@article{NadernezhadRymaGencetal.2021, author = {Nadernezhad, Ali and Ryma, Matthias and Gen{\c{c}}, Hatice and Cicha, Iwona and J{\"u}ngst, Thomasz and Groll, J{\"u}rgen}, title = {Melt electrowriting of isomalt for high-resolution templating of embedded microchannels}, series = {Advanced Material Technologies}, volume = {6}, journal = {Advanced Material Technologies}, number = {8}, doi = {10.1002/admt.202100221}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-256401}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Fabrication of microchannels using 3D printing of sugars as fugitive material is explored in different fields, including microfluidics. However, establishing reproducible methods for the controlled production of sugar structures with sub-100 μm dimensions remains a challenge. This study pioneers the processing of sugars by melt electrowriting (MEW) enabling the fabrication of structures with so far unprecedented resolution from Isomalt. Based on a systematic variation of process parameters, fibers with diameters down to 20 μm can be fabricated. The flexibility in the adjustment of fiber diameter by on-demand alteration of MEW parameters enables generating constructs with perfusable channels within polydimethylsiloxane molds. These channels have a diameter that can be adjusted from 30 to 200 μm in a single design. Taken together, the experiments show that MEW strongly benefits from the thermal and physical stability of Isomalt, providing a robust platform for the fabrication of small-diameter embedded microchannel systems.}, language = {en} } @article{KaiserAggensteinerHoltmannetal.2021, author = {Kaiser, Anna and Aggensteiner, Pascal-M. and Holtmann, Martin and Fallgatter, Andreas and Romanos, Marcel and Abenova, Karina and Alm, Barbara and Becker, Katja and D{\"o}pfner, Manfred and Ethofer, Thomas and Freitag, Christine M. and Geissler, Julia and Hebebrand, Johannes and Huss, Michael and Jans, Thomas and Jendreizik, Lea Teresa and Ketter, Johanna and Legenbauer, Tanja and Philipsen, Alexandra and Poustka, Luise and Renner, Tobias and Retz, Wolfgang and R{\"o}sler, Michael and Thome, Johannes and Uebel-von Sandersleben, Henrik and von Wirth, Elena and Zinnow, Toivo and Hohmann, Sarah and Millenet, Sabina and Holz, Nathalie E. and Banaschewski, Tobias and Brandeis, Daniel}, title = {EEG data quality: determinants and impact in a multicenter study of children, adolescents, and adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)}, series = {Brain Sciences}, volume = {11}, journal = {Brain Sciences}, number = {2}, issn = {2076-3425}, doi = {10.3390/brainsci11020214}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-228788}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Electroencephalography (EEG) represents a widely established method for assessing altered and typically developing brain function. However, systematic studies on EEG data quality, its correlates, and consequences are scarce. To address this research gap, the current study focused on the percentage of artifact-free segments after standard EEG pre-processing as a data quality index. We analyzed participant-related and methodological influences, and validity by replicating landmark EEG effects. Further, effects of data quality on spectral power analyses beyond participant-related characteristics were explored. EEG data from a multicenter ADHD-cohort (age range 6 to 45 years), and a non-ADHD school-age control group were analyzed (n\(_{total}\) = 305). Resting-state data during eyes open, and eyes closed conditions, and task-related data during a cued Continuous Performance Task (CPT) were collected. After pre-processing, general linear models, and stepwise regression models were fitted to the data. We found that EEG data quality was strongly related to demographic characteristics, but not to methodological factors. We were able to replicate maturational, task, and ADHD effects reported in the EEG literature, establishing a link with EEG-landmark effects. Furthermore, we showed that poor data quality significantly increases spectral power beyond effects of maturation and symptom severity. Taken together, the current results indicate that with a careful design and systematic quality control, informative large-scale multicenter trials characterizing neurophysiological mechanisms in neurodevelopmental disorders across the lifespan are feasible. Nevertheless, results are restricted to the limitations reported. Future work will clarify predictive value.}, language = {en} } @article{LoriniBescosAtinThavarajetal.2021, author = {Lorini, Luigi and Besc{\´o}s At{\´i}n, Coro and Thavaraj, Selvam and M{\"u}ller-Richter, Urs and Alberola Ferranti, Margarita and Pamias Romero, Jorge and S{\´a}ez Barba, Manel and de Pablo Garc{\´i}a-Cuenca, Alba and Bra{\~n}a Garc{\´i}a, Irene and Bossi, Paolo and Nuciforo, Paolo and Simonetti, Sara}, title = {Overview of oral potentially malignant disorders: from risk factors to specific therapies}, series = {Cancers}, volume = {13}, journal = {Cancers}, number = {15}, issn = {2072-6694}, doi = {10.3390/cancers13153696}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-242779}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a very aggressive cancer, representing one of the most common malignancies worldwide. Oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) regroup a variegate set of different histological lesions, characterized by the potential capacity to transform in OSCC. Most of the risk factors associated with OSCC are present also in OPMDs' development; however, the molecular mechanisms and steps of malignant transformation are still unknown. Treatment of OSCC, including surgery, systemic therapy and radiotherapy (alone or in combination), has suffered a dramatic change in last years, especially with the introduction of immunotherapy. However, most cases are diagnosed during the advanced stage of the disease, decreasing drastically the survival rate of the patients. Hence, early diagnosis of premalignant conditions (OPMDs) is a priority in oral cancer, as well as a massive education about risk factors, the understanding of mechanisms involved in malignant progression and the development of specific and more efficient therapies. The aim of this article is to review epidemiological, clinical, morphological and molecular features of OPMDs, with the purpose to lay the foundation for an exhaustive comprehension of these lesions and their ability of malignant transformation and for the development of more effective and personalized treatments.}, language = {en} } @article{MeirKannapinDiefenbacheretal.2021, author = {Meir, Michael and Kannapin, Felix and Diefenbacher, Markus and Ghoreishi, Yalda and Kollmann, Catherine and Flemming, Sven and Germer, Christoph-Thomas and Waschke, Jens and Leven, Patrick and Schneider, Reiner and Wehner, Sven and Burkard, Natalie and Schlegel, Nicolas}, title = {Intestinal epithelial barrier maturation by enteric glial cells is GDNF-dependent}, series = {International Journal of Molecular Sciences}, volume = {22}, journal = {International Journal of Molecular Sciences}, number = {4}, issn = {1422-0067}, doi = {10.3390/ijms22041887}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-258913}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Enteric glial cells (EGCs) of the enteric nervous system are critically involved in the maintenance of intestinal epithelial barrier function (IEB). The underlying mechanisms remain undefined. Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) contributes to IEB maturation and may therefore be the predominant mediator of this process by EGCs. Using GFAP\(^{cre}\) x Ai14\(^{floxed}\) mice to isolate EGCs by Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), we confirmed that they synthesize GDNF in vivo as well as in primary cultures demonstrating that EGCs are a rich source of GDNF in vivo and in vitro. Co-culture of EGCs with Caco2 cells resulted in IEB maturation which was abrogated when GDNF was either depleted from EGC supernatants, or knocked down in EGCs or when the GDNF receptor RET was blocked. Further, TNFα-induced loss of IEB function in Caco2 cells and in organoids was attenuated by EGC supernatants or by recombinant GDNF. These barrier-protective effects were blunted when using supernatants from GDNF-deficient EGCs or by RET receptor blockade. Together, our data show that EGCs produce GDNF to maintain IEB function in vitro through the RET receptor.}, language = {en} } @article{LueffeD'OrazioBaueretal.2021, author = {L{\"u}ffe, Teresa M. and D'Orazio, Andrea and Bauer, Moritz and Gioga, Zoi and Schoeffler, Victoria and Lesch, Klaus-Peter and Romanos, Marcel and Drepper, Carsten and Lillesaar, Christina}, title = {Increased locomotor activity via regulation of GABAergic signalling in foxp2 mutant zebrafish - implications for neurodevelopmental disorders}, series = {Translational Psychiatry}, volume = {11}, journal = {Translational Psychiatry}, doi = {10.1038/s41398-021-01651-w}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-264713}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Recent advances in the genetics of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) have identified the transcription factor FOXP2 as one of numerous risk genes, e.g. in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). FOXP2 function is suggested to be involved in GABAergic signalling and numerous studies demonstrate that GABAergic function is altered in NDDs, thus disrupting the excitation/inhibition balance. Interestingly, GABAergic signalling components, including glutamate-decarboxylase 1 (Gad1) and GABA receptors, are putative transcriptional targets of FOXP2. However, the specific role of FOXP2 in the pathomechanism of NDDs remains elusive. Here we test the hypothesis that Foxp2 affects behavioural dimensions via GABAergic signalling using zebrafish as model organism. We demonstrate that foxp2 is expressed by a subset of GABAergic neurons located in brain regions involved in motor functions, including the subpallium, posterior tuberculum, thalamus and medulla oblongata. Using CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing we generated a novel foxp2 zebrafish loss-of-function mutant that exhibits increased locomotor activity. Further, genetic and/or pharmacological disruption of Gad1 or GABA-A receptors causes increased locomotor activity, resembling the phenotype of foxp2 mutants. Application of muscimol, a GABA-A receptor agonist, rescues the hyperactive phenotype induced by the foxp2 loss-of-function. By reverse translation of the therapeutic effect on hyperactive behaviour exerted by methylphenidate, we note that application of methylphenidate evokes different responses in wildtype compared to foxp2 or gad1b loss-of-function animals. Together, our findings support the hypothesis that foxp2 regulates locomotor activity via GABAergic signalling. This provides one targetable mechanism, which may contribute to behavioural phenotypes commonly observed in NDDs.}, language = {en} } @article{MorbachBeyersdorfKerkauetal.2021, author = {Morbach, Caroline and Beyersdorf, Niklas and Kerkau, Thomas and Ramos, Gustavo and Sahiti, Floran and Albert, Judith and Jahns, Roland and Ertl, Georg and Angermann, Christiane E. and Frantz, Stefan and Hofmann, Ulrich and St{\"o}rk, Stefan}, title = {Adaptive anti-myocardial immune response following hospitalization for acute heart failure}, series = {ESC Heart Failure}, volume = {8}, journal = {ESC Heart Failure}, number = {4}, doi = {10.1002/ehf2.13376}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-258907}, pages = {3348-3353}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Aims It has been hypothesized that cardiac decompensation accompanying acute heart failure (AHF) episodes generates a pro-inflammatory environment boosting an adaptive immune response against myocardial antigens, thus contributing to progression of heart failure (HF) and poor prognosis. We assessed the prevalence of anti-myocardial autoantibodies (AMyA) as biomarkers reflecting adaptive immune responses in patients admitted to the hospital for AHF, followed the change in AMyA titres for 6 months after discharge, and evaluated their prognostic utility. Methods and results AMyA were determined in n = 47 patients, median age 71 (quartiles 60; 80) years, 23 (49\%) female, and 24 (51\%) with HF with preserved ejection fraction, from blood collected at baseline (time point of hospitalization) and at 6 month follow-up (visit F6). Patients were followed for 18 months (visit F18). The prevalence of AMyA increased from baseline (n = 21, 45\%) to F6 (n = 36, 77\%; P < 0.001). At F6, the prevalence of AMyA was higher in patients with HF with preserved ejection fraction (n = 21, 88\%) compared with patients with reduced ejection fraction (n = 14, 61\%; P = 0.036). During the subsequent 12 months after F6, that is up to F18, patients with newly developed AMyA at F6 had a higher risk for the combined endpoint of death or rehospitalization for HF (hazard ratio 4.79, 95\% confidence interval 1.13-20.21; P = 0.033) compared with patients with persistent or without AMyA at F6. Conclusions Our results support the hypothesis that AHF may induce patterns of adaptive immune responses. More studies in larger populations and well-defined patient subgroups are needed to further clarify the role of the adaptive immune system in HF progression.}, language = {en} } @article{LiuHanBlairetal.2021, author = {Liu, Fengming and Han, Kun and Blair, Robert and Kenst, Kornelia and Qin, Zhongnan and Upcin, Berin and W{\"o}rsd{\"o}rfer, Philipp and Midkiff, Cecily C. and Mudd, Joseph and Belyaeva, Elizaveta and Milligan, Nicholas S. and Rorison, Tyler D. and Wagner, Nicole and Bodem, Jochen and D{\"o}lken, Lars and Aktas, Bertal H. and Vander Heide, Richard S. and Yin, Xiao-Ming and Kolls, Jay K. and Roy, Chad J. and Rappaport, Jay and Erg{\"u}n, S{\"u}leyman and Qin, Xuebin}, title = {SARS-CoV-2 Infects Endothelial Cells In Vivo and In Vitro}, series = {Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology}, volume = {11}, journal = {Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology}, issn = {2235-2988}, doi = {10.3389/fcimb.2021.701278}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-241948}, year = {2021}, abstract = {SARS-CoV-2 infection can cause fatal inflammatory lung pathology, including thrombosis and increased pulmonary vascular permeability leading to edema and hemorrhage. In addition to the lung, cytokine storm-induced inflammatory cascade also affects other organs. SARS-CoV-2 infection-related vascular inflammation is characterized by endotheliopathy in the lung and other organs. Whether SARS-CoV-2 causes endotheliopathy by directly infecting endothelial cells is not known and is the focus of the present study. We observed 1) the co-localization of SARS-CoV-2 with the endothelial cell marker CD31 in the lungs of SARS-CoV-2-infected mice expressing hACE2 in the lung by intranasal delivery of adenovirus 5-hACE2 (Ad5-hACE2 mice) and non-human primates at both the protein and RNA levels, and 2) SARS-CoV-2 proteins in endothelial cells by immunogold labeling and electron microscopic analysis. We also detected the co-localization of SARS-CoV-2 with CD31 in autopsied lung tissue obtained from patients who died from severe COVID-19. Comparative analysis of RNA sequencing data of the lungs of infected Ad5-hACE2 and Ad5-empty (control) mice revealed upregulated KRAS signaling pathway, a well-known pathway for cellular activation and dysfunction. Further, we showed that SARS-CoV-2 directly infects mature mouse aortic endothelial cells (AoECs) that were activated by performing an aortic sprouting assay prior to exposure to SARS-CoV-2. This was demonstrated by co-localization of SARS-CoV-2 and CD34 by immunostaining and detection of viral particles in electron microscopic studies. Moreover, the activated AoECs became positive for ACE-2 but not quiescent AoECs. Together, our results indicate that in addition to pneumocytes, SARS-CoV-2 also directly infects mature vascular endothelial cells in vivo and ex vivo, which may contribute to cardiovascular complications in SARS-CoV-2 infection, including multipleorgan failure.}, language = {en} } @article{YurdadoganMalschKotsevaetal.2021, author = {Yurdadogan, Tino and Malsch, Carolin and Kotseva, Kornelia and Wood, David and Leyh, Rainer and Ertl, Georg and Karmann, Wolfgang and M{\"u}ller-Scholden, Lara and Morbach, Caroline and Breuning, Margret and Wagner, Martin and Gelbrich, G{\"o}tz and Bots, Michiel L. and Heuschmann, Peter U. and St{\"o}rk, Stefan}, title = {Functional versus morphological assessment of vascular age in patients with coronary heart disease}, series = {Scientific Reports}, volume = {11}, journal = {Scientific Reports}, number = {1}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-021-96998-x}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-265810}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Communicating cardiovascular risk based on individual vascular age (VA) is a well acknowledged concept in patient education and disease prevention. VA may be derived functionally, e.g. by measurement of pulse wave velocity (PWV), or morphologically, e.g. by assessment of carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT). The purpose of this study was to investigate whether both approaches produce similar results. Within the context of the German subset of the EUROASPIRE IV survey, 501 patients with coronary heart disease underwent (a) oscillometric PWV measurement at the aortic, carotid-femoral and brachial-ankle site (PWVao, PWVcf, PWVba) and derivation of the aortic augmentation index (AIao); (b) bilateral cIMT assessment by high-resolution ultrasound at three sites (common, bulb, internal). Respective VA was calculated using published equations. According to VA derived from PWV, most patients exhibited values below chronological age indicating a counterintuitive healthier-than-anticipated vascular status: for VA(PWVao) in 68\% of patients; for VA\(_{AIao}\) in 52\% of patients. By contrast, VA derived from cIMT delivered opposite results: e.g. according to VA\(_{total-cIMT}\) accelerated vascular aging in 75\% of patients. To strengthen the concept of VA, further efforts are needed to better standardise the current approaches to estimate VA and, thereby, to improve comparability and clinical utility.