Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg

Crystalline lithium silicides LixSiy are a group of Zintl-like compounds, of which Li15Si4 is observed crystallizing in Si anodes after complete electrochemical lithiation. Here, Li diffusion in Li1Si1, Li12Si7, Li13Si4 and Li15Si4 is extensively studied by means of ab initio molecular dynamics simulations and nudged elastic band calculations considering various intrinsic point defects. Li interstitials are identified as the main vehicle of diffusion due to typically low formation and migration energies. They diffuse via an interstitialcy mechanism usually involving 2 or 3 atoms. Moreover, Frenkel defects are found to play a role in Li12Si7 and Li13Si4 only, as their formation energies are relatively high in Li1Si1 and Li15Si4. All investigated intrinsic defects have an impact on energy barriers of nearby as well as farther diffusion paths.

Background Molecular tumor boards (MTBs) play a pivotal role in personalized oncology, leveraging complex data sets to tailor therapy for cancer patients. The integration of digital support and visualization tools is essential in this rapidly evolving field facing fast-growing data and changing clinical processes. This study addresses the gap in understanding the evolution of software and visualization needs within MTBs and evaluates the current state of digital support. Alignment between user requirements and software development is crucial to avoid waste of resources and maintain trust. Methods In two consecutive nationwide medical informatics projects in Germany, surveys and expert interviews were conducted as stage 1 (n = 14), stage 2 (n = 30), and stage 3 (n = 9). Surveys, via the SoSci Survey tool, covered participants' roles, working methods, and support needs. The second survey additionally addressed requirements for visualization solutions in molecular tumor boards. These aimed to understand diverse requirements for preparation, implementation, and documentation. Nine semi-structured expert interviews complemented quantitative findings through open discussion. Results Using quantitative and qualitative analyses, we show that existing digital tools may improve therapy recommendations and streamline MTB case preparation, while continuous training and system improvements are needed. Conclusions Our study contributes to the field by highlighting the importance of developing user-centric, customizable software solutions that can adapt to the fast-paced environment of MTBs to advance personalized oncology. In doing so, it lays the foundation for further advances in personalized medicine in oncology and points to a shift towards more efficient, technology-driven clinical decision-making processes. This research not only enriches our understanding of the integration of digital tools into MTBs, but also signals a broader shift towards technological innovation in healthcare.

Ecosystem functions such as pollination and predation are important in providing essential goods and services to humans. These ecological functions are significantly higher in heterogeneous and pristine landscapes than in degraded landscapes. Afromontane forests, such as Taita Hills, are important for biodiversity conservation, climate regulation, hydrological maintenance, and local livelihoods through ecosystem services. However, anthropogenic activities have significantly impacted species composition, affecting predation and pollination processes. Therefore, understanding these impacts is crucial for effective conservation strategies and maintaining ecosystem integrity. This study aimed at evaluating pollination and predation as proxies of ecosystem functions across a cloud forest (Chawia), exotic plantation (Fururu), and agricultural land in Taita Hills, Kenya. Twenty transects, each measuring 10 × 10m2, were established per ecosystem type. Pollination was evaluated using daily pan traps, and arthropods were morphotyped. Predation was assessed using artificial caterpillar dummies set up for 24 h over 15 days per ecosystem type. Results showed that Chawia forest had the highest pollinator abundance (7.71 ± 0.68), followed by agricultural land (7.16 ± 0.51) and Fururu forest (4.67 ± 0.76). Dipterans 5.51 ± 0.35 (69.37%) were the predominant pollinators, followed by Hymenopterans 1.03 ± 0.07 (13.37%) and Coleopterans 0.52 ± 0.05 (7.07%). Predation activity varied across ecosystems, with the highest activity in Chawia forest (3.97 ± 0.16), followed by agricultural land (3.56 ± 0.16), and Fururu forest (3.05 ± 0.12). In conclusion, the Chawia forest exhibited greater diversity and played a vital role in promoting ecosystem functions. Therefore, conserving natural forests maintains forest integrity and promotes ecosystem functions.

