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Sanfey D. 'Enough is enough': a mixed methods study on the key factors driving UK NHS nurses' decision to strike. BMC Nurs 2024; 23:247. [PMID: 38627728 PMCID: PMC11020814 DOI: 10.1186/s12912-024-01793-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The UK National Health Service (NHS) is one of the largest employers in the world and employs around 360,000 registered nurses. Following a protracted pay dispute in December 2022 NHS nurses engaged in industrial action resulting in the largest nurse strikes in the 74-year history of the NHS. Initially it appeared these strikes were a direct consequence of pay disputes but evidence suggests that the situation was more complex. This study aimed to explore what the key factors were in driving UK NHS nurses' decision to strike. METHODS A convergent parallel mixed methods design was used. The study was conducted throughout the UK and involved participants who were nurses working for the NHS who voted in favour of strike action. Data collection involved the use of an online survey completed by 468 nurses and 13 semi-structured interviews. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for quantitative data analysis and a process of inductive thematic analysis for the qualitative data. The quantitative and qualitative data were analysed separately and then integrated to generate mixed methods inferences. RESULTS The quantitative findings showed that patient safety, followed by staff shortages, pay, and unmanageable work demands were the most important factors encouraging nurses' decision to strike. The qualitative findings served to further the understanding of these factors particularly in relation to participants' perception of the NHS and the consequences of inadequate pay and staff shortages. Three overarching and overlapping themes represented the qualitative findings: Save our NHS, Money talks, and It's untenable. Integration of the findings showed a high level of concordance between the two data sets and suggest that the factors involved are interconnected and inextricably linked. CONCLUSIONS The UK NHS is a challenging and demanding work environment in which the well-being of its patients is dependent on the well-being of those who care for them. Concerns relating to patient welfare, the nursing profession and the NHS played a large part in driving UK NHS nurses' decision to strike. In order to address these concerns a focus on recruitment and retention of nurses in the NHS is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Sanfey
- Centre for Medicine and Society, University of Freiburg, Fahnenbergplatz, 79085, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany.
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El Ouali EM, Barthelemy B, Del Coso J, Hackney AC, Laher I, Govindasamy K, Mesfioui A, Granacher U, Zouhal H. A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of the Association Between ACTN3 R577X Genotypes and Performance in Endurance Versus Power Athletes and Non-athletes. Sports Med Open 2024; 10:37. [PMID: 38609671 PMCID: PMC11014841 DOI: 10.1186/s40798-024-00711-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies reported differences in genotype frequency of the ACTN3 R577X polymorphisms (rs1815739; RR, RX and XX) in athletes and non-athletic populations. This systematic review with meta-analysis assessed ACTN3 R577X genotype frequencies in power versus endurance athletes and non-athletes. METHODS Five electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct, SPORTDiscus) were searched for research articles published until December 31st, 2022. Studies were included if they reported the frequency of the ACTN3 R577X genotypes in power athletes (e.g., weightlifters) and if they included a comparison with endurance athletes (e.g., long-distance runners) or non-athletic controls. A meta-analysis was then performed using either fixed or random-effects models. Pooled odds ratios (OR) were determined. Heterogeneity was detected using I2 and Cochran's Q tests. Publication bias and sensitivity analysis tests were computed. RESULTS After screening 476 initial registrations, 25 studies were included in the final analysis (13 different countries; 14,541 participants). In power athletes, the RX genotype was predominant over the two other genotypes: RR versus RX (OR 0.70; 95% CI 0.57-0.85, p = 0.0005), RR versus XX (OR 4.26; 95% CI 3.19-5.69, p < 0.00001), RX versus XX (OR 6.58; 95% CI 5.66-7.67, p < 0.00001). The R allele was higher than the X allele (OR 2.87; 95% CI 2.35-3.50, p < 0.00001) in power athletes. Additionally, the frequency of the RR genotype was higher in power athletes than in non-athletes (OR 1.48; 95% CI 1.25-1.75, p < 0.00001). The RX genotype was similar in both groups (OR 0.84; 95% CI 0.71-1.00, p = 0.06). The XX genotype was lower in power athletes than in controls (OR 0.73; 95% CI 0.64-0.84, p < 0.00001). Furthermore, the R allele frequency was higher in power athletes than in controls (OR 1.28; 95% CI 1.19-1.38, p < 0.00001). Conversely, a higher frequency of X allele was observed in the control group compared to power athletes (OR 0.78; 95% CI 0.73-0.84, p < 0.00001). On the other hand, the frequency of the RR genotype was higher in power athletes than in endurance athletes (OR 1.27; 95% CI 1.09-1.49, p = 0.003). The frequency of the RX genotype was similar in both groups (OR 1.07; 95% CI 0.93-1.24, p = 0.36). In contrast, the frequency of the XX genotype was lower in power athletes than in endurance athletes (OR 0.63; 95% CI 0.52-0.76, p < 0.00001). In addition, the R allele was higher in power athletes than in endurance athletes (OR 1.32; 95% CI 1.11-1.57, p = 0.002). However, the X allele was higher in endurance athletes compared to power athletes (OR 0.76; 95% CI 0.64-0.90, p = 0.002). Finally, the genotypic and allelic frequency of ACTN3 genes were similar in male and female power athletes. CONCLUSIONS The pattern of the frequencies of the ACTN3 R577X genotypes in power athletes was RX > RR > XX. However, the RR genotype and R allele were overrepresented in power athletes compared to non-athletes and endurance athletes. These data suggest that the RR genotype and R allele, which is associated with a normal expression of α-actinin-3 in fast-twitch muscle fibers, may offer some benefit in improving performance development in muscle strength and power.
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Affiliation(s)
- El Mokhtar El Ouali
- Laboratory of Biology and Health, Department of Biology, Ibn Tofail University of Kenitra, Kenitra, Morocco
| | - Benjamin Barthelemy
- Movement, Sport, Health and Sciences Laboratory (M2S), UFR-STAPS, University of Rennes 2-ENS Cachan, Av. Charles Tillon, 35044, Rennes Cedex, France
| | - Juan Del Coso
- Centre for Sport Studies, Rey Juan Carlos University, Fuenlabrada, Spain
| | | | - Ismail Laher
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Karuppasamy Govindasamy
- Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, College of Science and Humanities, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Abdelhalem Mesfioui
- Laboratory of Biology and Health, Department of Biology, Ibn Tofail University of Kenitra, Kenitra, Morocco
| | - Urs Granacher
- Department of Sport and Sport Science, Exercise and Human Movement Science, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Hassane Zouhal
- Movement, Sport, Health and Sciences Laboratory (M2S), UFR-STAPS, University of Rennes 2-ENS Cachan, Av. Charles Tillon, 35044, Rennes Cedex, France.
- Institut International des Sciences du Sport (2IS), 35850, Irodouer, France.
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Picó-Pérez M, Marco EA, Thurston LT, Ambrosi V, Genon S, Bryant KL, Martínez AB, Ciccia L, Kaiser Trujillo A. Researchers' sex/gender identity influences how sex/gender question is investigated in neuroscience: an example from an OHBM meeting. Brain Struct Funct 2024; 229:741-758. [PMID: 38366123 PMCID: PMC10978731 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-023-02750-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Gender inequality and diversity in STEM is a challenging field of research. Although the relation between the sex/gender of the researcher and the scientific research practices has been previously examined, less interest has been demonstrated towards the relation between sex/gender of the researcher and the way sex/gender as a variable is explored. Here, we examine, from a neurofeminist perspective, both questions: whether sex/gender identity is related to the examination of sex/gender as a variable and whether different approaches towards examining sex/gender are being used in different topics of study within neuroscience. Using the database of submitted posters to the Organization of Human Brain Mapping 2022 annual conference, we identified abstracts examining a sex/gender-related research question. Among these target abstracts, we identified four analytical categories, varying in their degree of content-related complexity: (1) sex/gender as a covariate, (2) sex/gender as a binary variable for the study of sex/gender differences, (3) sex/gender with additional biological information, and (4) sex/gender with additional social information. Statistical comparisons between sex/gender of researcher and the target abstract showed that the proportion of abstracts from Non-binary or Other first authors compared to both Women and Men was lower for all submitted abstracts than for the target abstracts; that more researchers with sex/gender-identity other than man implemented analytical category of sex/gender with additional social information; and, for instance, that research involving cognitive, affective, and behavioural neuroscience more frequently fit into the sex/gender with additional social information-category. Word cloud analysis confirmed the validity of the four exploratorily identified analytical categories. We conclude by discussing how raising awareness about contemporary neurofeminist approaches, including perspectives from the global south, is critical to neuroscientific and societal progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Picó-Pérez
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute, School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
- Departamento de Psicología Básica, Clínica y Psicobiología, Universitat Jaume I, Castelló de la Plana, Spain
| | | | | | - Valerie Ambrosi
- Institute Technology and Education, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Sarah Genon
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, Research Centre Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Katherine L Bryant
- Laboratoire de Psychologie Cognitive, Université Aix-Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - Ana Belén Martínez
- Filosofía de la Biología, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Lu Ciccia
- Centro de Investigaciones y Estudios de Género, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
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Angermair J, Iglhaut G, Meyenberg K, Wiest W, Rack A, Zabler S, Fretwurst T, Nelson K, Kernen F. In vitro assessment of internal implant-abutment connections with different cone angles under static loading using synchrotron-based radiation. BMC Oral Health 2024; 24:396. [PMID: 38549137 PMCID: PMC10976688 DOI: 10.1186/s12903-024-04156-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The stability of implant-abutment connection is crucial to minimize mechanical and biological complications. Therefore, an assessment of the microgap behavior and abutment displacement in different implant-abutment designs was performed. METHODS Four implant systems were tested, three with a conical implant-abutment connection based on friction fit and a cone angle < 12 ° (Medentika, Medentis, NobelActive) and a system with an angulated connection (< 40°) (Semados). In different static loading conditions (30 N - 90º, 100 N - 90º, 200 N - 30º) the microgap and abutment displacement was evaluated using synchrotron-based microtomography and phase-contrast radioscopy with numerical forward simulation of the optical Fresnel propagation yielding an accuracy down to 0.1 μm. RESULTS Microgaps were present in all implant systems prior to loading (0.15-9 μm). Values increased with mounting force and angle up to 40.5 μm at an off axis loading of 100 N in a 90° angle. CONCLUSIONS In contrast to the implant-abutment connection with a large cone angle (45°), the conical connections based on a friction fit (small cone angles with < 12°) demonstrated an abutment displacement which resulted in a deformation of the outer implant wall. The design of the implant-abutment connection seems to be crucial for the force distribution on the implant wall which might influence peri-implant bone stability.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gerhard Iglhaut
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Translational Implantology, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hugstetter Strasse 55, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Wolfram Wiest
- Chair of X-ray Microscopy LRM, University Würzburg, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Alexander Rack
- Experiments Division, ESRF - The European Synchrotron, Grenoble, France
| | - Simon Zabler
- Deggendorf Institute of Technology DIT, Dieter-Görlitz-Platz 2, 94469, Deggendorf, Germany
| | - Tobias Fretwurst
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Translational Implantology, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hugstetter Strasse 55, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Katja Nelson
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Translational Implantology, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hugstetter Strasse 55, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Florian Kernen
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Translational Implantology, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hugstetter Strasse 55, 79106, Freiburg, Germany.
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Zouhal H, Abderrahman AB, Jayavel A, Hackney AC, Laher I, Saeidi A, Rhibi F, Granacher U. Effects of Passive or Active Recovery Regimes Applied During Long-Term Interval Training on Physical Fitness in Healthy Trained and Untrained Individuals: A Systematic Review. Sports Med Open 2024; 10:21. [PMID: 38443585 PMCID: PMC10914654 DOI: 10.1186/s40798-024-00673-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intermittent exercise programs characterized through intensive exercise bouts alternated with passive or active recovery (i.e., interval training), have been proven to enhance measures of cardiorespiratory fitness. However, it is unresolved which recovery type (active or passive) applied during interval training results in larger performance improvements. OBJECTIVES This systematic review aimed to summarize recent evidence on the effects of passive or active recovery following long-term interval exercise training on measures of physical fitness and physiological adaptations in healthy trained and untrained individuals. The study protocol was registered in the Open Science Framework (OSF) platform ( https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/9BUEY ). METHODS We searched nine databases including the grey literature (Academic Search Elite, CINAHL, ERIC, Open Access Theses and Dissertations, Open Dissertations, PsycINFO, PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and SPORTDiscus) from inception until February 2023. Key terms as high-intensity interval training, recovery mode, passive or active recover were used. A systematic review rather than a meta-analysis was performed, as a large number of outcome parameters would have produced substantial heterogeneity. RESULTS After screening titles, abstracts, and full texts, 24 studies were eligible for inclusion in our final analysis. Thirteen studies examined the effects of interval training interspersed with passive recovery regimes on physical fitness and physiological responses in trained (6 studies) and untrained (7 studies) individuals. Eleven out of 13 studies reported significant improvements in physical fitness (e.g., maximal aerobic velocity (MAV), Yo-Yo running test, jump performance) and physiological parameters (e.g., maximal oxygen uptake [VO2max], lactate threshold, blood pressure) in trained (effect sizes from single studies: 0.13 < Cohen's d < 3.27, small to very large) and untrained individuals (effect sizes: 0.17 < d < 4.19, small to very large) despite the type of interval training or exercise dosage (frequency, intensity, time, type). Two studies were identified that examined the effects of passive recovery applied during interval training in young female basketball (15.1 ± 1.1 years) and male soccer players (14.2 ± 0.5 years). Both studies showed positive effects of passive recovery on VO2max, countermovement jump performance, and the Yo-Yo running test. Eleven studies examined the effects of interval training interspersed with active recovery methods on physical fitness and physiological parameters in trained (6 studies) and untrained individuals (5 studies). Despite the type of interval training or exercise dosage, nine out of eleven studies reported significant increases in measures of physical fitness (e.g., MAV) and physiological parameters (e.g., VO2max, blood pressures) in trained (effect sizes from single studies: 0.13 < d < 1.29, small to very large) and untrained individuals (effect sizes: 0.19 < d < 3.29, small to very large). There was no study available that examined the effects of active recovery on physical fitness and physiological responses in youth. CONCLUSIONS The results of this systematic review show that interval training interspersed with active or passive recovery regimes have the potential to improve measures of physical fitness and physiology outcomes in trained and untrained adults and trained youth. That is, the applied recovery type seems not to affect the outcomes. Nonetheless, more research is needed on the effects of recovery type on measures of physical fitness and physiological adaptations in youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassane Zouhal
- M2S (Laboratoire Mouvement, Sport, Santé) - EA 1274, Univ Rennes, 35000, Rennes, France.
