bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vegetation dynamics and land-use change at the Neolithic lakeshore settlement site of Ploča Mičov Grad, Lake Ohrid, North Macedonia
Authors: Brechbühl Sarah , van Vugt Lieveke , Gobet Erika , Morales-Molino César , Volery Joseph , Lotter André F. , Ballmer Ariane , Brugger Sandra O. , Szidat Sönke , Hafner Albert , Tinner Willy
Published: July 2023

Detailed knowledge about the interactions between vegetation, climate and land use during the Mesolithic and Neolithic, at the transition from foraging to farming, is still scarce in the Balkans. Here we present a palaeoecological study combining pollen, spores and charcoal found in sedimentary cores from Lake Ohrid, Ploča Mičov Grad, North Macedonia, with a particular focus on the vegetation dynamics during the Late Glacial-Holocene and the Mesolithic-Neolithic transitions. Our record begins at ca. 13,500 cal bp (11,550 cal bc) when partially open vegetation, consisting mainly of Pinus, Abies and deciduous Quercus tree stands grew on the hilly flanks of the bay of Ploča. From 12,650 cal bp (cal 10,700 bc), herbs dominated the record until the onset of the Holocene (ca. 11,700 cal bp; 9750 cal bc), when increasing temperatures led to the establishment of pine-deciduous oak forests including Alnus, Fraxinus ornus, Tilia, Ulmus and Abies. These forests persisted until 7,500 cal bp (cal 5550 bc), when deforestation started due to Neolithic land use. This first phase of Neolithic activities in the Ploča Mičov Grad area precedes the earliest archaeological structures so far recorded by almost 1,000 years. Our data suggest two phases of human land use between 7,500 and 6,300 cal bp (5550–4350 cal bc), when high values of Cerealia type pollen and other cultural indicators indicate intense arable and pastoral farming activities. Once human activities decreased, forests were able to re-establish quickly (within 100–250 years), although the composition changed with disturbance-adapted Ostrya type (mostly Ostrya carpinifolia) and Fagus becoming more important. We conclude that forests were resilient to early human disturbance, despite intensive land use and logging activities gradually leading to forest composition changes. Many of these composition changes can still be seen today, suggesting the legacy of Neolithic farmers is still present in today’s landscape.
Speed limits: the effects of industrial food processing and food texture on daily energy intake and eating behaviour in healthy adults
Authors: Lasschuijt Marlou , Camps Guido , Mars Monica , Siebelink Els , de Graaf Kees , Bolhuis Dieuwerke
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Frequent consumption of industrially processed foods has been associated with obesity. However, it is unknown what drives this association. Food textures of industrially processed foods that stimulate energy overconsumption may be an important driver of this association. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the independent and combined effects of food texture and level of industrial food processing (based on the NOVA classification) on daily energy intake and eating behaviour.

Methods

Eighteen healthy adults (F/M: 11/7, 23 ± 3 y, 22.1 ± 2.0 kg/m2) participated in a 2 × 2 randomized crossover dietary intervention with four conditions (total of 288 meals): hard unprocessed, hard (ultra-)processed, soft unprocessed and soft (ultra-)processed. Daily diets were offered ad libitum and were equal in energy density (1 kcal/g). Food Intake (g) was measured by pre- and post-consumption weighing of the plates. Eating behaviour parameters were derived from video annotations.

Results

Daily energy intake and food intake were, respectively, 33% (571 ± 135 kcal) and 14% (247 ± 146 g) lower in the hard compared to the soft conditions (main texture p < 0.001). Energy intake was lower in both hard conditions compared to the (ultra)processed soft condition (Tukey p < 0.04). Eating rate (g/min) was on average 85% slower (P < 0.001) in the hard compared to the soft conditions (p < 0.001). Level of processing did not affect food intake.

Conclusion

Consumption of hard-textured foods reduces daily energy intake of (ultra-) processed foods. This preliminary investigation shows that there is great variability in food properties that affect energy and food intake beyond industrial food processing. However, findings should be interpreted with precaution considering the limited sample size of this trial. Future classification systems for public health messaging should include energy intake rate to help reduce overconsumption.

Clinical trial registry

NCT04280146, https://www.clinicaltrials.gov, February 21st 2020.
Effect of isolated and combined ingestion of caffeine and citrulline malate on resistance exercise and jumping performance: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study
Authors: Haugen Markus Estifanos , Vårvik Fredrik Tonstad , Grgic Jozo , Studsrud Henrik , Austheim Espen , Zimmermann Erik Mathias , Falch Hallvard Nygaard , Larsen Stian , van den Tillaar Roland , Bjørnsen Thomas
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The aim of this study was to explore the isolated and combined effects of caffeine and citrulline malate (CitMal) on jumping performance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, and pain perception in resistance-trained participants.

Methods

Using a randomized and double-blind study design, 35 resistance-trained males (n = 18) and females (n = 17) completed four testing sessions following the ingestion of isolated caffeine (5 mg/kg), isolated CitMal (12 g), combined doses of caffeine and CitMal, and placebo. Supplements were ingested 60 min before performing a countermovement jump (CMJ) test (outcomes included jump height, rate of force development, peak force, and peak power), one-repetition maximum (1RM) squat and bench press, and repetitions to muscular failure in the squat and bench press with 60% of 1RM. Pain perception was evaluated following the repetitions to failure tests. The study was registered at ISRCTN (registration number: ISRCTN11694009).

