bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The barriers and drivers of environmental management accounting practices' adoption in developed and developing countries for sustainable development
Authors: van der Poll Huibrecht Margaretha
Published: March 2022

Barriers and drivers of environmental management accounting practices' (EMAPs) adoption were compared between developed and developing countries. This may assist to promote adoption of EMAPs by targeting and overcoming applicable barriers while promoting drivers that are specific to their circumstances, leading to sustainable development ultimately. Methodology: A qualitative, six‐step systematic literature review (SLR) using ATLAS.ti 8 were employed. Four interdependent theories (institutional, contingency, legitimacy, and stakeholder) framed the SLR. Findings: developed countries have strong institutions that exert institutional isomorphic pressure on organisations to adopt EMAPs while developing countries with weaker institutions are hindered by low isomorphic pressure. Moreover, mimetic, and normative forces and contingent factors played a greater role in the adoption of EMAPs in developed countries, less important for developing countries. The findings may inform management who would want to enhance the environmental performance and sustainable development of their organisations and furthermore assist policymakers in developed and developing countries as they pursue environmental sustainability which is key to attaining the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) and Africa's Agenda 2063. Past studies investigated drivers and barriers in different countries however they did not distinguish between developed and developing countries. Since developed and developing countries have unique circumstances, this distinction exposes the different barriers and drivers.
Resonance Couplings in Si@MoS2 Core–Shell Architectures
Authors: Hinamoto Tatsuki , Lee Yea‐Shine , Dereshgi Sina Abedini , DiStefano Jennifer G. , dos Reis Roberto , Sugimoto Hiroshi , Aydin Koray , Fujii Minoru , Dravid Vinayak P.
Published: March 2022

Heterostructures of transition metal dichalcogenides and optical cavities that can couple to each other are rising candidates for advanced quantum optics and electronics. This is due to their enhanced light–matter interactions in the visible to near‐infrared range. Core–shell structures are particularly valuable for their maximized interfacial area. Here, the chemical vapor deposition synthesis of Si@MoS2 core–shells and extensive structural characterization are presented. Compared with traditional plasmonic cores, the silicon dielectric Mie resonator core offers low Ohmic losses and a wider spectrum of optical modes. The magnetic dipole (MD) mode of the silicon core efficiently couples with MoS2 through its large tangential component at the core surface. Using transmission electron microscopy and correlative single‐particle scattering spectroscopy, MD mode splitting is experimentally demonstrated in this unique Si@MoS2 core–shell structure. This is evidence for resonance coupling, which is limited to theoretical proposals in this particular system. A coupling constant of 39 meV is achieved, which is ≈1.5‐fold higher than previous reports of particle‐on‐film geometries with a smaller interfacial area. Finally, higher‐order systems with the potential to tune properties are demonstrated through a dimer system of Si@MoS2, forming the basis for emerging architectures for optoelectronic and nanophotonic applications.
Study on Structural Changes of Starches with Different Amylose Content during Gelatinization Process
Authors: Zhao Tingting , Zhang Hongchao , Chen Fangfang , Tong Peijin , Cao Wenming , Jiang Yuanrong
Published: March 2022

A thorough understanding of structural changes during gelatinization is extremely important for precise control of starch functional properties for food processing and human nutrition. Here five starches with different amylose content between 1.06% and 63.08% are selected to reveal the relationship between the structural changes and amylose content during starch gelatinization by Raman spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) in conjunction with a protocol using the rapid viscosity analyzer (RVA) to generate material for analysis. The results show that the high‐amylose starch has stronger resistance to gelatinization, and its long‐range order structure is more stable which is consistent with the conclusion that certain residual crystallinity remains after gelatinization. Meanwhile, the destruction of short‐range order structure is not significant compared with that in low‐amylose starch when the temperature reaches the pasting temperature. These phenomena are related to the fact that the high‐content amylose promotes the formation of the amylose‐lipid complex during the gelatinization by differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). The presence of the amylose‐lipid complex can restrain the swelling of starch granules and maintain their molecular structure during heating.
Reliability‐based recommendations for EN1992 carbonation cover design of concrete with coarse recycled concrete aggregates
Authors: Albuquerque António , Pacheco João , de Brito Jorge
Published: March 2022

Research argues in favor of using recycled aggregates in structural concrete. However, lack of specific clauses in standards for recycled aggregate concrete design hinders the use of recycled aggregate concrete by the industry. Recycled aggregate concrete‐specific design clauses are hindered because conventional research must be complemented with experiments directed towards stochastic modeling, so that reliability concepts may evaluate whether the probabilities of failure of design comply with the expectations of Society or whether specific design rules are needed. This article compares the within‐batch variability of carbonation under accelerated conditions of four natural aggregate concrete and four analogue recycled aggregate concrete mixes and analyses the reliability of Eurocode 2 cover design for carbonation exposure. In general, the incorporation of coarse recycled concrete aggregates worsened the mean durability behavior of concrete, including resistance to carbonation. However, the variability of carbonation depth was not meaningfully affected by the recycled aggregates used (coarse recycled aggregates produced from concrete waste) and the reliability of concrete cover design only decreased due to the effect of the recycled aggregates on the mean resistance to carbonation. A 5 mm increase of concrete cover was found to more than offset the detrimental influence of full incorporation of recycled aggregates on the reliability of concrete cover design.
Analyzing Cathode and Anode Spot Movements of Atmospheric Arc Plasma in Parallel Electrodes Using Thermal Field Theory and Thermal Nonequilibrium Model
Authors: Ren Zhenwei , Nemoto Yusuke , Maeda Yoshifumi , Yamamoto Shinji , Asanuma Gaku , Onchi Toshiyuki , Iwao Toru
Published: March 2022

