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Fish communities in the coastal Baltic Sea arecurrently monitored using passive fishing gears, such asgillnets. In recent years, eDNA approaches have gainedpopularity for fish detection thanks to their non-invasivenature, faster processing, and more precise identification,although such methods have been underutilized incomprehensive fish community assessments in the Baltic Sea.This study reports fish diversity using eDNA metabarcodingwithin different depth profiles for the first time intemperature-stratified coastal bays in the Baltic Sea, whilealso offering some comparison with traditional net-basedapproaches. Comparing samples above and below thethermocline revealed exclusivity in fish species at bothdepths, emphasizing the importance of vertical sampling incapturing a comprehensive understanding of fish distributionpatterns in such systems. Results indicated that eDNAcaptured more fish taxa per sample compared to gillnetsampling, with similar or higher fish diversity, althoughvariations occurred between bays. This study highlights theimportance of incorporating eDNA metabarcoding, alongsidetraditional survey methods, to aid assessment of fishcommunities in aquatic environments.

Decades of overfishing and unsustainable management, together with habitat degradation and eutrophication, depleted the cod (Gadus morhua) stocks in the Baltic Sea. Accompanying severe oxygen deficiency and decreased salinity in their spawning grounds restricted successful spawning today to the Bornholm basin, resulting in decreased recruitment. In order for the species to recover, several different measures are required and proposed, among others restocking. We therefore investigated the possibility of producing laboratory-reared cod larvae acclimatized to the current environment in the Baltic Sea. For this, cod were reared from newly fertilized eggs to non-feeding yolk-sac larvae, testing the effect of different salinity reduction treatments during early development on mortality, hatching success, and neutral buoyancy. The results show that a sudden ambient salinity decrease after hatching has no strong effect on survival or hatching (around 60% and 95%, respectively), while it decreased neutral buoyancy of larvae from 18 to minimum 12.5 psu. Lowest buoyancy was reached in treatments with a salinity change in the early egg stage. Gradual salinity decrease starting early in the egg stage yielded to significantly increased mortality and reduced hatching success, but also lowest buoyancy of 12 psu. We showed that a decrease of ambient salinity enables the production of yolk-sac cod larvae with reduced buoyancy, which are potentially better acclimatized to survive in current environmental conditions in the Baltic Sea.

We report the synthesis and structural characterization of three crystalline borylated ortho-silylaryl tri­fluoro­methane­sulfonates: 5-(4,4,5,5-tetra­methyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)-2-(tri­methyl­sil­yl)phenyl tri­fluoro­methane­sulfonate, C₁₆H₂₄BF₃O₅SSi (1a), 4-(4,4,5,5-tetra­methyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)-2-(tri­methyl­sil­yl)phenyl tri­fluoro­methane­sulfonate, C₁₆H₂₄BF₃O₅SSi (1b), and 2-methyl-4-(4,4,5,5-tetra­methyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)-6-(tri­methyl­silyl)phen­yl tri­fluoro­methane­sulfonate, C₁₇H₂₆BF₃O₅SSi (2), which are versatile aryne precursors. For all three compounds, the heteroatom substituents are almost coplanar with the central aromatic moiety. C—heteroatom bonding metrics are unexceptional and fall withing the typical range of C—B, C—Si, and C—O single bonds. Despite numerous electronegative sites, only weak inter­molecular inter­actions are observed in the solid state.

We report the first method for steering nucleophilic attack on arynes towards the proximal triple bond carbon with respect to a non-adjacent regiocontrolling substituent – a previously unavailable mode of regiocontrol. Fluoroboronates in species of the type M+[(aryne–B(F)(pin)]– may be generated readily and tuned to act as strong regioselectivity directors in aryne trapping reactions. DFT studies indicate significant triple bond distortion in the corresponding arynes, leading to exceptional regioselectivities (up to 22:1 rr in the absence of other directing functional groups). After aryne trapping, the fluoroboronates may optionally be derivatized in situ, rendering them net ‘traceless’ directors of regioselectivity.

A versatile 1,3-benzdiyne precursor is reported that enables chemoselective and sequential aryne generation under mild conditions. Base-mediated activation of an iodonium moiety yields a highly distorted aryne, which undergoes regioselective trapping to form 1,2,3,4-tetrasubstituted arenes. These adducts retain a silyl-triflate motif, allowing subsequent fluoride-triggered aryne generation. This strategy grants modular access to complex polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and heterocycles.

Despite growing interest in 2,1,3-benzothiadiazole (BTD) as an integral component of many functional molecules, methods for the functionalization of its benzenoid ring have remained limited, and many even simply decorated BTDs have required de novo synthesis. We show that regioselective Ir-catalyzed C–H borylation allows access to versatile 5-boryl or 4,6-diboryl BTD building blocks, which undergo functionalization at the C4, C5, C6, and C7 positions. The optimization and regioselectivity of C–H borylation are discussed. A broad reaction scope is presented, encompassing ipso substitution at the C–B bond, the first examples of ortho-directed C–H functionalization of BTD, ring closing reactions to generate fused ring systems, as well as the generation and capture reactions of novel BTD-based heteroarynes. The regioselectivity of the latter is discussed with reference to the Aryne Distortion Model.

The geometric distortion of the triple bond in arynes and cycloalkynes can be used to predict the regioselectivity of capture reactions. Published distortion values are commonly not comparable, as different computational methods have been used. Different computation methods were benchmarked. It was found that PBEh-3c was accurately able to compute aryne and cycloalkyne    geometries at lower cost than B3LYP/6-31G(d). Solvent models were shown to significantly affect computed computed geometries. A general framework for how to report aryne distortions was proposed. Lastly, the properties of cyclopentyne and benzyne was studied using CCSD(T).

A new database of 2159 aryne and cycloalkyne geometries is reported. Trends in the data was studied to elucidate structure-distortion relationships. It was found that there are periodic    trends, that resonance effects plays an important role in distorting the triple bond, that the distortion can be tuned by changing the electronics of a substituent, and that conformation plays an important role in the distortion of cyclohexynes.