- Institut International des Sciences du Sport (2I2S), 35850, Irodouër, France.
| | - Abderraouf Ben Abderrahman
- Higher Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Ksar-Said, University of Manouba, Manouba, Tunisia
- Tunisian Research Laboratory "Sports Performance Optimization", National Center of Medicine and Science in Sports (CNMSS) LR09SEP01, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Ayyappan Jayavel
- SRM College of Physiotherapy, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, SRM Nagar, Kattankulathur, Kanchipuram, Chennai, TN, 603203, India
| | - Anthony C Hackney
- Department of Exercise and Sport Science, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Ismail Laher
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Ayoub Saeidi
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, 66177-15175, Kurdistan, Iran
| | - Fatma Rhibi
- M2S (Laboratoire Mouvement, Sport, Santé) - EA 1274, Univ Rennes, 35000, Rennes, France
| | - Urs Granacher
- Department of Sport and Sport Science, Exercise and Human Movement Science, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
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Baglioni M, Fries A, Müller JM, Omarini A, Müller M, Breccia JD, Mazzaferro LS. Acremonium sp. diglycosidase-aid chemical diversification: valorization of industry by-products. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:250. [PMID: 38430417 PMCID: PMC10908641 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12957-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
The fungal diglycosidase α-rhamnosyl-β-glucosidase I (αRβG I) from Acremonium sp. DSM 24697 catalyzes the glycosylation of various OH-acceptors using the citrus flavanone hesperidin. We successfully applied a one-pot biocatalysis process to synthesize 4-methylumbellipheryl rutinoside (4-MUR) and glyceryl rutinoside using a citrus peel residue as sugar donor. This residue, which contained 3.5 % [w/w] hesperidin, is the remaining of citrus processing after producing orange juice, essential oil, and peel-juice. The low-cost compound glycerol was utilized in the synthesis of glyceryl rutinoside. We implemented a simple method for the obtention of glyceryl rutinoside with 99 % yield, and its purification involving activated charcoal, which also facilitated the recovery of the by-product hesperetin through liquid-liquid extraction. This process presents a promising alternative for biorefinery operations, highlighting the valuable role of αRβG I in valorizing glycerol and agricultural by-products. KEYPOINTS: • αRβG I catalyzed the synthesis of rutinosides using a suspension of OPW as sugar donor. • The glycosylation of aliphatic polyalcohols by the αRβG I resulted in products bearing a single rutinose moiety. • αRβG I catalyzed the synthesis of glyceryl rutinoside with high glycosylation/hydrolysis selectivity (99 % yield).
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Affiliation(s)
- Micaela Baglioni
- INCITAP-CONICET, FCEyN-Universidad Nacional de La Pampa (UNLPam), Av. Uruguay, 151, Santa Rosa, La Pampa, Argentina
| | - Alexander Fries
- INCITAP-CONICET, FCEyN-Universidad Nacional de La Pampa (UNLPam), Av. Uruguay, 151, Santa Rosa, La Pampa, Argentina
| | - Jan-Mathis Müller
- INCITAP-CONICET, FCEyN-Universidad Nacional de La Pampa (UNLPam), Av. Uruguay, 151, Santa Rosa, La Pampa, Argentina
- Institut für Pharmazeutische Wissenschaften, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Albertstraße 25, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Alejandra Omarini
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Fúngica y de los Alimentos. Asociación para el Desarrollo de Villa Elisa y Zona (ADVEZ), Héctor de Elia 1247, E3265, Villa Elisa, Entre Ríos, Argentina
| | - Michael Müller
- Institut für Pharmazeutische Wissenschaften, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Albertstraße 25, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Javier D Breccia
- INCITAP-CONICET, FCEyN-Universidad Nacional de La Pampa (UNLPam), Av. Uruguay, 151, Santa Rosa, La Pampa, Argentina
| | - Laura S Mazzaferro
- INCITAP-CONICET, FCEyN-Universidad Nacional de La Pampa (UNLPam), Av. Uruguay, 151, Santa Rosa, La Pampa, Argentina.
- Institut für Pharmazeutische Wissenschaften, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Albertstraße 25, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.
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Mrokon A, Oehler J, Breunig I. Continuous adiabatic frequency conversion for FMCW-LiDAR. Sci Rep 2024; 14:4990. [PMID: 38424205 PMCID: PMC10904768 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55687-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Continuous tuning of the frequency of laser light serves as the fundamental basis for a myriad of applications spanning basic scientific research to industrial settings. These applications encompass endeavors such as the detection of gravitational waves, the development of precise optical clocks, environmental monitoring for health and ecological purposes, as well as distance measurement techniques. However, achieving a broad tuning range exceeding 100 GHz along with sub-microsecond tuning times, inherent linearity in tuning, and coherence lengths beyond 10 m presents significant challenges. Here, we demonstrate that electro-optically driven adiabatic frequency converters utilizing high-Q microresonators fabricated from lithium niobate possess the capability to convert arbitrary voltage signals into frequency chirps with temporal resolutions below 1 µs. The temporal evolution of the frequency correlates accurately with the applied voltage signal. We have achieved to generate 200-ns-long frequency chirps with deviations of less than 1 % from perfect linearity without requiring supplementary measures. The coefficient of determination isR 2 > 0.999 . Moreover, the coherence length of the emitted light exceeds 20 m. To validate these findings, we employ the linear frequency sweeps for Frequency-Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) LiDAR covering distances ranging from 0.5 to 10 m. Leveraging the demonstrated nanosecond-level tuning capabilities, coupled with the potential to tune the eigenfrequency of lithium-niobate-based resonators by several hundred GHz, our results show that electro-optically driven adiabatic frequency converters can be used in applications that require ultrafast and flexible continuous frequency tuning characterized by inherent linearity and substantial coherence length.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Mrokon
- Laboratory for Optical Systems, Department of Microsystems Engineering - IMTEK, University of Freiburg, Georges-Köhler-Allee 102, Freiburg, 79110, Germany.
| | - Johanna Oehler
- Laboratory for Optical Systems, Department of Microsystems Engineering - IMTEK, University of Freiburg, Georges-Köhler-Allee 102, Freiburg, 79110, Germany
| | - Ingo Breunig
- Laboratory for Optical Systems, Department of Microsystems Engineering - IMTEK, University of Freiburg, Georges-Köhler-Allee 102, Freiburg, 79110, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Physical Measurement Techniques IPM, Georges-Köhler-Allee 301, Freiburg, 79110, Germany
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Sulzer M, Christen A. Climate projections of human thermal comfort for indoor workplaces. Clim Change 2024; 177:28. [PMID: 38343758 PMCID: PMC10850030 DOI: 10.1007/s10584-024-03685-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Climate models predict meteorological variables for outdoor spaces. Nevertheless, most people work indoors and are affected by heat indoors. We present an approach to transfer climate projections from outdoors to climate projections of indoor air temperature (Ti) and thermal comfort based on a combination of indoor sensors, artificial neural networks (ANNs), and 22 regional climate projections. Human thermal comfort and Ti measured by indoor sensors at 90 different workplaces in the Upper Rhine Valley were used as training data for ANN models predicting indoor conditions as a function of outdoor weather. Workplace-specific climate projections were modeled for the time period 2070-2099 and compared to the historical period 1970-1999 using the same ANNs, but ERA5-Land reanalysis data as input. It is shown that heat stress indoors will increase in intensity, frequency, and duration at almost all investigated workplaces. The rate of increase depends on building and room properties, the workplace purpose, and the representative concentration pathway (RCP2.6, RCP4.5, or RCP8.5). The projected increase of the mean air temperature in the summer (JJA) outdoors, by + 1.6 to + 5.1 K for the different RCPs, is higher than the increase in Ti at all 90 workplaces, which experience on average an increase of + 0.8 to + 2.5 K. The overall frequency of heat stress is higher at most workplaces than outdoors for the historical and the future period. The projected hours of indoor heat stress will increase on average by + 379 h, + 654 h, and + 1209 h under RCP2.6, RCP4.5, and RCP8.5, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Sulzer
- Chair of Environmental Meteorology, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Freiburg, 79085 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Christen
- Chair of Environmental Meteorology, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Freiburg, 79085 Freiburg, Germany
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Neumann-Langen MV, Eggeling L, Glaab R, von Rehlingen-Prinz F, Kösters C, Herbst E. Hoffa fractures are associated with concomitant soft tissue injures and a high postoperative complication rate. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg 2024; 144:747-754. [PMID: 38093089 PMCID: PMC10822794 DOI: 10.1007/s00402-023-05133-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hoffa fractures are a rare and often overlooked entity. The main goal of surgical treatment is to restore the articular surface and maintain knee function. However, current clinical data indicate heterogeneous outcomes. The aim of this multicenter study was to obtain a representative data set of patients with isolated Hoffa fractures with special emphasis on concomitant soft tissue injuries, diagnostic algorithms, treatment strategies and functional outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS Participating Level I trauma centres were asked to review their internal database for isolated Hoffa fractures treated surgically between 2010 and 2020. Demographics, mechanism of injury, diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm, Letenneur classification, concomitant soft tissue injuries, and postoperative knee function and complications were analysed. RESULTS A total of 56 patients from six participating trauma centres were included. The median age at injury was 45 years (15-94) with a median follow-up of 19 months (2-108). The most common mechanism of injury was high-energy trauma, with unicondylar lateral Letenneur type I and II fractures being the most common. Surgical treatment was independent of the type of fracture and included isolated screw fixation, combined plate and screw fixation and isolated plate osteosynthesis. Isolated screw fixation resulted in significantly better range of motion (ROM) values (p = 0.032), but the highest number of postoperative complications (n = 14/20, n.s.) compared to the other fixation techniques. The highest number of fixation failures requiring revision was observed in the plate and screw fixation group (n = 3/8, p = 0.008). Osteochondral flake fractures (n = 12/43, 27%) and lateral meniscus injuries (n = 5/49, 10%) were commonly seen in Hoffa fractures. CONCLUSIONS Treatment of Hoffa fractures with screw fixation resulted in significantly better functional outcomes, probably due to less comminuted fractures. Concomitant cartilage, meniscal and ligamentous injuries are common and warrant preoperative recognition and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- M V Neumann-Langen
- Department of Orthopaedic Trauma Surgery, Klinikum Konstanz, Mainaustrasse 35, 78464, Constance, Germany.
- Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, University Hospital of Freiburg, Hugstetter Strasse 55, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - L Eggeling
- Department of Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery, Sports Traumatology, BG Klinikum Hamburg, Bergedorfer Strasse 10, 21033, Hamburg, Germany
| | - R Glaab
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Cantonal Hospital Aarau, Tellstrasse 25, 5001, Aarau, Switzerland
| | - F von Rehlingen-Prinz
- Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Gebäude O10, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - C Kösters
- Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Maria-Josef-Hospital Greven, Lindenstrasse 29, 48268, Greven, Germany
| | - E Herbst
- Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, University Hospital of Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149, Münster, Germany
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10
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Lin S, Elsner D, Ams L, Korb J, Rosengaus R. A genetic toolkit underlying the queen phenotype in termites with totipotent workers. Sci Rep 2024; 14:2214. [PMID: 38278833 PMCID: PMC10817970 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-51772-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Social insect castes (e.g., queens, workers) are prime examples of phenotypic plasticity (i.e., different phenotypes arising from the same genotype). Yet, the mechanisms that give rise to highly fertile, long-lived queens versus non-reproducing, short-lived workers are not well understood. Recently, a module of co-expressed genes has been identified that characterizes queens compared to workers of the termite Cryptotermes secundus (Kalotermitidae): the Queen Central Module (QCM). We tested whether the QCM is shared in termite species, in which queens gradually develop via early larval and late larval instars, the latter functioning as totipotent workers (linear development). Similar as in C. secundus, gene expression profiles revealed an enrichment of QCM genes in Zootermopsis angusticollis queens, a species from another termite family (Archotermopsidae). The expression of these QCM genes became gradually enriched during development from early larval instars via workers to queens. Thus, our results support the hypothesis of a conserved genetic toolkit that characterizes termite queens with gradual linear development. Our data also imply a strong caste-specific tissue specificity with the QCM signal being restricted to head-prothorax tissues in termite queens. This tissue-specific expression of key aging-related genes might have facilitated the evolution of a long lifespan in termite queens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silu Lin
- Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Elsner
- Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Leon Ams
- Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Judith Korb
- Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University, Casuarina Campus, Darwin, NT, 0909, Australia.
