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Abstract The Golgi apparatus is essential for protein sorting, yet its quality control mechanisms are poorly understood. Here we show that the Dsc ubiquitin ligase complex uses its rhomboid pseudo-protease subunit, Dsc2, to assess the hydrophobic length of α-helical transmembrane domains (TMDs) at the Golgi. Thereby the Dsc complex likely interacts with orphaned ER and Golgi proteins that have shorter TMDs and ubiquitinates them for targeted degradation. Some Dsc substrates will be extracted by Cdc48 for endosome and Golgi associated proteasomal degradation (EGAD), while others will undergo ESCRT dependent vacuolar degradation. Some substrates are degraded by both, EGAD- or ESCRT pathways. The accumulation of Dsc substrates entails a specific increase in glycerophospholipids with shorter and asymmetric fatty acyl chains. Hence, the Dsc complex mediates the selective degradation of orphaned proteins at the sorting center of cells, which prevents their spreading across other organelles and thereby preserves cellular membrane protein and lipid composition.

We aim to understand the distribution and environmental drivers for the occurrence of the European green toad (Bufotes viridis) in Austria and create breeding habitats for it. Citizen scientists can use a custom smartphone application (AmphiApp) to record data such as the calls of anurans and photographic documentation. The records are validated by experts. To provide breeding habitats for green toads, we gave citizen scientists 300 small plastic ponds (1.20L × 0.9W × 0.4D m) to place on their land (garden, backyard). These citizen scientists will monitor their pond every two weeks for two seasons (March–August 2024 & 2025) for the occurrence of amphibians and their invertebrate prey. During the first two months, most pond owners have been highly motivated and have followed the monitoring scheme, despite the involved procedure, likely due to our active engagement with them (e.g., during the pond delivery by team members, emails, phone calls and messaging within AmphiApp).

Abstract Localized prostate cancer is frequently composed of multiple spatially distinct tumors with significant inter- and intra-tumoral molecular heterogeneity. This genomic diversity gives rise to many competing clones that may drive the biological trajectory of the disease. Previous large-scale sequencing efforts have focused on the evolutionary process in metastatic prostate cancer, revealing a potential clonal progression to castration resistance. However, the clonal origin of synchronous lymph node (LN) metastases in primary disease is still unknown. Here, we perform multi-region, targeted next generation sequencing and construct phylogenetic trees in men with prostate cancer with synchronous LN metastasis to better define the pathologic and molecular features of primary disease most likely to spread to the LNs. Collectively, we demonstrate that a combination of histopathologic and molecular factors, including tumor grade, presence of extra-prostatic extension, cellular morphology, and oncogenic genomic alterations are associated with synchronous LN metastasis.

BackgroundC-reactive protein (CRP) is an established serum biomarker for different pathologies such as tissue injury and inflammatory events. One rising area of interest is the incorporation of low concentrations of CRP, so called high-sensitive (hs-) CRP, in the risk assessment and treatment monitoring of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Many research projects and the resulting meta-analyses have reported controversial results for the use of hs-CRP, especially in the risk assessment of CVDs. However, since these analyses used different assays to detect hs-CRP, it is important to assess the current level of assay harmonization.MethodsThis paper analyzes data from 17 external quality assessment (EQA) surveys for hs-CRP conducted worldwide between 2018 and 2023. Each EQA survey consisted of two blinded samples. In 2020 the sample material changed from pooled serum to single-donor samples. The aim was to assess the current status of assay harmonization by a manufacturer-based approach, taking into consideration the clinical decision limits for hs-CRP risk-stratification of CVDs as well as the scatter of results.ResultsOur analyses show that harmonization has increased in recent years from median differences of up to 50% to below 20%, with one exception that showed an increasing bias throughout the observed period. After changing sample materials from pools to single-donor samples, the coefficient of variation decreased to below 10% with one exception. Nevertheless, even these differences in the clinical setting could lead to disparate classification of patients depending on the assay used.ConclusionWhile there was a positive trend towards harmonization, meta-analysis of different risk-score publications should stratify their analysis by assay to account for the manufacturer-specific differences observed in this paper. Furthermore, assays are currently traceable to different international standard preparations, which might have a negative impact on future harmonization.

