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Prediction models learn patterns from available data (training) and are then validated on new data (testing). Prediction modeling is increasingly common in dental research. We aimed to evaluate how different model development and validation steps affect the predictive performance of tooth loss prediction models of patients with periodontitis. Two independent cohorts (627 patients, 11,651 teeth) were followed over a mean ± SD 18.2 ± 5.6 y (Kiel cohort) and 6.6 ± 2.9 y (Greifswald cohort). Tooth loss and 10 patient- and tooth-level predictors were recorded. The impact of different model development and validation steps was evaluated: 1) model complexity (logistic regression, recursive partitioning, random forest, extreme gradient boosting), 2) sample size (full data set or 10%, 25%, or 75% of cases dropped at random), 3) prediction periods (maximum 10, 15, or 20 y or uncensored), and 4) validation schemes (internal or external by centers/time). Tooth loss was generally a rare event (880 teeth were lost). All models showed limited sensitivity but high specificity. Patients’ age and tooth loss at baseline as well as probing pocket depths showed high variable importance. More complex models (random forest, extreme gradient boosting) had no consistent advantages over simpler ones (logistic regression, recursive partitioning). Internal validation (in sample) overestimated the predictive power (area under the curve up to 0.90), while external validation (out of sample) found lower areas under the curve (range 0.62 to 0.82). Reducing the sample size decreased the predictive power, particularly for more complex models. Censoring the prediction period had only limited impact. When the model was trained in one period and tested in another, model outcomes were similar to the base case, indicating temporal validation as a valid option. No model showed higher accuracy than the no-information rate. In conclusion, none of the developed models would be useful in a clinical setting, despite high accuracy. During modeling, rigorous development and external validation should be applied and reported accordingly.
A successful colonization of different compartments of the human host requires multifactorial contacts between bacterial surface proteins and host factors. Extracellular matrix proteins and matricellular proteins such as thrombospondin-1 play a pivotal role as adhesive substrates to ensure a strong interaction with pathobionts like the Gram-positive Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus. The human glycoprotein thrombospondin-1 is a component of the extracellular matrix and is highly abundant in the bloodstream during bacteremia. Human platelets secrete thrombospondin-1, which is then acquired by invading pathogens to facilitate colonization and immune evasion. Gram-positive bacteria express a broad spectrum of surface-exposed proteins, some of which also recognize thrombospondin-1. This review highlights the importance of thrombospondin-1 as an adhesion substrate to facilitate colonization, and we summarize the variety of thrombospondin-1-binding proteins of S. pneumoniae and S. aureus.
Biocatalytic Production of Amino Carbohydrates through Oxidoreductase and Transaminase Cascades
(2019)
Plant-derived carbohydrates are an abundant renewable re- source. Transformation of carbohydrates into new products, in- cluding amine-functionalized building blocks for biomaterials applications, can lower reliance on fossil resources. Herein, bio- catalytic production routes to amino carbohydrates, including oligosaccharides, are demonstrated. In each case, two-step bio- catalysis was performed to functionalize d-galactose-contain- ing carbohydrates by employing the galactose oxidase from Fusarium graminearum or a pyranose dehydrogenase from
Agaricus bisporus followed by the w-transaminase from Chro- mobacterium violaceum (Cvi-w-TA). Formation of 6-amino-6- deoxy-d-galactose, 2-amino-2-deoxy-d-galactose, and 2-amino- 2-deoxy-6-aldo-d-galactose was confirmed by mass spectrome- try. The activity of Cvi-w-TA was highest towards 6-aldo-d-gal- actose, for which the highest yield of 6-amino-6-deoxy-d-galac- tose (67%) was achieved in reactions permitting simultaneous oxidation of d-galactose and transamination of the resulting 6- aldo-d-galactose.
Die kraniomandibuläre Dysfunktion ist eine häufige Erkrankung die mit Beschwerden im Kiefergelenk und Kaumuskelbereich einhergehen. Zur Behandlung werden Aufbissschienen eingesetzt. Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit war zu untersuchen, wie sich eine dreimonatige Therapie mit einer Unterkieferaufbissschiene vom DIR-Typ bei CMD Patienten auswirkt. Dreizehn Patienten mit kraniomandibulärer Dysfunktion und moderater Schmerzausprägung wurden zu Beginn der Therapie, nach zwei Wochen und zum Ende der Therapie (12 Wochen) mittels funktioneller Magnetresonanztomographie bei okklusalen Bewegungen mit und ohne eingesetzte DIR-Schiene untersucht. Zusätzlich wurden an den Messzeitpunkten jeweils eine kinematographische Messung des Kiefergelenks, sowie ein Elektromyogramm der Kiefergelenksmuskulatur durchgeführt. Über den kompletten Therapiezeitraum wurde die Schmerzausprägung von den Patienten in einem Schmerztagebuch (VAS Skala 0-100) dokumentiert.
Obwohl die Schmerzintensität nach der Therapie um fast 60% abnahm, konnten keine signifikanten Veränderungen bei den kinematographischen und elektromyographischen Daten festgestellt werden. Im Verlauf der Therapie wurde eine Abnahme der fMRT Aktivität im primären und sekundären somatomotorischen Kortex, sowie im Inselkortex beobachtet. Zudem korreliert eine fMRT Aktivitätsabnahme in der linken anterioren Insel und im zerebellaren Kortex mit einer Abnahme der Schmerzintensität während der Therapie. Des Weiteren wurde bei der Eingliederung der DIR-Schiene eine Ökonomisierung im primären motorischen Kortex und in der rechten anterioren Insel festgestellt.
Nach Berücksichtigung der Limitationen kann man aus dieser Studie schlussfolgern, dass es durch die DIR-Schienentherapie nicht nur zu einer Reduktion der Schmerzen kommt, sondern auch neuronale Prozesse stattfinden die sowohl diskriminative als auch affektive Areale der Schmerzverarbeitung beeinflussen und sich auf der Krankheitsverlauf positiv auswirken können.
Die Zahl der Menschen mit Demenz (MmD) nimmt auch in den Krankenhäusern zu. Die Stationen sind üblicherweise auf eine Akutbehandlung ausgelegt, dies macht das Eingehen auf MmD schwierig. Sich dadurch ergebende mögliche Konsequenzen erstrecken sich von einer ungeplanten Wiedereinweisung über eine Heimeinweisung bis hin zum Tod des Patienten.
Verschiedene Studien konzentrieren sich auf die kurzfristigen Folgen einer Hospitalisierung
von MmD. Nur einige Studien erfassten Langzeitfolgen. Diese Informationen sind jedoch
bedeutend, um die Versorgung von MmD zu verbessern.
In der vorliegenden systematischen Übersichtsarbeit und Metaanalyse wird ein Überblick zu
den Langzeitfolgen (ungeplante Wiedereinweisung, Institutionalisierung und Mortalität) einer Hospitalisierung von MmD gegeben. Es werden Prädiktoren erfasst, die mit negativen Folgen
eines Krankenhausaufenthaltes assoziiert sind. Um alle relevanten Publikationen zum Thema zu erfassen, wurde eine systematische Literaturrecherche in den Datenbanken PubMed, CENTRAL und ScienceDirect durchgeführt. Die Qualität der einzelnen relevanten Studien
wurde in einem Formular zu Bewertung der Studien dokumentiert. Die Ergebnisse wurden in
einer Tabelle zusammengefasst, die Metaanalyse wurde mittels Review Manager 5.3 der Cochrane Collaboration berechnet.
Die systematische Literaturrecherche führte zu 1108 Artikeln, hiervon erfüllten 20 Artikel die Einschlusskriterien. 10 Studien wurden mit einer Kontrollgruppe durchgeführt und demnach in die Metaanalysen eingeschlossen. Die Inzidenz und das Relative Risiko für die Mortalität von
MmD (RR: 1,74 [95 %-KI 1,50-2,05]) und die Institutionalisierung (RR: 2,16 [95 %-KI 1,31-
3,56]) waren signifikant erhöht im Vergleich zu Menschen ohne Demenz. Die Ergebnisse bezüglich der ungeplanten Wiedereinweisung waren nicht aussagekräftig. Wichtige Faktoren, welche mit diesen Folgen assoziiert waren, waren der Schweregrad der Demenz, die Anzahl der eingenommen Medikamente und der Umfang der benötigten Hilfe bei der Verrichtung der Aktivitäten des täglichen Lebens.
Die Ergebnisse dieser Arbeit sprechen dafür, dass eine umfassendere Betreuung von MmD sowohl im Akutkrankenhaus als auch in der Häuslichkeit nötig ist. Außerdem sollten alle Prozesse an den Schnittstellen dieser Bereiche, insbesondere das Krankenhausentlassungsmanagement, weiter intensiviert und verbessert werden.
