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Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a type of endogenous non-coding RNA that were discovered to regulate gene expression through multiple pathways. Metastasis remains one of the biggest obstacles in cancer treatment. In this review, we focus on circRNAs involved in cancer tumorigenesis and metastasis. We present recently identified tumor-related circRNAs and discuss their functioning in tumor progression and metastasis. These circRNAs are categorized into different functional mechanisms, including microRNA (miRNA) sponging, protein binding, regulation of host genes, translation of circRNAs, and exosomal circRNAs. Additionally, the indirect functions of circRNAs that regulate epithelial-mesenchymal transition and autophagy are also discussed.

Abstract Intravital 2P-microscopy enables the longitudinal study of brain tumor biology in superficial mouse cortex layers. Intravital microscopy of the white matter, an important route of glioblastoma invasion and recurrence, has not been feasible, due to low signal-to-noise ratios and insufficient spatiotemporal resolution. Here, we present an intravital microscopy and artificial intelligence-based analysis workflow (Deep3P) that enables longitudinal deep imaging of glioblastoma up to a depth of 1.2 mm. We find that perivascular invasion is the preferred invasion route into the corpus callosum and uncover two vascular mechanisms of glioblastoma migration in the white matter. Furthermore, we observe morphological changes after white matter infiltration, a potential basis of an imaging biomarker during early glioblastoma colonization. Taken together, Deep3P allows for a non-invasive intravital investigation of brain tumor biology and its tumor microenvironment at subcortical depths explored, opening up opportunities for studying the neuroscience of brain tumors and other model systems.

Summary Background Sustainable diets contribute to improving human health and reducing food-related greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE). Here, we established the effects of a facility-based sustainable diet intervention on the adherence to the EAT-Lancet Planetary Health Diet and GHGE of consumers. Methods In this quasi-experiment, vegan menus and educational material on sustainable diets were provided in the largest cafeteria of a German hospital for 3 months. Regular customers (> 1/week) in this cafeteria (intervention group) and in all other hospital cafeterias (control group) completed a questionnaire about their sociodemographic and dietary characteristics before and after the intervention period. We calculated difference-in-differences (DID), their 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and p-values for the adherence to the EAT-Lancet Planetary Health Diet Index (PHDI; 0–42 score points) and food-related GHGE. The protocol was registered at the German Clinical Trial Register (reference: DRKS00032620). Findings In this study population (N = 190; age range: 18–79 years; women: 67%; highest level of formal education: 63%), the mean baseline PHDI (25·1 ± 4·8 vs. 24·7 ± 5·8 points) and the mean baseline GHGE (3·3 ± 0·8 vs. 3·3 ± 0·7 kg CO2-eq./d) were similar between the intervention (n = 92) and the control group (n = 98). The PHDI increase was 0·6 points (95% CI: -0·4, + 1·6) higher in the intervention group than in the control group. This trend was stronger among frequent consumers of the vegan menu than among rare and never consumers. No between-group difference was seen for GHGE changes (DID: 0·0; 95% CI: -0·2, + 0·1 kg CO2-eq./d). Interpretation Pending verification in a longer-term project and a larger sample, this quasi-experiment in a big hospital in Germany suggests that offering vegan menus and information material in the cafeteria enhances the adherence to healthy and environmentally friendly diets among regular customers. These findings argue for making sustainable food choices the default option and for improving nutrition literacy. Funding Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), Else-Kröner-Fresenius Foundation (EKFS), Robert-Bosch Foundation (RBS).

AbstractThe aim of this study is to determine factors associated with cannabis discontinuation, to assess the impact of mental health and addiction interventions on cannabis discontinuation during pregnancy and to investigate the neonatal impact of cannabis discontinuation. This is a 10-year cohort study in a tertiary hospital in Barcelona, Spain, including women with self-reported cannabis use during pregnancy. Main outcome was cannabis discontinuation based on biological sample testing. Secondary outcomes were neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, preterm birth, birth weight and bottle-feeding. When cannabis use was detected during pregnancy, 32 out of 81 (38.3%) discontinued cannabis during pregnancy vs. four out of 61 (6.6%) when detected at birth (p

Abstract Background This protocol outlines a scoping review with the objective of identifying and exploring planetary health considerations within existing health guidelines and health technology assessments (HTA). The insights gained from this review will serve as a basis for shaping future Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) guidance on planetary health. Methods We will adhere to the JBI methodology for scoping reviews. We will conduct a comprehensive search and screening of results in all languages across various databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Global Health, Health Systems Evidence, Greenfile, and Environmental Issues. Additionally, we will supplement this search with resources such as the GIN library, BIGG database, Epistemonikos, GRADE guidelines repository, GRADEpro Guideline Development Tool Database, MAGICapp, NICE website, WHO websites, and a manual exploration of unpublished relevant documents using Google incognito mode. Two independent reviewers will screen and assess the full texts of identified documents according to the eligibility criteria. The following information from each full text will be extracted: document title; first author’s name; publication year; language; document type; document as a guideline or HTA; the topic/discipline; document purpose/study objective; developing/sponsoring organization; the country in which the study/guideline/HTA report was conducted; definition of planetary health or related concept provided; types of planetary health experts engaged; study methods; suggested methods to assess planetary health; use of secondary data on planetary health outcomes; description for use of life cycle assessment; description for assessing the quality of life cycle; population/intended audience; interventions; category; applicable planetary health boundaries; consideration of social justice/global equity; phase of intervention in life cycle related to planetary health addressed; the measure of planetary health impact; impact on biodiversity/land use; one health/animal welfare mention; funding; and conflict of interest. Data analysis will involve a combination of descriptive statistics and directed content analysis, with results presented in a narrative format and displayed in tables and graphs. Discussion The final review results will be submitted to open-access peer-reviewed journals for publication when they become available. The research findings will also be disseminated at relevant planetary health conferences and workshops. Systematic review registration Open Science Framework ( https://osf.io/3jmsa ).