BackgroundTumor markers are established laboratory tools that help to diagnose, estimate prognosis, and monitor the course of cancer. For meaningful decision-making in patient care, it is essential that methods and analytical platforms demonstrate high sensitivity, specificity, precision, and comparability. Regular participation at external quality assessment (EQA) schemes is mandatory for laboratories. Here, a longitudinal evaluation of EQA data was performed to assess the performance of tumor marker assays over time.MethodsLongitudinal data of the cancer antigens (CA) 15-3 (n = 5,492), CA 19-9 (n = 6,802), and CA 125 (n = 5,362) from 14 INSTAND EQAs conducted between 2019 and 2023 were evaluated. A median of 197, 244 and 191 laboratories participated at the EQAs for CA 15-3, CA 19-9 and CA 125, respectively. Data evaluation encompasses intra- and inter-manufacturer specific variations over time, assay precision, and adherence to the EQA limits of ±24% for CA 15-3, ±27% for CA 19–9 and ±36% for CA 125.ResultsThe study showed median manufacturer-dependent differences of up to 107% for CA 15-3, 99% for CA 125, and even 549% for CA 19-9 between the highest and the lowest methods over the studied period. Regarding the normalized median of all methods, the values of the most deviant methods were 0.42 for CA 15-3, 7.61 for CA 19-9, and 1.82 for CA 125. Intra-manufacturer variability was generally low, with median coefficients of variation (CV) below 10%. As the methods were evaluated according to method-specific consensus values, most participants passed the EQAs within the acceptance criteria. When the criteria were consistently set at 24%, the central 90% of participants passed the EQAs in 78.6%–100% for CA 15-3 (with exception of AX), 89.3%–100% for CA 125, and 64.3%–100% for CA 19-9.ConclusionWhile intra-method precision of most analytical platforms is acceptable for all three tumor markers, considerable inter-method variability was observed over the whole studied period demonstrating the necessity for better standardization and harmonization of the methods, development of international reference materials, and comprehensive commutability studies with patient samples.

For the planning and implementation of lessons with digital technologies, a subject-specific technology-related professional competence of teachers is of central importance. However, the competency frameworks developed so far remain in a general perspective and do not explicitly address subject-specific issues. Furthermore, digital competencies are predominantly measured with subject-unspecific self-assessment instruments, as subject-specific operationalizations for this area are not yet available in a differentiated form. In this article, the framework for Digital Competencies for Teaching in Science Education (DiKoLAN), a subject-specific framework for pre-service science teachers, is introduced, on the one hand, and, on the other hand, first results of a self-assessment tool based on the framework are described. DiKoLAN defines competency areas highly specific to science, as well as more general competency areas that include aspects common to all subjects. Each competency area is described by competency expectations, which, in turn, are structured with reference to the four technology-related dimensions of the TPACK framework (i.e., Technological and Pedagogical Content Knowledge) and three levels of performance (Name, Describe, Use/Apply). Derived from DiKoLAN, a corresponding self-assessment instrument (DiKoLAN-Grid) was developed and empirically tested for the two competency areas, (n = 118) and Information Search and Evaluation (n = 90), in biology student teachers. By means of path models, tendencies regarding structural correlations of the four components Special Tools (TK), Content-specific Context (TCK), Methods and Digitality (TPK), and Teaching (TPACK) are presented for both competency areas and discussed, as well as in comparison to previously conducted, subject-unspecific surveys.

Background: Aortic stenosis (AS) is one of the most prevalent valvular heart-diseases in Europe. Currently, diagnosis and classification are not sex-sensitive; however, due to a distinctly different natural history of AS, further investigations of sex-differences in AS-patients are needed. Thus, this study aimed to detect sex-differences in severe AS, especially concerning flow-patterns, via phase-contrast cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (PC-CMR). Methods: Forty-four severe AS-patients (20 women, 45 % vs. 24 men, 55 %) with a median age of 72 years underwent transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), cardiac catheterization (CC) and CMR. Aortic valve area (AVA) and stroke volume (SV) were determined in all modalities, with CMR yielding geometrical AVA via cine-planimetry and functional AVA via PC-CMR, the latter being also used to examine flow-properties. Results: Geometrical AVA showed no sex-differences (0.91 cm2, IQR: 0.61–1.14 vs. 0.94 cm2, IQR: 0.77–1.22, p = 0.322). However, functional AVA differed significantly between sexes in all three modalities (TTE: p = 0.044; CC/PC-CMR: p

