Background

Osteoarthritis is common in the aging dog and is associated with chronic pain and impaired mobility. The main objective of this study was to determine whether low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) would increase physical activity in dogs with osteoarthritis.

Methods

Twenty‐three dogs with osteoarthritis were instrumented with an accelerometer 48 h before the first LLLT session (baseline), to record daily activity. Each dog underwent six consecutive weekly laser treatments. The scores of the Canine Brief Pain Inventory and the Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs’ were recorded for clinical purposes, as a tool to titrate the analgesic therapy of each individual dog, before LLLT (as baseline) and then weekly for 6 weeks.

Results

The number of daily activities increased during week 2 (161,674; SD, 103,666) and remained higher than baseline (93,481; SD, 107,878) until week 6 (179,309; SD, 126,044; p < 0.001). Daily step count increased from week 1 (4472; SD, 3427) compared to baseline (1109; SD, 1061) and remained higher than the baseline until the end of week 6 (8416; SD, 3166; p < 0.001). Average energy expenditure during the study period was 179 [range, 2–536] kcal/day; there were no statistically significant differences in this variable between weeks of treatment. Systemic analgesics therapy was decreased in 50% of the dogs during the study period.

Conclusions

Laser therapy may advance the management of osteoarthritis by increasing the level of activity of dogs, therefore improving their quality of life.
Ergebnisse des Lernprozesses
Authors: Sterzel Martin
Published: November 2022

Das Lernverhalten des effektuativen Agenten wird bei Veränderung der Dynamiken der Lernumgebung sowie verschiedener Parameter untersucht. Es werden Leistungsvergleiche bei Manipulation der Belohnungsfunktion, Variation der Transitionswahrscheinlichkeiten sowie ausgewählter Hyperparameter angestellt. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass ein Agent grundsätzlich in der Lage ist effektuative Prinzipien zu erlernen. Es werden Parameter- und Umgebungskonstellationen eruiert, die effektuatives Lernen begünstigen.
Die Kosten der präoperativen Anämie bei Hüftgelenkrevisionsoperationen
Authors: Vorderwülbecke Gerald , Spies Claudia , von Heymann Christian , Kruppa Jochen , Fürstenau Daniel , Kaufner Lutz , Werner Sven , Höft Moritz , Balzer Felix
Published: November 2022

Hintergrund

Die Anämie hat eine hohe Prävalenz bei Patienten vor Hüftgelenkrevisionsoperation und ist mit einer erhöhten Komplikationsrate assoziiert. Die vorliegende Arbeit untersucht erstmals den Zusammenhang von Kosten, realen DRG-Erlösen und Falldeckung der präoperativen Anämie bei elektiven Hüftgelenkrevisionsoperationen.

Methoden

Für alle Patienten, die sich von 2010 bis 2017 an 2 Campi der Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin einer Hüftgelenkrevisionsoperation unterzogen, wurden Daten zu Patienten sowie Transfusionen, Kosten und Erlösen gesammelt. Subgruppen- und lineare Regressionsanalysen untersuchten die Falldeckung anämischer und nichtanämischer Patienten.

Ergebnisse

Von 1187 eingeschlossenen Patienten waren 354 (29,8 %) präoperativ anämisch. Insgesamt wurden 565 (47,6 %) Patienten, mit einem deutlichen Überwiegen anämischer Patienten (72,6 % vs. 37,0 %, p < 0,001), transfundiert. Kosten (12.318 € [9027;20.044 €] vs. 8948 € [7501;11.339 €], p < 0,001) und Erlöse (11.788 € [8992;16.298 €] vs. 9611 € [8332;10.719 €], p < 0,001) waren für anämische Patienten höher, die Fallkostendeckung defizitär (−1170 € [−4467;1238 €] vs. 591 € [−1441;2103 €] €, p < 0,001). Bei anämischen Patienten nahm die Falldeckung mit zunehmender Transfusionsrate ab (p ≤ 0,001). Komorbiditäten hatten keinen signifikanten ökonomischen Einfluss.

Schlussfolgerung

Die präoperative Anämie und perioperative Transfusionen bei Hüftgelenkrevisionsoperationen sind mit erhöhten Behandlungskosten und einer finanziellen Unterdeckung für Kostenträger im Gesundheitswesen verbunden. Konzepte zur Behandlung der präoperativen Anämie (z. B. Patient Blood Management) könnten mittelfristig Behandlungskosten senken.
Molecular diagnostics in odontogenic tumors
Authors: Buettner Reinhard , Gültekin Sibel Elif
Published: November 2022

Background

Odontogenic tumors (OTs) are rare, with an estimated incidence rate of less than 0.5 cases per 100,000 per year. The causes of OTs remain unclear. Nonetheless, the majority of OTs seem to arise de novo, without an apparent causative factor. Although the etiopathogenesis of most OTs remains unclear, there have been some recent advances in understanding the genetic basis relating to specific histologies and clinical features. Molecular analyses performed by different techniques, including Sanger sequencing, next-generation sequencing, and allele-specific PCR, have uncovered mutations in genes related to the oncogenic MAPK/ERK signaling pathway. Genetic mutations in these pathway genes have been reported in epithelial and mixed OTs, in addition to odontogenic carcinomas and sarcomas. Notably, B‑RAF proto-oncogene serine/threonine kinase (BRAF) and KRAS proto-oncogene GTPase (KRAS) pathogenic mutations have been reported in a high proportion of ameloblastoma and ameloblastoma-related tumors and adenomatoid odontogenic tumors, respectively.