It is necessary to elucidate the mechanism of atmospheric arc plasma movement and the variation in its physical properties for constructing an accurate virtual model while using digital twin technology to design a next‐generation direct current circuit breaker. In this study, the calculation setting for considering the thermal nonequilibrium effect on an electrode surface was established. Moreover, the thermal field theory was employed for simulating the cathode spot movement and a thermal nonequilibrium model was implemented for analyzing the triggering factor of the re‐strike phenomenon occurrence on the anode surface. It was found that heavy particles (ions and neutral particles) were transported forward by the cathode jet and not only caused an increment in the electrical conductivity on the anode surface, but also increased the electric field between the arc column and the anode surface. © 2022 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Tanshinone IIA‐regulation of IL‐6 antagonizes PM2.5‐induced proliferation of human bronchial epithelial cells via a STAT3/miR‐21 reciprocal loop
Authors: Xie Wenjing , Ling Min , Xiao Tian , Fan Zi , Chen Dongya , Tang Meng , Bian Qian
Published: March 2022

Particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5), a component of atmospheric particulate matter, leads to changes in gene expression and cellular functions. Epidemiological evidence confirms that PM2.5 has a positive correlation with lung injury. However, the molecular mechanisms involved remain poorly understood, and preventive methods are needed. In the present study, with human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells in culture, we showed that low concentrations of PM2.5 resulted in acceleration of the G1/S transition and cell proliferation. Consistent with these effects, expression of the pro‐inflammatory factor interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) was elevated in HBE cells exposed to PM2.5. Accordingly, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) was activated, which down‐regulated expression of cyclin D1. In addition, PM2.5 exposure led to higher levels of miR‐21, and there was a reciprocal loop between miR‐21 and STAT3. For HBE cells, tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) reversed the PM2.5‐induced cell cycle alteration and cell proliferation, and reduced the expression of cytokines (IL‐6, STAT3, and miR‐21). These results show that, for HBE cells, Tan IIA attenuates the PM2.5‐induced G1/S alteration and cell proliferation, and indicate that it has potential clinical application for PM2.5‐induced respiratory injuries.
circ_0008797 attenuates non‐small cell lung cancer proliferation, metastasis, and aerobic glycolysis by sponging miR‐301a‐3p/SOCS2
Authors: Abuduwaili Kahaerjiang , Zhu Xiaodan , Shen Yanli , Lu Suqiong , Liu Chunling
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This paper firstly reported the exact function of circ_0008797 on non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) progression.

Methods

NSCLC tissues/matched normal tissues were harvested from 88 NSCLC patients. RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization experiment was applied to detect circ_0008797 localization in NSCLC cells. circ_0008797 effect on NSCLC cells proliferation, migration, invasion, glucolysis, and apoptosis was researched by cell counting kit‐8 assay, 5‐ethynyl‐2'deoxyuridine assay, Transwell experiment, glycolysis assay, and TUNEL assay. Dual luciferase reporter gene assay, RNA pull‐down assay and RNA immunoprecipitation assay were used to verify the binding relationship between two genes. In vivo tumorigenesis and lung metastasis was performed using nude mice. Quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry and western blot were applied for genes expression detection. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was performed on lung tissues.

Results

circ_0008797 was low expressed in NSCLC tissues and cell lines, associating with poor outcome (p <.05). circ_0008797 was mainly expressed in NSCLC cells cytoplasm. circ_0008797 inhibited proliferation, migration, invasion, and glycolysis, but enhanced apoptosis of NSCLC cells (p <.05). circ_0008797 attenuated malignant phenotype of NSCLC cells by sponging miR‐301a‐3p. circ_0008797 facilitated SOCS2 expression by sponging miR‐301a‐3p. SOCS2 knockdown partially reversed the inhibitory effect of miR‐301a‐3p inhibition on NSCLC cells malignant phenotype (p <.05). circ_0008797 attenuated NSCLC prolifearion and metastasis in vivo (p <.05).

Conclusion

circ_0008797 attenuates NSCLC proliferation, metastasis and aerobic glycolysis by sponging miR‐301a‐3p/SOCS2.
Hsp70 overexpression in Drosophila hemocytes attenuates benzene‐induced immune and developmental toxicity via regulating ROS/JNK signaling pathway
Authors: D'Souza Leonard Clinton , Dwivedi Shiwangi , Raihan Faiza , Yathisha Undiganalu Gangadharappa , Raghu Shamprasad Varija , Mamatha Bangera Sheshappa , Sharma Anurag
Published: March 2022