Background:Quality control (QC), quality assurance, and standardization are crucial for modern diagnostic testing in the field of medical microbiology. The need for efficient QC to ensure accurate laboratory results, treatment, and infection prevention has led to significant efforts in standardizing assay reagents and workflows. External quality assessment (EQA) schemes, like those offered by INSTAND, play a vital role in evaluating in-house and commercial routine diagnostic assays, regarded as mandatory by national and global guidelines. The recent impact of polymerase chain reaction/nucleic acid amplification technology (PCR/NAAT) assays in medical microbiology requires that high-performing assays be distinguished from inadequately performing ones, especially those made by inexperienced suppliers.Objectives:The study assesses the evolving diagnostic performance trends over 2 decades for the detection of EHEC/STEC, Borrelia (B.) burgdorferi, and MRSA/cMRSA. It explores the historical context of assay utilization, participant engagement, and rates of correct results in EQA schemes. The research seeks to identify patterns in assay preferences, participant proficiency, and the challenges encountered in detecting emerging variants or clinical strains.Results:The study highlights the decline in in-house PCR assay usage, the emergence of new diagnostic challenges, and educational aspects within EQA schemes. Specific examples, such as the inclusion, in certain EQA surveys, of EHEC strains carrying stx-2f or B. miyamotoi, highlight the role of EQAs in increasing awareness and diagnostic capabilities. Advancements in MRSA detection, especially through the adoption of commercial assays, demonstrate the impact that technology evolution has had on diagnostic performance.Conclusion:Achieving excellence in diagnostic molecular microbiology involves a multifaceted approach, including well-evaluated assays, careful instrumentation selection, and structured training programs. EQA schemes contribute significantly to this pursuit by providing insights into the evolving diagnostic landscape and identifying areas for improvement in the diagnostic workflow as well as in PCR/NAAT assay design.

While the amount of electronic waste is increasing worldwide, the heterogeneity of electronic scrap makes the recycling very complicated. Hydrometallurgical methods are currently applied in e-waste recycling which tend to generate complex polymetallic solutions due to dissolution of all metal components. Although biosorption has previously been described as a viable option for metal recovery and removal from low-concentration or single-metal solutions, information about the application of selective metal biosorption from polymetallic solutions is missing. In this study, an environmentally friendly and selective biosorption approach, based on the pH-dependency of metal sorption processes is presented using spent brewer’s yeast to efficiently recover metals like aluminum, copper, zinc and nickel out of polymetallic solutions. Therefore, a design of experiment (DoE) approach was used to identify the effects of pH, metal, and biomass concentration, and optimize the biosorption efficiency for each individual metal. After process optimization with single-metal solutions, biosorption experiments with lyophilized waste yeast biomass were performed with synthetic polymetallic solutions where over 50% of aluminum at pH 3.5, over 40% of copper at pH 5.0 and over 70% of zinc at pH 7.5 could be removed. Moreover, more than 50% of copper at pH 3.5 and over 90% of zinc at pH 7.5 were recovered from a real polymetallic waste stream after leaching of printed-circuit boards. The reusability of yeast biomass was confirmed in five consecutive biosorption steps with little loss in metal recovery abilities. This proves that spent brewer’s yeast can be sustainably used to selectively recover metals from polymetallic waste streams different to previously reported studies.