Die Schädelsonographie ist eine nicht-invasive, kosteneffektive und strahlenfreie Bildgebung zur Detektion zerebraler Pathologien des Neugeborenen. Im Rahmen der populationsbasierten Geburtenkohortenstudie „Survey of Neonates in Pomerania“ wurde die Schädelsonographie unabhängig von Empfehlungen der internationalen Literatur durchgeführt. Dadurch konnten Schweregrad, Outcome und Prävalenz der zerebralen Pathologien von asymptomatischen, reifen Neugeborenen in der angehängten Publikation von Weise et al. analysiert werden[2]. Für diese Gruppe ist keine Assoziation von
Auffälligkeiten in der Schädelsonographie mit neurologischen Entwicklungsstörungen zu finden. Daher wird keine Erweiterung der aktuellen Richtlinien oder die Einführung eines zerebralen Ultraschallscreenings für Neugeborenen nicht empfohlen. Die Schädelsonographie ist zur frühzeitigen Detektion von zerebralen Anomalien bei Neugeborenen nach der „American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) Practice Guideline for the Performance of Neurosonography in Neonates and Infants 2014“, Leijser et al.,
Ment et al. und Ballardini et al. indiziert:
1. Eine Schädelsonographie ist bei Neugeborenen ≤34 SSW zu empfehlen und sollte bei <30 SSW durchgeführt werden.
2. Die Indikationsparameter der AIUM Practice Guideline sind sinnvoll und sollten in eine offizielle Leitlinie integriert werden (siehe Tabelle 2.1).
3. Aufgrund ähnlicher kumulativer Inzidenzen für Schädelsonographiebefunde bei Neugeborenen mit oder ohne Indikation aber stationärer Aufnahme ist die Untersuchung von Neugeborenen bei Aufnahme auf eine Neonatologie zu empfehlen.
4. Die Durchführung der Untersuchung sollte anhand der Richtlinien von Riccabona et al. erfolgen.
5. Dies schließt nicht die reguläre Teilnahme an den U-Untersuchungen aus, welche zur frühzeitigen Detektion neurologischer Entwicklungsstörungen beiträgt.
Prothrombotic and Proinflammatory Activities of the β-Hemolytic Group B Streptococcal Pigment
(2019)
A prominent feature of severe streptococcal infections is the profound inflammatory response that contributes to systemic toxicity. In sepsis the dysregulated host response involves both immunological and nonimmunological pathways. Here, we report a fatal case of an immunocompetent healthy female presenting with toxic shock and purpura fulminans caused by group B streptococcus (GBS; serotype III, CC19). The strain (LUMC16) was pigmented and hyperhemolytic. Stimulation of human primary cells with hyperhemolytic LUMC16 and STSS/NF-HH strains and pigment toxin resulted in a release of proinflammatory mediators, including tumor necrosis factor, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6. In addition, LUMC16 induced blood clotting and showed factor XII activity on its surface, which was linked to the presence of the pigment. The expression of pigment was not linked to a mutation within the CovR/S region. In conclusion, our study shows that the hemolytic lipid toxin contributes to the ability of GBS to cause systemic hyperinflammation and interferes with the coagulation system.
Introduction: Senior urology physicians represent a heterogeneous group covering various clinical priorities and career objectives. No reliable data on gender-specific variations among senior urology physicians are available concerning professional and personal aspects. Methods: The objective of this study was to analyze professional perspectives, professional and personal settings, and individual career goals. A Web-based survey containing 55 items was designed which was available for senior physicians at German urologic centers between February and April 2019. Gender-specific differences were evaluated using bootstrap-adjusted multivariate logistic regression models. Results: One hundred and ninety-two surveys were evaluable including 29 female senior physicians (15.1%). Ninety-five percent would choose urology again as their field of specialization – with no significant gender-specific difference. 81.2% of participants rate the position of senior physician as a desirable career goal (comparing sexes: p = 0.220). Based on multivariate models, male participants self-assessed themselves significantly more frequently autonomously safe performing laparoscopic, open, and endourologic surgery. Male senior physicians declared 7 times more often to run for the position of head of department/full professor. Conclusion: This first study on professional and personal aspects among senior urology physicians demonstrates gender-specific variations concerning self-assessment of surgical expertise and future career goals. The creation of well-orchestrated human resources development strategies especially adapted to the needs of female urologists seems advisable.
Introduction: Senior urology physicians represent a heterogeneous group covering various clinical priorities and career objectives. No reliable data on gender-specific variations among senior urology physicians are available concerning professional and personal aspects. Methods: The objective of this study was to analyze professional perspectives, professional and personal settings, and individual career goals. A Web-based survey containing 55 items was designed which was available for senior physicians at German urologic centers between February and April 2019. Gender-specific differences were evaluated using bootstrap-adjusted multivariate logistic regression models. Results: One hundred and ninety-two surveys were evaluable including 29 female senior physicians (15.1%). Ninety-five percent would choose urology again as their field of specialization – with no significant gender-specific difference. 81.2% of participants rate the position of senior physician as a desirable career goal (comparing sexes: p = 0.220). Based on multivariate models, male participants self-assessed themselves significantly more frequently autonomously safe performing laparoscopic, open, and endourologic surgery. Male senior physicians declared 7 times more often to run for the position of head of department/full professor. Conclusion: This first study on professional and personal aspects among senior urology physicians demonstrates gender-specific variations concerning self-assessment of surgical expertise and future career goals. The creation of well-orchestrated human resources development strategies especially adapted to the needs of female urologists seems advisable.
Zielsetzung: Cutibacterium (C.) acnes ist Teil des anaeroben Haut-Mikrobioms. Besonders in der Schulterchirurgie kommt es postoperativ häufig zu Infektionen mit C. acnes auf Grund der schwierigen Erreichbarkeit des Erregers durch das Hautantiseptikum in den Haarfollikeln der Haut.
Basierend auf der Hypothese, dass eine verlängerte Einwirkzeit des Hautantiseptikums in talgdrüsenreichen Arealen wie der Schulter das Eindringen in die Haarfollikel begünstigt und dadurch die antiseptische Wirksamkeit verbessert wird, sollte die Effektivität der derzeit üblichen Einwirkzeit von 2,5 min mit der Einwirkzeit von 30 min verglichen werden. Aufgrund der unterschiedlichen Eigenschaften von PVP-Iod und Chlorhexidindigluconat (CHG) sollten zwei handelsübliche alkoholische Hautantiseptika mit Gehalt an PVP-Iod bzw. CHG miteinander verglichen werden.
Methode: Im cross-over-Design wurde auf der Schulter von 16 gesunden, freiwilligen Probanden die Einwirkzeit von 2,5 min mit einer Einwirkzeit von 30 min jeweils mit einem PVP-I-haltigen Hautantiseptikum und einem CHG-haltigen Hautantiseptikum verglichen werden. Die Probenentnahmen erfolgten vor, direkt nach und 3h nach erfolgter Hautantiseptik. Analysiert wurde sowohl die aerobe als auch die anaerobe Hautflora.
Ergebnisse: Die aerobe residente Hautflora wurde durch beide Antiseptika bereits bei der kurzen Einwirkzeit effektiv eradiziert.
Die anaerobe residente Flora wurde hinsichtlich der Sofortwerte durch das PVP-I-haltige Antiseptikum sowohl bei der Einwirkungszeit von 2,5 min als auch von 30 min effektiver reduziert als durch das CHG-haltige Antiseptikum. Die nach 3 h erhobenen Werte zeigten dagegen nur die Tendenz der höheren Wirksamkeit bei der verlängerten Einwirkzeit des PVP-I-haltigen Antiseptikums. Die verlängerte Einwirkzeit hatte bei beiden Antiseptika keinen negativen Einfluss auf die intakte Haut, d.h. keiner der Probanden klagte über Hautirritationen oder Beschwerden.
Schlussfolgerung: Die alkoholische Zubereitung mit PVP-Iod ist dem CHG basierten Alkohol an Wirksamkeit gegen die anaerobe Flora im Sofortwert überlegen. Die klinische Relevanz dieser Studie sollte in einer randomisierten klinischen Studie mit dem Endpunkt SSI verifiziert werden.
Bei Diagnosestellung einer malignen Tumorerkrankung beeinflusst ein möglichst exaktes Staging sowohl des Tumors und der Lymphknoten, als auch von möglichen Fernmetastasen, maßgeblich das therapeutische Vorgehen und die Prognose des Patienten. Wegweisend für diesen Entscheidungsprozess sind, neben Therapiewunsch, Alter und Allgemeinzustand des Patienten, die Befunde der radiologischen Bildgebung.
In der vorliegenden retrospektiven Studie wurde die bildgebende Diagnostik bei Patienten mit Kopf – Hals – Tumoren hinsichtlich der Sensitivität, Spezifität und der Genauigkeit überprüft. Dazu wurden die Befunde der radiologischen Bildgebung sowie der postoperativen histologischen Untersuchung des Resektats von insgesamt 286 Patienten aus einem Zeitraum vom 01.01.2006 bis zum 01.09.2010 ausgewertet und miteinander verglichen. Zum Vergleich der Befunde wurde die Stadieneinteilung nach TNM in ihrer 7.Auflage verwendet. Eine Einteilung der Patienten in Gruppen erfolgte anhand der Tumorlokalisation. Unter Berücksichtigung der eingesetzten radiologischen Diagnostik (CT vs. MRT) wurde sowohl das Tumor- (T) als auch das Lymphknoten-Stadium (N) betrachtet. Ferner wurden auch die Befunde der „Ausbreitungsdiagnostik“ erfasst (M-Stadium). Die vorliegende Studie zeigte, dass die Sensitivität und Spezifität für das Tumor- und Nodalstaging auf vergleichbarem Niveau anderer Studien lag. Auch die Genauigkeit der Bildgebung, gemessen anhand des Quotienten aus richtig positiven + richtig negativen Befunden und der Gesamtheit der Befunde, lag auf einem hohen Niveau, jedoch war die Übereinstimmung der Tumor- und Nodalstadien der Bildgebung mit denen aus der histologischen Untersuchung gering.