Abstract Background In response to climate change (CC), medicine needs to consider new aspects in health counselling of patients. Such climate-sensitive health counselling (CSHC) may include counselling patients on preventing and coping with climate-sensitive diseases or on leading healthy and climate-friendly lifestyles. This study aimed to identify previous participation in and preferences for CSHC as well as associated sociodemographic and attitudinal factors among the general public in Germany. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study in a population-based online panel in five German federal states (04–06/2022). We performed descriptive statistics and multivariable regression analysis to assess prior participation in CSHC and content preferences regarding CSHC, as well as associations between sociodemographic variables and general preference for CSHC. Results Among 1491 participants (response rate 47.1%), 8.7% explicitly reported having participated in CSHC, while 39.9% had discussed at least one CSHC-related topic with physicians. In the studied sample, 46.7% of participants would like CSHC to be part of the consultation with their physician, while 33.9% rejected this idea. Participants aged 21 to 40 years (versus 51 to 60), individuals alarmed about CC (versus concerned/cautious/disengaged/doubtful/dismissive), and those politically oriented to the left (vs. centre or right) showed greater preference for CSHC in the multivariable regression model. Most participants wanted to talk about links to their personal health (65.1%) as opposed to links to the health of all people (33.2%). Conclusions Almost half of the participants in this sample would like to receive CSHC, especially those who are younger, more alarmed about CC and more politically oriented to the left. More research and training on patient-centred implementation of CSHC is needed.

Background: Evidence on the health benefits of spending time in nature has highlighted the importance of provision of blue and green spaces where people live. The potential for health benefits offered by nature exposure, however, extends beyond health promotion to health treatment. Social prescribing links people with health or social care needs to community-based, non-clinical health and social care interventions to improve health and wellbeing. Nature-based social prescribing (NBSP) is a variant that uses the health-promoting benefits of activities carried out in natural environments, such as gardening and walking. Much current NBSP practice has been developed in the UK, and there is increasing global interest in its implementation. This requires interventions to be adapted for different contexts, considering the needs of populations and the structure of healthcare systems. Methods: This paper presents results from an expert group participatory workshop involving 29 practitioners, researchers, and policymakers from the UK and Germany’s health and environmental sectors. Using the UK and Germany, two countries with different healthcare systems and in different developmental stages of NBSP practice, as case studies, we analysed opportunities, challenges, and facilitators for the development and implementation of NBSP. Results: We identified five overarching themes for developing, implementing, and evaluating NBSP: Capacity Building; Accessibility and Acceptability; Networks and Collaborations; Standardised Implementation and Evaluation; and Sustainability. We also discuss key strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats for each overarching theme to understand how they could be developed to support NBSP implementation. Conclusions: NBSP could offer significant public health benefits using available blue and green spaces. We offer guidance on how NBSP implementation, from wider policy support to the design and evaluation of individual programmes, could be adapted to different contexts. This research could help inform the development and evaluation of NBSP programmes to support planetary health from local and global scales.

Intonation in speech is the control of vocal pitch to layer expressive meaning to communication, like increasing pitch to indicate a question. Also, stereotyped patterns of pitch are used to create distinct sounds with different denotations, like in tonal languages and, perhaps, the 10 sounds in the murine lexicon. A basic tone is created by exhalation through a constricted laryngeal voice box, and it is thought that more complex utterances are produced solely by dynamic changes in laryngeal tension. But perhaps, the shifting pitch also results from altering the swiftness of exhalation. Consistent with the latter model, we describe that intonation in most vocalization types follows deviations in exhalation that appear to be generated by the re-activation of the cardinal breathing muscle for inspiration. We also show that the brainstem vocalization central pattern generator, the iRO, can create this breath pattern. Consequently, ectopic activation of the iRO not only induces phonation, but also the pitch patterns that compose most of the vocalizations in the murine lexicon. These results reveal a novel brainstem mechanism for intonation.

Background: Plants have long been recognized for their potential to influence neurological health, with both neuroprotective and neurotoxic properties. This review explores the dual nature of plant-derived compounds and their impact on the human brain. Discussion: Numerous studies have highlighted the neuroprotective effects of various phytoconstituents, such as those found in Ginkgo biloba, Centella asiatica, Panax ginseng, Withania somnifera, and Curcuma longa. The neuroprotective compounds have demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cognitive-enhancing properties, making them promising candidates for combating neurodegenerative diseases and improving brain function. Polyphenolic compounds, triterpenic acids, and specific phytocompounds like the ones from EGb 761 extract have shown interactions with key enzymes and receptors in the brain, leading to neuroprotective outcomes. However, this review also acknowledges the neurotoxic potential of certain plants, such as the Veratrum species, which contains steroidal alkaloids that can cause DNA damage and disrupt neurological function, or Atropa belladonna, which interfere with the normal functioning of the cholinergic system in the body, leading to a range of symptoms associated with anticholinergic toxicity. Conslusions: This review also emphasizes the need for further research to elucidate the complex mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective and neurotoxic effects of plant-derived compounds, as well as to identify novel phytoconstituents with therapeutic potential. Understanding the complex relationship between plants and the human brain is crucial for harnessing the benefits of neuroprotective compounds while mitigating the risks associated with neurotoxic substances. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the knowledge on the neurological properties of plants and highlights the importance of continued research in this field for the development of novel therapeutic strategies targeting brain health and neurological disorders.