Background: Expert consensus recommends treatment of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-visible prostate cancer (PCa). Outcomes of partial-gland ablation (PGA) for MRI-invisible PCa remain unknown. Objective: To compare recurrence-free survival, adverse events, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) outcomes following cryoablation of MRI-visible vs invisible PCa. Design, setting, and participants: We analyzed data for 75 men who underwent cryoablation therapy between January 2017 and January 2022. PCa identified on MRI-targeted and/or adjacent systematic biopsy cores was defined as MRI-visible, whereas PCa identified on systematic biopsy beyond the targeted zone was defined as MRI-invisible. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis: The primary outcome was recurrence at 12 mo after PGA, defined as the presence of clinically significant PCa (grade group [GG] ≥2) on surveillance biopsy. Adverse events were captured using the Clavien-Dindo classification and HRQoL was captured using the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index-Clinical Practice (EPIC-CP) tool. Results and limitations: Of the 58 men treated for MRI-visible and 17 treated for MRI-invisible lesions, 51 (88%) and 16 (94%), respectively, had at least one surveillance biopsy performed. There were no statistically significant differences in age, race, body mass index, biopsy GG, prostate-specific antigen, prostate volume, or treatment extent between the MRI-visible and MRI-invisible groups. Median follow-up was 44 mo (interquartile range 17–54) and did not significantly differ between the groups. The recurrence rate at 12 mo did not significantly differ between the groups (MRI-visible 39%, MRI-invisible 19%; p = 0.2), and log-rank survival analysis demonstrated no significant difference in recurrence-free survival (p = 0.15). Adverse event rates did not significantly differ (MRI-visible 29%, MRI-invisible 53%; p = 0.092); no man in the MRI-visible group had a Clavien-Dindo grade ≥III complication, while one subject in the MRI-invisible group had a Clavien-Dindo grade III complication. Median EPIC-CP urinary and sexual function scores were similar for the two groups at baseline and at 12 mo after PGA. Study limitations include the retrospective design and small sample size. Conclusions: We observed similar cancer control, adverse event, and HRQoL outcomes for MRI-visible versus MRI-invisible PCa in the first comparison of partial-gland cryoablation. Longer follow-up and external validation of our findings are needed to inform patient selection for PGA for MRI-invisible PCa. Patient summary: Patients with prostate cancer lesions that are not visible on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans who undergo partial gland ablation may have similar treatment outcomes compared to patients with cancer lesions that are visible on MRI.

Background: Dysglycaemia increases the risk of myocardial infarction and subsequent recurrent cardiovascular events. However, the role of dysglycaemia in ischemia/reperfusion injury with development of irreversible myocardial tissue alterations remains poorly understood.In this study we aimed to investigate the association of ongoing dysglycaemia with persistence of infarct core iron and their longitudinal changes over time in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Methods: We analyzed 348 STEMI patients treated with primary PCI between 2016 and 2021 that were included in the prospective MARINA-STEMI study (NCT04113356). Peripheral venous blood samples for glucose and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) measurements were drawn on admission and 4 months after STEMI. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging including T2 * mapping for infarct core iron assessment was performed at both time points. Associations of dysglycaemia with persistent infarct core iron and iron resolution at 4 months were calculated using multivariable regression analysis. Results: Intramyocardial hemorrhage was observed in 147 (42%) patients at baseline. Of these, 89 (61%) had persistent infarct core iron 4 months after infarction with increasing rates across HbA1c levels (

As hormonal disorders are linked to several diseases, the accurate quantitation of steroid hormone levels in serum is crucial in order to provide patients with a reliable diagnosis. Mass spectrometry-based methods are regarded as having the highest level of specificity and sensitivity. However, immunoassays are more commonly used in routine diagnostics to measure steroid levels as they are more cost effective and straightforward to conduct. This study analyzes the external quality assessment results for the measurement of testosterone, progesterone and 17β-estradiol in serum using immunoassays between early 2020 and May 2022. As reference measurement procedures are available for the three steroid hormones, the manufacturer-specific biases were normalized to the reference measurement values. The manufacturer-specific coefficients of variation were predominantly inconspicuous, below 20% for the three hormones when outliers are disregarded, however there were large differences between the various manufacturer collectives. For some collectives, the median bias to the respective reference measurement value was repeatedly greater than ±35%, which is the acceptance limit defined by the German Medical Association. In the case of testosterone and progesterone determination, some collectives tended to consistently over- or underestimate analyte concentrations compared to the reference measurement value, however, for 17β-estradiol determination, both positive and negative biases were observed. This insufficient level of accuracy suggests that cross-reactivity continues to be a fundamental challenge when antibody detection is used to quantify steroids with a high structural similarity. Distinct improvements in standardization are required to provide accurate analysis and thus, reliable clinical interpretations. The increased accuracy of the AX immunoassay for testosterone measurement, as observed in the INSTAND EQAs between 2020 and 2022, could be the result of a recalibration of the assay and raises hope for further improvement of standardization of immunoassay-based steroid hormone analyses in the coming years.