Soft robotics has recently attracted increasing attention due to its inherent softness and compliance. However, to fully realize their potential, it often requires numerous soft components and actuators. One major challenge for a large-scale system is integration and miniaturization. In addition, for pneumatically controlled actuators, multiplexing is essential to reduce the tubing from the control valves. A miniaturized soft pneumatic actuator matrix (SPAM) with multiplexing control of   crossing points by only   control signals was realized by embedding two layers of interactive channels ( ) in a soft material (PDMS) to form actuators ( ) by cumulating both strokes and forces at the channel crossings, unlike piston-based serially coupled gas-springs that yield constant force. A SPAM prototype of   actuators with   control signals was studied. A SPAM was demonstrated in a tilting matrix and two coupled SPAMs were used in a pneumatic soft conveyor for planar manipulation. Its simplicity and size allow for future large-scale integration in soft robotics.

Soft wearable robots utilize innovative textiles to create a mechanically active interface with the human body. Compared to exoskeletons, they are more comfortable because they do not constrain the wearer’s joints with rigid structures. These robots are lightweight, conformal, and compliant. With minimal disturbance, they can not only enhance the abilities of healthy individuals by improving walking or lifting efficiency, but also assist those with muscle weakness or physical and neurological disorders. They can also be used in high-force kinesthetic haptics for training and entertainment. However, the miniaturization and integration of a large-scale and complex control system, with bulky and heavy actuators and energy units, pose significant challenges before the wearer can move autonomously in a soft wearable robotic suit. One aspect of these challenges is that the control valve is typically rigid and bulky. 

To address this issue, designing proper valves is crucial. Research on valves has grown significantly, displaying examples such as soft bi-stable valves and logic-enabled valves integrated with textiles. However, integrating these valves into pneumatic systems typically requires cutting out the tubing and reconnecting it. This process introduces considerable workload and increases the risk of leakage, especially in high-pressure applications. In the design and prototyping of wearable soft robots, the functionality and ease of application of control valves are greatly enhanced if they can be integrated into an operational system, for example, through a hot-plugging feature. 

In this work, we proposed a type of pinch valve with several notable characteristics. The basic working principle is that a silicone elastomer tube is pinched between a stiff ridge and a stiff plate, separately controlled by two soft pneumatic actuators. The application of the valve is significantly enhanced by a slotted frame, which provides a hot-plugging function as it allows the operational tube to be inserted into the valve without being cut. The valve is characterized by three crucial properties: (i) Flexibility in integration: the hot-plugging function allows for flexible integration of the valve into the system. (ii) Pressure control: it has the capability to open and close high-pressure systems using a lower control pressure, with a pressure ratio of at least 5. (iii) Logical functions: by controlling the pressure of the independent control actuators, the valve supports logical functions of NOT, NAND, and NOR gates, without the need to alter the pneumatic connections. Leveraging the NAND gate’s ability to detect when a signal input goes low, we demonstrated that the valve, with its NAND gate, can transform an unsecured gripper into a secured gripper.

Soft pneumatic robotics are emerging as a transformative force in the field ofwearable robotics, especially for their ability to deliver high-force kinesthetichaptics using lightweight, soft, and compliant materials. Despite theseadvancements, the miniaturization of these systems and the integration ofcomplex, large-scale actuators pose significant challenges. Therefore, thisresearch proposes a novel hot-plugging logic-enabled pinch valve to facilitateseamless valve integration without disrupting the existing pneumatic system.The valve design incorporates a frame equipped with slots for two pneumaticactuators (PAs). A third slot positioned between these two actuators enables hotplugging capabilities for the operational elastic tubing pinched between theactuators. This configuration allows the control of higher operational pressureswhile operating at lower control pressures, achieving an impressive gain of up toeight and a maximum operational frequency of 1 Hz. Furthermore, by utilizing twoPAs and adjusting the control pressure, the valve can execute a range of logicalfunctions, including NOT, NAND, and NOR, without modifying its pneumaticconnections. The NAND function of the valve is successfully demonstrated as ittransforms an unsecured gripper into a secured one, showcasing its practicalimplications for enhancing functionality in soft pneumatic robotic systems.

Pneumatically actuated soft robotics hold great potential across a wide range of applications, including assistive devices for rehabilitation, haptics, soft grippers, and wearable robots. This is because pneumatics offers high force output, greater energy density, and inherent compliance. In addition, mechanical energy harvesting is most efficient when energy is stored directly as compressed air, avoiding intermediate conversion to electricity. Using soft polymers or fabrics, such fluid power systems enable actuation and sensing—such as force and displacement—through specially designed chambers that allow for gas volume changes. Recently, to replace rigid electronics, fluid circuits have garnered significant attention in the field of soft robotics. Researchers have demonstrated autonomous robots powered by fluid circuits, underscoring the promise of soft robotic logic. 

Despite the demonstrated potential and progress of soft pneumatic logics, several challenges remain. One major concern is that most pneumatic logic gates are only reconfigurable—meaning that they require manual hardware changes, such as switching the tubing to the inputs of an AND gate between ports to realize an OR gate. Instead, the few systems that are programmable (e.g., changing a valve’s logic function by adjusting control pressures) typically lack reconfigurability. Another issue is that most research focuses solely on normally open valves. As discussed by Preston et al. and Song et al., this design increases a risk of fluidic energy leakage under steady-state conditions, potentially compromising system efficiency and reliability. Additionally, as presented in our paper ‘Hot-plugging Logic-enabled Valve’, cutting tubing and inserting a valve present challenges for reconfigurability by introducing leakage risks and adding to the workload when mending the tubing—especially in high-pressure systems. 