| | - Rebeca Rosengaus
- Department of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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11
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Niederau PA, Eglé P, Willig S, Parsons J, Hoernstein SNW, Decker EL, Reski R. Multifactorial analysis of terminator performance on heterologous gene expression in Physcomitrella. Plant Cell Rep 2024; 43:43. [PMID: 38246952 PMCID: PMC10800305 DOI: 10.1007/s00299-023-03088-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
KEY MESSAGE Characterization of Physcomitrella 3'UTRs across different promoters yields endogenous single and double terminators for usage in molecular pharming. The production of recombinant proteins for health applications accounts for a large share of the biopharmaceutical market. While many drugs are produced in microbial and mammalian systems, plants gain more attention as expression hosts to produce eukaryotic proteins. In particular, the good manufacturing practice (GMP)-compliant moss Physcomitrella (Physcomitrium patens) has outstanding features, such as excellent genetic amenability, reproducible bioreactor cultivation, and humanized protein glycosylation patterns. In this study, we selected and characterized novel terminators for their effects on heterologous gene expression. The Physcomitrella genome contains 53,346 unique 3'UTRs (untranslated regions) of which 7964 transcripts contain at least one intron. Over 91% of 3'UTRs exhibit more than one polyadenylation site, indicating the prevalence of alternative polyadenylation in Physcomitrella. Out of all 3'UTRs, 14 terminator candidates were selected and characterized via transient Dual-Luciferase assays, yielding a collection of endogenous terminators performing equally high as established heterologous terminators CaMV35S, AtHSP90, and NOS. High performing candidates were selected for testing as double terminators which impact reporter levels, dependent on terminator identity and positioning. Testing of 3'UTRs among the different promoters NOS, CaMV35S, and PpActin5 showed an increase of more than 1000-fold between promoters PpActin5 and NOS, whereas terminators increased reporter levels by less than tenfold, demonstrating the stronger effect promoters play as compared to terminators. Among selected terminator attributes, the number of polyadenylation sites as well as polyadenylation signals were found to influence terminator performance the most. Our results improve the biotechnology platform Physcomitrella and further our understanding of how terminators influence gene expression in plants in general.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pauline Eglé
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sandro Willig
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Juliana Parsons
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Eva L Decker
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ralf Reski
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
- Signalling Research Centre BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
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12
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Kosian D, Willistein M, Weßbecher R, Eggers C, May O, Boll M. Highly selective whole-cell 25-hydroxyvitamin D 3 synthesis using molybdenum-dependent C25-steroid dehydrogenase and cyclodextrin recycling. Microb Cell Fact 2024; 23:30. [PMID: 38245746 PMCID: PMC10799449 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-024-02303-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The global prevalence of vitamin D (VitD) deficiency associated with numerous acute and chronic diseases has led to strategies to improve the VitD status through dietary intake of VitD-fortified foods and VitD supplementation. In this context, the circulating form of VitD3 (cholecalciferol) in the human body, 25-hydroxy-VitD3 (calcifediol, 25OHVitD3), has a much higher efficacy in improving the VitD status, which has motivated researchers to develop methods for its effective and sustainable synthesis. Conventional monooxygenase-/peroxygenase-based biocatalytic platforms for the conversion of VitD3 to value-added 25OHVitD3 are generally limited by a low selectivity and yield, costly reliance on cyclodextrins and electron donor systems, or by the use of toxic co-substrates. RESULTS In this study, we used a whole-cell approach for biocatalytic 25OHVitD3 synthesis, in which a molybdenum-dependent steroid C25 dehydrogenase was produced in the denitrifying bacterium Thauera aromatica under semi-aerobic conditions, where the activity of the enzyme remained stable. This enzyme uses water as a highly selective VitD3 hydroxylating agent and is independent of an electron donor system. High density suspensions of resting cells producing steroid C25 dehydrogenase catalysed the conversion of VitD3 to 25OHVitD3 using either O2 via the endogenous respiratory chain or externally added ferricyanide as low cost electron acceptor. The maximum 25OHVitD3 titer achieved was 1.85 g L-1 within 50 h with a yield of 99%, which is 2.2 times higher than the highest reported value obtained with previous biocatalytic systems. In addition, we developed a simple method for the recycling of the costly VitD3 solubiliser cyclodextrin, which could be reused for 10 reaction cycles without a significant loss of quality or quantity. CONCLUSIONS The established steroid C25 dehydrogenase-based whole-cell system for the value-adding conversion of VitD3 to 25OHVitD3 offers a number of advantages in comparison to conventional oxygenase-/peroxygenase-based systems including its high selectivity, independence from an electron donor system, and the higher product titer and yield. Together with the established cyclodextrin recycling procedure, the established system provides an attractive platform for large-scale 25OHVitD3 synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Kosian
- Faculty of Biology - Microbiology, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Max Willistein
- Faculty of Biology - Microbiology, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ralf Weßbecher
- Faculty of Biology - Microbiology, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Constantin Eggers
- Faculty of Biology - Microbiology, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Oliver May
- DSM Nutritional Products, Koninklijke DSM N.V., Kaiseraugst, 4303, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Boll
- Faculty of Biology - Microbiology, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.
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Ghazaleh L, Enayati A, Delfan M, Bamdad S, Laher I, Granacher U, Zouhal H. Effects of caffeine supplementation on anaerobic power and muscle activity in youth athletes. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil 2024; 16:23. [PMID: 38243326 PMCID: PMC10799507 DOI: 10.1186/s13102-023-00805-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effects of caffeine ingestion on anaerobic performance and muscle activity in young athletes. In this randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled study, ten highly trained male post-puberal futsal players aged 15.9 ± 1.2 years conducted two laboratory sessions. Athletes performed the Wingate test 60 min after ingestion of caffeine (CAF, 6 mg/kg body mass) or placebo (PL, dextrose) (blinded administration). Peak power, mean power, and the fatigue index were assessed. During the performance of the Wingate test, electromyographic (EMG) data were recorded from selected lower limbs muscles to determine the root mean square (RMS), mean power frequency (MPF), and median power frequency (MDPF) as frequency domain parameters and wavelet (WT) as time-frequency domain parameters. Caffeine ingestion increased peak (0.80 ± 0.29 W/Kg; p = 0.01; d = 0.42) and mean power (0.39 ± 0.02 W/Kg; p = 0.01; d = 0.26) but did not significantly affect the fatigue index (52.51 ± 9.48%, PL: 49.27 ± 10.39%; p = 0.34). EMG data showed that the MPF and MDPF parameters decreased and the WT increased, but caffeine did not have a significant effect on these changes (p > 0.05). Moreover, caffeine ingestion did not significantly affect RMS changes in the selected muscles (p > 0.05). Here we showed that acute caffeine ingestion improved anaerobic performance without affecting EMG parameters in young male futsal athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Ghazaleh
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Anita Enayati
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Delfan
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sobhan Bamdad
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ismail Laher
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Urs Granacher
- Department of Sport and Sport Science, Exercise and Human Movement Science, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Hassane Zouhal
- Univ Rennes, M2S (Laboratoire Mouvement), EA 1274, Sport, Rennes, Santé, F-35000, France.
- Institut International des Sciences du Sport (2I2S), Irodouer, 35850, France.
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14
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Ltifi MA, Zouhal H, Laher I, Saeidi A, Govindasamy K, Granacher U, Aouadi R, Abderrahman AB. Lower limbs micro-loading acutely attenuates repeated change-of-direction performance in male youth during small-sided soccer games. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil 2023; 15:172. [PMID: 38111047 PMCID: PMC10726642 DOI: 10.1186/s13102-023-00778-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Soccer players often wear light-weighted wearable resistance (WR) attached to different body parts during the warm-up period with the aim to improve measures of physical fitness. However, the effect of WR on physical performance is unknown. This study evaluated the effects of WR with different micro-loadings on repeated change-of-direction (RCoD) performance while executing small-sided soccer games (SSG). METHODS Twenty male soccer players aged 16.0 ± 1.5 years (body mass 74.0 ± 7.4 kg, body-height 175.0 ± 10.0 cm) volunteered to participate in this study. Following a within-subject study design, players performed four specific warm-up protocols in randomized order with a rest of 72 h between protocols: (1) WR micro-loadings with 0.1% of body mass (WR0.1); (2) WR micro-loadings with 0.2% of body mass (WR0.2); (3) WR micro-loadings with 0.3% of body mass (WR0.3); (4) no WR (control = CONT). After the warm-up protocols, players performed 2 sets of 20-min SSG. The RCoD was collected at the 8th min of SSG (SSG 1-8 min), the 15th min of SSG1 (SSG1-15 min), and at the 15th min of SSG2 (SSG2-15 min). Outcomes included mean and total RCoD indices (i.e., mean time and total time for each condition). RESULTS Based on the outcomes of a two-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), WR0.1 and WR0.2 were more effective than control in dampening the decrease of RCoD's total time during SSG1-8 min, and SSG2-15 min (small ES: 0.24-0.35; p < 0.05). However, no significant differences were observed between WR0.3 and control. In addition, WR0.1 and WR0.2 significantly affected the decreases in RCoD's mean best time during SSG1 and SSG2 which was observed in the unloaded condition (CONT) and consequently displayed a lower rate of RCoD performance decrease. CONCLUSION This study reports that wearing lower extremity WRs with micro-loads of 0.1% or 0.2% of body mass attenuates physical fatigue indicated in attenuated RCoD performance while executing SSG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Amine Ltifi
- Higher Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Ksar-Said, University of Manouba, Tunis, Tunisia
- Research Laboratory (LR23JS01) "Sport Performance, Health & Society" Higher Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Ksar Said, University of Manouba, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Hassane Zouhal
- Laboratoire Mouvement Sport, Santé - EA 1274, Univ Rennes, M2S, Rennes, F-35000, France.
- Institut International des Sciences du Sport (2IS), Irodouer, 35850, France.
| | - Ismail Laher
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Ayoub Saeidi
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Kurdistan, Iran
| | - Karuppasamy Govindasamy
- Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, College of Science and Humanities, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, 603 203, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Urs Granacher
- Department of Sport and Sport Science, Exercise and Human Movement Science, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Ridha Aouadi
- Higher Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Ksar-Said, University of Manouba, Tunis, Tunisia
- Research Laboratory (LR23JS01) "Sport Performance, Health & Society" Higher Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Ksar Said, University of Manouba, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Abderraouf Ben Abderrahman
- Higher Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Ksar-Said, University of Manouba, Tunis, Tunisia.
- Tunisian Research Laboratory "Sports Performance Optimization", National Center of Medicine and Science in Sports (CNMSS), Tunis, Tunisia.
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Frühbrodt T, Du B, Delb H, Burzlaff T, Kreuzwieser J, Biedermann PHW. Know When You Are Too Many: Density-Dependent Release of Pheromones During Host Colonisation by the European Spruce Bark Beetle, Ips typographus (L.). J Chem Ecol 2023; 49:652-665. [PMID: 37789096 PMCID: PMC10781875 DOI: 10.1007/s10886-023-01453-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Individuals across various animal species communicate their presence to conspecifics. Especially phytophagous and parasitoid insects with their brood developing on limited resources rely on chemical cues, such as host-marking pheromones, to reduce intraspecific competition. Bark beetles are phytophagous insects with some species being economically and ecologically relevant forest pests. Several of them use the volatile compound verbenone to inhibit attraction and reduce intraspecific competition. However, in the Eurasian spruce bark beetle, Ips typographus (L.), temporal emission patterns did so far not quite support the putative function of verbenone as an indicator of densely colonised host trees. More importantly, it is currently unclear how well verbenone emission is actually related to colonisation density and thus intraspecific competition. Here, we inoculated Norway spruce logs with I. typographus at two defined colonisation densities in the greenhouse and measured the emission of verbenone and its precursors α-pinene and verbenol over time. Verbenone emission was 3-7 times greater from colonised logs compared to decaying logs without beetles during the major part of larval development. Furthermore, our data supports the quantitative hypothesis, that the termination of attack on a tree is mediated by a cessation of the release of verbenol and continuous emission of verbenone. The latter is most likely a passively produced host-marking cue reflecting the actual density of conspecifics since per-beetle emission was unaffected by colonisation density. These findings shed new light on the regulation of bark beetle mass aggregations, which are currently causing previously unseen economic damages in temperate forests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Frühbrodt
- Department of Forest Protection, Forest Research Institute Baden-Württemberg, Wonnhaldestrasse 4, 79100, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Baoguo Du
- Chair of Ecosystem Physiology, University of Freiburg, Georges-Köhler-Allee 53, 79110, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Horst Delb
- Department of Forest Protection, Forest Research Institute Baden-Württemberg, Wonnhaldestrasse 4, 79100, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Tim Burzlaff
- Chair of Forest Entomology and Protection, University of Freiburg, Fohrenbühl 27, 79252, Stegen-Wittental, Germany
| | - Jürgen Kreuzwieser
- Chair of Ecosystem Physiology, University of Freiburg, Georges-Köhler-Allee 53, 79110, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Peter H W Biedermann
- Chair of Forest Entomology and Protection, University of Freiburg, Fohrenbühl 27, 79252, Stegen-Wittental, Germany
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16
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Kumar A, Grüning B, Backofen R. Transformer-based tool recommendation system in Galaxy. BMC Bioinformatics 2023; 24:446. [PMID: 38012574 PMCID: PMC10680333 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-023-05573-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Galaxy is a web-based open-source platform for scientific analyses. Researchers use thousands of high-quality tools and workflows for their respective analyses in Galaxy. Tool recommender system predicts a collection of tools that can be used to extend an analysis. In this work, a tool recommender system is developed by training a transformer on workflows available on Galaxy Europe and its performance is compared to other neural networks such as recurrent, convolutional and dense neural networks. RESULTS The transformer neural network achieves two times faster convergence, has significantly lower model usage (model reconstruction and prediction) time and shows a better generalisation that goes beyond training workflows than the older tool recommender system created using RNN in Galaxy. In addition, the transformer also outperforms CNN and DNN on several key indicators. It achieves a faster convergence time, lower model usage time, and higher quality tool recommendations than CNN. Compared to DNN, it converges faster to a higher precision@k metric (approximately 0.98 by transformer compared to approximately 0.9 by DNN) and shows higher quality tool recommendations. CONCLUSION Our work shows a novel usage of transformers to recommend tools for extending scientific workflows. A more robust tool recommendation model, created using a transformer, having significantly lower usage time than RNN and CNN, higher precision@k than DNN, and higher quality tool recommendations than all three neural networks, will benefit researchers in creating scientifically significant workflows and exploratory data analysis in Galaxy. Additionally, the ability to train faster than all three neural networks imparts more scalability for training on larger datasets consisting of millions of tool sequences. Open-source scripts to create the recommendation model are available under MIT licence at https://github.com/anuprulez/galaxy_tool_recommendation_transformers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anup Kumar
- Bioinformatics Group, Department of Computer Science, University of Freiburg, Georges-Koehler-Allee 106, 79110, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Björn Grüning
- Bioinformatics Group, Department of Computer Science, University of Freiburg, Georges-Koehler-Allee 106, 79110, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Rolf Backofen
- Bioinformatics Group, Department of Computer Science, University of Freiburg, Georges-Koehler-Allee 106, 79110, Freiburg, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Schaenzlestr. 18, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
