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Stabilizing Copper(I) Complexes by Terminal Olefinic Side Arms and Studying Their Reactivity Towards Oxidation
(2025) Granichny, Alexander; Würtele, Christian; Schindler, Siegfried
Many copper(I) complexes with aliphatic amine ligands have a strong tendency to disproportionate to copper(II) and elemental copper in solution at higher concentrations, making it difficult to isolate them and to study their reactivity. A series of copper(I) complexes with ligands based on tridentate N,N,N’,N’’,N’’-pentamethldiethylenetriamine (Me5dien) were synthesized that included terminal olefinic and aromatic groups. It could be shown that the olefinic side arms stabilized some of the copper(I) complexes. Whether and how strongly the complexes were stabilized depended on the position and length of the olefinic sidearm. Additionally, the reactivity of the copper(I) complexes towards dioxygen was investigated.
Lattice Dynamics of LiNb 1-xTaxO3 Solid Solutions: Theory and Experiment
(2025) Bernhardt, Felix; Gharat, Soham; Kapp, Alexander; Pfeiffer, Florian; Buschbeck, Robin; Hempel, Franz; Pashkin, Oleksiy; Kehr, Susanne C.; Rüsing, Michael; Sanna, Simone; Eng, Lukas M.
Lithium niobate (LNO) and lithium tantalate (LTO) see widespread use in fundamental research and commercial technologies reaching from electronics over classical optics to integrated quantum communication. The mixed crystal system lithium niobate tantalate (LNT) allows for the dedicate engineering of material properties by combining the advantages of the two parental materials LNO and LTO. Vibrational spectroscopies such as Raman spectroscopy or (Fourier transform) infrared (IR) spectroscopy are vital techniques to provide detailed insight into the material properties, which is central to the analysis and optimization of devices. This work presents a joint experimental–theoretical approach allowing to unambiguously assign the spectral features in the LNT material family through both Raman and IR spectroscopy, as well as providing an in-depth explanation for the observed scattering efficiencies based on first-principles calculations. The phononic contribution to the static dielectric tensor is calculated from the experimental and theoretical data using the generalized Lyddane–Sachs–Teller relation and compared with the results of the first-principles calculations.
Social Identification in Times of Crisis: How Need to Belong, Perspective Taking, and Cognitive Closure Relate to Changes in Social Identification
(2025) Till, Franziska Julia; Heimrich, Julia; Frenzel, Svenja B.; van Dick, Rolf; Mojzisch, Andreas; Junker, Nina M.; Häusser, Jan A.
In a world shaped by global crises—from pandemics to international armed conflicts to an escalating climate crisis—research into human reactions to and coping with uncertainty is becoming increasingly important. The fundamental role of identification with social groups in maintaining well-being during times of threat has been emphasized. In this context, the aim of this study was to examine the relationship between interindividual differences— need to belong, perspective taking, need for cognitive closure—and changes in social identification. To test our hypotheses, we conducted a two-wave online study with a sample of 1008 participants during the COVID-19 pandemic. We examined changes in social identification in narrow social groups (i.e., family, friends, neighbors) and broader social categories (i.e., own country, Europe, humanity). We found an overall increase in social identification in times of crises across all groups. The results show that need to belong (at Time 1) was positively related to increases in social identification (at Time 2) for all groups, while the positive association between perspective taking (at Time 1) and increases in social identification (at Time 2) was observed for almost all groups except neighbors. Contrary to our expectations, however, the need for cognitive closure (at Time 1) showed no association with changes in identification with any social group (at Time 2). These findings emphasize the importance of interindividual differences for our understanding of changes in social identification over time.