Results

Compared to the placebo condition, isolated caffeine ingestion and co-ingestion of caffeine and CitMal significantly enhanced strength in 1RM bench press (Cohen’s d: 0.05–0.06; 2.5–2.7%), muscular endurance in the squat (d: 0.46–0.58; 18.6–18.7%) and bench press (d: 0.48–0.64; 9.3–9.5%). However, there was no significant difference between isolated caffeine ingestion and caffeine co-ingested with CitMal, and isolated CitMal supplementation did not have an ergogenic effect in any outcome. No main effect of condition was found in the analysis for CMJ-derived variables, 1RM squat and pain perception.

Conclusion

Caffeine ingestion appears to be ergogenic for muscular strength and muscular endurance, while adding CitMal does not seem to further enhance these effects.
Endothelial ILK induces cardioprotection by preventing coronary microvascular dysfunction and endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition
Authors: Reventun P. , Sánchez-Esteban S. , Cook-Calvete A. , Delgado-Marín M. , Roza C. , Jorquera-Ortega S. , Hernandez I. , Tesoro L. , Botana L. , Zamorano J. L. , Zaragoza C. , Saura M.
Published: July 2023

Endothelial dysfunction is an early event in coronary microvascular disease. Integrin-linked kinase (ILK) prevents endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) uncoupling and, thus, endothelial dysfunction. However, the specific role of endothelial ILK in cardiac function remains to be fully elucidated. We hypothesised that endothelial ILK plays a crucial role in maintaining coronary microvascular function and contractile performance in the heart. We generated an endothelial cell-specific ILK conditional knock-out mouse (ecILK cKO) and investigated cardiovascular function. Coronary endothelial ILK deletion significantly impaired cardiac function: ejection fraction, fractional shortening and cardiac output decreased, whilst left ventricle diastolic internal diameter decreased and E/A and E/Eʹ ratios increased, indicating not only systolic but also diastolic dysfunction. The functional data correlated with extensive extracellular matrix remodelling and perivascular fibrosis, indicative of adverse cardiac remodelling. Mice with endothelial ILK deletion suffered early ischaemic-like events with ST elevation and transient increases in cardiac troponins, which correlated with fibrotic remodelling. In addition, ecILK cKO mice exhibited many features of coronary microvascular disease: reduced cardiac perfusion, impaired coronary flow reserve and arterial remodelling with patent epicardial coronary arteries. Moreover, endothelial ILK deletion induced a moderate increase in blood pressure, but the antihypertensive drug Losartan did not affect microvascular remodelling whilst only partially ameliorated fibrotic remodelling. The plasma miRNA profile reveals endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (endMT) as an upregulated pathway in endothelial ILK conditional KO mice. Our results show that endothelial cells in the microvasculature in endothelial ILK conditional KO mice underwent endMT. Moreover, endothelial cells isolated from these mice and ILK-silenced human microvascular endothelial cells underwent endMT, indicating that decreased endothelial ILK contributes directly to this endothelial phenotype shift. Our results identify ILK as a crucial regulator of microvascular endothelial homeostasis. Endothelial ILK prevents microvascular dysfunction and cardiac remodelling, contributing to the maintenance of the endothelial cell phenotype.
Das Zweitmeinungsverfahren in der Elektrophysiologie
Authors: Rütz Eva , Bartels Denise , Vogler Julia , Tilz Roland R.
Published: July 2023

Gesetzlich versicherte Patient:innen haben die Möglichkeit, vor Durchführung bestimmter Prozeduren zulasten ihrer Krankenversicherung eine zweite Meinung neben der ihres primären Behandlers einzuholen. Auf Seiten der Behandler:innen wie auch der Zweitmeiner:innen entstehen hierdurch verschiedene rechtliche Pflichten und Fragestellungen. Dieser Beitrag erläutert in Grundzügen, welche Pflichten jeweils für Behandler:innen und Zweitmeiner:innen bestehen und wer als Zweitmeiner:in geeignet ist. Ein besonderer Fokus liegt hierbei zum einen auf der Aufklärung über die Möglichkeit der Einholung einer Zweitmeinung durch den/die Behandler:innen. Zum anderen werden die Anforderungen an die Zweitmeiner:innen und deren Aufgaben dargestellt.
Recurrent atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors (AT/RT) reveal discrete features of progression on histology, epigenetics, copy number profiling, and transcriptomics
Authors: Johann Pascal D. , Altendorf Lea , Efremova Emma-Maria , Holsten Till , Steinbügl Mona , Nemes Karolina , Eckhardt Alicia , Kresbach Catena , Bockmayr Michael , Koch Arend , Haberler Christine , Antonelli Manila , DeSisto John , Schuhmann Martin U. , Hauser Peter , Siebert Reiner , Bens Susanne , Kool Marcel , Green Adam L. , Hasselblatt Martin , Frühwald Michael C. , Schüller Ulrich
Published: July 2023

Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors (AT/RT) are the most common malignant brain tumors manifesting in infancy. They split into four molecular types. The major three (AT/RT-SHH, AT/RT-TYR, and AT/RT-MYC) all carry mutations in SMARCB1, the fourth quantitatively smaller type is characterized by SMARCA4 mutations (AT/RT-SMARCA4). Molecular characteristics of disease recurrence or metastatic spread, which go along with a particularly dismal outcome, are currently unclear. Here, we investigated tumor tissue from 26 patients affected by AT/RT to identify signatures of recurrences in comparison with matched primary tumor samples. Microscopically, AT/RT recurrences demonstrated a loss of architecture and significantly enhanced mitotic activity as compared to their related primary tumors. Based on DNA methylation profiling, primary tumor and related recurrence were grossly similar, but three out of 26 tumors belonged to a different molecular type or subtype after second surgery compared to related primary lesions. Copy number variations (CNVs) differed in six cases, showing novel gains on chromosome 1q or losses of chromosome 10 in recurrences as the most frequent alterations. To consolidate these observations, our cohort was combined with a data set of unmatched primary and recurrent AT/RT, which demonstrated chromosome 1q gain and 10 loss in 18% (n = 7) and 11% (n = 4) of the recurrences (n = 38) as compared to 7% (n = 3) and 0% (n = 0) in the primary tumors (n = 44), respectively. Similar to the observations made by DNA methylation profiling, RNA sequencing of our cohort revealed AT/RT primary tumors and matched recurrences clustering closely together. However, a number of genes showed significantly altered expression in AT/RT-SHH recurrences. Many of them are known tumor driving growth factors, involved in embryonal development and tumorigenesis, or are cell-cycle-associated. Overall, our work identifies subtle molecular changes that occur in the course of the disease and that may help define novel therapeutic targets for AT/RT recurrences.
Job demands and job control and their associations with disability pension—a register-based cohort study of middle-aged and older Swedish workers
Authors: Falkstedt Daniel , Almroth Melody , Hemmingsson Tomas , d’Errico Angelo , Albin Maria , Bodin Theo , Selander Jenny , Gustavsson Per , Kjellberg Katarina
Published: July 2023

Objectives

Job demands and control at work and their combination, job strain, have been studied in relation to risk of disability pension (DP) previously. In the present study, based on registry data, we aimed to deepen the knowledge by analyzing major disease groups among the DPs, dose–response shape of the associations, and potential confounding effects of physical workload.

Methods

Approximately 1.8 million workers aged 44 or older and living in Sweden in 2005 were followed up for 16 years, up to a maximum of 65 years of age. We linked mean values of job demands and job control, estimated in a job-exposure matrice (JEM) by gender, to individuals through their occupational titles in 2005. These values were categorized by rank order, and, for the construction of job-strain quadrants, we used a median cut-off. Associations with DP were estimated in Cox proportional-hazards models.

Results

In models accounting for covariates including physical workload, low levels of job control were associated with higher risk of DP among both men and women. This association was most clear for DP with a psychiatric diagnosis, although a dose–response shape was found only among the men. High levels of job demands were associated with decreased risk of DP across diagnoses among men, but the same association varied from weak to non-existing among women. The high- and passive job-strain quadrants both showed increased risk of DP with a psychiatric diagnosis.

Conclusion

The results suggest that, at the occupational level, low job control, but not high job demands, contributes to an increased incidence of DP, particularly regarding DP with a psychiatric diagnosis.
BDNF alleviates Parkinson's disease by promoting STAT3 phosphorylation and regulating neuronal autophagy
Authors: Geng Xin , Zou Yanghong , Li Jinghui , Li Shipeng , Qi Renli , Yu Hualin , Zhong Lianmei
Published: July 2023

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the gradual death of dopaminergic neurons. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptors are widely distributed throughout the central nervous system, which can promote the survival and growth of neurons and protect neurons. This study revealed that BDNF promotes STAT3 phosphorylation and regulates autophagy in neurons. The PD mouse model was established by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). Moreover, SH-SY5Y cells were treated with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-pyridinium (MPP+) to establish a PD cell model. The level of BDNF was low in PD model mice and SH-SY5Y cells treated with MPP+. BDNF enhanced the levels of p-TrkB, P-STAT3, PINK1, and DJ-1. BDNF promoted autophagy, inhibited the level of p-α-syn (Ser129) and enhanced cell proliferation. The autophagy inhibitor 3-Methyladenine (3-methyladenine, 3-MA) reversed the protective effects of BDNF on neurons. BiFC assay results showed that there was a direct physical interaction between BDNF and STAT3, and coimmunoprecipitation experiments indicated an interaction between STAT3 and PI3K. The PI3K agonist Recilisib activated the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, promoted autophagy, and alleviated neuronal cell damage. BDNF alleviates PD pathology by promoting STAT3 phosphorylation and regulating neuronal autophagy in SH-SY5Y cells and cultured primary neurons. Finally, BDNF has neuroprotective effects on PD model mice.
Upward Book Embeddability of st-Graphs: Complexity and Algorithms
Authors: Binucci Carla , Da Lozzo Giordano , Di Giacomo Emilio , Didimo Walter , Mchedlidze Tamara , Patrignani Maurizio
Published: July 2023

