Search

Colletotrichum species are the causal agents of grape ripe rot (GRR). However, Colletotrichum isolates have been isolated from symptoms of leaf grape anthracnose (GA) caused by Elsinöe ampelina infection. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate whether Colletotrichum isolates obtained from grapes with GA are pathogenic on grapevine leaf, cane, or berry causing GA, or if they can cause GRR symptoms on ripe grapes. Colletotrichum isolates were characterized by genetic and morphological analyses as well as pathogenicity tests. One isolate of E. ampelina from GA and one of Colletotrichum acutatum complex (GL1) collected from GRR symptoms were used as reference isolates. Colletotrichum isolates from GA lesions were identified by genetic and morphological differences as C. nymphaeae (17 isolates) and C. theobromicola (one isolate). C. theobromicola was found for the first time associated with grapes in Brazil. C. nymphaeae and C. theobromicola did not cause lesions on grapevine leaf or cane, but the isolate of E. ampelina confirmed symptoms of typical GA. The Colletotrichum isolates from leaves were pathogenic on grapevine berries leading to GRR symptoms. Epidemiological studies on the relevance of Colletotrichum latent infection on leaves as a source of primary inoculum of ripe rot and the interference of co‐infections of E. ampelina × Colletotrichum spp. on GA symptoms should be further investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Introduction Objective Methods Results Conclusions Inflammation is a marker of immune activation. Inflammation may have an effect on both ovarian function and luteal function, both essential to pregnancy. High inflammation may also signal dysregulated processes within the ovary, which could be in part measured through Anti‐Müllerian hormone, follicle‐stimulating hormone, and inhibin B levels.To determine the relationship between inflammation, measured by C‐reactive protein, and three biomarkers of ovarian function during the early follicular phase: Anti‐Müllerian hormone, follicle‐stimulating hormone, and inhibin B.Secondary cross‐sectional analysis of data and serum obtained in Time to Conceive, a prospective cohort study sample of 843 women attempting pregnancy in central North Carolina from 2008 to 2016. Participants were aged 30 and 44 years, had no history of infertility, endometriosis, or polycystic ovarian syndrome, and were not currently breastfeeding. Serum samples were obtained on days 2, 3, or 4 of the menstrual cycle. C‐reactive protein (natural‐log transformed), Anti‐Müllerian hormone (natural‐log transformed), follicle‐stimulating hormone (natural‐log transformed), and inhibin B (untransformed) were measured in serum. Diminished ovarian reserve was examined dichotomously and defined as an Anti‐Müllerian hormone level below 0.7 ng/mL.The analysis included 703 participants with C‐reactive protein measured. In an adjusted linear regression model, a 20% increase in C‐reactive protein was associated with a 0.57 pg/mL decrease in inhibin B (95% CI: −0.84 to −0.29 pg/mL) and a 0.535% decrease in follicle‐stimulating hormone (95% CI: −1.01 to −0.06). Although there was not a significant relationship between Anti‐Müllerian hormone and C‐reactive protein, a 20% increase in C‐reactive protein was associated with a 0.87% increase in Anti‐Müllerian hormone (95% CI: −0.27 to 2.01). C‐reactive protein was not associated with the odds of diminished ovarian reserve in an adjusted logistic regression model (OR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.77–1.20).Inflammation, as measured by C‐reactive protein, is associated with early follicular phase follicle‐stimulating hormone and inhibin B, although this is not true of AMH. Inflammation may exert an effect on ovarian function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reactions of oxalyl chloride were investigated in the binary superacidic systems HF/SbF5 and DF/SbF5. O‐Monoprotonated oxalyl chloride was isolated and represents the first example of a protonated acyl chloride. Diprotonated oxalyl chloride is only stable in solution. Salts of the ClCO+ cation were synthesized from the reactions of oxalyl chloride or COClF with SbF5 in 1,1,1,2‐tetrafluoroethane (R‐134a, CF3CFH2). The colourless salts were characterized by low‐temperature vibrational spectroscopy, NMR spectroscopy and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. (1,2‐Dichloro‐2‐oxoethylidene)oxidanium hexafluoridoantimonate(V), [C2O(OH)Cl2][SbF6], crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21 and carbonyl chloride hexadecafluoridotriarsenate(V) [ClCO][Sb3F16], in the trigonal space group P31, with two and three formula units per unit cell, respectively. Monoprotonated oxalyl chloride and the ClCO+ cation both display very short C—Cl bonds with a strong double‐bond character. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) pose significant environmental and health risks due to their ubiquitous presence and persistence in water systems. Herein, the efficacy of piezocatalysis using barium titanate nanoparticles under ultrasound irradiation for the degradation and defluorination of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) in water is investigated. The research demonstrates a substantial 90.5% degradation and 29% defluorination of PFOS after 6 h of treatment, highlighting the potential of piezocatalysis as a promising approach for PFAS degradation. Additionally, the quantification of degradation products elucidates the transformation pathways of PFOS, suggesting a stepwise chain‐shortening mechanism. The findings underscore the importance of continued research in optimizing piezocatalytic processes and exploring synergistic approaches with other advanced oxidation methods to effectively address PFAS contamination challenges. These efforts are essential for advancing sustainable water treatment strategies and mitigating the environmental and health hazards associated with PFAS contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigates the dynamics of leave-taking and thanking on buses in rural versus urban settings. Employing a mixed-methods approach, Study A involved an online survey with 1000 participants from 125 locations in German-speaking Switzerland, while Study B observed 236 passengers' behaviors in urban and rural contexts whereby contextual factors such as location of exiting, time of day, and passenger demographics were systematically varied. Results revealed an urban-rural divide, with rural areas demonstrating more frequent leave-taking and thanking. Factors like door location on the bus, number of exiting passengers, and passenger age influenced the realization of these speech acts, with front-door, solo exits and older passengers displaying more leave-taking and thanking. Furthermore, in rural areas, bus drivers often initiated the interactions. Subsequent qualitative interviews after the conduction of Study B revealed several possible reasons for the urban vs. rural divide: in the rural countryside, bus lines can be geographically more exposed. Roads can be dangerous, particularly in wintertime. This could increase the probability of wanting to bid farewell to the bus driver and to express gratitude for bringing them home 'safely'. This research sheds light on the subtleties governing social exchanges within public transportation contexts. • This is the first study to examine sub-national variation in leave-taking and thanking between bus drivers and passengers. • Findings reveal a rural vs urban divide in these speech acts: countryside people use more leave-taking and thank you. • In the countryside, behavior is influenced by factors like place of exiting and passengers' age. • Qualitative interviews show differences in social networks and bus line make-up to affect realization of these speech acts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To report a rare case of isolated lumbar vertebral body infarction following lumbar artery embolization for suspected retroperitoneal haemorrhage. Methods: We present the case of a 75-year-old male who underwent lumbar artery embolization due to a suspected retroperitoneal haemorrhage post-surgery. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed to monitor post-embolization severe lumbar pain. Results: Initial MRI two days post-embolization showed no osseous signal changes or epidural abscess. A subsequent MRI 26 days post-embolization was performed because of increasing lumbar back pain and it revealed a new bone infarction at the L3 vertebral body. CT showed embolization deposits within the vertebral body, not present before the procedure. Conclusion: This unique case underscores the importance of considering vertebral body infarction as a potential complication following lumbar artery embolization. MRI was critical in early detection of the bone infarction, while CT confirmed the presence of embolization material. Awareness of this rare complication is crucial for prompt diagnosis and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To assess the effect of ventricular decompression on cerebral oxygenation in preterm neonates with intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) and posthemorrhagic ventricular dilatation (PHVD) using near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Methods: Fifty‐three preterm neonates born <34 weeks' gestation between 2013 and 2023 with IVH and subsequent PHVD were prospectively included. Regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rScO2) as well as fractional cerebral tissue oxygen extraction (cFTOE) were analysed 2 weeks before and after ventricular decompression. Results: Ventricular decompression was performed at 18 ± 6 days of life. Patients with repeated lumbar punctures prior to ventricular drainage showed consistently higher rScO2 and lower cFTOE levels 2 weeks before and after intervention compared to those without. Patients who underwent direct ventricular drainage showed an immediate increase in rScO2 levels on the day of the procedure. In patients who underwent prior lumbar punctures, ventricular decompression did not yield additional acute effects on cerebral oxygenation. Conclusion: Patients who underwent repeated lumbar punctures preceding ventricular drainage consistently maintained higher rScO2 and lower cFTOE levels during the study period. In these patients, ventricular decompression did not further affect cerebral oxygenation, as they already demonstrated improved cerebral hemodynamics, whereas an immediate improvement was observed in those without prior lumbar punctures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bacteriophages are known modulators of community composition and activity in environmental and host-associated microbiomes. However, the impact single phages have on bacterial community dynamics under viral predation, the extent and duration of their effect, are not completely understood. In this study, we combine morphological and genomic characterization of a novel marine phage, isolated from the Baltic sponge Halichondria panicea, and report on first attempts of controlled phage-manipulation of natural sponge-associated microbiomes. Results: We used culture-based and culture-independent (16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing) methods to investigate bacterial community composition and dynamics in sponge microbiomes with and without the addition of phages. Upon application of a novel Maribacter specialist phage Panino under controlled conditions, we were able to detect community-wide shifts in the microbiome composition and load after 72 h. While bacterial community composition became more dissimilar over time in the presence of phages, species evenness and richness were maintained. Upon phage exposure, we observed the loss of several low-abundance constituent taxa of the resident microbiota, while other originally underrepresented taxa increased. Virulent phages likely induce community-wide disturbances, evident in changes in the total sponge microbial profile by specific elimination of constituent taxa, which leads to an increase in bacterial abundance of opportunistic taxa, such as the genera Vibrio, Pseudoalteromonas, and Photobacterium. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that sponge microbiome diversity and, by extension, its resilience depend on the maintenance of resident bacterial community members, irrespective of their abundance. Phage-induced disturbances can significantly alter community structure by promoting the growth of opportunistic bacteria like Vibrio and shifting the microbiome to a dysbiotic state. These insights highlight the role of bacteriophages in shaping microbiome dynamics and underscore the potential for phage application in managing bacterial community composition in marine host-associated environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present our analysis of MAXI J1813−095 during its hard state "stalled" outburst in 2018. This self-consistent analysis has been carried out using the Neutron Star Interior Composition Explorer, Swift, Chandra, and NuSTAR throughout seven observations of MAXI J1813−095. We find a relativistic iron line at ∼6.5 keV from the inner region of the accretion disk. Our results are consistent with a slightly truncated disk or nontruncated disk for an inner radius of ∼2 R g and minimum spin of >0.7 with the best value of ∼0.9, assuming R in reaches the innermost stable circular orbit at L x ∼ 1% L Edd. We analyzed MAXI J1813−095 over its outburst, employing a spectral model that self-consistently couples the seed disk photons to the Comptonization and reflection components, also inclusive of reflection Comptonization. The unique aspect of this work is a reflection fraction of order unity, which is significantly higher than previous studies of this source and is a consequence of applying the self-consistent disk-Comptonization-reflection spectral model. Other key parameters, such as inclination and inner radius, are found to be consistent with other works. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and Purpose: Radiopharmaceutical therapy (RPT) dosimetry can be challenging to perform due to sparse data measurements and variations in how the time activity curve (TAC) is determined. In this work, a single system of equations was theoretically derived to estimate the TAC. Methods: A pharmacokinetic (PK) model was developed to estimate patient specific rate constants for a given set of body compartments. The PK model and an optimizer were numerically implemented to determine the rate constants and, using these physiologic data, to generate TACs and time integrated activities (TIAs) for 3 tissue systems from clinical data gathered in 5 patients. A fourth (aggregate) tissue compartment is added using conservation of activity considerations. Results: Feasibility of the PK model was demonstrated by successfully generating TACs and TIAs for all patients in a manner comparable to existing methods in the literature. The data are compared to smaller sampling regimes. Differences between the 3- and 4-compartment models show that conservation of activity considerations should be part of TAC estimations. Conclusion: The results here suggest a new paradigm in RPT in using the rate constants so identified as a diagnostic tool and as a vehicle to achieving individualized tumorcidal dose and/or the maximum tolerable dose to normal tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: De novo malignancies are one of the leading causes of death after liver transplantation (LT), particularly in patients transplanted for alcohol‐related liver disease (ALD). This retrospective study aimed to assess risk factors for malignancies and to evaluate the impact of calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) discontinuation. Methods: From 1990 to 2015, all patients transplanted for ALD were included. Results: A total of 493 patients were included, 77.9% were male and the median age at LT was 54 years. After LT, 278 de novo malignancies were diagnosed in 214 patients (43.4%). The cumulative incidence of de novo malignancies was 16.3% at 5 years, 34.4% at 10 years, and 49.8% at 15 years. In multivariate analysis, the independent risk factors were male gender (HR = 1.6), and active or weaned smoking (HR = 2.0). Discontinuation of CNI was a protective factor (HR = 0.6). Survival after diagnosis of de novo malignancy was 42.7% at 5 years and 27.5% at 10 years. Conclusion: Our results confirm the major incidence of de novo malignancies after LT for ALD, as well as the important role of non‐modifiable risk factors such as smoking and gender. CNI discontinuation is a protective factor, and the only adaptable, and could be proposed in smoker male patients transplanted for ALD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma (T-ALL/LBL) and Burkitt lymphoma (BL) are uncommon, highly aggressive diseases originating either from immature precursor T cells or from mature B cells in BL. We retrospectively analyzed the outcome of an early autologous and/or allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT) concept in 28 patients with advanced stage T-ALL/LBL and BL after three to four remission induction/consolidation chemotherapy cycles. Considering only patients in first complete remission (CR), the 5-year overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) was 91% in patients with BL and 73% in patients with T-ALL/LBL with a 5-year relapse incidence (RI) of 9% in patients with BL and 27% in patients with T-ALL/LBL. All relapsing