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The role of self-care and self-compassion in networks of resilience and stress among healthcare professionals
No full textHealthcare professionals (HCPs) are essential for maintaining our healthcare system but are at risk for developing mental health issues due to chronic occupational stress. This can lead to a vicious cycle with extended sick leave, increased workloads for colleagues, and strain on the healthcare system. Therefore, preventive interventions aiming at enhancing resilience - the maintenance of mental health despite stress - are essential. Yet, identifying the most impactful resilience factors has been challenging. To explore the relationships between resilience factors, stress, mental health, and work-related outcomes, we conducted regularized partial correlation network analyses focusing on self-care and self-compassion. Cross-sectional data from HCPs in Germany were collected from June-July 2023. Analyses of 212 HCPs (age 41.63 [21–68] years; 81.60% women) revealed self-compassion as the most important factor across all networks, while the importance of self-care showed through individual connections to crucial factors like mental health problems and work-life balance. Work engagement, contrary to burnout, was closely interrelated with resilience factors. In conclusion, despite accounting for established evidence-based resilience factors, self-compassion and self-care seem crucial in the context of stress and mental health in HCPs. More research is needed to validate the causal importance of self-care and self-compassion
Intermittent fasting regimes reduce gingival inflammation : a three-arm clinical trial
No full textAim: To evaluate the effect of religious Bahá'í dry fasting (BF) or 16:8 time-restricted
eating (TRE) compared with a regular diet
(CG) on periodontal parameters during a modified experimentally induced gingivitis.
Material and Methods: All participants were asked to refrain from oral hygiene (3 sextant) for 9 days (T1–T2) and were followed
for a total of 19 days (T3) while adhering to fasting or a regular diet and resuming oral hygiene. The primary outcome was
bleeding on probing in the test sextant (BOP_s), Rustogi plaque index (RPI), gingival crevicular fluid (GCF), blood pressure (BP),
body weight (BW), HbA1c and C-reactive
protein (CRP) were measured (T1–T3) and ANCOVA and post hoc comparison were
applied.
Results: Sixty-six
healthy participants were recruited. Forty-three
were randomly assigned to TRE (n = 22) and CG (n = 21),
while 23 followed BF, avoiding food and drinks during the day. At T2, BF demonstrated significantly less increase in BOP_s, and
GCF increased in CG only. Analysis revealed significant differences in change for BOP_s between BF and CG (−9.48% [−17.18;
−1.79]) and BF and TRE (−9.19% [−15.07; −3.32]) as well as for GCF between BF and CG (−0.06 μL [−7.22; −0.66]) and TRE and
CG (−0.08 μL [−0.17; −0.00]).
Conclusion: This study indicates beneficial effects of different fasting protocols on oral experimental gingivitis and metabolic
parameters, but results are limited by randomisation issues and potential bias in the BF group
Land property rights and investment incentives in movable farm assets : evidence from post-soviet Central Asia
No full textWe examined whether perceived land rights—use, management, transfer, and tenure security—are associated with investment in movable farm assets. Using micro-level data from crop-specialized farmers in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, we distinguish investment incentives linked to tenure security, transferability, and decision-making autonomy (use and management rights). Comparing market-oriented versus government-controlled contexts provides insights into differential role of land rights on investment behavior. Our findings underscore significant investment incentives linked to use and management rights rather than tenure security or transferability. Moreover, we reveal how country-specific institutional contexts influence the effectiveness of these land rights in stimulating agricultural investments
Artificial intelligence in medical care - patients' perceptions on caregiving relationships and ethics : a qualitative study
No full textIntroduction: Artificial intelligence (AI) offers several opportunities to enhance medical care, but practical application is
limited. Consideration of patient needs is essential for the successful implementation of AI‐based systems. Few studies have
explored patients' perceptions, especially in Germany, resulting in insufficient exploration of perspectives of outpatients, older
patients and patients with chronic diseases. We aimed to explore how patients perceive AI in medical care, focusing on
relationships to physicians and ethical aspects.
Methods: We conducted a qualitative study with six semi‐structured focus groups from June 2022 to March 2023. We analysed
data using a content analysis approach by systemising the textual material via a coding system. Participants were mostly
recruited from outpatient settings in the regions of Halle and Erlangen, Germany. They were enrolled primarily through
convenience sampling supplemented by purposive sampling.