A k-page upward book embedding (kUBE) of a directed acyclic graph G is a book embeddings of G on k pages with the additional requirement that the vertices appear in a topological ordering along the spine of the book. The kUBE Testing problem, which asks whether a graph admits a kUBE, was introduced in 1999 by Heath, Pemmaraju, and Trenk (SIAM J Comput 28(4), 1999). In a companion paper, Heath and Pemmaraju (SIAM J Comput 28(5), 1999) proved that the problem is linear-time solvable for $$k=1$$

k
=
1

and NP-complete for $$k = 6$$

k
=
6

. Closing this gap has been a central question in algorithmic graph theory since then. In this paper, we make a major contribution towards a definitive answer to the above question by showing that kUBE Testing is NP-complete for $$k\ge 3$$

k
≥
3

, even for st-graphs, i.e., acyclic directed graphs with a single source and a single sink. Indeed, our result, together with a recent work of Bekos et al. (Theor Comput Sci 946, 2023) that proves the NP-completeness of 2UBE for planar st-graphs, closes the question about the complexity of the kUBE problem for any k. Motivated by this hardness result, we then focus on the 2UBE Testing for planar st-graphs. On the algorithmic side, we present an $$O(f(\beta )\cdot n+n^3)$$

O
(
f

(
β
)

·
n
+

n
3

)

-time algorithm for 2UBE Testing, where $$\beta $$
β
is the branchwidth of the input graph and f is a singly-exponential function on $$\beta $$
β
. Since the treewidth and the branchwidth of a graph are within a constant factor from each other, this result immediately yields an FPT algorithm for st-graphs of bounded treewidth. Furthermore, we describe an O(n)-time algorithm to test whether a plane st-graph whose faces have a special structure admits a 2UBE that additionally preserves the plane embedding of the input st-graph. On the combinatorial side, we present two notable families of plane st-graphs that always admit an embedding-preserving $$2$$

2

UBE.
Development and application of metallo-phthalocyanines as potent G-quadruplex DNA binders and photosensitizers
Authors: Gil-Martínez Ariadna , Hernández Adrián , Galiana-Roselló Cristina , López-Molina Sònia , Ortiz Javier , Sastre-Santos Ángela , García-España Enrique , González-García Jorge
Published: July 2023

Metallo-phthalocyanines (MPc) are common photosensitizers with ideal photophysical and photochemical properties. Also, these molecules have shown to interact with non-canonical nucleic acid structures, such as G-quadruplexes, and modulate oncogenic expression in cancer cells. Herein, we report the synthesis and characterisation of two metallo-phthalocyanines containing either zinc (ZnPc) or nickel (NiPc) in the central aromatic core and four alkyl ammonium lateral chains. The interaction of both molecules with G-quadruplex DNA was assessed by UV–Vis, fluorescence and FRET melting experiments. Both molecules bind strongly to G-quadruplexes and stabilise these structures, being NiPc the most notable G-quadruplex stabiliser. In addition, the photosensitizing ability of both metal complexes was explored by the evaluation of the singlet oxygen generation and their photoactivation in cells. Only ZnPc showed a high singlet oxygen generation either by direct observation or by indirect evaluation using a DPBF dye. The cellular evaluation showed mainly cytoplasmic localization of ZnPc and a decrease of the IC50 values of the cell viability of ZnPc upon light activation of two orders of magnitude.

Graphical abstract
Yet another cybersecurity risk assessment framework
Authors: Ekstedt Mathias , Afzal Zeeshan , Mukherjee Preetam , Hacks Simon , Lagerström Robert
Published: July 2023

IT systems pervade our society more and more, and we become heavily dependent on them. At the same time, these systems are increasingly targeted in cyberattacks, making us vulnerable. Enterprise and cybersecurity responsibles face the problem of defining techniques that raise the level of security. They need to decide which mechanism provides the most efficient defense with limited resources. Basically, the risks need to be assessed to determine the best cost-to-benefit ratio. One way to achieve this is through threat modeling; however, threat modeling is not commonly used in the enterprise IT risk domain. Furthermore, the existing threat modeling methods have shortcomings. This paper introduces a metamodel-based approach named Yet Another Cybersecurity Risk Assessment Framework (Yacraf). Yacraf aims to enable comprehensive risk assessment for organizations with more decision support. The paper includes a risk calculation formalization and also an example showing how an organization can use and benefit from Yacraf.
Pricing in firm-to-firm trade: evidence from a Danish multinational
Authors: Macedoni Luca , Mattana Elena
Published: July 2023

We study pricing decisions in firm-to-firm trade. Using novel detailed transaction-level data from a Danish multinational firm, we uncover considerable price dispersion across countries, customers, and, surprisingly, within the same customer. In fact, we find that transaction-specific characteristics are the most important factors in explaining price variation. The extent of price dispersion within a customer relationship can be affected by the firm’s price setting strategy. Our unique dataset allows us to examine the consequences of introducing price lists containing recommended and minimum prices. We find that prices converge towards the recommended price, and that price dispersion within a customer can decline if the price lists successfully narrow the pricing range for the products that the customer purchases.
An online joint replenishment problem combined with single machine scheduling
Authors: Györgyi Péter , Kis Tamás , Tamási Tímea
Published: July 2023