}, language = {en} } @article{MaasMischingerComperatetal.2021, author = {Maas, Moritz and Mischinger, Johannes and Comp{\´e}rat, Eva and Scharpf, Marcus and Fend, Falko and Todenh{\"o}fer, Timlan and Stenzl, Arnulf and Gakis, Georgios and Rausch, Steffen}, title = {Utility of pT3 substaging in lymph node-negative urothelial carcinoma of the bladder: do pathologic parameters add to prognostic sub-stratification?}, series = {World Journal of Urology}, volume = {39}, journal = {World Journal of Urology}, number = {11}, issn = {1433-8726}, doi = {10.1007/s00345-021-03697-3}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-266535}, pages = {4021-4027}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Purpose The value of bladder cancer (BC) substaging into macroscopic (pT3b) and microscopic (pT3a) perivesical fat extension in lymph node (Ln)-negative patients is controversially discussed and limited evidence for prognostic relevance of additional histopathological factors in pT3 BC exists. We evaluated the prognostic value of pT3 substaging and established pathological and clinical parameters with focus on tumor invasive front (TIF) and tumor size. Methods Specimens of 52 patients treated with radical cystectomy (RC) for pT3 a/b muscle-invasive BC were reviewed and re-evaluated by a pathologist specialized in uropathology. Clinical variables and standard histopathologic characteristics were assessed including TIF and tumor size. Their value as prognosticators for overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) was evaluated. Results Mean age of patients was 67.55 years. Tumors were staged pT3a in 28 patients (53.8\%) and pT3b in 24 (46.8\%). Median OS was 34.51 months. Median tumor size was 3.2 cm, median TIF was 11.0 mm. Differences in OS between pT3a and pT3b were not significant (p = 0.45). Carcinoma in situ (CIS) and lymphovascular invasion (LVI) were significantly associated with pT3b tumors. Univariate analysis could not identify pathological prognosticators like TIF or tumor size for OS and RFS (p for all > 0.05). Conclusion No significant differences in OS or RFS were observed comparing Ln-negative pT3 BC following radical cystectomy. Additional pathologic variables like TIF could not be identified as prognosticator. Relevance of pT3 BC substaging needs reevaluation in larger prospective cohorts.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Nguyen2021, author = {Nguyen, Ngoc Bich}, title = {Vitamin D bei Patienten mit idiopathischen Parkinson-Syndrom}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-22302}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-223026}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2021}, abstract = {In einer Vielzahl von epidemiologischen Studien zeigten Patienten, die an einem idiopathischen Parkinson-Syndrom (IPS) erkrankt waren, erniedrigte Vitamin D-Serumspiegel (25-(OH)-Vit D). Die Rolle von Vitamin D im Knochenstoffwechsel ist weitgehend bekannt, allerdings konnten Assoziationen zwischen Vitamin D und chronischen Erkrankungen, die das Nervensystem sowie das kardiovaskul{\"a}re und immunologische System betreffen, nachgewiesen werden. In Tiermodellen konnten anti-oxidative Effekte von Vitamin D im Nervensystem gezeigt werden. In den letzten Jahren h{\"a}uften sich allerdings Studien, die gegen einen direkten Zusammenhang zwischen IPS und Vitamin D sprechen. Demnach stellt sich die Frage, ob dem geh{\"a}uften Auftreten eines Vitamin D-Mangels bei IPS-Patienten eine krankheitsspezifische Ursache zugrunde liegt oder ob diese lediglich ein unspezifisches krankheitsbegleitendes Ph{\"a}nomen darstellt. In der vorliegenden Arbeit wurden in einer retrospektiven Analyse Parkinson-Patienten aus der neurogerontopsychiatrischen Tagesklinik sowie der neurogeriatrischen Fr{\"u}hrehastation der Neurologischen Klinik der Universit{\"a}tsklinik W{\"u}rzburg hinsichtlich ihres 25-(OH)-Vit D-Serumspiegel mit zwei Kontrollgruppen bestehend aus Patienten mit psychiatrischer bzw. anderweitig neurologischer Erkrankung, die keiner Parkinson-Erkrankung entsprach, verglichen. Im Anschluss wurde auf m{\"o}gliche Konfounder sowie der Zusammenhang zwischen IPS-Risiko bzw. Krankheitsschwere und 25-(OH)-Vit D-Serumspiegel untersucht. Der mittlere 25-(OH)-Vit D-Serumspiegel der Neurologie-Gruppe war im Vergleich zur Psychiatrie-Gruppe signifikant niedriger. Der Unterschied zwischen IPS-Gruppe und Psychiatrie- bzw. Neurologie-Gruppe war nicht signifikant. Bei Hinzunahme von weiteren rekrutierten Parametern (Body-Mass-Index, Frailty, Sturzanamnese, Gehhilfe, CHA2DS2-VASc-Score, C-reaktives Protein, H{\"a}moglobin) konnte kein signifikanter Unterschied zwischen der Neurologie- und Psychiatrie-Gruppe mehr gefunden werden. Das Risiko sowie die Krankheitsschwere einer Parkinson-Erkrankung, gemessen am Hoehn-Yahr-Stadium und den erreichten Werten im MDS UPDRS III, korrelierten mit dem Vitamin D-Serumspiegel. Allerdings war auch hier nach Hinzunahme von Kovariaten wie Alter, Geschlecht und Krankheitsdauer der Effekt nicht mehr signifikant. Die Ergebnisse unterst{\"u}tzen die Annahme, dass die vorgefundenen niedrigen 25-(OH)-Vit D-Serumspiegel bei Parkinson-Patienten ein krankheitsbegleitendes Ph{\"a}nomen ist, das wom{\"o}glich durch die eingeschr{\"a}nkten motorischen F{\"a}higkeiten mit resultierend niedriger Sonnenexposition bedingt ist und durch zunehmende Kranheitsdauer und damit Krankheitsschwere verst{\"a}rkt wird. Da es sich jedoch beim IPS um eine Krankheit handelt, die zum Einen mit motorischen Einschr{\"a}nkungen und resultierend erh{\"o}htem Sturzrisiko einhergeht und zum Anderen vorwiegend Menschen h{\"o}heren Alters betrifft, besteht ein erh{\"o}htes Osteoporose- und sturzbedingtes Frakturrisiko, sodass ein Monitoring des Vitamin D-Serumspiegels sowie eine gegebenenfalls notwendige Vitamin D-Supplementierung weiterhin eine Rolle in der Behandlung von Parkinson-Patienten spielen.}, subject = {Vitamin D-Mangel}, language = {de} } @phdthesis{Pieper2021, author = {Pieper, Sabrina H.}, title = {Temporal information transfer by electrical stimulation in auditory implants}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-22388}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-223887}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2021}, abstract = {In deafness, which is caused by the malfunctioning of the inner ear, an implantation of a cochlear implant (CI) is able to restore hearing. The CI is a neural prosthesis that is located within the cochlea. It replaces the function of the inner hair cells by direct electrical stimulation of the auditory nerve fibers. The CI enables many deaf or severe hearing-impaired people to achieve a good speech perception. Nevertheless, there is a lot of potential for further improvements. Compared to normal-hearing listeners rate pitch discrimination is much worse. Rate pitch discrimination is the ability to distinguish the pitch of two stimuli with two different pulse rates. This ability is important for enjoying music as well as speech perception (in noise). Further, the small dynamic range in electrical hearing (compared to normal-hearing listeners) and therefore the small intensity resolution limits the performance of CI users. Both, rate pitch coding and dynamic range were investigated in this doctoral thesis. For the first issue, a pitch discrimination task was designed to determine the just-noticeable-difference (JND) in pitch with 200 and 400 pps as reference. Additionally to the default biphasic pulse (single pulse) the experiment was performed with double pulses. The double pulse consists out of two biphasic pulses directly after each other and a small interpulse interval (IPI) in between. Three different IPIs (15, 50, and 150 µs) were tested. The statistical analysis of JNDs revealed no significant effects between stimulation with single-pulse or double-pulse trains. A follow-up study investigated an alternating pulse train consisting of single and double pulses. To investigate if the 400 pps alternating pulse train is comparable in pitch with the 400 pps single-pulse train, a pairwise pitch comparison test was conducted. The alternating pulse train was compared with single-pulse trains at 200, 300 and 400 pps. The results showed that the alternating pulse train is for most subjects similar in pitch with the 200 pps single-pulse train. Therefore, pitch perception seemed to be dominated by the double pulses within the pulse train. Accordingly, double pulses with different amplitudes were tested. Based on the facilitation effect, a larger neuronal response was expected by stimulating with two pulses with a short IPI within the temporal facilitation range. In other studies, this effect was shown to be maximal in CIs of the manufacturer Cochlear, with first pulse amplitudes set at or slightly below the electrically evoked compound action potential (ECAP) threshold. The second pulse amplitude did not influence the facilitation effect and therefore could be choose at will. Similarly, this effect was tested in this thesis with CIs of the manufacturer MED-EL. Nevertheless, to achieve a proper signal-to-noise ratio, technical issues had to be addressed like a high noise floor, resulting in incorrect determination of the ECAP threshold. After solving this issues, the maximum facilitation effect was around the ECAP threshold as in the previous study with Cochlear. For future studies this effect could be used in a modified double pulse rate pitch experiment with the first pulse amplitude at ECAP threshold and the second pulse amplitude variable to set the most comfortable loudness level (MCL). The last study within this thesis investigated the loudness perception at two different loudness levels and the resulting dynamic range for different interphase-gaps (IPG). A larger IPG can reduce the amplitude at same loudness level to save battery power. However, it was unknown if the IPG has an influence on the dynamic range. Different IPGs (10 and 30 µs) were compared with the default IPG (2.1 µs) in a loudness matching experiment. The experiment was performed at the most comfortable loudness level (MCL) of the subject and the amplitude of half the dynamic range (50\%-ADR). An upper dynamic range was calculated from the results of MCL and 50\%-ADR (therefore not the whole dynamic range was covered). As expected from previous studies a larger IPG resulted in smaller amplitudes. However, the observed effect was larger at MCL than at 50\%-ADR which resulted in a smaller upper dynamic range. This is the first time a decrease of this dynamic range was shown.}, subject = {Cochlear-Implantat}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Krakow2021, author = {Krakow, S{\"o}ren}, title = {CD14-Reexpression definiert einen immunregulatorischen Phänotyp Monozyten-gereifter Zellen nach IL-10/R848-Stimulation}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-22428}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-224280}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Dendritische Zellen k{\"o}nnen als antigenpr{\"a}sentierende Zellen sowohl immunogene als auch tolerogene Funktionen im Immunsystem wahrnehmen und werden in der Therapie von Tumorerkrankungen und Autoimmunerkrankungen eingesetzt. IL-10 gilt als Induktor tolerogener dendritischer Zellen. Diese werden in der Literatur oft als unreif bezeichnet und stehen im Gegensatz zu den reifen immunogenen dendritischen Zellen, die durch die Expression des Reifungsmarkers CD83 gekennzeichnet sind. Ausdifferenzierte dendritische Zellen exprimieren zudem das Antigen CD86, das der T-Zell-Aktivierung dient. In der vorliegenden Arbeit wurde der Einfluss von IL-10 auf den Reifungsprozess dendritischer Zellen in vitro untersucht. Zur Generierung unreifer dendritischer Zellen wurden humane Monozyten nach etabliertem Protokoll mit IL-4 und GM-CSF stimuliert. Nach anschließender IL-10-Stimulation, insbesondere in Kombination mit einem TLR-Agonisten, bildeten sich zwei exklusive Zellpopulationen: eine CD14+ Population und eine CD83+ Population. Unreife CD14-CD83- dendritische Zellen reexprimierten einerseits CD14 oder exprimierten andererseits CD83. Dabei zeigte sich, dass das kostimulierende Antigen CD86 gleichermaßen sowohl mit als auch ohne IL-10-Inkubation hoch exprimiert wurde und IL-10 folglich keinen zus{\"a}tzlichen Einfluss auf dessen Expression hat. Insgesamt waren Ver{\"a}nderungen bez{\"u}glich der Oberfl{\"a}chenantigene, die bei der Betrachtung der Gesamtheit aller Zellen auffallen, auf eine quantitative Verschiebung der beiden Zellpopulationen zur{\"u}ckzuf{\"u}hren. IL-10 beeinflusst also nicht direkt einzelne kostimulierende oder inhibitorische Molek{\"u}le, sondern beeinflusst den Anteil der CD14+ Zellen gegen{\"u}ber den CD83+ dendritischen Zellen. Funktionell betrachtet zeigten die CD14+ Zellen eine gesteigerte Makropinozytose im Gegensatz zu den reifen CD83+ dendritischen Zellen. Zusammenfassend f{\"u}hrt IL-10 zu einer Reexpression von CD14 auf unreifen dendritischen Zellen und aktiviert einen alternativen Differenzierungsweg. Die CD14+ Zellen weisen einen stabilen immunregulatorischen Ph{\"a}notyp auf und unterscheiden sich somit von reifen dendritischen Zellen, die nach Inkubation mit IL-10 nicht reguliert werden. Damit muss die Begrifflichkeit und Klassifikation tolerogener dendritischer Zellen weiter diskutiert werden.}, subject = {Dendritische Zelle}, language = {de} } @phdthesis{Kuhn2021, author = {Kuhn, Anja}, title = {Rekrutierung von Stromazellen aus gef{\"a}ßwandresidenten Vorl{\"a}uferzellen w{\"a}hrend der Tumorgenese}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-22431}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-224315}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Tumore bestehen nicht nur aus malignen Zellen, sondern ebenfalls aus einer Vielzahl an nicht tumorigenen Zellen, die den Tumor auf vielf{\"a}ltige Weise unterst{\"u}tzen und den Tumor vor therapeutischen Maßnahmen sch{\"u}tzen. Die Frage der Herkunft dieser Zellen insbesondere in einem nicht vaskularisierten Tumor ist daher auch f{\"u}r die Entwicklung zuk{\"u}nftiger Therapeutika relevant. In dieser Arbeit wurde eine Methode etabliert, die im dreidimensionalen Raum die Untersuchung des Einflusses von Tumorzellen auf die vaskul{\"a}re Adventitia am Model der Mausaorta erm{\"o}glicht. Dazu erfolgte die Einbettung von Alginatbeads aus verschiedenen Tumorzelllinien in eine gemeinsame Kollagenmatrix mit murinen Aortenringen. W{\"a}hrend des zehnt{\"a}gigem Versuchszeitraums wurde die Aussprossung von Zellen aus den Aortenringen beobachtet und quantifiziert. Es wurde festgestellt, dass die Auswanderung w{\"a}hrend des Versuchszeitraums zunimmt und dass die Konfrontation mit der Zytokinmischung der Tumorzellen zu einer st{\"a}rkeren Aussprossung f{\"u}hrt, als die Stimulation mit VEGF oder keine Stimulation. Eine gerichtete Auswanderung der Zellen in Richtung der Tumorbeads konnte nicht nachgewiesen bzw. best{\"a}tigt werden. Kapill{\"a}re Aussprossungen waren nur in geringem Ausmaß zu beobachten. Bei Charakterisierung der ausgewanderten Zellen mittels immunhistochemischer F{\"a}rbungen waren keine F4/80-positiven und nur einzelne CD34-positive Zellen zu finden. CD31-positive Endothelzellen stellten die Mehrheit der ausgewanderten Zellen bei Tumorzellkonfrontation. Perizyten, die mit dem Marker NG2 gef{\"a}rbt wurden, stellten eine Mehrheit der migrierten Zellen bei allen Bedingungen. Die in dieser Arbeit etablierte Methode des Aortenring-Bead-Konfrontationsassays erm{\"o}glicht es, in Echtzeit den Einfluss von Tumorzellen auf die Gef{\"a}ßwand im dreidimensionalen Raum zu beobachten. Der Aortenring-Bead-Konfrontationsassay bietet eine Vielzahl an Variationsm{\"o}glichkeiten und stellt daher eine vielversprechende M{\"o}glichkeit dar, die L{\"u}cke zwischen zweidimensionalen in vitro-Experimenten und kostenintensiven in vivo-Versuchen zu schließen.