@article{RighessoTerekhovGoetzetal.2021, author = {Righesso, L. A. R. and Terekhov, M. and G{\"o}tz, H. and Ackermann, M. and Emrich, T. and Schreiber, L. M. and M{\"u}ller, W. E. G. and Jung, J. and Rojas, J. P. and Al-Nawas, B.}, title = {Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging for monitoring neovascularization during bone regeneration — a randomized in vivo study in rabbits}, series = {Clinical Oral Investigations}, volume = {25}, journal = {Clinical Oral Investigations}, number = {10}, issn = {1432-6981}, doi = {10.1007/s00784-021-03889-6}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-307614}, pages = {5843-5854}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Objectives Micro-computed tomography (μ-CT) and histology, the current gold standard methods for assessing the formation of new bone and blood vessels, are invasive and/or destructive. With that in mind, a more conservative tool, dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI), was tested for its accuracy and reproducibility in monitoring neovascularization during bone regeneration. Additionally, the suitability of blood perfusion as a surrogate of the efficacy of osteoplastic materials was evaluated. Materials and methods Sixteen rabbits were used and equally divided into four groups, according to the time of euthanasia (2, 3, 4, and 6 weeks after surgery). The animals were submitted to two 8-mm craniotomies that were filled with blood or autogenous bone. Neovascularization was assessed in vivo through DCE-MRI, and bone regeneration, ex vivo, through μ-CT and histology. Results The defects could be consistently identified, and their blood perfusion measured through DCE-MRI, there being statistically significant differences within the blood clot group between 3 and 6 weeks (p = 0.029), and between the former and autogenous bone at six weeks (p = 0.017). Nonetheless, no significant correlations between DCE-MRI findings on neovascularization and μ-CT (r =-0.101, 95\% CI [-0.445; 0.268]) or histology (r = 0.305, 95\% CI [-0.133; 0.644]) findings on bone regeneration were observed. Conclusions These results support the hypothesis that DCE-MRI can be used to monitor neovascularization but contradict the premise that it could predict bone regeneration as well.}, language = {en} } @article{LenzPahlHaucketal.2021, author = {Lenz, Dominic and Pahl, Jens and Hauck, Fabian and Alameer, Seham and Balasubramanian, Meena and Baric, Ivo and Boy, Nikolas and Church, Joseph A. and Crushell, Ellen and Dick, Anke and Distelmaier, Felix and Gujar, Jidnyasa and Indolfi, Giuseppe and Lurz, Eberhard and Peters, Bianca and Schwerd, Tobias and Serranti, Daniele and K{\"o}lker, Stefan and Klein, Christoph and Hoffmann, Georg F. and Prokisch, Holger and Greil, Johann and Cerwenka, Adelheid and Giese, Thomas and Staufner, Christian}, title = {NBAS Variants Are Associated with Quantitative and Qualitative NK and B Cell Deficiency}, series = {Journal of Clinical Immunology}, volume = {41}, journal = {Journal of Clinical Immunology}, number = {8}, issn = {0271-9142}, doi = {10.1007/s10875-021-01110-7}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-308362}, pages = {1781-1793}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Purpose Biallelic pathogenic NBAS variants manifest as a multisystem disorder with heterogeneous clinical phenotypes such as recurrent acute liver failure, growth retardation, and susceptibility to infections. This study explores how NBAS-associated disease affects cells of the innate and adaptive immune system. Methods Clinical and laboratory parameters were combined with functional multi-parametric immunophenotyping methods in fifteen NBAS-deficient patients to discover possible alterations in their immune system. Results Our study revealed reduced absolute numbers of mature CD56dim natural killer (NK) cells. Notably, the residual NK cell population in NBAS-deficient patients exerted a lower potential for activation and degranulation in response to K562 target cells, suggesting an NK cell-intrinsic role for NBAS in the release of cytotoxic granules. NBAS-deficient NK cell activation and degranulation was normalized upon pre-activation by IL-2 in vitro, suggesting that functional impairment was reversible. In addition, we observed a reduced number of na{\"i}ve B cells in the peripheral blood associated with hypogammaglobulinemia. Conclusion In summary, we demonstrate that pathogenic biallelic variants in NBAS are associated with dysfunctional NK cells as well as impaired adaptive humoral immunity.