Objective

To discuss how molecular profiling aids in diagnostic classification of odontogenic tumors.

Conclusion

Molecular profiling of odontogenic tumors helps to identify patients for neoadjuvant therapies and reduces postoperative morbidity
Clinical implications and risk factors for QRS prolongation over time in heart failure patients
Authors: Berger Martin , Kumowski Nina , Straw Sam , Verket Marlo , Marx Nikolaus , Witte Klaus K. , Schütt Katharina
Published: November 2022

Background

QRS prolongation is an established prognostic marker in heart failure (HF). In contrast, the role of QRS width progression over time has been incompletely explored. The current study investigates the role of QRS width progression over time on clinical status and identifies underlying predictors.

Methods

Datasets of ≥ 2 consecutive visits from 100 attendees to our HF clinic between April and August 2021 were analysed for changes in QRS complex duration.

Results

In total 240 datasets were stratified into tertiles based on change in QRS duration (mm/month) (1st tertile: − 1.65 [1.50] ‘regression’; 2nd tertile 0.03 [0.19] ‘stable’, 3rd tertile 3.57 [10.11] ‘progression’). The incidence of the combined endpoint HF hospitalisation and worsening of symptomatic heart failure was significantly higher in the group with QRS width progression (3rd tertile) compared with the stable group (2nd tertile; log-rank test: p = 0.013). These patients were characterised by higher plasma NT-pro-BNP levels (p = 0.008) and higher heart rate (p = 0.007). A spline-based prediction model identified patients at risk of QRS width progression when NT-pro-BNP and heartrate were > 837 pg/ml and > 83/bpm, respectively. These markers were independent of guideline-directed medical HF therapy. Patients beyond both thresholds had a 14-fold increased risk of QRS width progression compared to those with neither or either alone (HR: 14.2 [95% 6.9 – 53.6]; p < 0.0001, p for interaction = 0.016).

Conclusions

This pilot study demonstrates that QRS width progression is associated with clinical deterioration of HF. NTproBNP plasma levels and heart rate indicate patients at risk QRS width progression, independently of HF therapy.

Graphic abstract
The value of banknotes: relevance of size, colour and design
Authors: Ojedo Fernando , Macizo Pedro
Published: November 2022

In the current study, we evaluate the relevance of three physical features when people retrieve the monetary value of banknotes. To this end, three monetary comparison tasks were designed in which in each trial a pair of banknotes were presented and participants selected the one with higher monetary value. In each task, a different banknote feature (size, colour and design) was examined and a congruent and an incongruent condition (the value of the physical feature corresponded or not to its actual value, respectively) were compared to a neutral condition (no information about the physical feature was provided). We found a pattern of facilitation and interference effects which suggests that size is the most relevant physical feature for accessing the monetary value of banknotes followed by colour. However, the availability of a variety of designs across banknotes seemed not to facilitate the performance of the task, but rather the opposite, hindering the monetary comparison task.
Labor division in collaborative visual search: a review
Authors: Wahn Basil , Schmitz Laura
Published: November 2022

When looking for a certain object or person, individuals often engage in collaborative visual search, i.e., they search together by coordinating their behavior. For instance, when parents are looking for their child on a busy playground, they might search collaboratively by dividing the search area. This type of labor division in collaborative visual search could be beneficial not only in daily life, but also in professional life (e.g., at airport security screening, lifeguarding, or diagnostic radiology). To better understand the mechanisms underlying this type of collaborative behavior, as well as its benefits and costs, researchers have studied visual search scenarios in the laboratory. The aim of this review article is to provide a brief overview of the results of these studies. Are individuals faster if they search together compared to alone? And if so, should they simply search in parallel, or will they benefit from agreeing on a specific labor division? How should they divide the search space, and how to communicate this division? Should a consensus be reached (target present or absent?) before ending the search? We address these and further key questions, focusing on the aspect of labor division. In conclusion, we integrate the reviewed findings into an applied context, point out which questions still remain, and put forward suggestions for future research. We hope that this review can serve not only as a theoretical foundation for basic research but also as a practical inspiration for applied research and development.
Resistance of Blastocystis to chlorine and hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Martín-Escolano Rubén , Ng Geok Choo , Tan Kevin S. W. , Stensvold C. Rune , Gentekaki Eleni , Tsaousis Anastasios D.
Published: November 2022