Eine initiale Fernmetastasierung trat häufiger bei fortgeschrittenen Tumoren und metastatischem Lymphknotenbefall auf. Ebenso verhielt es sich mit späteren Metastasierungen und Rezidiven. Von den eingesetzten bildgebenden Verfahren zur Detektion von Fernmetastasen, konnten die Standardröntgenaufnahme des Thorax und die CT des Thorax ihren Stellenwert bei der Metastasensuche unterstreichen. Die Sklettszintigraphie und Röngtenzielaufnahme des Skeletts erbrachten keinen diagnostischen Nutzen bei der Metastasensuche.
Als Schlussfolgerung der Studie lässt sich ableiten, dass die Sensitivität und Spezifität der radiologischen Bildgebung für das Tumor- und Nodalstaging auf einem hohen Niveau liegen, das exakte Staging jedoch weiterhin eine diagnostische Herausforderung bleibt. Im Hinblick auf Therapiestrategie, Prognose und möglichem Auftreten von Rezidiven und Spätmetastsierungen kommt dem exakten Tumor- und Nodalstaging jedoch eine übergeordnete Rolle bei der Diagnostik zu. Die Metastasensuche stellt ebenso eine Herausforderung an die bildgebende Diagnostik dar, wobei konventionelle Verfahren nur einen limitierten Nutzen bei der Metastasensuche zu haben scheinen.
Die lungenprotektive Beatmung reduziert die Mortalität bei Patienten mit Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrom (ARDS). Um den beatmungsinduzierten Lungenschaden (Ventilator Induced Lung Injury (VILI)) zu minimieren, werden Tidalvolumina limitiert, hohe Plateaudrücke vermieden und ein positiv endexspiratorischer Druck entsprechend der Leitlinien angewandt. Doch der Einfluss spezifischer Beatmungsschemata auf den VILI ist nicht genau definiert.
Die Erhöhung der Inspirationszeit und somit des Verhältnisses zwischen Inspiration und Exspiration kann die Oxygenierung zwar verbessern, erhöht jedoch auch die Zeit der Einwirkung von Stress und Strain auf die Lunge. Die Hypothese dieser Arbeit ist, dass die Erhöhung der Inspirationszeit und damit des Verhältnisses von Inspiration zu Exspiration (I:E) sich besonders im ARDS schädlich auf die Lunge auswirkt und VILI weiter verstärkt.
VILI wurde im murinen Experimentalmodell durch Beatmung mit hohen Tidalvolumina (HVT: 34ml/kg) induziert. Die Beatmung mit niedrigen Tidalvolumina (LVT 9ml/kg) wurde als Kontrolle benutzt. In allen Gruppen erfolgte die Beatmung mit 50 % Sauerstoffkonzentration in der Einatemluft (FiO2) und einem PEEP von 2 cmH2O. HVT- und LVT-Mäuse wurden mit einer I:E-Ratio von 1:2 oder 1:1 für eine Gesamtdauer von 4 Stunden oder bis zum einem alternativen Endpunkt, definiert durch einen Blutdruckabfall unter 40mmHg, beatmet. Eine dynamische Hyperinflammation bedingt durch ein erhöhtes I:E-Verhältnis wurde in einer separaten Gruppe ausgeschlossen. Ausgewertet wurden das Überleben bei Beatmung über 4 Stunden, die Lungencompliance, Oxygenierung, sowie nach Versuchsende die pulmonale Permeabilität, die Konzentrationen gängiger Mediatoren der pulmonalen und der systemischen Inflammation (Leukozytendifferenzierung in Lunge und Blut; Messung von IL-6, IL1-ß, KC, MCP-1 in BAL und Blut) und histopathologische Veränderungen des Lungengewebes.
In den Kontrollgruppen mit protektiver Beatmung (LVT 1:2 und LVT 1:1) wurden keine VILI typischen Veränderungen festgestellt und alle Tiere überlebten die Beatmungsdauer. Die HVT 1:2-Gruppe zeigte im Vergleich eine verringerte Lungen-Compliance, eine vermehrte Expression von entzündungstypischen Zytokinen und Einwanderung von neutrophilen Granulozyten, sowie deutliche histologische Zeichen des Lungenschadens. Auch hier überlebten alle Tiere die Beatmung von 4 Stunden. Die Tiere der HVT 1:1-Gruppe zeigten eine signifikant schlechtere Oxygenierung, Lungen-Compliance und eine vermehrte Expression proinflammatorischer Zytokine, sowie eine erhöhte Anzahl neutrophiler Granulozyten in Blut und Lunge. In der HVT 1:1-Gruppe kam es zu einer signifikant höheren Mortalität aufgrund der mechanischen Beatmung.
Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass die Erhöhung der Inspirationszeit und damit das I:E-Verhältnis den mit der maschinellen Beatmung assoziierten Lungenschaden bei Mäusen signifikant verschlimmert. Daraus lässt sich ableiten, dass das Produkt aus Stress/Strain und Inspirationszeit ein entscheidender Faktor in der Pathogenese des VILI im ARDS ist und somit so gering wie möglich gehalten werden sollte. Dementsprechend sollte jeder Anlass bei der Beatmung eines Patienten, die Inspirationszeit zu erhöhen, kritisch hinterfragt werden.
Eine Thrombose ist eine Gefäßerkrankung, bei der eine lokalisierte, intravasale Blutgerinnung zur Bildung eines Thrombus in einem Gefäß führt. Die Aktivierung der
Blutgerinnungskaskade und damit der Gerinnungsfaktoren führt zu einer Bildung sowie Quervernetzung von Fibrin und so zur Entstehung eines Thrombus. Dieser wird
physiologisch über die Fibrinolyse abgebaut. Die Serinprotease PAI-1 inhibiert diese und wirkt somit prothrombotisch. Jüngste Studien haben gezeigt, dass S1P als Schlüsselmolekül des Immunsystems und des Metabolismus auch das Gerinnungssystem beeinflusst und in einer wechselseitigen Beziehung mit dem Gerinnungsfaktor Thrombin und seinen PARs steht. Die S1P-Konzentration im Körper korreliert dabei eng mit dem BMI. Die vorliegende Arbeit beschreibt die Wirkung des Signallipids S1P auf die PAI-1-Expression von Fettzellen und damit die Stellung der Adipozyten bei S1P-vermittelten thrombotischen Ereignissen in vitro. Weiterhin wurde
erstmalig die Wechselwirkung von Thrombin und S1P bei der Produktion von PAI-1 in Fettzellen untersucht. Hierfür wurden 3T3-L1-Fibroblasten in Adipozyten differenziert
und mit S1P stimuliert. Es zeigte sich eine konzentrationsabhängige Steigerung der PAI-1-mRNA. Diese Ergebnisse wurden ebenfalls von anderen Arbeitsgruppen
bestätigt. Der S1P-Effekt ließ sich auch mittels Western Blot-Analyse auf Proteinebene darstellen. Dabei zeigte sich eine starke Steigerung der PAI-1-Expression und
Sekretion von 3T3-L1-Zellen. S1PR-2- und S1PR3-Inhibitoren senkten den S1Pvermittelten Anstieg, sodass S1P über eine S1PR-2- und, bisher in der Literatur noch
nicht beschrieben, auch über eine S1PR-3-Aktivierung einen prothrombotischen Einfluss ausübt. Weiterhin konnte nach Stimulation mit S1P erstmalig eine Expressionssteigerung von PAR-1 und damit eine Wechselwirkung zwischen dem Signalweg von Thrombin und S1P in Adipozyten beobachtet werden. Es wurde die
Hypothese aufgestellt, dass Thrombin über den PAR-1 die Aktivität der Enzyme des S1P-Metabolismus steigert und so über eine endogene S1P-Produktion zu einer zusätzlichen Steigerung von PAI-1 führt. Diese konnte bisher noch nicht bestätigt werden, da lediglich eine geringe, jedoch nicht signifikante Steigerung von PAI-1 nach Thrombin-Stimulation beobachtet werden konnte. Somit ist das Fettgewebe ein wichtiges Bindeglied zwischen dem inflammatorischen Lipid S1P sowie dem Enzym PAI-1 und damit als Gewebe ein bisher stark unterschätzter Einflussfaktor bei der Entstehung und Aufrechterhaltung thrombotischer Ereignisse.