}, language = {en} } @article{HollaenderSchwenderBoehmeetal.2021, author = {Holl{\"a}nder, Olivia and Schwender, Kristina and B{\"o}hme, Petra and Fleckhaus, Jan and Haas, Cordula and Han, Yang and Heidorn, Frank and Klein-Unseld, Rachel and Lichtenwald, Julia and Naue, Jana and Neubauer, Jacqueline and Poetsch, Micaela and Schneider, Peter M. and Wagner, Wolfgang and Vennemann, Marielle}, title = {Forensische DNA-Methylierungsanalyse}, series = {Rechtsmedizin}, volume = {31}, journal = {Rechtsmedizin}, number = {3}, organization = {Arbeitsgemeinschaft Molekulare Alterssch{\"a}tzung der Deutschen Gesellschaft f{\"u}r Rechtsmedizin (DGRM)}, issn = {0937-9819}, doi = {10.1007/s00194-021-00492-7}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-307131}, pages = {192-201}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Die quantitative Analyse der relativen DNA-Methylierung gilt als eine der vielversprechendsten Methoden der molekularen Alterssch{\"a}tzung. Viele Studien der letzten Jahre identifizierten geeignete Positionen im Genom, deren DNA-Methylierung sich altersabh{\"a}ngig ver{\"a}ndert. F{\"u}r den Einsatz dieser Methode in der Routine- bzw. Fallarbeit ist es von großer Bedeutung, angewandte Analysetechniken zu validieren. Als ein Teilaspekt dieser Validierung sollte die Vergleichbarkeit der Analyseergebnisse zur DNA-Methylierung mithilfe der Mini- und Pyrosequenzierung zwischen verschiedenen Laboren evaluiert werden. Die Arbeitsgruppe „Molekulare Alterssch{\"a}tzung" der Deutschen Gesellschaft f{\"u}r Rechtsmedizin (DGRM) f{\"u}hrte hierzu den ersten, technischen Ringversuch durch, der 4 Positionen in den Genen PDE4C, EDARADD, SST und KLF14 umfasste. Diese Marker waren in vorangegangenen Studien als altersabh{\"a}ngige Biomarker charakterisiert worden. Am Ringversuch nahmen 12 Labore teil, wobei jedes die Wahl zwischen der Minisequenzierung und/oder der Pyrosequenzierung f{\"u}r die quantitative Methylierungsanalyse hatte. Jedem teilnehmenden Labor wurden Blut- und Speichelproben von 3 Personen unterschiedlichen Alters {\"u}bersandt. Die Wahl der Reagenzien f{\"u}r die Probenbearbeitung wurde den Teilnehmern freigestellt. Die Ergebnisse der Minisequenzierung zeigten systematische Abweichungen zwischen den Laboren, die am ehesten auf die Verwendung unterschiedlicher Reagenzien und Analyseplattformen zur{\"u}ckzuf{\"u}hren sein k{\"o}nnen. Die Resultate der Pyrosequenzierung hingegen wiesen nicht auf systematische Abweichungen zwischen den Laboren hin, hier zeigte sich jedoch die Tendenz einer markerabh{\"a}ngigen Abweichung. Dar{\"u}ber hinaus konnten Unterschiede hinsichtlich technischer Probleme zwischen Laboren mit mehr Erfahrung in der jeweiligen Sequenzierungsmethode und Laboren mit weniger Erfahrung festgestellt werden. Sowohl die Beobachtung von systematischen als auch die von markerabh{\"a}ngigen Abweichungen l{\"a}sst den Schluss zu, dass eine {\"U}bertragung von Analysemethoden zwischen Laboren grunds{\"a}tzlich m{\"o}glich ist, eine Anpassung des jeweiligen Modells zur Alterssch{\"a}tzung jedoch notwendig sein kann.}, language = {de} } @article{AdolphFleischhackGaabetal.2021, author = {Adolph, Jonas E. and Fleischhack, Gudrun and Gaab, Christine and Mikasch, Ruth and Mynarek, Martin and Rutkowski, Stefan and Sch{\"u}ller, Ulrich and Pfister, Stefan M. and Pajtler, Kristian W. and Milde, Till and Witt, Olaf and Bison, Brigitte and Warmuth-Metz, Monika and Kortmann, Rolf-Dieter and Dietzsch, Stefan and Pietsch, Torsten and Timmermann, Beate and Tippelt, Stephan}, title = {Systemic chemotherapy of pediatric recurrent ependymomas: results from the German HIT-REZ studies}, series = {Journal of Neuro-Oncology}, volume = {155}, journal = {Journal of Neuro-Oncology}, number = {2}, organization = {German GPOH HIT-Network}, issn = {0167-594X}, doi = {10.1007/s11060-021-03867-8}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-308302}, pages = {193-202}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Purpose Survival in recurrent ependymoma (EPN) depends mainly on the extent of resection achieved. When complete resection is not feasible, chemotherapy is often used to extend progression-free and overall survival. However, no consistent effect of chemotherapy on survival has been found in patients with recurrent EPN. Methods Systemic chemotherapeutic treatment of 138 patients enrolled in the German HIT-REZ-studies was analyzed. Survival depending on the use of chemotherapy, disease-stabilization rates (RR), duration of response (DOR) and time to progression (TTP) were estimated. Results Median age at first recurrence was 7.6 years (IQR: 4.0-13.6). At first recurrence, median PFS and OS were 15.3 (CI 13.3-20.0) and 36.9 months (CI 29.7-53.4), respectively. The Hazard Ratio for the use of chemotherapy in local recurrences in a time-dependent Cox-regression analysis was 0.99 (CI 0.74-1.33). Evaluable responses for 140 applied chemotherapies were analyzed, of which sirolimus showed the best RR (50\%) and longest median TTP [11.51 (CI 3.98; 14.0) months] in nine patients, with the strongest impact found when sirolimus was used as a monotherapy. Seven patients with progression-free survival > 12 months after subtotal/no-resection facilitated by chemotherapy were found. No definitive survival advantage for any drug in a specific molecularly defined EPN type was found. Conclusion No survival advantage for the general use of chemotherapy in recurrent EPN was found. In cases with incomplete resection, chemotherapy was able to extend survival in individual cases. Sirolimus showed the best RR, DOR and TTP out of all drugs analyzed and may warrant further investigation.