}, subject = {Stroma}, language = {de} } @phdthesis{Kroeger2021, author = {Kr{\"o}ger, Nils}, title = {Klinische und pedobarographische Ergebnisse nach operativ versorgten Talusfrakturen}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-22272}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-222722}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2021}, abstract = {We conducted a single-center-study at the Department of Trauma, Hand, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Julius-Maximilians-University of Wuerzburg with 20 patients after the operative treatment of talar fractures between 2007-2015. Inclusion criteria were a singular, unilateral fracture, no psychiatric comorbidities and >17 years of age. Included were patients with talar neck and body fractures. All patients were treated with screw osteosynthesis. Clinical scores were compiled and the range of motion as well as the pedobarographical performance of each patient was measured. The range of motion of the injured side were significally reduced and correlated with the clinical scores. A higher degree of arthrosis and joint incongruity correlated with poor performance and scores. The degree of the injury correlated with the range of motion as well as the clinical outcome. No significant changes in gait could be found with the pedobarography}, subject = {Talus}, language = {de} } @phdthesis{Panidis2021, author = {Panidis, Theodoros}, title = {Pulssynchrone Ohrger{\"a}usche - Befunderhebung bei einer standardisiert untersuchten Patientengruppe}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-22277}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-222777}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Die Arbeit umfasst die Auswertung der klinischen Daten von 108 konsekutiv am Kopf- und Sch{\"a}delbasis-Zentrum, Klinikum Fulda, zwischen Juli 2013 und September 2015 nachuntersuchten Patienten mit pulssynchronen Ohrger{\"a}uschen. Die Patienten waren gem{\"a}ß eines einheitlichen, strukturierten und routinem{\"a}ßigen Diagnose- und Behandlungspfads untersucht worden. Die notwendige Bildgebung umfasste die Computertomographie, die Magnetresonanztomographie sowie die Magnetresonanzangiographie und die Sonographie der Halsgef{\"a}ße. Eine digitale Subtraktionsangiographie wurde nach strenger Indikationsstellung in ausgew{\"a}hlten F{\"a}llen vorgenommen. Ziel war es, zugrundeliegende Ursachen und Diagnosen f{\"u}r das Symptom pulssynchrones Ohrger{\"a}usch festzumachen. Die erhobenen Befunde wurden je nach Plausibilit{\"a}tsgrad in 4 Gruppen klassifiziert: eindeutig, wahrscheinlich, plausibel, und unklar. Zus{\"a}tzlich erfolgte die Auswertung der angewandten therapeutischen Behandlungsans{\"a}tze und ihrer Ergebnisse. Die h{\"a}ufigsten Ursachen waren ein hochstehender Bulbus der Vena jugularis interna mit 19\%, eine Schleife der Arteria cerebelli inferior anterior im inneren Geh{\"o}rgang mit 15\% gefolgt von einer arterioven{\"o}sen Fistel mit 10\% und Gef{\"a}ßstenosen mit 9\%. Bei ca. 30\% unseres Patientenkollektivs konnte keine Quelle f{\"u}r das pulsierende Ohrger{\"a}usch eruiert werden. Bei 29\% der Patienten konnte die Ursache als eindeutig klassifiziert werden, bei 25\% als plausible Ursache und bei 17\% als wahrscheinlich. Bei den insgesamt 14 Patienten, die entweder eine konservative oder eine interventionell/chirurgische Behandlung erhielten, kam es bei 71\% zu einer Beseitigung des Ohrger{\"a}usches. 5 von 7 Patienten mit einer a.v. Fistel waren, nach einer erfolgreichen endovaskul{\"a}ren Intervention, postoperativ beschwerdefrei. Eine angioplastische Intervention mittels Stenting f{\"u}hrte bei zwei Patienten mit einer ACI Stenose (>70\%) zur Beseitigung des Ohrger{\"a}usches. Jeweils ein Patient profitierte von der Behandlung einer Bogengangsdehiszenz, einer intrakraniellen Hypertension sowie einer chirurgischen Sanierung eines Paraganglioms, nach vorgegangener endovaskul{\"a}rer Embolisation, mit der daraus resultierenden Ausl{\"o}schung des Ohrger{\"a}usches. Bei den restlichen Patienten persistierte es trotz Behandlung. Ein pulssynchrones Ohrger{\"a}usch hat viele {\"a}ußerst unterschiedliche Ursachen. F{\"u}r eine sachgerechte Evaluation und ad{\"a}quate Behandlung von Patienten mit pulssynchronem Ohrger{\"a}usch ist eine enge multidisziplin{\"a}re Zusammenarbeit unabdingbar. Eine eindeutige Diagnose kann oft nur gestellt werden, wenn alle klinischen sowie alle bildmorphologischen Befunde, die auf einem einheitlichen, routinem{\"a}ßigen Untersuchungsprotokoll basieren, zusammengetragen und kritisch abgestimmt werden.}, subject = {Ohrger{\"a}usch}, language = {de} } @phdthesis{MuellerScholden2021, author = {M{\"u}ller-Scholden, Lara}, title = {Einfluss spezifischer kardiovaskul{\"a}rer Risikofaktoren und ihrer Kombination auf die Karotis-Intima-Media-Dicke und Erstellung von Normwerten - Ergebnisse der STAAB Kohortenstudie}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-22029}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-220292}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Primary prevention in cardiovascular diseases is becoming more and more important as they are still the number one cause of morbidity and mortality in industrialized countries. Many cardiovascular events may even occur in clinically asymptomatic patients. The atherosclerosis as underlying pathogenesis is increasingly well understood and risk factors with a harmful influence are identified. However, by measuring the carotid-intima-media-thickness (CIMT) via B-mode ultrasound there is a widely accepted, safe, noninvasive, sensitive and reproducible technique to assess subclinical vascular diseases. The CIMT is established as a surrogate marker for atherosclerosis and its increase is associated with the presence of cardiovascular risk factors. The basic prerequisite for further risk stratification, according to the level of arteriosclerosis represented by the CIMT, is to define gender-, age- and region-specific reference values. The latest version of the international guidelines for cardiovascular risk prediction do no longer recommend the use of CIMT for cardiovascular risk prediction in the general population. This may be attributed to the fact, that the experts refer to studies in which only the measurement of a single segment was considered. Thus the aim of the present study was to assess a potential segment-specific impact of particular cardiovascular risk factors on the CIMT. Furthermore the goal was to evaluate the relevance of the existing models for risk prediction and to discuss the current recommendations for the use of CIMT. Additionally, reference values were developed from data of a representative group of the general population of W{\"u}rzburg and the reproducibility of the data collection was examined. Subjects derived from the population-based STAAB (Characteristics and Course of Heart Failure Stages A-B and Determinants of Progression) cohort study, that included people of the general population of W{\"u}rzburg aged 30 to 79 years [12]. CIMT was measured on the far wall of both sides in three different predefined locations: common carotid artery (CCA), bulb, and internal carotid artery (ICA). Diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, smoking and obesity were considered as risk factors. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, odds ratios of risk factors per location were estimated for the endpoint of individual age- and sex-adjusted 75th percentile of CIMT. These thresholds were derived from the standard values of the general population. An apparently healthy subpopulation was formed to generate these reference values, which consists only of people that did not exhibit any of the above mentioned risk factors or manifest cardiovascular diseases. 2492 subjects were included in the analysis. Segment-specific CIMT was highest in the bulb, followed by CCA, and lowest in the ICA. The reproducibility between the investigators was overall weaker than in comparable studies, therefore a potential improvement of the training protocol for inexperienced persons was assumed. Moreover, the results of the reproducibility analysis illustrate the need for a standardized, internationally recognized protocol for the training of CIMT investigators and an exact measurement protocol. The reference values of the apparently healthy population were consistent with values from other authors collected in a comparable way and formed the basis for further investigations. CIMT increases with age and independently with the number of risk factors. Dyslipidemia, hypertension, and smoking were associated with higher CIMT, but diabetes and obesity were not (OR (95\% CI) between 1.28 (0.98 - 1.65), ACC, and 1.86 (1.53 - 2.27), bulb). We observed no segment-specific association between the three different locations and risk factors, except for a possible interaction between smoking and ICA. As no segment-specific association between cardiovascular risk factors and CIMT became evident, one simple measurement of one location may suffice to assess the cardiovascular risk of an individual. In addition, the identified risk factors are reflected in the current models for risk prediction and prevention, so that the added value of the use of CIMT in the general population loses importance.}, subject = {Arteriosklerose}, language = {de} } @phdthesis{Weiss2021, author = {Weiß, Neele}, title = {Bedeutung des MEK5/ERK5-Signalwegs in der zielgerichteten Melanomtherapie}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-21907}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-219073}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2021}, abstract = {In dieser Dissertation wird der MEK5/ERK5- Signalweg als m{\"o}glicher Angriffspunkt in der zielgerichteten Melanomtherapie identifiziert. Die Adressierung von ERK5 bietet eine Alternative, um einer Resistenzentwicklung gegen{\"u}ber Inhibitoren des MAPK- Signalwegs entgegenzuwirken. Das maligne Melanom ist ein hochaggressiver Tumor mit steigender Inzidenz. Zunehmende Sonnenstunden im Rahmen des Klimawandels mit erh{\"o}hter Belastung der Haut durch UV-Strahlung werden die Problematik des malignen Melanoms f{\"u}r den Menschen in den n{\"a}chsten Jahren weiter zunehmen lassen. Die Aktivierung des MEK5/ERK5- Signalwegs scheint eine Reaktion von Tumorzellen auf Therapiestress zu sein. Diese Aktivierung liefert den Melanomzellen einen {\"U}berlebensvorteil und verhindert ein langfristiges Therapieansprechen. ERK5 beeinflusst den Zellzyklus von Melanomzellen und ist somit m{\"o}glicherweise von wichtiger Bedeutung in der Tumorgenese des malignen Melanoms. Patienten mit NRAS- Mutation profitieren auffallend weniger von einer gezielten MEKi-Therapie als solche mit BRAF Mutation. F{\"u}r ersteres Patientenkollektiv steht aktuell lediglich die Immuntherapie zur Verf{\"u}gung, wodurch oft nur ein kurzes, progressionsfreies Intervall erreicht werden kann und die Patienten h{\"a}ufig unter schweren Nebenwirkungen leiden. Grund f{\"u}r die problematische Behandlung k{\"o}nnte das h{\"a}ufige Auftreten einer basalen ERK5- Aktivierung in NRAS- mutierten Melanomen sein. Diese Arbeit liefert eine positive Prognose {\"u}ber den Nutzen einer ERK5- Inhibition als Erweiterung des Therapieschemas. Diese These gilt auch f{\"u}r Melanompatienten mit einer BRAF- Mutation. Patienten, die an einem malignen Melanom erkrankt sind, weisen zu 80\% eine Mutation in einem dieser beschriebenen Onkogene auf. Die Arbeit l{\"a}sst darauf schließen, dass eine ERK5- Inhibition in der Therapie von beiden Gruppen erfolgreich sein k{\"o}nnte und somit das Leben nahezu aller Melanompatienten betrifft.}, subject = {Melanom}, language = {de} } @phdthesis{Sorour2021, author = {Sorour, Ahmed Tarek Ali Ibrahim}, title = {Endovaskul{\"a}re Interventionen in der Behandlung der Epistaxis}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-21917}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-219179}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Trotz hoher Erfolgsrate und niedriger Komplikationsrate der arteriographischen Embolisation bei der Nasenblutung kommt diese Behandlungsmethode in vielen Institutionen nicht als Standard-Maßnahme im klinischen Kontext zum Einsatz und wird nur als alternativ im Falle eines Scheiterns der chirurgischen arteriellen Clippung in der Blutstillung eingesetzt. In der vorliegenden retrospektiven Arbeit wurden am Kopf- und Sch{\"a}delbasiszentrum des Klinikums Fulda die Effizienz und die Sicherheit der perkutanen Embolisation der A. sphenopalatina mit Polyvinylalkohol-Partikeln (150-250 µm) in der Behandlung, der mit konservativen Maßnahmen refrakt{\"a}ren Epistaxis untersucht. Methode: Retrospektive Analyse von 99 Patienten, die von Januar 2001 bis Dezember 2018 bei refrakt{\"a}rer, idiopathisch klassifizierter Epistaxis durch eine arteriographische endovaskul{\"a}re Embolisation behandelt wurden. Ergebnisse: Es wurden innerhalb des Berichtszeitraums insgesamt 100 Embolisationen bei Epistaxis durchgef{\"u}hrt. Nach Ausschluss von 2 Prozeduren mit bekannten Blutungsursachen wurden 98 Embolisationen bei 95 Patienten mit idiopathischer Epistaxis ausgewertet. Trotz technisch erfolgreicher Intervention in 95\% der F{\"a}lle, war die Blutung in 81,6\% der F{\"a}lle zu stillen. Leichte Komplikationen traten in 5\% der F{\"a}lle auf. Schwere Komplikationen dagegen wurden in keinem einzigen Fall erfasst. Schlussfolgerung: Das Ergebnis dieser Untersuchung best{\"a}tigt die Rolle der angiografischen Embolisation der A. sphenopalatina sowohl als einer erfolgreichen, als auch als einer sicheren Methode in der Behandlung der konservativ refrakt{\"a}ren Epistaxis. Aufgrund der geringen Invasivit{\"a}t, hohen Erfolgsrate und niedrigen Komplikationsrate sollte die transkutane Embolisation als Standard-Therapie nach dem Scheitern der konservativen Maßnahmen zur Blutstillung einer Epistaxis zum Einsatz kommen. Die chirurgische Blutstillung durch die arterielle Clippung sollte nur im Falle eines Misserfolgs der Embolisation als Verfahren der zweiten Wahl bei der Blutstillung eingesetzt werden.}, subject = {Nasenbluten}, language = {de} } @phdthesis{Waltermann2021, author = {Waltermann, Leopold-Maximilian Johannes}, title = {Charakterisierung und Standardisierung eines in-vitro Modells der oralen Mukosa f{\"u}r die pr{\"a}klinische Forschung}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-22203}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-222032}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Bisherige per Tissue Engineering hergestellte Testsysteme der Mundschleimhaut basieren in der Regel auf allogenen und teils dysplastischen Keratinozyten. Dies schm{\"a}lert die Aussagekraft der gewonnenen Ergebnisse hinsichtlich des Anspruchs, Nativgewebe bestm{\"o}glich nachzubilden. In der vorliegenden Arbeit sollte daher ein am Lehrstuhl f{\"u}r Tissue Engineering und Regenerative Medizin entwickeltes Protokoll zur Herstellung dreidimensionaler epidermaler Oralmukosa{\"a}quivalente auf Basis autologer Keratinozyten auf seine Eigenschaften und Einsatzm{\"o}glichkeit als in-vitro Testsystem untersucht werden. Nach erfolgreicher Isolierung und Kultivierung im Monolayer konnten insgesamt 420 Modelle zu drei verschiedenen Zeitpunkten (Passagen) aufgebaut werden. Die Untersuchung von Histologie, Viabilit{\"a}t und Barrierefunktion mittels MTT, TEER und Natriumfluoresceinpermeabilit{\"a}t konnte einen suffizienten Aufbau von verhorntem, mehrschichtigen oralen Plattenepithel nachweisen. Gleichzeitig konnte eine Abnahme der Epithelqualit{\"a}t mit steigendem Keratinozytenalter festgestellt werden. Eine sich anschließende Untersuchung von 14 Cytokeratinen sowie Apoptosemarkern per effizienzkorrigierter und normalisierter RT-qPCR konnte die {\"U}berlegenheit der dreidimensionalen autologen Oralmukosa{\"a}quivalente gegen{\"u}ber der zweidimensionalen Monolayerkultur auf Genebene zeigen.}, subject = {Tissue Engineering}, language = {de} } @phdthesis{Fischer2021, author = {Fischer, Gregor}, title = {Navigations- und Ultraschallgest{\"u}tzte Punktion der Leistenarterie beim transfemoralen Aortenklappenersatz}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-23158}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-231586}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is an established procedure for treatment of aortic stenosis. In transfemoral TAVR local vascular complications at the puncture site are still an important issue and responsible for the majority of complications. To ensure safe puncture in a non-calcified vessel segment a new navigation technique with ultrasound guidance has been developed. We compared 67 consecutive patients undergoing TAVR using our new approach with 67 patients with fluoroscopic punction.}, subject = {Aortenklappenersatz}, language = {de} } @article{KelmGermerSchlegeletal.2021, author = {Kelm, Matthias and Germer, Christoph-Thomas and Schlegel, Nicolas and Flemming, Sven}, title = {The revival of surgery in Crohn's disease — early intestinal resection as a reasonable alternative in localized ileitis}, series = {Biomedicines}, volume = {9}, journal = {Biomedicines}, number = {10}, issn = {2227-9059}, doi = {10.3390/biomedicines9101317}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-246296}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Crohn's disease (CD) represents a heterogeneous and complex disease with no curative therapeutic option available to date. Current therapy is mainly antibody-based focusing on the immune system while other treatment alternatives such as surgery are considered to be "last options". However, medical therapy for CD results in mild to severe side effects in a relevant amount of patients and some patients do not respond to the medication. Following that, quality of life is often significantly reduced in this patient cohort, thus, therapeutic alternatives are urgently needed. Updated evidence has revealed that surgery such as ileocecal resection (ICR) might be a potential therapeutic option in case of localized terminal ileitis since resection at early time points improves quality of life and significantly reduces the postoperative need for immunosuppressive medication with low rates of morbidity. In addition, new surgical approaches such as Kono-S anastomosis or inclusion of the mesentery result in significantly reduced rates of disease recurrence and reoperation. Based on the new evidence, the goal of this review is to provide an update on the role of surgery as a reasonable alternative to medical therapy in the interdisciplinary treatment of patients with CD.