patients finally succumbed to the disease (n = 10) or complications/toxicity after having received a salvage allogeneic transplant (n = 5). Despite the low patient number our retrospective single-centre analysis by incorporating an early intensive high-dose chemo-/radiotherapy strategy with either autologous or allogeneic stem cell transplantation, although preliminary, show promising long-term outcome. Further studies are highly warranted to better define those patients who might benefit most from such a treatment approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Palliative medicine represents the holistic multiprofessional treatment of severely and incurably ill people and their relatives, addressing their complex physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs. The central therapeutic goals are the quality of life and alleviation of suffering. In the course of many neurological diseases, high symptom burden, long and variable trajectories and unfavorable prognosis at times create a need for palliative care even at an early stage, which is currently still inadequately met. This can be countered by qualified neuropalliative care. In addition to intensifying interdisciplinary collaboration, this requires neurologists to have core competencies in palliative care. These include a team-oriented attitude, communication skills, expertise in symptom control and knowledge of biomedical ethics including palliative options at the end of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) is a toxic gas emitted through natural and anthropogenic activities. Chronic exposure to inhaled H 2 S at low sub-toxic levels is common among workers in oil refineries and may have important health implications. Inhaled H 2 S can be oxidized to thiosulfate or methylated to dimethylsulfide (DMS) which can be methylated to the novel human metabolite trimethylsulfonium (TMS) or oxidized to dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) but the extent of methylation of inhaled H 2 S is currently unknown in humans. A total of 80 participants were recruited of which 40 were workers in an oil refinery in Kurdistan region, Iraq including those working in close contact with the facility area where H 2 S was measured at 1.5–5.0 mg m−3, and 40 controls living in a nearby city with no detectable H 2 S or perceptible odor (<0.1 mg m−3). A total of 240 urine samples were measured for multiple H 2 S-related metabolites. DMSO was consistently found in all urine samples with concentrations generally within the range of 1.0–10 µM. Although these concentrations were 10–100-fold higher than TMS urinary levels, clear correlation between DMSO and TMS was observed (r s 0.55, P < 0.0001), which supports DMS as common precursor. DMSO urinary levels were elevated in the oil refinery workers in close contact with the facilities (5.0 vs. 3.3 µM, P 0.03), but TMS was unaltered (0.13 vs. 0.14 µM, P 0.68). Overall, the results suggest that the investigated methylation metabolites are not sufficiently sensitive to low occupational exposure levels of inhaled H 2 S. • First investigation of the response of H 2 S-methylation metabolites to inhaled H 2 S in humans. • Total 240 urine samples were collected (120 from oil refinery workers and 120 from controls). • Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) was slightly elevated in oil refinery workers (3.3 vs. 5.0 µM), P 0.03. • Trimethylsulfonium (TMS) did not show a response to occupational H 2 S exposure. • H 2 S detoxification via methylation is limited at occupational exposure levels in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article investigates how and when the two first movers in knowledge-based regulation – the OECD and the World Bank – developed policy brokerage as an instrument of global governance in the education sector. We also examine how their target clientele – national governments – responds to this instrument. Given the surplus of research evidence in today's digital economy, intergovernmental organisations have the challenge of standing out as trusted and credible knowledge brokers in a crowded space. The authors make the case for a comparative research programme – tentatively labeled 'Governance by Numbers 2.0' – that is informed by a multidisciplinary (history, political science, interdisciplinary policy studies) interpretive framework and that advances a transnational, relational method of inquiry which draws attention to the global/national nexus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper tries to study the complexity of the personal and professional relationship between S. and A. Freud and A. and J. Strachey when they were translating Freud's Case Histories, starting with the years they spent in Vienna immediately after the end of the first world war being both in analysis with Freud and were checking the translations with him and his daughter. Those unique meetings according to me influenced even many aspects of Strachey SE later on and have still to be kept in mind even today as far as Mark Solms Revision of the SE is concerned. I also try to show the importance and the final control of the Strachey's translation exerted by E. Jones who had planned the Standard Edition of Freud' work already in 1920 and create a very rigid glossary in order to translate him which the Strachey's had to apply to their translations. I have used published and unpublished letters and notes on the translation to try to prove what I just stated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To describe the indications for and surgical technique of mastectomy of mares and to describe the outcome of 10 mares that underwent mastectomy in a retrospective case series. ANIMALS 10 mares having disease of one or both mammary glands. CLINICAL PRESENTATION Medical records (1995 to 2022) from 2 university teaching hospitals were searched to identify mares that had undergone unilateral or bilateral mastectomy. Data regarding history, signalment, diagnostic tests, preoperative treatment, surgical procedure, and postoperative management were reviewed. Follow-up information was obtained by interviewing the owners by telephone. RESULTS One (n = 4 mares) or both mammary glands (6 mares) were excised for the following reasons: chronic bacterial mastitis (4), neoplasia (3), lymphangiectasia (1), pythiosis (1), and Iymphoid hamartoma (1). None of the mares experienced intraoperative complications. The surgical site was closed primarily in 2 mares and left unsutured in 8 mares. Both sutured wounds developed a seroma, and 1 dehisced. The owners reported that the surgical wound, whether sutured or unsutured, was healed within 3 months. All mares returned to use for their intended purpose, but 3 mares were euthanized 2 to 4 years after surgery due to progression of disease. One mare drowned 1 year after discharge. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Mastectomy can be an effective treatment for mares suffering from disease of one or both mammary glands when the mare is refractory to medical treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Peripheral nerve injuries (PNIs) are a debilitating problem, resulting in diminished quality of life due to the continued presence of both chronic and acute pain. The current standard of practice for the repair of PNIs larger than 10 mm is the use of autologous nerve grafts. Autologous nerve grafts have limitations that often result in outcomes that are not sufficient to remove motor and sensory impairments. Bio-mimetic nanocomposite scaffolds combined with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) represent a promising approach for PNIs. In this study, we investigated the potential of an electrospun wrap of polycaprolactone (PCL) + graphene oxide (GO), with and without xenogeneic human adipose tissue-derived MSCs (hADMSCs) to use as a platform for neural tissue engineering. Methods: We evaluated, in vitro and in vivo, the potential of the nerve wrap in providing support for axonal growth. To establish the rat sciatic nerve defect model, a 10 mm long limiting defect was created in the rat sciatic nerve of 18 Lewis rats. Rats treated with the nanocomposites were compared with autograft-treated defects. Gait, histological, and muscle analyses were performed after sacrifice at 12 weeks post-surgery. Results: Our findings demonstrate that hADMSCs had the potential to transdifferentiate into neural lineage and that the nanocomposite successfully delivered hADMSCs to the injury site. Histologically, we show that the PCL + GO nanocomposite with hADMSCs is comparable to the autologous nerve graft, to support and guide axonal growth. Conclusions: The novel PCL + GO nerve wrap and hADMSCs used in this study provide a foundation on which to build upon and generate future strategies for PNI repair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allergic rhino-conjunctivitis (AR) is a globally relevant health disorder characterized by sneezing, rhinorrhea and sleep disturbance. Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) is a plant common to North America and an important allergen. Coarse methods of measuring airborne pollen counts are used to predict seasonal allergy symptoms. This research used a longitudinal study design with a novel, model-based raster of predicted pollen counts to test associations with self-reported symptoms of AR collected from patients receiving immunotherapy for pollen allergies at an allergy clinic. Researchers visited a clinic six times over three weeks. Immunotherapy patients were asked to fill out a brief intake survey on allergic and symptomatic profiles, daytime sleepiness, housing quality, and demographics. Participants responded to a daily, emailed survey on sleepiness and asthma symptoms for 21 days. Using the date and location of responses, ragweed pollen counts were extracted from a prognostic, model based raster (25km pixels). Lag associations of pollen counts with sleepiness were tested using a logistic regression model , adjusted for housing and demographic characteristics, in a distributed lag non-linear model (DLNM) framework. 49 people participated in the study. 26 (52%) were female. The mean age was 37.9 years. Asthma/allergy symptoms were not associated with ragweed pollen but sleepiness was highest two days after exposure (Estimate: 0.33 [0.04,0.62]). Subjects traveled widely during the study period. Intense exposures to ragweed pollen may be associated with daytime sleepiness within small exposure windows. Model-based predicted pollen counts could be used to study health impacts of pollen in people with disease severe enough to receive immunotherapy. Daytime sleepiness can affect productivity and injury risk, and pollen season length and allergenicity may be increasing with climate change. Thus our results may have important implications for population health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Facial palsy causes severe functional disorders and impairs quality of life. Disturbing challenges for patients with acute facial palsy, but also with those with chronic facial palsy with synkinesis, are the loss of the ability to smile and insufficient eyelid closure. A potential treatment for these conditions could be a closed-loop electro-stimulation system that stimulates the facial muscles on the paretic side as needed to elicit eye closure, eye blink and smile in a manner similar to the healthy side. Methods: This study focuses on the development and evaluation of such a system. An artificial intelligence (AI)-based auricular-triggered algorithm is used to classify the intended facial movements. This classification is based on surface electromyography (EMG) recordings of the extrinsic auricular muscles, specifically the anterior, superior, and posterior auricular muscle on the paretic side. The system then delivers targeted surface electrical stimulation to contract the appropriate facial muscles. Results: The evaluation of the system was conducted with 17 patients with facial synkinesis, who performed various facial movements according to a paradigm video. The system's performance was evaluated through a simulation, using previously captured data as the inputs. The performance was evaluated by means of the median macro F1-score, which was calculated based on the stimulation signal (output of the system) and the actual movements the patients performed. Conclusions: This study showed that such a system, using an AI-based auricular-triggered algorithm, can support with a median macro F1-score of 0.602 for the facial movements on the synkinetic side in patients with unilateral chronic facial palsy with synkinesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This inaugural article delineates the vision and scope of the new section "Qualitative Comparative Policy Studies" of the Journal of Comparative Policy Analysis. The co-editors present the five key features of the section: the comparative, the transnational, the relational, the global, and the self-reflective. Concretely, they invite contributions on qualitative empirical research that (i) is comparative in its methods and interpretive framework, (ii) draws on the transnational dimension, (iii) considers the relational dimension of network governance, (iv) recognizes an unequal global setting, and (v) is self-reflective and interrogates international comparison as a governance tool. By definition, qualitative comparison is contextual comparison that differentiates between place and space and the temporalities of comparative policy analysis (period, timing, tempo, sequence, lifespan, and age). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The water column distributions of the alkaline earth metals strontium (Sr) and barium (Ba) were studied along a transect from Hawaii to Alaska. Despite similarity in the chemical properties of Sr and Ba, we find that changes in their concentrations along the transect are governed by different chemical and biological processes, meaning that these elements can be treated as independent variables in modern and ancient environments. Alaskan margin sediments are a particularly important source of dissolved Ba to the North Pacific, likely through a combination of saline submarine groundwater discharge and reductive dissolution of manganese (Mn) oxides. Abyssal North Pacific sediments are also a source of Ba to the bottom waters but a sink for Sr. We find that over 90 % of the water column variability in Sr concentrations is driven by precipitation and dissolution of the celestine (SrSO 4) skeletons of Acantharia. However, the high Ba content of Acantharia celestine accounts for only 5–8 % of the global ocean variability in Ba concentrations in the water column. Similarly, the effects of barite (BaSO 4) precipitation and/or dissolution on the marine Sr cycle is negligible, accounting for <1 % of the water column concentration structure for Sr and ∼3 % of the sedimentary Sr burial. The Sr-Ba-PO 4 concentration distributions in the North Pacific are inconsistent with significant export of barite to the deep ocean and sediment. This suggests most of the barite formed at intermediate depths dissolves at similar horizons to its formation. The Ba content of phytoplankton organic matter is too low to constitute a major source for particulate Ba in the mesopelagic North Pacific, which suggests Ba is concentrated in marine aggregates by heterotrophic micro-organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The optimal TBI dose for ALL patients undergoing allogeneic SCT is still not clearly defined. Methods: Single‐center retrospective analysis of high‐risk ALL patients in CR1 treated with 8 Gy (n = 22) or 12 Gy (n = 50) TBI in combination with fludarabine and PTCy. Median patient age in the 8 Gy TBI cohort was 63 (37–79) and 37 (18–56) in the 12 Gy TBI cohort and median follow‐up time was 21 months (range 1–92). Results: OS and LFS at 2 years after 8 Gy were 65% and 55% versus 74% and 74% after 12 Gy (p = 0.3 and p = 0.2, respectively). CIR and NRM at 2 years were 27% and 14% after 8 Gy versus 4% and 20% after 12 Gy (p = 0.004 and p = 0.4, respectively). MRD‐positive (+) patients (n = 26) receiving 12 Gy (n = 19) showed better OS (p = 0.01), LFS (p = 0.009), GRFS, lower CIR (p = 0.02), and similar NRM than did MRD+ patients receiving 8 Gy (n = 7). MRD‐negative (−) patients (n = 38) receiving 12 Gy (n = 27) had similar OS, LFS, GRFS, lower CIR, and higher NRM (p = 0.04) than did MRD− patients receiving 8 Gy (n = 11). Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that 8 Gy TBI in comparison to 12 Gy TBI results in low NRM but a high relapse rate with similar OS, LFS, and GRFS. In MRD+ high‐risk ALL patients, allogeneic SCT with 12 Gy TBI leads to improved OS, LFS, GRFS, and a low relapse rate. Prospective studies comparing the different treatment regimens with larger MRD patient cohorts are needed to confirm this data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractIntroductionMethodsResultsDiscussionOccupational therapy has recently begun promoting population-based practice (PBP), which would allow them to address the myriad of factors impacting older adults’ health. The purpose of this qualitative study was to describe occupational therapists’ engagement in PBP and factors they perceive influence engagement.Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 occupational therapists.Qualitative content analysis revealed PBP was facilitated by personal interests and volunteerism or by employer-provided opportunities. Therapists’ knowledge and skills, understanding of OT, employer support, resources, and features of the US healthcare system all influence engagement.There is limited understanding of PBP among occupational therapists. These professionals have the foundational knowledge and skills to participate, but additional education and employer support is needed to increase engagement. Barriers must be overcome, and facilitators of engagement promoted, to enable the incorporation of PBP in everyday OT practice, and subsequently, improve health outcomes for the older adult population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Migraine presents significant health and economic challenges. Despite the widespread use of triptans, some patients discontinue them because of insufficient relief or adverse effects. Using national registers, the present study investigates the excess costs and labour market disaffiliation of Danish patients discontinuing triptan treatment. Methods: The study included all individuals ≥18 years ("patients") who discontinued redemption of triptan prescriptions between 1998 and 2019. They were categorized by number of distinct triptans redeemed before discontinuation: one, two or three or more. A control group was established from the general population without triptan redemptions, three per patient, matched by year of birth, sex and region of residence. We estimated excess direct and indirect costs from 5 years prior ("year −5") to 10 years post ("year 10") the first triptan redemption. Results: We identified 211,026 patients who discontinued triptan redemption, 82% after one, 14% after two and 4% after three or more distinct triptans. Over the period from year −5 to year 10, average excess healthcare costs per patient in these cohorts were EUR 9,554, EUR 10,942 and EUR 12,812 respectively. Over the same period, these patients earned EUR 27,964, EUR 35,920 and EUR 50,076 less than their respective controls, and received higher public transfer payments of EUR 20,181, EUR 23,264 and EUR 26,459. Conclusions: Triptan discontinuers, who appear to have exhausted all current treatment avenues, face high direct and very high indirect excess costs attributable to migraine, and experience substantial increased labour market disaffiliation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alzheimer's disease is a severe neurodegenerative disorder, and the discovery of biomarkers is crucial for early diagnosis. While the analysis of biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid is well accepted, there are currently no blood biomarkers available. Our research focuses on identifying novel plasma biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease. To achieve this, we employed a technique that involves coupling human plasma to mouse organotypic brain slices via microcontact prints. After culturing for two weeks, we assessed Iba1-immunopositive microglia on these microcontact prints. We hypothesized that plasma from Alzheimer's patients contains factors that affect microglial migration. Our data indicated that plasma from Alzheimer's patients significantly inhibited the migration of round Iba1-immunoreactive microglia (13 ± 3, n = 24, p = 0.01) compared to healthy controls (50 ± 16, n = 23). Based on these findings, we selected the most promising plasma samples and conducted mass spectrometry using a differential approach, and we identified four potential biomarkers: mannose-binding protein C, macrophage receptor MARCO, complement factor H-related protein-3, and C-reactive protein. Our method represents a novel and innovative approach to translate research findings from mouse models to human applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We conducted a comprehensive examination of liquid mycotoxin reference standards. A total of 30 different standards were tested, each containing 10 samples of three distinct substances: Aflatoxin B1, Deoxynivalenol, and Zearalenone. The standards were sourced from 10 different global market leading manufacturers. To facilitate comparison, all the standard sets were adjusted to the same concentration level. The standards were analyzed using the techniques LC-MS/MS, HPLC-DAD, and LC-HRMS to assess their quality attributes. Regarding the validation of the reference values, it was observed that 30% of the suppliers provided reference standards that were either below the lower acceptance limit or above the higher acceptance limit, confirmed by both the LC-MS/MS and HPLC-DAD methods. Furthermore, a total of 12 impurities were found in the DON standards, 10 in the AFB1 standards, and 8 in the ZON standards, distributed across all the suppliers. Therefore, this study suggests relevant adjustments to the ISO 17034 standard, proposing that the purity of a raw material should be uniformly based on q-NMR analysis, as most manufacturers state the purity of their certificates is determined using HPLC-UV or LC-MS/MS. Liquid standards with a shelf life of ≤1 year should not exceed an uncertainty of 3%. Standards that have a longer shelf life should not have more than 5% uncertainty. This study also emphasizes the importance of stability. The standards should undergo continuous long-term monitoring; otherwise, products may exhibit a target value of only 80%, as seen in one instance. It is also recommended to include proof of HPLC and LC-MS/MS analyses on the certificate of each released batch of a final product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Methanogens are associated with gut dysmotility in animal models but have not been robustly studied in humans. The WMC assesses regional transit time (TT) and pH in the GI tract. Aims: To study the segmental TT and pH among patients with SIBO or IMO utilizing WMC. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of 207 patients who underwent a glucose or lactulose breath test (BT) and WMC from 2010 to 2022. Diagnosis of SIBO and IMO were based on the 2017 North American consensus criteria. TT and pH were extracted from WMC recordings. We tested for differences in means of continuous variables and frequencies of categorical variables using two-sample t tests, Wilcoxon Rank Sum test, Chi-square, and Fisher exact tests. We used R version 3.3.1 (2016-06-21) for all statistical analyses. Results: A total of 196 patients met criteria, mean age 47.4 years and 155 (79.1%) females. Of the 86 (43.9%) patients with a positive BT, 42 (58.3%) had IMO only (meeting only CH4 criteria) and 30 (34.9%) met both H2 and CH4 criteria. Colonic TT was longer in patients with a positive BT compared to negative patients (40 h:29 min vs 28 h:51 min, p = 0.028). Small bowel TT and colonic TT were longer in patients with IMO compared to negative patients (SBTT: 5 h:15 min vs 4 h:32 min, p = 0.021; CTT: 44 h:23 min vs 28 h:51 min, p = 0.030). There were no significant differences in segmental pH compared to negative patients. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the largest study of patients who have undergone both BT and WMC. A positive BT was associated with delayed CTT, while having IMO only was associated with both delayed CTT and SBTT, but neither with pH. Future investigation is needed to elucidate whether changes in intestinal microbiota affect gut transit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study examined how different solid feeds affected the biochemical parameters in calf plasma. The experiment involved a control group and three test groups of calves, each fed with a different starter mixture. The results showed significant differences in some biochemical parameters between the feeding groups. Calves in groups P1 and P3 had a statistically higher glucose concentration in blood plasma compared to group C. Calves from group P3 had a higher concentration of urea in blood plasma than calves from group C. Calves in groups P1 and P3 also had higher concentrations of total protein and globulin in blood plasma compared to group C. The concentration of inorganic phosphate in the blood plasma of calves from group P3 was significantly higher than that of group C. Female calves in the experimental groups showed a lower concentration of NEFA at three months of age compared to the control group. It was concluded that feeding calves with a starter mixture containing whey and easily digestible protein had a positive effect on the nutritional status and energy balance of the calves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last decades, the rising salience of new issues has transformed politics in Western Europe. How has this transformation affected citizens' left–right identities? This study shows how new issues have become integrated into the meaning of left–right among Western Europeans through generational replacement. Mechanisms of political socialisation and elite cue taking imply that how strongly an issue is associated with left–right identities should reflect this issue's politicisation during a cohort's formative years. In line with this, an analysis of the European Social Survey for 12 Western European countries from 2002 to 2018 reveals that environmental protection and immigration attitudes are more strongly associated with left–right positions among those born later. Attitudes towards redistribution tend to be less relevant within more recent cohorts in some countries, though period effects after the European debt crisis point in the opposite direction. This study enhances our understanding of the evolution of political conflict. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) clinicians who care for seriously ill patients frequently report that they do not feel confident nor adequately prepared to manage patients' palliative care (PC) needs. With the goal, therefore, of increasing PC knowledge and skills amongst interprofessional clinicians providing CVD care, the ACC's PC Workgroup designed, developed, and implemented a comprehensive PC online educational activity. This paper describes the process and 13-month performance of this free, online activity for clinicians across disciplines and levels of training, "Palliative Care for the Cardiovascular Clinician" (PCCVC). A key component of PCCVC is that it is tailored to the lifelong learner; users can choose and receive credit for the activities that meet their individual learning needs. This webinar series was well-subscribed, and upon completion of the modules, learners reported better self-perceived abilities related to palliative care competencies. We propose PCCVC as a model for primary PC education for clinicians caring for individuals with other serious or life-shortening illnesses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reactions of difluoroacetyl fluoride and trifluoroacetyl fluoride were investigated in the binary superacid HF/SbF5 by low-temperature NMR spectroscopy. Whereas both haloacetyl fluorides form oxonium species after the addition of HF, the protonated acyl fluorides were not observed. Protonated 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethanol was isolated as a solid and represents an example of a protonated α-fluoroalcohol. The salt was characterized by low-temperature vibrational spectroscopy and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. [CHF2CF2OH2][SbF6] crystallizes in the triclinic space group P1¯ with two formula units per unit cell. Protonated perfluoroethanol is only stable in solution. The reactivity of both haloacyl fluorides is discussed based on quantum chemical calculations at the MP2/aug-cc-pVTZ-level of theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The effects of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for Adolescents (DBT-A) on emotional and interpersonal instability were explored in adolescents exhibiting Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) features, using ecological momentary assessment (EMA) to reduce recall bias.Method: N = 28 help-seeking female adolescents were enrolled, meeting ≥ 3 DSM-IV BPD criteria. BPD criteria, non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), and depressive symptoms were examined pre- and post-DBT-A treatment (mean duration: 42.74 weeks, SD = 7.46). Participants maintained e-diaries pre- and post-treatment, hourly rating momentary affect, attachment to mother and best friend, and self-injury urges.Results: Interview-rated BPD symptoms decreased (χ²(1) = 5.66, p = .017), alongside reduced self-rated depression severity (χ²(1) = 9.61, p = .002). EMA data showed decreased NSSI urges (χ²(1) = 9.05, p = .003) and increased mother attachment (χ²(1) = 6.03, p = .014). However, mean affect, affective instability, mean attachment to the best friend, and attachment instability showed no significant change over time.Conclusion: DBT-A yielded limited evidence for altering momentary affective states and instability in adolescents based on EMA. Nevertheless, significant effects were observed in reducing NSSI urges and enhancing interpersonal dynamics during treatment, as assessed via EMA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Freud's paper on the three caskets is revisited. His view that the lead casket represented death is supported by extracts from The Merchant of Venice, in particular the song, "Tell Me Where is Fancy Bred". It is argued that the acceptance of death is a necessary step in the transformation of romantic love to mature love. With experience of reality a disillusion of romantic idealisation becomes possible, but this means that losses have to be accepted and mourned. It is argued that this is made more bearable if an ironic stance enables an acceptance of the pleasures of romance without believing them to be literally true. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This multicenter study examines the contemporary management of penetrating carotid artery injury (PCAI) to identify trends in management, outcomes, and to determine prognostic factors for stroke and death. Methods: Data from three large urban trauma centers in South Africa were retrospectively reviewed for patients who presented with PCAI from 2012 to 2020. Results: Of 149 identified patients, 137 actively managed patients were included. Twenty‐four patients (17.9%) presented in coma and 12 (9.0%) with localizing signs (LS). CT angiography was performed on admission for 120 (87.6%) patients. Thirty patients (21.9%) underwent nonoperative management, 87 (63.5%) open surgery, and 20 (14.6%) endovascular stenting. Eighteen patients (13.1%) died, and 15 (12.6%) surviving patients had strokes. Ligation was significantly related to death and reperfusion to survival. A mechanism of gunshot wound, occlusive injuries, a threatened airway, a systolic blood pressure <90 mmHg, hard signs of vascular injury, a low GCS, coma, a CT brain demonstrating infarct, a high injury severity score and shock index, a low pH or HCO3, and an elevated lactate were significant independent prognostic factors for death. Ligation was unsurvivable in all patients with severe neurological deficits, whereas reperfusion procedures resulted in survival in 63% (12/19) patients with coma and 78% (7/9) with LS although with high stroke rates (coma: 25.0%, LS: 85.7%). Conclusions: Outcomes in PCAI, including patients with severe neurological deficit and stroke, are better when reperfused. Reperfusion holds the best promise of survival and ligation should be reserved for technically inaccessible bleeding injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Palliative medicine represents the holistic multiprofessional treatment of severely and incurably ill people and their relatives, addressing their complex physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs. The central therapeutic goals are the quality of life and alleviation of suffering. In the course of many neurological diseases, high symptom burden, long and variable trajectories and unfavorable prognosis at times create a need for palliative care even at an early stage, which is currently still inadequately met. This can be countered by qualified neuropalliative care. In addition to intensifying interdisciplinary collaboration, this requires neurologists to have core competencies in palliative care. These include a team-oriented attitude, communication skills, expertise in symptom control and knowledge of biomedical ethics including palliative options at the end of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessing the agreement between an established and a new measurement system is a practical and important challenge in many application areas. The probability of agreement (PoA) has recently been introduced as a metric to assess such agreement when repeatability, the precision of the measurement system itself, represents the overall measurement system variation. However, it is common in practice for the measurement system to be operated by multiple individuals, and their effects can be an important part of the overall variation. Reproducibility represents the measurement variability attributable to different operators. This article extends the PoA methodology to account for both the repeatability and reproducibility of each measurement system along with the relative bias between them. The developed methodology also allows imbalanced replicate measurements across operators and systems, while the operator effects can either be fixed or random. We use maximum likelihood estimation to estimate the PoA. The proposed approach is illustrated using two case studies. In the first one, we compare the agreement between an old and a new measurement system used for quality inspections in an industrial context. The second case study which is presented