}, language = {en} } @article{LoosKraussLyonsetal.2021, author = {Loos, Jacqueline and Krauss, Jochen and Lyons, Ashley and F{\"o}st, Stephanie and Ohlendorf, Constanze and Racky, Severin and R{\"o}der, Marina and Hudel, Lennart and Herfert, Volker and Tscharntke, Teja}, title = {Local and landscape responses of biodiversity in calcareous grasslands}, series = {Biodiversity and Conservation}, volume = {30}, journal = {Biodiversity and Conservation}, number = {8-9}, issn = {0960-3115}, doi = {10.1007/s10531-021-02201-y}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-308595}, pages = {2415-2432}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Across Europe, calcareous grasslands become increasingly fragmented and their quality deteriorates through abandonment and land use intensification, both affecting biodiversity. Here, we investigated local and landscape effects on diversity patterns of several taxonomic groups in a landscape of highly fragmented calcareous grassland remnants. We surveyed 31 grassland fragments near G{\"o}ttingen, Germany, in spring and summer 2017 for vascular plants, butterflies and birds, with sampling effort adapted to fragment area. Through regression modelling, we tested relationships between species richness and fragment size (from 314 to 51,395 m\(^2\)), successional stage, habitat connectivity and the per cent cover of arable land in the landscape at several radii. We detected 283 plant species, 53 butterfly species and 70 bird species. Of these, 59 plant species, 19 butterfly species and 9 bird species were grassland specialists. Larger fragments supported twice the species richness of plants than small ones, and hosted more species of butterflies, but not of birds. Larger grassland fragments contained more grassland specialist plants, but not butterfly or bird specialists. Increasing amounts of arable land in the landscape from 20 to 90\% was related to the loss of a third of species of plants, and less so, of butterflies, but not of birds. Per cent cover of arable land negatively correlated to richness of grassland specialist plants and butterflies, but positively to grassland specialist birds. We found no effect by successional stages and habitat connectivity. Our multi-taxa approach highlights the need for conservation management at the local scale, complemented by measures at the landscape scale.}, language = {en} } @article{KanzowLechner2021, author = {Kanzow, Christian and Lechner, Theresa}, title = {Globalized inexact proximal Newton-type methods for nonconvex composite functions}, series = {Computational Optimization and Applications}, volume = {78}, journal = {Computational Optimization and Applications}, number = {2}, doi = {10.1007/s10589-020-00243-6}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-283715}, pages = {377-410}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Optimization problems with composite functions consist of an objective function which is the sum of a smooth and a (convex) nonsmooth term. This particular structure is exploited by the class of proximal gradient methods and some of their generalizations like proximal Newton and quasi-Newton methods. The current literature on these classes of methods almost exclusively considers the case where also the smooth term is convex. Here we present a globalized proximal Newton-type method which allows the smooth term to be nonconvex. The method is shown to have nice global and local convergence properties, and some numerical results indicate that this method is very promising also from a practical point of view.}, language = {en} } @article{GlinzŠleichrtKytyřetal.2021, author = {Glinz, Jonathan and Šleichrt, Jan and Kyt{\´y}ř, Daniel and Ayalur-Karunakaran, Santhosh and Zabler, Simon and Kastner, Johann and Senck, Sascha}, title = {Phase-contrast and dark-field imaging for the inspection of resin-rich areas and fiber orientation in non-crimp vacuum infusion carbon-fiber-reinforced polymers}, series = {Journal of Materials Science}, volume = {56}, journal = {Journal of Materials Science}, number = {16}, doi = {10.1007/s10853-021-05907-0}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-351581}, pages = {9712-9727}, year = {2021}, abstract = {In this work, we present a multimodal approach to three-dimensionally quantify and visualize fiber orientation and resin-rich areas in carbon-fiber-reinforced polymers manufactured by vacuum infusion. Three complementary image modalities were acquired by Talbot-Lau grating interferometer (TLGI) X-ray microcomputed tomography (XCT). Compared to absorption contrast (AC), TLGI-XCT provides enhanced contrast between polymer matrix and carbon fibers at lower spatial resolutions in the form of differential phase contrast (DPC) and dark-field contrast (DFC). Consequently, relatively thin layers of resin, effectively indiscernible from image noise in AC data, are distinguishable. In addition to the assessment of fiber orientation, the combination of DPC and DFC facilitates the quantification of resin-rich areas, e.g., in gaps between fiber layers or at binder yarn collimation sites. We found that resin-rich areas between fiber layers are predominantly developed in regions characterized by a pronounced curvature. In contrast, in-layer resin-rich areas are mainly caused by the collimation of fibers by binder yarn. Furthermore, void volume around two adjacent 90°-oriented fiber layers is increased by roughly 20\% compared to a random distribution over the whole specimen.