}, language = {en} } @article{GlutschKneitzGesierichetal.2021, author = {Glutsch, Valerie and Kneitz, Hermann and Gesierich, Anja and Goebeler, Matthias and Haferkamp, Sebastian and Becker, J{\"u}rgen C. and Ugurel, Selma and Schilling, Bastian}, title = {Activity of ipilimumab plus nivolumab in avelumab-refractory Merkel cell carcinoma}, series = {Cancer Immunology, Immunotherapy}, volume = {70}, journal = {Cancer Immunology, Immunotherapy}, number = {7}, issn = {14320851}, doi = {10.1007/s00262-020-02832-0}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-265635}, pages = {2087-2093}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Background Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and aggressive neuroendocrine cutaneous malignancy with poor prognosis. In Europe, approved systemic therapies are limited to the PD-L1 inhibitor avelumab. For avelumab-refractory patients, efficient and safe treatment options are lacking. Methods At three different sites in Germany, clinical and molecular data of patients with metastatic MCC being refractory to the PD-L1 inhibitor avelumab and who were later on treated with combined IPI/NIVO were retrospectively collected and evaluated. Results Five patients treated at three different academic sites in Germany were enrolled. Three out of five patients investigated for this report responded to combined IPI/NIVO according to RECIST 1.1. Combined immunotherapy was well tolerated without any grade II or III immune-related adverse events. Two out of three responders to IPI/NIVO received platinum-based chemotherapy in between avelumab and combined immunotherapy. Conclusion In this small retrospective study, we observed a high response rate and durable responses to subsequent combined immunotherapy with IPI/NIVO in avelumab-refractory metastatic MCC patients. In conclusion, our data suggest a promising activity of second- or third-line PD-1- plus CTLA-4-blockade in patients with anti-PD-L1-refractory MCC.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Opitz2021, author = {Opitz, Anne}, title = {Postoperative Ver{\"a}nderung der regionalen Ventilation bei Spontanatmung nach Eingriffen an den Extremit{\"a}ten in Allgemeinan{\"a}sthesie}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-22469}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-224692}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Postoperative pulmonale Komplikationen (PPK) geh{\"o}ren zu den h{\"a}ufigsten Ursachen, die zu einem verl{\"a}ngerten Krankenhausaufenthalt, steigenden Kosten und einer erh{\"o}hten Morbidit{\"a}t und Mortalit{\"a}t f{\"u}hren. Die pulmonale elektrische Impedanztomographie (EIT) erm{\"o}glicht die bettseitige Visualisierung der regionalen Lungenventilation in Echtzeit in der transversalen Elektrodenebene. Insbesondere dorsale Atelektasen oder Pleuraerg{\"u}sse k{\"o}nnen eine Verschiebung der Ventilation nach ventral bewirken. Als Hypothese wurde angenommen, dass postoperativ bei spontanatmenden Patienten nach einem peripheren Eingriff eine Umverteilung der Ventilation nach ventral auftritt und dadurch die Vitalkapazit{\"a}t der Lunge abnimmt. In die prospektive Beobachtungstudie wurden 27 Patienten eingeschlossen, die sich einem elektiven peripheren Eingriff in Allgemeinnarkose (mit oder ohne Regionalan{\"a}sthesie) unterzogen und ein erh{\"o}htes Risiko f{\"u}r PPK's aufwiesen. Die Lungenfunktion der Patienten wurde pr{\"a}operativ sowie am ersten und dritten postoperativen Tag mittels EIT in Spontanatmung und einem forcierten Atemman{\"o}ver erfasst. Dabei wurde das Center of Ventilation (COVy) berechnet. Periphere Eingriffe in Allgemeinnarkose f{\"u}hrten nicht zu einer signifikanten ventralen Verschiebung der regionalen pulmonalen Ventilation in Spontanatmung gem{\"a}ß pulmonalem EIT am ersten und dritten postoperativen Tag. Die FVC\%Soll war lediglich am ersten postoperativen Tag vermindert. Bei zwei Patienten traten postoperative pulmonale Komplikationen auf. Insgesamt zeigte die Kohorte nur geringe Ver{\"a}nderungen der Vitalkapazit{\"a}t, was einen Einfluss der Eingriffslokalisation auf die Umverteilung der pulmonalen Ventilation nahelegt.}, subject = {Lungenfunktion}, language = {de} } @phdthesis{Buchner2021, author = {Buchner, Kim}, title = {Untersuchungen zur Assoziation von Schlafbruxismus und psychischer Belastung bei Kindern}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-22563}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-225639}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Bruxismus bezeichnet eine sich wiederholende Kaumuskelaktivit{\"a}t mit Knirschen oder Aufeinanderpressen der Z{\"a}hne. W{\"a}hrend bei Erwachsenen die Ursachen und die Pathophysiologie schon weitreichend erforscht wurden, gab es bei Kindern bislang keine systematische Untersuchung hinsichtlich des Zusammenhangs mit psychopathologischen Faktoren. Deshalb wurde unsere Studie nun erstmals mit Bruxismusmessung nach Goldstandard sowie mit normierten und validierten Frageb{\"o}gen zu verschiedenen psychosozialen Dimensionen als Querschnittsuntersuchung bei 53 acht- bis zw{\"o}lfj{\"a}hrigen Kindern durchgef{\"u}hrt. Besonderes Augenmerk wurde dabei auf den hypothetisierten Zusammenhang zwischen Schlafbruxismus und Angstsensitivit{\"a}t sowie Angstintensit{\"a}t gelegt. Außerdem wurde der Einfluss weiterer psychosozialer Faktoren (wie Lebensqualit{\"a}t, Anzahl negativer Lebensereignisse, Verhaltensauff{\"a}lligkeiten, ADHS-Symptomatik, depressive Symptomatik, Zwangssymptomatik, Ticsymptomatik, Alter und Geschlecht) auf die o.g. Pr{\"a}diktoren per multipler Regressionsanalyse gepr{\"u}ft. Auf Basis der durchgef{\"u}hrten Untersuchung ergaben sich keine Hinweise auf eine Assoziation von Bruxismus zu psychosozialen Dimensionen. Die vorbeschriebenen Zusammenh{\"a}nge erwiesen sich als statistisch nicht signifikant. Dies mag zum einen der Stichprobenauswahl von gesunden Kindern geschuldet sein, die weder von Bruxismus noch von anderen Faktoren vorbekannt klinisch beeintr{\"a}chtigt waren. Andererseits k{\"o}nnen aber auch fehlerhafte Ausgangs{\"u}berlegungen durch nicht dem Goldstandard entsprechenden Messungen der Vorstudien zu diesem Ergebnis gef{\"u}hrt haben. Dar{\"u}ber hinaus verl{\"a}uft die Kindesentwicklung interindividuell sehr variabel und tempor{\"a}re myofunktionelle Beeintr{\"a}chtigungen k{\"o}nnen ohne Bezug zu psychischer Belastung auftreten.}, subject = {Bruxismus}, language = {de} } @article{SchuhmannBieberFrankeetal.2021, author = {Schuhmann, Michael K. and Bieber, Michael and Franke, Maximilian and Kollikowski, Alexander M. and Stegner, David and Heinze, Katrin G. and Nieswandt, Bernhard and Pham, Mirko and Stoll, Guido}, title = {Platelets and lymphocytes drive progressive penumbral tissue loss during middle cerebral artery occlusion in mice}, series = {Journal of Neuroinflammation}, volume = {18}, journal = {Journal of Neuroinflammation}, number = {1}, doi = {10.1186/s12974-021-02095-1}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-259172}, pages = {46}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Background In acute ischemic stroke, cessation of blood flow causes immediate tissue necrosis within the center of the ischemic brain region accompanied by functional failure in the surrounding brain tissue designated the penumbra. The penumbra can be salvaged by timely thrombolysis/thrombectomy, the only available acute stroke treatment to date, but is progressively destroyed by the expansion of infarction. The underlying mechanisms of progressive infarction are not fully understood. Methods To address mechanisms, mice underwent filament occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCAO) for up to 4 h. Infarct development was compared between mice treated with antigen-binding fragments (Fab) against the platelet surface molecules GPIb (p0p/B Fab) or rat immunoglobulin G (IgG) Fab as control treatment. Moreover, Rag1\(^{-/-}\) mice lacking T-cells underwent the same procedures. Infarct volumes as well as the local inflammatory response were determined during vessel occlusion. Results We show that blocking of the platelet adhesion receptor, glycoprotein (GP) Ibα in mice, delays cerebral infarct progression already during occlusion and thus before recanalization/reperfusion. This therapeutic effect was accompanied by decreased T-cell infiltration, particularly at the infarct border zone, which during occlusion is supplied by collateral blood flow. Accordingly, mice lacking T-cells were likewise protected from infarct progression under occlusion. Conclusions Progressive brain infarction can be delayed by blocking detrimental lymphocyte/platelet responses already during occlusion paving the way for ultra-early treatment strategies in hyper-acute stroke before recanalization.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Kouhestani2021, author = {Kouhestani, Dina}, title = {Complementation of a bimolecular Antibody-Derivative within the context of the Immunological Synapse}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-20466}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-204669}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Cancer is a disease of uncontrolled cell proliferation and migration. Downregulation of antigen-presenting major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and co-stimulatory molecules are two of the most commonly used pathways by cancer cells to escape from immune surveillance. Therefore, many approaches have been developed for restoring the immune surveillance in cancer patients. One approach is to redirect the patient's own T cells for tumor cell destruction. For T cell function it is important to induce a durable and robust cytotoxic response against target cells and to generate memory T cells, after MHC-mediated recognition of foreign intracellular antigens presented on the surface of antigen presenting cells (APC). Because of these cytotoxic properties, T cell mediated immunotherapy has been established as an effective and durable anti-neoplastic treatment. Different T cell mediated therapies for cancer treatment exist. One of them is using bispecific antibody fragments, so called bi-sepcific T cell engagers (BiTEs), for retargeting of T cells against single antigen positive tumor cells. The BiTE antibodies have two antigen binding domains, one against a target on the target cell, the second against CD3 on the T cells, facilitating cell-to-cell interactions. However, suitable single tumor antigens are limited, which restricts this approach to very few tumor types. To overcome this limitation, we have developed T cell-engaging antibody derivatives, termed hemibodies. Hemibodies exist as two complementary polypeptide chains. Each consists of two specific domains. On one end there is a single-chain variable fragment (scFv) against a target protein and on the other end there is either the heavy chain variable domain (VH) or light chain variable domain (VL) of an anti-CD3 binding antibody. Only when both hemibodies bind their respective antigens on the same tumor cell, the complementary anti CD3 VH and VL domains become aligned and reconstitute the functional CD3 binding-domain to engage T cells. For targeting malignant cells of hematopoietic origin, we used hemibodies against CD45 and HLA-A2. They were expressed in CHO cells, then purified via Strep-tag. To get more insight into the hemibody mechanism of T cell mediated target cell killing, we analyzed the biochemical and functional properties of hemibodies in more detail. Our main finding indicates that VLαCD3-scFvαHLA-A2 and VHαCD3-scFvαCD45 hemibodies induce an atypical immunological synapse characterized by a co-localization of HLA-A2 and CD45 out of the target cell -T cell interface. Nevertheless, hemibodies induce a high caspase activity in target cells in a concentration-dependent manner at nanomolar concentrations in vitro. Looking at ZAP70, which is usually recruited from the cytoplasm to the CD3 receptor in the middle of the cell-cell interface, we were able to detect activated ZAP70 outside of the cell-cell interface in the presence of hemibodies. In contrast cells treated with BiTEs show a central recruitment in the cell-cell interface as expected. We looked also at the interaction of hemibodies with soluble recombinant CD3 epsilon/gamma protein in the absence of target cells. The binding could be measured only at very high concentration out of the therapeutic window. This work contributes to the mechanistic understanding, which underlies the hemibody technology as a new dual antigen restricted T cell-mediated immunotherapy of cancer.}, language = {en} } @article{GeisslerWernerDworschaketal.2021, author = {Geissler, Julia M. and Werner, Elisabeth and Dworschak, Wolfgang and Romanos, Marcel and Ratz, Christoph}, title = {German Law Reform Does Not Reduce the Prevalence of Coercive Measures in Residential Institutions for Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities}, series = {Frontiers in Psychiatry}, volume = {12}, journal = {Frontiers in Psychiatry}, issn = {1664-0640}, doi = {10.3389/fpsyt.2021.765830}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-249030}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Background: Approximately 10\% of children, adolescents and young adults with an intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) in Bavaria live in residential institutions. 2015 saw media reports raising suspicions about excessive use of coercive measures (cM) in those institutions. Until a law reform at the end of 2017 made permission from family courts mandatory for cM, their use was governed by parental consent. The REDUGIA project conducted a representative survey comparing cM and their relation to challenging behaviour (cB) and employee stress in Bavaria pre and post reform. Methods: We sent questionnaires to 65 residential institutions for children, adolescents and young adults with IDD in 2017 (pre reform, T1) and 2019 (post reform, T2). To assess changes, we analysed data from all available questionnaire pairs (T1 and T2, N = 43). We calculated paired t-test and correlative analyses concerning the relationship between cB, cM, and employee stress. Results: The number of residents overall (T1: N = 1,661; T2: N = 1,673) and per institution (T1: m = 38.6 ± 32.0; T2: m = 38.9 ± 34.5, p = 0.920) remained stable. We did not see any changes in the Index cB (p = 0.508) or the proportion of residents per institution displaying various types of challenging behaviour (all ps>0.220). There was no change in the Index cM (p = 0.089) or any indicator of employee stress, all ps > 0.323. At follow-up, the Index cB correlated positively with the Index cM (r = 0.519 p < 0.001). Regarding employee stress, the Index cB correlated positively with the frequency of sick leave (r = 0.322, p = 0.037) and physical attacks on employees (r = 0.552, p < 0.001). The Index cM also correlated positively with the frequency of sick leave (r = 0.340, p = 0.028) and physical attacks on employees (r = 0.492, p = 0.001). Discussion: Coercive measures are not a general phenomenon, but are focused on specialised institutions. The law reform did not lead to changes in the number of children, adolescents and young adults with IDD affected by coercive measures in residential institutions in Bavaria. There were still large discrepancies between institutions in the prevalence of challenging behaviour and coercive measures. Coercive measures were associated with challenging behaviour and employee stress. Taken together, findings from REDUGIA emphasise the need to prevent challenging behaviour and thus coercive measures.}, language = {en} } @article{MarquardtSolimandoKerscheretal.2021, author = {Marquardt, Andr{\´e} and Solimando, Antonio Giovanni and Kerscher, Alexander and Bittrich, Max and Kalogirou, Charis and K{\"u}bler, Hubert and Rosenwald, Andreas and Bargou, Ralf and Kollmannsberger, Philip and Schilling, Bastian and Meierjohann, Svenja and Krebs, Markus}, title = {Subgroup-Independent Mapping of Renal Cell Carcinoma — Machine Learning Reveals Prognostic Mitochondrial Gene Signature Beyond Histopathologic Boundaries}, series = {Frontiers in Oncology}, volume = {11}, journal = {Frontiers in Oncology}, issn = {2234-943X}, doi = {10.3389/fonc.2021.621278}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-232107}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Background: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is divided into three major histopathologic groups—clear cell (ccRCC), papillary (pRCC) and chromophobe RCC (chRCC). We performed a comprehensive re-analysis of publicly available RCC datasets from the TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas) database, thereby combining samples from all three subgroups, for an exploratory transcriptome profiling of RCC subgroups. Materials and Methods: We used FPKM (fragments per kilobase per million) files derived from the ccRCC, pRCC and chRCC cohorts of the TCGA database, representing transcriptomic data of 891 patients. Using principal component analysis, we visualized datasets as t-SNE plot for cluster detection. Clusters were characterized by machine learning, resulting gene signatures were validated by correlation analyses in the TCGA dataset and three external datasets (ICGC RECA-EU, CPTAC-3-Kidney, and GSE157256). Results: Many RCC samples co-clustered according to histopathology. However, a substantial number of samples clustered independently from histopathologic origin (mixed subgroup)—demonstrating divergence between histopathology and transcriptomic data. Further analyses of mixed subgroup via machine learning revealed a predominant mitochondrial gene signature—a trait previously known for chRCC—across all histopathologic subgroups. Additionally, ccRCC samples from mixed subgroup presented an inverse correlation of mitochondrial and angiogenesis-related genes in the TCGA and in three external validation cohorts. Moreover, mixed subgroup affiliation was associated with a highly significant shorter overall survival for patients with ccRCC—and a highly significant longer overall survival for chRCC patients. Conclusions: Pan-RCC clustering according to RNA-sequencing data revealed a distinct histology-independent subgroup characterized by strengthened mitochondrial and weakened angiogenesis-related gene signatures. Moreover, affiliation to mixed subgroup went along with a significantly shorter overall survival for ccRCC and a longer overall survival for chRCC patients. Further research could offer a therapy stratification by specifically addressing the mitochondrial metabolism of such tumors and its microenvironment.