Abstract Objectives Aim of this retrospective cohort study was to evaluate whether oral health parameters would be associated with infection-related parameters and overall survival of patients with severe heart failure (HF). Methods Patients with severe HF, heart transplantation (HTx) and left-ventricular assist device (LVAD), which underwent a full oral examination between 2017 and 2018 were included. Infection-related and survival data were assessed from the patient´s medical records. The oral examination included: remaining teeth, caries and periodontal condition, including periodontal probing depth (PPD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), bleeding on probing (BOP), and diagnosis (staging/grading). In addition, the periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA) was determined. Statistical analysis included Chi-square, Fisher´s exact and Mann-Whitney-U test, as well as a logistic regression, considering age, gender, body-mass-index (BMI), diabetes and several oral health parameters with regard to overall survival and infections at heart/driveline. Results 329 patients (HTx: 34%, LVAD: 38.9%, HF: 27.1%), were included. Patients had on average 18.96 ± 8.90 remaining teeth, whereby the majority had a periodontitis stage III or IV (88.7%) and a grade B (80.5%). Higher BOP was associated with infections at heart/driveline (p = 0.04) and outside the heart (p

Abstract Background Sub-Saharan African populations undergo a nutrition transition towards diets associated with increased risk for metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. For targeted prevention, we aimed to characterize dietary patterns and determine their sociodemographic factors of adherence. Methods We recruited 1,018 adults aged > = 25 years from two formal and three informal settlements within the Health and Demographic Surveillance System, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, between February and April 2021. In a cross-sectional sample, a culture-specific food-propensity questionnaire with 134 food items and a sociodemographic questionnaire were used to collect the data. Exploratory dietary patterns were derived using principal component analysis, and sociodemographic factors of adherence were calculated using multivariable linear regression models. Results In this study population (median age: 42 years, interquartile range 21 years; male: 35.7%), the diet relied on starchy foods and other plant-based staples with rare consumption of animal-based products. We identified three dietary patterns, explaining 10.2%, 9.8%, and 8.9% of variation in food intake, respectively: a meat and egg-based pattern associated with younger age, male sex, better education, and economic situation; a fish-based pattern prevailed among women, higher educational levels, and better economic situation; and a starchy food-based was associated with younger age and sharing a home with other adults. Conclusions This study population is at an early stage of the nutrition transition and shows low intakes of health-beneficial food groups. Yet, progress along the nutrition transition varies according to age, educational attainment, and economic status. Particularly, younger and well-off people seem to adhere more strongly to diets high in animal-based products. These findings can inform strategies in public health nutrition for sub-Saharan African populations.

In psychological science, replicability—repeating a study with a new sample achieving consistent results (Parsons et al., 2022)—is critical for affirming the validity of scientific findings. Despite its importance, replication efforts are few and far between in psychological science with many attempts failing to corroborate past findings. This scarcity, compounded by the difficulty in accessing replication data, jeopardizes the efficient allocation of research resources and impedes scientific advancement. Addressing this crucial gap, we present the Replication Database (https://forrt-replications.shinyapps.io/fred_explorer), a novel platform hosting 1,239 original findings paired with replication findings. The infrastructure of this database allows researchers to submit, access, and engage with replication findings. The database makes replications visible, easily findable via a graphical user interface, and tracks replication rates across various factors, such as publication year or journal. This will facilitate future efforts to evaluate the robustness of psychological research.

Abstract Pathogenic aggregation of the protein tau is a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease and several other tauopathies. Tauopathies are characterized by the deposition of specific tau isoforms as disease-related tau filament structures. The molecular processes that determine isoform-specific deposition of tau are however enigmatic. Here we show that acetylation of tau discriminates its isoform-specific aggregation. We reveal that acetylation strongly attenuates aggregation of four-repeat tau protein, but promotes amyloid formation of three-repeat tau. We further identify acetylation of lysine 298 as a hot spot for isoform-specific tau aggregation. Solid-state NMR spectroscopy demonstrates that amyloid fibrils formed by unmodified and acetylated three-repeat tau differ in structure indicating that site-specific acetylation modulates tau structure. The results implicate acetylation as a critical regulator that guides the selective aggregation of three-repeat tau and the development of tau isoform-specific neurodegenerative diseases.

El objetivo del estudio es establecer una correlación entre las injusticias sociales que impactan a las mujeres racializadas cubanas entendidas como resultado de discriminaciones imbricadas estructuralmente, y la injusticia hermenéutica de las leyes nacionales, con el propósito de demostrar que el nuevo ordenamiento jurídico no asume el enfoque interseccional como un recurso disruptivo contrahegemónico a los sistemas de exclusión/discriminación que permita la emancipación, también mediante el campo legal, de estas poblaciones. Los métodos utilizados fueron el análisis cuantitativo de datos relacionados a encuestas y censos, y el análisis cualitativo de leyes, epistemologías feministas y otras fuentes bibliográficas.

Introducción: Desde la perspectiva de la prevención, el conocimiento de la peligrosidad de los productos químicos y de los efectos negativos potenciales que puedan producir, es fundamental poder evaluar sus riesgos y tomar medidas encaminadas a reducirlos. Objetivo: Abordar críticamente los aspectos fundamentales de los diferentes sistemas para la clasificación, identificación y comunicación de peligros y riesgos en el manejo de sustancias peligrosas. Materiales y Métodos: Se realiza una recopilación de los principales sistemas desarrollados y aplicados internacionalmente (Unión Europea, Organización de Naciones Unidas, Agencia de Protección de Incendios de los Estados Unidos, Asociación Americana de Recubrimiento y Pinturas de los Estados Unidos y el Sistema Globalmente Armonizado). Resultados y Discusión: En cada uno de ellos se detalla la forma y combinación de colores de los pictogramas, los símbolos e íconos empleados, palabras y letras de advertencia, así como las frases para comunicar los peligros o riesgos, las recomendaciones de prudencia y la compatibilidad entre ellos. Por su actualidad y uso cada vez más extensivo a nivel mundial, se particulariza más detalladamente en el Sistema Globalmente Armonizado de Clasificación y Etiquetado de Productos Químicos (SGA). Conclusiones: El SGA constituye un enfoque lógico de clasificación de productos químicos; favorece de manera significativa la adecuada comunicación clara y fácilmente comprensible de los peligros químicos, la protección de la salud humana y el ambiente y la gestión de los productos químicos ya que proporciona un sistema único, normalizado y armonizado para clasificarlos y elaborar las respectivas etiquetas y hojas de seguridad.