This paper considers a combination of the joint replenishment problem with single machine scheduling. There is a single resource, which is required by all the unit-time jobs, and a job can be started at time point t on the machine if and only if the machine does not process another job at t, and the resource is replenished between its release date and t. Each replenishment has a cost, which is independent of the amount replenished. The objective is to minimize the total replenishment cost plus the maximum flow time of the jobs. We consider the online variant of the problem, where the jobs are released over time, and once a job is inserted into the schedule, its starting time cannot be changed. We propose a deterministic 2-competitive online algorithm for the general input. Moreover, we show that for a certain class of inputs (so-called p-bounded input), the competitive ratio of the algorithm tends to $$\sqrt{2}$$

2

as the number of jobs tends to infinity. We also derive several lower bounds for the best competitive ratio of any deterministic online algorithm under various assumptions.
Removal of Astrazon Red Dye from Wastewater using Eggshell/Graphene Oxide Embed in (Gum Acacia/Acrylamide) Hydrogel Nanocomposites Synthesized by Gamma Irradiation
Authors: Ahmed Nehad A. , Elshahawy Mai F. , Mohammed Randa D. , Mahmoud Ghada A.
Published: July 2023

This research aimed to use a low-cost, environmentally friendly adsorbent to eliminate the cationic dye Astrazon red 6B (AR) from an aqueous system. For this rationale, a nanocomposite hydrogel made of (Gum Acacia/Acrylamide)-calcinated Eggshell/Graphene oxide (GA/AAm)-ES/GO was created using Gamma radiation-induced copolymerization and cross-linking. FT-IR, XRD, EDX mapping, SEM, TGA and TEM were used to investigate the structures and properties. The nanocomposites exhibited superior adsorption behavior towards AR. Because of the dual effect of ES and GO, mixing ES with GO in (GA/AAm)-ES/GO nanocomposite hydrogel improved its adsorption capability. It was obtained that the optimum initial pH was 9 and the equilibrium contact time was 480 min. The removal percentage was enhanced by increasing the initial dye concentration. A little removal effectiveness was observed by increasing the adsorbent weight from 5.0 to 10.0 g for each liter of the dye solution. The Langmuir isotherm was found to be more suitable for analyzing the adsorption isotherm the maximal monolayer dye adsorption capacity (qmax) was 313.3 mg/g. The pseudo-second-order adsorption kinetics fitted the data well, and the rate constant was predicted to be (0.108 10–3) g mg−1 min−1. ∆H° values are negative at all investigated initial concentrations for (GA/AAm)-ES and (GA/AAm)-ES/GO. The values of ∆S° are negative for (GA/AAm)-ES/GO, while values for (GA/AAm) and (GA/AAm)-ES are positive. ∆G° are negative values for all systems that refer to the spontaneity of the adsorption process. High efficiency was observed for (GA/AAm)-ES/GO up to three rounds of reuse, while a drop in efficiency of the fourth round to 58.78%.

Graphical Abstract
How personalized and effective is immersive virtual reality in education? A systematic literature review for the last decade
Authors: Marougkas Andreas , Troussas Christos , Krouska Akrivi , Sgouropoulou Cleo
Published: July 2023

During the last decade, there has been a substantial increase of interest in studies related to Virtual Reality (VR) as a learning tool. This paper presents a systematic literature review of personalization strategies utilized in immersive VR for educational objectives in the classroom. For the purposes of this review, 69 studies between 2012 and 2022 were analyzed in terms of their benefits, limitations and development features. The novelty of the study mainly arises from the in-depth analysis and reporting of personalization strategies as well as gamification techniques used in VR applications. The significance of this research lies in the observation that earlier studies’ applications did not sufficiently incorporate adaptive learning content, indicating the necessity for more research in this field and revealing a research gap. In conclusion, as it encourages future research of this field, this study may be a beneficial reference for those interested in researching the implementation of Virtual Reality in education, including academics, students, and professionals.
Die Bedeutung von Stadtnatur für die Gesundheit
Authors: Neugebauer Pauline , Niederberger Marlen
Published: July 2023

Hintergrund

Für eine gesunde Stadtentwicklung gewinnt Stadtnatur als gesundheitsfördernde Ressource zunehmend an Bedeutung. Die relevanten Wirkkomplexe zwischen Stadtnatur und Gesundheit werden in der Forschung zunehmend empirisch untersucht, aber es fehlt bislang ein Überblick zum Forschungsstand. Im Hinblick auf die Schaffung gesundheitsförderlicher Verhältnisse und der verschiedenen Herausforderungen, denen Städte insbesondere aufgrund von Bevölkerungswachstum und Klimawandel gegenüberstehen, erscheint dies notwendig.

Methodik

Im Rahmen eines Scoping Reviews wurde eine Literaturrecherche durchgeführt. Dafür wurde in den Datenbanken „PubMed“ und „LIVIO – Das Portal für Lebenswissenschaften“ nach Publikationen mit Primärerhebungen zum Thema Stadtgesundheit recherchiert. Eingeschlossen wurden Publikationen von 2017 bis 2022.

