Real-world multicentre cohort study on choices and effectiveness of immunotherapies in NMOSD and MOGAD.

Background: Recurrent attacks in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSDs) or myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) can lead to severe disability. We aimed to analyse the real-world use of immunotherapies in patients with NMOSD and MOGAD, focusing on changes in treatment strategies, effects on attack rates (ARR) and risk factors for attacks.

Methods: This longitudinal registry-based cohort study included 493 patients (320 with aquaporin-4 immunoglobulin G (AQP4-IgG) seropositive NMOSD (65%), 44 with AQP4-IgG seronegative NMOSD (9%) and 129 MOGAD (26%)) with 1247 treatments from 19 German and one Austrian centre from the registry of the neuromyelitis optica study group (NEMOS).

From feeling depressed to getting diagnosed: Determinants of a diagnosis of depression after experiencing symptoms.

Background: Receiving a formal diagnosis for a depressive disorder is a prerequisite for getting treatment, yet the illness inherently complicates care-seeking. Thus, understanding the process from depression symptoms to diagnosis is crucial.

Aims: This study aims to disentangle (1) risk factors for depression symptoms from (2) facilitators and barriers to receiving a diagnosis experiencing depression symptoms.

Europe-wide distribution and bat-host specific lineages in the malarial parasite Polychromophilus murinus revealed through genetic screening of bat flies.

Malaria parasites of the genus Polychromophilus commonly infect vespertilionid and miniopterid bats, and are transmitted by bat flies (Nycteribiidae). While Polychromophilus murinus has been recorded sporadically in Europe, its host range, distribution and phylogeographic structure have not been explored. Here we investigate the prevalence and genetic diversity of P.

Biological relevance and methodological implications of unexpected hearing thresholds in a diving bird.

Many animals alternate between different media, such as air and water, thanks to specific adaptations. Among birds, penguins (Sphenisciformes) have the most extreme morphological, physiological, and behavioural adaptations to their amphibious lifestyle. Their auditory perception of sound, potentially matching different impedances in air and under water, is largely unknown particularly in terms of whether their underwater adaptations may have affected their in-air hearing capacity.

One-Pot Depolymerization of Mixed Plastics Using a Dual Enzyme System.

As global plastic consumption and littering escalate, innovative approaches to sustainable waste management are crucial. Enzymatic depolymerization has emerged as a promising recycling method for polyesters via monomer recovery under mild conditions. However, current research mainly focuses on using a single plastic feedstock, which can only be derived from complex and costly plastic waste sorting.

Field respirometry in a wild maternity colony of Bechstein's bats (Myotis bechsteinii) indicates higher metabolic costs above rather than below the thermoneutral zone.

In a warming world, it is crucial to understand how rising temperature affects the physiology of organisms. To investigate the effect of a warming environment on the metabolism of heterothermic bats during the costly lactation period, we characterised metabolic rates in relation to roost temperature, the bats' thermoregulatory state (normothermia or torpor), time of day and age of juveniles. In a field experiment, we heated the communal roosts of a wild colony of Bechstein's bats (Myotis bechsteinii) every other day while measuring metabolic rates using flow-through respirometry.

Different polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) reinforcement strategies for long bone osteoplasty procedures: a controlled laboratory comparison using the 4-point bending test.

Background: Cementoplasty has been successfully used for treating fractures in various parts of the human body, although the use in weight-bearing long bones is a subject of controversial debate. Strategies to improve the mechanical properties of polymethylmethacrylate-based bone cement (BC) comprise changing the chemical composition or the application of metal reinforcement strategies. In clinical practice reinforced bone cement is used despite biomechanical basic research regarding this topic being scare.

Visual quality of life in NMOSD and MOGAD: profiles, dynamics and associations with ageing and vision.

Objective: In this multicentric study, we were interested in the vision-related quality of life and its association with visual impairment in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) in comparison to multiple sclerosis (MS) and healthy controls.

Methods: We analysed extracted data from the German NEMOS registry including National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ) scores, high and low contrast visual acuity (HCVA, LCVA), visually evoked potentials (VEP) and the scores for the expanded disability status scale (EDSS) and other neurological tests which assessed their disease-related impairment. The mean follow-up time of our patients was 1.

Recent range expansion and lineage idiosyncratic population structure of Liodessus diving beetles in the high Andes (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae, Bidessini).

Here, we review the taxonomy and population genetic structure of diving beetles in the genus Liodessus Guignot, 1939 from the high Andes of southern Colombia and Ecuador. Liodessus quillacinga ecuadoriensis ssp. nov.

Early Learning Curve in Robotic-Assisted Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Single-Center Experience.

: This study evaluated the learning curve for robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty (RA TKA) performed by three experienced surgeons, focusing on procedure duration, surgeon satisfaction, and confidence. A prospective study was conducted with three senior arthroplasty surgeons, each performing 15 RA TKA procedures using the Triathlon Knee System with the Robotic Arm Interactive Orthopedic (RIO) System. Data on preparation, cut-to-suture, and breakdown times were collected.