}, language = {en} } @article{DenkSchmidtSchurretal.2021, author = {Denk, S. and Schmidt, S. and Schurr, Y. and Schwarz, G. and Schote, F. and Diefenbacher, M. and Armendariz, C. and Dejure, F. and Eilers, M. and Wiegering, Armin}, title = {CIP2A regulates MYC translation (via its 5′UTR) in colorectal cancer}, series = {International Journal of Colorectal Disease}, volume = {36}, journal = {International Journal of Colorectal Disease}, number = {5}, doi = {10.1007/s00384-020-03772-y}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-280092}, pages = {911-918}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Background Deregulated expression of MYC is a driver of colorectal carcinogenesis, suggesting that decreasing MYC expression may have significant therapeutic value. CIP2A is an oncogenic factor that regulates MYC expression. CIP2A is overexpressed in colorectal cancer (CRC), and its expression levels are an independent marker for long-term outcome of CRC. Previous studies suggested that CIP2A controls MYC protein expression on a post-transcriptional level. Methods To determine the mechanism by which CIP2A regulates MYC in CRC, we dissected MYC translation and stability dependent on CIP2A in CRC cell lines. Results Knockdown of CIP2A reduced MYC protein levels without influencing MYC stability in CRC cell lines. Interfering with proteasomal degradation of MYC by usage of FBXW7-deficient cells or treatment with the proteasome inhibitor MG132 did not rescue the effect of CIP2A depletion on MYC protein levels. Whereas CIP2A knockdown had marginal influence on global protein synthesis, we could demonstrate that, by using different reporter constructs and cells expressing MYC mRNA with or without flanking UTR, CIP2A regulates MYC translation. This interaction is mainly conducted by the MYC 5′UTR. Conclusions Thus, instead of targeting MYC protein stability as reported for other tissue types before, CIP2A specifically regulates MYC mRNA translation in CRC but has only slight effects on global mRNA translation. In conclusion, we propose as novel mechanism that CIP2A regulates MYC on a translational level rather than affecting MYC protein stability in CRC.}, language = {en} } @article{ReddersenGuellmarTonndorfMartinietal.2021, author = {Reddersen, Kirsten and G{\"u}llmar, Andr{\´e} and Tonndorf-Martini, Silke and Sigusch, Bernd W. and Ewald, Andrea and Dauben, Thomas J. and Martin, Karin and Wiegand, Cornelia}, title = {Critical parameters in cultivation of experimental biofilms using the example of Pseudomonas fluorescens}, series = {Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Medicine}, volume = {32}, journal = {Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Medicine}, number = {9}, issn = {0957-4530}, doi = {10.1007/s10856-021-06568-w}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-309911}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Formation and treatment of biofilms present a great challenge for health care and industry. About 80\% of human infections are associated with biofilms including biomaterial centered infections, like infections of prosthetic heart valves, central venous catheters, or urinary catheters. Additionally, biofilms can cause food and drinking water contamination. Biofilm research focusses on application of experimental biofilm models to study initial adherence processes, to optimize physico-chemical properties of medical materials for reducing interactions between materials and bacteria, and to investigate biofilm treatment under controlled conditions. Exploring new antimicrobial strategies plays a key role in a variety of scientific disciplines, like medical material research, anti-infectious research, plant engineering, or wastewater treatment. Although a variety of biofilm models exist, there is a lack of standardization for experimental protocols, and designing experimental setups remains a challenge. In this study, a number of experimental parameters critical for material research have been tested that influence formation and stability of an experimental biofilm using the non-pathogenic model strain of Pseudomonas fluorescens. These parameters include experimental time frame, nutrient supply, inoculum concentration, static and dynamic cultivation conditions, material properties, and sample treatment during staining for visualization of the biofilm. It was shown, that all tested parameters critically influence the experimental biofilm formation process. The results obtained in this study shall support material researchers in designing experimental biofilm setups.