Blastocystis is a ubiquitous, widely distributed protist inhabiting the gastrointestinal tract of humans and other animals. The organism is genetically diverse, and so far, at least 28 subtypes (STs) have been identified with ST1–ST9 being the most common in humans. The pathogenicity of Blastocystis is controversial. Several routes of transmission have been proposed including fecal–oral (e.g., zoonotic, anthroponotic) and waterborne. Research on the latter has gained traction in the last few years with the organism having been identified in various bodies of water, tap water, and rainwater collection containers including water that has been previously filtered and/or chlorinated. Herein, we assessed the resistance of 11 strains maintained in culture, spanning ST1–ST9 to various chlorine and hydrogen peroxide concentrations for 24 h, and performed recovery assays along with re-exposure. Following the treatment with both compounds, all subtypes showed increased resistance, and viability could be visualized at the cellular level. These results are hinting at the presence of mechanism of resistance to both chlorine and hydrogen peroxide. As such, this pilot study can be the platform for developing guidelines for water treatment processes.
Comparing the efficiency of six clearing methods in developing seeds of Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Attuluri Venkata Pardha Saradhi , Sánchez López Juan Francisco , Maier Lukáš , Paruch Kamil , Robert Hélène S.
Published: November 2022

Key message

ClearSee alpha and FAST9 were optimized for imaging Arabidopsis seeds up to the torpedo stages. The methods preserve the fluorescence of reporter proteins and seed shape, allowing phenotyping embryos in intact seeds.

Tissue clearing methods eliminate the need for sectioning, thereby helping better understand the 3D organization of tissues and organs. In the past fifteen years, clearing methods have been developed to preserve endogenous fluorescent protein tags. Some of these methods (ClearSee, TDE, PEA-Clarity, etc.) were adapted to clear various plant species, with the focus on roots, leaves, shoot apical meristems, and floral parts. However, these methods have not been used in developing seeds beyond the early globular stage. Tissue clearing is problematic in post-globular seeds due to various apoplastic barriers and secondary metabolites. In this study, we compared six methods for their efficiency in clearing Arabidopsis thaliana seeds at post-globular embryonic stages. Three methods (TDE, ClearSee, and ClearSee alpha) have already been reported in plants, whereas the others (fsDISCO, FAST9, and CHAPS clear) are used in this context for the first time. These methods were assessed for seed morphological changes, clearing capacity, removal of tannins, and spectral properties. We tested each method in seeds from globular to mature stages. The pros and cons of each method are listed herein. ClearSee alpha appears to be the method of choice as it preserves seed morphology and prevents tannin oxidation. However, FAST9 with 60% iohexol as a mounting medium is faster, clears better, and appears suitable for embryonic shape imaging. Our results may guide plant researchers to choose a suitable method for imaging fluorescent protein-labeled embryos in intact Arabidopsis seeds.
Low Evidence for Tinnitus Risk Factors: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Biswas Roshni , Genitsaridi Eleni , Trpchevska Natalia , Lugo Alessandra , Schlee Winfried , Cederroth Christopher R. , Gallus Silvano , Hall Deborah A.
Published: November 2022

Aims/Hypothesis

Identifying risk factors for tinnitus could facilitate not only the recommendations for prevention measures, but also identifying potential pathways for new interventions. This study reports the first comprehensive systematic review of analytical observational studies able to provide information about causality (i.e., case–control and cohort designs).

Methods

A literature search of four electronic databases identified epidemiological studies published on tinnitus and different exposures. Independent raters screened all studies, extracted data, and evaluated study quality using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Reported relative risks (RR), hazard ratios (HR), odds ratios (OR), and prevalence ratios (PR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to compute crude estimates of RR for tinnitus risk factors.

Results

From 2389 records identified, a total of 374 articles were read as full text (24 reviews, 301 cross-sectional studies, 42 cohort studies, and 7 case–control studies). However, from 49 case–control and cohort studies, only 25 adequately reported risk ratios. Using the findings from these studies, positive causal associations were found for various hearing-related factors (i.e., unspecified hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss, occupational noise exposure, ototoxic platinum therapy, and otitis media). Evidence was also found for a number of non-otological risk factors including temporo-mandibular joint disorder, depression, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and hyperlipidemia. Negative associations indicating preventative effects were found for diabetes and high alcohol consumption. No associations were found for low alcohol consumption, body mass index, head injury, heart failure, hypertension, leisure noise exposure, migraine, rheumatoid arthritis, sex, smoking, stroke, and whiplash. However, with the exception of unspecified hearing loss, these findings resulted from pooling no more than 4 studies, illustrating that the vast majority of the associations still remain inconclusive.