Correction: Muñoz-Villagrán et al. The Thioredoxin Fold Protein (TFP2) from Extreme Acidophilic sp. CF-1 Is a Chaperedoxin-like Protein That Prevents the Aggregation of Proteins under Oxidative Stress. 2024, , 6905.

Susanne Sievers and Daniela Zühlke were not included as authors in the original publication [...

Improved recombinant expression of soluble cathepsin B and L in Escherichia coli.

Cysteine cathepsins such as cathepsin B and L play an important role in numerous diseases like acute pancreatitis or SARS-CoV-2 and therefore have high potential for the development of new therapeutics. To be able to screen for potent and selective inhibitors sufficient amounts of protein are required. Here, we present an easy and efficient protocol for the recombinant expression of soluble and active murine cathepsin B and L.

Advancing the personalized advantage index (PAI): a systematic review and application in two large multi-site samples in anxiety disorders.

Background: The Personalized Advantage Index (PAI) shows promise as a method for identifying the most effective treatment for individual patients. Previous studies have demonstrated its utility in retrospective evaluations across various settings. In this study, we explored the effect of different methodological choices in predictive modelling underlying the PAI.

Highly Electrically Conductive PEDOT:PSS Films via Layer-By-Layer Electrostatic Self-Assembly.

Electrically conductive films of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonic acid) (PEDOT:PSS) are usually formed by spin coating of aqueous dispersions with PEDOT:PSS nanoparticles. To better understand the film formation, the adsorption conditions are investigated using dip coating and a flow cell with different flow rates. Multilayer films are formed by sequential adsorption of oppositely charged macromolecules or nanoparticles.

Social participation and cognitive activities as explanation factor for the association between income and self-rated health for older adults.

Introduction: Health disparities pose a considerable challenge for older adults individuals, particularly those with a heightened risk of developing dementia. Discrepancies in health status among various income brackets are only partially attributable to structural factors such as working and living conditions or the quality of food. The aim of this study was therefore to explore whether and to what extent various health-promoting behaviors can explain the association between household income and self-rated health among older people at risk of dementia.

The costs of shifting from dual-task to single-task processing: Applying the fade-out paradigm to dual tasking.

Cognitive control processes mirror fast and dynamic adaptation toward a change in the environment. When performing dual tasks, mental representations of dual-task-specific control requirements and the task-pair set are established that help to manage dual-task processing (Hirsch et al., 2017, 2018; Hommel, 2004, 2020).

MIBiG 4.0: advancing biosynthetic gene cluster curation through global collaboration.

Specialized or secondary metabolites are small molecules of biological origin, often showing potent biological activities with applications in agriculture, engineering and medicine. Usually, the biosynthesis of these natural products is governed by sets of co-regulated and physically clustered genes known as biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs). To share information about BGCs in a standardized and machine-readable way, the Minimum Information about a Biosynthetic Gene cluster (MIBiG) data standard and repository was initiated in 2015.

Cost analysis of machine and manual reprocessing of transvaginal ultrasound probes.

Objective: This study aims to provide additional support for the equipment needed in hospitals and medical practices for reprocessing transvaginal ultrasound probes (TVUS) through an economic analysis comparing manual and automated reprocessing methods. A questionnaire survey was also conducted in hospitals and medical practices to analyze the current practice of TVUS reprocessing.

Methods: The economic analysis compared four manual reprocessing methods using disinfection wipes and one automated device-based disinfection method using hydrogen peroxide vapor.

MamF-like proteins are distant Tic20 homologs involved in organelle assembly in bacteria.

Organelle-specific protein translocation systems are essential for organelle biogenesis and maintenance in eukaryotes but thought to be absent from prokaryotic organelles. Here, we demonstrate that MamF-like proteins are crucial for the formation and functionality of bacterial magnetosome organelles. Deletion of mamF-like genes in the Alphaproteobacterium Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense results in severe defects in organelle positioning, biomineralization, and magnetic navigation.

A core network in the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid NTD mediates structural integrity and selective RNA-binding.

The SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein is indispensable for viral RNA genome processing. Although the N-terminal domain (NTD) is suggested to mediate specific RNA-interactions, high-resolution structures with viral RNA are still lacking. Available hybrid structures of the NTD with ssRNA and dsRNA provide valuable insights; however, the precise mechanism of complex formation remains elusive.

Comparative Morphology of the Extrinsic and Intrinsic Leg Musculature in Dictyoptera (Insecta: Blattodea, Mantodea).

Insect legs, as primarily locomotory devices, can show a tremendous variety of morphological modifications providing a multitude of usages. The prehensile raptorial forelegs of praying mantises (Mantodea) are a prominent example of true multifunctionality since they are used for walking while being efficient prey-capturing and grasping devices. Although being mostly generalist arthropod predators, various morphological adaptations due to different environmental conditions occur across Mantodea.

Expensive today but cheaper tomorrow: lifetime costs of an active middle ear implant compared to alternative treatment options.

Background: When choosing between different treatment options, implants often appear too costly. However, this perspective does not take future costs into account. This article evaluates lifetime costs for different surgical interventions to treat hearing loss.