in file assesses the agreement between two devices used to measure respiratory rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) increases with age. However, the risk of VTE in the setting of long-term care hospitals is understudied. Our objective was to provide data on the prevalence and incidence of VTE in older adults admitted to long-term care hospitals. In this retrospective cohort study, we collected data about chronically ill and multimorbid patients aged 65 years and older from two long-term care hospitals. The primary endpoint of this study was the lifetime prevalence of VTE, and the secondary endpoint was VTE incidence during residency in long-term care hospitals. We analysed data from 1148 patients with a mean age of 84.1 ± 7.9 years, of whom 74.2% were women. The lifetime prevalence of VTE at baseline was 9.6% (95% CI 7.9–11.4). Cumulative incidence of VTE at 1, 2, and 3 years from baseline was estimated at 3.5% (95% CI 2.5–4.7), 4.2% (95% CI 3.1–5.5), and 5.4% (95% CI 4.1–7.0), respectively. Overall, the incidence rate of VTE in our study was 2.82 (95% CI 2.18–3.66) per 100 person-years. The study indicated a considerably high lifetime prevalence and incidence of VTE during residence in long-term care hospital settings, requiring further evaluation in larger prospective studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inspired by the enzyme acetylene hydratase, we investigated the reactivity of acetylene with tungsten(II) pyrazole complexes. Our research revealed that the complex [WBr2(pz-NHCCH3)(CO)3] (pz = 3,5-dimethyl-pyrazolate) facilitates the stochiometric reaction between pzH and acetylene to give N-vinyl-pz. This vinyl compound readily hydrolyzes to acetaldehyde, mirroring the product of acetylene hydration in the enzymatic process. The formation of the vinyl compound likely involves a reactive intermediate complex where acetylene acts as a two-electron donor, in contrast to isolable acetylene complexes that are inert to nucleophilic attack by water. Results suggest an alternative mechanism for the enzyme, including vinylation of a neighboring amino acid by acetylene in the active site prior to hydration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of autochthony or 'indigeneity' has been employed in multiple contexts across Africa and refers to people with historical connections to particular territories. It can be manipulated by political elites who demonize perceived 'allochthonous' minorities or 'outsiders'. Though autochthony-related violence is often considered to constitute or resemble genocide or 'ethnic cleansing', the contested nature of these concepts necessitates further consideration of the impact of such violence beyond the genocide lens. This essay explores the potential implications of such hostilities and violence for 'restorative' or 'reparative' justice. It focuses on the examples of the protracted violence in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Central African Republic (CAR), where both peace and justice seem elusive for many communities, and the missed opportunities to foster reparative justice for victims of the last major conflict in Côte d'Ivoire (2010–11). In focusing on victims of autochthony-related violence, this essay considers the potential specific, multilayered, and intersecting needs of such victims and the challenges they may face within the context of any broader, comprehensive processes of reparative justice. Given the challenges that this essay highlights, it concludes by recommending that scholars further consider a conceptualization of reparative justice encompassing the multilayered experiences of autochthony-based victimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water and saline stress have a negative effect on the germination and vigor of corn seedlings. There is evidence that seed vigor, which is often associated with its size, can be an alternative to mitigate the effects of abiotic stresses on corn crops. This study evaluated the effect of seed size and shape on the germination process of corn seeds exposed to water and saline stress conditions induced by polyethylene glycol (PEG) and sodium chloride (NaCl) solutions, respectively. A completely randomized design in a 5 × 3 factorial scheme, with four replications was used. The treatments consisted of five classes of seed sizes and shapes [small short seed (20C), small long seed (20L), medium short seed (22C), medium long seed (22L) and large long seed (24L)] and three stress treatments (control, water stress and saline stress). The germination, growth and vigor of the seedlings were evaluated. The results showed that the size and shape classes of corn seeds have effect on the germination rate, growth and vigor of seedlings; however, these effects are dependent on abiotic stress conditions. Under non-stressful conditions (control) and under water stress, the use of medium and short (22C) and large and long (24L) corn seeds result in seedlings with greater growth and vigor. Under saline stress conditions, the highest germination rate and greater seedling growth and vigor can be obtained with the use of small and short (20C) and medium and long (22L) corn seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reassesses an overview of the potential of the radio frequency (RF)-based state diagnostics of three-way catalysts (TWC) based on a previous study with an emphasis on the defect chemistry of the catalyst material during reoxidation and reduction. Some data are based on the previous works but are newly processed, and the signal parameters resonant frequency and inverse quality factor are evaluated with respect to applicability. The RF-based method uses electromagnetic resonances in a cavity resonator to provide information on the storage level of the oxygen storage component. The analysis focuses on a holistic investigation and evaluation of the major effects influencing the RF signal during operation. On the one hand, the response to the oxygen storage behavior and the resolution of the measurement method are considered. Therefore, this study merges original data from multiple former publications to provide a comprehensive insight into important measurement effects and their defect chemistry background. On the other hand, the most important cross-sensitivities are discussed and their impact during operation is evaluated. Additionally, the effect of catalyst aging is analyzed. The effects are presented separately for the two resonant parameters: resonant frequency and (unloaded) quality factor. Overall, the data suggest that the quality factor has a way higher signal quality at low temperatures (<400 °C) and the resonant frequency is primarily suitable for high operating temperatures. At most operating points, the quality factor is even more robust against interferences such as exhaust gas stoichiometry and water content. Correctly estimating the catalyst temperature is the most important factor for reliable results, which can be achieved by combining the information of both resonant signals. In the end, the data indicate that microwave-based state diagnosis is a powerful system for evaluating the oxygen storage level over the entire operating range of a TWC. As a research tool and in its application, the system can therefore contribute to the improvement of the emission control of future gasoline vehicles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A holistic understanding of plant strategies to acquire soil resources is pivotal in achieving sustainable food security. However, we lack knowledge about variety‐specific root and rhizosphere traits for resource acquisition, their plasticity and adaptation to drought. We conducted a greenhouse experiment to phenotype root and rhizosphere traits (mean root diameter [Root D], specific root length [SRL], root tissue density, root nitrogen content, specific rhizosheath mass [SRM], arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi [AMF] colonization) of 16 landraces and 22 modern cultivars of temperate maize (Zea mays L.). Our results demonstrate that landraces and modern cultivars diverge in their root and rhizosphere traits. Although landraces follow a 'do‐it‐yourself' strategy with high SRLs, modern cultivars exhibit an 'outsourcing' strategy with increased mean Root Ds and a tendency towards increased root colonization by AMF. We further identified that SRM indicates an 'outsourcing' strategy. Additionally, landraces were more drought‐responsive compared to modern cultivars based on multitrait response indices. We suggest that breeding leads to distinct resource acquisition strategies between temperate maize varieties. Future breeding efforts should increasingly target root and rhizosphere economics, with SRM serving as a valuable proxy for identifying