Benzene, a ubiquitous environmental chemical, is known to cause immune dysfunction and developmental defects. This study aims to investigate the relation between benzene‐induced immune dysfunction and developmental toxicity in a genetically tractable animal model, Drosophila melanogaster. Further, the study explored the protective role of Heat Shock Protein 70 (Hsp70) against benzene‐induced immunotoxicity and subsequent developmental impact. Drosophila larvae exposed to benzene (1.0, 10.0, and 100.0 mM) were examined for total hemocyte (immune cells) count, phagocytic activity, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and their developmental delay and reduction were analyzed. Benzene exposure for 48 h reduced the total hemocytes count and phagocytic activity, along with an increase in the Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), and lipid peroxidation in the larval hemocytes. Subsequently, JNK‐dependent activation of the apoptosis (Caspase‐3 dependent) was also observed. During their development, benzene exposure to Drosophila larvae led to 3 days of delay in development, and ~40% reduced adult emergence. Hsp70‐overexpression in hemocytes was found to mitigate benzene‐induced oxidative stress and abrogated the JNK‐mediated apoptosis in hemocytes, thus restoring total hemocyte count and improving phagocytotic activity. Further, hsp70‐overexpression in hemocytes also lessened the benzene‐induced developmental delay (rescue of 2.5 days) and improved adult emergence (~20%) emergence, revealing a possible control of immune cells on the organism's development and survival. Overall, this study established that hsp70‐overexpression in the Drosophila hemocytes confers protection against benzene‐induced immune injury via regulating the ROS/JNK signaling pathway, which helps in the organism's survival and development.
Translating grunts into emotions in pigs
Authors: Mills Georgina
Published: March 2022

Georgina Mills discusses new research that used artificial intelligence to help determine the emotional state of pigs.
Roger Valentine Short
Authors: Crispin Sheila M. , Cooper John E.
Published: March 2022

A veterinary surgeon whose intellectual curiosity and scientific rigour led to international acclaim and numerous honours and awards in the field of reproductive biology.
Cover Image
Authors: Wang Shaoming , Feng Samuel F. , Bornstein Aaron M.
Published: March 2022

The cover image is based on the Advanced Review Mixing memory and desire: How memory reactivation supports deliberative decision‐making by Shaoming Wang, Samuel F. Feng, and Aaron M. Bornstein., https://doi.org/10.1002/wcs.1581. Image credited to Stephanie F. Scholz

image
Significance of bone morphology and quality on the primary stability of orthodontic mini-implants: in vitro comparison between human bone substitute and artificial bone
Authors: Chhatwani Sachin , Kouji-Diehl Ouafaa , Kniha Kristian , Modabber Ali , Hölzle Frank , Szalma Jozsef , Danesh Gholamreza , Möhlhenrich Stephan Christian
Published: March 2022

Aim

This study evaluated artificial bone models against a human bone substitute to assess the primary stability of orthodontic mini-implants (OMIs) at varying implant sites with different morphologies and qualities.

Materials and methods

A total of 1200 OMI placements of four types were inserted into four artificial bone models of different density (D1, D2, D3, D4) and into a human bone substitute (HB). The implants varied in diameter (2.0 and 2.3 mm) and length (9 and 11 mm). Each specimen had four implant sites: no defect, one-wall defect, three-wall defect, and circular defect. The implant stability quotient (ISQ) values were measured using resonance frequency analysis (RFA) and insertion placement torque values (IPT) were assessed for primary stability. Correlation analysis was performed to evaluate the different models.

Results

The highest IPT value was registered for the 2.0 mm × 11 mm implant inserted into D1 with no defect (37.53 ± 3.02 Ncm). The lowest ISQ value was measured for the 2.3 mm × 9 mm OMI inserted into D3 with a circular defect (12.33 ± 5.88) and the highest for the 2.3 mm × 9 mm implant inserted into HB with no defect (63.23 ± 2.57). A strong correlation (r = 0.64) for IPT values and a very strong correlation (r = 0.8) for ISQ values was found between D2 and HB.

Conclusion

Bone defects and bone quality affected the primary stability of implants in terms of ISQ and IPT values. Results for bone model D2 correlated very well with the HB substitution material.
Interventioneller Mitralklappenersatz
Authors: Andreas Martin , Mach Markus , Bartunek Anna , Goliasch Georg , Kellermair Jörg , Grund Michael , Simon Paul , Damian Ilinca , Kerbel Tillmann , Zierer Andreas
Published: March 2022

Die interventionelle Therapie der Mitralklappe stellt im Gegensatz zur Aortenklappenintervention eine größere Herausforderung dar. Die Therapie mittels Mitra-Clip zur Rekonstruktion der Mitralklappe wurde erstmals im Jahr 2003 durchgeführt und ist seit dem Jahr 2008 in Europa zugelassen. Die erste Implantation der einzig zugelassenen interventionellen Mitralklappe erfolgte im Jahr 2014, die Zulassung in Europa erfolge im Jahr 2020. Es befinden sich zahlreiche andere Klappensysteme in klinischer Prüfung und werden das Portfolio wahrscheinlich erweitern. In diesem Artikel werden die Indikation für diese neue Therapieform, die technische Umsetzung sowie die spezifischen Herausforderungen für die perioperative Betreuung besprochen.
Real-time monitoring of immediate drug response and adaptation upon repeated treatment in a microfluidic chip system
Authors: Zuieva Anastasiia , Can Suzan , Boelke Franziska , Reuter Stefanie , Schattscheider Sebastian , Töpfer Elfi , Westphal Anika , Mrowka Ralf , Wölfl Stefan
Published: March 2022