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Jerger S, Jendricke P, Centner C, Bischof K, Kohl J, Keller S, Gollhofer A, König D. Effects of Specific Bioactive Collagen Peptides in Combination with Concurrent Training on Running Performance and Indicators of Endurance Capacity in Men: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Sports Med Open 2023; 9:103. [PMID: 37935999 PMCID: PMC10630299 DOI: 10.1186/s40798-023-00654-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND First evidence indicates that the supplementation of specific collagen peptides (SCP) is associated with a significant improvement in running performance in physically active women; however, it is unclear if the same is true in males. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of a concurrent training program including 60 min of continuous moderate intensity running training and 15 min of dynamic resistance training combined with supplementation of SCP on parameters of running performance in moderately trained males. METHODS In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial, participants performed a 12 weeks concurrent training and ingested 15 g of SCP [treatment group (TG)] or placebo [control group (CG)] daily. Before and after the intervention, running endurance performance was measured by a 1-h time trial on a running track. Velocity at the lactate threshold (VLT) and at the individual anaerobic threshold (VIAT) were assessed on a treadmill ergometer. Body composition was evaluated by bioelectrical impedance analysis. RESULTS Thirty-two men (28.4 ± 5.2 years) completed the study and were included in the analysis. After 12 weeks, TG had a statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05) higher increase in running distance (1727 ± 705 m) compared to the CG (1018 ± 976 m) in the time trial. VLT increased in the TG by 0.680 ± 1.27 km h-1 and slightly decreased by - 0.135 ± 0.978 km h-1 in the CG, resulting in statistically significant group differences (p ≤ 0.05). A significantly higher improvement in VIAT (p ≤ 0.05) was shown in the TG compared with the CG only (1.660 ± 1.022 km h-1 vs 0.606 ± 0.974 km h-1; p ≤ 0.01). Fat mass decreased (TG - 1.7 ± 1.6 kg; CG - 1.2 ± 2.0 kg) and fat free mass increased (TG 0.2 ± 1.2 kg; CG 0.5 ± 1.3 kg) in both groups with no significant group differences. CONCLUSION In summary, supplementation with 15 g of SCP improved running performance in a 1-h time trial and enhanced indicators of endurance capacity at submaximal exercise intensities such as an increased velocity at the lactate as well as the anaerobic threshold more effectively than CT alone. TRIAL REGISTRATION ETK: 123/17; DRKS-ID: DRKS00015529 (Registered 07 November 2018-Retrospectively registered); https://drks.de/search/de/trial/DRKS00015529.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Jerger
- Department of Sport and Sport Science, University of Freiburg, Schwarzwaldstraße 175, 79117, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Patrick Jendricke
- Department of Sport and Sport Science, University of Freiburg, Schwarzwaldstraße 175, 79117, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Centner
- Department of Sport and Sport Science, University of Freiburg, Schwarzwaldstraße 175, 79117, Freiburg, Germany
- Praxisklinik Rennbahn, Muttenz, Switzerland
| | - Kevin Bischof
- Department for Nutrition, Exercise and Health, Centre of Sports Science, University of Vienna, Auf Der Schmelz 6, 1150, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jan Kohl
- Department of Sport and Sport Science, University of Freiburg, Schwarzwaldstraße 175, 79117, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Simon Keller
- Department of Sport and Sport Science, University of Freiburg, Schwarzwaldstraße 175, 79117, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Albert Gollhofer
- Department of Sport and Sport Science, University of Freiburg, Schwarzwaldstraße 175, 79117, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Daniel König
- Department for Nutrition, Exercise and Health, Centre of Sports Science, University of Vienna, Auf Der Schmelz 6, 1150, Vienna, Austria
- Department for Nutrition, Exercise and Health, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, 1090, Vienna, Austria
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18
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Garcia-Carrillo E, Ramirez-Campillo R, Thapa RK, Afonso J, Granacher U, Izquierdo M. Effects of Upper-Body Plyometric Training on Physical Fitness in Healthy Youth and Young Adult Participants: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis. Sports Med Open 2023; 9:93. [PMID: 37833510 PMCID: PMC10575843 DOI: 10.1186/s40798-023-00631-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Upper-body plyometric training (UBPT) is a commonly used training method, yet its effects on physical fitness are inconsistent and there is a lack of comprehensive reviews on the topic. OBJECTIVE To examine the effects of UBPT on physical fitness in healthy youth and young adult participants compared to active, specific-active, and passive controls. METHODS This systematic review followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines and utilized the PICOS framework. PubMed, WOS, and SCOPUS were searched. Studies were assessed for eligibility using the PICOS framework. The effects of UBPT on upper-body physical fitness were assessed, including maximal strength, medicine ball throw performance, sport-specific throwing performance, and upper limb muscle volume. The risk of bias was evaluated using the PEDro scale. Means and standard deviations were used to calculate effect sizes, and the I2 statistic was used to assess heterogeneity. Publication bias was assessed using the extended Egger's test. Certainty of evidence was rated using the GRADE scale. Additional analyses included sensitivity analyses and adverse effects. RESULTS Thirty-five studies were included in the systematic review and 30 studies in meta-analyses, involving 1412 male and female participants from various sport-fitness backgrounds. Training duration ranged from 4 to 16 weeks. Compared to controls, UBPT improved maximal strength (small ES = 0.39 95% CI = 0.15-0.63, p = 0.002, I2 = 29.7%), medicine ball throw performance (moderate ES = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.43-0.85, p < 0.001, I2 = 46.3%), sport-specific throwing performance (small ES = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.25-0.86, p < 0.001, I2 = 36.8%), and upper limbs muscle volume (moderate ES = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.20-1.08, p = 0.005, I2 = 0.0%). The GRADE analyses provided low or very low certainty for the recommendation of UBPT for improving physical fitness in healthy participants. One study reported one participant with an injury due to UBPT. The other 34 included studies provided no report measure for adverse effects linked to UBPT. CONCLUSIONS UBPT interventions may enhance physical fitness in healthy youth and young adult individuals compared to control conditions. However, the certainty of evidence for these recommendations is low or very low. Further research is needed to establish the optimal dose of UBPT and to determine its effect on female participants and its transfer to other upper-body dominated sports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Exal Garcia-Carrillo
- Navarrabiomed-Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra (CHN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31008, Pamplona, Navarra, Spain
| | - Rodrigo Ramirez-Campillo
- Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, School of Physical Therapy, Universidad Andres Bello, 7591538, Santiago, Chile
| | - Rohit K Thapa
- Symbiosis School of Sports Sciences, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Pune, 412115, India
| | - José Afonso
- Faculty of Sport, Centre of Research, Education, Innovation, and Intervention in Sport (CIFI2D), University of Porto, 4200-450, Porto, Portugal
| | - Urs Granacher
- Department of Sport and Sport Science, Exercise and Human Movement Science, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Mikel Izquierdo
- Navarrabiomed-Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra (CHN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31008, Pamplona, Navarra, Spain
- Department of Health Sciences, Public University of Navarra, Av. De Barañain s/n, 31008, Pamplona, Navarra, Spain
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19
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Krause A, Walser N, Centner C, Memmert D, da Mota de Moreia I, Ritzmann R. Running with whole-body electromyostimulation improves physiological determinants of endurance performance - a randomized control trial. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil 2023; 15:126. [PMID: 37794506 PMCID: PMC10548652 DOI: 10.1186/s13102-023-00739-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to evaluate the physiological and metabolic adaptations to an eight-week running intervention with whole-body electromyostimulation (wbEMS) compared to running without wbEMS. METHODS In a randomized controlled trial (RCT), 59 healthy participants (32 female/ 27 male, 41 ± 7 years, rel.V̇O2max 40.2 ± 7.4 ml/min/kg) ran twice weekly à 20 min for eight weeks either with a wbEMS suit (EG) or without wbEMS (control group, CG). Before and after the intervention, (i) rel.V̇O2max, heart rate and time to exhaustion were recorded with an incremental step test with an incremental rate of 1.20 km/h every 3 min. They were interpreted at aerobic and (indirect) anaerobic lactate thresholds as well as at maximum performance. (ii) Resting metabolic rate (RQ) as well as (iii) body composition (%fat) were assessed. RESULTS Following the intervention, V̇O2max was significantly enhanced for both groups (EG ∆13 ± 3%, CG ∆9 ± 3%). Velocity was elevated at lactate thresholds and maximum running speed (EG ∆3 ± 1%, CG ∆2 ± 1%); HRmax was slightly reduced by -1 beat/min. No significant changes were observed for time until exhaustion and lactate. RQ was significantly enhanced following both trainings by + 7%. %fat was reduced for both groups (EG ∆-11 ± 3%, CG ∆-16 ± 5%), without any changes in body mass. Results did not differ significantly between groups. CONCLUSIONS Both interventions had a positive impact on aerobic power. The rightward shift of the time-velocity graph points towards improved endurance performance. The effects of wbEMS are comparable to those after high-intensity training and might offer a time-efficient alternative to affect physiological and metabolic effects. TRIAL REGISTRATION German Clinical Trials Register, ID DRKS00026827, date 10/26/21.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Krause
- Institute of Training and Computer Science, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | | | - Christoph Centner
- Praxisklinik Rennbahn, Muttenz, Switzerland
- Institute of Sport and Science, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Memmert
- Institute of Training and Computer Science, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Ivo da Mota de Moreia
- Institute of Training and Computer Science, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Ramona Ritzmann
- Institute of Sport and Science, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
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20
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Boppré M, Monzón J. Baiting Insects with Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids (PAs): A Fieldwork-Oriented Review and Guide to PA-Pharmacophagy. Neotrop Entomol 2023; 52:781-801. [PMID: 37656417 PMCID: PMC10545619 DOI: 10.1007/s13744-023-01067-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Since 1890, many observations of danaine butterflies visiting dry plants of several families in the Old and New World tropics have been published. For 50 years, it has been recognised that Danainae, along with various other insects, seek out 1,2-dehydropyrrolizidine ester alkaloids (PAs) independently of and in addition to their nutritive requirements and utilise them to increase their chances for survival and biological fitness. This represents an unusual type of insect-plant relationship ("PA-pharmacophagy"), with remarkable peculiarities but also with gaps in knowledge, many of which can be filled by employing PA-baiting. We review and analyse the history of records on the attraction of adult insects to PAs and unveil the complex background information on PA-chemistry, PA-producing plants ("PA-plants"), and PA-sequestering insects ("PA-insects") in order to come up with practical tips for successful baiting with PAs ("PA-baiting"). Studying PA-pharmacophagy integrates taxonomy, behaviour, and ecology with evolutionary biology, chemistry, and toxicology. With basic knowledge of PA-chemistry and bearing the general peculiarities of PA-plants and PA-insects in mind, PA-baiting can be conducted easily and successfully to address many questions on the multifaceted ecology of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. We aim to encourage field researchers in the tropics to employ PA-baiting as a valuable research method in this field of integrative biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Boppré
- Forstzoologie und Entomologie, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, 79085, Freiburg i.Br, Germany.
| | - Julio Monzón
- Forstzoologie und Entomologie, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, 79085, Freiburg i.Br, Germany
- Forstentomologie und Waldschutz, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, 79085, Freiburg i.Br, Germany
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21
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Schröter N, Weiller A, Rijntjes M, Harloff A, Urbach H, Kukolja J, Bardutzky J, Weiller C, Beume LA. Identifying large vessel occlusion at first glance in telemedicine. J Neurol 2023; 270:4318-4325. [PMID: 37202605 PMCID: PMC10421816 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-11775-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telemedicine has rapidly emerged as an important tool in emergency neurology. In particular, reliable biomarkers of large vessel occlusions (LVOs) are critically necessary in order to identify the need for in-hospital mechanical thrombectomy (MT). Based on pathophysiological factors, we propose that the presence of head and/or gaze deviation alone signifies cortical hypoperfusion and is therefore a highly sensitive marker for the presence of LVO. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed a cohort of 160 patients, examined via telemedicine and suspected to have had an acute stroke; this included patients with ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke, transient ischemic attack, and stroke mimics. An assessment of head and gaze deviation and NIHSS score evaluation was performed. In a second analysis, patients who only had ischemia in the anterior circulation (n = 110) were evaluated. RESULTS Head and/or gaze deviation alone was found to be a reliable marker of LVO (sensitivity: 0.66/specificity: 0.92), as well as a sound indicator for MT (0.82/0.91), in patients with suspected ischemic stroke. The performance of this indicator further improved when patients with ischemia in the anterior circulation only were assessed (LVO: 0.70/0.93; MT: 0.86/0.90). In both analyses, head and/or gaze deviation served as a better indicator for LVO or MT compared to the prevalence of motor deficits or aphasia. Of note, in patients who had ischemia in the anterior circulation, head and/or gaze deviation performed better than the NIHSS score as an indicator for MT. CONCLUSION These findings confirm that the presence of head and/or gaze deviation serves as a reliable biomarker in stroke-based telemedicine for the diagnosis of LVO, as well as a strong indicator for MT. Furthermore, this marker is just as reliable as the NIHSS score but easier to assess. We therefore suggest that any stroke patient who displays head and/or gaze deviation should immediately be scheduled for vessel imaging and subsequently transported to a MT-competent center.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nils Schröter
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 64, 79106, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Antonia Weiller
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 64, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Michel Rijntjes
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 64, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Harloff
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 64, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Horst Urbach
- Department of Neuroradiology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 64, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Juraj Kukolja
- Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, Helios University Hospital Wuppertal, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Jürgen Bardutzky
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 64, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Cornelius Weiller
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 64, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Lena-Alexandra Beume
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 64, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
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22
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Gottstein M, Morris AL, Heer K, Heymann EW. Feeding ecology of monk sakis (Pithecia monachus) in a seasonally flooded forest in western Amazonia. Primates 2023; 64:527-537. [PMID: 37341865 PMCID: PMC10473984 DOI: 10.1007/s10329-023-01074-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
Sakis (genus Pithecia) are frugivorous primates with a preference for seeds that complete their diet with leaves and insects. Fruit pulp and seeds are known to have different nutritional characteristics that change during the process of ripening. The consumption of seeds can be an adaptation to changes in resource availability, as unripe seeds are a more steadily available resource than ripe pulp or young leaves. Here, we present the first study of the feeding ecology of monk sakis (Pithecia monachus). We investigated dietary composition and identified important feeding plants in a seasonally flooded forest within the Área de Conservación Regional Comunal Tamshiyacu-Tahuayo in Peruvian Amazonia. Throughout 20 months, we followed groups of monk sakis by foot and canoe and recorded 459 feeding events. Seeds were the most frequently consumed food item (49%), followed by pulp (mesocarp, pericarp or aril; 25%) and arthropods (22%). Leaves, bark, and flowers were ingested only sporadically. The importance of ripe seeds and arthropods in the diet of the monk sakis differed from other studies: we recorded the consumption of mostly ripe seeds and the share of arthropods was relatively high.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malika Gottstein
- Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, Eva Mayr-Stihl Professorship for Forest Genetics, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany.
