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De Novo Gene Emergence: Summary, Classification, and Challenges of Current Methods
No full textA novel mechanism of 'de novo' gene origination from nongenic sequences was first proposed in the early 2000s. Subsequent studies have since provided evidence of 'de novo' gene emergence across all domains of life, revealing its occurrence to be more frequent than initially anticipated. While studies mainly agree on the general concept of 'de novo' emergence from nongenic DNA, the exact methods and definitions for detecting 'de novo' genes differ significantly. Here, we provide a comprehensive
step-by-step description of the most commonly used methods for 'de novo' gene detection. In addition, we address the limitations of nomenclature and detection methods and clarify some complex concepts that are sometimes misused. This review is accompanied by the publication of a 'de novo' gene annotation format to standardize the reporting of methodology, enable reproducibility and improve the comparability of datasets
Self-Adapting Foot Orthosis Inlay Facilitates Handling and Reduces Plantar Pressure Compared to Vacuum-Based Technology
No full textBackground/Objectives: Orthoses are commonly used in the treatment of various foot and ankle injuries and deformities. An effective technology in foot orthoses is a vacuum system to improve the fit and function of the orthosis. Recently, a new technology was designed to facilitate the wearing of the foot orthoses while maintaining function without the need for vacuum suction. Methods: A plantar dynamic pressure distribution measurement was carried out in 25 healthy subjects (13 w/12 m, age 23–58 y) using capacitive measuring insoles in two differently designed inlays within the VACOpedes® orthosis (Group A: vacuum inlay vs. Group B: XELGO® inlay) and a regular off-the-shelf shoe (Group C, OTS). The peak plantar pressure, mean plantar pressure and maximum force were analyzed in the entire foot and in individual regions of the medial and lateral forefoot, the midfoot and the hindfoot. Finally, the wearing comfort was compared using a visual analog scale from 1 to 10 (highest comfort). Results: The peak pressure of both inlays was significantly lower than in the OTS shoe (A: 230.6 ± 44.6 kPa, B: 218.0 ± 49.7 kPa, C: 278.6 ± 50.5 kPa; p < 0.001). In a sub-analysis of the different regions, the XELGO® inlay significantly reduced plantar pressure in the medial forefoot compared to the vacuum orthosis (A: 181.7 ± 45.7 kPa, B: 158.6 ± 51.7 kPa, p < 0.002). The wearing comfort was significantly higher with the XELGO® inlay compared to the vacuum inlay (A: 5.68/10, B: 7.24/10; p < 0.001). Conclusions: The VACOpedes® orthosis with a new XELGO® inlay showed at least equivalent relief in all pressure distribution measurements analyzed and greater relief in the forefoot area than the VACOpedes® orthosis with a vacuum inlay, as well as increased wearing comfort
Skapa digital kompetens
No full textDurch die Corona-Pandemie ist deutlich geworden, wie notwendig die gezielte Vermittlung digitaler Kompetenz in allen Lebensbereichen ist. Vor allem Schulen stehen jetzt vor den Fragen: Welche Facetten digitaler Kompetenz sollen vermittelt werden? Und wie verändert sich das Verständnis von gutem Unterricht? (Übers.)Pandemin visade hur nödvändigt det är med målinriktad förmedling av digital kompetens på alla livets områden. Särskilt skolor ställs nu inför en rad frågor: Vilka sidor av den digitala kompetensen bör förmedlas? Och hur förändras förståelsen för vad som är bra undervisning
The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Innovation Speed in Startups
No full textInnovation is a crucial factor for the success of companies, particularly start-ups, in maintaining their position in the market. Consequently, these companies must be prepared to incorporate new technologies into their business activities. One such technology is artificial intelligence (AI). AI is undergoing rapid technological development, yet the integration of AI into innovation management is still barely researched.
This paper examines the traditional "one-size-fits-all" approach to innovation processes and presents novel and versatile innovation processes. It considers the remaining commonalities of these processes and their potential for optimization through AI.
The importance of innovation as a success factor for startups is discussed. It emphasizes how innovation can help to overcome uncertainties and increase competitiveness. In the following, a framework is presented that deals with an AI-augmented innovation process and the potential obstacles during integration. It utilizes the ability of AI to improve the innovation process itself
Effect of transversus abdominis plane blocks in abdominoplasties on postoperative outcomes
No full textBackground: Acute postoperative pain after surgery may lead to significant complications including chronification of pain, impaired cardiopulmonary function, and increased healthcare costs. As a common and complex procedure, abdominoplasty is a key focus for pain management strategies. Although transversus abdominis plane blocks, which target the abdominal wall's sensory nerves to reduce postoperative pain by blocking nociceptive input, have shown promise in reducing postoperative pain in abdominal surgeries, their use in abdominoplasty remains underexplored.