}, language = {en} } @article{NowotnyAhmedBensingetal.2021, author = {Nowotny, Hanna and Ahmed, S. Faisal and Bensing, Sophie and Beun, Johan G. and Br{\"o}samle, Manuela and Chifu, Irina and Claahsen van der Grinten, Hedi and Clemente, Maria and Falhammar, Henrik and Hahner, Stefanie and Husebye, Eystein and Kristensen, Jette and Loli, Paola and Lajic, Svetlana and Reisch, Nicole}, title = {Therapy options for adrenal insufficiency and recommendations for the management of adrenal crisis}, series = {Endocrine}, volume = {71}, journal = {Endocrine}, number = {3}, organization = {Endo ERN (MTG1)}, issn = {1355-008X}, doi = {10.1007/s12020-021-02649-6}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-308769}, pages = {586-594}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Adrenal insufficiency (AI) is a life-threatening condition requiring life-long glucocorticoid (GC) substitution therapy, as well as stress adaptation to prevent adrenal crises. The number of individuals with primary and secondary adrenal insufficiency in Europe is estimated to be 20-50/100.000. A growing number of AI cases are due to side effects of GC treatment used in different treatment strategies for cancer and to immunotherapy in cancer treatment. The benefit of hormone replacement therapy is evident but long-term adverse effects may arise due to the non-physiological GC doses and treatment regimens used. Given multiple GC replacement formulations available comprising short-acting, intermediate, long-acting and novel modified-release hydrocortisone as well as subcutaneous formulations, this review offers a concise summary on the latest therapeutic improvements for treatment of AI and prevention of adrenal crises. As availability of various glucocorticoid formulations and access to expert centers across Europe varies widely, European Reference Networks on rare endocrine conditions aim at harmonizing treatment and ensure access to specialized patient care for individual case-by-case treatment decisions. To improve the availability across Europe to cost effective oral and parenteral formulations of hydrocortisone will save lives.}, language = {en} } @article{FleuchausBlumWildeetal.2021, author = {Fleuchaus, Paul and Blum, Philipp and Wilde, Martina and Terhorst, Birgit and Butscher, Christoph}, title = {Retrospective evaluation of landslide susceptibility maps and review of validation practice}, series = {Environmental Earth Sciences}, volume = {80}, journal = {Environmental Earth Sciences}, issn = {1866-6280}, doi = {10.1007/s12665-021-09770-9}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-308911}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Despite the widespread application of landslide susceptibility analyses, there is hardly any information about whether or not the occurrence of recent landslide events was correctly predicted by the relevant susceptibility maps. Hence, the objective of this study is to evaluate four landslide susceptibility maps retrospectively in a landslide-prone area of the Swabian Alb (Germany). The predictive performance of each susceptibility map is evaluated based on a landslide event triggered by heavy rainfalls in the year 2013. The retrospective evaluation revealed significant variations in the predictive accuracy of the analyzed studies. Both completely erroneous as well as very precise predictions were observed. These differences are less attributed to the applied statistical method and more to the quality and comprehensiveness of the used input data. Furthermore, a literature review of 50 peer-reviewed articles showed that most landslide susceptibility analyses achieve very high validation scores. 73\% of the analyzed studies achieved an area under curve (AUC) value of at least 80\%. These high validation scores, however, do not reflect the high uncertainty in statistical susceptibility analysis. Thus, the quality assessment of landslide susceptibility maps should not only comprise an index-based, quantitative validation, but also an additional qualitative plausibility check considering local geomorphological characteristics and local landslide mechanisms. Finally, the proposed retrospective evaluation approach cannot only help to assess the quality of susceptibility maps and demonstrate the reliability of such statistical methods, but also identify issues that will enable the susceptibility maps to be improved in the future.