Conclusions

These systematic review and meta-analysis confirm a number of otological and non-otological risk factors for tinnitus. By highlighting major gaps in knowledge, our synthesis can help provide direction for future research that will shed light on the pathophysiology, improve management strategies, and inform more effective preventions.
Connectivity, centralisation and ‘robustness-yet-fragility’ of interbank networks
Authors: Eboli Mario , Ozel Bulent , Teglio Andrea , Toto Andrea
Published: November 2022

This paper studies the effects that connectivity and centralisation have on the response of interbank networks to external shocks that generate phenomena of default contagion. We run numerical simulations of contagion processes on randomly generated networks, characterised by different degrees of density and centralisation. Our main findings show that the degree of robustness-yet-fragility of a network grows progressively with both its degree of density or centralisation, although at different paces. We also find that sparse and decentralised interbank networks are generally resilient to small shocks, contrary to what so far believed. The degree of robustness-yet-fragility of an interbank network determines its propensity to generate a too-many-to-fail problem. We argue that medium levels of density and high levels of centralisation prevent the emergence of a too-many-to-fail issue for small and medium shocks whilst drastically creating the problem in the case of large shocks. Finally, our results shed some light on the actual robustness-yet-fragility of the observed core-periphery national interbank networks, highlighting the existing risk of systemic crises.
Farmers’ willingness to adopt silvopastoral systems: investigating cattle producers’ compensation claims and attitudes using a contingent valuation approach
Authors: Opdenbosch Harold , Hansson Helena
Published: November 2022

Intensive cattle production systems are currently a major contributor to CO2emissions and biodiversity loss. Silvopastoral systems that combine foraging pastures and trees into an integrated system for raising livestock have been suggested a promising avenue to store carbon and preserve farmland biodiversity. However, investments and maintenance costs for these improvements are paid by producers, who reap few of the environmental benefits. The objective of the present study was to assess farmers’ willingness to adopt silvopastoral systems by reforesting treeless pastures, their compensation claims related to adoption, and how both are affected by their attitudes towards silvopastoral systems. This study was based on a contingent valuation approach coupled with exploratory factor analysis to obtain measures of attitudinal constructs derived from the Theory of Planned Behavior. Results indicate that 52% of respondents were willing to adopt silvopastoral systems and the mean compensation claim per year per hectare is estimated at SEK 3107.17 (308€). Adoption decision is positively correlated with attitudes towards silvopastoral systems, suggesting that decision-making is not solely driven by profit maximization through concerns related to pecuniary factors.
Impact of covert infections with an RNA virus on the susceptibility of Spodoptera exigua to natural enemies
Authors: Mengual-Martí Adrià , Martínez-Solís María , Yousef-Yousef Meelad , Garrido-Jurado Inmaculada , Delgado-Sanfiel Pedro , Quesada-Moraga Enrique , Herrero Salvador
Published: November 2022

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs are alternatives to classical pest control through the application of chemical insecticides. IPM goal is to maintain pest populations below economically injurious levels minimizing the use of chemical insecticides. In recent years, research on insect viromes has led to the discovery of many novel viral pathogens in insect pests, some of them producing covert infections that do not cause evident symptoms. However, the impact that these viruses have on the action of natural enemies employed in IPM programs is still unknown. Spodoptera exigua iflavirus 1 (SeIV1) is an RNA virus commonly found in field populations of Spodoptera exigua. In this work, we have analysed the possible impact of those viral infections on the activity of different natural enemies used for the control of this pest. Specifically, we have studied the effects of SeIV1 on susceptibility to entomopathogenic nematodes, fungi, bacteria, and parasitoids. Infections with SeIV1 showed to be compatible with the nematode Steinernema carpocapsae as the infection did not affect the susceptibility or production of new juveniles. Moreover, they are also compatible with the fungus Metarhizium brunneum as the mortality of S. exigua larvae was not affected by the viral infection. Interestingly, infections with SeIV1 increase the susceptibility to Bacillus thuringiensis formulation and increase the mortality caused by the parasitism of Hyposoter didymator. In summary, our results show that the four natural enemies tested are not negatively affected by SeIV1 and their action remains similar or enhanced by the covert infections with this iflavirus.
Inadequate Use of Newer Treatments and Glycemic Control by Cardiovascular Risk and Sociodemographic Groups in US Adults with Diabetes in the NIH Precision Medicine Initiative All of Us Research Program
Authors: Devineni Divya , Akbarpour Meleeka , Gong Yufan , Wong Nathan D.
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Data are limited on sodium glucose co-transport 2 inhibitors (SGLT2-is) and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) among real-world cohorts of underrepresented patients. We examined these therapies and glycemic control in US adults with diabetes mellitus (DM) by atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk and sociodemographic factors.

Methods

In the NIH Precision Medicine Initiative All of Us Research Program, we categorized DM as (1) moderate risk, (2) high risk, and (3) with ASCVD. We examined proportions on DM therapies, including SGLT2-i or GLP-1 RA, and at glycemic control by sociodemographic factors and CVD risk groups.