The demand for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) has dramatically increased in recent years due to their application in various electronic devices and electric vehicles (EVs). Great amount of LIB waste is generated, most of which ends up in landfills. LIB wastes contain substantial amounts of critical metals (such as Li, Co, Ni, Mn, and Cu) and can therefore serve as valuable secondary sources of these metals. Metal recovery from the black mass (shredded spent LIBs) can be achieved via bioleaching, a microbiology-based technology that is considered to be environmentally friendly, due to its lower costs and energy consumption compared to conventional pyrometallurgy or hydrometallurgy. However, the growth and metabolism of bioleaching microorganisms can be inhibited by dissolved metals. In this study, the indigenous acidophilic chemolithotrophs in a sediment from a highly acidic and metal-contaminated mine pit lake were enriched in a selective medium containing iron, sulfur, or both electron donors. The enriched culture with the highest growth and oxidation rate and the lowest microbial diversity (dominated by Acidithiobacillus and Alicyclobacillus spp. utilizing both electron donors) was then gradually adapted to increasing concentrations of Li+, Co2+, Ni2+, Mn2+, and Cu2+. Finally, up to 100% recovery rates of Li, Co, Ni, Mn, and Al were achieved via two-step bioleaching using the adapted culture, resulting in more effective metal extraction compared to bioleaching with a non-adapted culture and abiotic control.

IntroductionThe complement system is part of innate immunity and is comprised of an intricate network of proteins that are vital for host defense and host homeostasis. A distinct mechanism by which complement defends against invading pathogens is through the membrane attack complex (MAC), a lytic structure that forms on target surfaces. The MAC is made up of several complement components, and one indispensable component of the MAC is C7. The role of C7 in MAC assembly is well documented, however, inherent characteristics of C7 are yet to be investigated.MethodsTo shed light on the molecular characteristics of C7, we examined the properties of serum-purified C7 acquired using polyclonal and novel monoclonal antibodies. The properties of serum‑purified C7 were investigated through a series of proteolytic analyses, encompassing Western blot and mass spectrometry. The nature of C7 protein-protein interactions were further examined by a novel enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), as well as size‑exclusion chromatography. ResultsProtein analyses showcased an association between C7 and clusterin, an inhibitory complement regulator. The distinct association between C7 and clusterin was also demonstrated in serum-purified clusterin. Further assessment revealed that a complex between C7 and clusterin (C7-CLU) was detected. The C7-CLU complex was also identified in healthy serum and plasma donors, highlighting the presence of the complex in circulation. DiscussionClusterin is known to dissociate the MAC structure by binding to polymerized C9, nevertheless, here we show clusterin binding to the native form of a terminal complement protein in vivo. The presented data reveal that C7 exhibits characteristics beyond that of MAC assembly, instigating further investigation of the effector role that the C7-CLU complex plays in the complement cascade.

Abstract Van der Waals (vdW) epitaxial growth of large-area and stable two-dimensional (2D) materials of high structural quality on crystalline substrates is crucial for the development of novel device technologies. 2D gallium monochalcogenides with low in-plane symmetry stand out among the layered semiconductor materials family for next-generation optoelectronic and energy conversion applications. Here, we demonstrate the formation of large-area, single crystal and optically active 2D monoclinic gallium telluride (m-GaTe) on silicon substrate via rapid thermal annealing induced phase transformation of vdW epitaxial metastable hexagonal gallium telluride (h-GaTe). Stabilization of multilayer h-GaTe on Si occurs due to the role of the first layer symmetry together with efficient GaTe surface passivation. Moreover, we show that the phase transformation of h-GaTe to m-GaTe is accompanied by the strain relaxation between Si substrate and GaTe. This work opens the way to the fabrication of single-crystal 2D anisotropic semiconductors on standard crystalline wafers that are difficult to be obtained by epitaxial methods.