Microfluidic tissue culture and organ-on-a-chip models provide efficient tools for drug testing in vivo and are considered to become the basis of in vitro test systems to analyze drug response, drug interactions and toxicity to complement and reduce animal testing. A major limitation is the efficient recording of drug action. Here we present an efficient experimental setup that allows long-term cultivation of cells in a microfluidic system in combination with continuous recording of luciferase reporter gene expression. The system combines a sensitive cooled luminescence camera system in combination with a custom build miniaturized incubation chamber. The setup allows to monitor time-dependent activation, but also the end of drug response. Repeated activation and recovery as well as varying durations of drug treatment periods can be monitored, and different modes of drug activity can be visualized.
COVID-19 pandemic–related adaptations of medical education in clinical pharmacology — impact on students and lecturers at a German university
Authors: Hafner Susanne , Zolk Oliver , Barth Holger
Published: March 2022

In medical studies, pharmacology is a subject with a high teaching and study load. The COVID-19 pandemic–related switch to distance learning implies challenges for students and teachers. To identify changes of behavior, attitudes, and needs among students and teachers in clinical pharmacology during the pandemic, regular surveys were conducted at Ulm University, Germany. Overall, 884 students and 5 teachers answered the survey. Over time, students’ usage of learning materials in print form and further literature (textbooks, guidelines) constantly decreased. In turn, most students used digital materials provided via a learning management system. Attitudes and opinions of students and teachers significantly differed regarding (i) the benefit of certain teaching formats and learning materials, (ii) open-mindedness towards e-learning, and (iii) future visions. Most students and lecturers stated that they spent more time on study or teaching-related activities, respectively, and had less contact with fellow students or colleagues in comparison to pre-pandemic times. Furthermore, the subjective teaching load for most lecturers (80%) increased during the pandemic. To identify determinants of learning success, the survey data were correlated with students’ gradings in the written exams of clinical pharmacology. In the first online semester (summer term 2020), the use of paper-based learning scripts was correlated with better exam grades. No correlation with grade was found for any other learning materials. Age was inversely correlated with exam grading. Striking a balance between the future visions and needs of students and teachers implies a particular challenge for the educational system of the next years.
Molecular dynamics simulation or structure refinement of proteins: are solvent molecules required? A case study using hen lysozyme
Authors: Pechlaner Maria , van Gunsteren Wilfred F. , Hansen Niels , Smith Lorna J.
Published: March 2022

In protein simulation or structure refinement based on values of observable quantities measured in (aqueous) solution, solvent (water) molecules may be explicitly treated, omitted, or represented by a potential of mean-solvation-force term, depending on protein coordinates only, in the force field used. These three approaches are compared for hen egg white lysozyme (HEWL). This 129-residue non-spherical protein contains a variety of secondary-structure elements, and ample experimental data are available: 1630 atom–atom Nuclear Overhauser Enhancement (NOE) upper distance bounds, 213 3 J-couplings and 200 S2 order parameters. These data are used to compare the performance of the three approaches. It is found that a molecular dynamics (MD) simulation in explicit water approximates the experimental data much better than stochastic dynamics (SD) simulation in vacuo without or with a solvent-accessible-surface-area (SASA) implicit-solvation term added to the force field. This is due to the missing energetic and entropic contributions and hydrogen-bonding capacities of the water molecules and the missing dielectric screening effect of this high-permittivity solvent. Omission of explicit water molecules leads to compaction of the protein, an increased internal strain, distortion of exposed loop and turn regions and excessive intra-protein hydrogen bonding. As a consequence, the conformation and dynamics of groups on the surface of the protein, which may play a key role in protein–protein interactions or ligand or substrate binding, may be incorrectly modelled. It is thus recommended to include water molecules explicitly in structure refinement of proteins in aqueous solution based on nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) or other experimentally measured data.
On the role of eviction in group living sex changers
Authors: Iwasa Yoh , Yamaguchi Sachi
Published: March 2022

In most sex-changing fishes in coral reefs, a dominant male and multiple females form a mating group (harem). In a few species, the subordinates are simultaneous hermaphrodites that may act as sneakers. In this paper, we ask whether the subordinates in most sex changers choose to be female or whether they are forced to give up their male function to avoid eviction by the harem holder. We consider a game model in which (1) the dominant male evicts some hermaphroditic subordinates if the risk of sperm competition in regard to fertilizing eggs is high, and (2) each subordinate individual chooses its own sex allocation considering the risk of being evicted. In the evolutionarily stable state, the dominant male evicts subordinates only when the subordinates vary greatly in their reproductive resources. All the subordinate individuals are female if the summed male function of the subordinates is smaller than that of the dominant male. Otherwise, all the subordinates are hermaphrodites, and the large individuals have the same male investment but a greatly different female investment, while small individuals have a reduced male investment to avoid eviction risk. We conclude that situations in which the sex allocation of subordinates is affected by the possibility of eviction by the harem holder are rather limited

Significance statement

We studied the role of eviction in social evolution. In most sex-changing fishes in coral reefs, a dominant male and multiple females form a mating group. In a few species, subordinates are simultaneous hermaphrodites. We asked whether the subordinates are forced to give up their male function to avoid eviction by the harem holder. We examined a game model in which the dominant male evicts hermaphroditic subordinates with a high risk of sperm competition, and each subordinate chooses its own sex allocation considering the eviction risk. We derived mathematical conditions for when subordinates are females or hermaphrodites in the ESS. The model demonstrated that the control by the dominant over subordinate reproductive decisions is rather limited.
Nationwide Study on Stress Perception Among Surgical Residents
Authors: Guglielmetti Laura C. , Gingert Christian , Holtz Anna , Westkämper Reinhard , Lange Jochen , Adamina Michel
Published: March 2022

Objective

Declining number of applicants and high attrition of residents are a dire reality. Surgeons in training are confronted to various stressors which interfere with their performance and may promote burnout. This study measures stress levels of Swiss surgical residents.