To resolve the issues mentioned earlier, we forward our work on hot-plugging logic valves by presenting normally open and normally closed valves that provide four major features. (1) The valves share similar geometries, but the normally closed valves are kept closed with the help of two elastic bands on the top. The two types of valves provide logic complementarity: A normally open valve provides either a NAND gate or a NOR gate. A normally closed valve provides either an AND gate or an OR gate. (2) Combining normally open and normally closed valves in the pneumatic logics bring more opportunities in reconfigurability and programmability. The design allows the logic functions of each valve to be reconfigured by changing the size of the control units. At the same time, it supports the logic functions to be programmed by adjusting the control pressures of the control units. Together, this allows the presented logics to have individual valves that function as either an AND, OR, NAND, or NOR gate using either a reconfigurable or programmable approach. (3) Using a peristaltic design, by inserting the operational pneumatic tubing into the valve instead of cutting tubing and inserting a valve between the two cut segments, there is no risk for leakage. (4) High gain. We define gain as  , which was up to 10. It provides great opportunities to ease control in high-pressure systems by using lower control pressures. Furthermore, our valves were also featured with fast switching times, which were down to 17 ms. 

To conclude, these valves introduce novel adaptability within soft pneumatic logics. It enables modification of logic functions through either reconfiguration or programming, all while preserving the integrity and functionality of the operational pneumatic system—even when a valve is removed or repositioned.

Munc13 proteins are essential for regulated exocytosis in neurons and endocrine cells. They consist of an elongated MUN domain that templates SNARE complex formation during priming, flanked by regulatory membrane-associated C1 and C2 domains. Here, we show, using quantitative high-resolution imaging, that priming of insulin granules coincides with recruitment of on average six copies of Munc13 to individual docked granules, similar to estimates of SNARE complexes formed during exocytosis. Intracellular Ca²⁺- or lipid-signaling accelerates granule priming by promoting C2B-dependent translocation of Munc13 to the plasma membrane, followed by slower (tens of seconds) C2A-domain dependent accumulation at docked granules. Exocytosis in human β-cells also exhibits rapid Ca²⁺-dependent short-term facilitation that involves Ca²⁺/C2B-dependent activation of Munc13 but not further accumulation at the release site. Thus, Munc13 controls secretory granule release probability by two separate C2B-dependent mechanisms that affect its recruitment to the release site and its subsequent activation by Ca²⁺.

Anisotropy, as an intrinsic characteristic of naturally fractured rocks, is present across multiple length scales and can significantly affect hydrogeological processes within subsurface rocks. In this paper, the impact of multiscale anisotropy on flow and transport in fractured rocks is investigated using a three-dimensional discrete fracture network model. Anisotropy at the single fracture scale is governed by the ratio of correlation lengths (λ) of the aperture field, while the network-scale is controlled by the Fisher constant (κ) of fracture orientations. Steady-state flow and conservative solute transport is computed for model ensembles with different combinations of the anisotropic parameters, i.e., λ = 0.5, 1, 2, 3, and κ = 1, 25, 50. Results show that the key flow and transport parameters such as median travel time, equivalent permeability, effective porosity and flow channeling are significantly influenced by variations in λ and κ. Notably, for the same effective permeability, the median travel time can vary by three orders of magnitude. More isotropic systems tend to have longer travel times, while the least variability in travel times is observed at the extremes of permeability. Additionally, λ and κ exhibit a complementary effect, where high values of both significantly enhance flow connectivity, reducing median travel times by nearly two orders of magnitude. In contrast, low λ and κ significantly reduces flow connectivity, leading to longer and more tortuous flow paths and delayed solute breakthrough times. These findings indicate the importance of accounting for multiscale anisotropy to better capture complex hydrogeological processes in fractured media.

Changes in subsurface stress conditions induce fracture aperture changes, altering the hydraulic properties of fractured rocks.Due to the high computational cost of full 3D geomechanical modeling, simplified models are usually adopted, using twomain simplifications, namely (i) calculating local stresses on a fracture by projecting far-field stresses onto individual fractureplanes without considering nearby fractures, and (ii) assuming a linear elastic fracture mechanics-based constitutive lawfor fracture shearing. In this study, we investigate the consequences of using these geomechanical model simplifications onassessing flow and transport in 3D fractured media by comparing the simplified model against a full geomechanical modelthat integrates local stress heterogeneity and a Coulomb-type shear behavior. We explore varying stress conditions to determinewhen the simplified model closely aligns with the full model, and when and why it starts to deviate. Our results indicatethat, for an assumed typical friction coefficient of 0.6 and shear stiffness of 10 GPa/m, under stress ratios of 1 to 3, sheardeformation is in the elastic stage, and local stress variability does not result in significant differences between simplified andfull models. However, at a high stress ratio (e.g., 4), plastic shear slip prevails, and a significant difference between the twomodels emerges. The full model accommodates more intense shear displacements, resulting in increased aperture heterogeneity,enhanced flow channeling, and earlier solute breakthrough, while the simplified model underestimates these effects. Ourresults suggest that great caution is needed when applying simplified models in practice, especially when the stress ratio is high.

This interview-based study, conducted in Sweden, advances feminist and queer scholarly debates on the logics of choice and care in medically assisted reproduction. It focuses on conception with donor eggs as a reproductive method, where the medical scenarios entail that decision-making in clinical practice and family-making intertwine. In addition, it examines experiences of both receiving and donating eggs or gametes across the life span. Drawing on Annemarie Mol’s critique of choice logics and autonomous decision-making in care practices, we argue for the value of centring patienthood within feminist scholarship on egg donation. Our analysis demonstrates that the positive sense of patienthood reported by egg donors in public clinics—who repeatedly emphasised that they were well cared for—was contingent upon their utility to the clinic. Turning to recipient narratives, we show how becoming a consumer of fertility care involved a shift in responsibility for the practice. Our findings reveal a paradox: when interviewees travelled outside Sweden to access donor gametes, the consumer logic that expanded their choices simultaneously diminished their position as patients. This, we suggest, exemplifies Mol’s argument that choice does not necessarily equate to better care.