Hornstedtia scyphifera ( J.Koenig) Steud. represents a lesser-known member of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae) that is used in Malaysia as spice and traditional medicine. The phytochemical investigation of leaves from this species utilizing diverse analytical methods has provided comprehensive insights into its chemical profile for the first time. Headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-GCMS) and GCMS analyses of essential oil and nonpolar extracts verified α -pinene, camphene, p -cymene, and camphor as main volatile compounds. Metabolite profiling of the crude extract by ultra-high-performance-liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS) unveiled terpenoids, flavonoids and other phenolics as major compound classes. Isolation and follow-up structure elucidation, involving 1D and 2D NMR, HRMS, UV and CD analysis, yielded two new sesquiterpenoids, (1 R ,5 S ,6 S ,7 R ,10 R )-mustak-14-oic acid ( 1 ) and (1 R ,6 S ,7 S ,10 R )-6-hydroxy-anhuienosol ( 2 ), along with 24 known compounds (seven terpenoids, seven flavonoids, ten phenolics), 21 of these never reported for H. scyphifera . Additionally, the crude extract and fractions from the purification process were screened for antibacterial and antifungal activity. This is supplemented by an extensive literature research for described bioactivities of all isolated compounds. Our results support and explain previously detected antimicrobial, antifungal and neuroprotective effects of H. scyphifera extracts and provide evidence for its potential pharmacological importance.

The allelopathic effect of Pteridium ferns (hereafter bracken) is considered an important factor hindering forest recovery. We examined the effects of bracken allelopathy on seed germination, seedling emergence, survival, and relative growth rate (RGR) of two native tree species, Morella pubescens and Vismia plicatifolia, in a tropical montane forest. Two potential allelopathic sources, fronds and litter, were considered, along with site age (using soils from young and old bracken-dominated sites, burned < 5 and > 10 years ago, respectively). In a greenhouse experiment, resembling bracken conditions of shade, we conducted a fully crossed block experiment with a Control and three treatments: (1) soil + activated carbon (AC, to adsorb allelopathic compounds), (2) soil + bracken (Bracken), (3) and soil + activated carbon + bracken (Bracken + AC), using soils from old and young sites. In a laboratory experiment, four aqueous extracts of rhizomes, litter, and fronds (from old and young sites) were used to water seeds at low and high concentrations and to compare their effects with the control treatment (water). Results showed low allelopathic effects on seedling emergence in soils from young sites for both species, with activated carbon mitigating these effects. RGR was higher in soils from young sites for M. pubescens seedlings, contrasting with soils from old sites. Aqueous extracts from bracken fronds exhibited a 20% reduction on seedling survival of V. plicatifolia, while other extracts had no significant impact on germination or seedling survival. We discuss the implications of these mild allelopathic effects on the impediment to forest succession in tropical bracken-dominated areas.

Ribosomes, discovered in 1955 by George Palade, were initially described as small cytoplasmic particles preferentially associated with the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Over the years, extensive research has focused on both the structure and function of ribosomes. However, a fundamental question – how many ribosomes are present within whole cells – has remained largely unaddressed. In this study, we developed a microscopic method to quantify the total number of ribosomes in hTERT‐RPE‐1 cells and in nematode cells from various tissues of Caenorhabditis elegans hermaphrodites. Using electron tomography of high‐pressure frozen, freeze‐substituted and resin‐embedded samples, we determined that the ribosome number in hTERT‐RPE‐1 cells is in the same order of magnitude as biochemical measurements obtained via RNA capillary electrophoresis. As expected, control worms exhibited a higher number of ribosomes compared to RNA polymerase I A subunit (RPOA‐1)‐depleted worms in two out of three analysed tissue types. Our imaging‐based approach complements established biochemical methods by enabling direct quantification of ribosome numbers in specific samples. This method offers a powerful tool for advancing our understanding of ribosome localisation and distribution in cells and tissues across diverse model systems.

