Individual and Organizational Factors in Coping With COVID-19 in Soldier Students

The COVID-19 pandemic has posed significant burden across different industrial sectors. Generally, an increase in psychological stress experiences has been reported, while the stress and coping responses of specific, potentially burdened populations have received less attention thus far. Thus, the present study investigated relations between individual (i.e., extraversion, neuroticism, conscientiousness) and organizational (i.e., organizational commitment and study satisfaction) factors, indicators of psychological health (i.e., loneliness, life satisfaction, COVID-19-related stress), and possible mediating effects of four broad coping dimensions (active coping, avoidant coping, social support, positive cognitive restructuring) in a specific sample of soldier students who engage in a double-role being military affiliates and students of non-military subjects. To this end, we assessed data of soldier students at two measurement points (N = 106 at t1 and N = 63 at t2) shortly after the second national lockdown in Germany (20. May 2021 to 11. July 2021) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Personality traits showed expected associations with indicators of psychological health, i.e., positive relations between neuroticism and social loneliness, between extraversion and COVID-19 stress, and negative relations between neuroticism and life satisfaction. Remarkably, organizational variables showed effects above and beyond personality traits on loneliness and life satisfaction. Neither individual, nor organizational factors could predict change in psychological health over time. We found evidence for mediation effects through active coping, avoidant coping, and the use of social support, but not through positive cognitive restructuring. Findings highlight the relative importance of organizational factors besides personality traits for psychological health in a military student sample, holding important implications for designing efficient support systems in the military

Supporting agri-food projects to implement climate change adaptation through the interactive online tool ‘CRISP’

Introduction International agri-food system programmes are increasingly seeking to mainstream climate action across their portfolios. A range of methods and tools exists, but there is no “ready-to-use” tool that allows a cost- and time-effective climate risk assessment for specific agri-food systems and the development of adaptation hypotheses. The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), with Eurac Research and the Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Centre for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), set out to provide an easy-to-use tool that considers the specific characteristics of agri-food systems under a changing climate. Objectives The Climate Risk Planning & Managing Tool for development programmes in agri-food systems (CRISP) is a web-based tool for projects planners and implementers in the agri-food sector. It allows them to identify starting points for climate risk management and develop adaptation hypotheses to backstop their intervention’s design – in a quick and easy way. Methodology Using the impact chain methodology as a framework, we undertook a literature search to identify relevant climate risks in the context of selected agro-ecological systems across five regions. We organised the findings into an extensive knowledge database. We then co-designed a tool with potential users that would allow the database to be queried in different ways depending on the user needs. Findings Potential users of the tool see promise in using it to improve their programming in the agri-food sector. They suggest expanding the knowledge database to include more agro-ecological systems, value chain concepts and national policy-related data. Significance of the work for policy and practice The CRISP tool will help users to identify starting points for climate risk management. The tool provides science-based evidence and linkages to complementary tools and approaches to implement climate actions. It will assist practitioners in the agri-food sector to develop adaptation hypotheses to help guide the project from the planning phase onward

Report from a krill focused survey with RV Kronprins Haakon and land-based predator work in Antarctica during 2018/2019

The primary objective for this krill research activity was twofold 1) to conduct a survey that provides updated estimates of the biomass and distribution of krill which are used in models to estimate sustainable yield in CCAMLR Area 48 and 2) to develop knowledge on the marine environment essential for the implementation of a Feed-Back Management (FBM) system. The survey follows a similar design as a survey initiated by CCAMLR in year 2000 for comparative purposes, but in addition focuses on high krill-density areas, contains state-of-the art methods and employs modern technology for the research topics currently in focus. In terms of FBM, Marine Protected Area (MPA) development in CCAMLR Planning Domain 1 encompasses the major krill fishing grounds. Thus, data supporting FBM are critical if the fishery is to be managed by an empirical understanding of krill density, distribution, availability and predator needs as opposed to purely conservation-based measures. A future developed FBM system, requires acoustic data to be collected, processed and reported continuously during the fishing season as a measure of the available prey field. This information can be integrated with finer-scale knowledge of krill predator feeding strategies and updated through specific scientific studies at regular (multiyear) intervals. The survey and coupled FBM process studies took place during the Austral summer 2018-2019. The work was coordinated by Norway and involved collaborative international efforts as well as vessels from Norway, Association of Responsible Krill fishing companies (ARK) and the Norwegian fishing company Aker BioMarine AS, China, Korea, Ukraine and United Kingdom. This report presents preliminary results from the survey performed with the Norwegian RV Kronprins Haakon during 08th January – 24th February 2019 and the land-based predator research carried out between 21st November 2018 and 20th February 2019.publishedVersio

Assessment and management of cognitive impairment in patients with multiple sclerosis