The use of donor eggs, sperm and embryos in medically assisted reproduction (MAR) provide new possibilities for reproductive assistance and family-making. In clinical practice, it also brings to light questions of responsibility and ethical conduct. Despite this, fertility practitioners' reasoning in clinical decision-making remains surprisingly understudied. Drawing on Annemarie Mol's work on ontologies in medical practice (2002), we examine how fertility practitioners' clinical reasoning varies across different types of reproductive assistance involving donor eggs. Following Sweden's legal change on double gamete donation (2019), and drawing on data from focus group discussions with practitioners from public and private fertility clinics across Sweden our findings show that practitioners structured their clinical reasoning along pre-defined conceptualisations of the appropriate donor candidate and distinguished between social and medical indications for treatment. We contend that a standard model of egg donation, based on single donations for heterosexual couples, can be identified in health care decision-making. While double donation can fit this model, surplus embryo and partner donation (ROPA) challenge it, causing confusion and disruption in donor and recipient assessment processes. In this model, fertility and infertility is understood as inherent bodily conditions rather than shared or socially influenced situations. Consequently, the obstetric risks of donor-egg pregnancies are justified only on the ground of medical reasons. Our study contributes knowledge on how egg donation, as a medical procedure with certain health risks, can be practiced and conceptualized differently across the same clinical domain while also arguing for an analysis of inequity as embedded in practices. In our case, practitioners' dependency on conceptual and procedural conventions in donor and recipient assessments had an implicit reliance on heterosexual and nuclear understandings of conception and family, ultimately limiting the availability of treatment methods. These findings underscore the importance of attending to fertility practitioners' clinical reasoning in order to better understand issues of patient access and provider accountability.

This article analyses shifts and continuities in Swedish regulation of information sharing in identity-release donor conception. At a time when families include both solo and same-sex parenting, I draw on a practice-oriented method to compare legal and pre-legislative documents from the early 1980s with those of the late 2010s as developed in a Swedish national context. Following the turn to openness in donor conception, I discuss the practical implications of framing access to information from the hospitals' so-called 'special medical record' as a children's right, when information is in fact only available after 'maturity' is reached. Furthermore, I show how a significant change in the understanding of child–parent relationships in donor-conceived families is articulated in the 2019 legislation. If early policy documents portrayed donor-conceived children as potentially problematic for not 'knowing their origin', I argue that now it is parents in donor-conceived families who are constructed as potentially problematic. Drawing on critical kinship theory, I conclude that Swedish policy-making on information sharing in donor conception relies on a symbolic rather than material understanding of genetic relatedness that fails to acknowledge how different family forms might have different needs. Based on these findings, I suggest that policymakers take into account the implications a changing view on family life and genetics have for children and parents following donor conception.

 Why does power-sharing lead to peace and effective governance in some cases but not others? Whereas the current literature on this question predominantly focuses on institutional design, this article argues that more attention should be given to the everyday activities, routines and processes through which power-sharing is operated. Defining power-sharing as a way of governing that combines inclusivity and joint decision-making, the article argues that variations in the performance of power-sharing result from the work deployed by various actors to achieve or resist elite cooperation across conflict lines. Three practices are essential in determining elites' ability to cooperate: the (convergent or divergent) socialization of power-holders, the (polarizing or unifying) representation of their supporters and the (constructive or obstructive) interpretation of power-sharing rules. This argument is evaluated empirically against two cases of post-conflict, ethnic power-sharing presenting variations in performance that cannot be explained by institutional design alone—Burundi and Northern Ireland.

After half a century of research, the literature on institutional design for ethnic conflict management is still in search of a scientific consensus. This article argues that underlying conceptual issues hinder cumulative research on consociationalism to centripetalism. The reformulation of these concepts as "institutional packages" and their grouping under the label "power-sharing" have resulted in conceptual instability. Instead of contributing to gradually closing the controversy, empirical studies consequently lead to the proliferation of debates about case classification. Having identified these issues, the article formulates five recommendations to reassemble the concepts in a way that fosters constructive discussions in the field.

Multi-ethnic coalition governments – or ethnic power-sharing – are among the most widely employed instruments of ethnic conflict management. Yet their effectiveness in sustaining peace varies markedly across cases. This article argues that these variations stem from the logic of the power-sharing coalition, which largely depends on whether power is shared through ethnically segmented or cross-ethnic party systems. Existing theories of ethnic power-sharing – consociationalism and centripetalism – focus primarily on contexts dominated by ethnic parties and therefore overlook how cross-ethnic party systems shape the dynamics of ethnic conflict. To fill this gap, the article reconstructs the typology of ethnic power-sharing to introduce the concept of associational power-sharing, which captures multi-ethnic coalitions rooted in cross-ethnic party systems. Drawing on an original dataset – the Ethnic, Electoral, and Executive Power-Sharing (EEE-PS) dataset – mapping all cases of consociational, centripetal, and associational power-sharing in Africa from 1990 to 2020, the study employs survival analysis to evaluate how each type affects the duration of peace. Challenging long-standing assumptions, the findings show that associational power-sharing is the most prevalent form of ethnic power-sharing in Africa and is associated with longer periods of peace than its counterparts, even in post-conflict settings.

We know a great deal about how consociational and centripetal power-sharing manage ethnic conflict, but far less about whether, when and how associational power-sharing – ethnic power-sharing in cross-ethnic party systems – does so. This article argues that associational power-sharing reduces the risk of ethnic conflict onset through three mechanisms rooted in its multi-ethnic party-system structure: it appeases ethnic tensions by discouraging ethnic outbidding during electoral campaigns; reassures members of all ethnic categories by providing guarantees against post-electoral exclusion; and demobilises violent actors by creating obstacles to violent ethnic mobilisation. I test these claims using a three-step mixed-methods design that combines logistic regression analyses of an original dataset on multi-ethnic coalitions in Africa (1990–2019) with process-tracing in “at-risk” elections in Burundi (2005) and Mauritius (1976). The cross-national results show that associational power-sharing is associated with a substantially lower probability of ethnic conflict onset. Reassurance emerges as the central mechanism; appeasement operates mainly indirectly by reinforcing reassurance; and demobilisation is primarily relevant in post-conflict settings. The article contributes to the power-sharing literature by shifting attention to the critical moments when coalitions are recomposed: elections – demonstrating that cross-ethnic party systems can play a critical role to stabilise these high-risk democratic junctures.