Objective Cervical cancer remains the most diagnosed and deadly cancer among women in low and middle income countries, including Ethiopia, although it can be controlled if detected and treated early. However, research on contextual barriers to early diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer is limited in Ethiopia. This study aimed to describe the lived experience of the patients and to explore the barriers to early diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer. Design We conducted a phenomenological qualitative study, which was part of a larger mixed-methods study. Setting Tikur Anbesa Specialised Comprehensive Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Participants 24 purposively selected patients with diagnostic delay and 16 patients with treatment delay were interviewed using an in-depth interview guide (IDI). Results Two broad themes and seven sub-themes to explain the barriers to early diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer emerged. These themes and sub-themes include patient related barriers (inadequate knowledge, visits to traditional healers and practice of religious rituals as a solution for illness, poor adherence to the treatments and fear of side effects, and financial hardships) and provider related barriers (limited access to diagnostic and treatment infrastructure, inadequate training of healthcare providers and poor quality of care). Conclusions The findings of the study underscore the need to reinforce awareness among patients and the community, scale up the screening, diagnostic and treatment infrastructure, and advocate for quality of care in the healthcare facilities in Ethiopia to promote early diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer.

The topological Hall effect is a hallmark of topologically non-trivial magnetic textures such as magnetic skyrmions. It quantifies the transverse electric current that is generated once an electric field is applied and occurs as a consequence of the emergent magnetic field of the skyrmion. Likewise, an orbital magnetization is generated. Here we show that the charge currents are orbital polarized even though the conduction electrons couple to the skyrmion texture via their spin. The topological Hall effect is accompanied by a topological orbital Hall effect even for s electrons without spin-orbit coupling. As we show, antiferromagnetic skyrmions and antiferromagnetic bimerons that have a compensated emergent field, exhibit a topological orbital Hall conductivity that is not accompanied by charge transport and can be orders of magnitude larger than the topological spin Hall conductivity. Skyrmionic textures serve as generators of orbital currents that can transport information and give rise to considerable orbital torques.

Rubbers prepared from technical poly(butadiene) and natural poly(isoprene) are studied by field-cycling (FC) 1 H NMR relaxometry to elucidate the changes of the relaxation spectrum. Starting with the non-cross-linked polymer successively cross-links are introduced via sulfur or peroxide vulcanization. Applying an advanced home-built relaxometer allows one to probe entanglement dynamics in addition to Rouse dynamics. We show that entanglement dynamics evidenced in terms of a characteristic power-law in the NMR susceptibility is still observed with an exponent identical to that in non-cross-linked linear polymers. Yet, the entanglement regime disappears more and more from the accessible frequency window upon increasing the cross-link density and a spectrally enlarged Rouse regime is revealed. Adding a swelling agent, the manifestation of the Rouse and entanglement regimes virtually does not change, yet, the apparent power-law exponents increase. Concomitant multiple-quantum (MQ) 1 H NMR experiments provide information on the structure of the rubber network in terms of the residual dipolar coupling and the fraction of the network defects, i.e., persisting entangled or nonentangled chains, introduced upon cross-linking and swelling.

How populations adapt to their environment is a fundamental question in biology. Yet, we know surprisingly little about this process, especially for endangered species, such as nonhuman great apes. Chimpanzees, our closest living relatives, are particularly notable because they inhabit diverse habitats, from rainforest to woodland-savannah. Whether genetic adaptation facilitates such habitat diversity remains unknown, despite it having wide implications for evolutionary biology and conservation. By using newly sequenced exomes from 828 wild chimpanzees (388 postfiltering), we found evidence of fine-scale genetic adaptation to habitat, with signatures of positive selection in forest chimpanzees in the same genes underlying adaptation to malaria in humans. This work demonstrates the power of noninvasive samples to reveal genetic adaptations in endangered populations and highlights the importance of adaptive genetic diversity for chimpanzees.

The systematic assessment of patients’ health-related self-perceptions using patient-reported outcome measures (PROM) can contribute to integrating the patient perspective more effectively into healthcare and improving oncological supportive and palliative therapy. An electronic assessment of PROM not only enables a high level of user-friendliness during data entry, but also facilitates data evaluation and clear presentation of results due to automated processes. Despite these advantages, there have been few reports in the literature on clinical implementations of electronic PRO assessment. One reason might be the complex and challenging implementation process. The permanent integration of electronic PRO assessment in clinical practice requires the consideration of many aspects and stakeholders and is associated with changes to established routines. Successful implementation requires a structured, step-by-step approach with the best possible involvement of relevant stakeholders. This article describes the elements of such an approach and its practical realization using the example of the radiation clinic of the Krukenberg Cancer Center Halle.

