Kiel University

This article examines the nexus between crisis and change in the context of German security policy after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s announcement of a Zeitenwende (historic turning point) on 27 February 2022, a few days after the Russian attack, suggests a substantial change in German foreign and security policy. Germany’s reorientation has renewed the debate about change and continuity in German foreign and security policy (notably regarding antimilitarism). Particularly prominent in the discourse is the notion of crisis, which this paper specifically focuses on. We ask first, at a theoretical level, how we can best understand the conceptual nexus between crisis and foreign policy change and second, empirically, how crisis and change are connected in the specific case of the German Zeitenwende. In the attempt to analyze the link between crisis and foreign policy change, we propose that understanding how once-unthinkable policies are made possible requires that we turn our attention to dynamics of discursive change. We illustrate the argument with a mixed-methods analysis of German parliamentary debates between 1987 and 2023.

Several plant seeds release a mucilaginous envelope through hydration, rich in pectins and stabilized by cellulose fibers. This mucilage aids in seed protection, development, and adhesion for dispersal. This study aimed to separate the effects of pectins and cellulose fibers by using pectinase to remove mucilage pectins, leaving cellulose arrays, and performing wet and dry pull-off force measurements on seeds of three plant species: Salvia hispanica (Chia), Collomia grandiflora (Collomia) and Linum usitatissimum (Flax). We used light and scanning electron microscopy to confirm partial pectin removal and intact cellulose fibers. Pull-off force measurements revealed similar wet adhesive properties and E-moduli in S. hispanica and C. grandiflora seeds before and after pectin removal. L. usitatissimum seeds, lacking cellulose fibers, exhibited significantly lower wet and dry adhesion forces post-pectin removal. Desiccation dynamics showed shorter desiccation times after pectin removal in all three species. Results indicated that adhesion forces in seed mucilage with cellulose fibers did not change significantly after pectin removal, suggesting that cellulose fibers contribute to the adhesive properties of seed mucilage, while pectins might not play an exclusive role in adhering to surfaces.

Whereas molybdenum dinitrogen complexes have played a major role as catalytic model systems of nitrogenase, corresponding tungsten complexes were in most cases found to be catalytically inactive. Herein, we present a modified pentadentate tetrapodal (pentaPod) phosphine ligand in which two dimethylphosphine groups of the pentaPodMe (P5Me) ligand have been replaced with phospholanes (Pln). The derived molybdenum complex [Mo(N2)P5Pln] generates 22 and the analogous tungsten complex [W(N2)P5Pln] 7 equivalents of NH3 from N2 in the presence of 180 equivalents of SmI2(THF)2/H2O, rendering the latter the first tungsten complex chemocatalytically converting N2 to NH3. In contrast, the tungsten complex [W(N2)P5Me] generates ammonia from N2 only in a slightly overstoichiometric fashion. The reasons for these reactivity differences are investigated with the help of spectroscopic and electrochemical methods.

Although expressivism has been studied in relation to criminal justice since the emergence of modern international criminal law, an expressivist perspective in norms and criminal justice research resurfaced in the past decades, inviting a new viewpoint on the dynamic interplay between norms and symbolic action in International Relations (IR). Situated as an account of punishment, expressivism has been criticised for being too abstract and lacking an immanent meaning or for its dialectic position in relation to punishment. Addressing this theoretical shortcoming, this article remediates our understanding of expressivism, establishing new knowledge of the meaning of norm expressivism in IR and clarifying the relationship between expressivism and notions of punishment in criminal justice and norm research. To this end, it hermeneutically deconstructs the rhetoric of country delegates at the United Nations in the aftermath of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. It examines crucial examples of expressivism: disagreement pronouncements, denunciation of norm violation, postulation of guilt, and penal analogies. While criminal justice research posits expressivism as a distinct account of punishment, the novelty of this article consists in illustrating how, even in the absence of prosecution in the courtroom, expressivist rationales can have a reinforcing effect on the international legal order.