In bank-centred economies, banks are the leading financial institutions, and therefore the implementation of the principles of sustainable development through the instruments of "green" and "sustainable" finance depends on them. Given the historical links between banks and industrial capital, and the modern role of banks in the development of industrial enterprises, the question of taking into account the principles of sustainable development in bank lending to industrial enterprises as subjects causing catastrophic damage to the environment becomes particularly relevant. The purpose of the article is to provide a methodological substantiation of the peculiarities of taking into account the principles of sustainable development in the formation of a bank's industrial loan portfolio. To achieve this goal, the following tasks were solved: to clarify the criteria for taking into account the principles of sustainable development in the formation of the bank's industrial loan portfolio; to propose a structural approach to the formation of the bank's industrial loan portfolio on the basis of sustainable development. The methodological basis of the study is a synthesis of theoretical and practical research in the field of green and sustainable finance. Practical implications. The results of the study show that it is expedient to deepen the development of sustainable lending to industrial enterprises, since the concept of sustainable development is broader than green financing and includes all aspects of sustainable development – environmental, economic and social. Value/ Originality. The article clarifies scientific approaches to the definition of the concept of "sustainable development", identifies key principles of sustainable development, reveals financial aspects of implementation of the principles of sustainable development in the socio-economic life of society and substantiates the expediency of introducing the principles of sustainable development in bank lending to industrial enterprises. The criteria for taking into account the principles and goals of sustainable development in the formation of the bank's industrial loan portfolio are clarified and a structural approach to the formation of the industrial loan portfolio on the basis of sustainable development is proposed.

AbstractBackground Climate change is the greatest threat to global health in the twenty first century, yet combating it entails substantial health co-benefits. Physicians and other health professionals have not yet fully embraced their responsibilities in the climate crisis, especially about their communication with patients. While medical associations are calling on physicians to integrate climate change into health counselling, there is little empirical evidence about corresponding perceptions of patients.Objectives This study aimed to explore primary care patients’ perceptions of climate-sensitive health counselling.Methods From July to December 2021, 27 qualitative interviews with patients were conducted and analysed using thematic analysis. A purposive sampling technique was applied to identify patients who had already experienced climate-sensitive health counselling in Germany.Results Patients’ perceptions of climate-sensitive health counselling were characterised by a high level of acceptance, which was enhanced by stressing the link between climate change and health, being credible concerning physician’s own climate-friendly lifestyle, building upon good therapeutic relationships, creating a sense of solidarity, and working in a patient centred manner. Challenges and risks for acceptance were patients’ disinterest or surprise, time constraints, feared politicisation of consultations, and evoking feelings of guilt and shame.Conclusion These findings suggest that primary care patients can accept climate-sensitive health counselling, if it follows certain principles of communication, including patient-centredness. Our findings can be useful for developing communication guidelines, respective policies as well as well-designed intervention studies, which are needed to test the health and environmental effects of climate-sensitive health counselling.

To explore the effects of antenatal anxiety on fetal growth an observational cohort study was performed, including a cohort of 204 women with singleton pregnancies during the strict lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Psychosocial factors, maternal demographics, obstetric outcomes, social support (Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey, MOS-SSS), and symptoms of anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, STAIs and STAIt) and depression (Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale, EPDS) were studied as potential predictors of low birth weight. Main outcome measures were birth weight, head circumference and length. Results showed a negative correlation between STAIt score (trait anxiety) and birth weight percentile (r = −0.228, p = .047). In the univariate linear regression analysis, a lower maternal weight and BMI before pregnancy, parity, increased STAIt score and preterm birth below 37 weeks of gestation (p = .008, p = .015, p = .028, p = .047 and p = .022, respectively) were identified as predictive risk factors for low birth weight, whereas in the multivariate lineal regression analysis only a lower maternal weight before pregnancy and an increased STAIt score were independent predictors for low birth weight (p = .020, p = .049, respectively). To conclude, anxiety during pregnancy impacts birth weight, and specifically the trait anxiety, is a predictor for low birth weight.

In today's world, the development of any economy is characterised by numerous financial, socio-economic and political challenges. Ukraine's experience is particularly special, as its macroeconomic environment is undergoing significant shifts and changes due to the unprecedented armed invasion of its sovereign territory by a neighbouring aggressor country. Given the importance of the industrial production sector in the country's economic growth, the problem of additional financial sources for the development of industrial enterprises in the dynamic macroeconomic environment of Ukraine is particularly relevant. Since banks are the dominant link in the financial system of Ukraine, the study of the impact of the macroeconomic environment on bank lending to industrial enterprises is of particular scientific interest. The article is aimed at identifying and analysing the key economic factors of the macroeconomic environment of Ukraine that influenced the state of bank lending to industrial enterprises in 2009-2022, using economic and mathematical modelling methods. Methodology. The study is based on the data that showed the highest correlations between the outcome variable - the volume of bank lending to industrial enterprises (in billion UAH) and the explanatory variables - economic factors of the macroeconomic environment of different groups (general indicators of economic development; indicators of industrial development; indicators of socio-economic development; indicators of the monetary market; indicators of public finance; indicators of the external sector; indicators of the foreign exchange market) for the period 2009-2022. Based on these data, a multiple linear regression model is built and the results are interpreted. Practical implications. The practical results can serve as a basis for further research on ways to improve the risk management of bank lending to industrial enterprises in a dynamic macroeconomic environment; ways to improve the management of problem debts of industrial enterprises; ways to intensify bank lending to industrial enterprises in Ukraine as a prerequisite for post-war economic reconstruction on the basis of sustainable development, etc. Value/Originality. The results of the research provide a deeper understanding of the role of the country's macroeconomic environment, its dynamics and the impact of certain economic factors on the development of bank lending to industrial enterprises as an important source of additional financial resources for industrial enterprises.