Results

Our 81,332 adults aged ≥ 18 years with DM across 340 US sites included 22.3% non-Hispanic Black, 17.2% Hispanic, and 1.8% Asian participants; 31.1%, 30.3%, and 38.6% were at moderate risk, high risk, or with ASCVD, respectively. Those with DM and ASCVD were most likely on SGLT2-i (8.6%) or GLP-1 RA (11.9%). SGLT2-i use was < 10% in those with heart failure or chronic kidney disease. The odds (95% CI) of SGLT2-i use were greater among men (1.35 [1.20, 1.53]) and Asian persons (2.31 [1.78, 2.96]), with GLP-1 RA being less common (0.78 [0.70, 0.86]) in men. GLP-1 RA use was greater among those with health insurance, and both GLP-1 RA and SGLT2-i greater within lower income groups. 72.0% of participants had HbA1c < 7%; Hispanic persons were least likely at glycemic control.

Conclusions

Treatment with SGLT2-is and GLP-1 RAs remains low, even among higher ASCVD risk persons with DM and use is even lower among underserved groups.
Within-Classroom Play: Cultivating Autonomy, Competence, and Relatedness During the Transition to Kindergarten
Authors: Lyons Mary E.
Published: November 2022

Play, of varied type and form, provides opportunities for children to acquire a sense of competence and belonging when engaging in classroom life. The purpose of this study was to investigate ways that the inclusion of play as a curricular component eased academic stressors and supported motivation during the transition to kindergarten. In this qualitative case study, the researcher documented the within-classroom play of one child who had no prior-to-kindergarten schooling experience during her transition. Four months of ethnographic data collection (e.g., participant observation, artifact collection) allowed for a strong narrative to emerge that showed changes and progressions in the child over time. The data were compiled chronologically and analyzed using tenets of Self-Determination Theory (Ryan & Deci, 2017) to illuminate ways that her psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness were satisfied through play. The data were also open-coded and analyzed using the constant comparison method of multi-cycle coding to identify broad themes (Saldaña, 2016). The findings were written in a narrative style to tell a story of the focal child’s transition period, while illustrating the salient themes: that the child needed (1) structure during play times in order to find a rhythm in kindergarten and (2) time to engage in self-motivated work in order to access and develop autonomy, competence, and relatedness. This study supports scholarship that promotes the integration of play and academics, and contributes to the need for research that illustrates how curricula in early childhood settings work for the people experiencing it.
Entering Kindergarten After Years of Play: A Cross-Case Analysis of School Readiness Following Play-Based Education
Authors: Fyffe Lisa , Sample Pat L. , Lewis Angela , Rattenborg Karen , Bundy Anita C.
Published: November 2022

Cross-case study research was used to explore the school readiness of four 5-year-old children entering kindergarten during the 2020–2021 school year after three or more years of play-based early childhood education at a Reggio Emilia-inspired early childhood education center. Data included a series of three 1-h individual interviews with four mothers and three kindergarten teachers, field visits during remote learning, and artifact collection over the course of the school year. Themes describing the children’s school readiness were developed through cross-case analysis. Participants described the children as learners, explorers, communicators, and empathizers. The learner theme centers on the children’s responsiveness to instruction; the explorer theme describes how the children approached learning; the communicator theme illustrates the children’s prowess with social connection and self-advocacy, and the empathizer theme shows the thoughtfulness and emotional sensitivity these children displayed. Findings suggest that play-based learning prepared these children for successful kindergarten experiences and was a viable early childhood education pedagogy fostering school readiness.
Investigation of heat transfer performance within annular geometries with swirl-inducing fins using clove-treated graphene nanoplatelet colloidal suspension
Authors: Nair S. R. , Oon C. S. , Tan M. K. , Mahalingam Savisha , Manap Abreeza , Kazi S. N.
Published: November 2022

The paper investigated the benefits of having fins that induce swirling flow within an annular passage. The importance of the vortical structures produced using different fin angles and flow velocities in heat transfer was studied. The combination of swirling fluid with recirculation on heat transfer within an annular domain was not fully understood, and this paper aims to address that gap. The 10°, 20°, 30° and 40° angled fins were investigated to understand the changes in heat transfer performance as fluid recirculation becomes more dominant as angles become steeper. The usage of CGNP colloidal suspension was investigated for its potential benefits in heat transfer in a domain with angled fins. The CGNP concentrations of 0.025, 0.075 and 0.1 mass % were used as part of this investigation. Higher concentrations of CGNP increased the overall heat transfer coefficient. A more compact fin spacing improved heat transfer performance at the expense of increased pressure drop. Fin angles of 20° and 30° yielded poor heat transfer performance in the transitional flow regime (2000 < Re < 3000) due to the smaller swirling longitudinal vortices being insufficient in promoting fluid mixing from the thermal boundary layer into the freestream.
A 50 Hz magnetic field influences the viability of breast cancer cells 96 h after exposure
Authors: Elexpuru-Zabaleta Maria , Lazzarini Raffaella , Tartaglione Maria Fiorella , Piva Francesco , Ciarapica Veronica , Marinelli Busilacchi Elena , Poloni Antonella , Valentino Matteo , Santarelli Lory , Bracci Massimo
Published: November 2022

Background

The exposure of breast cancer to extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MFs) results in various biological responses. Some studies have suggested a possible cancer-enhancing effect, while others showed a possible therapeutic role. This study investigated the effects of in vitro exposure to 50 Hz ELF-MF for up to 24 h on the viability and cellular response of MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines and MCF-10A breast cell line.