}, language = {en} } @article{SchneiderSchauliesSchumacherWiggeretal.2021, author = {Schneider-Schaulies, Sibylle and Schumacher, Fabian and Wigger, Dominik and Sch{\"o}l, Marie and Waghmare, Trushnal and Schlegel, Jan and Seibel, J{\"u}rgen and Kleuser, Burkhard}, title = {Sphingolipids: effectors and Achilles heals in viral infections?}, series = {Cells}, volume = {10}, journal = {Cells}, number = {9}, issn = {2073-4409}, doi = {10.3390/cells10092175}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-245151}, year = {2021}, abstract = {As viruses are obligatory intracellular parasites, any step during their life cycle strictly depends on successful interaction with their particular host cells. In particular, their interaction with cellular membranes is of crucial importance for most steps in the viral replication cycle. Such interactions are initiated by uptake of viral particles and subsequent trafficking to intracellular compartments to access their replication compartments which provide a spatially confined environment concentrating viral and cellular components, and subsequently, employ cellular membranes for assembly and exit of viral progeny. The ability of viruses to actively modulate lipid composition such as sphingolipids (SLs) is essential for successful completion of the viral life cycle. In addition to their structural and biophysical properties of cellular membranes, some sphingolipid (SL) species are bioactive and as such, take part in cellular signaling processes involved in regulating viral replication. It is especially due to the progress made in tools to study accumulation and dynamics of SLs, which visualize their compartmentalization and identify interaction partners at a cellular level, as well as the availability of genetic knockout systems, that the role of particular SL species in the viral replication process can be analyzed and, most importantly, be explored as targets for therapeutic intervention.}, language = {en} } @article{MarquardtLandwehrRonchietal.2021, author = {Marquardt, Andr{\´e} and Landwehr, Laura-Sophie and Ronchi, Cristina L. and di Dalmazi, Guido and Riester, Anna and Kollmannsberger, Philip and Altieri, Barbara and Fassnacht, Martin and Sbiera, Silviu}, title = {Identifying New Potential Biomarkers in Adrenocortical Tumors Based on mRNA Expression Data Using Machine Learning}, series = {Cancers}, volume = {13}, journal = {Cancers}, number = {18}, issn = {2072-6694}, doi = {10.3390/cancers13184671}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-246245}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Simple Summary Using a visual-based clustering method on the TCGA RNA sequencing data of a large adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) cohort, we were able to classify these tumors in two distinct clusters largely overlapping with previously identified ones. As previously shown, the identified clusters also correlated with patient survival. Applying the visual clustering method to a second dataset also including benign adrenocortical samples additionally revealed that one of the ACC clusters is more closely located to the benign samples, providing a possible explanation for the better survival of this ACC cluster. Furthermore, the subsequent use of machine learning identified new possible biomarker genes with prognostic potential for this rare disease, that are significantly differentially expressed in the different survival clusters and should be further evaluated. Abstract Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare disease, associated with poor survival. Several "multiple-omics" studies characterizing ACC on a molecular level identified two different clusters correlating with patient survival (C1A and C1B). We here used the publicly available transcriptome data from the TCGA-ACC dataset (n = 79), applying machine learning (ML) methods to classify the ACC based on expression pattern in an unbiased manner. UMAP (uniform manifold approximation and projection)-based clustering resulted in two distinct groups, ACC-UMAP1 and ACC-UMAP2, that largely overlap with clusters C1B and C1A, respectively. However, subsequent use of random-forest-based learning revealed a set of new possible marker genes showing significant differential expression in the described clusters (e.g., SOAT1, EIF2A1). For validation purposes, we used a secondary dataset based on a previous study from our group, consisting of 4 normal adrenal glands and 52 benign and 7 malignant tumor samples. The results largely confirmed those obtained for the TCGA-ACC cohort. In addition, the ENSAT dataset showed a correlation between benign adrenocortical tumors and the good prognosis ACC cluster ACC-UMAP1/C1B. In conclusion, the use of ML approaches re-identified and redefined known prognostic ACC subgroups. On the other hand, the subsequent use of random-forest-based learning identified new possible prognostic marker genes for ACC.}, language = {en} } @article{WagnerDrouetTeschnerWolschkeetal.2021, author = {Wagner-Drouet, Eva and Teschner, Daniel and Wolschke, Christine and Sch{\"a}fer-Eckart, Kerstin and G{\"a}rtner, Johannes and Mielke, Stephan and Schreder, Martin and Kobbe, Guido and Hilgendorf, Inken and Klein, Stefan and Verbeek, Mareike and Ditschkowski, Markus and Koch, Martina and Lindemann, Monika and Schmidt, Traudel and Rascle, Anne and Barabas, Sascha and Deml, Ludwig and Wagner, Ralf and Wolff, Daniel}, title = {Comparison of cytomegalovirus-specific immune cell response to proteins versus peptides using an IFN-γ ELISpot assay after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation}, series = {Diagnostics}, volume = {11}, journal = {Diagnostics}, number = {2}, issn = {2075-4418}, doi = {10.3390/diagnostics11020312}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-228843}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a major cause of morbidity and mortality following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Measuring CMV-specific cellular immunity may improve the risk stratification and management of patients. IFN-γ ELISpot assays, based on the stimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells with CMV pp65 and IE-1 proteins or peptides, have been validated in clinical settings. However, it remains unclear to which extend the T-cell response to synthetic peptides reflect that mediated by full-length proteins processed by antigen-presenting cells. We compared the stimulating ability of pp65 and IE-1 proteins and corresponding overlapping peptides in 16 HSCT recipients using a standardized IFN-γ ELISpot assay. Paired qualitative test results showed an overall 74.4\% concordance. Discordant results were mainly due to low-response tests, with one exception. One patient with early CMV reactivation and graft-versus-host disease, sustained CMV DNAemia and high CD8\(^+\) counts showed successive negative protein-based ELISpot results but a high and sustained response to IE-1 peptides. Our results suggest that the response to exogenous proteins, which involves their uptake and processing by antigen-presenting cells, more closely reflects the physiological response to CMV infection, while the response to exogenous peptides may lead to artificial in vitro T-cell responses, especially in strongly immunosuppressed patients.}, language = {en} } @article{GehrmannHertleinHopkeetal.2021, author = {Gehrmann, Robin and Hertlein, Tobias and Hopke, Elisa and Ohlsen, Knut and Lalk, Michael and Hilgeroth, Andreas}, title = {Novel small-molecule hybrid-antibacterial agents against S. aureus and MRSA strains}, series = {Molecules}, volume = {27}, journal = {Molecules}, number = {1}, issn = {1420-3049}, doi = {10.3390/molecules27010061}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-252371}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Ongoing resistance developments against antibiotics that also affect last-resort antibiotics require novel antibacterial compounds. Strategies to discover such novel structures have been dimerization or hybridization of known antibacterial agents. We found novel antibacterial agents by dimerization of indols and hybridization with carbazoles. They were obtained in a simple one-pot reaction as bisindole tetrahydrocarbazoles. Further oxidation led to bisindole carbazoles with varied substitutions of both the indole and the carbazole scaffold. Both the tetrahydrocarbazoles and the carbazoles have been evaluated in various S. aureus strains, including MRSA strains. Those 5-cyano substituted derivatives showed best activities as determined by MIC values. The tetrahydrocarbazoles partly exceed the activity of the carbazole compounds and thus the activity of the used standard antibiotics. Thus, promising lead compounds could be identified for further studies.}, language = {en} } @article{KelmAngerEichlingeretal.2021, author = {Kelm, Matthias and Anger, Friedrich and Eichlinger, Robin and Brand, Markus and Kim, Mia and Reibetanz, Joachim and Krajinovic, Katica and Germer, Christoph-Thomas and Schlegel, Nicolas and Flemming, Sven}, title = {Early Ileocecal Resection Is an Effective Therapy in Isolated Crohn's Disease}, series = {Journal of Clinical Medicine}, volume = {10}, journal = {Journal of Clinical Medicine}, number = {4}, issn = {2077-0383}, doi = {10.3390/jcm10040731}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-228822}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Despite the increasing incidence and prevalence of Crohn's Disease (CD), no curative options exist and treatment remains complex. While therapy has mainly focused on medical approaches in the past, growing evidence reveals that in cases of limited inflammation, surgery can suffice as an alternative primary treatment. We retrospectively assessed the disease course and outcomes of 103 patients with terminal Ileitis who underwent primary surgery (n = 29) or received primary medical treatment followed by surgery (n = 74). Primary endpoint was the need for immunosuppressive medication after surgical treatment (ileocecal resection, ICR) during a two-years follow-up. Rates for laparoscopic ICR were enhanced in case of early surgery, but no differences were seen for postoperative complications. In case of immunosuppressive medication, patients with ICR at an early state of disease needed significantly less anti-inflammatory medication during the two-year postoperative follow-up compared to patients who were primarily treated medically. Furthermore, in a subgroup analysis for patients with localized ileocecal disease manifestation, early surgery consistently resulted in a decreased amount of medical therapy postoperatively. In conclusion primary ICR is safe and effective in patients with limited CD, and the need for immunosuppressive medication during the postoperative follow-up is low compared to patients receiving surgery at a later stage of disease.}, language = {en} } @article{RajendranRajendranGiraldoVelasquezetal.2021, author = {Rajendran, Ranjithkumar and Rajendran, Vinothkumar and Giraldo-Velasquez, Mario and Megalofonou, Fevronia-Foivi and Gurski, Fynn and Stadelmann, Christine and Karnati, Srikanth and Berghoff, Martin}, title = {Oligodendrocyte-specific deletion of FGFR1 reduces cerebellar inflammation and neurodegeneration in MOG\(_{35-55}\)-induced EAE}, series = {International Journal of Molecular Sciences}, volume = {22}, journal = {International Journal of Molecular Sciences}, number = {17}, issn = {1422-0067}, doi = {10.3390/ijms22179495}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-284296}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory and degenerative disease of the central nervous system (CNS). MS commonly affects the cerebellum causing acute and chronic symptoms. Cerebellar signs significantly contribute to clinical disability, and symptoms such as tremor, ataxia, and dysarthria are difficult to treat. Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) and their receptors (FGFRs) are involved in demyelinating pathologies such as MS. In autopsy tissue from patients with MS, increased expression of FGF1, FGF2, FGF9, and FGFR1 was found in lesion areas. Recent research using mouse models has focused on regions such as the spinal cord, and data on the expression of FGF/FGFR in the cerebellum are not available. In recent EAE studies, we detected that oligodendrocyte-specific deletion of FGFRs results in a milder disease course, less cellular infiltrates, and reduced neurodegeneration in the spinal cord. The objective of this study was to characterize the role of FGFR1 in oligodendrocytes in the cerebellum. Conditional deletion of FGFR1 in oligodendrocytes (Fgfr1\(^{ind-/-}\) was achieved by tamoxifen application, EAE was induced using the MOG\(_{35-55}\) peptide. The cerebellum was analyzed by histology, immunohistochemistry, and western blot. At day 62 p.i., Fgfr1\(^{ind-/-}\) mice showed less myelin and axonal degeneration compared to FGFR1-competent mice. Infiltration of CD3(+) T cells, Mac3(+) cells, B220(+) B cells and IgG(+) plasma cells in cerebellar white matter lesions (WML) was less in Fgfr1\(^{ind-/-}\)mice. There were no effects on the number of OPC or mature oligodendrocytes in white matter lesion (WML). Expression of FGF2 and FGF9 associated with less myelin and axonal degeneration, and of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and CD200 was downregulated in Fgfr1\(^{ind-/-}\) mice. The FGF/FGFR signaling protein pAkt, BDNF, and TrkB were increased in Fgfr1\(^{ind-/-}\) mice. These data suggest that cell-specific deletion of FGFR1 in oligodendrocytes has anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects in the cerebellum in the EAE disease model of MS.}, language = {en} } @article{MajumderJugovicSauletal.2021, author = {Majumder, Snigdha and Jugovic, Isabelle and Saul, Domenica and Bell, Luisa and Hundhausen, Nadine and Seal, Rishav and Beilhack, Andreas and Rosenwald, Andreas and Mougiakakos, Dimitrios and Berberich-Siebelt, Friederike}, title = {Rapid and Efficient Gene Editing for Direct Transplantation of Naive Murine Cas9\(^+\) T Cells}, series = {Frontiers in Immunology}, volume = {12}, journal = {Frontiers in Immunology}, issn = {1664-3224}, doi = {10.3389/fimmu.2021.683631}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-242896}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Gene editing of primary T cells is a difficult task. However, it is important for research and especially for clinical T-cell transfers. CRISPR/Cas9 is the most powerful gene-editing technique. It has to be applied to cells by either retroviral transduction or electroporation of ribonucleoprotein complexes. Only the latter is possible with resting T cells. Here, we make use of Cas9 transgenic mice and demonstrate nucleofection of pre-stimulated and, importantly, of naive CD3\(^+\) T cells with guideRNA only. This proved to be rapid and efficient with no need of further selection. In the mixture of Cas9\(^+\)CD3\(^+\) T cells, CD4\(^+\) and CD8\(^+\) conventional as well as regulatory T cells were targeted concurrently. IL-7 supported survival and naivety in vitro, but T cells were also transplantable immediately after nucleofection and elicited their function like unprocessed T cells. Accordingly, metabolic reprogramming reached normal levels within days. In a major mismatch model of GvHD, not only ablation of NFATc1 and/or NFATc2, but also of the NFAT-target gene IRF4 in na{\"i}ve primary murine Cas9\(^+\)CD3\(^+\) T cells by gRNA-only nucleofection ameliorated GvHD. However, pre-activated murine T cells could not achieve long-term protection from GvHD upon single NFATc1 or NFATc2 knockout. This emphasizes the necessity of gene-editing and transferring unstimulated human T cells during allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.}, language = {en} } @article{SommerCarrollKoikeetal.2021, author = {Sommer, Claudia and Carroll, Antonia S. and Koike, Haruki and Katsuno, Masahisa and Ort, Nora and Sobue, Gen and Vucic, Steve and Spies, Judith M. and Doppler, Kathrin and Kiernan, Matthew C.}, title = {Nerve biopsy in acquired neuropathies}, series = {Journal of the Peripheral Nervous System}, volume = {26}, journal = {Journal of the Peripheral Nervous System}, number = {S2}, doi = {10.1111/jns.12464}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-259555}, pages = {S21-S41}, year = {2021}, abstract = {A diagnosis of neuropathy can typically be determined through clinical assessment and focused investigation. With technological advances, including significant progress in genomics, the role of nerve biopsy has receded over recent years. However, making a specific and, in some cases, tissue-based diagnosis is essential across a wide array of potentially treatable acquired peripheral neuropathies. When laboratory investigations do not suggest a definitive diagnosis, nerve biopsy remains the final step to ascertain the etiology of the disease. The present review highlights the utility of nerve biopsy in confirming a diagnosis, while further illustrating the importance of a tissue-based diagnosis in relation to treatment strategies, particularly when linked to long-term immunosuppressive therapies,}, language = {en} } @article{HartmannReisslandMaieretal.2021, author = {Hartmann, Oliver and Reissland, Michaela and Maier, Carina R. and Fischer, Thomas and Prieto-Garcia, Cristian and Baluapuri, Apoorva and Schwarz, Jessica and Schmitz, Werner and Garrido-Rodriguez, Martin and Pahor, Nikolett and Davies, Clare C. and Bassermann, Florian and Orian, Amir and Wolf, Elmar and Schulze, Almut and Calzado, Marco A. and Rosenfeldt, Mathias T. and Diefenbacher, Markus E.