Methods: Outcomes for patients undergoing abdominoplasty between 2013 and 2024 were analysed, comparing those who received a transversus abdominis plane block with those who did not. Postoperative analgesia followed a standardized protocol using oral narcotics and piritramide. Pain outcomes were assessed in both groups via chart review. The primary outcome, length of hospital stay, was analysed by multivariable linear regression adjusted for patient and surgical factors. Secondary outcomes, including complications and revision rates, were assessed by logistic regression. Exploratory analyses examined how reductions in medication use affected length of hospital stay and discharge timing. Results: Overall, 192 patients who had an abdominoplasty were included in analyses: 93 had a transversus abdominis plane block and 99 did not. The transversus abdominis plane group had a significantly shorter hospital stay, with a reduction of 2.21 (95% confidence interval (c.i.) −3.07 to −1.36) days after adjusting for confounders (P < 0.001; effect size, Cohen's d 0.45). Surgical complications occurred in 46.9% of patients. The overall complication risk in the transversus abdominis plane block group was significantly reduced by 52% (adjusted odds ratio 0.44, 95% c.i. 0.23 to 0.84; P = 0.012; effect size 0.52), particularly the occurrence of haematoma (adjusted odds ratio 0.34; P = 0.031; effect size 0.66). Additionally, patients who had a transversus abdominis plane block required less postoperative medication, including lower tilidine (P = 0.038) and metamizole (P = 0.032) doses. Conclusion: Use of the transversus abdominis plane block in patients who had an abdominoplasty was associated with improved postoperative outcomes, highlighting its potential as an effective pain management strategy and supporting its broader clinical application
Entwicklungsstrategie Digital Humanities
No full textDie Universität Münster gibt sich eine Strategie für die Digital Humanities (DH), um den dynamischen Wandel wissenschaftlicher Praktiken zu gestalten. Acht Ziele sollen die Entwicklung der Digital Humanities vorantreiben: (1) Digitale Forschungsmethoden als genuinen Forschungsgegenstand stärken, (2) ein substantielles DH-Lehrangebot schaffen, (3) Vernetzung und Transfer fördern, (4) eine zukunftsorientierte digitale Forschungsinfrastruktur bereitstellen, (5) leistungsfähige Supportstrukturen bereitstellen, (6) Agilität im Umgang mit digitalen methodischen Innovationen fördern, (7) offene datenintensive Forschung fördern und (8) die Qualität digitaler Instrumente optimieren. Durch diese Ziele soll die Universität Münster zu einem führenden DH-Standort werden und exzellente digitale Forschung ermöglichen. Die Strategie orientiert sich an den Prinzipien von Open Science, Nachhaltigkeit und Qualität. Durch die Umsetzung dieser Ziele soll die Universität Münster ihre Position als führende Forschungseinrichtung im Bereich DH stärken und zur Entwicklung von Wissenschaft und Gesellschaft beitragen
Environmental movements in a material world. A relational perspective on single-use plastic in Penzance, UK
No full textIn the discursive battle about the big and important ideas, some topics are considered more important than others and more likely to mobilize society. More recently, marine plastic pollution has become a key topic for environmental movements. In this study, we aimed to contribute to a more detailed understanding of how specific issues of sustainability are brought forth. Conceptually, we argue that recourse to relational theories from science and technology studies might help to strengthen the conceptualization of social movement research. By drawing on the concept of "boundary objects", we extend the range of social movement approaches in order to better understand how the process of framing is put to work materially. The focus on boundary objects can therefore explain the selective formation of environmental discourses and policies when applied to the field of environmental protection and sustainability
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Various Small RNA Alignment Techniques in Transcriptomic Analysis by Examining Different Sources of Variability Through a Multi-Alignment Approach
No full textDNA and RNA nucleotide sequences are ubiquitous in all biological cells, serving as both a comprehensive library of capabilities for the cells and as an impressive regulatory system to control cellular function. The multi-alignment framework (MAF) provided in this study offers a user-friendly platform for sequence alignment and quantification. It is adaptable to various research needs and can incorporate different tools and parameters for in-depth analysis, especially in low read rate scenarios. This framework can be used to compare results from different alignment programs and algorithms on the same dataset, allowing for a comprehensive analysis of subtle to significant differences. This concept is demonstrated in a small RNA case study. MAF is specifically designed for the Linux platform, commonly used in bioinformatics. Its script structure streamlines processing steps, saving time when repeating procedures with various datasets. While the focus is on microRNA analysis, the templates provided can be adapted for all transcriptomic and genomic analyses. The template structure allows for flexible integration of pre- and post-processing steps. MicroRNA analysis indicates that STAR and Bowtie2 alignment programs are more effective than BBMap. Combining STAR with the Salmon quantifier or, with some limitations, the Samtools quantification, appears to be the most reliable approach. This method is ideal for scientists who want to thoroughly analyze their alignment results to ensure quality. The detailed microRNA analysis demonstrates the quality of three alignment and two quantification methods, offering guidance on assessing result quality and reducing false positives