}, language = {en} } @article{LiPamporakiFliedneretal.2021, author = {Li, Minghao and Pamporaki, Christina and Fliedner, Stephanie M. J. and Timmers, Henri J. L. M. and N{\"o}lting, Svenja and Beuschlein, Felix and Prejbisz, Aleksander and Remde, Hanna and Robledo, Mercedes and Bornstein, Stefan R. and Lenders, Jacques W. M. and Eisenhofer, Graeme and Bechmann, Nicole}, title = {Metastatic pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma: signs and symptoms related to catecholamine secretion}, series = {Discover Oncology}, volume = {12}, journal = {Discover Oncology}, issn = {2730-6011}, doi = {10.1007/s12672-021-00404-x}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-309901}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Background The presence or future development of metastatic pheochromocytomas or paragangliomas (mPPGLs) can be difficult to diagnose or predict at initial presentation. Since production of catecholamines from mPPGLs is different from non-metastatic tumors (non-mPPGLs), this study aimed to clarify whether presenting catecholamine-related signs and symptoms (cSS) might also differ. Methods The study included 249 patients, 43 with mPPGL and 206 with non-mPPGL. Clinical data at the time of biochemical diagnosis (i.e. at entry into the study) were used to generate a cumulative score of cSS for each patient. Results Patients with mPPGL were significantly younger (43.3 ± 14 vs. 48.9 ± 16.1 years) and included a lower proportion of females (39.5\% vs. 60.7\%) than patients with non-mPPGLs. Frequencies of signs and symptoms did not differ between the two groups. Patients with mPPGLs had lower (P < 0.001) urinary excretion of epinephrine (3.5 (IQR, 1.9—6.5) µg/day) than those with non-mPPGLs (19.1 (IQR, 4.3—70.2) µg/day). There was no difference in urinary excretion of norepinephrine. In patients with mPPGLs a high cSS score was associated with high urinary excretion of norepinephrine and normetanephrine. In contrast, in patients with non-mPPGLs, a high cSS was associated with high urinary excretion of epinephrine and metanephrine. Conclusion Although presenting signs and symptoms were associated with production of norepinephrine in patients with mPPGLs and of epinephrine in patients with non-mPPGLs, there were no differences in signs and symptoms between the two groups. Therefore, consideration of signs and symptoms does not appear helpful for distinguishing patients with and without mPPGLs.}, language = {en} } @article{LeimeisterStieglitzMatzneretal.2021, author = {Leimeister, Jan Marco and Stieglitz, Stefan and Matzner, Martin and Kundisch, Dennis and Flath, Christoph and R{\"o}glinger, Maximilian}, title = {Quo Vadis Conferences in the Business and Information Systems Engineering (BISE) Community After Covid}, series = {Business \& Information Systems Engineering}, volume = {63}, journal = {Business \& Information Systems Engineering}, number = {6}, issn = {2363-7005}, doi = {10.1007/s12599-021-00707-x}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-308902}, pages = {741-749}, year = {2021}, language = {en} } @article{MinnerSchreinerSaeger2021, author = {Minner, S. and Schreiner, J. and Saeger, W.}, title = {Adrenal cancer: relevance of different grading systems and subtypes}, series = {Clinical and Translational Oncology}, volume = {23}, journal = {Clinical and Translational Oncology}, number = {7}, issn = {1699-048X}, doi = {10.1007/s12094-020-02524-2}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-308479}, pages = {1350-1357}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Purpose The subclassification of adrenal cancers according to the WHO classification in ordinary, myxoid, oncocytic, and sarcomatoid as well as pediatric types is well established, but the criteria for each subtype are not sufficiently determined and the relative frequency of the different types of adrenal cancers has not been studied in large cohorts. Therefore, our large collection of surgically removed adrenal cancers should be reviewed o establish the criteria for the subtypes and to find out the frequency of the various types. Methods In our series of 521 adrenal cancers the scoring systems of Weiss et al., Hough et al., van Slooten et al. and the new Helsinki score system were used for the ordinary type of cancer (97\% of our series) and the myxoid type (0.8\%). For oncocytic carcinomas (2\%), the scoring system of Bisceglia et al. was applied. Results Discrepancies between benign and malignant diagnoses from the first thee classical scoring systems are not rare (22\% in our series) and could be resolved by the Helsinki score especially by Ki-67 index (more than 8\% unequivocally malignant). Since all our cancer cases are positive in the Helsinki score, this system can replace the three elder systems. For identification of sarcomatoid cancer as rarest type in our series (0.2\%), the scoring systems are not practical but additional immunostainings used for soft tissue tumors and in special cases molecular pathology are necessary to differentiate these cancers from adrenal sarcomas. According to the relative frequencies of the different subtypes of adrenal cancers the main type is the far most frequent (97\%) followed by the oncocytic type (2\%), the myxoid type (0.8\%) and the very rare sarcomatoid type (0.2\%). Conclusions The Helsinki score is the best for differentiating adrenal carcinomas of the main, the oncocytic, and the myxoid type in routine work. Additional scoring systems for these carcinomas are generally not any longer necessary. Signs of proliferation (mitoses and Ki-67 index) and necroses are the most important criteria for diagnosis of malignancy.