Background: Discrimination between benign and atypical lipomatous tumors (ALT) is important due to potential local complications and recurrence of ALT but can be difficult due to the often-similar imaging appearance. Using a standardized MRI protocol, this study aimed to rank established and quantitative MRI features by diagnostic value in the differentiation of benign and atypical lipomatous tumors and to develop a robust scoring system. Methods: Patients with clinical or sonographic suspicion of a lipomatous tumor were prospectively and consecutively enrolled from 2015 to 2019 after ethic review board approval. Histology was confirmed for all ALT and 85% of the benign cases. Twenty-one demographic and morphologic and twenty-three quantitative features were extracted from a standardized MRI protocol (T1/T2-proton-density-weighting, turbo-inversion recovery magnitude, T2* multi-echo gradient-echo imaging, qDIXON-Vibe fat-quantification, T1 relaxometry, T1 mapping, diffusion-weighted and post-contrast sequences). A ranking of these features was generated through a Bayes network analysis with gain-ratio feature evaluation. Results: Forty-five patients were included in the analysis (mean age, 61.2 ± 14.2 years, 27 women [60.0%]). The highest-ranked ALT predictors were septation thickness (gain ratio merit [GRM] 0.623 ± 0.025, p = 0.0055), intra- and peritumoral STIR signal discrepancy (GRM 0.458 ± 0.046, p < 0.0001), orthogonal diameter (GRM 0.554 ± 0.188, p = 0.0013), contrast enhancement (GRM 0.235 ± 0.015, p = 0.0010) and maximum diameter (GRM 0.221 ± 0.075, p = 0.0009). The quantitative features did not provide a significant discriminatory value. The highest-ranked predictors were used to generate a five-tiered score for the identification of ALTs (correct classification rate 95.7% at a cut-off of three positive items, sensitivity 100.0%, specificity 94.9%, likelihood ratio 19.5). Conclusions: Several single MRI features have a substantial diagnostic value in the identification of ALT, yet a multiparametric approach by a simple combination algorithm may support radiologists in the identification of lipomatous tumors in need for further histological assessment.

N-chlorotaurine (NCT) a long-lived oxidant generated by leukocytes, can be synthesized chemically and applied topically as an anti-infective to different body sites, including the lung via inhalation. Here, we demonstrate the activity of NCT against viruses causing acute respiratory tract infections, namely severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), influenza viruses, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Virucidal activity of NCT was tested in plaque assays, confirmed by RT-qPCR assays. Attack on virus proteins was investigated by mass spectrometry. NCT revealed broad virucidal activity against all viruses tested at 37°C and pH 7. A significant reduction in infectious particles of SARS-CoV-2 isolates from early 2020 by 1 log10 was detected after 15 min of incubation in 1% NCT. Proteinaceous material simulating body fluids enhanced this activity by transchlorination mechanisms (1 −2 log10 reduction within 1–10 min). Tested SARS-CoV-2 variants B.1.1.7 (Alpha) und B.1.351 (Beta) showed a similar susceptibility. Influenza virus infectious particles were reduced by 3 log10 (H3N2) to 5 log10 (H1N1pdm), RSV by 4 log10 within a few min. Mass spectrometry of NCT-treated SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and 3C-like protease, influenza virus haemagglutinin and neuraminidase, and RSV fusion glycoprotein disclosed multiple sites of chlorination and oxidation as the molecular mechanism of action. Application of 1.0% NCT as a prophylactic and therapeutic strategy against acute viral respiratory tract infections deserves comprehensive clinical investigation.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether restrictions put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic affected the social and psychological well-being of early adolescent schoolchildren. Participants were 309 youth (51% female, average age = 12.38 years) enrolled in the sixth, seventh, or eighth grades of a single middle school located in northeastern Pennsylvania, a state that took a moderately proactive approach to the pandemic. Employing a cross-sectional design, students in three instructional conditions (100% in-person, hybrid, 100% online) were compared on nine outcome measures (perceived parental support, perceived parental knowledge, peer deviance, neutralization, cognitive impulsivity, depression, delinquency, bullying victimization, and bullying perpetration). There were no significant between-groups differences, although there was a borderline significant effect for depression (100% online >100% in-person, p = .06). A second set of analyses employed a longitudinal design and compared 174 children who completed the test battery in November 2019, 3 months before the start of the pandemic, and then again in November 2020, 9 months after the start of the pandemic. Three out of nine outcomes displayed significant change: A small reduction in parental support and modest increments in neutralization beliefs and cognitive impulsivity. Although there were no statistically significant differences between the three instructional conditions and only a handful of relatively small and predictable longitudinal changes between November 2019 and November 2020, there were a fair number of individual students who experienced moderate ([more than or equal to] 50%) increases in depression (17.6%), cognitive impulsivity (15.8%), and bullying victimization (11.7%).