Results: Patients (N = 35; 13 females, 22 males) with a median age of 50 years participated. Participants were mixed in
socioeconomic status and affinity for new technology. Most had chronic diseases. Perceived main advantages of AI were its
efficient and flawless functioning, its ability to process and provide large data volume, and increased patient safety. Major
perceived disadvantages were impersonality, potential data security issues, and fear of errors based on medical staff relying too
much on AI. A dominant theme was that human interaction, personal conversation, and understanding of emotions cannot be
replaced by AI. Participants emphasised the need to involve everyone in the informing process about AI. Most considered
physicians as responsible for decisions resulting from AI applications. Transparency of data use and data protection were other
important points
5′-guanidino xylofuranosyl nucleosides as novel types of 5′-functionalized nucleosides with biological potential
No full textBackground/Objectives: While various nucleoside and nucleotide analogs have been approved as anticancer and antiviral drugs, their limitations, including low bioavailability and chemotherapeutic resistance, encourage the development of novel structures. In this context, and motivated by our previous findings on bioactive 3′-O-substituted xylofuranosyl nucleosides and 5-guanidine xylofuranose derivatives, we present herein the synthesis and biological evaluation of 5′-guanidino furanosyl nucleosides comprising 6-chloropurine and uracil moieties and a 3-O-benzyl xylofuranosyl unit. Methods: The synthetic methodology was based on the N-glycosylation of a 5-azido 3-O-benzyl xylofuranosyl acetate donor with the silylated nucleobase and a subsequent one-pot sequential two-step protocol involving Staudinger reduction of the thus-obtained 5-azido uracil and N7/N9-linked purine nucleosides followed by guanidinylation with N,N′-bis(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-N′′-triflylguanidine. The molecules were evaluated for their anticancer and anti-neurodegenerative diseases potential. Results: 5′-Guanidino 6-chloropurine nucleosides revealed dual anticancer and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE)-inhibitory effects. Both N9/N7-linked nucleosides exhibited mixed-type and selective submicromolar/micromolar BChE inhibiton. The N9 regioisomer was the best inhibitor (Ki/Ki′ = 0.89 μM/2.96 μM), while showing low cytotoxicity to FL83B hepatocytes and no cytotoxicity to human neuroblastoma cells (SH-SY5Y). Moreover, the N9-linked nucleoside exhibited selective cytotoxicity to prostate cancer cells (DU-145; IC50 = 27.63 μM), while its N7 regioisomer was active against all cancer cells tested [DU-145, IC50 = 24.48 μM; colorectal adenocarcinoma (HCT-15, IC50 = 64.07 μM); and breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7, IC50 = 43.67 μM)]. In turn, the 5′-guanidino uracil nucleoside displayed selective cytotoxicity to HCT-15 cells (IC50 = 76.02 μM) and also showed neuroprotective potential in a Parkinson’s disease SH-SY5Y cells’ damage model. The active molecules exhibited IC50 values close to or lower than those of standard drugs, and comparable, or not significant, neuro- and hepatotoxicity. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate the interest of combining guanidine moieties with nucleoside frameworks towards the search for new therapeutic agents
Linking micro-X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy and X-ray computed tomography with model simulation explains differences in nutrient gradients around roots of different types and ages
Full text linkPlant roots create chemical gradients within the rhizosphere, but little information exists on the effect of root properties on the distribution of chemical gradients. The research aim was to analyse and model the effects of root type and age, radial root geometry and root hairs on nutrient gradients in the rhizosphere.
Using micro-X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (μ-XRF) combined with X-ray computed tomography (X-ray CT), we analysed nutrient gradients around root segments with different diameters and ages of two Zea mays genotypes (wild-type and root hair defective mutant) growing in two substrates (loam and sand). Gradients of key nutrients were compared with gradients obtained by a process-based, radially symmetric 1D rhizosphere model.
Results show that root hairs matter for nutrient uptake during supply limitation (phosphorus (P)), but not when it is limited by uptake kinetics (calcium (Ca), sulphur (S)). Higher Ca and S accumulation was observed at the surface of older and thicker root segments than at younger and thinner root segments.