Background and Aims Treating ulcerative colitis (UC) in patients with prior advanced therapy (AT) exposure may be challenging. We report the efficacy and safety of risankizumab, a monoclonal interleukin 23p19 antibody, in patients with UC and prior inadequate response or intolerance to AT (AT-IR). Methods In the 12-week phase 3 INSPIRE induction study, patients were randomized to intravenous risankizumab 1200 mg or placebo. Clinical responders were randomized to subcutaneous risankizumab 180 mg, risankizumab 360 mg, or placebo (risankizumab withdrawal) in the 52-week phase 3 COMMAND maintenance study. This post hoc analysis assessed outcomes by AT-IR status, number, and mechanism of action. AT included biologics, Janus kinase inhibitors, and sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor modulators. Results Efficacy analyses included 472 Non-AT-IR and 503 AT-IR patients (induction), and 137 Non-AT-IR and 411 AT-IR patients (maintenance). More patients achieved clinical remission per Adapted Mayo score with risankizumab 1200 mg versus placebo at induction week 12 (Non-AT-IR, 29.7% versus 8.4%, nominal P < .0001; AT-IR, 11.4% versus 4.3%, nominal P = .0083); consistent with risankizumab 180 mg or risankizumab 360 mg versus placebo (withdrawal) at maintenance week 52 (NonAT-IR, 50.9% or 61.7% versus 31.1%, nominal P = .057 or P = .0033, respectively; AT-IR, 36.6% or 29.5% versus 23.2%, nominal P = .0159 or P = .2334, respectively). Risankizumab had increased efficacy over placebo, regardless of AT-IR number or mechanism of action, with higher efficacy rates for NonAT-IR compared to AT-IR. Safety results in Non-AT-IR and AT-IR patients were generally comparable in both induction and maintenance. Conclusion Risankizumab was effective and well tolerated, regardless of prior AT-IR status.

The mechanical coupling between molecules represents a promising route for the development of molecular machines. Constructing molecular gears requires easily rotatable and mutually interlocked pinions. Using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), it is demonstrated that aluminum phthalocyanine (AlPc) molecules on Pb(100) exhibit these properties. Unlike other phthalocyanines on this substrate, isolated AlPc molecules fluctuate between two azimuthal orientations. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations confirm two stable orientations of single molecules and indicate a relatively low rotation barrier. In STM-constructed dimers and trimers, fluctuations diminish, and various molecular orientations are stabilized. Induced collective rotation of all molecules in the trimers is observed, demonstrating their mechanical interlocking. Potential functions describing angle and distance dependencies of intermolecular and molecule–substrate interactions are derived from DFT calculations of dimers; 52 experimentally determined trimer geometries are reproduced using these potentials. This intuitive approach may prove to be useful in modeling larger structures beyond the scope of quantum mechanical descriptions.

In this paper, three groove gap waveguide (GGW) filters are presented, which utilize different techniques to create transmission zeros (TZs) in the W-band. First, a fourth-order filter with cross-coupling of non-adjacent cavities realizes five TZs. The filter is implemented using a stacked cavity approach, which simplifies the realization of cross-couplings with positive and negative signs. The source to load cross-coupling realizes one TZ more than predicted from theory. In the second filter, two off-centered posts with partial height are used to realize two TZs. These posts act as strongly frequency-dependent coupling elements and enable the realization of TZs in an inline filter topology. An interdigital-pin implementation has been used since otherwise, the distance between the posts and the sidewalls is too small to allow manufacturing using the Computerized Numerical Control (CNC) milling approach. The third filter is of fourth order and implements two TZs by using a stub-loaded cavity approach. All filters are designed as a proof of concept in the W-band (75–110 GHz) to verify the manufacturability at high-frequency bands. The manufactured components are realized by high-precision CNC milling and measurement results show good agreement with the simulation for all proposed filters.

The recent developments in the scientific system have been characterized by an increasing openness, with open access (OA) publishing emerging as a central principle. OA represents an alternative model for publishing research articles, diverging from the traditional subscription-based model. While positive developments have been observed, obstacles for OA remain, including elevated publication costs and the imperative to publish at the highest level in the scholarly community with a significant impact. To overcome these obstacles, it may be beneficial to consider using non-monetary incentives, such as gamification, to promote OA publishing. To address this challenge, an experimental study employing a conjoint analysis has been conducted to investigate the impact of various gamification options on researchers' publishing behavior. The study utilized a sample of N = 356 subjects. The results demonstrate that the Journal Impact Factor (JIF) is a dominant criterion for determining where to publish. However, gamification, particularly in the form of badges associated with an article, can also significantly influence journal selection and support OA. Additionally, qualitative data was collected to identify other factors influencing the choice of a journal for OA from the perspective of the participating researchers in the experiment.