}, language = {en} } @article{DanyszDekundyScheschonkaetal.2021, author = {Danysz, Wojciech and Dekundy, Andrzej and Scheschonka, Astrid and Riederer, Peter}, title = {Amantadine: reappraisal of the timeless diamond—target updates and novel therapeutic potentials}, series = {Journal of Neural Transmission}, volume = {128}, journal = {Journal of Neural Transmission}, number = {2}, doi = {10.1007/s00702-021-02306-2}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-330133}, pages = {127-169}, year = {2021}, abstract = {The aim of the current review was to provide a new, in-depth insight into possible pharmacological targets of amantadine to pave the way to extending its therapeutic use to further indications beyond Parkinson's disease symptoms and viral infections. Considering amantadine's affinities in vitro and the expected concentration at targets at therapeutic doses in humans, the following primary targets seem to be most plausible: aromatic amino acids decarboxylase, glial-cell derived neurotrophic factor, sigma-1 receptors, phosphodiesterases, and nicotinic receptors. Further three targets could play a role to a lesser extent: NMDA receptors, 5-HT3 receptors, and potassium channels. Based on published clinical studies, traumatic brain injury, fatigue [e.g., in multiple sclerosis (MS)], and chorea in Huntington's disease should be regarded potential, encouraging indications. Preclinical investigations suggest amantadine's therapeutic potential in several further indications such as: depression, recovery after spinal cord injury, neuroprotection in MS, and cutaneous pain. Query in the database http://www.clinicaltrials.gov reveals research interest in several further indications: cancer, autism, cocaine abuse, MS, diabetes, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, obesity, and schizophrenia.}, language = {en} } @article{NauePfeiferAugustinetal.2021, author = {Naue, Jana and Pfeifer, Manuel and Augustin, Christa and Becker, Julia and Fleckhaus, Jan and Grabm{\"u}ller, Melanie and Han, Yang and Heidorn, Frank and Hollaender, Olivia and Klein-Unseld, Rachel and Kulstein, Galina and Lichtenwald, Julia and Neubauer, Jacqueline and Suarez, Philippe and Haas, Cordula and Schneider, Peter M. and Vennemann, Marielle and B{\"o}hme, Petra}, title = {Forensische DNA-Methylierungsanalyse}, series = {Rechtsmedizin}, volume = {31}, journal = {Rechtsmedizin}, number = {3}, organization = {Arbeitsgemeinschaft Molekulare Alterssch{\"a}tzung der Deutschen Gesellschaft f{\"u}r Rechtsmedizin (DGRM)}, issn = {0937-9819}, doi = {10.1007/s00194-021-00493-6}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-307129}, pages = {202-216}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Mit der Entdeckung altersabh{\"a}ngiger epigenetischer Ver{\"a}nderungen, der DNA-Methylierung (DNAm), hat sich eine neue M{\"o}glichkeit aufgezeigt, das Alter eines Individuums zu sch{\"a}tzen. Die Methode wurde intensiv erforscht und ihre Anwendung in der forensischen Fallarbeit durch die Aktualisierung des \S 81e der Strafprozessordnung (StPO) in Deutschland reguliert. Zur Untersuchung des DNAm-Grades m{\"u}ssen neue Techniken etabliert und validiert werden. Dies macht die Pr{\"u}fung der Vergleichbarkeit von Messergebnissen aus verschiedenen forensischen Laboren erforderlich. Hierzu f{\"u}hrte die Arbeitsgruppe „Molekulare Alterssch{\"a}tzung" der Deutschen Gesellschaft f{\"u}r Rechtsmedizin (DGRM) im Winter 2019/2020 den 2. Ringversuch (RV) zur quantitativen DNAm-Analyse mithilfe der Mini- und der Pyrosequenzierung durch. Dieser basierte auf den Erfahrungen des 1. RV 2018/2019, dessen Ergebnisse in dieser Ausgabe ebenfalls vorgestellt werden. Die aktuelle Studie umfasst Analyseergebnisse aus 12 Laboren (ingesamt 14 teilnehmende Labore), von denen einige beide Methoden angewandt haben. Zus{\"a}tzlich f{\"u}hrten 4 Labore eine Alterssch{\"a}tzung an den RV-Proben mit eigenen Markerkombinationen und Modellen durch. Da diese auf unterschiedlichen Referenzdaten und Markerkombinationen beruhen, erfolgte kein qualitativer Vergleich der Modelle, sondern das grunds{\"a}tzliche Potenzial der Methodik wurde verdeutlicht. Ziele des RV waren die Evaluierung der Vergleichbarkeit der DNAm-Messungen und die Bewertung m{\"o}glicher Einflussfaktoren, wie Extraktionsmethode und verwendetes Ger{\"a}t. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass sich die gemessenen DNAm-Werte der untersuchten Marker sowohl zwischen Mini- und Pyrosequenzierung als auch innerhalb der jeweiligen Methode zwischen den Laboren unterscheiden k{\"o}nnen, sodass mit Schwankungen gerechnet werden muss.