Das in dieser Pilotstudie eingeschlossene Patientenkollektiv umfasste 50 Patienten des Institutes für Diagnostische Radiologie und Neuroradiologie der Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, bei denen eine Indikation zur CT-gestützten interventionellen Therapie mittels PRT oder Facetten-/ISG-Infiltration im Rahmen der Schmerztherapie bei Wirbelsäulenerkrankungen gestellt wurde.
Im Rahmen dieser Pilotstudie wurden nach Studieneinwilligung alle Patienten in einem ärztlichen Aufklärungsgespräch über die bevorstehende medizinische Intervention informiert. Bei 25 Patienten erfolgte diese Aufklärung auf dem bisher üblichen Weg unmittelbar von Angesicht zu Angesicht und bei den anderen 25 Patienten wurde dieses Gespräch mittels eines Videotelefonates innerhalb der Klinik durchgeführt. Aufklärungsinhalte sowie die Möglichkeit dem Arzt Fragen zu stellen oder Ängste zu äußern, waren in beiden Kommunikationswegen identisch. Die Akzeptanz gegenüber dem entsprechenden Aufklärungsmedium sowie die verstandenen Inhalte wurden 24 Stunden nach der durchgeführten Intervention telefonisch in Fragebögen erfasst.
In den Variablen der Akzeptanz „Gesprächsklima“, „Inhaltsübermittlung“, „Fragenbeantwortung“ und „Beziehung“ kann kein signifikanter Unterschied zwischen beiden Aufklärungsmedien nachgewiesen werden.
Die Anzahl an erinnerten Nebenwirkungen ist in der Gruppe „Videotelefonie“ verglichen mit der Gruppe „von Angesicht zu Angesicht“ schwach signifikant höher und die Häufigkeitsverteilung für „Ja“-und „Nein“-Antworten der Variable „Strahlenbelastung“ unterscheidet sich schwach signifikant zugunsten der Aufklärung per Videotelefonie. Es konnten keine signifikanten Unterschiede bezüglich der Häufigkeiten von „Ja“- oder „Nein“-Antworten in den Variablen „Behandlungsziel“ und „Fahrtüchtigkeit“ abhängig von der Aufklärungsart nachgewiesen werden.
In Anbetracht dieser Ergebnisse lässt sich feststellen, dass die Aufklärung per Videotelefonie jener von Angesicht zu Angesicht in den hier untersuchten Punkten nicht unterliegt und somit als gleichwertiges Medium für Aufklärungsgespräche genutzt werden könnte.
Helicobacter (H.) pylori is the most important cause for peptic ulcer disease and a risk factor for gastric carcinoma. How colonization with H. pylori affects the intestinal microbiota composition in humans is unknown. We investigated the association of H. pylori infection with intestinal microbiota composition in the population-based cohort Study-of-Health-in-pomerania (SHip)-tRenD. Anti-H. pylori serology and H. pylori stool antigen tests were used to determine the H. pylori infection status. the fecal microbiota composition of 212 H. pylori positive subjects and 212 matched negative control individuals was assessed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. H. pylori infection was found to be significantly associated with fecal microbiota alterations and a general increase in fecal microbial diversity. in infected individuals, the H. pylori stool antigen load determined a larger portion of the microbial variation than age or sex. the highest H. pylori stool antigen loads were associated with a putatively harmful microbiota composition. this study demonstrates profound alterations in human fecal microbiota of H. pylori infected individuals. While the increased microbiota diversity associated with H. pylori infection as well as changes in abundance of specific genera could be considered to be beneficial, others may be associated with adverse health effects, reflecting the complex relationship between H. pylori and its human host.
The spatio-temporal reduction and oxidation of protein thiols is an essential mechanism in signal transduction inall kingdoms of life. Thioredoxin (Trx) family proteins efficiently catalyze thiol-disulfide exchange reactions andthe proteins are widely recognized for their importance in the operation of thiol switches. Trx family proteinshave a broad and at the same time very distinct substrate specificity–a prerequisite for redox switching. Despiteof multiple efforts, the true nature for this specificity is still under debate. Here, we comprehensively compare theclassification/clustering of various redoxins from all domains of life based on their similarity in amino acidsequence, tertiary structure, and their electrostatic properties. We correlate these similarities to the existence ofcommon interaction partners, identified in various previous studies and suggested by proteomic screenings. Theseanalyses confirm that primary and tertiary structure similarity, and thereby all common classification systems, donot correlate to the target specificity of the proteins as thiol-disulfide oxidoreductases. Instead, a number ofexamples clearly demonstrate the importance of electrostatic similarity for their target specificity, independent oftheir belonging to the Trx or glutaredoxin subfamilies
The deep-sea tubeworm Riftia pachyptila lacks a digestive system but completely relies on bacterial endosymbionts for nutrition. Although the symbiont has been studied in detail on the molecular level, such analyses were unavailable for the animal host, because sequence information was lacking. To identify host-symbiont interaction mechanisms, we therefore sequenced the Riftia transcriptome, which served as a basis for comparative metaproteomic analyses of symbiont-containing versus symbiont-free tissues, both under energy-rich and energy-limited conditions. Our results suggest that metabolic interactions include nutrient allocation from symbiont to host by symbiont digestion and substrate transfer to the symbiont by abundant host proteins. We furthermore propose that Riftia maintains its symbiont by protecting the bacteria from oxidative damage while also exerting symbiont population control. Eukaryote-like symbiont proteins might facilitate intracellular symbiont persistence. Energy limitation apparently leads to reduced symbiont biomass and increased symbiont digestion. Our study provides unprecedented insights into host-microbe interactions that shape this highly efficient symbiosis.
A 2-day workshop of ORCA and the IADR Cariology Research Group was organized to discuss and reach consensus on definitions of the most commonly used terms in cariology. The aims were to identify and to select the most commonly used terms of dental caries and dental caries management and to define them based on current concepts. Terms related to definition, diagnosis, risk assessment, and monitoring of dental caries were included. The Delphi process was used to establish terms to be considered using the nominal group method favored by consensus. Of 222 terms originally suggested by six cariologists from different countries, a total of 59 terms were reviewed after removing duplicates and unnecessary words. Sixteen experts in cariology took part in the process of reaching consensus about the definitions of the selected caries terms. Decisions were made following thorough “round table” discussions of each term and confirmed by secret electronic voting. Full agreement (100%) was reached on 17 terms, while the definitions of 6 terms were below the agreed 80% threshold of consensus. The suggested terminology is recommended for use in research, in public health, as well as in clinical practice.
A 2-day workshop of ORCA and the IADR Cariology Research Group was organized to discuss and reach consensus on definitions of the most commonly used terms in cariology. The aims were to identify and to select the most commonly used terms of dental caries and dental caries management and to define them based on current concepts. Terms related to definition, diagnosis, risk assessment, and monitoring of dental caries were included. The Delphi process was used to establish terms to be considered using the nominal group method favored by consensus. Of 222 terms originally suggested by six cariologists from different countries, a total of 59 terms were reviewed after removing duplicates and unnecessary words. Sixteen experts in cariology took part in the process of reaching consensus about the definitions of the selected caries terms. Decisions were made following thorough “round table” discussions of each term and confirmed by secret electronic voting. Full agreement (100%) was reached on 17 terms, while the definitions of 6 terms were below the agreed 80% threshold of consensus. The suggested terminology is recommended for use in research, in public health, as well as in clinical practice.
Background: Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI) is characterized by inadequate production, insufficient secretion, and/or inactivation of pancreatic enzymes, resulting in maldigestion. The aim of this review was to analyze the prevalence and pathophysiology of PEI resulting from gastrointestinal (GI) surgery and to examine the use of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) for effectively managing PEI. Summary: A targeted PubMed search was conducted for studies examining the prevalence and pathophysiology of PEI in patients following GI surgery and for studies assessing the effects of PERT in these patients. PEI is a common complication following GI surgery that can lead to nutritional deficiencies, which may contribute to morbidity and mortality in patients. Timely treatment of PEI with PERT can prevent malnutrition, increase quality of life, and possibly reduce the associated mortality. Treatment of PEI should aim not only to alleviate symptoms but also to achieve significant improvements in nutritional parameters. Dose optimization of PERT is required for effective management of PEI, in addition to regular assessment of nutritional status, appropriate patient education, and reassessment if symptoms return. Key Messages: Difficulties in detecting PEI following GI surgery can result in undiagnosed and untreated maldigestion, leading to metabolic complications and increased morbidity. Both are preventable by early administration and monitoring for optimal doses of PERT.
Background: Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI) is characterized by inadequate production, insufficient secretion, and/or inactivation of pancreatic enzymes, resulting in maldigestion. The aim of this review was to analyze the prevalence and pathophysiology of PEI resulting from gastrointestinal (GI) surgery and to examine the use of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) for effectively managing PEI. Summary: A targeted PubMed search was conducted for studies examining the prevalence and pathophysiology of PEI in patients following GI surgery and for studies assessing the effects of PERT in these patients. PEI is a common complication following GI surgery that can lead to nutritional deficiencies, which may contribute to morbidity and mortality in patients. Timely treatment of PEI with PERT can prevent malnutrition, increase quality of life, and possibly reduce the associated mortality. Treatment of PEI should aim not only to alleviate symptoms but also to achieve significant improvements in nutritional parameters. Dose optimization of PERT is required for effective management of PEI, in addition to regular assessment of nutritional status, appropriate patient education, and reassessment if symptoms return. Key Messages: Difficulties in detecting PEI following GI surgery can result in undiagnosed and untreated maldigestion, leading to metabolic complications and increased morbidity. Both are preventable by early administration and monitoring for optimal doses of PERT.