Neben den physischen Symptomen kann die Multiple Sklerose mit weniger offensichtlichen, kognitiven Defiziten einhergehen. Diese finden in der Praxis bislang jedoch wenig Beachtung, u.a. aufgrund von Wissenslücken zu deren Charakteristika und zu passenden Instrumenten für die Diagnostik und Therapie. Diese Dissertation untermauert die Relevanz einer regelmäßigen kognitiven Untersuchung durch die hohe gefundene Prävalenzrate von kognitiven Leistungseinbußen, sowie deren Zusammenhang mit der instrumentellen Funktionsfähigkeit der Patienten. Es wird zudem gezeigt, dass sich eine Kurzbatterie als erstes Screening, statt eines aktuell diskutierten Biomarkers, auch im klinischen Kontext anbieten würde. Zuletzt werden zwei behaviorale Therapieansätze als attraktive Behandlungsoptionen bei selbst progredienter Verlaufsform herausgestellt. Diese Ergebnisse betonen das Verständnis der kognitiven Defizite als bedeutsames und behandlungsbedürftiges Zeichen von MS-Krankheitsaktivität

Klinische Umsetzbarkeit der kognitiven Screeningbatterie BICAMS bei Patienten mit Multipler Sklerose: Ergebnisse der Machbarkeitsstudie in Deutschland

Hintergrund: Patienten mit Multipler Sklerose (MS) leiden in 40-70 % der Fälle unter kognitiven Störungen. Der kognitive Status gilt erwiesenermaßen als Prädiktor für Berufsfähigkeit und frühzeitige Berentung. Eine regelmäßige Erfassung der kognitiven Leistungsfähigkeit ist somit dringend indiziert. Zielsetzung: Die deutsche Fassung der international empfohlenen BICAMS (Brief International Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis)-Batterie wurde auf Praktikabilität in der klinischen Routine neurologischer Praxen in Deutschland multizentrisch überprüft. Material und Methoden: Medizinische Fachangestellte (MFAs) wurden hinsichtlich der Durchführung und Auswertung von BICAMS geschult. Alle ausgewerteten Testbögen wurden von unabhängigen neuropsychologischen Experten überprüft. Ergebnisse: Insgesamt 1606 BICAMS-Datensätze wurden in 65 Zentren erhoben. Von diesen konnten 1573 analysiert werden. 49,7 % der erhobenen Datensätze wurden inklusive aller Auswerteschritte korrekt durchgeführt. Bei den anderen 50,3 % fanden sich Durchführungs-, Auswerte- oder Transformationsfehler. Nach Bereinigung der Stichprobe durch fehlerbehaftete Fälle ergaben sich Werte der Interrater-Reliabilität pro Testverfahren in Höhe von ICC >= 0,953. Diskussion: Grundsätzlich ist BICAMS für den Einsatz im klinischen Alltag sehr zu empfehlen. Es bleibt allerdings zu betonen, dass obgleich die Interrater-Reliabilität für die final bereinigte Stichprobe sehr hoch war, im Gesamtdatensatz 50,3 % Durchführungs-, Auswerte- oder Transformationsfehler gefunden wurden. Daraus lässt sich die Notwendigkeit ableiten, nicht-psychologisches Personal noch eingehender in der Anwendung und Auswertung von BICAMS durch Experten zu schulen und zu supervidieren

Non-pharmacological randomized intervention trial for the management of neuropsychological symptoms in outpatients with progressive multiple sclerosis.

PURPOSE Despite typically more pronounced cognitive and mental health issues in progressive disease courses of multiple sclerosis (PMS), rehabilitation research in this subgroup is rare. The efficacy of two non-pharmacological interventions with positive results from prior investigations was therefore examined in PMS specifically. METHODS Persons with PMS (pwPMS) received either computerized cognitive training (BrainStim), standardized cognitive-behavioral group sessions (Metacognitive Training [MaTiMS]), or a combination of both in an ambulatory setting. Neuropsychological assessment was conducted before and after the four-week intervention. RESULTS 37 participants (13 with primary/24 with secondary PMS, meanage = 52.87, SDage = 7.11, meanEDSS = 4.02, SDEDSS = 1.35) entered analyses. The BrainStim group improved in immediate and delayed verbal memory, recognition, verbal working memory, and perceived cognitive deficits while experiencing increased anxiety post-intervention. MaTiMS participants reported high program satisfaction and less cognitive difficulties at retest. The Combination group performed better in immediate and delayed verbal memory, and in information processing speed after training. Descriptive data further indicated positive effects on anxiety and depression in the MaTiMS and Combination group. CONCLUSIONS While objective cognitive performance improved when explicitly trained, psychoeducative sessions contributed to subjective mental health. The combination of both approaches is thus suggested, considering the specific needs of pwPMS treated in an ambulatory setting

Supporting brain health in multiple sclerosis: exploring the potential of neuroeducation combined with practical mindfulness exercises in the management of neuropsychological symptoms.