| | | | - Katrin Heer
- Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, Eva Mayr-Stihl Professorship for Forest Genetics, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Eckhard W Heymann
- Deutsches Primatenzentrum, Leibniz-Institut für Primatenforschung, Göttingen, Germany
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23
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Zouita A, Darragi M, Bousselmi M, Sghaeir Z, Clark CCT, Hackney AC, Granacher U, Zouhal H. The Effects of Resistance Training on Muscular Fitness, Muscle Morphology, and Body Composition in Elite Female Athletes: A Systematic Review. Sports Med 2023; 53:1709-1735. [PMID: 37289331 PMCID: PMC10432341 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-023-01859-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Well programmed strength and conditioning training is an indispensable part of the long-term training process for athletes in individual and team sports to improve performance and prevent injuries. Yet, there is a limited number of studies available that examine the effects of resistance training (RT) on muscular fitness and physiological adaptations in elite female athletes. OBJECTIVES This systematic review aimed to summarize recent evidence on the long-term effects of RT or combinations of RT with other strength-dominated exercise types on muscular fitness, muscle morphology, and body composition in female elite athletes. MATERIALS AND METHODS A systematic literature search was conducted in nine electronic databases (Academic Search Elite, CINAHL, ERIC, Open Access Theses and Dissertations, Open Dissertations, PsycINFO, PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and SPORTDiscus) from inception until March 2022. Key search terms from the MeSH database such as RT and strength training were included and combined using the operators "AND," "OR," and "NOT". The search syntax initially identified 181 records. After screening for titles, abstracts, and full texts, 33 studies remained that examined the long-term effects of RT or combinations of RT with other strength-dominated exercise types on muscular fitness, muscle morphology, and body composition in female elite athletes. RESULTS Twenty-four studies used single-mode RT or plyometric training and nine studies investigated the effects of combined training programs such as resistance with plyometric or agility training, resistance and speed training, and resistance and power training. The training duration lasted at least 4 weeks, but most studies used ~ 12 weeks. Studies were generally classified as 'high-quality' with a mean PEDro score of 6.8 (median 7). Irrespective of the type or combination of RT with other strength-dominated exercise regimens (type of exercise, exercise duration, or intensity), 24 out of 33 studies reported increases in muscle power (e.g., maximal and mean power; effect size [ES]: 0.23 < Cohen's d < 1.83, small to large), strength (e.g., one-repetition-maximum [1RM]; ES: 0.15 < d < 6.80, small to very large), speed (e.g., sprint times; ES: 0.01 < d < 1.26, small to large), and jump performance (e.g., countermovement/squat jump; ES: 0.02 < d < 1.04, small to large). The nine studies that examined the effects of combined training showed significant increases on maximal strength (ES: 0.08 < d < 2.41, small to very large), muscle power (ES: 0.08 < d < 2.41, small to very large), jump and sprint performance (ES: 0.08 < d < 2.41, small to very large). Four out of six studies observed no changes in body mass or percentage of body fat after resistance or plyometric training or combined training (ES: 0.026 < d < 0.492, small to medium). Five out of six studies observed significant changes in muscle morphology (e.g., muscle thickness, muscle fiber cross-sectional area; ES: 0.23 < d < 3.21, small to very large). However, one study did not find any changes in muscle morphology (i.e., muscle thickness, pennation angle; ES: 0.1 < d < 0.19, small). CONCLUSION Findings from this systematic review suggest that RT or combined RT with other strength-dominated exercise types leads to significant increases in measures of muscle power, strength, speed, and jump performance in elite female athletes. However, the optimal dosage of programming parameters such as training intensity and duration necessary to induce large effects in measures of muscular fitness and their physiological adaptations remain to be resolved in female elite athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amira Zouita
- Higher Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Ksar-Said, Research Unit "Sports Performance, Health & Society" (UR17JS01), University of Manouba, Manouba, Tunisia
| | - Manel Darragi
- Higher Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Ksar-Said, Research Unit "Sports Performance, Health & Society" (UR17JS01), University of Manouba, Manouba, Tunisia
| | - Mariem Bousselmi
- Higher Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Ksar-Said, Research Unit "Sports Performance, Health & Society" (UR17JS01), University of Manouba, Manouba, Tunisia
| | - Zouita Sghaeir
- Higher Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Ksar-Said, University of Manouba, Manouba, Tunisia
| | - Cain C T Clark
- Centre for Intelligent Healthcare, Coventry University, Coventry, UK
| | - Anthony C Hackney
- Department of Exercise & Sport Science, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Urs Granacher
- Department of Sport and Sport Science, Exercise and Human Movement Science, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Hassane Zouhal
- Univ Rennes, M2S (Laboratoire Mouvement, Sport, Santé), EA 1274, 35000, Rennes, France.
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Wollborn J, Zhang Z, Gaa J, Gentner M, Hausmann C, Saenger F, Weise K, Justice S, Funk JL, Staehle HF, Thomas M, Bruno RR, Saravi B, Friess JO, Marx M, Buerkle H, Trummer G, Muehlschlegel JD, Reker D, Goebel U, Ulbrich F. Angiopoietin-2 is associated with capillary leak and predicts complications after cardiac surgery. Ann Intensive Care 2023; 13:70. [PMID: 37552379 PMCID: PMC10409979 DOI: 10.1186/s13613-023-01165-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients undergoing cardiac surgery are prone to numerous complications. Increased vascular permeability may be associated with morbidity and mortality due to hemodynamic instability, fluid overload, and edema formation. We hypothesized that markers of endothelial injury and inflammation are associated with capillary leak, ultimately increasing the risk of postoperative complications. METHODS In this prospective, observational, multidisciplinary cohort study at our tertiary academic medical center, we recruited 405 cardiac surgery patients. Patients were assessed daily using body impedance electrical analysis, ultrasound, sublingual intravital microscopy, and analysis of serum biomarkers. Multivariable models, as well as machine learning, were used to study the association of angiopoietin-2 with extracellular water as well as common complications after cardiac surgery. RESULTS The majority of patients underwent coronary artery bypass grafting, valvular, or aortic surgeries. Across the groups, extracellular water increased postoperatively (20 ± 6 preoperatively to 29 ± 7L on postoperative day 2; P < 0.001). Concomitantly, the levels of the biomarker angiopoietin-2 rose, showing a strong correlation based on the time points of measurements (r = 0.959, P = 0.041). Inflammatory (IL-6, IL-8, CRP) and endothelial biomarkers (VE-Cadherin, syndecan-1, ICAM-1) suggestive of capillary leak were increased. After controlling for common risk factors of edema formation, we found that an increase of 1 ng/mL in angiopoietin-2 was associated with a 0.24L increase in extracellular water (P < 0.001). Angiopoietin-2 showed increased odds for the development of acute kidney injury (OR 1.095 [95% CI 1.032, 1.169]; P = 0.004) and was furthermore associated with delayed extubation, longer time in the ICU, and a higher chance of prolonged dependence on vasoactive medication. Machine learning predicted postoperative complications when capillary leak was added to standard risk factors. CONCLUSIONS Capillary leak and subsequent edema formation are relevant problems after cardiac surgery. Levels of angiopoietin-2 in combination with extracellular water show promising potential to predict postoperative complications after cardiac surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER German Clinical Trials Registry (DRKS No. 00017057), Date of registration 05/04/2019, www.drks.de.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Wollborn
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Breisgau, Germany.
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Zilu Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Julie Gaa
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Breisgau, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Moritz Gentner
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Breisgau, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christian Hausmann
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Breisgau, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Felix Saenger
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Breisgau, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Karina Weise
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Breisgau, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Samuel Justice
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Jean-Luca Funk
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Breisgau, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hans Felix Staehle
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Breisgau, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Marie Thomas
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Raphael R Bruno
- Department of Cardiology, Pulmonology and Vascular Medicine, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Duesseldorf, University Hospital Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Babak Saravi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Jan O Friess
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Markus Marx
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Breisgau, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hartmut Buerkle
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Breisgau, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Georg Trummer
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jochen D Muehlschlegel
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Daniel Reker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Ulrich Goebel
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Breisgau, Germany
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, St. Franziskus-Hospital, Muenster, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Felix Ulbrich
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Breisgau, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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Leal J, Shaner S, Jedrusik N, Savelyeva A, Asplund M. Electrotaxis evokes directional separation of co-cultured keratinocytes and fibroblasts. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11444. [PMID: 37454232 PMCID: PMC10349865 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38664-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Bioelectric communication plays a significant role in several cellular processes and biological mechanisms, such as division, differentiation, migration, cancer metastasis, and wound healing. Ion flow across cellular walls leads to potential gradients and subsequent formation of constant or time-varying electric fields(EFs), which regulate cellular processes. An EF is natively generated towards the wound center during epithelial wound healing, aiming to align and guide cell migration, particularly of macrophages, fibroblasts, and keratinocytes. While this phenomenon, known as electrotaxis or galvanotaxis, has been extensively investigated across many cell types, it is typically explored one cell type at a time, which does not accurately represent cellular interactions during complex biological processes. Here we show the co-cultured electrotaxis of epidermal keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts with a salt-bridgeless microfluidic approach for the first time. The electrotactic response of these cells was first assessed in mono-culture to establish a baseline, resulting in the characteristic cathodic migration for keratinocytes and anodic for fibroblasts. Both cell types retained their electrotactic properties in co-culture leading to clear cellular partition even in the presence of cellular collisions. The methods leveraged here pave the way for future co-culture electrotaxis experiments where the concurrent influence of cell types can be thoroughly investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Leal
- Department of Microsystems Engineering (IMTEK), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
- BrainLinks-BrainTools Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Sebastian Shaner
- Department of Microsystems Engineering (IMTEK), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- BrainLinks-BrainTools Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Nicole Jedrusik
- Department of Microsystems Engineering (IMTEK), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- BrainLinks-BrainTools Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Anna Savelyeva
- Department of Microsystems Engineering (IMTEK), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- BrainLinks-BrainTools Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Maria Asplund
- Department of Microsystems Engineering (IMTEK), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
- BrainLinks-BrainTools Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
- Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies (FRIAS), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
- Department of Microtechnology and Nanoscience, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden.
- Division of Nursing and Medical Technology, Luleå University of Technology, 97187, Luleå, Sweden.