}, title = {Implementation of CRISPR/Cas9 Genome Editing to Generate Murine Lung Cancer Models That Depict the Mutational Landscape of Human Disease}, series = {Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology}, volume = {9}, journal = {Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology}, issn = {2296-634X}, doi = {10.3389/fcell.2021.641618}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-230949}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Lung cancer is the most common cancer worldwide and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in both men and women. Despite the development of novel therapeutic interventions, the 5-year survival rate for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients remains low, demonstrating the necessity for novel treatments. One strategy to improve translational research is the development of surrogate models reflecting somatic mutations identified in lung cancer patients as these impact treatment responses. With the advent of CRISPR-mediated genome editing, gene deletion as well as site-directed integration of point mutations enabled us to model human malignancies in more detail than ever before. Here, we report that by using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated targeting of Trp53 and KRas, we recapitulated the classic murine NSCLC model Trp53fl/fl:lsl-KRasG12D/wt. Developing tumors were indistinguishable from Trp53fl/fl:lsl-KRasG12D/wt-derived tumors with regard to morphology, marker expression, and transcriptional profiles. We demonstrate the applicability of CRISPR for tumor modeling in vivo and ameliorating the need to use conventional genetically engineered mouse models. Furthermore, tumor onset was not only achieved in constitutive Cas9 expression but also in wild-type animals via infection of lung epithelial cells with two discrete AAVs encoding different parts of the CRISPR machinery. While conventional mouse models require extensive husbandry to integrate new genetic features allowing for gene targeting, basic molecular methods suffice to inflict the desired genetic alterations in vivo. Utilizing the CRISPR toolbox, in vivo cancer research and modeling is rapidly evolving and enables researchers to swiftly develop new, clinically relevant surrogate models for translational research.}, language = {en} } @article{YuWolfThuseketal.2021, author = {Yu, Yidong and Wolf, Ann-Katrin and Thusek, Sina and Heinekamp, Thorsten and Bromley, Michael and Krappmann, Sven and Terpitz, Ulrich and Voigt, Kerstin and Brakhage, Axel A. and Beilhack, Andreas}, title = {Direct Visualization of Fungal Burden in Filamentous Fungus-Infected Silkworms}, series = {Journal of Fungi}, volume = {7}, journal = {Journal of Fungi}, number = {2}, issn = {2309-608X}, doi = {10.3390/jof7020136}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-228855}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) are difficult to diagnose and to treat and, despite several available antifungal drugs, cause high mortality rates. In the past decades, the incidence of IFIs has continuously increased. More recently, SARS-CoV-2-associated lethal IFIs have been reported worldwide in critically ill patients. Combating IFIs requires a more profound understanding of fungal pathogenicity to facilitate the development of novel antifungal strategies. Animal models are indispensable for studying fungal infections and to develop new antifungals. However, using mammalian animal models faces various hurdles including ethical issues and high costs, which makes large-scale infection experiments extremely challenging. To overcome these limitations, we optimized an invertebrate model and introduced a simple calcofluor white (CW) staining protocol to macroscopically and microscopically monitor disease progression in silkworms (Bombyx mori) infected with the human pathogenic filamentous fungi Aspergillus fumigatus and Lichtheimia corymbifera. This advanced silkworm A. fumigatus infection model could validate knockout mutants with either attenuated, strongly attenuated or unchanged virulence. Finally, CW staining allowed us to efficiently visualize antifungal treatment outcomes in infected silkworms. Conclusively, we here present a powerful animal model combined with a straightforward staining protocol to expedite large-scale in vivo research of fungal pathogenicity and to investigate novel antifungal candidates.}, language = {en} } @article{VollmuthMuljukovAbuMugheisibetal.2021, author = {Vollmuth, Christoph and Muljukov, Olga and Abu-Mugheisib, Mazen and Angermeier, Anselm and Barlinn, Jessica and Busetto, Loraine and Grau, Armin J. and G{\"u}nther, Albrecht and Gumbinger, Christoph and Hubert, Nikolai and H{\"u}ttemann, Katrin and Klingner, Carsten and Naumann, Markus and Palm, Frederick and Remi, Jan and R{\"u}cker, Viktoria and Schessl, Joachim and Schlachetzki, Felix and Schuppner, Ramona and Schwab, Stefan and Schwartz, Andreas and Trommer, Adrian and Urbanek, Christian and Volbers, Bastian and Weber, Joachim and Wojciechowski, Claudia and Worthmann, Hans and Zickler, Philipp and Heuschmann, Peter U. and Haeusler, Karl Georg and Hubert, Gordian Jan}, title = {Impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on stroke teleconsultations in Germany in the first half of 2020}, series = {European Journal of Neurology}, volume = {28}, journal = {European Journal of Neurology}, number = {10}, doi = {10.1111/ene.14787}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-259396}, pages = {3267-3278}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Background and purpose The effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on telemedical care have not been described on a national level. Thus, we investigated the medical stroke treatment situation before, during, and after the first lockdown in Germany. Methods In this nationwide, multicenter study, data from 14 telemedical networks including 31 network centers and 155 spoke hospitals covering large parts of Germany were analyzed regarding patients' characteristics, stroke type/severity, and acute stroke treatment. A survey focusing on potential shortcomings of in-hospital and (telemedical) stroke care during the pandemic was conducted. Results Between January 2018 and June 2020, 67,033 telemedical consultations and 38,895 telemedical stroke consultations were conducted. A significant decline of telemedical (p < 0.001) and telemedical stroke consultations (p < 0.001) during the lockdown in March/April 2020 and a reciprocal increase after relaxation of COVID-19 measures in May/June 2020 were observed. Compared to 2018-2019, neither stroke patients' age (p = 0.38), gender (p = 0.44), nor severity of ischemic stroke (p = 0.32) differed in March/April 2020. Whereas the proportion of ischemic stroke patients for whom endovascular treatment (14.3\% vs. 14.6\%; p = 0.85) was recommended remained stable, there was a nonsignificant trend toward a lower proportion of recommendation of intravenous thrombolysis during the lockdown (19.0\% vs. 22.1\%; p = 0.052). Despite the majority of participating network centers treating patients with COVID-19, there were no relevant shortcomings reported regarding in-hospital stroke treatment or telemedical stroke care. Conclusions Telemedical stroke care in Germany was able to provide full service despite the COVID-19 pandemic, but telemedical consultations declined abruptly during the lockdown period and normalized after relaxation of COVID-19 measures in Germany.}, language = {en} } @article{MieszczanekRobinsonDaltonetal.2021, author = {Mieszczanek, Pawel and Robinson, Thomas M. and Dalton, Paul D. and Hutmacher, Dietmar W.}, title = {Convergence of Machine Vision and Melt Electrowriting}, series = {Advanced Materials}, volume = {33}, journal = {Advanced Materials}, number = {29}, doi = {10.1002/adma.202100519}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-256365}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Melt electrowriting (MEW) is a high-resolution additive manufacturing technology that balances multiple parametric variables to arrive at a stable fabrication process. The better understanding of this balance is underscored here using high-resolution camera vision of jet stability profiles in different electrical fields. Complementing this visual information are fiber-diameter measurements obtained at precise points, allowing the correlation to electrified jet properties. Two process signatures—the jet angle and for the first time, the Taylor cone area—are monitored and analyzed with a machine vision system, while SEM imaging for diameter measurement correlates real-time information. This information, in turn, allows the detection and correction of fiber pulsing for accurate jet placement on the collector, and the in-process assessment of the fiber diameter. Improved process control is used to successfully fabricate collapsible MEW tubes; structures that require exceptional accuracy and printing stability. Using a precise winding angle of 60° and 300 layers, the resulting 12 mm-thick tubular structures have elastic snap-through instabilities associated with mechanical metamaterials. This study provides a detailed analysis of the fiber pulsing occurrence in MEW and highlights the importance of real-time monitoring of the Taylor cone volume to better understand, control, and predict printing instabilities.}, language = {en} } @article{PeseschkianCordtsGuentheretal.2021, author = {Peseschkian, Tara and Cordts, Isabell and G{\"u}nther, Ren{\´e} and Stolte, Benjamin and Zeller, Daniel and Schr{\"o}ter, Carsten and Weyen, Ute and Regensburger, Martin and Wolf, Joachim and Schneider, Ilka and Hermann, Andreas and Metelmann, Moritz and Kohl, Zacharias and Linker, Ralf A. and Koch, Jan Christoph and B{\"u}chner, Boriana and Weiland, Ulrike and Sch{\"o}nfelder, Erik and Heinrich, Felix and Osmanovic, Alma and Klopstock, Thomas and Dorst, Johannes and Ludolph, Albert C. and Boentert, Matthias and Hagenacker, Tim and Deschauer, Marcus and Lingor, Paul and Petri, Susanne and Schreiber-Katz, Olivia}, title = {A nation-wide, multi-center study on the quality of life of ALS patients in Germany}, series = {Brain Sciences}, volume = {11}, journal = {Brain Sciences}, number = {3}, issn = {2076-3425}, doi = {10.3390/brainsci11030372}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-234147}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Improving quality of life (QoL) is central to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) treatment. This Germany-wide, multicenter cross-sectional study analyses the impact of different symptom-specific treatments and ALS variants on QoL. Health-related QoL (HRQoL) in 325 ALS patients was assessed using the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Assessment Questionnaire 5 (ALSAQ-5) and EuroQol Five Dimension Five Level Scale (EQ-5D-5L), together with disease severity (captured by the revised ALS Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS-R)) and the current care and therapies used by our cohort. At inclusion, the mean ALSAQ-5 total score was 56.93 (max. 100, best = 0) with a better QoL associated with a less severe disease status (β = -1.96 per increase of one point in the ALSFRS-R score, p < 0.001). "Limb-onset" ALS (lALS) was associated with a better QoL than "bulbar-onset" ALS (bALS) (mean ALSAQ-5 total score 55.46 versus 60.99, p = 0.040). Moreover, with the ALSFRS-R as a covariate, using a mobility aid (β = -7.60, p = 0.001), being tracheostomized (β = -14.80, p = 0.004) and using non-invasive ventilation (β = -5.71, p = 0.030) were associated with an improved QoL, compared to those at the same disease stage who did not use these aids. In contrast, antidepressant intake (β = 5.95, p = 0.007), and increasing age (β = 0.18, p = 0.023) were predictors of worse QoL. Our results showed that the ALSAQ-5 was better-suited for ALS patients than the EQ-5D-5L. Further, the early and symptom-specific clinical management and supply of assistive devices can significantly improve the individual HRQoL of ALS patients. Appropriate QoL questionnaires are needed to monitor the impact of treatment to provide the best possible and individualized care.}, language = {en} } @article{DetomasAltieriSchloetelburgetal.2021, author = {Detomas, Mario and Altieri, Barbara and Schl{\"o}telburg, Wiebke and Appenzeller, Silke and Schlaffer, Sven and Coras, Roland and Schirbel, Andreas and Wild, Vanessa and Kroiss, Matthias and Sbiera, Silviu and Fassnacht, Martin and Deutschbein, Timo}, title = {Case Report: Consecutive Adrenal Cushing's Syndrome and Cushing's Disease in a Patient With Somatic CTNNB1, USP8, and NR3C1 Mutations}, series = {Frontiers in Endocrinology}, volume = {12}, journal = {Frontiers in Endocrinology}, issn = {1664-2392}, doi = {10.3389/fendo.2021.731579}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-244596}, year = {2021}, abstract = {The occurrence of different subtypes of endogenous Cushing's syndrome (CS) in single individuals is extremely rare. We here present the case of a female patient who was successfully cured from adrenal CS 4 years before being diagnosed with Cushing's disease (CD). The patient was diagnosed at the age of 50 with ACTH-independent CS and a left-sided adrenal adenoma, in January 2015. After adrenalectomy and histopathological confirmation of a cortisol-producing adrenocortical adenoma, biochemical hypercortisolism and clinical symptoms significantly improved. However, starting from 2018, the patient again developed signs and symptoms of recurrent CS. Subsequent biochemical and radiological workup suggested the presence of ACTH-dependent CS along with a pituitary microadenoma. The patient underwent successful transsphenoidal adenomectomy, and both postoperative adrenal insufficiency and histopathological workup confirmed the diagnosis of CD. Exome sequencing excluded a causative germline mutation but showed somatic mutations of the β-catenin protein gene (CTNNB1) in the adrenal adenoma, and of both the ubiquitin specific peptidase 8 (USP8) and the glucocorticoid receptor (NR3C1) genes in the pituitary adenoma. In conclusion, our case illustrates that both ACTH-independent and ACTH-dependent CS may develop in a single individual even without evidence for a common genetic background.}, language = {en} } @article{KremerPauwelsPozzietal.2021, author = {Kremer, Naomi I. and Pauwels, Rik W. J. and Pozzi, Nicol{\`o} G. and Lange, Florian and Roothans, Jonas and Volkmann, Jens and Reich, Martin M.}, title = {Deep Brain Stimulation for Tremor: Update on Long-Term Outcomes, Target Considerations and Future Directions}, series = {Journal of Clinical Medicine}, volume = {10}, journal = {Journal of Clinical Medicine}, number = {16}, issn = {2077-0383}, doi = {10.3390/jcm10163468}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-244982}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the thalamic ventral intermediate nucleus is one of the main advanced neurosurgical treatments for drug-resistant tremor. However, not every patient may be eligible for this procedure. Nowadays, various other functional neurosurgical procedures are available. In particular cases, radiofrequency thalamotomy, focused ultrasound and radiosurgery are proven alternatives to DBS. Besides, other DBS targets, such as the posterior subthalamic area (PSA) or the dentato-rubro-thalamic tract (DRT), may be appraised as well. In this review, the clinical characteristics and pathophysiology of tremor syndromes, as well as long-term outcomes of DBS in different targets, will be summarized. The effectiveness and safety of lesioning procedures will be discussed, and an evidence-based clinical treatment approach for patients with drug-resistant tremor will be presented. Lastly, the future directions in the treatment of severe tremor syndromes will be elaborated.}, language = {en} } @article{ZhouDingDuanetal.2021, author = {Zhou, Yang and Ding, Meiqi and Duan, Xiaodong and Konrad, Kai R. and Nagel, Georg and Gao, Shiqiang}, title = {Extending the Anion Channelrhodopsin-Based Toolbox for Plant Optogenetics}, series = {Membranes}, volume = {11}, journal = {Membranes}, number = {4}, issn = {2077-0375}, doi = {10.3390/membranes11040287}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-236617}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Optogenetics was developed in the field of neuroscience and is most commonly using light-sensitive rhodopsins to control the neural activities. Lately, we have expanded this technique into plant science by co-expression of a chloroplast-targeted β-carotene dioxygenase and an improved anion channelrhodopsin GtACR1 from the green alga Guillardia theta. The growth of Nicotiana tabacum pollen tube can then be manipulated by localized green light illumination. To extend the application of analogous optogenetic tools in the pollen tube system, we engineered another two ACRs, GtACR2, and ZipACR, which have different action spectra, light sensitivity and kinetic features, and characterized them in Xenopus laevis oocytes, Nicotiana benthamiana leaves and N. tabacum pollen tubes. We found that the similar molecular engineering method used to improve GtACR1 also enhanced GtACR2 and ZipACR performance in Xenopus laevis oocytes. The ZipACR1 performed in N. benthamiana mesophyll cells and N. tabacum pollen tubes with faster kinetics and reduced light sensitivity, allowing for optogenetic control of anion fluxes with better temporal resolution. The reduced light sensitivity would potentially facilitate future application in plants, grown under low ambient white light, combined with an optogenetic manipulation triggered by stronger green light.