}, language = {de} } @article{CampanaCiaramellaBorzi2021, author = {Campana, Francesca Cal{\`a} and Ciaramella, Gabriele and Borz{\`i}, Alfio}, title = {Nash Equilibria and Bargaining Solutions of Differential Bilinear Games}, series = {Dynamic Games and Applications}, volume = {11}, journal = {Dynamic Games and Applications}, number = {1}, doi = {10.1007/s13235-020-00351-2}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-283897}, pages = {1-28}, year = {2021}, abstract = {This paper is devoted to a theoretical and numerical investigation of Nash equilibria and Nash bargaining problems governed by bilinear (input-affine) differential models. These systems with a bilinear state-control structure arise in many applications in, e.g., biology, economics, physics, where competition between different species, agents, and forces needs to be modelled. For this purpose, the concept of Nash equilibria (NE) appears appropriate, and the building blocks of the resulting differential Nash games are different control functions associated with different players that pursue different non-cooperative objectives. In this framework, existence of Nash equilibria is proved and computed with a semi-smooth Newton scheme combined with a relaxation method. Further, a related Nash bargaining (NB) problem is discussed. This aims at determining an improvement of all players' objectives with respect to the Nash equilibria. Results of numerical experiments successfully demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed NE and NB computational framework.}, language = {en} } @article{PotreckMutkeWeylandetal.2021, author = {Potreck, Arne and Mutke, Matthias A. and Weyland, Charlotte S. and Pfaff, Johannes A. R. and Ringleb, Peter A. and Mundiyanapurath, Sibu and M{\"o}hlenbruch, Markus A. and Heiland, Sabine and Pham, Mirko and Bendszus, Martin and Hoffmann, Angelika}, title = {Combined Perfusion and Permeability Imaging Reveals Different Pathophysiologic Tissue Responses After Successful Thrombectomy}, series = {Translational Stroke Research}, volume = {12}, journal = {Translational Stroke Research}, number = {5}, issn = {1868-4483}, doi = {10.1007/s12975-020-00885-y}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-308946}, pages = {799-807}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Despite successful recanalization of large-vessel occlusions in acute ischemic stroke, individual patients profit to a varying degree. Dynamic susceptibility-weighted perfusion and dynamic T1-weighted contrast-enhanced blood-brain barrier permeability imaging may help to determine secondary stroke injury and predict clinical outcome. We prospectively performed perfusion and permeability imaging in 38 patients within 24 h after successful mechanical thrombectomy of an occlusion of the middle cerebral artery M1 segment. Perfusion alterations were evaluated on cerebral blood flow maps, blood-brain barrier disruption (BBBD) visually and quantitatively on ktrans maps and hemorrhagic transformation on susceptibility-weighted images. Visual BBBD within the DWI lesion corresponded to a median ktrans elevation (IQR) of 0.77 (0.41-1.4) min-1 and was found in all 7 cases of hypoperfusion (100\%), in 10 of 16 cases of hyperperfusion (63\%), and in only three of 13 cases with unaffected perfusion (23\%). BBBD was significantly associated with hemorrhagic transformation (p < 0.001). While BBBD alone was not a predictor of clinical outcome at 3 months (positive predictive value (PPV) = 0.8 [0.56-0.94]), hypoperfusion occurred more often in patients with unfavorable clinical outcome (PPV = 0.43 [0.10-0.82]) compared to hyperperfusion (PPV = 0.93 [0.68-1.0]) or unaffected perfusion (PPV = 1.0 [0.75-1.0]). We show that combined perfusion and permeability imaging reveals distinct infarct signatures after recanalization, indicating the severity of prior ischemic damage. It assists in predicting clinical outcome and may identify patients at risk of stroke progression.}, language = {en} } @article{LetunicKhedkarBork2021, author = {Letunic, Ivica and Khedkar, Supriya and Bork, Peer}, title = {SMART: recent updates, new developments and status in 2020}, series = {Nucleic Acids Research}, volume = {49}, journal = {Nucleic Acids Research}, number = {D1}, doi = {10.1093/nar/gkaa937}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-363816}, pages = {D458-D460}, year = {2021}, abstract = {SMART (Simple Modular Architecture Research Tool) is a web resource (https://smart.embl.de) for the identification and annotation of protein domains and the analysis of protein domain architectures. SMART version 9 contains manually curatedmodels formore than 1300 protein domains, with a topical set of 68 new models added since our last update article (1). All the new models are for diverse recombinase families and subfamilies and as a set they provide a comprehensive overview of mobile element recombinases namely transposase, integrase, relaxase, resolvase, cas1 casposase and Xer like cellular recombinase. Further updates include the synchronization of the underlying protein databases with UniProt (2), Ensembl (3) and STRING (4), greatly increasing the total number of annotated domains and other protein features available in architecture analysis mode. Furthermore, SMART's vector-based protein display engine has been extended and updated to use the latest web technologies and the domain architecture analysis components have been optimized to handle the increased number of protein features available.}, language = {en} }