Methods and results

The breast cell lines were exposed to 50 Hz ELF-MF at flux densities of 0.1 mT and 1.0 mT and were examined 96 h after the beginning of ELF-MF exposure. The duration of 50 Hz ELF-MF exposure influenced the cell viability and proliferation of both the tumor and nontumorigenic breast cell lines. In particular, short-term exposure (4–8 h, 0.1 mT and 1.0 mT) led to an increase in viability in breast cancer cells, while long and high exposure (24 h, 1.0 mT) led to a decrease in viability and proliferation in all cell lines. Cancer and normal breast cells exhibited different responses to ELF-MF. Mitochondrial membrane potential and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were altered after ELF-MF exposure, suggesting that the mitochondria are a probable target of ELF-MF in breast cells.

Conclusions

The viability of breast cells in vitro is influenced by ELF-MF exposure at magnetic flux densities compatible with the limits for the general population and for workplace exposures. The effects are apparent after 96 h and are related to the ELF-MF exposure time.
Longitudinal predictors of word reading for children with Williams syndrome
Authors: Richter Caroline G. , Cardoso-Martins Cláudia , Mervis Carolyn B.
Published: November 2022

We examined the cognitive, language, and instructional predictors of early word-reading ability in a sample of children with Williams syndrome longitudinally. At Time 1, sixty-nine 6–7-year-olds (mean age = 6.53 years) completed standardized measures of phonological awareness, visual-spatial perception, vocabulary, and overall intellectual ability. Word-reading instruction type was classified as (systematic) Phonics (n = 35) or Other (n = 34). At Time 2, approximately 3 years later (mean age = 9.47 years), children completed a standardized assessment of single-word reading ability. Reading ability at Time 2 varied considerably, from inability to read any words to word-reading ability slightly above the level expected for age. The results of a multiple regression indicated that Time 1 word-reading instruction type, phonological awareness, and visual-spatial perception (as assessed by a matching letter-like forms measure) each explained significant unique variance in word reading at Time 2. A systematic phonics approach was associated with significantly better performance than other reading-instruction approaches. Exploratory analyses suggested that the relations between these factors were complex. Considered together, these findings strongly suggest that, in line with the Cumulative Risk and Resilience Model of reading disability, word-reading (dis)ability in Williams syndrome is probabilistic in nature, resulting from the interaction of multiple individual and environmental risk and protective factors. The results also have educational implications: early word-reading instruction for children with Williams syndrome should combine systematic phonics and phonological awareness training while also incorporating letter discrimination instruction highlighting the visual-spatial differences between similar-appearing letters.
Vulnerability and Children’s Rights
Authors: Herring Jonathan
Published: November 2022

This paper will explore the relevance of vulnerability to children’s rights. Broadly speaking legal debates over children can be broken down into two camps. First, those who emphasise the vulnerability of children. For them rights designed to protect children from abuse and promote their welfare are the most significant. Second, those who claim that children are far less vulnerable than is assumed and should be given many of the freedoms of adults. For them rights of autonomy and freedom should be emphasised. This paper will argue that both camps make the error of starting with the norm of adulthood being a time of invulnerability and independence from which children are either distinguished or are closer to than is normally appreciated. Once it is recognised that adults share in children’s vulnerability, we can see that childhood vulnerability is not something which children should be enabled to escape from, nor is it something that is unique to children. Vulnerability and interdependence should form the basis of rights for both children and adults. There is, therefore, no reason why children and adults should not have the same rights.
Die Bildung der Organisation. Zur Komplexitätsfähigkeit von Management und Führung
Authors: Wendt Thomas , Manhart Sebastian
Published: November 2022

Der individuelle wie organisationale Umgang mit Komplexität stellt eine zentrale Kompetenz für die Bewältigung aktueller Herausforderungen der VUCA-Welt dar. Der Beitrag der Zeitschrift „Gruppe. Interaktion. Organisation (GIO)“ integriert organisations- und bildungstheoretische Annahmen, um die Analogie individueller wie organisationaler Umgangsformen mit Komplexität herauszustellen. Dazu analysiert er die Verlaufsgeschichte von Organisations‑, Management- und Führungstheorie und entwirft eine Bildungstheorie der Organisation, die die Komplexitätsfähigkeit von Individuum und Organisation auf den Begriff bringt.
Reziprozität – Kollegialität – Interdependenz. Sozialität von Kooperation in der Bildungsorganisation Schule
Authors: Dohmen Tobias , Stralla Michael
Published: November 2022