Methods

Swiss surgery residents taking the Surgical Basic Exam from 2016 to 2020 completed the Perceived Stress Scale 10 (PSS). The PSS measures how unpredictable, uncontrollable, and overloaded the respondents evaluate their work life. Scores up to 13 are normal, and scores around 20 are highly pathologic. High subscores of helplessness (PH) and lower subscores of self‐efficacy (PSE) indicate distress.

Results

A total of 1694 questionnaires were evaluated (return rate 95.7%). Resident median (m) age was 29 years, 43.5% were female, and 72.7% of the residents were in their first 2 years of training. Residents reported a high PSS (m = 15), a high PH (m = 9), and an ordinary PSE (m = 5). Females reported worse PSS (p < 0.001), PH (p < 0.001), and PSE (p = 0.036). In multivariable analysis, male sex (p < 0.001), aiming at orthopedic (p = 0.017) or visceral surgery (p = 0.004), and French as mother tongue (p = 0.037) predicted lower stress levels, while graduating from a country not adjacent to Switzerland led to higher stress (p = 0.047).

Conclusion

Perceived stress levels are high in this prospective and representative cohort study of Swiss surgical residents. Females endured significantly worse stress and helplessness levels than males. These figures are worrisome as they may directly contribute to the declining attractivity of surgical residencies. Detailed sex‐specific analysis and correction of stressors are urgently needed to improve residency programs.
Update Immunglobulin-A-Vaskulitis
Authors: Neumann Thomas
Published: March 2022

Die Immunglobulin-A-Vaskulitis (IgAV) ist eine systemische Vaskulitis der kleinen Gefäße mit Ig(Immunglobulin)A-Immunkomplexbildung und einem breiten Spektrum klinischer Konstellationen. Typische Manifestationen sind Purpura, Arthralgien oder Arthritiden, Enteritis und Glomerulonephritis. Die IgAV ist die häufigste Vaskulitis im Kindesalter mit meist unkompliziertem und selbstlimitierendem Verlauf. Erwachsene erkranken deutlich seltener an einer IgAV, wobei die Verläufe insbesondere bei renaler oder gastrointestinaler Manifestation komplizierter sind. Verschiedene Trigger der IgAV, darunter Infektionen, wurden beschrieben, wobei eine gestörte Glykosylierung von IgA1 mit konsekutiver Freilegung von Bindungsstellen für Autoantikörper die pathophysiologische Voraussetzung für die Vaskulitis ist. Therapeutische Strategien mit Immunsuppressiva sind bisher mit geringer Evidenz unterlegt, berücksichtigen die Schwere der Organmanifestationen und orientieren sich an den Empfehlungen zur Behandlung anderer Vaskulitiden der kleinen Gefäße. Benigne Verläufe werden symptomatisch behandelt. Die langfristige Prognose der IgAV ist von der renalen Manifestation beeinflusst.
Correction to: Revised D-A-CH reference values for the intake of biotin
Authors: Jungert Alexandra , Ellinger Sabine , Watzl Bernhard , Richter Margrit ,   the German Nutrition Society (DGE)
Published: March 2022

The original article has been corrected.
Selective vulnerability of tripartite synapses in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Broadhead Matthew J. , Bonthron Calum , Waddington Julia , Smith William V. , Lopez Maite F. , Burley Sarah , Valli Jessica , Zhu Fei , Komiyama Noboru H. , Smith Colin , Grant Seth G. N. , Miles Gareth B.
Published: March 2022

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder. Separate lines of evidence suggest that synapses and astrocytes play a role in the pathological mechanisms underlying ALS. Given that astrocytes make specialised contacts with some synapses, called tripartite synapses, we hypothesise that tripartite synapses could act as the fulcrum of disease in ALS. To test this hypothesis, we have performed an extensive microscopy-based investigation of synapses and tripartite synapses in the spinal cord of ALS model mice and post-mortem human tissue from ALS cases. We reveal widescale synaptic changes at the early symptomatic stages of the SOD1G93a mouse model. Super-resolution microscopy reveals that large complex postsynaptic structures are lost in ALS mice. Most surprisingly, tripartite synapses are selectively lost, while non-tripartite synapses remain in equal number to healthy controls. Finally, we also observe a similar selective loss of tripartite synapses in human post-mortem ALS spinal cords. From these data we conclude that tripartite synaptopathy is a key hallmark of ALS.
Work of breathing at different tidal volume targets in newborn infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia
Authors: Lee Rebecca , Hunt Katie A. , Williams Emma E. , Dassios Theodore , Greenough Anne
Published: March 2022

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) results in varying degrees of pulmonary hypoplasia. Volume targeted ventilation (VTV) is a lung protective strategy but the optimal target tidal volume in CDH infants has not previously been studied. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that low targeted volumes would be better in CDH infants as determined by measuring the work of breathing (WOB) in CDH infants, at three different targeted tidal volumes. A randomised cross-over study was undertaken. Infants were eligible for inclusion in the study after surgical repair of their diaphragmatic defect. Targeted tidal volumes of 4, 5, and 6 ml/kg were each delivered in random order for 20-min periods with 20-min periods of baseline ventilation between. WOB was assessed and measured by using the pressure–time product of the diaphragm (PTPdi). Nine infants with a median gestational age at birth of 38 + 4 (range 36 + 4–40 + 6) weeks and median birth weight 3202 (range 2855–3800) g were studied. The PTPdi was higher at 4 ml/kg than at both 5, p = 0.008, and 6 ml/kg, p = 0.012.