The microbiomes of host organisms and their direct source environments are closely linked and key for shaping microbial community dynamics. The relationship between these linked dynamics is largely unexplored because source substrates are usually unavailable. To address this current knowledge gap, we employed bacteriovorous Caenorhabditis nematodes as a unique model system, for which source substrates like rotting apples can be easily collected. We compared single host microbiomes with their corresponding apple source substrates, as well as nematode-free substrates, over a 2-year sampling period in the botanical garden in Kiel, Germany. We found that single worms have unique microbiomes, which overlap most strongly with nematodes from the same source apple. A comparison to previous, related work revealed that variation in microbiome composition of natural Caenorhabditis isolates is significantly influenced by the substrate type, from which worms were obtained (e.g., fruits or compost). Our current sampling further showed that microbiome assembly is mostly driven by dispersal limitation. Importantly, two independent analysis approaches consistently suggest that worm microbiomes significantly influence characteristics of the apple microbiomes, possibly indicating niche construction by nematodes. Moreover, combining apple microbiome and metabolome data, we identified individual microbes and specific compounds indicative of fruit ripening that are significantly associated with nematode presence. In conclusion, our study elucidates the complex relationship between host microbiomes and their directly connected substrate microbiomes. Our analyses underscore the significant influence of nematode microbiomes on shaping the apple microbiome and, consequently, the fruit’s metabolic capacity, thereby enhancing our general understanding of host–microbiome interactions in their natural habitat. IMPORTANCE Almost all complex organisms are host to a microbial community, the microbiome. This microbiome can influence diverse host functions, such as food processing, protection against parasites, or development. The relationship between host and microbiome critically depends on the assembly of the microbial community, which may be shaped by microbes in the directly linked environment, the source microbiome. This assembly process is often not well understood because of the unavailability of source substrates. Here, we used Caenorhabditis nematodes as a model system that facilitates a direct comparison of host and source microbiomes. Based on a 2-year sampling period, we identified (i) a clear link between assembly dynamics of host and source microbiomes, (ii) a significant influence of nematode microbiomes on apple microbiomes, and (iii) specific microbes and compounds that are associated with the presence of nematodes in the sampled substrates. Overall, our study enhances our understanding of microbiome assembly dynamics and resulting functions.

Archaeal molecular biology has been a topic of intense research in recent decades as their role in global ecosystems, nutrient cycles, and eukaryotic evolution comes to light. The hypersaline-adapted archaeal species Halobacterium salinarum and Haloferax volcanii serve as important model organisms for understanding archaeal genomics, genetics, and biochemistry, in part because efficient tools enable genetic manipulation. As a result, the number of strains in circulation among the haloarchaeal research community has increased in recent decades. However, the degree of genetic divergence and effects on genetic integrity resulting from the creation and inter-lab transfer of novel lab stock strains remain unclear. To address this, we performed whole-genome re-sequencing on a cross-section of wild-type, parental, and knockout strains in both model species. Integrating these data with existing repositories of re-sequencing data, we identify mutations that have arisen in a collection of 60 strains, sampled from two species across eight different labs. Independent of sequencing, we construct strain lineages, identifying branch points and significant genetic events in strain history. Combining this with our sequencing data, we identify small clusters of mutations that definitively separate lab strains. Additionally, an analysis of gene knockout strains suggests that roughly one in three strains currently in use harbors second-site mutations of potential phenotypic impact. Overall, we find that divergence among lab strains is thus far minimal, though as the archaeal research community continues to grow, careful strain provenance and genomic re-sequencing are required to keep inter-lab divergence to a minimum, prevent the compounding of mutations into fully independent lineages, and maintain the current high degree of reproducible research between lab groups. IMPORTANCE Archaea are a domain of microbial life whose member species play a critical role in the global carbon cycle, climate regulation, the human microbiome, and persistence in extreme habitats. In particular, hypersaline-adapted archaea are important, genetically tractable model organisms for studying archaeal genetics, genomics, and biochemistry. As the archaeal research community grows, keeping track of the genetic integrity of strains of interest is necessary. In particular, routine genetic manipulations and the common practice of sharing strains between labs allow mutations to arise in lab stocks. If these mutations affect cellular processes, they may jeopardize the reproducibility of work between research groups and confound the results of future studies. In this work, we examine DNA sequences from 60 strains across two species of archaea. We identify shared and unique mutations occurring between and within strains. Independently, we trace the lineage of each strain, identifying which genetic manipulations lead to observed off-target mutations. While overall divergence across labs is minimal so far, our work highlights the need for labs to continue proper strain husbandry.