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Schröter N, van Eimeren T, Classen J, Levin J, Redecker C, Wolz M, Tönges L. Significance of clinical symptoms and red flags in early differential diagnosis of Parkinson's disease and atypical Parkinsonian syndromes. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2023; 130:839-846. [PMID: 37046147 PMCID: PMC10199882 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-023-02634-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
The clinical presentation of Parkinson's disease and atypical Parkinsonian syndromes is often heterogeneous. Additional diagnostic procedures including brain imaging and biomarker analyses can help to appreciate the various syndromes, but a precise clinical evaluation and differentiation is always necessary. To better assess the relevance of distinct clinical symptoms that arose within 1 year of disease manifestation and evaluate their indicative potential for an atypical Parkinsonian syndrome, we conducted a modified Delphi panel with seven movement disorder specialists. Five different topics with several clinical symptom items were discussed and consensus criteria were tested. This resulted in distinct symptom patterns for each atypical Parkinsonian syndrome showing the multitude of clinical involvement in each neurodegenerative disease. Strongly discriminating clinical signs were few and levels of indication were variable. A prospective validation of the assessments made is needed. This demonstrates that both clinical evaluation and elaborate additional diagnostic procedures are needed to achieve a high diagnostic standard.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nils Schröter
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 64, 79106, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Thilo van Eimeren
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Joseph Classen
- Department of Neurology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Johannes Levin
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Site Munich, Munich, Germany
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
| | | | - Martin Wolz
- Department of Neurology, Elblandklinikum Meißen, Meissen, Germany
| | - Lars Tönges
- Department of Neurology, St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
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Fleury M, Biere A. Mining definitions in Kissat with Kittens. Form Methods Syst Des 2023; 60:381-404. [PMID: 37829794 PMCID: PMC10564679 DOI: 10.1007/s10703-023-00421-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Bounded variable elimination is one of the most important preprocessing techniques in SAT solving. It benefits from discovering functional dependencies in the form of definitions encoded in the CNF. While the common approach pioneered in SatELite relies on syntactic pattern matching, our new approach uses cores produced by an embedded SAT solver, Kitten. In contrast to a similar semantic technique implemented in Lingeling based on BDD algorithms to generate irredundant CNFs, our new approach is able to generate DRAT proofs. We further discuss design choices for our embedded SAT solver Kitten. Experiments with Kissat show the effectiveness of this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathias Fleury
- Institute for Formal Models and Verification, Johannes Kepler University, Linz, Austria
| | - Armin Biere
- Chair of Computer Architecture, Albert-Ludwigs-University, Freiburg, Germany
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28
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Schomaker RM, Panov S. Editorial Special Issue 2022. Eur J Secur Res 2023. [PMCID: PMC10025803 DOI: 10.1007/s41125-023-00089-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Stoyan Panov
- Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Bertoldstrasse 17, 79085 Freiburg, Germany
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29
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Grodd M, Refisch L, Lorenz F, Fischer M, Lottes M, Hackenberg M, Kreutz C, Grabenhenrich L, Binder H, Wolkewitz M. [Forecasting models to guide intensive care COVID-19 capacities in Germany]. Med Klin Intensivmed Notfmed 2023; 118:125-131. [PMID: 35267045 PMCID: PMC8907553 DOI: 10.1007/s00063-022-00903-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Time-series forecasting models play a central role in guiding intensive care coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) bed capacity in a pandemic. A key predictor of future intensive care unit (ICU) COVID-19 bed occupancy is the number of new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections in the general population, which in turn is highly associated with week-to-week variability, reporting delays, regional differences, number of unknown cases, time-dependent infection rates, vaccinations, SARS-CoV‑2 virus variants, and nonpharmaceutical containment measures. Furthermore, current and also future COVID ICU occupancy is significantly influenced by ICU discharge and mortality rates. METHODS Both the number of new SARS-CoV‑2 infections in the general population and intensive care COVID-19 bed occupancy rates are recorded in Germany. These data are statistically analyzed on a daily basis using epidemic SEIR (susceptible, exposed, infection, recovered) models using ordinary differential equations and multiple regression models. RESULTS Forecast results of the immediate trend (20-day forecast) of ICU occupancy by COVID-19 patients are made available to decision makers at various levels throughout the country. CONCLUSION The forecasts are compared with the development of available ICU bed capacities in order to identify capacity limitations at an early stage and to enable short-term solutions to be made, such as supraregional transfers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlon Grodd
- Institut für Medizinische Biometrie und Statistik, Medizinische Fakultät und Universitätsklinikum, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Freiburg, Deutschland
| | - Lukas Refisch
- Institut für Medizinische Biometrie und Statistik, Medizinische Fakultät und Universitätsklinikum, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Freiburg, Deutschland
| | - Fabian Lorenz
- Institut für Medizinische Biometrie und Statistik, Medizinische Fakultät und Universitätsklinikum, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Freiburg, Deutschland
| | | | | | - Maren Hackenberg
- Institut für Medizinische Biometrie und Statistik, Medizinische Fakultät und Universitätsklinikum, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Freiburg, Deutschland
| | - Clemens Kreutz
- Institut für Medizinische Biometrie und Statistik, Medizinische Fakultät und Universitätsklinikum, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Freiburg, Deutschland
| | | | - Harald Binder
- Institut für Medizinische Biometrie und Statistik, Medizinische Fakultät und Universitätsklinikum, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Freiburg, Deutschland
| | - Martin Wolkewitz
- Institut für Medizinische Biometrie und Statistik, Medizinische Fakultät und Universitätsklinikum, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Freiburg, Deutschland.
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Fila D, Fünfgeld H, Dahlmann H. Climate change adaptation with limited resources: adaptive capacity and action in small- and medium-sized municipalities. Environ Dev Sustain 2023:1-21. [PMID: 36788932 PMCID: PMC9910270 DOI: 10.1007/s10668-023-02999-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Administrations in small- and medium-sized municipalities (SMM) are confronted with the impacts of climate change while having inadequate resources to adapt. In order to establish the current state of research on climate change adaptation in SMM, a systematic literature review was conducted. Using reported SMM adaptation in the peer-reviewed literature as our data base, we documented 115 adaptation initiatives between 2015 and 2021 matching our criteria, with substantial geographical and thematic differences. The qualitative analysis of highly relevant articles has shown that the specific understanding about the challenges and barriers of climate change adaptation in SMM remains limited. We highlight recent key trends and challenges and conclude by offering a refined research agenda for addressing identified knowledge gaps as well as key barriers in relation to SMM adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Fila
- Institute for Environmental Social Sciences and Geography, University of Freiburg, Schreiberstraße 20, 79098 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hartmut Fünfgeld
- Institute for Environmental Social Sciences and Geography, University of Freiburg, Schreiberstraße 20, 79098 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Heindriken Dahlmann
- Institute for Environmental Social Sciences and Geography, University of Freiburg, Schreiberstraße 20, 79098 Freiburg, Germany
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Aktories K. From signal transduction to protein toxins-a narrative review about milestones on the research route of C. difficile toxins. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2023; 396:173-190. [PMID: 36203094 PMCID: PMC9831965 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-022-02300-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Selected findings about Clostridioides difficile (formerly Clostridium difficile) toxins are presented in a narrative review. Starting with a personal view on research about G proteins, adenylyl cyclase, and ADP-ribosylating toxins in the laboratory of Günter Schultz in Heidelberg, milestones of C. difficile toxin research are presented with the focus on toxin B (TcdB), covering toxin structure, receptor binding, toxin up-take and refolding, the intracellular actions of TcdB, and the treatment of C. difficile infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaus Aktories
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Albertstr. 25, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.
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Abstract
ABSTRACT Materials science is about understanding the relationship between a material's structure and its properties-in the sphere of mechanical behavior, this includes elastic modulus, yield strength, and other bulk properties. We show in this issue that, analogously, a material's surface structure governs its surface properties-such as adhesion, friction, and surface stiffness. For bulk materials, microstructure is a critical component of structure; for surfaces, the structure is governed largely by surface topography. The articles in this issue cover the latest understanding of these structure-property connections for surfaces. This includes both the theoretical basis for how properties depend on topography, as well as the latest understanding of how surface topography emerges, how to measure and understand topography-dependent properties, and how to engineer surfaces to improve performance. The present article frames the importance of surface topography and its effect on properties; it also outlines some of the critical knowledge gaps that impede progress toward optimally performing surfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tevis D. B. Jacobs
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Lars Pastewka
- Department of Microsystems Engineering, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence livMatS, Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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Brignone R, Gonzato L, Sgarra C. Commodity Asian option pricing and simulation in a 4-factor model with jump clusters. Ann Oper Res 2023:1-32. [PMID: 36643858 PMCID: PMC9825090 DOI: 10.1007/s10479-022-05152-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Mean reversion, stochastic volatility, convenience yield and presence of jump clustering are well documented salient features of commodity markets, where Asian options are very popular. We propose a model which takes into account all these stylized features. We first state our model under the historical measure, then, after introducing a structure preserving change of measure, we provide a risk-neutral version of the same model and we show how to price geometric and arithmetic Asian options. To this end, we derive semi-closed formulas for the geometric Asian options price and develop a computationally efficient simulation scheme for the price process, allowing to price the arithmetic counterparts using control variate technique. Finally, we propose a simple econometric experiment to document presence of jump clusters in commodity prices and evaluate the performances of the proposed simulation scheme on some parameter sets calibrated on real data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Brignone
- Department of Quantitative Finance, Institute for Economic Research, University of Freiburg, Rempartstr. 16, 79098 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Luca Gonzato
- Department of Statistics and Operations Research, University of Vienna, Kolingasse 14-16, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Carlo Sgarra
- Department of Mathematics, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci, 32, 20133 Milan, Italy
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Wimmer L, Ferguson HJ. Testing the validity of a self-report scale, author recognition test, and book counting as measures of lifetime exposure to print fiction. Behav Res Methods 2023; 55:103-134. [PMID: 35277842 PMCID: PMC9918583 DOI: 10.3758/s13428-021-01784-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
We report a study testing the validity of the three most commonly used indicators of lifetime exposure to print fiction, namely a self-report scale, an author recognition test (ART), and book counting, in a sample of older adults (N=306; Mage = 59.29 years, SDage = 7.01). Convergent validity of the self-report scale and book counting was assessed through correlations with the fiction sub-score of the ART; divergent validity of these two indicators was examined via correlations with the non-fiction sub-score of that ART. We also assessed criterion-related validity by testing the degree to which each of the three indicators predicted participants' performance in a vocabulary test. The self-report scale and book counting were significantly more positively associated with the ART fiction sub-score than the ART non-fiction sub-score. Regression analyses, controlling for gender and non-fiction exposure, revealed that the ART fiction sub-score had the highest explanatory power among all indicators under investigation for predicting vocabulary test performance. The present results suggest that only ARTs may have satisfactory levels of both construct and criterion-related validity. Recommendations for the assessment of fiction exposure and future directions are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Wimmer
- Department of Education, University of Freiburg, Rempartstr., 11, 79098, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany.
- School of Psychology, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK.
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Luo A, Rodríguez F, Leipold S. Explanations of the political gridlock behind international circular economy: Waste Ban narratives in the China-EU cooperation. Ambio 2023; 52:126-139. [PMID: 35852705 PMCID: PMC9666588 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-022-01758-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
China and the European Union (EU) signed the first international circular economy (CE) agreement shortly after China issued the 'Waste Ban' (WB) on the import of 24 categories of solid waste. While the WB gained global attention, limited research addresses its political implications for international CE. Based on 72 expert interviews, 52 documents and participant observation, we study political WB narratives and corresponding perceptions of 'Chinese' and 'European' agency in the China-EU case. Our results show a political gridlock in China-EU CE coordination: the main narratives on the WB diverge on the very roles and rules of CE cooperation, scales of implementation, and the assessment criteria for environmentally and socially sustainable CE(s). To enable fruitful CE cooperation, we suggest three critical points for reflection and negotiation: (1) overcome 'student-teacher' roles rooted in linear development that run counter to CE ideas; (2) reconsider the focus on international and national waste diversion, instead of local waste prevention, that propels global waste markets sustained by increasing waste volumes; and (3) evaluate both the benefits and impediments of (new) trade relations for a CE cooperation that contributes to environmental and social sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anran Luo
- Chair of Societal Transition and Circular Economy, University of Freiburg, Tennenbacher Str. 4, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
- Department of Environmental Politics, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Fabricio Rodríguez
- Institute of Sociology, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Bachstraße 18k, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Arnold Berstraesser Institute (ABI), University of Freiburg, Windausstr. 16, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sina Leipold
- Department of Environmental Politics, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
- Chair of Environmental Politics, University of Jena, Bachstr. 18k, 07743 Jena, Germany
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Gutmann J, Pitlik H, Fronaschütz A. Has the Russian invasion of Ukraine reinforced anti-globalization sentiment in Austria? Empirica (Dordr) 2023; 50:289-299. [PMID: 37077621 PMCID: PMC10014393 DOI: 10.1007/s10663-023-09572-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has caused disruptions in international trade and highlighted the dependency of small open economies in Europe on imports, especially of energy. These events may have changed Europeans' attitude towards globalization. We study two waves of representative population surveys conducted in Austria, one right before the Russian invasion and the other two months later. Our unique dataset allows us to assess changes in the Austrian public's attitudes towards globalization and import dependency as a short-term reaction to economic turbulences and geopolitical upheaval at the onset of war in Europe. We show that two months after the invasion, anti-globalization sentiment in general has not spread, but that people have become more concerned about strategic external dependencies, especially in energy imports, suggesting that citizens' attitudes regarding globalization are differentiated. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10663-023-09572-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerg Gutmann
- Institute of Law and Economics, University of Hamburg, Johnsallee 35, 20148 Hamburg, Germany
- University of Freiburg, Freiburg i.Br., Germany
- CESifo, Munich, Germany
| | - Hans Pitlik
- Austrian Institute of Economic Research, Vienna, Austria
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Kaufmann G. In the thick of it: scope rivalry in past counterfactuals of Pomerano. J Comp Ger Linguist 2022; 25:333-384. [PMID: 36532872 PMCID: PMC9742023 DOI: 10.1007/s10828-022-09137-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
This paper analyzes the morphosyntactic variation in past counterfactuals with modal verbs in Pomerano, a Low German variety spoken in Brazil. The variation concerns (i) the highest verb (temporal auxiliary or modal verb), (ii) the morphological form of the temporal auxiliary (blocking of tense and/or person agreement), (iii) the frequently unexpected position of the modal verb (verb clusters in the CP-domain), and (iv) the overall number of verbs (syntactic doubling and/or PF-insertion). Analyzing more than 6,000 translated sentences, scope rivalry between the temporal auxiliary and the modal verb proves to be the major catalyst of an intriguing instance of language variation and change. The derivation of the extant variants grants us a privileged view of the clausal architecture of Pomerano-including cases of derivational misfiring-as well as of more general processes of clause formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Göz Kaufmann
- German Department, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
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38
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Christian B, Stefan P. Required displacement factors for evaluating and comparing climate impacts of intensive and extensive forestry in Germany. Carbon Balance Manag 2022; 17:14. [PMID: 36183047 PMCID: PMC9526925 DOI: 10.1186/s13021-022-00216-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Forestry plays a major role in climate change mitigation. However, which intensity of logging is best suited for that task remains controversial. We contribute to the debate by quantitatively analyzing three different forest management scenarios in Germany-a baseline scenario which represents a continuation of current forest management practice as well as an intensive and an extensive logging scenario. We assess whether increased carbon storage in wood products and substitution of other emission-intensive materials can offset reduced carbon stocks in the forest due to increased harvesting. For that, we calculate annual required displacement factors (RDF)-a dimensionless quantity that indicates the minimal displacement factor (DF) so that intensive forestry outperforms extensive forestry from a climate perspective. RESULTS If the intensive forest management scenario is included in the comparison, the RDF starts off with relatively high values (1 to 1.5) but declines over time and eventually even reaches negative values. Comparing the extensive scenario to a baseline yields RDF values between 0.1 and 0.9 with a slightly increasing trend. Compared to RDFs, expected future DFs are too low to favour the intensive forestry scenario and too high to favour the extensive forestry scenario, during the first 25 years of the modeling period. However, towards the end of the modeling period, the relationship between DFs and RDF is turned around in both comparisons. In the comparison between intensive and extensive forest management RDF values are very similar to future DF trajectories. CONCLUSION RDFs are a useful tool for comparing annual climate impacts of forest growth scenarios and can be used to benchmark material and energy substitution effects of wood. Our results indicate that the baseline scenario reflects an effective compromise between carbon stocks in the forest and carbon displacement by wood use. For a longer modeling period, however, this might not be the case. Which of the alternative scenarios would be best suited for climate change mitigation is heavily dependent on future DF trajectory. Hence, our findings highlight the necessity of robust projections of forest dynamics and industry decarbonization pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Buschbeck Christian
- Industrial Ecology Group, Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Freiburg, Tennenbacher Strasse 4,
Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Pauliuk Stefan
- Industrial Ecology Group, Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Freiburg, Tennenbacher Strasse 4,
Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
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Biere A, Parker D. Tools and algorithms for the construction and analysis of systems: a special issue for TACAS 2020. Int J Softw Tools Technol Transf 2022; 24:663-665. [PMID: 36186273 PMCID: PMC9510532 DOI: 10.1007/s10009-022-00677-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
This special issue of Software Tools for Technology Transfer comprises extended versions of selected papers from the 26th edition of the International Conference on Tools and Algorithms for the Construction and Analysis of Systems (TACAS 2020). The focus of this conference series is tools and algorithms for the rigorous analysis of software and hardware systems, and the papers in this special cover the spectrum of current work in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armin Biere
- Albert-Ludwigs University, Freiburg, Germany
| | - David Parker
- School of Computer Science, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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Meléndez AV, Velasco Cárdenas RMH, Lagies S, Strietz J, Siukstaite L, Thomas OS, Tomisch J, Weber W, Kammerer B, Römer W, Minguet S. Novel lectin-based chimeric antigen receptors target Gb3-positive tumour cells. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:513. [PMID: 36097202 PMCID: PMC9468074 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04524-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The link between cancer and aberrant glycosylation has recently become evident. Glycans and their altered forms, known as tumour-associated carbohydrate antigens (TACAs), are diverse, complex and difficult to target therapeutically. Lectins are naturally occurring glycan-binding proteins that offer a unique opportunity to recognise TACAs. T cells expressing chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) have proven to be a successful immunotherapy against leukaemias, but so far have shown limited success in solid tumours. We developed a panel of lectin-CARs that recognise the glycosphingolipid globotriaosylceramide (Gb3), which is overexpressed in various cancers, such as Burkitt's lymphoma, colorectal, breast and pancreatic. We have selected the following lectins: Shiga toxin's B-subunit from Shigella dysenteriae, LecA from Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and the engineered lectin Mitsuba from Mytilus galloprovincialis as antigen-binding domains and fused them to a well-known second-generation CAR. The Gb3-binding lectin-CARs have demonstrated target-specific cytotoxicity against Burkitt's lymphoma-derived cell lines as well as solid tumour cells from colorectal and triple-negative breast cancer. Our findings reveal the big potential of lectin-based CARs as therapeutical applications to target Gb3 and other TACAs expressed in haematological malignancies and solid tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Valeria Meléndez
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 1, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- BIOSS, Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 18, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- CIBSS, Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 18, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), University of Freiburg, Albertstraße 19a, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Rubí M-H Velasco Cárdenas
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 1, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- BIOSS, Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 18, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- CIBSS, Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 18, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Simon Lagies
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Albertstraße 21, 79102, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Lina Siukstaite
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 1, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- BIOSS, Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 18, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- CIBSS, Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 18, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Oliver S Thomas
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 1, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- BIOSS, Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 18, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- CIBSS, Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 18, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), University of Freiburg, Albertstraße 19a, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jana Tomisch
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 1, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- BIOSS, Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 18, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- CIBSS, Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 18, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Wilfried Weber
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 1, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- BIOSS, Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 18, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- CIBSS, Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 18, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), University of Freiburg, Albertstraße 19a, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Bernd Kammerer
- BIOSS, Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 18, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Albertstraße 21, 79102, Freiburg, Germany
- Centre for Integrative Signalling Analysis, University of Freiburg, Habsburgerstraße 49, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Winfried Römer
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 1, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.