Conclusion: VTV of 4 ml/kg demonstrated an increased PTPdi compared to other VTV levels studied and should be avoided in post-surgical CDH infants.

What is Known:• Lung injury secondary to mechanical ventilation increases the mortality and morbidity of infants with CDH.• Volume targeted ventilation (VTV) reduces ‘volutrauma’ and ventilator-induced lung injury in other neonatal intensive care populations.

What is New:• A randomised cross-over trial was carried out investigating the response to different VTV levels in infants with CDH.• Despite pulmonary hypoplasia being a common finding in CDH, a VTV of 5ml/kg significantly reduced the work of breathing in infants with CDH compared to a lower VTV level.
Therapeutic drug monitoring in children and adolescents with schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders using risperidone
Authors: Taurines R. , Fekete S. , Preuss-Wiedenhoff A. , Warnke A. , Wewetzer C. , Plener P. , Burger R. , Gerlach M. , Romanos M. , Egberts K. M.
Published: March 2022

Risperidone is commonly used to treat different psychiatric disorders worldwide. Knowledge on dose–concentration relationships of risperidone treatment in children and adolescents with schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders is, however, scarce and no age-specific therapeutic ranges have been established yet. Multicenter data of a therapeutic drug monitoring service were analyzed to evaluate the relationship between risperidone dose and serum concentration of the active moiety (risperidone (RIS) plus its main metabolite 9-hydroxyrisperidone (9-OH-RIS)) in children and adolescents with psychotic disorders. Patient characteristics, doses, serum concentrations and therapeutic outcomes were assessed by standardized measures. The study also aimed to evaluate whether the therapeutic reference range for adults (20–60 ng/ml) is applicable for minors. In the 64 patients (aged 11–18 years) included, a positive correlation between daily dose and the active moiety (RISam) concentration was found (rs = 0.49, p = 0.001) with variation in dose explaining 24% (rs2 = 0.240) of the variability in serum concentrations. While the RISam concentration showed no difference, RIS as well 9-OH-RIS concentrations and the parent to metabolite ratio varied significantly in patients with co-medication of a CYP2D6 inhibitor. Patients with extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) had on average higher RISam concentrations than patients without (p = 0.05). Considering EPS, the upper threshold of the therapeutic range of RISam was determined to be 33 ng/ml. A rough estimation method also indicated a possibly decreased lower limit of the preliminary therapeutic range in minors compared to adults. These preliminary data may contribute to the definition of a therapeutic window in children and adolescents with schizophrenic disorders treated with risperidone. TDM is recommended in this vulnerable population to prevent concentration-related adverse drug reactions.
Far-UV circular dichroism signatures indicate fluorophore labeling induced conformational changes of penetratin
Authors: Zsila Ferenc
Published: March 2022

Fluorescent labeling is a broadly utilized approach to assess in vitro and in vivo behavior of biologically active, especially cell-penetrating and antimicrobial peptides. In this communication, far-UV circular dichroism (CD) spectra of penetratin (PEN) fluorophore conjugates reported previously have been re-evaluated. Compared to the intrinsically disordered native peptide, rhodamine B and carboxyfluorescein derivatives of free and membrane-bound PEN exhibit extrinsic CD features. Potential sources of these signals displayed above 220 nm are discussed suggesting the contributions of both intra- and intermolecular chiral exciton coupling mechanisms. Careful evaluation of the CD spectra of fluorophore-labeled peptides is a valuable tool for early detection of labeling-provoked structural alterations which in turn may modify the membrane binding and cellular uptake compared to the unconjugated form.
Verbraucherverschuldung und -überschuldung in Zeiten von COVID-19
Authors:   Überblick
Published: March 2022

Ver- und Überschuldung von Verbraucher:innen engt finanzielles selbstbestimmtes Handeln ein. Aufgabe des Staates ist es, dafür Sorge zu tragen, dass selbst in einer Pandemie ein Mindestmaß an Selbstbestimmung gewährleistet wird. Wo liegt die Grenze für dieses Mindestmaß? Welche Verantwortung sollte eine mit der Wirtschafts- und Sozialpolitik zu verzahnende Verbraucherpolitik übernehmen? 80 Teilnehmer:innen aus Wissenschaft, Verbraucherschutz, Sozialverbänden, Wirtschaft und Ministerien diskutierten am 16.12.2021 auf Einladung des Sachverständigenrats für Verbraucherfragen drei Themen: (1) Konzepte, Entwicklungen, Ursachen der Verbraucherver- und Verbraucherüberschuldung, (2) deren gesellschaftlichen Kontext, sowie (3) Maßnahmen zur Sicherung ökonomischer Selbstbestimmung. Wir veröffentlichen ausgewählte Beiträge.
Ursachen der Verbraucherverschuldung
Authors: Korczak Dieter
Published: March 2022