Decoupling the Effects of Interface Chemical Degradation and Mechanical Cracking in Solid-State Batteries with Silicon Electrode
(2025) Huo, Hanyu; Bai, Yang; Benz, Sebastian Leonard; Weintraut, Timo; Wang, Shuo; Henss, Anja; Raabe, Dierk; Janek, Jürgen
Silicon is a promising negative electrode material for solid-state batteries (SSBs) due to its high specific capacity and ability to prevent lithium dendrite formation. However, SSBs with silicon electrodes currently suffer from poor cycling stability, despite chemical engineering efforts. This study investigates the cycling failure mechanism of composite Si/Li6PS5Cl electrodes by decoupling the effects of interface chemical degradation and mechanical cracking. Chlorine-rich Li5.5PS4.5Cl1.5 suppresses interface chemical degradation when paired with silicon, while small-grained Li6PS5Cl shows 4.3-fold increase of interface resistance due to large Si/Li6PS5Cl contact area for interface degradation. Despite this, small-grained Li6PS5Cl improves the microstructure homogeneity of the electrode composites, effectively alleviating the stress accumulation caused by the expansion/shrinkage of silicon particles. This minimizes bulk cracks in Li6PS5Cl during the lithiation processes and interface delamination during the delithiation processes. Mechanical cracking shows a dominant role in increasing interface resistance than interface chemical degradation. Therefore, electrodes with small-grained Li6PS5Cl show better cycling stability than those with Li5.5PS4.5Cl1.5. This work not only provides an approach to decouple the complex effects for cycling failure analysis but also provides a guideline for better use of silicon in negative electrodes of SSBs.
Success of the German Cystic Fibrosis Registry
(2025) Naehrlich, Lutz; Burkhart, Manuel
The German Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Registry (GCFR) is a national General Data Protection Regulation–compliant centralised database sponsored by the German Cystic Fibrosis Association (Mukoviszidose e.V.) and based on informed consent for each participating patient, ethical approval, and data protection votes. The aims of the GCFR are to optimise quality of care for CF at the centres, generate epidemiologic overviews, address research questions related to improved CF care, and inform caregivers, patients (aimed at patient empowerment), and health authorities and industry (aimed at care planning and pharmacovigilance). Established in 1995, the Registry has captured data on > 9600 individuals with a combined total of more than 140 000 annual assessments with an estimated coverage rate of > 90%. Patient data are collected after informed consent and confirmed diagnosis of CF, or a CFTR-related disorder, or a screening-positive inconclusive diagnosis of CF (i.e., CFSPID). The registry collects core, encounter, and annual health data. Data include demographics, anthropometrics, lung function, microbiology, CF-specific complications and chronic medications, hospitalisations, demand-oriented antibiotic therapies, and outcomes (death and transplants). Real world and pharmacovigilance studies have been published and additional research underway; there is a formal process for requesting access to the GCFR.
A Systematic Targeted Genetic Screen Identifies Proteins Involved in Cytoadherence of the Malaria Parasite P. falciparum
(2025) Küster, Nina; Roling, Lena; Ouayoue, Ardin; Steeg, Katharina; Przyborski, Jude M.
Immediately after invading their chosen host cell, the mature human erythrocyte, malaria parasites begin to export an array of proteins to this compartment, where they initiate processes that are prerequisite for parasite survival and propagation, including nutrient import and immune evasion. One consequence of these activities is the emergence of novel adhesive phenotypes that can lead directly to pathology in the human host. To identify parasite proteins involved in this process, we used modern genetic tools to target genes encoding 15 exported parasite proteins, selected by an in silico workflow. This resulted in four genetically modified parasite lines that were then characterised in detail. Of these lines, three could be shown to have aberrations in adhesion, and of these one appears to have a block in the transport and/or correct folding of the major surface adhesin PfEMP1 (Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1). Our data expand the known factors involved in this important process and once again highlight the complexity of this phenomenon.