Abstract
This article compares the use of calques modelled on anglicisms in different European languages, especially Spanish and German, which do not only show structural differences (e.g. with regard to the use of noun-noun compounds, which are more common in German) but also reflect different attitudes towards English. Aspects covered range from the factors generally favouring the coinage of such replacive forms, to the reasons for the emergence of different types of calques, to variations in their use and challenges concerning their identification. To unravel the main patterns and trends in calquing, this study includes numerous examples from written and oral language, i.e. items of different register affiliation, age, length, and semantic transparency. On a theoretical level, the article incorporates findings from the fields of lexicology, contact linguistics and sociolinguistics.
Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) refer to any report coming directly from patients about how they function or feel in relation to a health condition or its therapy. PROs have been applied in medicine for the assessment of the impact of clinical phenomena. Self-report scales and procedures for assessing physical pain in adults have been developed and used in clinical trials. However, insufficient attention has been dedicated to the assessment of mental pain. The aim of this paper is to outline the implications that assessment of mental pain may entail in psychiatry and medicine, with particular reference to a clinimetric index. A simple 10-item self-rating questionnaire, the Mental Pain Questionnaire (MPQ), encompasses the specific clinical features of mental pain and shows good clinimetric properties (i.e., sensitivity, discriminant and incremental validity). The preliminary data suggest that the MPQ may qualify as a PRO measure to be included in clinical trials. Assessment of mental pain may have important clinical implications in intervention research, both in psychopharmacology and psychotherapy. The transdiagnostic features of mental pain are supported by its association with a number of psychiatric disorders, such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, as well as borderline personality disorder. Further, addressing mental pain may be an important pathway to prevent and diminish the opioid epidemic. The data summarized here indicate that mental pain can be incorporated into current psychiatric assessment and included as a PRO measure in treatment outcome studies.
40-Year Longitudinal Caries Development in German Adolescents in the Light of New Caries Measures
(2019)
This study assessed the 40-year longitudinal caries development in German adolescents in the light of the sixth National Oral Health Survey in Children (NOHSC, 2016) employing initial DMFT (IDMFT), Significant Caries Index (SiC) and Specific Affected Caries Index (SaC). On the basis of the current NOHSC (randomized cluster selection using school list or regional community school surveys, 55,956 12-year-old sixth-graders examined by 482 calibrated community/study dentists) DMFT, SiC, a novel IDMFT including initial lesions (IT) and the recently introduced SaC were calculated and also recalculated for national and international surveys from the last 4 decades. In 2016, 78.8% of children were caries-free (DMFT = 0), 65.5% including IT lesions. The mean DMFT was 0.44 (single components: DT = 0.14, MT = 0.02, FT = 0.29, IT = 0.52) showing a clear association with the school type as marker for the socio-economic status. The mean number of affected teeth in children with DMFT >0 was 2.07 (SaC) in comparison to almost 9 teeth in the 1970s. The current care index on the tooth level was 66.3%, leaving only 7.7% of children with restorative treatment needs. Longitudinally, a continuous caries decline of more than 80%, including the risk groups (SiC/SaC), to an internationally extremely low level was observed. In conclusion, the National Oral Health Surveys reveal a continuous caries decline to a very low caries level in 12-year-old 6th-graders in Germany even if IT lesions are included (IDMFT). In spite of proportional reductions in the risk groups (SiC/SaC), the polarized caries distribution according to socio-economic parameters reveals the need for targeted preventive programmes.
Objectives: Performing proper toothbrushing is a complicated process for children. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a smartphone app for improving manual toothbrushing via a gravitation sensor. Methods: In this prospective, controlled, single-blinded, randomized clinical trial, 49 children (mean age 5.1 ± 0.6 years, 27 female) were randomly assigned to test (n = 26) and control (n = 23) groups. All children were provided with manual toothbrushes with an integrated gravitation sensor and they received oral health instructions. Only the children of the test group got an additional smartphone app to visualize and reward proper brushing in form and time. At baseline and recalls after 6 and 12 weeks, plaque and gingival indices (QHI, PBI) were recorded for analysis between the two groups. Results: At baseline, there were no significant differences between the test and control group regarding plaque and gingival indices (QHI: 2.36 ± 0.7 and 2.42 ± 0.8; p = 0.94; PBI: 0.42 ± 0.2 and 0.47 ± 0.3; p = 0.59). At the 6- and 12-week recalls, the test group showed statistically significantly better oral health indices than the controls (6-week recall, QHI: 0.8 ±0.5 and 1.88 ± 0.9; p < 0.001; PBI: 0.08 ± 0.1 and 0.26 ± 0.2; p < 0.001; 12-week recall, QHI: 0.44 ± 0.5 and 1.49 ± 0.7; p < 0.001; PBI: 0.05 ± 0.18 and 0.21 ± 0.1; p < 0.001). Conclusion: The results highlight the enormous possibilities of a toothbrushing application via the smartphone, at least for medium-term oral hygiene improvement in preschool children and even after excluding the app. The long-term effect should also be investigated to exclude the expected novelty effect.
Long-term nationally representative caries data in the primary dentition are rare, but nonetheless central to assess needs in caries prevention and treatment. This study evaluated the prevalence and trends of caries levels in the primary dentition of 6- to 7-year-olds in Germany as a whole and its federal states individually. In 2016, employing a randomized cluster selection, 6- to 7-year-old first graders were included in the National German Oral Health Survey performed regularly since 1994/95. Children were examined by 482 calibrated dentists in all 17 German regions using the WHO criteria for the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (dmft) including the assessment of initial carious lesions (it). In total, 151,555 6- to 7-year-olds were examined. Caries prevalence in the primary dentition dropped from 65% in 1994 to 44% in 2016, while the mean caries experience dropped from 2.89 to 1.73 dmft (dt = 0.74, mt = 0.19, ft = 0.80). When initial lesions were included, the mean caries experience increased to idmft = 2.12 (it = 0.38). In 2016, 49.7% of the examined 6- to 7-year-olds were caries-free including initial lesions. The Care Index at the tooth level was 57.5%, and the Significant Caries Index was 4.84 dmft. Depending on the German region, the mean dmft varied considerably, ranging from 1.37 to 2.31. In conclusion, despite the overall caries decline in 6- to 7-year-olds in Germany, only minor caries reductions were observed over the last decade, with a still existing high proportion of untreated dental decay. This calls for more effective preventive and restorative efforts with focus on the primary dentition in Germany.
Background: Huntington’s disease (HD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder. The striatum is one of the first brain regions that show detectable atrophy in HD. Previous studies using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) at 3 tesla (3 T) revealed reduced functional connectivity between striatum and motor cortex in the prodromal period of HD. Neuroanatomical and neurophysiological studies have suggested segregated corticostriatal pathways with distinct loops involving different cortical regions, which may be investigated using fMRI at an ultra-high field (7 T) with enhanced sensitivity compared to lower fields. Objectives: We performed fMRI at 7 T to assess functional connectivity between the striatum and several chosen cortical areas including the motor and prefrontal cortex, in order to better understand brain changes in the striatum-cortical pathways. Method: 13 manifest subjects (age 51 ± 13 years, cytosine-adenine-guanine [CAG] repeat 45 ± 5, Unified Huntington’s Disease Rating Scale [UHDRS] motor score 32 ± 17), 8 subjects in the close-to-onset premanifest period (age 38 ± 10 years, CAG repeat 44 ± 2, UHDRS motor score 8 ± 2), 11 subjects in the far-from-onset premanifest period (age 38 ± 11 years, CAG repeat 42 ± 2, UHDRS motor score 1 ± 2), and 16 healthy controls (age 44 ± 15 years) were studied. The functional connectivity between the striatum and several cortical areas was measured by resting state fMRI at 7 T and analyzed in all participants. Results: Compared to controls, functional connectivity between striatum and premotor area, supplementary motor area, inferior frontal as well as middle frontal regions was altered in HD (all p values <0.001). Specifically, decreased striatum-motor connectivity but increased striatum-prefrontal connectivity were found in premanifest HD subjects. Altered functional connectivity correlated consistently with genetic burden, but not with clinical scores. Conclusions: Differential changes in functional connectivity of striatum-prefrontal and striatum-motor circuits can be found in early and premanifest HD. This may imply a compensatory mechanism, where additional cortical regions are recruited to subserve functions that have been impaired due to HD pathology. Our results suggest the potential value of functional connectivity as a marker for future clinical trials in HD.