Objective Climate change increases the frequency, intensity and length of heatwaves, which puts a particular strain on the health of vulnerable population groups. General practitioners (GPs) could reach these people and provide advice on protective health behaviour against heat. Data is lacking on whether and what topic of GP advice people are interested in, and whether specific person characteristics are associated with such interests.Design Cross-sectional, nationwide, face-to-face household survey, conducted during winter 2022/2023.Setting Germany.Participants Population-based sample of 4212 respondents (aged 14–96 years), selected by using multistratified random sampling (50%) combined with multiquota sampling (50%).Main outcome measure Interest in receiving GP advice on health protection during heatwaves (yes/no), and the topic people find most important (advice on drinking behaviour, nutrition, cooling, cooling rooms, physical activity or medication management). Associations between predefined person characteristics and the likelihood of interest were estimated using adjusted logistic regressions.Results A total of 4020 respondents had GP contact and provided data on the outcome measure. Of these, 23% (95% CI=22% to 25%) expressed interest in GP advice. The likelihood of expressing interest was positively associated with being female, older age (particularly those aged 75+ years: 38% were interested), having a lower level of educational attainment, having a migration background, living in a more urban area, and living in a single-person household. It was negatively associated with increasing income. Advice on medication management received highest interest (25%).Conclusions During winter season 2022/2023, around one quarter of the German population with GP contact—and around 40% of those aged 75+ years—was estimated to have a stated interest in receiving GP advice on protective health behaviour during heatwaves, especially on medication management. Climate change is creating new demands for healthcare provision in general practice. This study provides initial relevant information for research and practice aiming to address these demands.

Abstract Polylactic acid (PLA) is the bioplastic with the highest market share. However, it is mainly produced from first‐generation feedstock and there are various inconsistencies in the literature in terms of its production and recycling processes, carbon footprint, and prices. The aim of this study is to compile and contrast these aspects and investigate second‐generation PLA production from technical, economic, and ecological perspectives simultaneously. The comprehensive analyses also show the chances and challenges of originating a PLA supply chain in a specific region. Herein, the German Federal State of North Rhine‐Westphalia (NRW) has been chosen as a region of interest. In addition to highlighting the industrial capabilities and synergies, the study quantifies and illustrates the locations of different suitable second‐generation feedstocks in the region. However, the identified potentials can be challenged by various obstacles such as the high demand of bioresources, feedstock quality, spatial aspects, and logistics. Furthermore, the substantial price gap between PLA and fossil‐based plastics can also discourage the investors to include PLA on their portfolios. Thus, the study also provides recommendations to overcome these obstacles and promote the regional value chains of bioplastics which may serve as prototype for other regions.

Introduction: Climate change threatens physical and mental health. Hospitals have a key role in adapting to these impacts. At the same time, hospitals contribute to climate change due to their greenhouse gas emissions. To effectively reduce these emissions, stakeholder involvement is important. This study aimed at identifying possible mitigation measures, barriers, and enablers for their implementation from stakeholders’ perspectives in a German university hospital. Materials and methods: We conducted a qualitative study with semi-structured interviews at Heidelberg University Hospital. The participants’ selection was based on purposive maximum variation sampling. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using the framework approach, supported by NVivo. Results: Five patients, twelve clinical and twelve administrative employees at different hierarchical levels were interviewed. Stakeholders suggested various possible mitigation measures. Only a few of them were specific to hospitals. Enablers and barriers were attributed to the structural, organizational, mitigation measure, and stakeholder levels. Common barriers on these levels were non-demanding policies, the complexity of organizational structures, the perceived risk of reduced healthcare performance, and lack of awareness and prioritization. Participants formulated enablers, e.g., knowing best-practice examples or hiring a sustainability manager. However, enablers were mostly hypothetical and based on perceived barriers. Conclusion: Profound changes in regulatory frameworks and organizational management would support stakeholders at the investigated hospital in implementing mitigation measures. Furthermore, intensified research about climate-friendly health care and communication of these findings to hospital stakeholders as well as integration of these findings into curricula of the health workforce seems necessary for the climate-friendly transformation of hospitals.

The purpose of the article is to analyse the key macroeconomic factors that determine the general state and dynamics of the macroeconomic environment of Ukraine in modern realities. The methodological basis of the study is the generalisation of the results of applied research in the field of economics, scientific works, statistical data, which highlight some aspects of the development of the modern Ukrainian economy. Results. The modern conditions in which the Ukrainian economy is forced to operate against the backdrop of military escalation have a corresponding impact on the state and dynamics of its macroeconomic environment, and thus on the level of economic activity of all business entities. The article analyses the peculiarities of the development of the macroeconomic environment of Ukraine in the period before the full-scale military invasion and in the first year of the war. The study analyses such structuring macroeconomic factors of the macroeconomic environment of Ukraine as the availability and accessibility of natural resources, the sectoral composition of the national economy, the state and development of the markets for goods and services, the state and development of the financial market, and analyses the main indicators of economic development. Practical implications. The practical results can be used as a basis for further research: on ways to improve the macroeconomic environment of Ukraine; on financial support for the recovery of the national economy and, accordingly, improvement of the dynamics of the macroeconomic environment of Ukraine; on the prospects for transformation of certain macroeconomic factors of the macroeconomic environment: in particular, in the electricity market by introducing renewable energy technologies; in the markets for goods and services by introducing the principles of the "green" economy in industrial production; in the sectoral composition of the national economy by increasing the role of technology and innovation in economic activity, etc. Value/originality. The results of the study provide a deeper understanding of the role and importance of the dynamics of the country's macroeconomic environment in the economic activity of business entities, as well as an assessment of the economic consequences of the war on the state of Ukraine's macroeconomic environment.

Introduction The global obesity epidemic and its adverse health effects have reached sub-Saharan Africa. In some urban settings, like Burkina Faso’s capital Ouagadougou, up to 43% of the adult population are overweight or obese. At the same time, modernised food systems are responsible for 26% of global greenhouse gas emissions, 50% of land use and 70% of freshwater use. International guidelines on the treatment of overweight and obesity recommend dietary intervention programmes that promote reduced calorie intake and increased physical activity. So far, weight loss interventions rarely consider sustainable dietary concepts, including healthfulness, affordability, cultural appropriateness and environmental friendliness. Therefore, we present a study protocol of a novel randomised controlled trial that aims to establish the effects of a sustainable weight loss intervention on cardiometabolic and environmental outcomes in urban Burkina Faso.Methods and analysis We conduct a non-blinded randomised controlled trial, comparing a 6-month sustainable diet weight loss intervention programme (n=125) with a standard weight loss information material and 5 min oral counselling at baseline (n=125). Primary outcome is a reduction in fasting plasma glucose of ≥0.1 mmol/L. Outcome measures are assessed at baseline, after 6 months and after 12 months.Ethics and dissemination Ethical approval for the study has been obtained from the Medical Faculty of Heidelberg University (S-376/2019) and from the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso (No 2021-01-001). The results of the study will be disseminated to local stakeholders at a final project meeting and to the wider research community through peer-reviewed publications and conferences.Trial registration number DRKS00025991.