Cellular immune responses of bovine polymorphonuclear neutrophils to Calicophoron daubneyi
(2025) Silva, Liliana M. R.; López-Osorio, Sara; Peixoto, Raquel; Zhou, Ershun; Espinosa, Gabriel; Gärtner, Ulrich; Taubert, Anja; Conejeros, Iván; Hermosilla, Carlos
Calicophoron daubneyi infections have increased in Europe, being more frequent than fasciolosis in some areas. Infection occurs once definitive hosts ingest encysted metacercariae present on vegetation. Following excystation, juvenile flukes penetrate the small intestinal mucosa and migrate into the rumen where adults mature. Throughout the somatic migration, juveniles come across different microenvironments and tissues and encounter host leukocytes. Besides phagocytosis, production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and degranulation, polymorphonuclear neutrophils also cast neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), which can entrap several parasite species, including the closely related liver fluke Fasciola hepatica. In this study, we analyzed whether in vitro exposure of bovine neutrophils to C. daubneyi antigen (CdAg) and eggs triggered neutrophils activation and NET formation. Results on scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and immunofluorescence analyses show weak formation of short spread NETs upon CdAg stimulation, corroborated by increased extracellular DNA measurements. Likewise, early NETosis was confirmed via nuclear area expansion assays. Bovine neutrophil stimulation with CdAg 100 µg/mL concentration led to a significant increase in oxygen consumption rates (p = 0.0152) and extracellular acidification rates (p = 0.0022), while lower concentrations of CdAg (10 µg/mL) failed to induce neutrophil activation, suggesting a dose dependent response. Both intra- and extracellular ROS production was not affected by any CdAg concentration here studied. Bovine neutrophil total adenosine triphosphate concentration significantly decreased after exposure to CdAg 100 µg/mL, in line to the observed with the positive control (phorbol myristate acetate/ionomycin). In summary, C. daubneyi activates bovine neutrophils with rather weak responses, which might suggest that the release of C. daubneyi-specific molecules (i.e. excretory-secretory antigens, proteases, or nucleases) could interfere with neutrophil-related effector mechanisms. Further ex vivo analyses will clarify if such mechanisms are also involved in pathogenesis of paramphistomosis by demonstrating neutrophil recruitment into affected intestinal mucosa.
Retrospective evaluation of autotransfusion using a cell saver device versus allotransfusion in the perioperative management of acute hemoperitoneum in 43 dogs (2017–2021)
(2025) Blunschi, Fabienne; Gluding, Dennis; Hassdenteufel, Esther; Schneider, Matthias; Lehmann, Hendrik
Background: Cell saver (CS) technology is an increasingly popular approach for autotransfusion in small animal veterinary medicine for the treatment of patients with abdominal hemorrhagic effusion. Objective: To evaluate the utility, effectiveness, and safety of autotransfusions collected with a CS device and to assess whether the use of the CS device reduces the demand for allogenic blood transfusions. Materials and methods: Retrospective study of dogs with acute hemoperitoneum of splenic origin treated surgically. Dogs were grouped by the type of transfusion received: allo- and autotransfusion (AA), allotransfusion only (AO), autotransfusion only (CS), and no transfusion (NT). Differences in changes of laboratory parameters (hematocrit and lactate), transfusion volume, and outcomes were analyzed across groups. Results: Forty-three dogs were included. Twenty-seven (62.8%) suffered from hemangiosarcoma, and 16 (37.2%) had a benign cause of hemoperitoneum. The classification into blood transfusion groups was as follows: 7/43 (16.3%) in the AA-group, 11/43 (25.6%) in the AO-group, 11/43 (25.6%) in the CS-group and 14/43 (32.6%) in the NT-group. Increase in hematocrit over time was similar in all subgroups that received any form of blood transfusion (AA-, AO-, CS-group). Total volume of transfused blood (autologous and allogenic) was significantly higher in the AA-group (median 54.0mL/kg, range 24.7–126.5mL/kg) than in the AO-group (median 7.6mL/kg, range 4.6–13.5mL/kg, p = 0.01) but not the CS-group (median 23.8mL/kg, range 14.1–50.0mL/kg, p = 0.22). No difference was found for the volume of allogenic blood transfused between the AA-group (median 9.4mL/kg, range 5.0–16.2mL/kg) and AO-group (median 7.6mL/kg, range 4.6–13.5mL/kg) (p = 0.68). The use of the CS device did not adversely affect the time from presentation to surgery, the duration of surgery, or the outcomes. Discussion: The use of autologous blood transfusions obtained by CS device in dogs suffering from acute hemoperitoneum caused by a benign or malignant splenic disorder appeared safe and effective in the cases described. And therefore may emphasize its further application as an addition or alternative to traditional allogenic blood transfusions.