Background: Huntington’s disease (HD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder. The striatum is one of the first brain regions that show detectable atrophy in HD. Previous studies using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) at 3 tesla (3 T) revealed reduced functional connectivity between striatum and motor cortex in the prodromal period of HD. Neuroanatomical and neurophysiological studies have suggested segregated corticostriatal pathways with distinct loops involving different cortical regions, which may be investigated using fMRI at an ultra-high field (7 T) with enhanced sensitivity compared to lower fields. Objectives: We performed fMRI at 7 T to assess functional connectivity between the striatum and several chosen cortical areas including the motor and prefrontal cortex, in order to better understand brain changes in the striatum-cortical pathways. Method: 13 manifest subjects (age 51 ± 13 years, cytosine-adenine-guanine [CAG] repeat 45 ± 5, Unified Huntington’s Disease Rating Scale [UHDRS] motor score 32 ± 17), 8 subjects in the close-to-onset premanifest period (age 38 ± 10 years, CAG repeat 44 ± 2, UHDRS motor score 8 ± 2), 11 subjects in the far-from-onset premanifest period (age 38 ± 11 years, CAG repeat 42 ± 2, UHDRS motor score 1 ± 2), and 16 healthy controls (age 44 ± 15 years) were studied. The functional connectivity between the striatum and several cortical areas was measured by resting state fMRI at 7 T and analyzed in all participants. Results: Compared to controls, functional connectivity between striatum and premotor area, supplementary motor area, inferior frontal as well as middle frontal regions was altered in HD (all p values <0.001). Specifically, decreased striatum-motor connectivity but increased striatum-prefrontal connectivity were found in premanifest HD subjects. Altered functional connectivity correlated consistently with genetic burden, but not with clinical scores. Conclusions: Differential changes in functional connectivity of striatum-prefrontal and striatum-motor circuits can be found in early and premanifest HD. This may imply a compensatory mechanism, where additional cortical regions are recruited to subserve functions that have been impaired due to HD pathology. Our results suggest the potential value of functional connectivity as a marker for future clinical trials in HD.
Die vorliegende Arbeit liefert ein Modell zur Erzeugung PI3K-mutierter Tumoren in der
Mausleber, je nach Mutationsart mit unterschiedlichem onkogenen Potenzial. Bekannte und
bisher unbekannte nachgeschaltete Ziele der PI3K konnten identifiziert werden. Diese
können im Rahmen von künftigen Target Therapien von Bedeutung sein.
Die in diesem Versuch verwendete Methode des hydrodynamischen Gentransfers bietet eine
zuverlässige Möglichkeit, ohne aufwendige Zucht von transgenen Mausstämmen,
verschiedene (Onko)Gene in der Mausleber langfristig zu exprimieren und ihre
Auswirkungen in vivo zu untersuchen.
Drug-induced activation of integrin alpha IIb beta 3 leads to minor localized structural changes
(2019)
Integrins are transmembrane proteins involved in hemostasis, wound healing, immunity and cancer. In response to intracellular signals and ligand binding, integrins adopt different conformations: the bent (resting) form; the intermediate extended form; and the ligand-occupied active form. An integrin undergoing such conformational dynamics is the heterodimeric platelet receptor αIIbβ3. Although the dramatic rearrangement of the overall structure of αIIbβ3 during the activation process is potentially related to changes in the protein secondary structure, this has not been investigated so far in a membrane environment. Here we examine the Mn2+- and drug-induced activation of αIIbβ3 and the impact on the structure of this protein reconstituted into liposomes. By quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring and activation assays we show that Mn2+ induces binding of the conformation-specific antibody PAC-1, which only recognizes the extended, active integrin. Circular dichroism pectroscopy reveals, however, that Mn2+-treatment does not induce major secondary structural changes of αIIbβ3. Similarly, we found that treatment with clinically relevant drugs (e.g. quinine) led to the activation of αIIbβ3 without significant changes in protein secondary structure. Molecular dynamics simulation studies revealed minor local changes in the beta-sheet probability of several extracellular domains of the integrin. Our experimental setup represents a new approach to study transmembrane proteins, especially integrins, in a membrane environment and opens a new way for testing drug binding to integrins under clinically relevant conditions.
Klimawandel, Änderungen der Landnutzung und Habitatzerstörung sowie die Globalisierung tragen zu einer zunehmenden Ausbreitung von bekannten und noch unbekannten Viren bei, die eine Gefahr für Mensch und Tier darstellen können. Um potenziell gefährliche Viren frühzeitig zu entdecken, kann das in dieser Arbeit vorgestellte Protokoll für einen pan-viralen DNA-Microarray-gestützten (PVM) Virusnachweis verwendet werden, der optional mit einer Hochdurchsatzsequenzierung gekoppelt werden kann.
Für die Etablierung des PVM-Protokolls wurde die Leistungsfähigkeit von drei Probenbearbeitungs- und Datenauswertungsmethoden beim Nachweis von zwei Modellviren, einem DNA-Virus und einem RNA-Virus, verglichen. Für die Kopplung mit dem PVM wurden verschiedene Systeme für die Hochdurchsatzsequenzierung verwendet.
Das Ziel der Arbeit war die Etablierung eines optimierten PVM-Protokolls für einen robusten, breiten Virusnachweis, welcher einzeln oder in Kombination mit einer Hochdurchsatzsequenzierung als Teil einer mehrstufigen Analysepipeline verwendet werden kann.
Beim Nachweis beider Modellviren wies die Library-basierte Probenbearbeitungs- und Datenauswertungsmethode Limma die höchste Sensitivität auf. In der darauf folgenden Validierung konnten alle Viren, unabhängig von ihrer Genomorganisation und Komplexität der Probenmaterialien, korrekt identifiziert werden. In zwei publizierten Studien konnte der Nachweis der zum Zeitpunkt der Untersuchung noch unbekannten BBLV und SqAdV-1 gezeigt werden. Durch die Rückgewinnung von Virus-spezifischen Nukleinsäuren vom PVM und der anschließenden Sequenzierung
mittels Hochdurchsatzsequenzierung konnte das SqAdV-1 im Rahmen einer mehrstufigen Analysepipeline vollständig identifiziert, annotiert und taxonomisch eingeordnet werden. Durch die Kombination von PVM und Hochdurchsatzsequenzierung wurden für sechs Viren eine Virus-spezifische Anreicherung und ein damit verbundener Gewinn an Sequenzinformation erreicht. Die Library-basierte Probenbearbeitung mit Limma erlaubte einen robusten und sensitiven Virusnachweis; deshalb wurden beide Methoden für das PVM-Protokoll ausgewählt. Die Fähigkeit des hier etablierten PVM-Protokolls, Viren unabhängig von der Genomorganisation und in komplexen Probenmaterialien zu identifizieren, zeigt dessen Gleichwertigkeit mit bereits etablierten PVM-Systemen. Die Verwendung des PVM-Protokolls in einer mehrstufigen Analysepipeline erlaubt auch die Identifikation von bisher unbekannten Viren. Der durch die Kombination mit einer Hochdurchsatzsequenzierung erreichte Gewinn an Sequenzinformation ermöglicht eine Identifizierung und detailliertere Charakterisierung von Viren.
Der PVM stellt einzeln und in Verbindung mit einem Hochdurchsatzsequenzierungs- System ein wertvolles Werkzeug für die Virusdiagnostik dar, dessen Anwendung den Zeitaufwand für die Virusidentifizierung deutlich reduzieren kann.
Abstract
Metabolomics studies now approach large sample sizes and the health characterization of the study population often include complete blood count (CBC) results. Upon careful interpretation the CBC aids diagnosis and provides insight into the health status of the patient within a clinical setting. Uncovering metabolic signatures associated with parameters of the CBC in apparently healthy individuals may facilitate interpretation of metabolomics studies in general and related to diseases. For this purpose 879 subjects from the population‐based Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP)‐TREND were included. Using metabolomics data resulting from mass‐spectrometry based measurements in plasma samples associations of specific CBC parameters with metabolites were determined by linear regression models. In total, 118 metabolites significantly associated with at least one of the CBC parameters. Strongest associations were observed with metabolites of heme degradation and energy production/consumption. Inverse association seen with mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular haemoglobin comprised metabolites potentially related to kidney function. The presently identified metabolic signatures are likely derived from the general function and formation/elimination of blood cells. The wealth of associated metabolites strongly argues to consider CBC in the interpretation of metabolomics studies, in particular if mutual effects on those parameters by the disease of interest are known.
Abstract
Proteome analyses are often hampered by the low amount of available starting material like a low bacterial cell number obtained from in vivo settings. Here, the single pot solid‐phase enhanced sample preparation (SP3) protocol is adapted and combined with effective cell disruption using detergents for the proteome analysis of bacteria available in limited numbers only. Using this optimized protocol, identification of peptides and proteins for different Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative species can be dramatically increased and, reliable quantification can also be ensured. This adapted method is compared to already established strain‐specific sample processing protocols for Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus suis, and Legionella pneumophila. The highest species‐specific increase in identifications is observed using the adapted method with L. pneumophila samples by increasing protein and peptide identifications up to 300% and 620%, respectively. This increase is accompanied by an improvement in reproducibility of protein quantification and data completeness between replicates. Thus, this protocol is of interest for performing comprehensive proteomics analyses of low bacterial cell numbers from different settings ranging from infection assays to environmental samples.