The “exclusion-amid-inclusion” problem takes a distinctive form in associational power-sharing systems, where the political party system is not ethnically-segmented. In such contexts, ethnic minorities cannot rely on their own ethnic party to represent them, and risk being represented in merely tokenistic ways by multi-ethnic parties. This article examines how this risk can be mitigated by identifying the actors, practices, and affordances of associational power-sharing that made substantive minority representation possible “against the odds” in Mauritius. Despite a long history of tokenism, some degree of substantive representation of the Mauritian-Creole minority was unexpectedly achieved in the 2000s, notably through the establishment of a Truth and Justice Commission on the legacy of slavery and indentured labour. Building on archival research and interviews, we trace the controversy surrounding the malaise créole (Creole uneasiness) as a lens through which to study substantive representation in practice. Our findings suggest that, while associational power-sharing can enable tokenism, it also offers minorities unique avenues for achieving substantive minority representation. 

The objective of this investigation was to study the effect of induced vibrations on adhesive mixtures containing budesonide and salbutamol sulphate as active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and Inhalacr 70 as carriers. A series of adhesive mixtures with varied fine concentrations (1–4%) was prepared for each API. Half of the adhesive mixture was stressed on a vibrating sieve under conditions resembling hopper flow. Based on scanning electron micrographs, it was concluded that Inhalacr 70 contains particles of two distinct shapes, one irregular with groves and valleys and the other more regular with well-defined edges. The dispersibility of the control and stressed mixtures was studied using a next generation impactor. The stressed mixtures containing 1 and 1.5% API displayed a significant reduction in fine particle dose (FPD) compared to the control. The reduction in FPD resulted from a loss of fines from the adhesive mixture during vibration and as a consequence of restructuring and self-agglomeration resulting in reduced dispersibility. However, no significant difference was observed for mixtures with larger weight fractions of fines (2 and 4% API) but these have a drawback of reduced fine particle fraction (FPF). It is concluded that vibrations induced on the adhesive mixtures during handling potentially have a significant effect on the dispersibility of the API and the total amount of drug delivered to the lungs.

The aim of this study was to investigate how the propensity for aerosolisation in binary adhesive mixtures was affected by the drug load, and to determine whether these findings could be linked to different blend states. Binary blends of two different lactose carriers, each with varying size and morphology, were prepared together with budesonide. In vitro aerosolisation studies were conducted at four different pressure drops, ranging from 0.5 to 4 kPa, utilising a Next Generation Impactor. Several dispersion parameters were derived from the relationship between the quantity of dispersed API and the pressure drop. The evolution of the parameters with drug load was complex, especially at low drug loads. While similar responses were observed for both carriers, the range of drug load that could be used varied significantly. The choice of carrier not only influenced the capacity for drug loading but also affected the spatial distribution of the API within the mixture, which, in turn, affected its aerosolisation propensity. Thus, the drug dispersion process could be linked to different configurations of the lactose carrier and budesonide in the blends, i.e. blend states. In conclusion, the study suggests that the concept of blend states can provide an explanation for the complex dispersion process observed in adhesive blends.

The aim of this study was twofold. First, to examine the mechanical properties (packing and flow) of a series of adhesive mixtures, consisting of two different lactose carriers and varying concentrations of budesonide, using a range of test methods. Second, to investigate if any of the test methods correlate with the dispersibility of the mixtures, i.e. the fine particle fraction and mass median aerodynamic diameter. The mechanical properties assessed included packing, shearing, permeability and compressibility. Dispersion data were generated using an impactor operated at two pressure drops (0.5 and 4 kPa). To explore correlations between the mixture properties, Principal Component Analysis and Pearson correlation were used as statistical tools. The different test methods yielded different property-drug load relationships, which can be classified into two groups: First, packing density and shearing properties, and second, permeability and compressibility. The methods in the first group produced markedly fluctuating property-drug load relationships, characterised by two distinct waves. This type of property-drug load relationship was similar to that observed in the dispersion experiments, and significant correlations were found between shearing properties and dispersibility. Thus, any correlations between mechanical and dispersion properties depend on the choice of the test method used. The underlying cause of this co-variation is the parallel effect of both the blend architecture and the structure of the adhesion layer on mechanical and dispersion properties.

Powder bed fusion – laser beam (PBF-LB) of Mg alloys provides new possibilities for the production of complex structures with optimized designs, both for weight reduction in aerospace applications, as well as for patient-specific implants in orthopedic applications. However, even though numerous studies have been carried out on the topic, the influence of the individual PBF-LB process parameters on the microstructure and resulting material properties of Mg alloys remains ambiguous. Thus, this study aims to investigate the influence of laser power on the surface roughness, microstructure and resulting key material properties, namely corrosion resistance and mechanical performance. Samples were produced by PBF-LB from gas atomized Mg-4%Y-3%Nd-0.5%Zr (WE43) alloy powder, using three different laser powers: 60 W, 80 W, and 90 W. Contrary to expectation, the 90 W samples exhibited the highest degradation rate, while 60 W samples had the lowest, despite the latter having highest surface roughness and large internal pores. The higher degradation rate for the 90 W samples was instead found to stem from the near-surface microstructure. The higher energy input and subsequently reduced grain size, resulted in an increased amount of second phase precipitates than for the 60 W samples, thereby increasing the tendency for pitting via microgalvanic corrosion. For the tensile strength and elongation at break, the opposite trend was observed. Here, a reduction in grain size and an increase in precipitates for the 90 W samples were found to be beneficial. In conclusion, a definite influence of laser power on the formation of microstructure was observed, ultimately impacting the resulting corrosion and tensile properties of WE43. Future work should investigate the influence of other PBF-LB process parameters, with the aim of establishing an optimum balance between corrosion resistance and mechanical properties.