Perspectives on the adoption of black-soldier fly larvae for animal feed among livestock farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa
(2025) Nyamuhirwa, Dieu-Merci Akonkwa; Feleke, Shiferaw; Dontsop Nguezet, Paul-Martin; Sissoko, Dioukou; Moussa, Bokar; Kouakou, Abel-Gautier; Zakari, Seydou; Abdoulaye, Tahirou; Manyong, Victor
Introduction: Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) are increasingly promoted as cost-effective, and environmentally friendly source of protein in animal nutrition. However, there is limited information about farmers' adoption rates and the factors influencing their adoption decisions in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This article assesses livestock farmers' actual and potential adoption rates of BSFL and determinants of their adoption decisions. Methods: In this paper, we used the treatment effect framework approach on data collected from 1,885 fish, poultry, and pig smallholder farmers in five cities of four West and Central African countries, including Kinshasa and Bukavu in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Accra in Ghana, Bamako in Mali, and Niamey in Niger. Results and discussion: The results show that about 20 percent of surveyed farmers are aware of BSFL as a protein source in animal feed, and the actual adoption rate of BSFL is four percent. However, the treatment effect analysis showed that the adoption rate could quadruple if all farmers were aware. This result suggests that successful awareness creation can boost the actual adoption of BSFL, which currently stands at four percent. The awareness creation should target educated livestock farmers with access to group membership, credit, extension services, and diversified income sources to influence their decisions to adopt BSFL as a source of protein in animal feed.
Intracrine Formation of Steroid Hormones in Breast Cancer, Epidermal Keratinocyte, Dermal Fibroblast, and Adipocyte Cell Lines Measured by LC-MS/MS
(2025) Karakus, Emre; Schmid, Andreas; Schäffler, Andreas; Wudy, Stefan A.; Geyer, Joachim
Peripheral tissues such as skin and adipose tissue play a crucial role in the intracrine formation of sex steroid hormones, complementing the endocrine and paracrine systems. These mechanisms involve the conversion of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfated form—DHEAS—into potent androgenic and estrogenic hormones. In vitro studies using tissue-specific cell lines are essential for unraveling the complex intracrine synthesis of these hormones. This study examined the formation of DHEA, androstenedione (A4), testosterone (T), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and estradiol (E2) from DHEAS in four cell lines: MCF-7 breast cancer cells, HaCaT keratinocytes, human dermal fibroblasts (HDF), and 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and mature adipocytes, using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). MCF-7 cells converted DHEAS to DHEA, A4, T, E2, and DHT, while HaCaT cells produced all these steroids except DHT. Mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes produced DHEA, A4, T, and DHT. By contrast, HDF and 3T3-L1 preadipocytes converted DHEAS only to DHEA and A4. This study highlights the vital role of peripheral tissues, such as skin and adipose tissue, for the intracrine formation of sex hormones and underlines the crucial role of in vitro cell culture models to analyze such effects. The data shed light on the significant impact of androgen metabolism in skin and adipose tissue, which is of great relevance for aging, wound healing, obesity, and lipid metabolism.
Screening of Piglets for Signs of Inflammation and Necrosis as Early Life Indicators of Animal Health and Welfare Hazards
(2025) Koenders-van Gog, Karien; Wijnands, Thomas; Lechner, Mirjam; Reiner, Gerald; Fink-Gremmels, Johanna
Ensuring animal health and well-being requires animal-based measures for early and direct intervention at the point of care. Insight into the pathophysiology of Swine Inflammation and Necrosis Syndrome (SINS) has led to a non-invasive, clinical scoring system that can be used in daily practice. This provides information on the cause of observed lesions for direct intervention in affected herds. The aim of the current study was to re-evaluate the practicality of the SINS scoring system under field conditions. In addition, this is the first study to provide insight into the prevalence of SINS on Dutch farms. This study involved the scoring of 5958 piglets from 20 visits on 13 farms randomly selected by a veterinary practice in the Netherlands. The results showed that up to 64.1% of the piglets had visible inflammatory alterations in different body parts within the first seven days of life. Sow rectal temperature, signs of coprostasis and water intake during pregnancy were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) correlated with the prevalence of SINS in piglets. In conclusion, the SINS scoring system is an easy-to-use, non-invasive diagnostic tool that summarises animal-based observations at the point of care, providing a valuable communication tool between farmers, nutritionists and veterinarians in their efforts to improve animal health and welfare.