Ergebnisse

Insgesamt wurden 20 Studien in die Analyse eingeschlossen. Verschiedene positive Effekte auf die psychische, physische und soziale Gesundheit konnten kategorisiert werden. Stadtnatur kann das Stresslevel der Bewohner*innen reduzieren, soziale Eingebundenheit fördern und körperliche Aktivität unterstützen. Stadtnatur kann zu einem Rückgang an Depressionen und Ängsten führen. Dabei zeigen sich nicht nur positive Wirkungen auf die objektive, sondern auch auf die subjektive Gesundheit der Bewohner*innen. Stadtnatur ist damit eine wichtige salutogenetische Ressource. Allerdings werden die sozialen Aspekte bisher eher selten empirisch analysiert. Zudem beruhen die meisten Studien auf Querschnittsuntersuchungen, sodass eindeutige Wirkungszusammenhänge nicht belegbar sind. Des Weiteren kann den Ergebnissen aufgrund der teilweise sehr hohen Fallzahlen der integrierten Studien eine gewisse Relevanz unterstellt werden.
Tackling fungal diversity in lichen symbioses: molecular and morphological data recognize new lineages in Chaetothyriales (Eurotiomycetes, Ascomycota)
Authors: Cometto Agnese , Leavitt Steven D. , Grube Martin , De Hoog Sybren , Muggia Lucia
Published: July 2023

Lichens have been reappraised as self-sustaining and long-living ecosystems in which a multiplicity of microorganisms are housed, in addition to the main symbiotic partners. Lichen-associated microfungi can frequently occur cryptically, and their species diversity has recently been more fully elucidated by DNA metabarcoding studies and culture isolations. These lichen-associated fungi represent a wide array of major lineages in ascomycetes and basidiomycetes, including both filamentous and yeast species. Thanks to culture isolations, the morphology of a subset of the lichen-associated microfungal diversity has been studied. Metabarcoding analyses have shown high diversity of ascomycetous lichen-associated fungi in the two cosmopolitan rock-inhabiting lichens – Rhizoplaca melanophthalma and Tephromela atra – and many of these taxa were successfully isolated in culture. Based on DNA sequence data and morphological analyses, two new lineages within Chaetothyriales are here recognized. Both occur in lichens from dry habitats and are described here as the new species Cladophialophora endolichena Cometto, de Hoog, Muggia and Paracladophialophora lichenicola Cometto, de Hoog, Muggia. Other strains are placed in Pleostigmataceae, Trichomeriaceae, Pleosporales, Mycosphaerellales, Coniochaetales and Hypocreales, further filling gaps of knowledge of the high fungal diversity residing in lichen thalli.
The long-term effect of intentional weight loss on changes in bone mineral density in persons with type 2 diabetes: results from the Look AHEAD randomized trial
Authors: Johnson Karen C. , Anderson Andrea , Beavers Kristen M. , Crandall Carolyn J. , Hazuda Helen P. , Lewis Cora E. , Lipkin Edward , Schwartz Ann V. , Pi-Sunyer F. X. , Zhao Qi ,   and the Look AHEAD Research Group
Published: July 2023

Summary

Intentional weight loss has been shown to increase bone loss short term but the long-term effects are not known. Data from the Look AHEAD clinical trial shows that a long term intentional weight loss intervention was associated with greater bone loss at the hip in men.

Purpose

Intentional weight loss has been shown to increase bone loss short term and increase frailty fracture risk, but the long-term effects on bone mineral density (BMD) are not known.

Methods

Data from a subgroup from the Look AHEAD (LA) multicenter, randomized clinical trial was used to evaluate whether a long term intentional weight loss intervention would increase bone loss. In a preplanned substudy, BMD was assessed at 5 of the 16 LA clinical centers using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at baseline, year 8, and the observational visit 12.6–16.3 years after randomization (year 12–16).

Results

At year 8, bone density loss (%) was greater in the Intensive Lifestyle Intervention (ILI) group compared with the control group (DSE) for the femoral neck (p = 0.0122) but this finding was not observed at the year 12–16 visit. In analyses stratified by gender, bone density loss (%) was greater at the total hip for men in the ILI group than the DSE group at both the year 8 and year 12–16 visits (year 8 p = 0.0263 and year 12–16 p = 0.0062). This finding was not observed among women.

Conclusion

Long term intentional weight loss was associated with greater bone loss at the hip in men. These results taken with the previously published Look AHEAD data from the entire clinical trial showing increased frailty fracture risk with weight loss in the ILI group suggest that when intentional weight loss is planned, consideration of bone density preservation and fracture prevention strategies is warranted.

Trial Registration

Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00017953. June 21, 2001
Dune slope, not wind speed, best predicts bare sand in vegetated coastal dunes
Authors: Smyth Thomas A.G. , Rooney Paul , Yates Katherine L.
Published: July 2023

Globally vegetation cover on coastal sand dunes has increased since at least the 1950s. With the aim of restoring or increasing biodiversity, land managers in several countries have removed vegetation and/or reprofiled dune slopes to reinvigorate geomorphic activity. However, the longevity of these interventions can be relatively short (on the order of 5 to 10 years), and further active management is required. Hypotheses for controls on geomorphic activity on dunes have frequently suggested that wind speedis the most important controlling factor. Here we show dune slope to be the best predictor of bare sand at four predominantly vegetated coastal sand dunes in England and Wales. We suggest that bare sand on steep dune slopes is maintained by three important factors: (1) Wind erosion, due to topographic acceleration (2) Granular avalanches of unconsolidated sediment and (3) Rotational slumping of unstable slopes. Our results indicate that where land managers wish to ‘rejuvenate’ areas of bare sand, efforts should focus on steep windward dune slopes and reprofiling of the dune slope should mimic the concave profiles of active slope faces on active parabolic dunes with an overall slope angle of between 18° and 23° from the dune toe to the crest.
Sexual Health in Space: a 5-year Scoping Review
Authors: Santaguida M. , Dubé S.
Published: July 2023

Purpose of Review

The combined efforts of national and private space organizations are progressively allowing more people to live and work in space. But to perform long-term spaceflights and become a multiplanetary species, we must address the intimate and sexual needs of humans. Yet, research on space sexology remains limited and fragmented. To move forward, this 5-year scoping review consolidates the current research on sexual health in space.