This article presents a progress report from the last two years of the Teaching Digital Thinking (TDT) project. This project aims to implement new concepts, didactic methods, and teaching formats for sustainable digital transformation in Austrian Universities’ curricula by introducing new digital competencies. By equipping students and teachers with 21st-century digital competencies, partner universities can contribute to solving global challenges and organizing pilot projects. In line with the overall project aims, this article presents the ongoing digital transformation activities, courses, and research in the project, which have been carried out by the five partner universities since 2020, and briefly discusses the results. This article presents a summary of the research and educational activities carried out within two parts: complementary research and pilot projects.

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide and the number of patients is steadily increasing. In skin cancer care, greater interdisciplinary cooperation is required for prevention, early detection, and new complex systemic therapies. However, the implementation of innovative medical care is a major challenge, especially for rural regions with an older than average, multimorbid population, with limited mobility, that are long distances from medical facilities. Solutions are necessary to ensure comprehensive oncological care in rural regions. The aim of this study was to identify indicators to establish a regional care network for integrated skin cancer care. To capture the perspectives of different stakeholder groups, we conducted two focus groups with twenty skin cancer patients and their relatives, a workshop with eight physicians, and three semi-structured interviews with health insurance company representatives. Qualitative data were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed following Mayring’s content analysis methods. We generated ten categories based on the reported optimization potentials; five categories were assigned to all three stakeholder groups: Prevention and early diagnosis, accessibility of physicians/clinics, physicians’ resources, care provider’s responsibilities, and information exchange. The results indicate the need for stronger integration of care in the region. They provide the basis for regional networking as, for example, the conception of treatment pathways or telemedicine with the aim to improve a comprehensive skin cancer care. Our study should raise awareness and postulate as a demand that all patients receive guideline-based therapy, regardless of where they live.

The article examines the impact of labor productivity on the development of agriculture. It was established that labor productivity is the main lever for creating additional value and a source of economic growth of agricultural production. An assessment of the achieved level of labor productivity in the agriculture of Ukraine was carried out on the basis of economic and statistical analysis. The monitoring of wage dynamics as the main socioeconomic factor of increasing the productivity of agricultural labor was carried out. A comparative analysis of the rate of increase in labor productivity and the rate of growth of its payment was done. The obtained results made it possible to reveal the presence of disproportions in the agrarian sphere of Ukraine between these indicators. A comparative assessment of the level of labor productivity in domestic agriculture and EU countries proved that the rate of growth of agricultural labor productivity in Ukraine is significantly behind the average European indicators. A set of socio-economic motivators for increasing labor productivity in agricultural production is substantiated on the basis of the research results. It was established that remuneration systems for hired labor remain the main socioeconomic factor stimulating the growth of labor productivity in agrarian business. At the same time, a set of socio-economic motivators, which, in addition to wages, can be effective in stimulating the growth of agricultural labor productivity has been determined. Among the key motivators, the following ones are proposed for use in the modern HR policy of agrarian formations: opportunities for professional development of personnel, opportunities for employees to influence making important management decisions, increasing the prestige of agricultural work, appreciation and self-realization of workers. It was determined that the principles of sustainable development and the elimination of inclusive gaps in the industry should be an important prerequisite for increasing labor productivity in the agricultural economy of Ukraine.

The aim of the article is to highlight the key modern macroeconomic aspects and trends in the development of bank lending to industrial enterprises in highly developed countries of the world and to identify promising areas for its further development. The methodological basis of the study is the generalization of the results of applied research in the field of economics, scientific papers, statistical data, which highlight certain aspects of the development of the modern globalized economy, in particular its impact on the macroeconomic features of industrial development and bank lending to industrial enterprises. Results. The influence of financialization on the macroeconomic environment and the development of bank lending to industrial enterprises (on the example of the USA, Great Britain, Germany) is investigated. The influence of such unprecedented for the XXI century force majeure factors as the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine on the macroeconomic environment and the development of bank lending to industrial enterprises is considered. The key trends in global economic development that stimulate transformations and structural changes in the macroeconomic environment of highly developed countries are highlighted. The role of bank lending to industrial enterprises in these processes is determined, which consists in lending to industrial innovations, as well as in the development of such promising areas as the "green" and "blue" economy. Practical implications. The practical results can be the basis for further research: on solving the problems of convergence of the financial and real sectors of the financialized economy, in particular with the participation of bank lending to industrial enterprises; on the role and importance of bank lending to industrial enterprises in overcoming the current macroeconomic consequences of the war in Ukraine; on certain aspects of the integration of bank capital into the development of industrial enterprises that are part of the "green", "blue" economy. Value/originality. The results of the study provide a deeper understanding of the role and contribution of bank lending to industrial enterprises in the processes of ensuring positive macroeconomic dynamics and maintaining macroeconomic stability, as well as allow to assess the depth of prospects for the development of bank lending to industrial enterprises.

The authors present a method for the conversion of full-length tau protein into seeding-competent amyloid fibrils without heparin or other negatively charged co-factors, which could be useful for studying the effects of post-translational modifications on Tau aggregation as well as to identify potential inhibitors of tau aggregation. Biochemical experiments and solid-state NMR spectroscopy measurements show that these co-factor-free tau fibrils have similar properties as amyloid fibrils isolated from brain tissue but differ from those of commonly used heparin-induced tau fibrils.