The present work explored the potential of customizing the final part texture and mechanical properties of a biodegradable magnesium alloy (WE43, composition Mg-4 wt%Y-3 wt%Nd-0.5 wt%Zr) manufactured by laser beam powder bed fusion (PBF-LB). This was done by printing samples using two sets of laser scan strategies (670 and 900 rotation between consecutively scanned layers) and build directions (horizontal and vertically printed samples). Samples were characterized for density and microstructure, followed by in-depth texture analysis using both lab-based techniques and neutron diffraction measurements. The mechanical performance was evaluated through tensile testing. The findings in this work show that strong basal texture was generated in the build direction. This allowed for altering the mechanical strength of WE43, whereby horizontally built samples showed increased strength and Young's modulus under tensile loading in a direction normal to the basal texture. Laser scan strategy influences the overall texture, however with limited effect on the resulting mechanical properties for the two scan strategies under study. This study demonstrates the importance of sample design and build strategy for the resulting texture and final material properties.

Background & aims: Intensive nutritional therapy is an essential component of burn care. Regardingpost-minor burn injuries, the literature is lacking. The aim of this study was to evaluate documentednutritional therapy in relation to international guidelines after both minor and major burn injuries. The secondary aim of this study was to evaluate the adequacy of energy and protein intake compared toindividual nutritional goals post-burn injury.

Methods: A retrospective observational single-centre study including patients admitted between 2017and 2019 at a burn centre in Sweden was performed. The patients included in the study were >18 years old and in need of hospital care for > 72 h post-burn injury. Information about patients' demographics,nutritional therapy, and clinical characteristics of burn injury was collected. The patients were dividedaccording to total body surface area burnt (TBSA %) into minor burn injuries (TBSA <20%) and major burninjuries (TBSA >20%). Descriptive statistics were used to analyse data. Adherence to guidelines wasestablished by comparing 24 nutritional therapy recommendations to documented treatment. If documented nutritional treatment were in accordance with guidelines, adherence was considered high(>80%), moderate (60-79.9%) or low (<59.9%).

Results: One hundred thirty-four patients were included, 90 patients with minor burn injuries and 44patients with major burn injuries. Documented adherence to the nutritional guideline was overall low.After minor burn injury, 8% (2/24) of nutritional therapy recommendations had a high adherence (fatintake <35% of total energy intake and enteral nutrition as prioritized feeding route), 17% (4/24) amoderate adherence, and 75% (18/24) a low adherence. In patients treated after a major burn injury,there were two recommendations with documented high adherence (Vitamin C and Zinc); 25% (6/24)had moderate adherence, and 67% (16/24) had low adherence. In addition, quite a large amount ofmissing data was found.Adequacy of documented nutritional intake, compared to the individual documented goal, was 78%(±23%) for energy and 66% (±22%) for protein after minor burn injury. After major burn injury, the adequacy was 89% (±21%) for energy and 78% (±19%) for protein, respectively.

Conclusions: This study revealed low adherence to nutritional guidelines in patients treated for minorand major burn injuries. Compared to major burn injuries, lower documented adequacy for both energyand proteins was found in minor burn injuries. Given the disparity between guidelines and documentednutritional therapy, and the lack of specific guidelines for minor burn injuries, there could be aconsiderable risk of inadequate nutritional therapy post-burn injury.

Background & aims Inadequate intake and barriers to nutritional therapy are challenges in burn care. Post-burn injury nutritional care practices are rarely reported, particularly after minor injuries. The aim of this study was to describe nutritional interventions, identify barriers to nutritional intervention, and compare the documentation of nutrition for patients after minor and major burn injuries.

Methods A retrospective single-centre medical record review was conducted on patients aged 18 and older who were admitted for more than 72 h between 2017 and 2019 at one of Sweden's two national burn centres. A content analysis and descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data, and differences were explored between patients with minor and major burn injuries.

Results A total of 134 patients were included in the study: 90 patients had minor burn injuries (mean total burn surface area (TBSA) 8.1 % ± 5.0), and 44 patients had major burn injuries (mean TBSA 37.8 % ± 17.2). Nutritional supplement therapy (93 %) and nutrition prescription (91 %) were the most common interventions. Interventions targeting meals and snacks (43 %) and meal support (40 %), were documented less frequently. Fasting (93 %) and gastrointestinal symptoms (49 %) were the most common barriers.Significantly more interventions (including enteral/parenteral nutrition, and vitamin/mineral supplementation) and barriers (primarily related to enteral nutrition and fasting) were documented for patients with major burn injuries.

Conclusion This study concludes that while most patients have oral intake, vitamin and mineral supplementation and medical nutritional therapy were more frequently documented than meal/snack interventions and meal support. The lack of dietary interventions, whether unperformed or undocumented, needs further investigation. Frequent documentation of barriers to nutritional interventions suggests that patients post-burn injury are at risk of inadequate energy and protein intake. Therefore, emphasising nutritional therapy and its documentation in post-burn care is crucial, regardless of burn severity.