Dieser Beitrag in der ZeitschriftGruppe. Interaktion. Organisation. (GIO)verfolgt das Ziel, soziale (Erklärungs‑)Mechanismen schulinterner Kooperation zu identifizieren und diese entlang der Frage zu systematisieren, welche theoretischen Implikationen der Sozialität unter Lehrpersonen dabei bezogen auf das Entstehen und die Dynamik kooperativer Arbeitsbeziehungen in Schulen wirksam werden. Ausgangspunkt der Systematisierung sind vorliegende Konzeptualisierungen sowie die aktuelle Befundlage des Forschungsfeldes. In den mittlerweile zahlreich vorliegenden Forschungsarbeiten zur Kooperation von Lehrpersonen innerhalb der Bildungsorganisation Schule wird Kooperation in den vielfältigen theoretischen und methodischen Zugängen als eine Schlüsselkategorie im Zusammenhang mit schulqualitäts-, -entwicklungs- und -steuerungsorientierten Fragestellungen angenommen. In Anbetracht der Feststellung einer zunehmenden (Aus‑)Differenzierung des Binnengefüges von Schulen sowie der beanspruchten Erweiterung der Aufgabenbereiche von Lehrer*innen wird abschließend aufgezeigt, welche gestaltungsbezogenen Spezifizierungen der Erkenntnisse zu den kooperativen Arbeitsbeziehungen von Lehrer*innen sich angesichts gegenwärtiger Veränderungen der Schulen ableiten lassen.
Talcott Parsons’ normativfunktionalistische Theorie der (Bildungs‑)Organisation
Authors: Lischka-Schmidt Richard
Published: November 2022

Dieser Artikel der Zeitschrift Gruppe. Interaktion. Organisation. (GIO) schlägt ein neues Verständnis von Talcott Parsons’ Theorie der (Bildungs‑)Organisation vor, indem sie als normativfunktionalistisch betrachtet wird. Ausgangspunkt ist die Annahme, dass normative Kultur fundamental für Parsons’ gesamte Theorie ist. Darauf aufbauend wird Parsons’ Theorie der (Schule als) Organisation aufgearbeitet, für die das normativkulturelle Verhältnis von Akteur*innen, Organisation und Umwelt zentraler Analysefokus ist. Schließlich wird am Beispiel von Inklusion gezeigt, dass dieser organisationstheoretische Zugang für die Analyse von Spannungen, mit denen Schule im Zuge von Inklusion konfrontiert ist, instruktiv ist.
Do start-ups benefit from coworking spaces? An empirical analysis of accelerators’ programs
Authors: Del Sarto Nicola , Ferrigno Giulio , Parida Vinit , Di Minin Alberto
Published: November 2022

Open innovation and innovation performance have been widely studied in the literature. However, few studies have examined the impact of openness to different types of external knowledge on start-ups’ innovation performance. Moreover, previous literature could be further complemented by additional investigation into how the coworking spaces provided by accelerator programs may engender informal sources of knowledge that enhance the innovation performance of accelerated start-ups. To address this research gap, we investigate whether start-ups participating in accelerator programs can enhance their innovation performance through information transfer from informal networks provided by business accelerator programs. In order to do so, we draw two-stage data collection data from 113 start-ups accelerated by Italian accelerators from 2013 to 2016 and the response data collected in 2018. Our results reveal that coopetitors, educators, and investors are beneficial for different innovation outcomes of accelerated start-ups. These findings contribute to the innovation management literature, the small business management literature, the literature on accelerators and the coworking spaces literature.
Efficacy and Safety of Biosimilar Romiplostim Versus Innovator Romiplostim in Patients with Chronic Immune Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Chandrakala S. , Toshniwal Manoj , Halvawala Mitesh , Padwal Namita , Sidharthan Neeraj , Malhotra Pankaj , Prashantha B. , Ballikar Riya , Shah Sandip , Apte Shashikant , Viswanathan T. Kasi , Ramanan Vijay , Sharma Akhilesh , Pawar Dattatray , Pawar Roshan , Shahavi Vinayaka
Published: November 2022

Romiplostim is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved therapy for immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Biosimilar is a biological product that has no clinical meaningful difference from an existing FDA-approved reference product. It has a potential of lowering health-care-related cost. Biosimilar of romiplostim can be made available to patients with ITP at a low cost and can be beneficial in providing the best therapy. Thus, the efficacy and safety of biosimilar romiplostim (ENZ110) was compared with innovator romiplostim (Nplate) with respect to platelet response in patients with chronic ITP. This was a prospective, multicenter, randomized, and double-blind clinical trial. Patients with chronic ITP, aged 18–65 years, were enrolled in a study and were randomized to receive either ENZ110 or Nplate in a 3:1 ratio for a treatment period of 12 weeks, respectively. After completion of the treatment period, the patients were followed-up for one week to evaluate the platelet response and to monitor the adverse events (AEs). Over the duration of 12 weeks, platelet response of > 50 × 109/L was achieved in 85.3% patients treated with ENZ110 and in 75.0% patients treated with Nplate in per protocol population. In intent-to-treat population, 83.8% patients with ENZ110 and 76.9% patients with Nplate achieved a platelet response of > 50 × 109/L. In the ENZ110 group, 111 AEs were recorded in 66.7% patients, while 18 AEs were reported in 61.5% patients in the Nplate group. The study demonstrated non-inferiority with comparable efficacy and safety between biosimilar romiplostim and innovator romiplostim in patients with chronic ITP.

