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The comorbidity and co-medication profile of patients with progressive supranuclear palsy
Get PDFBackground Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is usually diagnosed in elderly. Currently, little is known about comorbidities and the co-medication in these patients. Objectives To explore the pattern of comorbidities and co-medication in PSP patients according to the known different phenotypes and in comparison with patients without neurodegenerative disease. Methods Cross-sectional data of PSP and patients without neurodegenerative diseases (non-ND) were collected from three German multicenter observational studies (DescribePSP, ProPSP and DANCER). The prevalence of comorbidities according to WHO ICD-10 classification and the prevalence of drugs administered according to WHO ATC system were analyzed. Potential drug-drug interactions were evaluated using AiDKlinik®. Results In total, 335 PSP and 275 non-ND patients were included in this analysis. The prevalence of diseases of the circulatory and the nervous system was higher in PSP at first level of ICD-10. Dorsopathies, diabetes mellitus, other nutritional deficiencies and polyneuropathies were more frequent in PSP at second level of ICD-10. In particular, the summed prevalence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases was higher in PSP patients. More drugs were administered in the PSP group leading to a greater percentage of patients with polypharmacy. Accordingly, the prevalence of potential drug-drug interactions was higher in PSP patients, especially severe and moderate interactions. Conclusions PSP patients possess a characteristic profile of comorbidities, particularly diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. The eminent burden of comorbidities and resulting polypharmacy should be carefully considered when treating PSP patients
Social and dimensional comparison effects in general and domain-specific test anxiety: a nested factor modeling approach
Get PDFThe generalized internal/external frame of reference (GI/E) model assumes social and dimensional achievement comparisons to form self-perceptions. These domain-specific comparisons have been shown to shape two facets of test anxiety (i.e., worry and emotionality) both directly and indirectly through academic self-concepts. However, examinations of such domain-specific relations have rarely integrated general components, although the hierarchical nature of both test anxiety and academic self-concept is well-known. Thus, the present study implemented a nested factor modeling approach. We examined social and dimensional comparison effects on worry and emotionality as well as mediation effects of academic self-concepts in the math and verbal domains while controlling for general components. We contrasted this approach with the conventionally used first-order factor model where general components were not considered. Data from N = 348 German secondary school students (Mage = 15.3 years, Grades 9–10) were analyzed using structural equation models. Direct negative within-domain and positive cross-domain achievement-anxiety relations emerged, yet, the pattern of cross-domain relations changed across modeling approaches. Only the nested factor model showed indirect cross-domain mediation relations. Our findings suggest the importance of structural representations of hierarchical constructs. The nested factor model approach enhanced predictions within the GI/E model, particularly those related to dimensional comparisons
Microplastics increase cadmium absorption and impair nutrient uptake and growth in red amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor L.) in the presence of cadmium and biochar
Get PDFMicroplastic (MP) pollution in terrestrial ecosystems is gaining attention, but there is limited research on its effects on leafy vegetables when combined with heavy metals. This study examines the impact of three MP types-polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polystyrene (PS)-at concentrations of 0.02, 0.05, and 0.1% w/w, along with cadmium (Cd) and biochar (B), on germination, growth, nutrient absorption, and heavy metal uptake in red amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor L.). We found that different MP types and concentrations did not negatively affect germination parameters like germination rate, relative germination rate, germination vigor, relative germination vigor, and germination speed. However, they increased phytotoxicity and decreased stress tolerance compared to an untreated control (CK1). The presence of MPs, particularly the PS type, reduced phosphorus and potassium uptake while enhancing Cd uptake. For example, treatments PS0.02CdB, PS0.05CdB, and PS0.1CdB increased Cd content in A. tricolor seedlings by 158%, 126%, and 44%, respectively, compared to the treatment CdB (CK2). [...] positive side, the addition of biochar improved several root parameters, including root length, volume, surface area, and the number of root tips in the presence of MPs, indicating potential benefits for plant growth. Our study shows that the combination of MPs and Cd reduces plant growth and increases the risk of heavy metal contamination in food crops. Further research is needed to understand how different MP types and concentrations affect various plant species, which will aid in developing targeted mitigation strategies and in exploring the mechanisms through which MPs impact plant growth and heavy metal uptake. Finally, investigating the potential of biochar application in conjunction with other amendments in mitigating these effects could be key to addressing MP and heavy metal contamination in agricultural systems