Micro-XRF proved suitable for the detection of nutrient gradients of Ca and S, but not of P. While continuum modelling was well suited to explain observed nutrient gradients, it was less effective in representing pore-related phenomena, such as precipitation reactions, which calls for new homogenization approaches
Echocardiographic predictors of ventricular arrhythmias in patients with left ventricular assist devices and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator
Full text linkAim: To evaluate the predictive value of preoperative echocardiographic parameters for occurrence of VAs in patients with preexisting ICD undergoing LVAD implantation. Methods and Results: All consecutive patients (n = 264) with previous ICD who underwent LVAD surgery between May 2011 and December 2019 at our institution were included. The patients were predominantly male (89%) with NICM (59%) and a mean age of 59 ± 10 years. All LVADs were continuous flow device (154 HVAD, 21 HeartMate II, and 89 HeartMate 3). A total of 102 (39%) patients had VAs in the first year after LVAD implantation. We compared echocardiographic parameters in patients with and without VAs before LVAD, at 1 month and 1 year after LVAD implantation. Increased pre-LVEDD ≥ 72 mm predicted the occurrence of VAs after LVAD implantation for ICM patients (HR: 2.9, 95% confidence interval (CI): [1.3-6.6], p = 0.012), while a larger pre-RVEDD ≥ 46 mm was predictive in NICM patients (HR: 2.8, (CI): [1.4-5.9], p = 0.004). Moreover, a larger RVEDD at 1 year after LVAD was highly associated with VAs in the first year after LVAD implantation (50 ± 10 vs. 45 ± 8 mm, p = 0.001). All patients demonstrated a significant decrease in LVEDD as well as a reduction in severity of mitral and tricuspid regurgitation during 1 year after LVAD implantation, reflecting left ventricular unloading through the LVAD. Conclusions: Larger left and right ventricular diameters before LVAD predict the occurrence of VAs after LVAD implantation in ICM and NICM patients. Persistent RV remodeling post-LVAD is also associated with VAs.Zuerst veröffentlicht: 16. Dezember 202
Mental health of general practitioners and family medicine specialists 2 years into the COVID-19 pandemic
Full text linkIntroduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted general medical practice by altering work structures and increasing teamwork while also adversely affecting the mental health of general practitioners and family medicine specialists. This study assesses depression, anxiety, and fear levels among general practitioners and family medicine specialists in Europe 2 years after the COVID-19 pandemic’s onset, and it explores influencing factors.
Methods: This observational cross-sectional study included participants from 13 European countries. Data was collected from May to August 2022 with an anonymous online survey incorporating validated questionnaires for depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7), and fear of COVID-19 (FCV-19S). Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, correlation tests, and linear regression.
Results: A total of 1,723 participants completed the survey. Findings indicated an overall mild to moderate levels of anxiety (GAD-7: 5.4 ± 4.76) and depression (PHQ-9: 6.33 ± 5.43), and moderate fear of COVID-19 (FCV-19: 12.84 ± 5.29). Key determinants of anxiety, fear, and depression included country, at-risk status, patient non-compliance, and mental health history. Sex influenced anxiety and fear, losing co-workers to COVID-19 influenced anxiety and depression, while losing relatives or friends influenced fear.
Conclusion: Two years into the pandemic, European general practitioners and family medicine specialists showed mild to moderate levels of anxiety, depression, and fear. Country, at-risk status, mental health history, and work-related challenges significantly affected mental health. Crucial interventions are needed to support healthcare workers during pandemics, focusing on protective measures, stable work environments, and coping strategies for anxiety and depression
Reassessment of the nomenclature of some powdery mildew names introduced by M. C. Cooke and C. H. Peck
Full text linkMitchell, J. K., Braun, U. & Bradshaw, M. 2025: Neubewertung der Nomenklatur einiger von M. C. Cooke und C. H. Peck eingeführter Mehltaunamen. Schlechtendalia 42: 267–274.
Die verworrene Geschichte der Nomenklatur einiger Namen von Mehltauarten beschrieben von M. C. Cooke and C. H. Peck wird eingehend diskutiert, einschließlich der Neubewertung des nomenklatorischen Status einiger der betroffenen Namen. Als Ergebnis daraus ist es notwendig, einige früher vorgenommene Lectotypisierungen neu zu bewerten und zu korrigieren, wie die Lectotypen von Podosphaera biuncinata, Sphaerotheca pruinosa und Uncinula polychaeta. Der Status der Nomenklatur von Microsphaera extensa erfordert eine besondere Diskussion. Weiterhin werden die Nomenklatur und Typisierung von Microsphaera extensa, M. quercina, M. semitosta und M. vaccinii diskutiert.Mitchell, J. K., Braun, U. & Bradshaw, M. 2025: Reassessment of the nomenclature of some powdery mildew names introduced by M. C. Cooke and C. H. Peck. Schlechtendalia 42: 267–274.