Over-indebtedness of private households has been a problem in Germany for decades. Over-indebtedness depends on both the economic and financial vulnerability of people and their resilience potential. Social, economic and individual causes and triggers overlap in the process of over-indebtedness. Therefore, for the systematic analysis of over-indebtedness, a differentiation of the causes, reasons and triggers is essential. The article also presents examples.
Inflationsausblick — Kosten des Krieges treiben Inflation in neue Höhen
Authors: Mayr Johannes
Published: March 2022

The Russian government’s attack on Ukraine and the spiral of sanctions that has been set in motion have heightened inflationary pressure — especially in Europe. The EU’s high dependency on Russian oil and gas imports harbours the risk that inflation in Europe will rise significantly and that the economy will suffers from a loss of purchasing power. The pressure on policymakers to take counter-measures is growing. However, the options are limited in the short term and economically very costly. And longer-term consequences must be taken into account. Energy policy and climate policy must be closely linked.
XNAT-PIC: Extending XNAT to Preclinical Imaging Centers
Authors: Zullino Sara , Paglialonga Alessandro , Dastrù Walter , Longo Dario Livio , Aime Silvio
Published: March 2022

Molecular imaging generates large volumes of heterogeneous biomedical imagery with an impelling need of guidelines for handling image data. Although several successful solutions have been implemented for human epidemiologic studies, few and limited approaches have been proposed for animal population studies. Preclinical imaging research deals with a variety of machinery yielding tons of raw data but the current practices to store and distribute image data are inadequate. Therefore, standard tools for the analysis of large image datasets need to be established. In this paper, we present an extension of XNAT for Preclinical Imaging Centers (XNAT-PIC). XNAT is a worldwide used, open-source platform for securely hosting, sharing, and processing of clinical imaging studies. Despite its success, neither tools for importing large, multimodal preclinical image datasets nor pipelines for processing whole imaging studies are yet available in XNAT. In order to overcome these limitations, we have developed several tools to expand the XNAT core functionalities for supporting preclinical imaging facilities. Our aim is to streamline the management and exchange of image data within the preclinical imaging community, thereby enhancing the reproducibility of the results of image processing and promoting open science practices.
Liquefaction effects on the fundamental frequency of monopile supported offshore wind turbines (OWTs)
Authors: Demirci Hasan Emre , Jalbi Saleh , Bhattacharya Subhamoy
Published: March 2022

Offshore Wind Turbines (OWTs) are dynamically sensitive structures and as a result estimating the natural frequency of the whole system taking into effect the flexibility of the foundation is one of the major design considerations. The natural frequency is necessary to predict the long-term performance as well as the fatigue life. OWTs are currently being constructed in seismically active regions such as the United States, China, India and Taiwan and there is a need for design considerations for OWTs located in seismic zones. Though OWTs are relatively less sensitive to earthquakes than typical structures, liquefaction of soil surrounding monopiles may have serious implications on the dynamic performance of the system. During liquefaction there is a loss of support along the depth of the monopile which noticeably reduces the stiffness of the system. This results in a decrease of the fundamental frequency and may cause resonating effects with high energy wave loads up until liquefaction effects are reduced with time. Therefore, these resonating effects will increase the fatigue damage and/or the overall accumulated rotation of the structure. Therefore, in this paper, the effect of liquefaction on the natural frequency of OWTs was considered through a parametric study which considers various soil conditions, liquefaction depths (DL), monopile diameters (D) and monopile lengths (LP). The finite element method used in this parametric study was validated via an analytical solution available in literature and a large-scale experiment which considers a fixed base condition. The study shows that the change in the natural frequency under various liquefaction depths is not significantly influenced by monopile diameter when the length is kept constant. On the other hand, the monopile length has a more detrimental effect and the aspect ratio is that LP/D is a significant non-dimensional term governing dynamic behaviour of OWT systems in the case of liquefaction. In addition, it is shown that the overall results are more sensitive in looser soils and special design considerations are provided for different ground conditions. Finally, based on analytical solutions provided in literature, a simplified method is presented to estimate the change of the natural frequency taking into account the liquefaction depth which can be easily programmed in a spreadsheet type program followed by a step-by-step solved example which also serves the purpose of verification and validation.
Virus invasions of the New Zealand flora
Authors: Guy P. L. , Delmiglio C. , Pearson M. N.
Published: March 2022

More than 200 plant viruses and many of their invertebrate vectors have invaded New Zealand (NZ) in the last two centuries. All of these invaders are associated with introduced agricultural, horticultural and/or weed species. At least 16 of the viruses have invaded the native flora, including some rare and critically endangered species. Patterns are emerging: aphid transmitted viruses which are able to infect species from a number of families are prominent. For example, cucumber mosaic virus infects native species from seven families. There are also examples of viruses with more restricted host ranges invading individual families, particularly the native grasses. The yellow dwarf viruses have escaped from cereals and pasture into native grasses. Some of the species are also native to Australia and the Pacific Islands and the review and its literature should be of interest to those working further afield. Prospects for controlling or mitigating the effects of the viruses in agricultural systems have limited application in the native flora but they are relevant to propagation and rescue strategies. Biosecurity measures are not only the first line of defence against threats to agriculture but also to the conservation estate. The protection of native floras from virus invasion is another justification for the control measures and legislative procedures already in place to protect agriculture. High throughput sequencing to detect all viruses at the border, and genetic engineering and RNAi technologies to mitigate the effects of invasions are promising developments for the protection of the native flora.
An improved, less erroneous protocol for the classical “cuen”, “cuoxam” or “cadoxen” viscosity measurements of pulps
Authors: Zaccaron Sara , Ahn Kyujin , Henniges Ute , Potthast Antje , Rosenau Thomas
Published: March 2022