The pursuit for advanced magnetoelectric field sensors has gained momentum, driven by applications in various fields, ranging from biomedical applications to soft robotics and the automotive sector. In this context, a capacitive read-out based magnetostrictive polymer composite (MPC) sensor element is introduced, offering a new perspective on magnetic field detection. The sensor element’s unique feature is the possibility to independently tailor its mechanical and magnetic properties. When compared to other composite-based magnetic field sensors, the limit of detection (LoD) is three orders of magnitude lower (95.6 nT/√Hz at a resonance frequency of 160.5 Hz). In contrast to other electret-based ME sensors, the LoD is reduced by a factor of 20. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this work marks the first comprehensive attempt to characterize a sensor magnetically, aligning with the thorough assessment standards of ME sensors. This study aims to narrow the disparity between established magnetic field sensors, featuring consistent characterization protocols, and the novel MPC sensors, which often undergo limited magnetic characterization as part of their evaluation. The presented sensor, built from readily available materials, offers a versatile and tuneable platform for magnetic field detection, and ongoing research aims to unlock its full potential in diverse applications.

Introduction How does a student's personality development relate to the personality of their classmates? The school class builds a pertinent comparison group during adolescence that has been identified as a critical factor in students' development of abilities and self‐perceptions. This study empirically tests the impact of classroom personality composition on changes in adolescents' Big Five personality traits. We hypothesized positive associations between class‐level openness and conscientiousness and the individual development of these traits given their role in academic performance. Method To test these hypotheses and explore additional composition effects, we employed three approaches of multilevel structural equation modeling on two large longitudinal samples of German adolescents ( N 1 = 5470; N 2 = 788). Results Our analyses yielded two principal findings: First, individual personality levels remained highly stable across different time periods. Second, contrary to our hypotheses, baseline class‐level openness and conscientiousness were not positively linked to individual personality development. Instead, there were some indications that higher class‐level openness was negatively linked to individual openness to experiences at the second measurement point. Conclusions We discuss the absence of systematic composition effects at the classroom level and consider methodological challenges in investigating these effects.

We report on the reactivity of aminoboranes (R2N=BH2; R = iPr, Et, Me) with phosphine‐borane adducts (PhR′PH ⋅ BH3; R′ = H, Ph): Sufficiently sterically unencumbered aminoboranes can accept hydrogen from phosphine‐borane adducts. The hydrogen transfer results in the formation of amine‐borane adducts (R2NH ⋅ BH3) and transient phosphinoboranes (PhR′P−BH2) in situ. These phosphinoboranes undergo subsequent reactivity to yield either polyphosphinoborane, [PhPH−BH2]n, or the linear dimer, Ph2PH ⋅ BH2−Ph2P ⋅ BH3. Unlike metal catalyzed phosphine‐borane dehydrocoupling, which occurs at elevated temperatures (2 M, toluene, ≥100 °C, ≥24 h), these dehydrocoupling reactions occur under ambient conditions (2 M, Et2O or C6D6, 20 °C, ≤24 h). We performed a computational mechanistic study in which we identified that this transformation potentially occurs via a P‐to‐N and B‐to‐B hydrogen transfer through a 6‐membered transition state.