Abstract Background The standard procedure for the planning of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is the combination of echocardiography, coronary angiography, and cardiovascular computed tomography (TAVR-CT) for the exact determination of the aortic valve dimensions, valve size, and implantation route. However, up to 80% of the patients undergoing TAVR suffer from chronic renal insufficiency. Alternatives to reduce the need for iodinated contrast agents are desirable. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging recently has emerged as such an alternative. Therefore, we aim to investigate, for the first time, the non-inferiority of TAVR-CMR to TAVR-CT regarding efficacy and safety end-points. Methods This is a prospective, randomized, open-label trial. It is planned to include 250 patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis scheduled for TAVR based on a local heart-team decision. Patients will be randomized in a 1:1 fashion to receive a predefined TAVR-CMR protocol or to receive a standard TAVR-CT protocol within 2 weeks after inclusion. Follow-up will be performed at hospital discharge after TAVR and after 1 and 2 years. The primary efficacy outcome is device implantation success at discharge. The secondary endpoints are a combined safety endpoint and a combined clinical efficacy endpoint at baseline and at 1 and 2 years, as well as a comparison of imaging procedure related variables. Endpoint definitions are based on the updated 2012 VARC-2 consensus document. Discussion TAVR-CMR might be an alternative to TAVR-CT for planning a TAVR procedure. If proven to be effective and safe, a broader application of TAVR-CMR might reduce the incidence of acute kidney injury after TAVR and thus improve outcomes. Trial registration The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03831087). The results will be disseminated at scientific meetings and publication in peer-reviewed journals.

The article takes the claim that the economy of the Federation in Star Trek represents a pop-cultural reception of Karl Marx’s higher phase of communism as its starting point. This assertion will be put to test. In order to do this, Marx’s thoughts about the higher phase of communism as well as descriptions of Star Trek’s economy will be summarized as a first step. Since both the higher phase of communism and the Federation’s economy describe an economic state in which the basic material needs are met, they can both be conceived as material utopias. This is the common ground that explains why it makes sense to draw parallels between Marx and Star Trek. Subsequently, a typology of material utopias is presented. The central distinguishing feature between different kinds of material utopias is the recommended strategy to establish a state of frugality. Here, a striking difference becomes apparent: According to Marx, the higher phase of communism, depends on unleashing the productive forces, while Star Trek focuses on changing the people’s minds regarding economic matters. Therefore, Marx’s higher phase of communism should be regarded as a technical utopia, whereas the economy of the Federation is best considered to be an ethical utopia.Die

Beschreibungen von Körperteilen sowohl des Königs als auch der Königstochter in Ps 45 zielen über den jeweiligen Teil des Körpers hinaus auf die Person als ganze. Anders als dem Körper wurde der Wahrnehmung der Kleidung bisher wenig Aufmerksamkeit zuteil. Die Beschreibung der Kleidung kann jedoch analog zu derjenigen des Körpers analysiert werden. Die Kleidung des Königs und der Königstochter haben nicht so sehr die Funktion, den Körper zu verhüllen, als ihn in einer sozial angemessenen Weise zur Schau zu stellen. Die (die soziale Stellung ausdrückende) Schönheit sowohl des Königs als auch der Königstochter ergibt sich erst durch die Kombination von Körper und Kleidung.

The goals of this study were to determine whether children who took the bus to school on a regular basis felt safest during the commute to school, in school, or on the commute home from school, and to identify the factors that correlate with fear of being bullied on the bus. A sample of 610 students (296 boys, 313 girls; mean age = 11.25 years, SD = 0.51) was surveyed during the fall semester of their first year of middle school (sixth grade). Students indicated that they felt safer in school than they did on the commute to or from school, which nearly always occurred by bus. Sex differences were investigation and found to be small in number and magnitude. These differences were limited to slightly more girls than boys reporting feeling safer in school, slightly more boys than girls reporting feeling safer on the commute home from school, and a modestly stronger association between bullying victimization and fear of being bullied on the school bus in boys than in girls, although the effect was significant in both sexes. There were no significant differences between boys and girls in their overall level of fear of bullying on the bus. A full sample regression analysis revealed significant correlations between the risk factors of bullying victimization and depression, and a child's fear of being bullied on the bus, suggesting that such fears are related to past victimization and current feelings of sadness, loneliness, and reduced energy.