Disease Related Appetite Questionnaire (DRAQ) and Eating Symptom Questionnaire(ESQ) are used to assess nutrition impact symptoms, which are symptoms that can negatively affectthe patients’ food intake. However, these questionnaires have not yet been adapted to the needsof patients recovering from burn injuries. Our aim was therefore to develop DRAQ and ESQ forassessments of nutrition impact symptoms after burn injury. A content validation index (I-CVI) foritems included in DRAQ and ESQ, regarding their relevance for possible nutrition impact symptomsin a burn-injured patient (Likert scale 1–4), was performed by an expert review group. A clarityvalidation by expert and non-expert reviewers was carried out. Two of the eleven questions inDRAQ and eight of the fourteen questions in ESQ were not considered relevant and were thereforeremoved from the questionnaires. Five additional questions were added to DRAQ and two to ESQ.A high degree of consensus on relevance (scale-content validity index average, S-CVI/Ave, 0.86 forDRAQ-burn and 0.83 for ESQ-burn) was reached in the expert group. To conclude, it is suggestedthat we use developed forms of DRAQ and ESQ (DRAQ-burn and ESQ-burn) for the assessment ofnutrition impact symptoms, specifically during the rehabilitation phase of burn-injured patients.

Objectives 

This study aimed to investigate long-term prevalence of nutrition impact symptoms, such as appetite and eating-related issues that may impede food intake, in patients with minor- and major-burn injuries.

Methods

In this prospective longitudinal cohort study, sixty adults participated. Two questionnaires, the Disease-Related Appetite Questionnaire (DRAQ-burn) and the Eating Symptom Questionnaire (ESQ-burn), were completed during follow-up visits at six and 12 months post trauma.

Results

Median burn extent was 4.5% in the post-minor burn group and 24.0% in the post-major burn group. At six months, the median number of symptoms reported in DRAQ-burn was 2.0 for all patients; at 12 months, it was 1.0 post-minor burns and 1.5 post-major burns. Reported symptoms in the ESQ-burn remained stable at a median of 1.0 across both time points and burn severities. Most frequently reported symptoms included fluctuation in appetite/eating, never/rarely feeling hungry, tiredness affecting appetite/eating and nausea. No statistically significant differences were found between burn severity groups or over time.

Conclusion

Overall, although the nutrition impact symptoms were reported to be more mild than severe in nature, they persisted for up to a year post burn, highlighting the need for ongoing nutritional follow-up to mitigate the risk of malnutrition.

ObjectiveTo test the efficacy of a web-based psychoeducational intervention, Fex-Can Sex, in reducing sexual dysfunction in young adults with cancer.

MethodsThis randomized controlled trial evaluated a 12-week web-based self-help intervention. Young adults aged 19–40 who reported sexual dysfunction 1.5 years after cancer diagnosis were drawn from a population-based cohort. Participants were randomized to an intervention group (IG, n = 72) or a control group (CG, n = 66) that solely received standard care. Primary outcome was assessed by a domain of the Patient Reported Outcome Measures Information Systems® SexFS: “Satisfaction with sex life.” Secondary outcomes included additional SexFS domains, body image (BIS), emotional distress (HADS), health-related quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C30), and self-efficacy related to sex. Surveys were completed at baseline, post-intervention, and three months later. Effects of the intervention were tested with t-tests, and linear mixed models (LMMs), including intention-to-treat and subgroup analyses. Additionally, the IG was asked about their experiences of the program with study-specific questions.

ResultsThere were no differences in primary or secondary outcomes between the IG and the CG at post-intervention. Subgroup analyses showed that individuals with greater sexual problems at baseline improved over time, regardless of group allocation. Participants spent a mean time of 20.7 min on the program. The study-specific items showed that the majority of participants in the IG appreciated the program and would recommend it to others.

ConclusionThe Fex-Can Sex intervention did not show effect on primary and secondary outcomes. Adherence to the intervention was low, and future interventions are recommended to include more interactive components to enhance usage.

Clinical trial registrationThe trial was registered on 25 January, 2016 (trial number: 36621459).

Objective: This study sought to investigate interactive participation and content of a moderated discussion forum within a web-based psychoeducational intervention aimed at alleviating sexual dysfunction and fertility distress in young adults diagnosed with cancer.

Methods: The study is part of the Fex-Can Young Adult randomized controlled trial (RCT), in which young adults with self-reported sexual dysfunction or fertility distress were invited to participate. This study focuses on RCT participants that were randomized into the intervention condition. Sociodemographics and clinical characteristics of intervention participants and level of activity in the intervention were analyzed with descriptive statistics and compared between subgroups (“high” and “low” activity participants). Inductive qualitative thematic analysis was used to analyze the posts in the discussion forum.

Results: Of 135 intervention participants, 24% met the criteria for high activity participation. There were no statistically significant differences found in terms of clinical and sociodemographic characteristics between high and low activity participants. Ninety-one participants (67%) accessed the discussion forum, and 19 (14%) posted at least once. Posters shared intimate details of their experiences of sexuality and fertility following cancer. The thematic analysis of posts resulted in four themes: fertility fears, perceptions of the changed body, missing out on life, and importance of support and information.

Conclusions: While a smaller proportion of participants posted in the discussion forum, a majority spent time reading posts (lurkers). Participants posting in the forum shared experiences of intimate relationships, body image, parenthood concerns, and support needs. The discussion forum was used by a majority of intervention participants, and provided appreciated support for those who posted in the forum. We therefore recommend similar interventions to include this opportunity for interaction and communication.

Background

While previous literature has continuously demonstrated the negative effects of cancer and its treatment on fertility and sexuality, evidence-based interventions to alleviate fertility-related distress and sexual dysfunction are lacking. This study protocol describes the internal pilot study and randomized controlled trial of an internet-delivered psychoeducational intervention: Fex-Can 2.0. The primary objective is to determine efficacy of Fex-Can 2.0 in terms of reduction of fertility-related distress and sexual dysfunction at end of the 12-week intervention. The internal pilot study will assess feasibility of the study, determined according to pre-specified progression criteria and individual interviews.