Background Dementia risk scores have been suggested a promising surrogate outcome for lifestyle interventions targeting cognitive function and dementia risk. First evidence suggests beneficial effects of multidomain lifestyle interventions on dementia risk scores. We investigated effects of the multidomain AgeWell.de‐intervention on dementia risk, assessed using the LIfestyle for BRAin health (LIBRA)‐index. Method Secondary analyses of AgeWell.de, a multicomponent intervention (including optimization of nutrition, medication, physical, social and cognitive activity) in older adults at increased risk for dementia (trial registration: German Clinical Trials Register, DRKS; ID: DRKS00013555). We analyzed data from n = 461 participants (age: 60‐77 years) with available information on all n = 12 risk/protective factors comprised by the LIBRA (coronary heart disease, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, depression, obesity, smoking, physical inactivity, renal disease, low‐to‐moderate alcohol use, high cognitive activity, healthy diet) at baseline and 24 months‐follow‐up. Intervention effects on LIBRA‐scores and individual LIBRA‐components were assessed using generalized linear models. Result The intervention reduced total LIBRA‐scores, indicating a decreased risk for dementia at 24 months follow‐up (b = ‐0.63, 95% CI: ‐1.14, ‐0.12). Intervention effects on LIBRA‐scores were particularly due to favorable changes in diet (OR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.16, 2.22) and hypertension (OR = 1.61, 95% CI: 1.19, 2.18). In younger participants (60‐69 years), the intervention increased the odds of high cognitive activity at follow‐up (OR = 2.00; 95% CI: 1.20, 3.34). Conclusion The AgeWell.de‐intervention successfully reduced dementia risk, assessed using the LIBRA‐score, underscoring the usefulness of the LIBRA as a surrogate outcome when interpreting success of multidomain lifestyle interventions. However, several risk factors for dementia captured in the LIBRA, e.g., physical inactivity, did not change due to the intervention, possibly requiring more intensive interventions and support of participants in conducting the intervention.

Background Recent research on preventing cognitive decline has focused on lifestyle interventions, with first studies indicating cognitive benefits and suggesting a positive link between adherence to the interventions and their effectiveness. The purpose of this study was to analyse possible predictors of this very adherence to single components of a multi‐domain lifestyle intervention. Methods A total of n = 317 participants of the intervention group were included, characterized with an age ≥60 (mean age 68.9) and an increased risk of dementia (CAIDE score of ≥9). Generalized linear regression models were used to regress four predictor blocks (sociodemographic factors, cognitive and psychosocial predictors, lifestyle factors and chronic conditions, all assessed at baseline) on the adherence to each of four components of AgeWell.de (nutritional counselling, enhancement of social and physical activity and cognitive training). Adherence was operationalised as mean score of seven time points at which a study nurse assessed the degree of goal achievement per component. The goals were set individually at beginning of the intervention. Results Strengthening effects on adherence were found for higher education, unimpaired mental state and higher self‐efficacy. Increasing age, reporting depressive symptoms, smoking and partwise higher body mass index were instead negatively associated with adherence. No effect was found for chronic conditions. Conclusion The study has identified both strengthening and mitigating predictors of adherence. This is relevant to future intervention designs aimed at enhancing adherence as a pivotal aspect for effectiveness. While age or education remain non‐modifiable, self‐efficacy emerge as a promising predictor. In light of optimizing the efficacy of forthcoming lifestyle interventions, a reasonable approach may involve the incorporation of strategies for enhancing self‐efficacy within the study design.

Background White matter lesions (WMLs) are common with aging and are prevalent in AD, but the underlying physiology as well as associations with conventional vascular risk factors are not yet fully understood. In this study, we investigated the relationship between vascular risk factors and microvascular physiology (i.e., oxygen supply and oxygen extraction fraction), and their association with WML burden in older adults. Method Study design: Typically‐aging older adults between 60–80 years (n=42) were enrolled and categorized as ‘high’ (VRF+; n=27) or ‘low’ vascular risk (VRF−; n=15) based on medication use, clinical diagnosis, and disease‐specific markers of four modifiable conditions: hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and overweight. Participants were further subdivided into ‘high’ or ‘low’ WML burden based on positive or negative residuals from a regression of WML burden against age. Hemodynamic imaging: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data was acquired using pseudo‐continuous arterial spin labeling (ASL) for cerebral blood flow (CBF) and T 2 ‐relaxation‐under‐spin‐tagging (TRUST) MRI for oxygen extraction fraction (OEF). Cerebral blood blow (CBF) was computed using a two‐compartment model and with accounting for arterial transit time. Cerebral oxygen supply was computed as the product of CBF, arterial oxygen saturation, and the oxygen transport capacity of blood. Venous oxygenation was derived from TRUST, and OEF was computed as the relative ratio between arterial oxygen saturation (from pulse oximetry) and venous oxygenation. Result Participants did not differ in oxygen supply, but OEF was significantly higher in VRF+ (39.22%) versus VRF− (35.2%) individuals (p = 0.02; Figure 1). Within the VRF+ group, no differences were observed in oxygen supply or OEF were found when comparing high versus low lesion burden individuals. Within the VRF− group, no differences in oxygen supply were observed, but OEF was significantly lower in the high lesion burden (30.4%) compared to the low lesion burden (37.6%) subgroup (p = 0.01; Figure 2). Conclusion Our findings suggest that lower OEF may represent a marker of impaired physiology associated with WML burden in the absence of conventional vascular risk factors. Such impairment could arise from disturbed capillary transit patterns, and future work will investigate these mechanisms.