Trial registration number and date of registration: CTRI/2019/04/018614.
Impact of CDKN2A/B, MTAP, and TERT Genetic Alterations on Survival in IDH Wild Type Glioblastomas
Authors: Hsu Eric J. , Thomas Jamie , Maher Elizabeth A. , Youssef Michael , Timmerman Robert D. , Wardak Zabi , Dan Tu D. , Patel Toral R. , Vo Dat T.
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Poor outcomes in IDH wild-type (IDHwt) glioblastomas indicate the need to determine which genetic alterations can indicate poor survival and guidance of patient specific treatment options. We sought to identify the genetic alterations in these patients that predict for survival when adjusting particularly for treatments and other genetic alterations.

Methods

A cohort of 167 patients with pathologically confirmed IDHwt glioblastomas treated at our institution was retrospectively reviewed. Next generation sequencing was performed for each patient to determine tumor genetic alterations. Multivariable cox proportional hazards analysis for overall survival (OS) was performed to control for patient variables.

Results

CDKN2A, CDKN2B, and MTAP deletion predict for worse OS independently of other genetic alterations and patient characteristics (hazard ratio [HR] 2.192, p = 0.0017). Patients with CDKN2A copy loss (HR 2.963, p = 0.0037) or TERT mutated (HR 2.815, p = 0.0008) glioblastomas exhibited significant associations between radiation dose and OS, while CDKN2A and TERT wild type patients did not. CDKN2A deleted patients with NF1 mutations had worse OS (HR 1.990, p = 0.0540), while CDKN2A wild type patients had improved OS (HR 0.229, p = 0.0723). Patients with TERT mutated glioblastomas who were treated with radiation doses < 45 Gy (HR 3.019, p = 0.0010) but not those treated with ≥ 45 Gy exhibited worse OS compared to those without TERT mutations.

Conclusion

In IDHwt glioblastomas, CDKN2A, CDKN2B, and MTAP predict for poor prognosis. TERT and CDKN2A mutations are associated with worse survival only when treated with lower radiation doses, thus potentially providing a genetic marker that can inform clinicians on proper dose-fractionation schemes.
Classifying exploratory experimentation – three case studies of exploratory experimentation at the LHC
Authors: Mättig Peter
Published: November 2022

Along three measurements at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), a high energy particle accelerator, we analyze procedures and consequences of exploratory experimentation (EE). While all of these measurements fulfill the requirements of EE: probing new parameter spaces, being void of a target theory and applying a broad range of experimental methods, we identify epistemic differences and suggest a classification of EE. We distinguish classes of EE according to their respective goals: the exploration where an established global theory cannot provide the details of a local phenomenon, exploration of an astonishing discovery and exploration to find a new entity. We find that these classes also differ with respect to the existence of an identifiable target and their impact on the background theory. The characteristics distinguish EE from other kinds of experimentation, even though these different kinds have not yet been systematically studied. The formal rigor and precision of LHC physics facilitates to analyze concept formation in its early state. In particular we emphasize the importance for nil–results for conceptualization and argue that conceptualization can also be achieved from nil–results only.
Dissolved oxygen concentration and eutrophication evaluation in Yamchi dam reservoir, Ardabil, Iran
Authors: Hanjaniamin Amin Esmaeilzadeh , Tabrizi Mahdi Sarai , Babazadeh Hossein
Published: November 2022

One of the essential issues in the quality management of water resources is the determination of the level of eutrophication and dissolved oxygen in dam reservoirs and other water bodies. It is possible to study changes in dissolved oxygen concentration using qualitative models. In this study, CE-QUAL-W2, a two-dimensional model of hydrodynamics and water quality capable of predicting the behavior of aquatic ecosystems, has been used to simulate dissolved oxygen concentration and eutrophication. As a case study, the water quality of the Yamchi dam reservoir, located in Ardabil Province, has been qualitatively investigated using the CE-QUAL-W2 model. Based on the geographical location of the Yamchi dam reservoir, it includes warm monomictic basins. According to the results, the dissolved oxygen concentration in the simulation period varied between 0 and 12 mg/L. In autumn and winter, this concentration was almost uniform at various depths. However, in summer, a sharp decrease in dissolved oxygen concentration, to less than 2 mg/L in the bottom layers, was observed, which is due to the presence of nutrients. Regarding eutrophication, the Yamchi dam reservoir is one of the eutrophic reservoirs, and practical strategies should be employed to improve these conditions. Recommended strategies include reducing the retention time of water in the reservoir, dewatering from the underlying layers during the thermal stratification period, and preventing the entry of agricultural drains into the inlet tributaries of the reservoir.