Spin-State Switching of Spin-Crossover Complexes on Cu(111) Evidenced by Spin-Flip Spectroscopy
Get PDFSpin-crossover compounds can be switched between two stable states with different magnetic moments, conformations, electronic, and optical properties, which opens appealing perspectives for technological applications including miniaturization down to the scale of single molecules. Although control of the spin states is crucial their direct identification is challenging in single-molecule experiments. Here we investigate the spin-crossover complex [Fe(HB(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)3)2] on a Cu(111) surface with scanning tunneling microscopy and density functional theory calculations. Spin crossover of single molecules in dense islands is achieved via electron injection. Spin-flip excitations are resolved in scanning tunneling spectra in a magnetic field enabling the direct identification of the molecular spin state, and revealing the existence of magnetic anisotropy in the HS molecules
Quasi-2/3-Level Modulation of Multilevel Converters for Medium-Voltage Applications
Get PDFSilicon Carbide (SiC)-based power converters can reach higher power density than the Silicon (Si)-based. The voltage capability of SiC is higher than that of the Si devices. Hence, SiC-based converters can be used in MV applications. In contrast, the MV infrastructure has voltage levels up to 100 kV. Whereas a simple 2-level SiC converter can be used for some grids, it is impossible to use this configuration for the grids with higher voltage. Multilevel (ML) converters do not solve the issue. Higher number of levels increases the number of required capacitors, operation and control complexity, communication burden and overall cost. An alternative solution is to partially utilize available voltage levels, forcing ML converters to operate in 2-/3-Level manner. This approach is called Quasi-2-Level (Q2L) or Quasi-3-Level (Q3L) modulation, respectively. The main advantage of such modulations is that the intermediate capacitors are only used to ensure equal voltage distribution between the SiCs. Therefore, they contribute insignificantly to the total converter volume, allowing to increase the voltage levels without affecting the volume and operation complexity. On the other hand, the limitations of Q2L and Q3L concepts need to be investigated. It is essential to determine how the number of series-connected SiC devices affects the performance of quasi-modulated converters. Furthermore, the capacitor selection needs to be done based on the voltage and current ripples. Due to very small capacitance, capacitor voltages must be constantly maintained around the reference points. In contrast, it is possible to take advantage of such a drawback. Intentionally changing the voltage across a single capacitor makes it possible to redistribute the voltage sharing between two adjacent semiconductors. This feature can be used to micro-adjust the power losses across all switching devices in the converter arm and to perform active thermal control
Open Access Publishing on MACAU
Get PDFThis brochure provides an informative overview of the process of publishing in Open Access on the publication server of Kiel University, MACAU. It describes the route to publication. In addition, topics are addressed that are important in the context of the publication process: Rights and licenses, metadata, research data and PDF creation.Die Broschüre gibt einen informativen Überblick über das Verfahren des Publizierens im Open Access auf dem Publikationsserver der Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, MACAU. Beschrieben wird der Weg zur Veröffentlichung. Zudem werden Themen angesprochen, die im Rahmen des Publikationsprozesses von Bedeutung sind: Rechte und Lizenzen, Metadaten, Forschungsdaten und die PDF-Erstellung
Targeting MYC effector functions in pancreatic cancer by inhibiting the ATPase RUVBL1/2
Get PDFObjective The hallmark oncogene MYC drives the progression of most tumours, but direct inhibition of MYC by a small-molecule drug has not reached clinical testing. MYC is a transcription factor that depends on several binding partners to function. We therefore explored the possibility of targeting MYC via its interactome in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Design To identify the most suitable targets among all MYC binding partners, we constructed a targeted shRNA library and performed screens in cultured PDAC cells and tumours in mice. Results Unexpectedly, many MYC binding partners were found to be important for cultured PDAC cells but dispensable in vivo. However, some were also essential for tumours in their natural environment and, among these, the ATPases RUVBL1 and RUVBL2 ranked first. Degradation of RUVBL1 by the auxin-degron system led to the arrest of cultured PDAC cells but not untransformed cells and to complete tumour regression in mice, which was preceded by immune cell infiltration. Mechanistically, RUVBL1 was required for MYC to establish oncogenic and immunoevasive gene expression identifying the RUVBL1/2 complex as a druggable vulnerability in MYC-driven cancer. Conclusion One implication of our study is that PDAC cell dependencies are strongly influenced by the environment, so genetic screens should be performed in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, the auxin-degron system can be applied in a PDAC model, allowing target validation in living mice. Finally, by revealing the nuclear functions of the RUVBL1/2 complex, our study presents a pharmaceutical strategy to render pancreatic cancers potentially susceptible to immunotherapy