Correctness and reliability of molar mass data by viscometry in organometallic solvents (cuen, cuoxam, cadoxen) are compromised by the alkalinity of these solvents which causes immediate depolymerization especially in the case of pulps with higher carbonyl content (oxidative damage). The viscosity values thus correspond to the molar mass after the beta-elimination reactions that underly these degradative processes, which is sometimes significantly smaller than the molar mass determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) in the non-degrading solvent system DMAc/LiCl. Despite this well-known drawback, viscosity measurements have become a standard approach for molar mass measurements due to their ease and fastness, especially in the pulp and paper industries. A potential way to reduce the inherent error of these molar mass determinations via viscosity measurements is a reductive treatment prior to dissolution of the pulp in the organometallic solvents, which converts the labile, alkali-sensitive carbonyl structures back to the respective alcohols. Using sodium borohydride (NaBH4) on different types of cellulosic pulps, we demonstrate the beneficial effects of such a reduction step on the determined degree of polymerization (DP) for all three common solvents: cuen, cuoxam and cadoxen. Molar mass distributions and profiles of carbonyl groups were determined by GPC and by carbonyl selective fluorescence labeling (“CCOA method”). Such a reductive treatment was especially valuable for hemicellulose-containing pulps. While the decreased measurement error according to the new protocol is beyond doubt, an immediate acceptance in the pulp and paper industries is at least questionable, because the new, more correct data would not agree with the old – wrong, but consistent – numbers accumulated over years and decades. In the long run, however, the new, improved protocol will prevail here as well due to its lower error rate.
Statin use is associated with lower risk of dementia in stroke patients: a community-based cohort study with inverse probability weighted marginal structural model analysis
Authors: Yang Zhirong , Toh Sengwee , Li Xiaojuan , Edwards Duncan , Brayne Carol , Mant Jonathan
Published: March 2022

Current evidence is inconclusive on cognitive benefits or harms of statins among stroke patients, who have high risk of dementia. This observational cohort study investigated the association between statin use and post-stroke dementia using data from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink. Patients without prior dementia who had an incident stroke but received no statins in the preceding year were followed for up to 10 years. We used inverse probability weighted marginal structural models to estimate observational analogues of intention-to-treat (ITT, statin initiation vs. no initiation) and per-protocol (PP, sustained statin use vs. no use) effects on the risk of dementia. To explore potential impact of unmeasured confounding, we examined the risks of coronary heart disease (CHD, positive control outcome), fracture and peptic ulcer (negative control outcomes). In 18,577 statin initiators and 14,613 non-initiators (mean follow-up of 4.2 years), the adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) for dementia was 0.70 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.64–0.75) in ITT analysis and 0.55 (95% CI 0.50–0.62) in PP analysis. The corresponding aHRITT and aHRPP were 0.87 (95% CI 0.79–0.95) and 0.70 (95% CI 0.62–0.80) for CHD, 1.03 (95% CI 0.82–1.29) and 1.09 (95% CI 0.77–1.54) for peptic ulcer, and 0.88 (95% CI 0.80–0.96) and 0.86 (95% CI 0.75–0.98) for fracture. Statin initiation after stroke was associated with lower risk of dementia, with a potentially greater benefit in patients who persisted with statins over time. The observed association of statin use with post-stroke dementia may in part be overestimated due to unmeasured confounding shared with the association between statin use and fracture.
Update of the Xylella fastidiosa outbreak in France: two new variants detected and a new region affected
Authors: Cunty Amandine , Legendre Bruno , de Jerphanion Pauline , Dousset Christèle , Forveille Aurélie , Paillard Sandrine , Olivier Valérie
Published: March 2022

Xylella fastidiosa is a xylem-limited bacterium native to America and classified as a priority pest for EU regulation. Since 2013, X. fastidiosa has been identified in European countries with a Mediterranean climate, such as Italy, France, Spain and Portugal, with different subspecies and sequence types (ST) detected. Since 2015 X. fastidiosa subsp. multiplex ST6 and/or ST7 has been detected in Corsica and the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur in almost 70 plant species, whereas X. fastidiosa subsp. pauca ST53 has been found in only two host plants. In this study, we report two new variants, recently detected in two separated areas of the PACA region, genetically related to the subspecies multiplex and assigned to (i) ST88 detected on Polygala myrtifolia, Hebe sp., Osteospermum ecklonis, Lavandula x intermedia, Coronilla glauca and Euryops chrysanthemoides and (ii) ST89: detected on Myoporum sp. and Viburnum tinus. Both variant strains were isolated in vitro. Moreover, we report here the identification of X. fastidiosa subsp. multiplex ST6 in a new region of the South of France, Occitanie (Aude), in plants from natural and urban settings and from a nursery.