A Review of Needle Navigation Technologies in Minimally Invasive Cardiovascular Surgeries - Toward a More Effective and Easy-to-Apply Process
(2025) Steeg, Katharina; Krombach, Gabriele Anja; Friebe, Michael Horst
Background: This review evaluates needle navigation technologies in minimally invasive cardiovascular surgery (MICS), identifying their strengths and limitations and the requirements for an ideal needle navigation system that features optimal guidance and easy adoption in clinical practice. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, and IEEE databases up until June 2024 identified original studies on needle navigation in MICS. Eligible studies were those published within the past decade and that performed MICS requiring needle navigation technologies in adult patients. Animal studies, case reports, clinical trials, or laboratory experiments were excluded to focus on actively deployed techniques in clinical practice. Extracted data included the study year, modalities used, procedures performed, and the reported strengths and limitations, from which the requirements for an optimal needle navigation system were derived. Results: Of 36 eligible articles, 21 used ultrasound (US) for real-time imaging despite depth and needle visibility challenges. Computer tomography (CT)-guided fluoroscopy, cited in 19 articles, enhanced deep structure visualization but involved radiation risks. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), though excellent for soft-tissue contrast, was not used due to metallic tool incompatibility. Multimodal techniques, like US–fluoroscopy fusion, improved accuracy but added cost and workflow complexity. No single technology meets all the criteria for an ideal needle navigation system, which should combine real-time imaging, 3D spatial awareness, and tissue integrity feedback while being cost-effective and easily integrated into existing workflows. Conclusions: This review derived the criteria and obstacles an ideal needle navigation system must address before its clinical adoption, along with novel technological approaches that show potential to overcome those challenges. For instance, fusion technologies overlay information from multiple visual approaches within a single interface to overcome individual limitations. Additionally, emerging diagnostic methods like vibroacoustic sensing or optical fiber needles offer information from complementary sensory channels, augmenting visual approaches with insights into tissue integrity and structure, thereby paving the way for enhanced needle navigation systems in MICS.
Case Series Evaluating the Relationship of SGLT2 Inhibition to Pulmonary Artery Pressure and Non-Invasive Cardiopulmonary Parameters in HFpEF/HFmrEF Patients - A Pilot Study
(2025) Herrmann, Ester Judith; Guckert, Michael; Gruen, Dimitri; Keller, Till; Tello, Khodr; Seeger, Werner; Sossalla, Samuel; Assmus, Birgit
The initiation of sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor treatment was shown to reduce pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) in New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III heart failure (HF) patients with an implanted PAP sensor. We aimed to investigate the impact of SGLT2-I initiation on pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP), pulmonary arterial capacitance (PAC), and right ventricle (RV) to PA (RV-PA) coupling in a pilot cohort of HF with preserved/mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFpEF/HFmrEF) patients and whether PVR and PCWP can be serially calculated non-invasively using PAP sensor data during follow-up. Methods: Right heart catheterization parameters (PVR, PCWP, and PAC) were obtained at sensor implantation and echocardiographic assessments (E/E’, RV-PA coupling, and RV cardiac output) were made at baseline and every 3 months. SGLT2 inhibition was initiated after 3 months of telemedical care. Three methods for calculating PVR and PCWP were compared using Bland–Altman plots and Spearman’s correlation. Results: In 13 HF patients (mean age 77 ± 4 years), there were no significant changes in PAP, PVR, PCWP, RV-PA coupling, or PAC over 9 months (all p-values > 0.05), including after SGLT2-I initiation. PVR values were closely correlated across the three methods (PVRNew and PVRNew Tedford (r = 0.614, p < 0.001), PVREcho and PVRNew Tedford (r = 0.446, p = 0.006), and PVREcho and PVRNew (r = 0.394, p = 0.016)), but PCWP methods lacked reliable association (PCWPEcho and PCWPNew (r = 0.180, p = 0.332). Conclusions: No changes in cardiopulmonary hemodynamics were detected after hemodynamic telemonitoring either prior to or following SGLT2-I initiation. Different PVR assessment methods yielded comparable results, whereas PCWP methods were not associated with each other. Further investigations with larger cohorts including repeated right heart catheterization are planned.