Метою дослідження є розвиток класифікації різновидів банківського кредитування промислових підприємств, зокрема шляхом введення нових класифікаційних ознак. Розглянуто основні підходи до видової класифікації кредитування промислових підприємств та систематизовано класифікаційні ознаки кредитування виробничого бізнесу в зарубіжних наукових джерелах. Проаналізовано класифікаційні ознаки банківського кредитування суб’єктів господарювання у вітчизняній науковій літературі, та з’ясовано, що класифікація різновидів банківського кредитування промисловості потребує розвитку та удосконалення. Запропоновано нові, уточнюючі класифікаційні ознаки різновидів банківського кредитування промислових підприємств, що враховують специфіку промислових підприємств, та, на їх основі, розвинено класифікацію різновидів банківського кредитування промисловості.

Стаття присвячена удосконаленню засобів мотивації праці з використаням категорій, які її розкривають. Актуальність проведеного дослідження зумовлена важливістю мотивації праці для розвитку та реалізації людського капіталу, який є найважливішим ресурсом будь-якої організації. Мета статті – розробити рекомендації підвищення мотивації праці персоналу, які сприятимуть успішній діяльності та розвитку організації. Для досягнення мети в ході дослідження було визначено суть таких понять як «мотиви», «інтереси», «стимули» та «стимулювання». За результатами розкриття суті основних категорій мотивації визначено основну її мету. За результатами зарубіжного та вітчизняного досвіду запропоновано рекомендації щодо підвищення мотивації праці у вітчизняних організаціях. В ході проведення дослідження використані методи аналізу, синтезу, індукції, аналогії та дедукції. В статті вперше показані практичні рекомендації, дотримання яких сприятиме підвищенню мотивації праці на вітчизняних підприємствах. За результатами вивчення наукової літератури встановлено, що мотивація праці – це процес стимулювання до різних видів діяльності, необхідних для досягнення певних цілей організації. Основна мета мотивації праці – отримання максимального ефекту від трудових ресурсів. Для її підвищення система стимулювання праці будується з урахуванням інтересів працівників, їх мотивів і стимулів та передбачає: креативний підхід до матеріального стимулювання, надання соціальних гарантій, організацію комфортного робочого місця, задоволення фізіологічних та естетичних потреб, можливість навчатися та вдосконалювати навички, забезпечення рівності незалежно від посад, заохочення у вигляді бонусів, похвали з боку керівника, введення 4-денного робочого тижня. Практичне значення дослідження полягає в можливості використовувати отримані результати вітчизняними організаціями незалежно від їх діяльності та форми власності з метою підвищення мотивації праці.

The demand of qualified work force is the fundamental element for the entrance projection and labor location of the graduate ones of the different formation levels. The work offers a tool for the determination of the necessity of qualified work force in the labor entities of a municipality. Starting from the results of the diagnosis it was proven that irregularities existed in the demand of graduates, besides that it was not in correspondence with the plans of integral development of the territory. With the elements obtained from the use of empiric methods of investigation, it was evaluated the necessity of elaborating a procedure compound for four stages and ten steps that it allowed the employers of a municipality the upgrade of the demand of work force qualified in function of the local development. Quality of plants of Micropholis polita (Griseb.) Pierre (sapotillo) cultivated in nursery with this instrument a contribution was made to the existing regulations because it took into account other indicators for the determination of graduates of the different levels of training. Its partial validation in the municipality of La Palma, Pinar del Río, proved its usefulness for the demand of qualified work force, evidencing a transformation so much qualitative as quantitative of the results of the process, being more coherent the demand with the current scenario of the territory as soon as it contemplates the substitution of the labor force, as well as it conceives the formation of profiles in correspondence with the strategy of local development.

Abstract Background It is now universally acknowledged that climate change constitutes a major threat to human health. At the same time, some of the measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, so-called climate change mitigation measures, have significant health co-benefits (e.g., walking or cycling more; eating less meat). The goal of limiting global warming to 1,5° Celsius set by the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Paris in 2015 can only be reached if all stakeholders, including households, take actions to mitigate climate change. Results on whether framing mitigation measures in terms of their health co-benefits increases the likelihood of their implementation are inconsistent. The present study protocol describes the transdisciplinary project HOPE (HOuseholds’ Preferences for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in four European high-income countries) that investigates the role of health co-benefits in households’ decision making on climate change mitigation measures in urban households in France, Germany, Norway and Sweden. Methods HOPE employs a mixed-methods approach combining status-quo carbon footprint assessments, simulations of the reduction of households’ carbon footprints, and qualitative in-depth interviews with a subgroup of households. Furthermore, a policy analysis of current household oriented climate policies is conducted. In the simulation of the reduction of households’ carbon footprints, half of the households are provided with information on health co-benefits of climate change mitigation measures, the other half is not. Households’ willingness to implement the measures is assessed and compared in between-group analyses of variance. Discussion This is one of the first comprehensive mixed-methods approaches to investigate which mitigation measures households are most willing to implement in order to reach the 1,5° target set by the Paris Agreement, and whether health co-benefits can serve as a motivator for households to implement these measures. The comparison of the empirical data with current climate policies will provide knowledge for tailoring effective climate change mitigation and health policies.

The purpose of the paper is to justify theoretically the existence of disparities between the paces of development of the financial and real sectors of the economy of Ukraine, and in this regard, to study of the role of the banking investment lending as a credit instrument in managing imbalances of movement of financial resources. The hypothetico-deductive method allows us to investigate the causes of occurrence of disparities between the rates of development of the financial and real sectors of the Ukrainian economy. The method of analysis allows us to investigate the penetration rate of bank credit mechanisms in the past five years (2011-2015) in the processes of financing of the needs of the real sector for capital investments. Methodology. The survey is based on the theoretical analysis of the scientific literature in order to identify the causes of imbalances of movement of financial resources, the result of their influence on the pace of development of the real and financial sectors of the economy. The work displays the main approaches to the definition of the term of "financialization". Different points of view of scientists about the impact of financialization on investment processes and the flow of financial resources are grouped in this article. Also, there are presented visions of the major economic schools on the interaction of financial and real sectors of the economy. On the basis of special non-fiction the author of this research worked out the simplified scheme of imbalances of movement of financial resources in the economy. Also, in this article are studied the theoretical basis of bank investment lending, and is justified its role in managing the process of convergence of the financial and real sectors of the economy. Results of the survey showed that the cause of the imbalances of movement of financial resources is the processes of financialization. This process leads to distortion of the key role of the financial sector, which is to serve the real sector. Banking investment lending may be an effective mechanism for the convergence of the financial and the real sector. However, the result of analysis has shown that it does not work in modern conditions. Practical implications. The theoretical and practical analysis can be the basis for future research, especially with regards to the reasons of non-usage of banking investment lending as a tool of the control of imbalances of movement of financial resources in terms of prevailing financial sector relative to the real. Value/ originality. The results of the study make it possible to provide a better understanding of the role and practical importance of banking lending as a tool of investment in real sector, which is used by banks with the purpose to control the motions of financial resources.