Abstract
Background
The CRISPR/Cas9 system has opened new perspectives to study the molecular basis of cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) in personalized disease models. However, precise genome editing in endothelial and other hard‐to‐transfect cells remains challenging.
Methods
In a proof‐of‐principle study, we first isolated blood outgrowth endothelial cells (BOECs) from a CCM1 mutation carrier with multiple CCMs. In a CRISPR/Cas9 gene correction approach, a high‐fidelity Cas9 variant was then transfected into patient‐derived BOECs using a ribonucleoprotein complex and a single‐strand DNA oligonucleotide. In addition, patient‐specific CCM1 knockout clones were expanded after CRISPR/Cas9 gene inactivation.
Results
Deep sequencing demonstrated correction of the mutant allele in nearly 33% of all cells whereas no CRISPR/Cas9‐induced mutations in predicted off‐target loci were identified. Corrected BOECs could be cultured in cell mixtures but demonstrated impaired clonal survival. In contrast, CCM1‐deficient BOECs displayed increased resistance to stress‐induced apoptotic cell death and could be clonally expanded to high passages. When cultured together, CCM1‐deficient BOECs largely replaced corrected as well as heterozygous BOECs.
Conclusion
We here demonstrate that a non‐viral CRISPR/Cas9 approach can not only be used for gene knockout but also for precise gene correction in hard‐to‐transfect endothelial cells (ECs). Comparing patient‐derived isogenic CCM1+/+, CCM1+/−, and CCM1−/− ECs, we show that the inactivation of the second allele results in clonal evolution of ECs lacking CCM1 which likely reflects the initiation phase of CCM genesis.
Abstract
Background
Early mobilization improves physical independency of critically ill patients at hospital discharge in a general intensive care unit (ICU)‐cohort. We aimed to investigate clinical and molecular benefits or detriments of early mobilization and muscle activating measures in a high‐risk ICU‐acquired weakness cohort.
Methods
Fifty patients with a SOFA score ≥9 within 72 h after ICU admission were randomized to muscle activating measures such as neuromuscular electrical stimulation or whole‐body vibration in addition to early protocol‐based physiotherapy (intervention) or early protocol‐based physiotherapy alone (control). Muscle strength and function were assessed by Medical Research Council (MRC) score, handgrip strength and Functional Independence Measure at first awakening, ICU discharge, and 12 month follow‐up. Patients underwent open surgical muscle biopsy on day 15. We investigated the impact of muscle activating measures in addition to early protocol‐based physiotherapy on muscle strength and function as well as on muscle wasting, morphology, and homeostasis in patients with sepsis and ICU‐acquired weakness. We compared the data with patients treated with common physiotherapeutic practice (CPP) earlier.
Results
ICU‐acquired weakness occurs within the entire cohort, and muscle activating measures did not improve muscle strength or function at first awakening (MRC median [IQR]: CPP 3.3 [3.0–4.3]; control 3.0 [2.7–3.4]; intervention 3.0 [2.1–3.8]; P > 0.05 for all), ICU discharge (MRC median [IQR]: CPP 3.8 [3.4–4.4]; control 3.9 [3.3–4.0]; intervention 3.6 [2.8–4.0]; P > 0.05 for all), and 12 month follow‐up (MRC median [IQR]: control 5.0 [4.3–5.0]; intervention 4.8 [4.3–5.0]; P = 0.342 for all). No signs of necrosis or inflammatory infiltration were present in the histological analysis. Myocyte cross‐sectional area in the intervention group was significantly larger in comparison with the control group (type I +10%; type IIa +13%; type IIb +3%; P < 0.001 for all) and CPP (type I +36%; type IIa +49%; type IIb +65%; P < 0.001 for all). This increase was accompanied by an up‐regulated gene expression for myosin heavy chains (fold change median [IQR]: MYH1 2.3 [1.1–2.7]; MYH2 0.7 [0.2–1.8]; MYH4 5.1 [2.2–15.3]) and an unaffected gene expression for TRIM63, TRIM62, and FBXO32.
Conclusions
In our patients with sepsis syndrome at high risk for ICU‐acquired weakness muscle activating measures in addition to early protocol‐based physiotherapy did not improve muscle strength or function at first awakening, ICU discharge, or 12 month follow‐up. Yet it prevented muscle atrophy.
Abstract
Erucic (22:1, cisΔ13) and gondoic acids (20:1, cisΔ11) are building blocks obtained from renewable sources for the oleochemical industry. Different biocatalytic strategies for the enrichment of these compounds with high recovery yields were developed in our group. Geotrichum candidum lipases (GCL) strongly discriminate against fatty acids longer than 18 carbon atoms. Thus, GCL‐I and ‐II were investigated using hydrolysis or ethanolysis reactions with Crambe and Camelina oils. Hydrolysis was also studied using fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE) derived from the corresponding oil. Both isoforms were highly selective; however, interesting differences were observed. Although it has been reported that GCL‐I displays a higher preference toward 18 cisΔ9, which is present in the studied oils at high levels, GCL‐II showed higher enrichment values during hydrolysis independent of the substrate used. Hence, enrichments of 87% (Crambe oil) and 82% (Crambe FAEE) for erucic acid and 50% (Camelina oil) and 45% (Camelina FAEE) for gondoic acid, with recovery values between 89% and 99%, were achieved. On the contrary, the best enzyme for ethanolysis was GCL‐I (82% and 41% for erucic and gondoic acid, respectively). In this case, although GCL‐II also displayed good enrichment and recovery levels (77% and 28%, respectively), they were lower compared to the former reactions. In both ethanolysis reactions, the FAEE fraction contained between 92% and 97% of 18 unsaturated fatty acids.
Summary
The susceptibility of Candida albicans biofilms to a non‐thermal plasma treatment has been investigated in terms of growth, survival and cell viability by a series of in vitro experiments. For different time periods, the C. albicans strain SC5314 was treated with a microwave‐induced plasma torch (MiniMIP). The MiniMIP treatment had a strong effect (reduction factor (RF) = 2.97 after 50 s treatment) at a distance of 3 cm between the nozzle and the superior regions of the biofilms. In addition, a viability reduction of 77% after a 20 s plasma treatment and a metabolism reduction of 90% after a 40 s plasma treatment time were observed for C. albicans. After such a treatment, the biofilms revealed an altered morphology of their cells by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Additionally, fluorescence microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) analyses of plasma‐treated biofilms showed that an inactivation of cells mainly appeared on the bottom side of the biofilms. Thus, the plasma inactivation of the overgrown surface reveals a new possibility to combat biofilms.
Die linksventrikuläre Herzhypertrophie ist ein zentraler Vorhersageparameter für das Auftreten kardiovaskulärer Ereignisse. Durch eine permanent gesteigerte Belastung des Herzens kommt es dabei auf zellulärer Ebene zu Umbauprozessen, die mit einer Hypertrophie der einzelnen Kardiomyozyten einhergehen. An der prohypertrophen Signaltransduktion sind zahlreiche Signalwege beteiligt, deren jeweilige Bedeutung und Interaktion untereinander noch nicht ausreichend untersucht ist. Seit einiger Zeit ist bekannt, dass auch das Wnt-Signalling im adulten Herzen bei Schädigung reaktiviert werden kann. Auch wenn die Beteiligung vieler Mediatoren des Wnt-Signallings für die Hypertrophieentstehung bereits gezeigt werden konnte, ist es aufgrund der Interaktionen der verschiedenen Signalwege notwendig, den Effekt der Wnt-Proteine auf die Kardiomyozyten direkt nachzuweisen. Da sowohl eigene Voruntersuchungen als auch viele In-vivo-Studien an Mäusen des Stammes C57/BL6 durchgeführt wurden, sollten in dieser Arbeit die Wirkungen verschiedener Wnt-Proteine hinsichtlich Hypertrophie und Zellsignalling auf isolierte murine neonatale Kardiomyozyten untersucht werden. Dazu wurden zunächst der Isolationsprozess dieser Primärzellen etabliert und optimale Kultur- und Stimulationsprotokolle bestimmt. Anschließend wurde das Ausmaß der zellulären Hypertrophie immunfluoreszenzmikroskopisch mittels myozytenspezifischer Anfärbung von α-Actinin untersucht. Es konnte gezeigt werden, dass eine Isolation und Kultivierung der neonatalen Kardiomyozyten im Gewebeverband über eine längere Versuchsdauer von bis zu sieben Tagen möglich ist. Die Zellen waren reproduzierbar vital und wiesen stabil kontraktile Eigenschaften auf. Zusätzlich wurde nachgewiesen, dass diese Zellen bei Stimulation mit dem Wnt-Protein Wnt3A im Mangelmedium Panserin mit einer konzentrationsabhängigen Hypertrophie antworten, die dem bekannten prohypertrophen Stimulus Endothelin-1 sogar überlegen ist.