varieties employing an outsourcing resource acquisition strategy. Summary statement: This study provides novel insights into the diversity of soil resource acquisition strategies within a single plant species. By comparing landraces and modern cultivars of maize and considering plant‐soil‐microbe interactions, we reveal functional differences in root and rhizosphere economics and trait plasticity that shed light on their ecological role and breeding relevance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reaction of sodium 2,4‐di‐tert‐butyl‐6‐(diphenylphos‐phino)phenolate (1, NaOArP) with TiIVCl4(THF)2 in a 2 : 1 molar ratio yielded TiIV(OArP)2Cl2 (2). The reduction of 2 with magnesium gave the dimeric titanium(III) compound [TiIII(OArP)2Cl]2 (3). In the presence of magnesium, compound 2 was found to catalyse the cyclotrimerization, acyclic oligomerisation, and hydrogenation of terminal alkynes. The complexes were characterised by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, optical spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and NMR or EPR spectroscopy, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Test the efficacy of the selective orexin 1 receptor (OX1R) antagonist (SO1RA) nivasorexant in an animal model of binge‐eating disorder (BED) and study its dose–response relationship considering free brain concentrations and calculated OX1R occupancy. Compare nivasorexant's profile to that of other, structurally diverse SO1RAs. Gain understanding of potential changes in orexin‐A (OXA) neuropeptide and deltaFosB (ΔFosB) protein expression possibly underlying the development of the binge‐eating phenotype in the rat model used. Method: Binge‐like eating of highly palatable food (HPF) in rats was induced through priming by intermittent, repeated periods of dieting and access to HPF, followed by an additional challenge with acute stress. Effects of nivasorexant were compared to the SO1RAs ACT‐335827 and IDOR‐1104‐2408. OXA expression in neurons and neuronal fibers as well as ΔFosB and OXA‐ΔFosB co‐expression was studied in relevant brain regions using immuno‐ or immunofluorescent histochemistry. Results: All SO1RAs dose‐dependently reduced binge‐like eating with effect sizes comparable to the positive control topiramate, at unbound drug concentrations selectively blocking brain OX1Rs. Nivasorexant's efficacy was maintained upon chronic dosing and under conditions involving more frequent stress exposure. Priming for binge‐like eating or nivasorexant treatment resulted in only minor changes in OXA or ΔFosB expression in few brain areas. Discussion: Selective OX1R blockade reduced binge‐like eating in rats. Neither ΔFosB nor OXA expression proved to be a useful classifier for their binge‐eating phenotype. The current results formed the basis for a clinical phase II trial in BED, in which nivasorexant was unfortunately not efficacious compared with placebo. Public Significance: Nivasorexant is a new investigational drug for the treatment of binge‐eating disorder (BED). It underwent clinical testing in a phase II proof of concept trial in humans but was not efficacious compared with placebo. The current manuscript investigated the drug's efficacy in reducing binge‐like eating behavior of a highly palatable sweet and fat diet in a rat model of BED, which initially laid the foundation for the clinical trial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The engineered artificial mineral (EnAM) lithium aluminate (LiAlO2) is a promising candidate for the recycling of lithium from slags, which can originate from the reprocessing of batteries, for example. Derivatives of the natural product Punicine (1-(2′,5′-dihydroxyphenyl)-pyridinium) from Punica granatum have been proven to be effective switchable collectors for the flotation of this mineral as they react to light. In the present study, three Punicines were added to a planetary ball mill before grinding LiAlO2 to particle sizes suitable for flotation. We investigated the influence of Punicine and two derivatives with C10 and C17 side chains on the grinding results at different grinding times and conditions as well as on the yields in flotations. SEM images of the particles, IR and ICP–OES measurements provided insights into the Punicine–particle interactions. They showed that Punicines not only prevent the formation of hydrophilic and thus undesirable lithium aluminate hydroxide hydrate (LiAl2(OH)7 ▪ x H2O) surfaces in this process, as is unavoidable in aqueous flotation without this pretreatment, they also prevent the undesired release of lithium cations into the aqueous phase. Due to considerable hydrophobization of the particle surface of LiAlO2, nearly quantitative recovery rates of this engineered artificial mineral are achieved using the process described here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The outpatient parenteral antibiotic therapy (OPAT) program of Vancouver General Hospital (VGH) was supervised by emergency physicians (EPs) until 2017 when infectious disease (ID) physicians began assisting in management. We designed a retrospective study to determine whether ID involvement led to improved outcomes. Methods: This study analyzes the impact of ID involvement by comparing the mean days patients spent on OPAT with ID involvement versus EPs alone through a retrospective chart review. Secondary research objectives were to compare patient care decisions, e.g., antibiotic choice, tests ordered, and final diagnosis. Results: There was no difference between the mean number of days on OPAT between physician types. Compared to historic patterns, patients seen in OPAT after increased ID consultation spent an average of 0.5 fewer days in the program. However, when grouped by the first day of ID assessment, the average total days in OPAT was closely aligned with the day of first ID assessment, implying that ID frequently discharged patients close to initial assessment. Patients seen by ID were less likely to return within one month of discharge compared to those not seen by ID. Secondary findings include ID physicians prescribing a greater range of antibiotics, providing more varied final diagnoses, prescribing antibiotics less frequently, as well as ordering more cultures, diagnostic imaging and specialist consults. Discussion: The findings of this study support the hypothesis that ID involvement in OPAT programs leads to changes in care that may have beneficial outcomes for patients and the healthcare system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Which classes vote for radical-left parties (RLPs) in Western Europe? Previous research indicates that RLPs are strong among production workers and socio-cultural professionals, though not necessarily among both at the same time. Starting from the observation that these two classes take opposite stances on cultural issues, we trace variation in class voting back to RLPs' positions on the cultural dimension. Combining voter-level data from the European Social Survey (2002–2018) with information on the positions of 23 RLPs from the Chapel Hill Expert Survey, we report robust evidence of a libertarian versus authoritarian class trade-off: RLPs with less libertarian positions receive relatively less support from socio-cultural professionals and relatively more support from production workers. These findings add to evidence that class voting varies with party positions. Ours is the first study to demonstrate this for RLPs, showing how, in the early 21st century, cultural positions matter for class voting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate outflows and the physics of super‐Eddington versus sub‐Eddington regimes in black hole systems. Our focus is on prospective science using next‐generation high‐resolution soft x‐ray instruments. We highlight the properties of black hole ultraluminous x‐ray source (ULX) systems in particular. Owing to scale invariance in accreting black holes, ULX accretion properties, including their outflows, inform our understanding not only of the closely related population of (similar‐mass) x‐ray binary systems but also of tidal disruption events (TDEs) around supermassive black holes. A subsample of TDEs are likely to transcend super‐Eddington to sub‐Eddington regimes as they evolve, offering an important unifying analog to ULXs and sub‐Eddington x‐ray binaries. We demonstrate how next‐generation soft x‐ray observations with resolving power ≳1000$$ \gtrsim 1000 $$ and collecting area ≳1000cm2$$ \gtrsim 1000\kern0.5em {\mathrm{cm}}^2 $$ can simultaneously identify ultrafast and more typical wind components, distinguish between different wind mechanisms, and constrain changing wind properties over characteristic variability timescales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]