Methods

The study has a randomized controlled design, with an internal pilot phase. The intervention group will receive Fex-Can 2.0, consisting of psychoeducational- and behavior change content. The control group will be allocated to standard care. Primary outcomes are fertility-related distress (RCAC) and sexual function and satisfaction (PROMIS SexFS Brief Sexual Profile). Secondary outcomes include body image (BIS), emotional distress (HADS), health-related quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C30), need satisfaction and frustration scale (NSFS), fertility- and sex-related knowledge, and self-efficacy related to fertility and sex life. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, directly after the intervention, and 12 weeks later. During the internal pilot, data on trial recruitment, data collection, drop out, and adherence will be collected to assess feasibility. Semi-structured interviews will be conducted to further assess acceptability of Fex-Can 2.0.

Conclusions

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate whether Fex-Can 2.0 is superior to standard care, in terms of reducing fertility-related distress and sexual dysfunction in young adults diagnosed with cancer. If proven efficacious, the Fex-Can 2.0 intervention may be a valuable resource in health care, with the potential to significantly improve the care of young adults experiencing fertility-related distress and/or sexual dysfunction following cancer.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov ISRCTN18040643

Here, we introduce Met-ID, a graphical user interface software designed to efficiently identify metabolites from MALDI-MSI data sets. Met-ID enables annotation of m/z features from any type of MALDI-MSI experiment, involving either derivatizing or conventional matrices. It utilizes structural information for derivatizing matrices to generate a subset of targets that contain only functional groups specific to the derivatization agent. The software is able to identify multiple derivatization sites on the same molecule, facilitating identification of the derivatized compound. This ability is exemplified by FMP-10, a reactive matrix that assists the covalent charge-tagging of molecules containing phenolic hydroxyl and/or primary or secondary amine groups. Met-ID also permits users to recalibrate data with known m/z ratios, boosting confidence in mass match results. Furthermore, Met-ID includes a database featuring MS2 spectra of numerous chemical standards, consisting of neurotransmitters and metabolites derivatized with FMP-10, alongside peaks for FMP-10 itself, all accessible directly through the software. The MS2 spectral database supports user-uploaded spectra and enables comparison of these spectra with user-provided tissue MS2 spectra for similarity assessment. Although initially installed with basic data, Met-ID is designed to be customizable, encouraging users to tailor the software to their specific needs. While several MSI-oriented software solutions exist, Met-ID combines both MS1 and MS2 functionalities. Developed in alignment with the FAIR Guiding Principles for scientific software, Met-ID is freely available as an open-source tool on GitHub, ensuring wide accessibility and collaboration.

We present a spatial omics approach that combines histology, mass spectrometry imaging and spatial transcriptomics to facilitate precise measurements of mRNA transcripts and low-molecular-weight metabolites across tissue regions. The workflow is compatible with commercially available Visium glass slides. We demonstrate the potential of our method using mouse and human brain samples in the context of dopamine and Parkinson's disease. Metabolites and RNA in a tissue section are profiled simultaneously.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a highly prevalent neurodegenerative disorder affecting the motor system. However, the correct diagnosis of PD and atypical parkinsonism may be difficult with high clinical uncertainty. There is an urgent need to identify reliable biomarkers using high-throughput, molecular-specific methods to improve current diagnostics. Here, we present a matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging method that requires minimal sample preparation and only 1 mu L of crude cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The method enables analysis of hundreds of samples in a single experiment while simultaneously detecting numerous metabolites with subppm mass accuracy. To test the method, we analyzed CSF samples from 12 de novo PD patients (that is, newly diagnosed and previously untreated) and 12 age-matched controls. Within the identified molecules, we found neurotransmitters and their metabolites such as gamma-aminobutyric acid, 3-methoxytyramine, homovanillic acid, serotonin, histamine, amino acids, and metabolic intermediates. Limits of detection were estimated for multiple neurotransmitters with high linearity (R-2 > 0.99) and sensitivity (as low as 16 pg/mu L). Application of multivariate classification led to a highly significant (P < 0.001) model of PD prediction with a 100% classification rate, which was further thoroughly validated with a permutation test and univariate analysis. Molecules related to the neuromelanin pathway were found to be significantly increased in the PD group, indicated by their elevated relative intensities compared to the control group. Our method enables rapid detection of PD-related biomarkers in low sample volumes and could serve as a valuable tool in the development of robust PD diagnostics.

Protein synthesis is one of the central processes of life. With recent single-molecule tracking techniques, detailed information about protein synthesis dynamics has been extracted from living cells. Still, there are conflicting results and very little knowledge about the dynamic behaviour of elongation factors because of the lack of fluorescent labels that preserve their native function. In the present study, we combine single-molecule tracking with the genetic code expansion (GCE) technology to directly observe ribosome binding dynamics of translation elongation factor EF-G in growing E. coli cells. We show that EF-G cannot be functionally labelled with the commonly used HaloTag. Instead, we utilize bio-orthogonal click-chemistry to fluorescently label EF-G in an optimized re-coded E. coli. This system reports the first estimation of the ribosome-binding time of EF-G in vivo, contributing to measuring the kinetics of elongation under physiological conditions. These findings open a technological avenue for difficult-to-label molecules inside living cells.

Genomically recoded Escherichia coli (GRE) strains represent a valuable tool as model organisms for single-molecule tracking via click-labelling. These strains are constantly being engineered to incorporate non-canonical amino acids, enabling expanded chemical functionality. However, extensive genome-scale recoding frequently reduces their fitness and imposes metabolic re-wiring limiting the utility of GREs as practical model organisms for live-cell imaging in vivo. This study reports that previously optimized GRE6 was subjected to adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) in an imaging-rich defined media (RDM) to recover fitness. The evolved strain displayed improved growth relative to the ancestral GRE6, and a wild-type-like growth was confirmed by single-cell analysis. Whole-genome sequencing revealed deletion of the initiation inhibitor ratA. ncAA incorporation was comparable or slightly improved relative to the common MG1655 strain. These results point out the importance of applying ALE in parallel to rational genome engineering in expanding the benefits of genomically re-coded organisms. Moreover, they point out the necessity for the development of improved vectors for essential translation factors for SMT.