OBJECTIVE We aimed at examining the effects of a known metacognitive training in MS (MaTiMS) and its modification with an additional neuroeducational module and mindfulness-based exercises (MaTiMS-modified) on neuropsychiatric and cognitive outcomes in people with progressive multiple sclerosis (pwpMS). Exploratively, we investigated whether the modification may show an additional benefit. METHODS Both interventions were administered in small groups of ambulatory patients. Neuropsychological testing before and after the 3- to 4-week intervention phase comprised patient reported outcomes and cognitive tests. After 3, 6 and 12 months, participants completed online surveys. Analysis of change scores (between baseline and retest) with t-tests (Mann-Whitney U and Wilcoxon tests, respectively) and mixed ANCOVAs with repeated measures for comparison of both interventions were conducted. RESULTS A total of 65 pwpMS turned to a final sample of 50 (n = 15 excluded due to drop-outs, occurrence of relapse or steroid treatment). Change scores within MaTiMS revealed no significant effect on the PDQ-20 total score and only a significant effect on the subscale retrospective memory lasting 3 months with a moderate effect size. In contrast, MaTiMS-modified revealed a highly significant change in PDQ-20 total compared to baseline and significant improvements with small to moderate effect sizes on all PDQ-20 subscales (lasting until 3 months), in self-efficacy, stress, visuo-spatial working memory (moderate effect sizes), and fatigue (small effect size). While no interaction effect between time and group could be revealed, a significant main effect for time was found in PDQ-20 total. CONCLUSION Both MaTiMS and MaTiMS-modified positively affected perceived cognitive deficits. However, our data speak in favor of additional benefits by adding neuroeducational and mindfulness-based exercises thus being valuable methods to support brain health including self-efficacy, perceived stress, and fatigue, even in patients with a chronic and progressive brain disease

Pharmacologic Targeting of MMP2/9 Decreases Peritoneal Metastasis Formation of Colorectal Cancer in a Human Ex Vivo Peritoneum Culture Model

Simple Summary We investigated the effects of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) on the peritoneal attachment of colorectal cancer cells in patient samples and in a human ex vivo peritoneum model. MMP2/9 overexpression and enhanced fibronectin cleavage occurred during peritoneal colonisation, which could be inhibited by specific MMP inhibition, thereby reducing cancer cell attachment. Background: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a crucial role in tumour initiation, progression, and metastasis, including peritoneal carcinosis (PC) formation. MMPs serve as biomarkers for tumour progression in colorectal cancer (CRC), and MMP overexpression is associated with advanced-stage metastasis and poor survival. However, the molecular mechanisms of PC from CRC remain largely unclear. Methods: We investigated the role of MMPs during peritoneal colonisation by CRC cell lines in a human ex vivo peritoneum model and in patient-derived CRC and corresponding PC samples. MMP2 and MMP9 were inhibited using the small-molecule inhibitors batimastat and the specific MMP2/9 inhibitor III. Results: MMP2 and MMP9 were strongly upregulated in patient-derived samples and following peritoneal colonisation by CRC cells in the ex vivo model. MMP inhibition with batimastat reduced colonisation of HT29 and Colo205 cells by 36% and 68%, respectively (p = 0.0073 and p = 0.0002), while MMP2/9 inhibitor III reduced colonisation by 50% and 41%, respectively (p = 0.0003 and p = 0.0051). Fibronectin cleavage was enhanced in patient-derived samples of PC and during peritoneal colonisation in the ex vivo model, and this was inhibited by MMP2/9 inhibition. Conclusion: MMPs were upregulated in patient-derived samples and during peritoneal attachment of CRC cell lines in our ex vivo model. MMP2/9 inhibition prevented fibronectin cleavage and peritoneal colonisation by CRC cells. MMP inhibitors might thus offer a potential treatment strategy for patients with PC

Evolution of Eocene to Oligocene arc-related volcanism in the North Patagonian Andes (39-41°S), prior to the break-up of the Farallon plate

Voluminous Paleogene magmatic rocks (44 to 29 Ma) are found in a retroarc position in the Northern Patagonian to Southern Central Andes (~ 39–42°S), whose origin remains controversial. Geochemical data in these Eocene to Oligocene volcanic associations are herein used to unravel their origin and understand changes in subduction parameters. Geochemical signatures indicate arc-related associations and reflect changing geodynamic boundary conditions of the Andean margin through time. In particular, Eocene magmatism (~ 44 Ma; Pilcaniyeu Belt) shows an alkaline-like signature and limited slab influence. Reported contemporaneous within-plate magmatism (~ 47–43 Ma) in an easternmost position reflects a more typical enriched source. Oligocene arc-like volcanism (~ 29 Ma; El Maitén Belt), which developed in an extensional retroarc setting, shows a higher contribution from slab-derived fluids and a calc-alkaline source. A comparison with younger arc-related magmas from the region (~ 26–20 Ma), emplaced in an intra- to retroarc position (Cura Mallín and Abanico basins), indicates a progressive increase in slab-signature, associated with a tholeiitic magma source. We propose that these compositional variations could be directly related to changes in plate configuration before and after the Farallon plate break-up and the initiation of a more orthogonal convergence typical of the present Andean-type subduction zone.Fil: Iannelli, Sofía. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Estudios Andinos ; ArgentinaFil: Litvak, Vanesa Dafne. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Estudios Andinos ; ArgentinaFil: Fernández Paz, Lucía. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Estudios Andinos ; ArgentinaFil: Folguera Telichevsky, Andres. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Estudios Andinos ; ArgentinaFil: Ramos, Miguel Esteban. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Estudios Andinos ; ArgentinaFil: Ramos, Miguel Esteban. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Estudios Andinos ; Argentin