Evaluating the Protective Effects of MitoQ and Antifreeze Protein III on Cryopreserved Canine Sperm
(2025) Farshad, Abbas; Diel, Emilia; Wehrend, Axel
Cryopreservation can adversely affect sperm motility, structural integrity, and fertilization ability. This study investigated the effects of MitoQ and antifreeze protein III (AFP III) on frozen–thawed semen from eight adult dogs using a Tris–fructose extender. Ejaculates were divided and diluted with a standard Tris–fructose–egg yolk extender containing MitoQ (200 nM/mL) and AFP III (0.75, 1.0, 2.0 μg/mL), individually or combined. Post-thaw, samples were evaluated for motility, viability, membrane and acrosome integrity, lipid peroxidation, apoptosis indicators, mitochondrial function, and reactive oxygen species (ROS-H2O2). The results showed significant (p < 0.05) improvements in motility rate, progressive motility, VAP, VSL, VCL, ALH, and BCF with MitoQ or AFP alone. AFP III (0.75, 1.0 μg/mL) showed higher values than controls (p > 0.05), while MitoQ alone showed no significant effect. Viability and acrosome integrity improved with AFP III. Membrane integrity and lipid peroxidation were better in 0.75 and 1.0 μg/mL AFP III groups. ROS-H2O2 levels and mitochondrial membrane potential were unaffected except at 1.0 μg/mL AFP III. The phosphatidylserine translocation assay showed no significant differences in dead sperm between controls and individual treatments, but significant differences occurred with combined MitoQ/AFP III. In conclusion, AFP III and MitoQ in diluents protect canine sperm cells from cryodamage.
Re-identification of anonymised MRI head images with publicly available software: investigation of the current risk to patient privacy
(2024) Steeg, Katharina; Bohrer, Evelyn; Schäfer, Stefan Benjamin; Vu, Viet Duc; Scherberich, Jan; Windfelder, Anton George; Krombach, Gabriele Anja
Background: Facial recognition software (FRS) has historically been perceived as lacking the capability to identify individuals from cross-sectional medical images. Utilising such data for identification purposes was considered infeasible due to the substantial computational power and specialised technical expertise it would require. However, recent advancements in accessible artificial intelligence-based (AI-based) software and open-source tools have made these applications widely available and easy to use, raising new privacy concerns. Methods: This proof-of-concept was designed as a cross-sectional study and included participants with a verified online presence. Standard magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) head scans were performed on these participants, from which three-dimensional rendering (3DR) images were created using free and publicly available software. These images were used for face searches by free and publicly available FRS. Different head orientations and hairstyles were applied to the 3DR images to assess whether non-facial features influenced the FRS results. All results were obtained between the 10th of February 2024 and the 1st of March 2024. Findings: Face searches of 3DR images in a database containing over 800 million images from the World Wide Web (WWW) yielded correct matches for 50% of the participants in less than 10 min. The user-friendly software required minimal computational knowledge or resources, making this process broadly accessible. Modifying elements such as hairstyles or the orientation of the 3DR to better resemble actual photographs of the participants improved FRS matches. Interpretation: Current existing FRS can swiftly and accurately identify individuals from MRI head scans. This poses a significant privacy risk for participants in enrolled clinical trials and highlights the urgent need for improved data protection measures and increased sensitivity to ensure participant confidentiality.
Inkjet-printed quantum dots on paper as concept towards high-density long-term data storage
(2024) Mengel, Nils; Welzel, Marius; Niedenthal, Woldemar; Stein, Markus; Heider, Dominik; Chatterjee, Sangam
Handling and storing the immense amounts of data native to the information age is a major challenge in terms of technological sustainability and energy demand. To date, tape storage remains the most widespread method for data archiving, while DNA data storage appears to offer the best data density and long-term stability in the future. However, DNA data storage is still in its infancy primarily due to economic and accessibility challenges. This emphasizes the need for more practical and readily available alternatives. We present a method for data storage utilizing inkjet printable quantum dots on paper with photoluminescence (PL) readout. Our proof of principle study showcases the ability to print and stack multiple bits of data on a single spot by exploiting the unique PL properties of quantum dots. This approach utilizes easily accessible resources, including a consumer-grade printer and paper as the substrate. Additionally, we perform initial stability tests, investigate scalability by controlling emission intensity, and evaluate the potential data density achievable by our approach.
The relationship between pro-environmental behavior, subjective well-being, and environmental impact: a meta-analysis
(2024) Krumm, Laura
A substantial change towards more pro-environmental behavior (PEB) is essential to reach the required reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change. These behavior changes will have consequences on people’s daily lives and thus might affect their well-being. Previous research generally finds positive correlations between PEB and well-being. This meta-analysis explores whether the relationship between PEB and well-being depends on the environmental impact of the performed PEB. Overall, the paper finds a small but significant positive relation between PEB and well-being. When accounting for the environmental impact of the PEB, however, the positive relationship only remains for low-impact PEB. The meta-analysis does not provide any evidence that engaging in high-impact PEB relates to well-being. Consequently, these findings demonstrate that there is more ambiguity in the relationship between PEB and well-being than previously described in the literature and that the environmental impact of PEB matters when evaluating its relationship with well-being. These findings have important implications for policy-making trying to facilitate mitigation efforts that ultimately aim to balance the well-being of the current and future generations.