}, language = {en} } @article{HensgenEnglandHombergetal.2021, author = {Hensgen, Ronja and England, Laura and Homberg, Uwe and Pfeiffer, Keram}, title = {Neuroarchitecture of the central complex in the brain of the honeybee: Neuronal cell types}, series = {Journal of Comparative Neurology}, volume = {529}, journal = {Journal of Comparative Neurology}, doi = {10.1002/cne.24941}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-215566}, pages = {159-186}, year = {2021}, abstract = {The central complex (CX) in the insect brain is a higher order integration center that controls a number of behaviors, most prominently goal directed locomotion. The CX comprises the protocerebral bridge (PB), the upper division of the central body (CBU), the lower division of the central body (CBL), and the paired noduli (NO). Although spatial orientation has been extensively studied in honeybees at the behavioral level, most electrophysiological and anatomical analyses have been carried out in other insect species, leaving the morphology and physiology of neurons that constitute the CX in the honeybee mostly enigmatic. The goal of this study was to morphologically identify neuronal cell types of the CX in the honeybee Apis mellifera. By performing iontophoretic dye injections into the CX, we traced 16 subtypes of neuron that connect a subdivision of the CX with other regions in the bee's central brain, and eight subtypes that mainly interconnect different subdivisions of the CX. They establish extensive connections between the CX and the lateral complex, the superior protocerebrum and the posterior protocerebrum. Characterized neuron classes and subtypes are morphologically similar to those described in other insects, suggesting considerable conservation in the neural network relevant for orientation.}, language = {en} } @article{AugustinWelschBleyetal.2021, author = {Augustin, Anne Marie and Welsch, Stefan and Bley, Thorsten Alexander and Lopau, Kai and Kickuth, Ralph}, title = {Color-coded summation images in the evaluation of renal artery stenosis before and after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty}, series = {BMC Medical Imaging}, volume = {21}, journal = {BMC Medical Imaging}, number = {1}, doi = {10.1186/s12880-020-00540-w}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-259086}, pages = {21}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Background: Endovascular therapy is the gold standard in patients with hemodynamic relevant renal artery stenosis (RAS) resistant to medical therapy. The severity grading of the stenosis as well as the result assessment after endovascular approach is predominantly based on visible estimations of the anatomic appearance. We aim to investigate the application of color-coded DSA parameters to gain hemodynamic information during endovascular renal artery interventions and for the assessment of the procedures technical success. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 32 patients who underwent endovascular renal artery revascularization and applied color-coded summation imaging on selected monochromatic DSA images. The differences in time to peak (dTTP) of contrast enhancement in predefined anatomical measuring points were analyzed. Furthermore, differences in systolic blood pressure values (SBP) and serum creatinine were obtained. The value of underlying diabetes mellitus as a predictor for clinical outcome was assessed. Correlation analysis between the patients gender as well as the presence of diabetes mellitus and dTTP was performed. Results: Endovascular revascularization resulted in statistically significant improvement in 4/7 regions of interest. Highly significant improvement of perfusion in terms of shortened TTP values could be found at the segmental artery level and in the intrastenotical segment (p<0.001), significant improvement prestenotical and in the apical renal parenchyma (p<0.05). In the other anatomic regions, differences revealed not to be significant. Differences between SBP and serum creatinine levels before and after the procedure were significant (p=0.004 and 0.0004). Patients ' gender as well as the presence of diabetes mellitus did not reveal to be predictors for the clinical success of the procedure. Furthermore, diabetes and gender did not show relevant correlation with dTTP in the parenchymal measuring points. Conclusions: The supplementary use of color-coding DSA and the data gained from parametric images may provide helpful information in the evaluation of the procedures ' technical success. The segmental artery might be a particularly suitable vascular territory for analyzing differences in blood flow characteristics. Further studies with larger cohorts are needed to further confirm the diagnostic value of this technique.}, language = {en} } @article{SchwaabBjarnasonWehrensMengetal.2021, author = {Schwaab, Bernhard and Bjarnason-Wehrens, Birna and Meng, Karin and Albus, Christian and Salzwedel, Annett and Schmid, Jean-Paul and Benzer, Werner and Metz, Matthes and Jensen, Katrin and Rauch, Bernhard and B{\"o}nner, Gerd and Brzoska, Patrick and Buhr-Schinner, Heike and Charrier, Albrecht and Cordes, Carsten and D{\"o}rr, Gesine and Eichler, Sarah and Exner, Anne-Kathrin and Fromm, Bernd and Gielen, Stephan and Glatz, Johannes and Gohlke, Helmut and Grilli, Maurizio and Gysan, Detlef and H{\"a}rtel, Ursula and Hahmann, Harry and Herrmann-Lingen, Christoph and Karger, Gabriele and Karoff, Marthin and Kiwus, Ulrich and Knoglinger, Ernst and Krusch, Christian-Wolfgang and Langheim, Eike and Mann, Johannes and Max, Regina and Metzendorf, Maria-Inti and Nebel, Roland and Niebauer, Josef and Predel, Hans-Georg and Preßler, Axel and Razum, Oliver and Reiss, Nils and Saure, Daniel and von Schacky, Clemens and Sch{\"u}tt, Morten and Schultz, Konrad and Skoda, Eva-Maria and Steube, Diethard and Streibelt, Marco and St{\"u}ttgen, Martin and St{\"u}ttgen, Michaela and Teufel, Martin and Tschanz, Hansueli and V{\"o}ller, Heinz and Vogel, Heiner and Westphal, Ronja}, title = {Cardiac rehabilitation in German speaking countries of Europe — evidence-based guidelines from Germany, Austria and Switzerland LLKardReha-DACH — part 2}, series = {Journal of Clinical Medicine}, volume = {10}, journal = {Journal of Clinical Medicine}, number = {14}, issn = {2077-0383}, doi = {10.3390/jcm10143071}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-242645}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Background: Scientific guidelines have been developed to update and harmonize exercise based cardiac rehabilitation (ebCR) in German speaking countries. Key recommendations for ebCR indications have recently been published in part 1 of this journal. The present part 2 updates the evidence with respect to contents and delivery of ebCR in clinical practice, focusing on exercise training (ET), psychological interventions (PI), patient education (PE). In addition, special patients' groups and new developments, such as telemedical (Tele) or home-based ebCR, are discussed as well. Methods: Generation of evidence and search of literature have been described in part 1. Results: Well documented evidence confirms the prognostic significance of ET in patients with coronary artery disease. Positive clinical effects of ET are described in patients with congestive heart failure, heart valve surgery or intervention, adults with congenital heart disease, and peripheral arterial disease. Specific recommendations for risk stratification and adequate exercise prescription for continuous-, interval-, and strength training are given in detail. PI when added to ebCR did not show significant positive effects in general. There was a positive trend towards reduction in depressive symptoms for "distress management" and "lifestyle changes". PE is able to increase patients' knowledge and motivation, as well as behavior changes, regarding physical activity, dietary habits, and smoking cessation. The evidence for distinct ebCR programs in special patients' groups is less clear. Studies on Tele-CR predominantly included low-risk patients. Hence, it is questionable, whether clinical results derived from studies in conventional ebCR may be transferred to Tele-CR. Conclusions: ET is the cornerstone of ebCR. Additional PI should be included, adjusted to the needs of the individual patient. PE is able to promote patients self-management, empowerment, and motivation. Diversity-sensitive structures should be established to interact with the needs of special patient groups and gender issues. Tele-CR should be further investigated as a valuable tool to implement ebCR more widely and effectively.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{KlabouchgebKleinbach2021, author = {Klabouch [geb. Kleinbach], Stefanie}, title = {Pr{\"a}diktoren f{\"u}r die postinterventionelle Leberfunktion nach transarterieller Chemotherapie bei Patienten und Patientinnen mit hepatozellul{\"a}rem Karzinom}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-23707}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-237070}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Hintergrund: Die transarterielle Chemoembolisation (TACE) stellt eine Erstlinientherapie bei nicht resezierbarem HCC im intermedi{\"a}ren Stadium (BCLC B) dar. TACE induziert einen zytotoxischen und isch{\"a}mischen Gewebeeffekt, der m{\"o}glicherweise zu einer Leberfunktionsst{\"o}rung f{\"u}hrt. Der 13C-Methacetin-Atemtest (MBT) ist ein nichtinvasiver CYP1A2-Funktionstest zur Beurteilung der funktionellen Leberzellmasse. Ziel dieser prospektiven Studie war es, die Auswirkung der konventionellen TACE auf die hepatozellul{\"a}re Reserve, gemessen mittels 13C-MBT, statischen Leberfunktionstests und entz{\"u}ndlichen Parametern bewerten zu k{\"o}nnen. Methoden \& Ergebnisse: 27 Patient*innen mit nicht resezierbarem HCC (BCLC B, Child Pugh A) erhielten vor (d0), 24 Stunden (d1) und 72 Stunden (d3) nach 41 cTACE-Verfahren einen MBT. Das hepatische Lipiodol®-Verteilungsvolumen wurde aus CT-Daten berechnet. Statische Leberfunktionstests, entz{\"u}ndliche Parameter und klinische Ereignisse wurden an d0-3 analysiert. Es zeigte sich eine deutliche Verringerung der CYP1A2-Funktion nach cTACE an d1 und d3, was haupts{\"a}chlich durch die Entz{\"u}ndungsreaktion (CRP) und hepatozellul{\"a}re Schadensmarker (AST) und nur in geringem Maße durch das embolisierte Lebervolumen zu erkl{\"a}ren ist. Schlussfolgerung: Der MBT kann die kurzfristige Verringerung der Leberfunktionsreserve sensitiv abbilden und korreliert mit klinischen Komplikationen nach cTACE. Der MBT kann Anwendung in der fr{\"u}hen Identifizierung einer hepatischen Dysfunktion finden.}, subject = {Leberfunktion}, language = {de} } @phdthesis{Hafner2021, author = {Hafner, Julia Alexandra}, title = {Prospektives Biomarker Screening zur Diagnose der Invasiven Aspergillose bei p{\"a}diatrischen Hochrisikopatienten}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-23722}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-237226}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Die Invasive Aspergillose (IA) stellt eine Hauptursache der infektassoziierten Morbidit{\"a}t und Mortalit{\"a}t bei p{\"a}diatrischen Patienten mit h{\"a}mato-onkologischer Grunderkrankung und/oder allogener Stammzelltransplantation dar. Die sichere und fr{\"u}hzeitige Diagnose ist bei Kindern aufgrund sp{\"a}rlicher p{\"a}diatrischer Daten weiterhin eine klinische Herausforderung. Die Kombination der Biomarker Galactomannanantigen und Aspergillus DNA hat sich in Erwachsenenstudien als vorteilhaft in der Diagnose der IA erwiesen. Ziel der durchgef{\"u}hrten Studie war daher, die diagnostische G{\"u}te des kombinierten Biomarkerscreenings in einer p{\"a}diatrischen Hochrisikokohorte zu ermitteln. Hierf{\"u}r wurden 39 p{\"a}diatrische Patienten, die w{\"a}hrend eines Zeitraumes von drei Jahren aufgrund einer h{\"a}mato-onkologischen Grunderkrankung und Notwendigkeit einer Stammzelltransplantation in der W{\"u}rzburger Kinderklinik behandelt wurden, einem hochstandardisierten, zweimal w{\"o}chentlichen Screening auf Galactomannanantigen und fungaler DNA zugef{\"u}hrt. Zus{\"a}tzlich wurde f{\"u}r jeden Patienten ein breites Spektrum an klinischen Daten sowie mikrobiologischen und radiologischen Ergebnissen erfasst und die IA-Klassifikation nach den EORTC/MSG-Kriterien durchgef{\"u}hrt. Unsere Daten zeigten eine IA-Inzidenz (probable IA) von 10\%, was per definitionem einer Hochrisikokohorte entspricht. Das kombinierte Monitoring der Biomarker Galactomannanantigen und Aspergillus-DNA wies eine hohe diagnostische Genauigkeit mit einer Sensitivit{\"a}t/Spezifit{\"a}t/PPV/NPV von 1.00 und gute Eignung als Screeningtest auf. Die antifungale Prophylaxe zeigte keinen negativen Einfluss auf die diagnostischen G{\"u}tekriterien der beiden Biomarker, wie in anderen Studien postuliert. Der Galactomannanindex erwies sich als vielversprechender Surrogatmarker f{\"u}r das Outcome und das Therapieansprechen. Weiterf{\"u}hrende Studien sind notwendig, um festzulegen, ob die Biomarkerkombination eine Detektion asymptomatischer subklinischer Infektionen als eine Art „Fr{\"u}hwarnsystem" erm{\"o}glicht und somit eine Reduktion der Mortalit{\"a}t bedingen kann.}, subject = {Aspergillose}, language = {de} } @phdthesis{Mortimer2021, author = {Mortimer, Niall Patrick}, title = {ADHD Genetics in Mouse and Man}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-23626}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-236265}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with an estimated heritability of around 70\%. In order to fully understand ADHD biology it is necessary to incorporate multiple different types of research. In this thesis, both human and animal model research is described as both lines of research are required to elucidate the aetiology of ADHD and development new treatments. The role of a single gene, Adhesion G protein-coupled receptor L3 (ADGRL3) was investigated using a knockout mouse model. ADGRL3 has putative roles in neuronal migration and synapse function. Various polymorphisms in ADGRL3 have been linked with an increased risk of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in human studies. Adgrl3-deficient mice were examined across multiple behavioural domains related to ADHD: locomotive activity, visuospatial and recognition memory, gait impulsivity, aggression, sociability and anxiety-like behaviour. The transcriptomic alterations caused by Adgrl3-depletion were analysed by RNA-sequencing of three ADHD-relevant brain regions: prefrontal cortex (PFC), hippocampus and striatum. Increased locomotive activity in Adgrl3-/- mice was observed across all tests with the specific gait analysis revealing subtle gait abnormalities. Spatial memory and learning domains were also impaired in these mice. Increased levels of impulsivity and sociability accompanying decreased aggression were also detected. None of these alterations were observed in Adgrl3+/- mice. The numbers of genes found to exhibit differential expression was relatively small in all brain regions sequenced. The absence of large scale gene expression dysregulation indicates a specific pathway of action, rather than a broad neurobiological perturbation. The PFC had the greatest number of differentially expressed genes and gene-set analysis of differential expression in this brain region detected a number of ADHD-relevant pathways including dopaminergic synapses as well as cocaine and amphetamine addiction. The most dysregulated gene in the PFC was Slc6a3 which codes for the dopamine transporter, a molecule vital to current pharmacological treatment of ADHD. The behavioural and transcriptomic results described in this thesis further validate Adgrl3 constitutive knockout mice as an experimental model of ADHD and provide neuroanatomical targets for future studies involving ADGRL3 modified animal models. The study of ADHD risk genes such as ADGRL3 requires the gene to be first identified using human studies. These studies may be genome based such as genome wide association studies (GWAS) or transcriptome based using microarray or RNA sequencing technology. To explore ADHD biology in humans the research described in this thesis includes both GWAS and trancriptomic data. A two-step transcriptome profiling was performed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of 143 ADHD subjects and 169 healthy controls. We combined GWAS and expression data in an expression-based Polygenic Risk Score (PRS) analysis in a total sample of 879 ADHD cases and 1919 controls from three different datasets. Through this exploratory study we found eight differentially expressed genes in ADHD and no support for the genetic background of the disorder playing a role in the aberrant expression levels identified. These results highlight promising candidate genes and gene pathways for ADHD and support the use of peripheral tissues to assess gene expression signatures for ADHD. This thesis illustrates how both human and animal model research is required to increase our understanding of ADHD. The animal models provide biological insight into the targets identified in human studies and may themselves provide further relevant gene targets. Only by combining research from disparate sources can we develop the thorough understanding on ADHD biology required for treatment development, which is the ultimate goal of translational science research.