Recent Findings

Fifty publications were identified, including empirical, theoretical, and review articles, and other scholarly work, such as book chapters and a commentary. Most of the research comes from biology, with contributions from philosophy, ethics, and law, gynecology/obstetrics, aerospace medicine, gender studies, and sexology. Recent findings suggest that radiation exposure, gravitational changes, and hypomagnetic fields may detrimentally impact our reproductive health. In addition, findings suggest that several gynecological risks related to spaceflights must be addressed (e.g., cancer, pregnancy, and contraception), along with many issues related to child-rearing, population diversity, reproductive and sexual rights, and intersectionality and social justice. More research is also needed on sexual responses and behaviors and the technologies that may facilitate safe sex, intimacy, and reproduction beyond Earth.

Space poses significant risks to our sexual health. However, despite our space missions and objectives, this topic remains relatively understudied. There is an urgent need for a comprehensive scientific program on space sexology, one that holistically addresses the biopsychosocial realities of human eroticism. This is crucial for the well-being of our spacefaring civilization.
Publishing Trends in Political Science: How Publishing Houses, Geographical Positions, and International Collaboration Shapes Academic Knowledge Production
Authors: Kaiser Tamás , Tóth Tamás , Demeter Marton
Published: July 2023

Even though political science is one of the most extensive research fields within the social sciences, there is little scholarly knowledge about its publishing trends and the internationalization of the discipline. This paper analyzes international publishing by taking a close look at publishers, Scopus-indexed journals, articles, and author collaboration networks. The results show that the number of political science journals almost tripled between 2000 and 2022. Our descriptive analysis also reveals that only a few Western commercial international publishers, and Taylor & Francis in particular, dominate the publication of political science journals, and Western authors account for the majority of both academic papers and citations. Additionally, our research explores that the most prolific country in terms of publication within political science is still the United States, but the BRICS countries, especially India, Russia, and China, have achieved remarkable growth in their publication outputs. Finally, our network analysis suggests that the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia occupy central positions in international collaborations among political scientists, but Asian, Eastern European and Latin-American regional networks have been developing in the last decade.
The psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the sense of life changes: The moderation effect of personality traits
Authors: Szepietowska Ewa Małgorzata , Zawadzka Ewa , Filipiak Sara
Published: July 2023

The main goal of the study was to enquire into the moderating role of personality characteristics for relationships between the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and one's assessment of life changes experienced during the two-year period of the pandemic. Personality traits, as an internal system regulating ways of interpreting various life events, may play a role of a buffer in predicting the way an individual perceives these changes (positive vs. negative). Responses to an online survey were acquired from 492 adults of several nationalities. Most of them were Polish, Ukrainian, British and Brazilian. The study covered participants in the 18–70 age range (M = 34.14, SD = 13.17). The following research tools were used: the COVID-19 Sense of Life Changes Questionnaire, the Revised Impact of Event Scale, the Ten Item Personality Inventory. The demographic and medical data were gathered. The participants assessed that the pandemic time caused rather negative modifications in their lives. Negative perception of life changes co-occurred with a higher intensity of hyperarousal, avoidance and intrusion. A relationship between a lower tendency for intrusions or avoidance and positive evaluation of changes in some life domains was identified among respondents with low or moderate Conscientiousness and Agreeableness and low level of Emotional stability. These relationships were not observed in respondents with high levels of these personality traits. Personality is considered as substantial buffering factor for relationships between the impact of the pandemic as a traumatizing event and the feeling of life changes.
Risk of New-onset Stroke in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes with Chronic Kidney Disease on Sodium-glucose Co-transporter-2 Inhibitor Users
Authors: Jong Gwo-Ping , Lin Tsung-Kun , Liao Pei-Lun , Huang Jing-Yang , Yang Tsung-Yuan , Pan Lung-Fa
Published: July 2023