- BIOSS, Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 18, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.
- CIBSS, Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 18, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), University of Freiburg, Albertstraße 19a, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.
- Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies (FRIAS), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Susana Minguet
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 1, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.
- BIOSS, Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 18, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.
- CIBSS, Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 18, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), University of Freiburg, Albertstraße 19a, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.
- Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies (FRIAS), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
- Center of Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), University Clinics and Medical Faculty, Freiburg, Germany.
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Abstract
Deep generative models can learn the underlying structure, such as pathways or gene programs, from omics data. We provide an introduction as well as an overview of such techniques, specifically illustrating their use with single-cell gene expression data. For example, the low dimensional latent representations offered by various approaches, such as variational auto-encoders, are useful to get a better understanding of the relations between observed gene expressions and experimental factors or phenotypes. Furthermore, by providing a generative model for the latent and observed variables, deep generative models can generate synthetic observations, which allow us to assess the uncertainty in the learned representations. While deep generative models are useful to learn the structure of high-dimensional omics data by efficiently capturing non-linear dependencies between genes, they are sometimes difficult to interpret due to their neural network building blocks. More precisely, to understand the relationship between learned latent variables and observed variables, e.g., gene transcript abundances and external phenotypes, is difficult. Therefore, we also illustrate current approaches that allow us to infer the relationship between learned latent variables and observed variables as well as external phenotypes. Thereby, we render deep learning approaches more interpretable. In an application with single-cell gene expression data, we demonstrate the utility of the discussed methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Treppner
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Statistics, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Stefan-Meier-Str. 26, Freiburg, 79104, Germany.
| | - Harald Binder
- Freiburg Center for Data Analysis and Modeling, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, 79104, Germany
| | - Moritz Hess
- Freiburg Center for Data Analysis and Modeling, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, 79104, Germany
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Fuchs A, Frodl A, Yilmaz T, Feucht MJ, Hoffmann R, Dickschas J, Schmal H, Izadpanah K. Versorgungsrealität patellastabilisierender Operationen. Orthopädie 2022; 51:652-659. [PMID: 35925283 PMCID: PMC9352640 DOI: 10.1007/s00132-022-04264-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Hintergrund Die patellofemorale Instabilität zählt zu den häufigsten Pathologien des Kniegelenks. Die Planung und Durchführung patellastabilisierender Operationen ist sehr variabel. Bezüglich der operativen Maßnahmen kommt der präoperativen Planung, gerade im Hinblick auf die häufig hohe Komplexität der zugrundeliegenden Pathologien, eine entscheidende Bedeutung zu. Fragestellung Ziel dieser Studie war es, die aktuelle Versorgungsrealität in Bezug auf Planung und Durchführung patellastabilisierender Operationen unter Mitgliedern der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie (DGOU) abzubilden. Des Weiteren sollte erhoben werden, ob ggf. automatisierte Analysen der zugrundeliegenden Anatomie die Planung und Durchführung patellastabilisierender Operationen (im Primär- und Revisionsfall) beeinflussen würden. Material und Methoden Unter allen aktiven Mitgliedern der DGOU wurde per Mail eine anonymisierte Online-Umfrage mit 16 Fragen erhoben. 7974 Mitglieder wurden angeschrieben, 393 Rückmeldungen konnten anschließend analysiert werden. Ergebnisse Die MPFL-Plastik (89,8 %) ist die am häufigsten durchgeführte Operation zur Patellastabilisierung. Dahinter folgen Tuberositasversatzoperationen (64,9 %), Korrekturosteotomien (51,2 %) und Trochleaplastiken (19,9 %). Die Wahl bezüglich des operativen Vorgehens fällt überwiegend auf Grundlage einer Kombination aus klinischen und radiologischen Befunden (90,3 %). Für die Entscheidung zur Operation werden hauptsächlich MRT-Bildgebung (81,2 %), Standard-Röntgenbilder (77,4 %) und Beinganzaufnahmen (76,6 %) herangezogen. Insgesamt würden 59,3 % der Befragten eine automatisierte Analyse für eine vereinfachte präoperative Planung und die Detektion von entscheidenden radiologischen Parametern (59,0 %) in Anspruch nehmen, sofern diese zur Verfügung stünden. Diskussion Die Erhebungen dieser Umfrage unter Mitgliedern der DGOU weisen die MPFL-Plastik als zentralen Ansatzpunkt zur operativen Behandlung patellofemoraler Instabilitäten aus, diagnostisch ist die MRT-Bildgebung essenziell. Durch eine zukünftige Etablierung automatisierter Software-gestützter Analysemethoden könnte bei einer Vielzahl von Operateuren eine Erweiterung der radiologisch berücksichtigten Parameter in der Planung patellastabilisierender Operationen erreicht werden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Fuchs
- Klinik für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Hugstetter Str. 55, 79106, Freiburg, Deutschland.
| | - Andreas Frodl
- Klinik für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Hugstetter Str. 55, 79106, Freiburg, Deutschland
| | - Tayfun Yilmaz
- Klinik für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Hugstetter Str. 55, 79106, Freiburg, Deutschland
| | - Matthias J Feucht
- Orthopädische Klinik Paulinenhilfe, Diakonieklinikum Stuttgart, Rosenbergstr. 38, 70176, Stuttgart, Deutschland
| | - Reinhard Hoffmann
- Unfallchirurgie und Orthopädische Chirurgie, BG Unfallklinik Frankfurt am Main, Friedberger Landstr. 430, 60389, Frankfurt am Main, Deutschland
| | - Jörg Dickschas
- Klinik für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie, Klinikum Bamberg, Buger Str. 80, 96049, Bamberg, Deutschland
| | - Hagen Schmal
- Klinik für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Hugstetter Str. 55, 79106, Freiburg, Deutschland
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University Hospital Odense, Sdr. Boulevard 29, 5000, Odense C, Dänemark
| | - Kaywan Izadpanah
- Klinik für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Hugstetter Str. 55, 79106, Freiburg, Deutschland
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Borukhson D, Lorenz-Spreen P, Ragni M. When Does an Individual Accept Misinformation? An Extended Investigation Through Cognitive Modeling. Comput Brain Behav 2022; 5:244-260. [PMID: 35578705 PMCID: PMC9093560 DOI: 10.1007/s42113-022-00136-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
A new phenomenon is the spread and acceptance of misinformation and disinformation on an individual user level, facilitated by social media such as Twitter. So far, state-of-the-art socio-psychological theories and cognitive models focus on explaining how the accuracy of fake news is judged on average, with little consideration of the individual. In this paper, a breadth of core models are comparatively assessed on their predictive accuracy for the individual decision maker, i.e., how well can models predict an individual’s decision before the decision is made. To conduct this analysis, it requires the raw responses of each individual and the implementation and adaption of theories to predict the individual’s response. Building on methods formerly applied on smaller and more limited datasets, we used three previously collected large datasets with a total of 3794 participants and searched for, analyzed and refined existing classical and heuristic modeling approaches. The results suggest that classical reasoning, sentiment analysis models and heuristic approaches can best predict the “Accept” or “Reject” response of a person, headed by a model put together from research by Jay Van Bavel, while other models such as an implementation of “motivated reasoning” performed worse. Further, hybrid models that combine pairs of individual models achieve a significant increase in performance, pointing to an adaptive toolbox.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Borukhson
- Department for Computer Science, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Philipp Lorenz-Spreen
- Center for Adaptive Rationality, Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marco Ragni
- Predictive Analytics, Technical University Chemnitz, Chemnitz, Germany
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Krahe AM, Ketterer MC, Offergeld C, Hildenbrand T. [Evaluation of a structured e-learning-based approach to CT anatomy of the paranasal sinuses for medical students : A pilot study]. HNO 2022; 70:468-475. [PMID: 35041028 PMCID: PMC9160128 DOI: 10.1007/s00106-021-01141-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Computed tomography (CT) anatomy is not an integral part of undergraduate medical training in many countries. Radiology seems to be well suited for new online-based teaching methods. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate whether e‑learning is appropriate for introducing complex learning contents such as sinus CT anatomy to novices and to assess whether identification of relevant anatomical variants in sinus CT scans by medical students can be improved with a sinus CT checklist. MATERIALS AND METHODS Medical students were asked to assess sinus CT scans for anatomical variants before and after implementation of the CLOSE mnemonic (cribriform plate, lamina papyracea, Onodi cell, sphenoid sinus pneumatization, and [anterior] ethmoidal artery). Sinus CT anatomy and the CLOSE mnemonic were introduced by e‑learning. The rate of correctly identified variants and the results of the individual CLOSE items were recorded. A questionnaire was distributed for subjective evaluation of the usefulness of the checklist and e‑learning. RESULTS Ten students took part in this pilot study. The rate of correctly identified variants improved significantly, from 33.3 to 61.1%. The analysis of the individual CLOSE items showed a significant improvement for C, S, and E. The subjective evaluation of the CLOSE mnemonic and e‑learning was very positive. CONCLUSION E‑learning was able to transfer complex learning contents in previously non-trained medical students and was evaluated as an appropriate introduction to the topics. Structured assessment of paranasal sinus CT scans using the CLOSE criteria can significantly improve the recognition of anatomical variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Marleen Krahe
- Klinik für Hals‑, Nasen- und Ohrenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106 Freiburg, Deutschland
| | - Manuel Christoph Ketterer
- Klinik für Hals‑, Nasen- und Ohrenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106 Freiburg, Deutschland
| | - Christian Offergeld
- Klinik für Hals‑, Nasen- und Ohrenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106 Freiburg, Deutschland
| | - Tanja Hildenbrand
- Klinik für Hals‑, Nasen- und Ohrenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106 Freiburg, Deutschland
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45
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Wiertz S, Boldt J. Evaluating models of consent in changing health research environments. Med Health Care and Philos 2022; 25:269-280. [PMID: 35286521 PMCID: PMC9135890 DOI: 10.1007/s11019-022-10074-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
While Specific Informed Consent has been the established standard for obtaining consent for medical research for many years, it does not appear suitable for large-scale biobank and health data research. Thus, alternative forms of consent have been suggested, based on a variety of ethical background assumptions. This article identifies five main ethical perspectives at stake. Even though Tiered Consent, Dynamic Consent and Meta Consent are designed to the demands of the self-determination perspective as well as the perspective of research as a public good, they are still also criticized from both perspectives. In addition, criticisms based on concerns of justice, participation and democratic deliberation, and relational concerns have been levelled at each of the models. As all of these perspectives have valid points to make, the task at hand lies in balancing these ethical perspectives. What constitutes an adequate balancing depends on contextual factors. These factors include digital infrastructure and digital literacy, data safety regulation, good scientific and clinical practice, transparent debates on ethically relevant features of research, social inequalities, anti-discrimination laws and practices, trust in health care institutions and recognition of patient preferences, and consensus on unethical research. We argue that the role of context in determining acceptable models of consent puts the ethical importance of models of consent into perspective. Since altering contextual factors can help to live up to the ethical concerns at stake in debates about models of consent, opting for such a shift of focus comes without ethical loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svenja Wiertz
- Department of Medical Ethics and the History of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Stefan-Meier-Str. 26, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Joachim Boldt
- Department of Medical Ethics and the History of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Stefan-Meier-Str. 26, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
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Reiter G, Ramezani F, Baschnagel J. The memory of thin polymer films generated by spin coating. Eur Phys J E Soft Matter 2022; 45:51. [PMID: 35612618 PMCID: PMC9132827 DOI: 10.1140/epje/s10189-022-00205-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
We present results from isothermal and temperature-sweep creep experiments adapted to filaments which were derived from spin coated and subsequently crumpled thin polystyrene films. Due to the existence of residual stresses induced by preparation, the filaments showed significant shrinkage which we followed as a function of time at various temperatures. In addition, the influence of preparation conditions and subsequent annealing of supported thin polymer films on shrinkage and relaxation behavior was investigated. The temporal evolution of shrinkage revealed a sequence of relaxation regimes. We explored the temperature dependence of this relaxation and compared our observations with published results on drawn melt-spun fibers. This comparison revealed intriguing similarities between both systems prepared along different pathways. For instance, the magnitudes of shrinkage of melt-spun fibers and of filaments from crumpled spin coated polymer films are similar. Thus, our results suggest the existence of generic mechanisms of "forgetting", i.e., how non-equilibrated polymers lose their memory of past processing events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Günter Reiter