Purpose/Objective: This study investigated the development of posttraumatic growth (PTG) in relatively young persons with stroke. It examined the contribution of potential predictive variables and their changes over time. Research Method/Design: Participants completed questionnaires at baseline (n = 78, median time since injury = 47 days) and 3 (n = 53) and 6 months (n = 47) later. Each assessment included the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory, the COPE Inventory, and the Centrality of Event Scale. Data were analyzed using a sequence of linear mixed effect models. Results: PTG was evident at baseline, but did not significantly increase over time. Higher event centrality, approach-oriented coping, and lower coping flexibility at baseline were associated with higher PTG 6 months later. Higher coping flexibility at baseline and an increase in event centrality were associated with a more positive trend in PTG over time. The final model explained 67% of variance in PTG. Time since injury, age, gender, social support seeking, and avoidance coping did not contribute significantly. Conclusion/Implications: Individual changes in the predictors contributed to high and stable PTG. How central the stroke was perceived to one’s identity was the most important predictor for the absolute level of PTG as well as its change over time. This illustrates the complex and dynamic development of PTG.

Dietary preferences of extant reptiles can be directly observed, whereas diet reconstruction of extinct species typically relies on morphological or dental features. More specific information about the ingested diet is contained in the chemistry of hard tissues. Stable isotopes of calcium and strontium show systematic fractionations between diet and skeletal bioapatite, which is applied for diet and trophic-level reconstructions of extant and extinct vertebrate species. Here, we present the first comprehensive analysis of stable calcium and strontium isotopes of bones and teeth from 28 extant reptiles, including lepidosaurs and archosaurs (crocodilians) with distinct herbivorous to faunivorous feeding behaviour, establishing a dietary reference frame. Both calcium and strontium isotopes exhibit systematic offsets between dietary groups, with insectivores having the highest, herbivores intermediate and carnivores the lowest calcium and strontium isotope values. Although the isotopic trophic-level effect is similar to mammals, the absolute calcium isotope values in reptiles are more positive in each diet category. Combining isotopic data with dental microwear texture analysis enables a refined understanding of reptile feeding ecology and the identification of durophagous diets. This toolbox opens new possibilities for improved dietary reconstructions of extinct taxa, such as dinosaurs and other non-mammalian species in the fossil record.

Hypoparathyroidism (hypoPT) is characterized by acute and chronic complications due to insufficient parathyroid hormone (PTH) production or action. Several management guidelines have been developed, but mostly based on evidence from Western countries. Data from Eastern countries have not been systematically compared with those from Western countries. Literatures regarding to the epidemiology, genetics, risk factors, clinical manifestations and therapies for hypoPT in Easten and Western countries, including China, South Korea, Japan, India, and USA, Canada, Italy, and etc., were searched through PubMed and CNKI. This review was officially endorsed by European Calcified Tissue Society (ECTS) board. Postoperative hypoPT is the major form of hypoPT in both Western and Eastern countries. The genetic profiles and clinical features of hypoPT are similar in Eastern and Western countries. The most commonly used medications in Eastern countries are calcium and native vitamin D or active vitamin D analogues, similar to their Western counterparts. While PTH replacement therapy is not available and approved to use in most Eastern countries. Physicians and surgeons should follow the guidelines on the management of thyroid nodules, taking more care of protecting parathyroid glands during surgery. The cross-talk between East and West in the management of hypoPT should be continued. Direct comparisons of the management strategies in patients with hypoPT between Eastern and Wester countries regarding to the morbidity, mortality, quality of life, optimal dosage, efficacies and side-effects of conventional therapies or newer medications, as well as pharmacogenetics and pharmacoeconomics, would be valuable.