La presente contribución expone los resultados de la aplicación de la modelación matemática al control de la calidad del proceso de compactación de los suelos rocosos argilíticos en terraplenes de presas en Cuba, expresado en un gráfico de óptimos. Se conceptualizó una metodología general para la modelación del comportamiento físico-matemático de los parámetros de compactación de estos suelos, con el fin de lograr la más adecuada selección y control para su aprovechamiento como material de construcción. El modelo matemático incorporó una variable más al control de la compactación tradicional: la fracción gruesa mayor de 19,1 mm, que favoreció notablemente la interpretación de los resultados experimentales del fenómeno físico, permitiendo una mayor racionalidad y flexibilidad en la toma de decisiones ingenieras, al mismo tiempo que se recomienda un método para la corrección de los resultados del Ensayo Próctor Estándar por la influencia de esta fracción gruesa, validado en la práctica por pruebas y resultados definitivos obtenidos en terraplenes.

Variability of anatomical characters within a 15 year old stem is presented by the method of contour lines, where against a schematic longitudinal section of a stem points corresponding to the same values for a character are joined by lines, similarly as altitudes in cartography. The method permits prediction of future trends in character changes. It was thus established that tracheid dimensions and diameter of bordered pits in early wood tracheids increase with age of tree and do not reach maximal values before the 15th year. The annual ring width and the height of the rays attain maximal values before the 15th year while the dimensions of ray cells and the percentage of late wood reach almost constant values during the first year or two.

Tannin cells occur throughout the bud except the distal and peripheral meristem zones of the apical meristem, and the youngest cataphyll primordia. Starch is absent in winter buds. The earliest structural manifestation of spring awakening in the bud are fragmentation of tannin vacuoles and synthesis of starch in the green cells of the bud. The tannins occurring in the vacuoles are hydrolysable giving a positive reaction for sugars (PAS). During their spring hydrolysis glucose is released. It is probably one of the sources of sugars for the synthesis of starch. During extension growth of the bud there occurs a degradation of tannin cells in the pith, which consist in the precipitation of tannins to a condensed form.

The aim of this study is to describe the experiences of becoming a parent to a child with birth asphyxia treated with hypothermia in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). In line with the medical advances, the survival of critically ill infants with increased risk of morbidity is increasing. Children who survive birth asphyxia are at a higher risk of functional impairments, cerebral palsy (CP), or impaired vision and hearing. Since 2006, hypothermia treatment following birth asphyxia is used in many of the Swedish neonatal units to reduce the risk of brain injury. To date, research on the experience of parenthood of the child with birth asphyxia is sparse. To improve today's neonatal care delivery, health-care providers need to better understand the experiences of becoming a parent to a child with birth asphyxia. A total of 26 parents of 16 children with birth asphyxia treated with hypothermia in a Swedish NICU were interviewed. The transcribed interview texts were analysed according to a qualitative latent content analysis. We found that the experience of becoming a parent to a child with birth asphyxia treated with hypothermia at the NICU was a strenuous journey of overriding an emotional rollercoaster, that is, from being thrown into a chaotic situation which started with a traumatic delivery to later processing the difficult situation of believing the child might not survive or was to be seriously affected by the asphyxia. The prolonged parent–infant separation due to the hypothermia treatment and parents’ fear of touching the infant because of the high-tech equipment seemed to hamper the parent–infant bonding. The adaption of the everyday life at home seemed to be facilitated by the follow-up information of the doctor after discharge. The results of this study underline the importance of family-centered support during and also after the NICU discharge.

Con el objetivo de llevar a cabo el escalado industrial de los productos hemoclasificadores a partir de anticuerpos monoclonales murinos, se realizaron diversas actividades para crear las condiciones que permitieran su manufactura con el cumplimiento de las buenas prácticas de producción en el Centro de Inmunología Molecular. Se introdujeron los métodos analíticos para determinar la calidad del producto hemoclasificador Hemo-CIM anti-A en el Departamento de Control de la Calidad, se entrenó al personal responsable de esta actividad en el uso de estos métodos de evaluación de la actividad biológica del AcM anti-A en el sobrenadante, líquido ascítico y producto terminado; se diseñaron y elaboraron los documentos que forman parte del sistema de documentación; entre ellos, los procedimientos normalizados de operación (PNO), los expedientes maestros de lotes, los documentos para la recolección de datos, así como los registros de lote, los certificados de calidad y los registros de las mediciones de la actividad biológica para archivar los resultados en el laboratorioWith the objective of carrying out industrial scaling of hemoclassifier products from murin monoclonal antibodies, a number of activities were performed to create the conditions for their manufacture in compliance with good manufacturing practices of the Molecular Immunology Center. The analytical methods were introduced to determine the quality of anti-A Hemo-CIM hemoclassifier in the Quality Assurance Department. Staff responsible for this work was trained in the use of these evaluation methods of the biological action of anti-A monoclonal antibody in supernatant, ascitic fluid and finished product; the documents that are part of the documentation system were designed and prepared, among them standard operating procedures, master production batch records, documents for data-gathering, batch records, quality certificates and biological activity measurement registers to file lab results