Ein zweiter Teil der Arbeit beschäftigte sich mit spezifischen Signalwegen, die von verschiedenen Wnt-Proteinen angesprochen werden können. Dabei wurden sowohl Veränderungen von Kinaseaktivitäten wie der AKT und der GSK-3β als auch Proteinakkumulationen wie die von β-Catenin untersucht. Auch Kerntranslokationen der Transkriptionsfaktoren β-Catenin und NFAT c1 – c4 wurden überprüft. Leider konnten an den neonatalen Mauskardiomyozyten keine Wnt-induzierten Veränderungen von Enzymaktivitäten bzw. veränderte Lokalisierungen einzelner Transkriptionsfaktoren nachgewiesen werden. Einzig ein detektierbarer Anstieg der intrazellulären Kalziumkonzentrationen, der aber gegenüber unstimulierten Zellen keine Signifikanz erreichte, könnte auf eine mögliche Beteiligung des Wnt/Ca2+-Weges hindeuten.
Hypospadie ist die häufigste urogenitale Fehlbildung beim Jungen, Ursache ist eine Störung der Genitalentwicklung zwischen der 9. und 14. Schwangerschaftswoche. Betroffen ist einer von 200-300 Knaben. Seit Galen wurden über 250 Operationstechniken beschrieben. Untersucht wurden die Operationsergebnisse der Universitätsmedizin Greifswald zwischen 2006-2016 mit Betrachtung des veränderten postoperativen Managements und der subjektiven Patientenzufriedenheit.
Abstract
The efficient multifunctionalization by one‐pot or cascade catalytic systems has developed as an important research field, but is often challenging due to incompatibilities or cross‐reactivities of the catalysts leading to side product formation. Herein we report the stereoselective preparation of cis‐ and trans‐4‐aminocyclohexanol from the potentially bio‐based precursor 1,4‐cyclohexanedione. We identified regio‐ and stereoselective enzymes catalyzing reduction and transamination of the diketone, which can be performed in a one‐pot sequential or cascade mode. For this, we identified regioselective keto reductases for the selective mono reduction of the diketone to give 4‐hydroxycyclohexanone. The system is modular and by choosing stereocomplementary amine transaminases, both cis‐ and trans‐4‐aminocyclohexanol were synthesized with good to excellent diastereomeric ratios. Furthermore, we identified an amine transaminase that produces cis‐1,4‐cyclohexanediamine with diastereomeric ratios >98 : 2. These examples highlight that the high selectivity of enzymes enable short and stereoselective cascade multifunctionalizations to generate high‐value building blocks from renewable starting materials.
Introduction
Multiproxy investigations of lacustrine sediments from Laguna Azul (52 °S) document multi-millennial Holocene influences of Southern Hemispheric Westerlies (SHW) on the hydroclimatic variability of south-eastern Patagonia. During the last 4000 years, this hydroclimatic variability is overprinted by centennial warm/dry periods. A cool/wet period from 11,600 to 10,100 cal. BP is succeeded by an early Holocene dry period (10,100–8300 cal. BP) with a shallow lake, strong anoxia, methanogenesis and high salinity. Between 8300 and 4000 cal. BP the influence of SHW weakened, resulting in a freshwater lake considered to be related to less arid conditions. Since 4000 cal. BP, regional temperature decreased accompanied by re-intensification of SHW reaching full strength since 3000 cal. BP. Centred around 2200, 1000 cal. BP and in the 20th century, Laguna Azul experienced century-long warm/dry spells. Between these dry periods, two pronounced moist periods are suggested to be contemporaneous to the ‘Dark Age Cold Period’ and the ‘Little Ice Age’. Different from millennial SHW variations, centennial fluctuations appear to be synchronous for South America and the Northern Hemisphere. Changes in solar activity, large volcanic eruptions and/or modulations of ocean circulation are potential triggers for this synchronicity.
For a long time the apocryphal Ladder of Jacob was accessible only in arbitrarily selected translations. Without a critical edition and a comprehensive study of the whole textual segment, scholars were unable to evaluate its significance for Early Jewish and Christian literature. Since 2015/17, with the publication of a new critical edition and German translation (accompanied by a detailed introduction, footnote commentaries and appendices with related texts), a new approach to this important but hitherto widely unknown text has been made possible. This approach verifies the different layers or strata in the text, which are: a supposed Jewish apocalypse (mid-second century), a Christian expansion of the angels speech in light of the praeparatio evangelica tradition (fourth–seventh centuries), a Jewish mystical prayer (eleventh century) and the incorporation of this narrative block into the Tolkovaja Paleja together with a series of exegetical commentaries (end of the thirteenth century). In the light of the new approach, it can be said that the Ladder of Jacob is most of all an outstanding example of mutual relations between Jewish and Christian theology.
Riociguat is one of several approved therapies available for patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Treatment should be initiated and monitored at an expert center by a physician experienced in treating PAH, and the dose adjusted in the absence of signs and symptoms of hypotension. In certain populations, including patients with hepatic or renal impairment, the elderly, and smokers, riociguat exposure may differ, and dose adjustments should therefore be made with caution according to the established scheme. Common adverse events are often easily managed, particularly if they are discussed before starting therapy. Combination therapy with riociguat and other PAH-targeted agents is feasible and generally well tolerated, although the coadministration of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5i) and riociguat is contraindicated. An open-label, randomized study is currently ongoing to assess whether patients who do not achieve treatment goals while receiving PDE5i may benefit from switching to riociguat. In this review, we provide a clinical view on the practical management of patients with PAH receiving riociguat, with a focus on the opinions and personal experience of the authors.
The reviews of this paper are available via the supplemental material section.
BK polyomavirus-associated haemorrhagic cystitis (BKHC) is a complication after allogeneic stem cell transplantation, which can occur in 5–60% of the cases. BK viruria alone can also occur in up to 100%. BKHC can lead to severe morbidity in stem cell-transplanted patients, but data about this disease is limited. Consequently, we conducted a prospective unicentric non-interventional trial on BKHC as well as BK viruria after first adult allogeneic stem cell transplantation with a follow-up time of 1 year after inpatient treatment. Between November 2013 and December 2015, we were able to include 40 adult patients with a mean age of 52.8 years. Twenty-seven (67.5%) of these patients were male and 13 (32.5%) were female. Acute myeloid leukaemia was the most frequent underlying disease (n = 15; 37.5%). Only 1 patient developed BKHC during inpatient treatment (n = 1; 2.5%), but BK viruria was frequent (n = 11; 27.5%) during inpatient treatment as well as in the follow-up time (n = 14; 35%). Interestingly, BK viruria was significantly associated with mucositis (p = 0.038) and number of transfused platelet concentrates (p = 0.001). This unexpected association will be discussed and needs further investigation.
Background: Self-stigma is a result of internalizing negative stereotypes by the affected person. Research on self-stigma in substance use disorders (SUD) is still scarce, especially regarding the role of childhood trauma and subsequent posttraumatic disorders. Objectives: The present study investigated the progressive model of self-stigma in women with SUD and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the predictive value of PTSD severity and childhood trauma experiences on self-stigma. Method: In a cross-sectional study with 343 women with SUD and PTSD, we used the Self-Stigma in Alcohol Dependency Scale, the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), the PTSD Symptom Scale Interview (PSS-I), and to control for SUD severity and depression, the Addiction Severity Index Lite and the Beck Depression Inventory-II. Hierarchical regression analyses were conducted for each stage of self-stigma (aware-agree-apply-harm). Results: The interrelated successive stages of self-stigma were largely confirmed. In the regression models, no significant effects of the PSS-I- and the CTQ-scores were observed at any stage of self-stigma. Agreeing with negative stereotypes was solely predicted by younger age, applying these stereotypes to oneself was higher in women with younger age, higher depression and SUD severity, and suffering from the application (harm) was only predicted by depression. Conclusions: The progressive model of self-stigma could be confirmed in women with SUD and PTSD, but PTSD severity and childhood trauma did not directly affect this process. Self-stigma appears to be related to depression in a stronger way than PTSD is related to women with SUD and PTSD.
Background: Self-stigma is a result of internalizing negative stereotypes by the affected person. Research on self-stigma in substance use disorders (SUD) is still scarce, especially regarding the role of childhood trauma and subsequent posttraumatic disorders. Objectives: The present study investigated the progressive model of self-stigma in women with SUD and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the predictive value of PTSD severity and childhood trauma experiences on self-stigma. Method: In a cross-sectional study with 343 women with SUD and PTSD, we used the Self-Stigma in Alcohol Dependency Scale, the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), the PTSD Symptom Scale Interview (PSS-I), and to control for SUD severity and depression, the Addiction Severity Index Lite and the Beck Depression Inventory-II. Hierarchical regression analyses were conducted for each stage of self-stigma (aware-agree-apply-harm). Results: The interrelated successive stages of self-stigma were largely confirmed. In the regression models, no significant effects of the PSS-I- and the CTQ-scores were observed at any stage of self-stigma. Agreeing with negative stereotypes was solely predicted by younger age, applying these stereotypes to oneself was higher in women with younger age, higher depression and SUD severity, and suffering from the application (harm) was only predicted by depression. Conclusions: The progressive model of self-stigma could be confirmed in women with SUD and PTSD, but PTSD severity and childhood trauma did not directly affect this process. Self-stigma appears to be related to depression in a stronger way than PTSD is related to women with SUD and PTSD.