Advancements in Non-Thermal Processing Technologies for Enhancing Safety and Quality of Infant and Baby Food Products: A Review
Get PDFBreast milk is the main source of nutrition during early life, but both infant formulas (Ifs; up to 12 months) and baby foods (BFs; up to 3 years) are also important for providing essential nutrients. The infant food industry rigorously controls for potential physical, biological, and chemical hazards. Although thermal treatments are commonly used to ensure food safety in IFs and BFs, they can negatively affect sensory qualities, reduce thermosensitive nutrients, and lead to chemical contaminant formation. To address these challenges, non-thermal processing technologies such as high-pressure processing, pulsed electric fields, radio frequency, and ultrasound offer efficient pathogen destruction similar to traditional thermal methods, while reducing the production of key process-induced toxicants such as furan and 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furfural (HMF). These alternative thermal processes aim to overcome the drawbacks of traditional methods while retaining their advantages. This review paper highlights the growing global demand for healthy, sustainable foods, driving food manufacturers to adopt innovative and efficient processing techniques for both IFs and BFs. Based on various studies reviewed for this work, the application of these novel technologies appears to reduce thermal processing intensity, resulting in products with enhanced sensory properties, comparable shelf life, and improved visual appeal compared to conventionally processed products
Rhizosphere Processes and Microbial Functions under Successive Wheat Rotational Positions
Get PDFWheat is an important staple crop worldwide, and the increasing demand for wheat requires more intensive cropping systems, such as monoculture. However, continuous cultivation of wheat contributes to a decline in grain yield and quality, possibly due to increased weed infestation and the proliferation of pests and fungal pathogens. Therefore, in the present study, we aimed to investigate 1) the underlying mechanisms that govern the productivity of winter wheat (WW) grown in self-succession as opposed to WW grown after a break crop, oilseed rape, 2) the impact of successive wheat cultivation on glucose release from roots and microbial activity, 3) the effects of continuous wheat rotations on glucose release, microbial growth and activity, and expression of sugar transporter genes. We found that the position of WW in the rotation has a significant impact on wheat biomass and also the structure and function of the soil microbiota. The findings underscore the necessity of identifying and characterizing specific compounds in root exudates that trigger soil microorganisms. The study revealed that regions characterized by high glucose release in wheat roots exhibited heightened microbial activity, indicating a direct correlation between glucose availability and microbial stimulation. Moreover, total microbial biomass experienced a decline in both the rhizosphere and bulk soils of W3 relative to W1, indicating shifts in the microbial community composition. This study emphasizes the importance of long-term research into the effects of continuous wheat cultivation on soil health and microbial communities. Enhancing beneficial microorganisms in the rhizosphere is crucial for sustainable agriculture and continued exploration of innovative tools like the glucose imaging method offer new opportunities for soil research, helping us monitor root exudation and microbial responses in field settings
First record of the robber fly Tolmerus cowini Hobby, 1946 für Schleswig-Holstein (Diptera: Asilidae)
Get PDFDie in der Roten Liste der Raubfliegen Deutschlands als sehr selten klassifizierte Raubfliegenart Tolmerus cowini wurde 2022 auf der Insel Trischen erstmals für Schleswig-Holstein nachgewiesen. Weitere Vorkommen sind lediglich von wenigen Fundorten im Binnenland und von drei ostfriesischen Inseln bekannt. Der Neufund wird im Kontext der Gesamtverbreitung der Art sowie ihrer Habitatpräferenzen vorgestellt und Vorschläge zur weiteren Nachsuche unterbreitet.In 2022, the robber fly Tolmerus cowini has been detected on the island Trischen for the first time in Schleswig-Holstein. The Red List of robber flies of Germany lists this species as very rare. Further distribution is only known from few sites in the inland and from three east frisian islands. The new finding is discussed in terms of the species’s overall distribution as well as habitat preferences. Proposals for further search approaches are put forward