Clinical studies have investigated the effects of using sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors on the development of new-onset stroke (NOS) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and chronic kidney disease (CKD), but the findings are inconsistent. This study aimed to examine the association between the use of SGLT2 inhibitors and NOS risk in patients with T2D and CKD. We conducted a nationwide retrospective cohort study using data from the Taiwan Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service database for the years 2004 to 2019. The primary outcome was the risk of incident stroke, which was estimated using hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We used multiple Cox regression modeling to analyze the association between SGLT2 inhibitor use and the risk of stroke in patients with T2D and CKD. In a cohort of 113,710 patients with T2D and CKD who were using SGLT2 inhibitors and 227,420 patients with T2D and CKD who were not using SGLT2 inhibitors, after applying a 1:2 sex- and age-matching strategy, 2,842 and 7,169 NOS events were recorded, respectively. The event rate per 10,000 person-months was 10.60 (95% CI 10.21 to 11.03) for SGLT2 inhibitor users and 13.71 (13.39–14.03) for non-SGLT2 inhibitor users. After adjusting for the index year, sex, age, comorbidities, and concurrent medication, there was a decreased risk of NOS for SGLT2 inhibitor users (adjusted HR 0.80; 95% CI 0.77–0.84) compared with non-SGLT2 inhibitor users. The sensitivity test for the propensity score 1:1-matched analyses showed similar results (adjusted HR 0.80; 95% CI 0.76–0.84). The type of SGLT2 inhibitor subgroup analysis for incident stroke showed consistent results. We concluded that the use of SGLT2 inhibitors in patients with T2D and CKD was associated with significantly low rates of NOS. The significantly low rates of NOS in patients with T2D and CKD were greater among females and less than 50 years patients.
Feasibility of Microlearning for Improving the Self-Efficacy of Cancer Patients Managing Side Effects of Chemotherapy
Authors: Janssen Anna , Shah Kavisha , Rabbets Melanie , Nagrial Adnan , Pene Christopher , Zachulski Clare , Phillips Jane L. , Harnett Paul , Shaw Tim
Published: July 2023

Lung cancer patients have a high symptom burden that negatively affects their quality of life. Increasing patient self-efficacy to deal with treatment side effects can ameliorate their symptom burden. Education programs can help enhance patient self-efficacy by giving patients more control over their condition through increased disease literacy. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of microlearning for delivering lung cancer patients’ information on side effects of chemotherapy. Secondary objectives of the program are to understand the acceptability of microlearning for delivery this type of education to lung cancer patients and the potential impact of microlearning on patient self-efficacy, knowledge and confidence managing side effects of chemotherapy. A mixed-methods prepost test (or quasi-experimental) study design was used to better enable patients to identify and manage the side effects of their condition and chemotherapy. Participants were patients diagnosed with stage II to stage IV lung cancer, who had a life expectancy of greater than 3 months and were aged 18 years or older. Multiple validated scales were used to assess patient self-efficacy pre- and post-intervention. The online program was evaluated using quantitative data of completion rates extracted from the online platform. Semi-structured interviews were used to explore the impact of the online program on perceived self-efficacy and quality of life. Twenty-three participants agreed to participate in the study and five agreed to complete a semi-structured interview. Participants found the content comprehensive, relevant and engaging. The program improved perceived disease literacy and helped participants develop coping strategies to manage side effects. Participants also found the platform easy to use and navigate. Additional courses and features were requested. Patients with a diagnosis of cancer receive a large amount of information about the side effects of chemotherapy and how to manage them. This information is often provided soon after diagnosis or upon commencement of therapy, which can be overwhelming for some patients. Microlearning, a method of online learning that spaces distributing of content over several weeks, may be a useful tool for supporting delivering of health information to this group of patients.
The major role of spring trees in Ohio honey production for bees located in high and low agricultural intensity
Authors: McMinn-Sauder Harper , Lin Chia-Hua , Eaton Tyler , Johnson Reed
Published: July 2023

Nectar is the resource that sustains honey bee colonies through periods of dearth and provides the surplus honey beekeepers harvest for human consumption. While extensive information is available for plants that honey bees visit for pollen and nectar, we lack knowledge on which nectars are stored long-term as honey for harvest and support of colonies through winter. Here, we used citizen science methods and pollen metabarcoding analysis to identify the plants contributing most to honey samples harvested by beekeepers from apiaries with variable intensities of surrounding agriculture. A total of 36 samples were collected from 36 apiaries in Ohio in 2019, with an average of 3 plant genera detected per sample. We found similarity in honey samples collected from all apiaries, regardless of the proportion of agricultural land within a 2-km foraging range, with substantial amounts of honey stored from spring trees, including Salix (willow) and Prunus (cherry). This result suggests the importance of early-season resources regardless of agricultural intensity in the surrounding landscape. This study contributes to a body of work aiming to identify the nectars making it to long-term honey storage and those that are being consumed within the hive shortly after collection.
Train post-derailment behaviours and containment methods: a review
Authors: Tang Zhao , Hu Yuwei , Wang Shuangbu , Ling Liang , Zhang Jianjun , Wang Kaiyun
Published: July 2023

Railway accidents, particularly serious derailments, can lead to catastrophic consequences. Therefore, it is essential to prevent derailment escalation to reduce the likelihood of severe derailments. Train post-derailment behaviours and containment methods play a critical role in preventing derailment escalation and providing passive safety protection and accident prevention in the event of a derailment. However, despite the increasing attention on this field from academia and industry in recent years, there is a lack of systematic exploration and summarization of emerging applications and containment methods in train post-derailment research. For this reason, this paper presents a comprehensive review of existing studies on train post-derailment behaviours, encompassing various topics such as post-derailment contact–impact models, dynamic modelling and simulation techniques, and the primary factors influencing post-derailment behaviours. Significantly, this review introduces and elucidates substitute guidance mechanisms (SGMs), which serve as railway-specific passive safety protection and accident prevention measures. The various types of SGMs are depicted, and their ongoing developments and applications are explored in depth. The review additionally points out several unresolved challenges including the adverse effects of SGMs, and proposes future research directions to advance the theoretical understanding and practical application of train post-derailment behaviours and containment methods. This review seeks to be a valuable reference for railway industry professionals in preventing catastrophic derailment consequences through post-derailment containment methods.