- Institute of Physics, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Farzad Ramezani
- Institute of Physics, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jörg Baschnagel
- Institut Charles Sadron, Université de Strasbourg and CNRS, 67034, Strasbourg Cedex, France
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Dawson J, Pandey S, Yu Q, Schaub P, Wüst F, Moradi AB, Dovzhenko O, Palme K, Welsch R. Determination of protoplast growth properties using quantitative single-cell tracking analysis. Plant Methods 2022; 18:64. [PMID: 35585602 PMCID: PMC9118701 DOI: 10.1186/s13007-022-00895-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although quantitative single-cell analysis is frequently applied in animal systems, e.g. to identify novel drugs, similar applications on plant single cells are largely missing. We have exploited the applicability of high-throughput microscopic image analysis on plant single cells using tobacco leaf protoplasts, cell-wall free single cells isolated by lytic digestion. Protoplasts regenerate their cell wall within several days after isolation and have the potential to expand and proliferate, generating microcalli and finally whole plants after the application of suitable regeneration conditions. RESULTS High-throughput automated microscopy coupled with the development of image processing pipelines allowed to quantify various developmental properties of thousands of protoplasts during the initial days following cultivation by immobilization in multi-well-plates. The focus on early protoplast responses allowed to study cell expansion prior to the initiation of proliferation and without the effects of shape-compromising cell walls. We compared growth parameters of wild-type tobacco cells with cells expressing the antiapoptotic protein Bcl2-associated athanogene 4 from Arabidopsis (AtBAG4). CONCLUSIONS AtBAG4-expressing protoplasts showed a higher proportion of cells responding with positive area increases than the wild type and showed increased growth rates as well as increased proliferation rates upon continued cultivation. These features are associated with reported observations on a BAG4-mediated increased resilience to various stress responses and improved cellular survival rates following transformation approaches. Moreover, our single-cell expansion results suggest a BAG4-mediated, cell-independent increase of potassium channel abundance which was hitherto reported for guard cells only. The possibility to explain plant phenotypes with single-cell properties, extracted with the single-cell processing and analysis pipeline developed, allows to envision novel biotechnological screening strategies able to determine improved plant properties via single-cell analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Dawson
- Institute of Biology II, Faculty of Biology, Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Schänzlestrasse 1, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- Institute of General Electrical Engineering, University of Rostock, Albert-Einstein-Str. 2, 18059, Rostock, Germany
- Augusta University, 1201 Goss Ln, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Saurabh Pandey
- Institute of Biology II, Faculty of Biology, Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Schänzlestrasse 1, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Qiuju Yu
- Institute of Biology II, Faculty of Biology, Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Schänzlestrasse 1, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- ScreenSYS GmbH, Engesserstr. 4, 79108, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Patrick Schaub
- Institute of Biology II, Faculty of Biology, Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Schänzlestrasse 1, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- ScreenSYS GmbH, Engesserstr. 4, 79108, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Florian Wüst
- Institute of Biology II, Faculty of Biology, Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Schänzlestrasse 1, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- ScreenSYS GmbH, Engesserstr. 4, 79108, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Amir Bahram Moradi
- Institute of Biology II, Faculty of Biology, Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Schänzlestrasse 1, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Oleksandr Dovzhenko
- Institute of Biology II, Faculty of Biology, Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Schänzlestrasse 1, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- ScreenSYS GmbH, Engesserstr. 4, 79108, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Klaus Palme
- Institute of Biology II, Faculty of Biology, Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Schänzlestrasse 1, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- ScreenSYS GmbH, Engesserstr. 4, 79108, Freiburg, Germany
- BIOSS Center for Biological Signaling Studies, Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Schänzlestrasse 1, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Daizong Street 61, Tai'an, 271018, China
| | - Ralf Welsch
- Institute of Biology II, Faculty of Biology, Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Schänzlestrasse 1, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.
- ScreenSYS GmbH, Engesserstr. 4, 79108, Freiburg, Germany.
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Bröckelmann N, Balduzzi S, Harms L, Beyerbach J, Petropoulou M, Kubiak C, Wolkewitz M, Meerpohl JJ, Schwingshackl L. Evaluating agreement between bodies of evidence from randomized controlled trials and cohort studies in medical research: a meta-epidemiological study. BMC Med 2022; 20:174. [PMID: 35538478 PMCID: PMC9092682 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-022-02369-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies are the most common study design types used to assess the treatment effects of medical interventions. To evaluate the agreement of effect estimates between bodies of evidence (BoE) from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies and to identify factors associated with disagreement. METHODS Systematic reviews were published in the 13 medical journals with the highest impact factor identified through a MEDLINE search. BoE-pairs from RCTs and cohort studies with the same medical research question were included. We rated the similarity of PI/ECO (Population, Intervention/Exposure, Comparison, Outcome) between BoE from RCTs and cohort studies. The agreement of effect estimates across BoE was analyzed by pooling ratio of ratios (RoR) for binary outcomes and difference of mean differences for continuous outcomes. We performed subgroup analyses to explore factors associated with disagreements. RESULTS One hundred twenty-nine BoE pairs from 64 systematic reviews were included. PI/ECO-similarity degree was moderate: two BoE pairs were rated as "more or less identical"; 90 were rated as "similar but not identical" and 37 as only "broadly similar". For binary outcomes, the pooled RoR was 1.04 (95% CI 0.97-1.11) with considerable statistical heterogeneity. For continuous outcomes, differences were small. In subgroup analyses, degree of PI/ECO-similarity, type of intervention, and type of outcome, the pooled RoR indicated that on average, differences between both BoE were small. Subgroup analysis by degree of PI/ECO-similarity revealed high statistical heterogeneity and wide prediction intervals across PI/ECO-dissimilar BoE pairs. CONCLUSIONS On average, the pooled effect estimates between RCTs and cohort studies did not differ. Statistical heterogeneity and wide prediction intervals were mainly driven by PI/ECO-dissimilarities (i.e., clinical heterogeneity) and cohort studies. The potential influence of risk of bias and certainty of the evidence on differences of effect estimates between RCTs and cohort studies needs to be explored in upcoming meta-epidemiological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nils Bröckelmann
- Institute for Evidence in Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Breisacher Straße 86, 79110, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sara Balduzzi
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Statistics, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Louisa Harms
- Institute for Evidence in Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Breisacher Straße 86, 79110, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jessica Beyerbach
- Institute for Evidence in Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Breisacher Straße 86, 79110, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Maria Petropoulou
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Statistics, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Charlotte Kubiak
- Institute for Evidence in Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Breisacher Straße 86, 79110, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Martin Wolkewitz
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Statistics, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Joerg J Meerpohl
- Institute for Evidence in Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Breisacher Straße 86, 79110, Freiburg, Germany
- Cochrane Germany, Cochrane Germany Foundation, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Lukas Schwingshackl
- Institute for Evidence in Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Breisacher Straße 86, 79110, Freiburg, Germany.
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Lang SJ, Werner N, Böhringer D, Maier P, Reinhard T. Influence of graft vascularization on graft survival following homologous limbo-keratoplasty. Int Ophthalmol 2022; 42:3053-3059. [PMID: 35381896 PMCID: PMC9509297 DOI: 10.1007/s10792-022-02291-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Limbo-keratoplasty enables visual improvement and limbal stem cell transplantation at the same. During follow-up, most grafts show vascularization of the limbus. However, it is unclear whether vascularization is harmful due to immunologic effects or helpful to nourish the limbal stem cells and is therefore necessary for a clear graft. The aim of our study is to analyze the influence of graft vascularization on graft survival following homologous limbo-keratoplasty. METHODS In this retrospective study, we assessed all consecutive limbo-keratoplasties performed in our hospital. All eyes with suitable photo-documentation were included and divided into two groups (limbal stem cell deficiency and corneal dystrophy). We categorized the grade of vascularization (0, 1, 2, 3, 3b) and analyzed clear graft survival, recurrence of the underlying disease and the endothelial cell density (ECD) with regard to the reason for the graft. Event rates were estimated with the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS A total of 79 eyes with limbal stem cell deficiency and 15 with corneal dystrophies were analyzed. A high degree of graft vascularization had a tendency for better graft survival in limbal stem cell deficiency, whereas in corneal dystrophies, grafts with no vascularization had preferable outcomes. Recurrence-free graft survival was only seen in grade 1 and 3 vascularization in corneal dystrophies. CONCLUSION Vascularization of the limbus seems to have an impact on the long-term outcome of limbo-keratoplasty. The effect seems to be favorable in limbal stem cell deficiency and on recurrence rates in corneal dystrophies. However, the latter might be overshadowed by an unfavorable immunologic effect in corneal dystrophies where the baseline immunologic risk profile is commonly more favorable than in limbal stem cell deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan J Lang
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Nicole Werner
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Böhringer
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Philip Maier
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Reinhard
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Killianstr. 5, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
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50
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Koschmieder J, Alseekh S, Shabani M, Baltenweck R, Maurino VG, Palme K, Fernie AR, Hugueney P, Welsch R. Color recycling: metabolization of apocarotenoid degradation products suggests carbon regeneration via primary metabolic pathways. Plant Cell Rep 2022; 41:961-977. [PMID: 35064799 PMCID: PMC9035014 DOI: 10.1007/s00299-022-02831-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Analysis of carotenoid-accumulating roots revealed that oxidative carotenoid degradation yields glyoxal and methylglyoxal. Our data suggest that these compounds are detoxified via the glyoxalase system and re-enter primary metabolic pathways. Carotenoid levels in plant tissues depend on the relative rates of synthesis and degradation. We recently identified redox enzymes previously known to be involved in the detoxification of fatty acid-derived reactive carbonyl species which were able to convert apocarotenoids into corresponding alcohols and carboxylic acids. However, their subsequent metabolization pathways remain unresolved. Interestingly, we found that carotenoid-accumulating roots have increased levels of glutathione, suggesting apocarotenoid glutathionylation to occur. In vitro and in planta investigations did not, however, support the occurrence of non-enzymatic or enzymatic glutathionylation of β-apocarotenoids. An alternative breakdown pathway is the continued oxidative degradation of primary apocarotenoids or their derivatives into the shortest possible oxidation products, namely glyoxal and methylglyoxal, which also accumulated in carotenoid-accumulating roots. In fact, combined transcriptome and metabolome analysis suggest that the high levels of glutathione are most probably required for detoxifying apocarotenoid-derived glyoxal and methylglyoxal via the glyoxalase pathway, yielding glycolate and D-lactate, respectively. Further transcriptome analysis suggested subsequent reactions involving activities associated with photorespiration and the peroxisome-specific glycolate/glyoxylate transporter. Finally, detoxified primary apocarotenoid degradation products might be converted into pyruvate which is possibly re-used for the synthesis of carotenoid biosynthesis precursors. Our findings allow to envision carbon recycling during carotenoid biosynthesis, degradation and re-synthesis which consumes energy, but partially maintains initially fixed carbon via re-introducing reactive carotenoid degradation products into primary metabolic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Saleh Alseekh
- Max-Planck-Institute for Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
- Center for Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology, 4000, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Marzieh Shabani
- Faculty of Biology II, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- Department of Plant Production and Genetics, School of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Veronica G Maurino
- Department of Molecular Plant Physiology, Institute of Molecular Physiology and Biotechnology of Plants, University of Bonn, Kirschallee 1, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Klaus Palme
- Faculty of Biology II, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Alisdair R Fernie
- Max-Planck-Institute for Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
- Center for Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology, 4000, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Philippe Hugueney
- Université de Strasbourg, INRAE, SVQV UMR-A 1131, 68000, Colmar, France
| | - Ralf Welsch
- Faculty of Biology II, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.
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