Random Forest (RF) is a widely used machine learning algorithm for crop type mapping. RF's variable importance aids in dimension reduction and identifying relevant multisource hyperspectral data. In this study, we examined spatial effects in a sequential backward feature elimination setting using RF variable importance in the example of a large-scale irrigation system in Punjab, Pakistan. We generated a reference classification with RF applied to 122 SAR and optical features from time series data of Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2, respectively. We ranked features based on variable importance and iteratively repeated the classification by excluding the least important feature, assessing its agreement with the reference classification. McNemar's test identified the critical point where feature reduction significantly affected the RF model's predictions. Additionally, spatial assessment metrics were monitored at the pixel level, including spatial confidence (number of classifications agreeing with the reference map) and spatial instability (number of classes occurring during feature reduction). This process was repeated 10 times with ten distinct stratified random sampling splits, which showed similar variable rankings and critical points. In particular, VH SAR data was selected when cloud-free optical observations were unavailable. Omitting 80% of the features resulted in an insignificant loss of only 2% overall accuracy, while spatial confidence decreased by 5%. Moreover, the crop map at the critical point exhibited an increase in spatial instability from a single crop to 1.28. McNemar's test and the spatial assessment metrics are recommended for optimized feature reduction benchmarks and identifying areas requiring additional ground data to improve the results.

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 Managing acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or end-stage renal disease on dialysis (renal replacement therapy, RRT) presents challenges due to elevated complication risks. Concerns about contrast-related kidney damage may lead to the omission of guideline-directed therapies like percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in this population. Methods We analysed German-DRG data of 2016 provided by the German Federal Bureau of Statistics (DESTATIS). We included cases with a primary diagnosis of AMI (ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) or Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI) ICD-10: I21 or I22) with and without CKD or RRT. We calculated crude- and age-standardized hospitalization rates (ASR, per 100,000 person years). Furthermore, we calculated log-binominal regression models adjusting for sex, CKD, RRT, comorbidities, and place of residence to estimate adjusted relative-risks (aRR) for receiving treatments of interest in AMI, such as PCI or CABG. Results We identified 217,514 AMI-cases (69,728 STEMI-cases and 147,786 NSTEMI-cases). AMI-cases without CKD had percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in 60.8%. In contrast, AMI-cases with CKD or RRT had PCI in 46.6% and 54.5%, respectively. The ASR for AMI-cases amounted to 184.7 (95%CI 183.5-185.8) per 100,000 person years. In regression analysis AMI-cases with CKD were less likely treated with PCI (aRR: 0.89 (95%CI 0.88–0.90)), compared to cases without CKD. AMI-Cases with RRT showed no difference in PCI rates (aRR: 1.0 (95%CI 0.97–1.03)) but were more frequently treated with CABG (aRR: 2.20 (95%CI 2.03–2.39)). Conversely, CKD was negatively associated with CABG (aRR: 0.71, 95%CI 0.67–0.75) when non-CKD cases were used as the reference group. Conclusion We show that AMI-cases with CKD underwent PCI less frequently, while RRT has no discernible impact on PCI utilization in AMI. Furthermore, AMI-cases with RRT exhibited a higher CABG rate.

Powdery mildew is an economically important disease caused by c. 1000 different fungal species. Erysiphe vaccinii is an emerging powdery mildew species that is impacting the blueberry industry. Once confined to North America, E. vaccinii is now spreading rapidly across major blueberry‐growing regions, including China, Morocco, Mexico, and the USA, threatening millions in losses. This study documents its recent global spread by analyzing both herbarium specimens, some over 150‐yr‐old, and fresh samples collected world‐wide. Our findings were integrated into a ‘living phylogeny’ via T‐BAS to simplify pathogen identification and enable rapid responses to new outbreaks. We identified 50 haplotypes, two primary introductions world‐wide, and revealed a shift from a generalist to a specialist pathogen. This research provides insights into the complexities of host specialization and highlights the need to address this emerging global threat to blueberry production.