The confusing nomenclatural history of some names of powdery mildew species described by M. C. Cooke and C. H. Peck is discussed in detail, including reassessment of the nomenclatural status of some of the names concerned. As a result, it is necessary to reassess and correct several previously designated lectotypifications, such as the lectotypes of Podosphaera biuncinata, Sphaerotheca pruinosa, and Uncinula polychaeta. The status of the nomenclature of Microsphaera extensa requires a particular discussion. In addition, the nomenclature and typification of Microsphaera extensa, M. quercina, M. semitosta, and M. vaccinii are discussed.Die Schlechtendalia publiziert Originalbeiträge mit Schwerpunkt Spezielle Botanik und Biodiversität, Floristik, Mykologie/Lichenologie, Wissenschaftsgeschichte und andere Themen mit Bezug zu Botanischen Gärten und Herbarien
Genetically engineered defective interfering particles of influenza A virus for antiviral treatment and vaccination
Full text linkThe Influenza A virus (IAV) is a major human respiratory pathogen causing
seasonal outbreaks and occasional pandemics. Owing to its continuous evolution,
particularly of the surface proteins of IAV strains, annual updates to vaccine
formulations are necessary. This process has several limitations including lengthy
screening periods for identifying and generating strains for annual update of
vaccines. Additionally, the emergence of antiviral-resistant IAV strains has
challenged the efficacy of current treatments, necessitating the exploration of
alternative therapeutic strategies. This dissertation investigates defective
interfering particles (DIPs) of IAV as a promising antiviral approach. DIPs are
naturally occurring viral mutants that produce particles typically with deletions in
one of their eight viral RNA (vRNA) segments. Among these, DI244 is a well-
characterized DIP with a deletion in segment 1 (seg 1), which encodes polymerase
basic protein 2 (PB2). In addition, a new type of DIP “OP7” was identified by our
research group that has been extensively studied. OP7 carries multiple point
mutations in seg 7, which encodes matrix proteins. In a normal scenario, DIPs
require co-infection with a standard virus (STV) for their replication, as the DIP is
unable to generate a functional protein. However, during co-infection, DIPs can
inhibit STV replication (both in vitro and in vivo), indicating their potential as natural
antivirals. Additionally, the development of mutations that lead to resistance to
DIPs is highly unlikely.
In previous collaborations, a modified IAV reverse genetics system was developed
that utilizes PB2-expressing cells to generate clonal DI244-DIPs without STV
contamination in the final virus harvest. This approach involved eight plasmids
encoding seven full-length vRNA segments along with a seg 1 DI vRNA encoding
plasmid. After transfection, PB2 protein expression from the host cell facilitated DIP
propagation. Subsequently, genetically engineered suspension Madin-Darby
canine kidney (MDCK) cells were used to optimize DIP production achieving high
titer DIP preparations for antiviral applications. This innovative method formed the
basis for this PhD project, which aimed to develop improved DIP constructs for use
as antivirals or vaccines. Notably, the concept of using seg 1 DIPs as vaccine
constructs has not been described previously. In the first part of this thesis, evolutionary studies (performed by a colleague) are
described in which novel deletion junctions with presumably better interference
capabilities compared to the previously described prototypic and well-
characterized DIP “DI244” were identified by next generation sequencing (NGS).
Besides the emergence of diverse DIPs, differences in their propagation and
accumulation were observed. It was hypothesized that DI vRNA displaying strong
growth properties may also demonstrate high antiviral activity. In the context of this
PhD thesis, for experimental validation, the aforementioned reverse genetics
system was utilized to construct and reconstitute these newly identified seg 1 DIPs
in a clonal population devoid of any infectious STV. Subsequent in vitro co-infection
studies confirmed that rapidly propagating DIPs indeed exhibit higher antiviral
activity compared to the slower growing DIPs, including DI244. Therefore, these
newly identified seg 1 DIPs are promising candidates for antiviral therapy.
In the second part of this thesis, options for the generation of DIPs for use as live
vaccines were explored. The primary objective was to harness the potential of DIPs
to additionally induce adaptive immune responses against seasonal infections.
Specifically, the surface glycoproteins of the DIPs should be replaced by those of
seasonal vaccine strains. Such a live vaccine would be administered by a nasal
spray via the mucous membranes. This strategy was designed to elicit mucosal
immunity at the primary site of infection, thereby promoting a comprehensive
immune response that includes cellular, humoral, and systemic adaptive immunity.
Although these initial attempts were not successful, potential alternative
experimental approaches to allow for the reconstitution of these constructs evolved
and various promising strategies are currently under investigation.
OP7 has exhibited superior antiviral activity against STV replication compared to
conventional DIPs like DI244 in various studies. In the last part of this thesis, the
challenge of reconstituting OP7 DIPs free from infectious STV was addressed.
Here, the reverse genetics approach for generating seg 1 DIPs was refined by
introducing a ninth plasmid encoding seg 7-OP7. This change resulted in a
population of DIPs that included OP7 chimera (with deleted seg 1 and mutated seg
7-OP7) alongside seg 1-DIP (with wild-type seg 7). Due to the deletions in seg 1,
both DIPs were restricted to growth in PB2-expressing adherent MDCK cells and
did not require any inactivation steps for further use. The seed virus obtained was subsequently passaged in suspension MDCK cells in bioreactors and optimized
(by our team) for high-yield production. In a next step, conducted by a collaborator
(Dunja Bruder, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig,
Germany), OP7 preparations were tested intranasally in mice. At high doses, they
showed no toxicity and provided complete protection against a fatal STV challenge.
This demonstrated the remarkable potential of OP7 chimera DIP preparations for
use as an antiviral.
In the future, OP7 chimera DIPs will be used to establish GMP-compliant
production processes advancing clinical development and enhancing pandemic
preparedness with this new class of broad-spectrum antivirals.Literaturverzeichnis: Seite 140-14