Design, synthesis and antimycobacterial activity of imidazo[1,5-a]quinolines and their zinc-complexes
(2024) Marner, Michael; Kulhanek, Niclas; Eichberg, Johanna; Hardes, Kornelia; Molin, Michael Dal; Rybniker, Jan; Kirchner, Michael; Schäberle, Till F.; Göttlich, Richard
Tuberculosis has remained one of the world's deadliest infectious diseases. The complexity and numerous adverse effects of current treatment options as well as the emergence of multi-drug resistant M. tuberculosis (Mtb) demand research and innovation efforts to yield new anti-mycobacterial agents. In this study, we synthesized a series of imidazo[1,5-a]quinolines, including 4 new analogs, and evaluated their activity against Mtb. Inspired by previous studies, we also designed 8 compounds featuring a coordinated metal ion, determined their absolute configuration by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and included them in the bioactivity study. Remarkably, the metal complexation of 5c with either Zn2+ or Fe2+ increased the Mtb inhibitory activity of the compound 12.5-fold and reduced its cytotoxicity. Ultimately, out of the 21 analyzed imidazo[1,5-a]quinoline analogs, two zinc complexes (C1 and C7) showed the strongest, specific activity against Mtb H37Rv in vitro (IC90 = 7.7 and 17.7 μM).
The enol of isobutyric acid
(2024) Danho, Akkad; Mardyukov, Artur; Schreiner, Peter R.
We present the gas-phase synthesis of 2-methyl-prop-1-ene-1,1-diol, an unreported higher energy tautomer of isobutyric acid. The enol was captured in an argon matrix at 3.5 K, characterized spectroscopically and by DFT computations. The enol rearranges likely photochemically to isobutyric acid and dimethylketene. We also identified propene, likely photochemically formed from dimethylketene.
Screening of a-amylase/trypsin inhibitor activity in wheat, spelt and einkorn by high-performance thin-layer chromatography
(2024) Müller, Isabel; Schmid, Bianca; Bosa, Loredana; Morlock, Gertrud Elisabeth
α-Amylase/trypsin inhibitor proteins (ATI) are discussed as possible triggers for non-celiac gluten sensitivity. The potential of high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) was studied for the first time to analyse the inhibitory properties of ATIs from flour of wheat, spelt, and einkorn. Inhibition by each flour of the digestive enzymes trypsin or α-amylase was determined by the reduction of released metabolisation products in comparison to non-digested flour, and positive (acarbose) and negative (water) controls. Firstly, amylolysis was carried out in miniaturized form on the HPTLC surface (HPTLC-nanoGIT) after in-vial pre-incubation of the amylase with the inhibitors from flour. α-Amylase inhibition was evident via the reduction of released saccharides, as analysed by normal phase HPTLC. A strong influence of the flour matrix on the assay results (individual saccharides) was evident, caused by an increased amylolysis of further polysaccharides present, making HPTLC analysis more reliable than currently used spectrophotometric sum value assays. The detection and visualization of such matrix influence helps to understand the problems associated with spectrophotometric assays. Only maltotriose was identified as a reliable marker of the amylolysis. The highest α-amylase inhibition and thus the lowest saccharide response was detected for maltotriose in refined spelt, whereas the lowest α-amylase inhibition and thus the highest saccharide response was detected for maltotriose in refined wheat. A comparison of refined and whole grain flours showed no clear trend in the responses. Secondly, trypsin inhibition and proteolysis were performed in-vial, and any inhibition was evident via the reduction of released peptides, analysed by reversed-phase HPTLC. Based on the product pattern of the proteolysis, einkorn and whole wheat showed the highest trypsin inhibition, whereas refined wheat and refined spelt showed the lowest inhibition. Advantageously, HPTLC analysis provided important information on changes in individual saccharides or peptides, which was more reliable and sustainable than spectrophotometric in-vial assays (only sum value) or liquid column chromatography analysis (targeting only the ATI proteins).

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