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Wagenbrenner2021, author = {Wagenbrenner, Mike Helmut}, title = {In vitro-Charakterisierung mesenchymaler Stromazellen aus dem menschlichen H{\"u}ftgelenk}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-23711}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-237110}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2021}, abstract = {In dieser Arbeit konnte erstmals gezeigt werden, dass plastik-adh{\"a}rent wachsende, multipotente Vorl{\"a}uferzellen, die eine f{\"u}r MSCs charakteristische Kombination von Oberfl{\"a}chenantigenen tragen, aus allen vier untersuchten Geweben des arthrotischen H{\"u}ftgelenks isoliert werden konnten. MSC-{\"a}hnliche Zellen k{\"o}nnen somit nicht nur in der Spongiosa und im Gelenkknorpel, sondern auch in der anterioren Gelenkkapsel und dem Ligamentum capitis femoris (LCF) des arthrotisch ver{\"a}nderten menschlichen H{\"u}ftgelenks nachgewiesen werden. Die FACS Analyse der Oberfl{\"a}chenantigene auf Zellen, die aus den vier unterschiedlichen Geweben eines beispielhaft gew{\"a}hlten Spenders isoliert wurden, zeigte eine deutliche Expression der Antigene CD44, CD73, CD90 und CD105. Unabh{\"a}ngig vom Nativgewebe zeigten somit alle untersuchten Zellen ein f{\"u}r MSCs charakteristisches, aber nicht spezifisches Profil an Antigenen auf ihrer Oberfl{\"a}che. Eine {\"U}bereinstimmung mit den ISCT Kriterien f{\"u}r MSCs war aufgrund der fehlenden Kontrolle h{\"a}matopoetischer Marker nicht m{\"o}glich. Die multipotente Differenzierung der isolierten Zellen erfolgte mithilfe spezifischer Differenzierungsmedien in Monolayer-Kulturen oder f{\"u}r die chondrogene Differenzierung in dreidimensionalen Pellet-Kulturen. Nach 21 Tagen konnten in allen differenzierten Kulturen histologisch und immunhistochemisch klare Zeichen der Osteo- und Adipogenese detektiert werden, w{\"a}hrend die Auswertung spezifischer Markergene eine klare Steigerung der Expression dieser im Vergleich zu den Negativkontrollen zeigte. Histologische und immunhistochemische Auswertungen best{\"a}tigten auch eine erfolgreiche chondrogene Differenzierung der Zell-Pellets aus Spongiosa, Knorpel und Kapsel. Lediglich in den chondrogen differenzierten Zell-Pellets aus dem LCF konnte immunhistochemisch keine Bildung des knorpelspezifischen Matrixproteins Col II nachgewiesen werden. Mikroskopisch zeigten vor allem die differenzierten MSC-Pellets aus Spongiosa und Knorpel morphologisch eine starke {\"A}hnlichkeit zu hyalinem Knorpelgewebe. Trotz dieser Abstufungen zeigten sich f{\"u}r die relative Expression der chondrogenen Markergene AGG, Col II und Sox-9 keine signifikanten Unterschiede zwischen den differenzierten MSC-Kulturen der vier unterschiedlichen Nativgewebe. Ein positiver Nachweis des Markers Col X wies nach 27 Tagen sowohl in differenzierten als auch in undifferenzierten Pellet-Kulturen auf eine leichte chondrogene Hypertrophie hin. Zusammenfassend zeigten sich keine signifikanten Unterschiede im Hinblick auf das osteogene und adipogene Differenzierungspotential aller untersuchten Zellen. W{\"a}hrend das chondrogene Differenzierungspotential der Zellen aus Spongiosa, Knorpel und Kapsel sich aus histologischer und immunhistochemischer Sicht {\"a}hnelte, zeigten Pellets aus dem LCF ein schw{\"a}cheres chondrogenes Differenzierungspotential in vitro. Obwohl somit erstmals MSC-{\"a}hnliche Zellen aus dem LCF und Gewebsproben, die neben dem Stratum synoviale auch das Stratum fibrosum der H{\"u}ftgelenkskapsel beinhalteten, charakterisiert wurden, sind weitere wissenschaftliche Arbeiten notwendig, um das multipotente Differenzierungspotential dieser Zellen zu optimieren.}, subject = {H{\"u}ftgelenk}, language = {de} } @phdthesis{Breyer2021, author = {Breyer, Charles Pierre Paul}, title = {Putative Eisenregulation von Fractalkin (CX3CL1), pathophysiologische Rolle von CX3CL1 in Pl{\"a}ttchenmodellen und Eisenhaushalt in der Megakaryopoese}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-23792}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-237929}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2021}, abstract = {In dieser Arbeit wird gezeigt, dass Fractalkin (CX3L1) keine Eisenregulation im Sinne des klassischen IRE/IRP-Systems aufweist. Zus{\"a}tzlich wird die pathophysiologische Rolle der CX3CL1/CX3CR1-Achse in Megakaryozyten untersucht. Ferner wird die Eisenhom{\"o}ostase w{\"a}hrend der megakaryopetischen Differenzierung erforscht.}, subject = {Fractalkin}, language = {de} } @phdthesis{Haack2021, author = {Haack, Stephanie}, title = {A novel mouse model for systemic cytokine release upon treatment with a superagonistic anti-CD28 antibody}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-23775}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-237757}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2021}, abstract = {The adaptive immune system is known to provide highly specific and effective immunity against a broad variety of pathogens due to different effector cells. The most prominent are CD4+ T-cells which differentiate after activation into distinct subsets of effector and memory cells, amongst others T helper 1 (Th1) cells. We have recently shown that mouse as well as human Th1 cells depend on T cell receptor (TCR) signals concomitant with CD28 costimulation in order to secrete interferon  (IFN) which is considered as their main effector function. Moreover, there is a class of anti-CD28 monoclonal antibodies that is able to induce T cell (re-)activation without concomitant TCR ligation. These so-called CD28-superagonists (CD28-SA) have been shown to preferentially activate and expand CD4+ Foxp3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells and thereby efficaciously conferring protection e.g. against autoimmune responses in rodents and non-human primates. Considering this beneficial effect, CD28-SA were thought to be of great impact for immunotherapeutic approaches and a humanized CD28-SA was subjected to clinical testing starting with a first-in-man trial in London in 2006. Unexpectedly, the volunteers experienced life-threatening side effects due to a cytokine release syndrome (CRS) that was unpredicted by the preclinical studies prior to the trial. Retrospectively, CD4+ memory T cells within the tissues were identified as source of pro-inflammatory cytokines released upon CD28-SA administration. This was not predicted by the preclinical testing indicating a need for more reliable and predictive animal models. Whether mouse CD4+ T cells are generally irresponsive to CD28-SA stimulation or rather the lack of a bona fide memory T cell compartment in cleanly housed specific-pathogen-free (SPF) mice is the reason why the rodent models failed to predict the risk for a CRS remained unclear. To provide SPF mice with a true pool of memory/effector T cells, we transferred in vitro differentiated TCR-transgenic OT-II Th1 cells into untreated recipient mice. Given that Treg cells suppress T cell activation after CD28- SA injection in vivo, recipients were either Treg-competent or Treg-deficient, wild type or DEREG mice, respectively. Subsequent CD28-SA administration resulted in induction of systemic pro-inflammatory cytokine release, dominated by IFN, that was observed to be much more pronounced and robust in Treg-deficient recipients. Employing a newly established in vitro system mirroring the in vivo responses to CD28-SA stimulation of Th1 cells revealed that antigen-presenting cells (APCs) amplify CD28-SAinduced IFN release by Th1 cells due to CD40/CD40L-interactions. Thus, these data are the first to show that mouse Th1 cells are indeed sensitive to CD28-SA stimulation in vivo and in vitro responding with strong IFN release accompanied by secretion of further pro-inflammatory cytokines, which is compatible with a CRS. In conclusion, this study will facilitate preclinical testing of immunomodulatory agents providing a mouse model constituting more "human-like" conditions allowing a higher degree of reliability and translationability.}, subject = {CD28}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Behr2021, author = {Behr, Greta}, title = {Die „Malen nach Zahlen" Methode zur Lehre der Pr{\"a}paration einer einfl{\"u}geligen Adh{\"a}sivbr{\"u}cke aus Zirkoniumdioxidkeramik}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-23718}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-237186}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Einleitung: Das Erlernen neuer Pr{\"a}parationsarten ist nicht einfach, insbesondere bei Pr{\"a}parationen, die hohe technische Anforderungen stellen und deren Form sich von konventionellen Vollkronen unterscheidet, wie z. B. die Pr{\"a}paration einer Klebebr{\"u}cke. Um das sp{\"a}tere Therapiespektrum angehender Zahn{\"a}rzte zu erweitern, sollten diese eine große Anzahl verschiedener Pr{\"a}parationen im Studium erlernen. Im Studentenalltag bleibt oft keine Zeit f{\"u}r lange Erkl{\"a}rungen und exemplarische Pr{\"a}parationen. Deshalb wurde die "Malen-nach-Zahlen-Methode" entwickelt, um den Studenten das Erlernen neuer Pr{\"a}parationen zu erleichtern. Materialien und Methoden: Nach der Erstellung der Druckdatei f{\"u}r den {\"U}bungszahn wurden diese mit einem Stereolithographie-Drucker hergestellt. Der {\"U}bungszahn bestand aus zwei unterschiedlich farbigen Schichten mit einer integrierten Pr{\"a}paration. Die Schicht, die zum Erreichen der Zielpr{\"a}paration entfernt werden musste, war schwarz und sollte den Studenten das Ausmaß und die Dicke der Pr{\"a}paration zeigen. 42 Zahnmedizinstudenten ab dem vierten Studienjahr nahmen an einem freiwilligen Praktikum teil. Die Studenten wurden nach dem Zufallsprinzip in zwei gleich große Gruppen eingeteilt. Eine Gruppe {\"u}bte mit den "Malen nach Zahlen" Z{\"a}hnen, die andere mit Standardmodellz{\"a}hnen. Trotzdem hatte jeder Student die M{\"o}glichkeit, die neuen gedruckten Z{\"a}hne zu testen. Die Studenten hatten bereits Erfahrung mit anderen Standardmodell- und echten Z{\"a}hnen. Die gedruckten Z{\"a}hne wurden mit einem Fragebogen mit Schulnoten von 1 bis 6 bewertet. In einem zweiten Teil wurden die pr{\"a}parierten Z{\"a}hne der Sch{\"u}ler eingescannt und mit Hilfe einer 3D-Auswertungssoftware mit dem idealen pr{\"a}parierten Zahn verglichen. So konnte die "Malen-nach-Zahlen-Methode" mit herk{\"o}mmlichen Unterrichtsmethoden verglichen werden. Ergebnisse: Die Herstellung der Z{\"a}hne zum Erlernen der Pr{\"a}paration einer Klebebr{\"u}cke war einfach und kosteng{\"u}nstig. Insgesamt bewerteten die Studenten die Z{\"a}hne mit 1,9 und die Lehrmethode als positiv. Das Zahnmodell wurde insgesamt mit 1,9 bewertet. Es unterst{\"u}tzte die Studierenden dabei, die Zielpr{\"a}paration zu visualisieren und durch die Kontrolle mit der eigenen Arbeit eine Selbsteinsch{\"a}tzung zu entwickeln. Auch wenn die Studierenden ihren Lernerfolg und Lernprozess mit den 3D-gedruckten Z{\"a}hnen als besser einsch{\"a}tzten, konnte kein signifikanter Unterschied bei der sp{\"a}teren Auswertung der Z{\"a}hne festgestellt werden. Die Studenten w{\"u}nschten sich eine st{\"a}rkere Integration der gedruckten Z{\"a}hne in den Pr{\"a}parationsunterricht und {\"a}ußerten in den Freitextfragen, dass sie Vorteile in Bezug auf Unabh{\"a}ngigkeit, Kosten und Individualisierung der zahnmedizinischen Ausbildung sehen. Schlussfolgerungen: Es hat sich gezeigt, dass die Methode "Malen nach Zahlen" geeignet ist, neue Pr{\"a}parationen wie eine Klebebr{\"u}cke zu lehren. Die farbkodierte integrierte Pr{\"a}paration in den gedruckten Z{\"a}hnen und das gedruckte Zahnmodell erm{\"o}glichten es den Studenten, die Pr{\"a}paration einer Adh{\"a}sivbr{\"u}cke selbstst{\"a}ndig und mit geringem Aufwand zu erlernen.}, subject = {3D-Druck}, language = {de} } @phdthesis{Auth2021, author = {Auth, Charlotte Sophie}, title = {Die Auswirkungen von Tph2-Defizienz und negativen fr{\"u}hen Umwelterfahrungen auf Angstverhalten in weiblichen M{\"a}usen}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-23948}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-239488}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Angsterkrankungen geh{\"o}ren zu den am weitesten verbreiteten psychischen Erkrankungen und stellen eine betr{\"a}chtliche soziale und wirtschaftliche Herausforderung f{\"u}r unsere Gesellschaft dar. Aversive fr{\"u}he Erfahrungen sind ein bekannter Risikofaktor f{\"u}r die Entwicklung verschiedener psychischer Erkrankungen, insbesondere Angstst{\"o}rungen. W{\"a}hrend der fr{\"u}hen Entwicklung findet die Programmierung der Hypothalamus-Hypophysen-Nebennierenrinden- (HHN)-Achse, die die Aussch{\"u}ttung des Stresshormons Cortisol in Menschen bzw. Corticosteron in M{\"a}usen steuert, statt. Wenn Individuen in dieser kritischen Phase Stress ausgesetzt sind, wird die regelrechte Ausbildung der HHN-Achse gest{\"o}rt, was zu dysregulierten Verhaltensantworten auf Stressreize im sp{\"a}teren Leben f{\"u}hren kann. Das Serotonin (5-HT)-System als eines der ausgedehntesten Neurotransmittersysteme ist an der Vermittlung der Effekte von fr{\"u}her Stressexposition auf angst{\"a}hnliche Verhaltensweisen beteiligt. Das Ziel dieser Studie ist es, die Interaktion zwischen genetischer Pr{\"a}disposition und negativen Einfl{\"u}ssen in fr{\"u}hen Entwicklungsstadien auf die Ausbildung von Angstverhalten im Erwachsenenalter n{\"a}her zu beleuchten. In dieser Studie wurden Tryptophanhydroxylase 2 (Tph2)-defiziente weibliche M{\"a}use als Modell f{\"u}r ein lebenslanges konstitutives 5-HT Synthesedefizit im zentralen Nervensystem verwendet. Nachkommen dieser Mauslinie wurden im fr{\"u}hen Lebensalter Maternaler Separation (MS), d.h. einem m{\"u}tterlichen Trennungsparadigma, unterzogen und im Erwachsenenalter im „Open field" (OF) oder in der „Dark-light box" (DLB) getestet. Im Anschluss an die Verhaltensexperimente wurde die neuronale Aktivierung immunhistochemisch durch Darstellung des fr{\"u}hzeitig auftretenden Genprodukts c-Fos bestimmt. In der DLB zeigten homozygot Tph2-defiziente M{\"a}use eine verringerte motorische Aktivit{\"a}t im hellen Kompartiment, und dieser Effekt konnte durch MS normalisiert werden. Zus{\"a}tzlich verst{\"a}rkte MS bei diesem Genotyp das Auftreten von fluchtartigen Spr{\"u}ngen. Im OF hat MS fluchtartige Verhaltensweisen in homo- und heterozygoten Tph2-defizienten M{\"a}usen bef{\"o}rdert. Beide Verhaltenstests f{\"u}hrten zu spezifischen neuronalen Aktivierungsmustern, die mithilfe von c-Fos- Immunhistochemie ausgewertet wurden. Die Durchf{\"u}hrung des DLB-Tests f{\"u}hrte in Abh{\"a}ngigkeit vom Vorhandensein von Tph2 zur Aktivierung des paraventrikul{\"a}ren Kerns des Hypothalamus (PVN) und der basolateralen Amygdala (BL), wohingegen die Exposition gegen{\"u}ber dem OF-Test zu einer Aktivierung der lateralen Amygdala (La) in Tieren, die einem m{\"u}tterlichen Trennungsparadigma unterzogen wurden, sowie einer Aktivierung des ventrolateralen (VLPAG) und dorsolateralen (DLPAG) periaqu{\"a}duktalen H{\"o}hlengraus in Abh{\"a}ngigkeit von Tph2 und MS f{\"u}hrte. Zusammenfassend weisen die Ergebnisse dieser Studie darauf hin, dass MS aktive Verhaltensantworten auf aversive Reize in Abh{\"a}ngigkeit vom Vorhandensein von 5-HT im Gehirn f{\"o}rdert. Diese Effekte k{\"o}nnten durch die spezifische Aktivierung von mit Angstverhalten in Zusammenhang stehenden Gehirnregionen w{\"a}hrend der Verhaltensexperimente vermittelt werden.}, subject = {Angst}, language = {de} } @phdthesis{Grabenbauer2021, author = {Grabenbauer, Felix}, title = {Radiosensibilisierung humaner Tumorzelllinien unterschiedlicher Entit{\"a}ten durch den MEK-Inhibitor PD184352 allein oder in Kombination mit dem HSP90-Inhibitor NVP-AUY922: Einfluss der Behandlungsschemas}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-23979}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-239790}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Das Targeting des MEK-Proteins in Krebszellen f{\"u}hrt in der Regel zu einer erworbenen Resistenz gegen MEK-Inhibitoren und zur Aktivierung des {\"u}berlebenswichtigen Proteins Akt. Da sowohl MEK als auch Akt Clienten des Hsp90-Chaperonsystems sind, untersucht die vorliegende Arbeit die Reaktionen von bestrahlten Lungenkarzinom- (A549) und Glioblastom- (SNB19) Zelllinien auf eine kombinierte MEK- und Hsp90-Hemmung. Unerwarteterweise verbesserte der 24 h vor der Bestrahlung verabreichte MEK-Inhibitor PD184352 das Zell{\"u}berleben durch Hochregulation von MEK und Erk1/2, aber auch von Akt. Im Gegensatz dazu reduzierte PD184352, das 1 h vor der Bestrahlung zugegeben wurde, die Expression von Erk stark und regulierte Akt in beiden Zelllinien nicht hoch. Als Ergebnis verst{\"a}rkte der MEK-Inhibitor die radiosensibilisierende Wirkung des Hsp90-Inhibitors NVP-AUY922 in Glioblastomzellen (SNB19).}, subject = {Strahlenbiologie}, language = {de} } @phdthesis{MolinaGalindo2021, author = {Molina Galindo, Lara Sophia}, title = {Glaukomtherapie: Intraindividueller Vergleich zwischen der konventionellen Trabekulektomie und der filtrierenden Trabekulotomie}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-24641}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-246412}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Hintergrund: Die konventionelle Trabekulektomie (TET) stellt trotz einem eher ung{\"u}nstigen Komplikationsprofil weiterhin den Goldstandard der operativen Glaukomtherapie dar, da sie eine effektivere langfristige Drucksenkung als neuere Operationsverfahren aufweist. Fragestellung: Vergleich der Erfolgsquote und des Risikoprofils der TET mit einer durch Schaffen einer zweiten Filtrationsebene sowie Vermeiden einer peripheren Iridektomie modifizierten Trabekulektomie („Filtrierende Trabekulotomie" (FTO)). Material und Methode: Retrospektiv durchgef{\"u}hrter intraindividueller Vergleich {\"u}ber 36 Monate an 20 Patienten mit Offenwinkelglaukom nach TET an einem Auge und FTO am anderen Auge an der Augenklinik der Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg. Prim{\"a}rer Endpunkt war das Erreichen des absoluten/Teilerfolgs (IOD ≤18 mmHg und ≥ 20 \% Druckreduktion ohne/mit Medikation). Als sekund{\"a}re Endpunkte wurden das Auftreten von Komplikationen sowie der Verlauf von Augeninnendruck, Visus und lokaler Pharmakotherapie analysiert. Ergebnisse: Beide Operationsverfahren f{\"u}hrten zu einer signifikanten Reduktion des Augeninnendrucks zu jedem postoperativen Zeitpunkt. Nach 36 Monaten zeigte sich ein absoluter Erfolg bei 50 \% der Augen in der TET-Gruppe und 20 \% der FTO-Gruppe sowie ein Teilerfolg bei 71,4 \% gegen{\"u}ber 33,3 \%. Zu Komplikationen kam es mit Ausnahme des h{\"a}ufigeren Auftretens eines Hyph{\"a}mas in der FTO-Gruppe in vergleichbarem Ausmaß in beiden Gruppen. Der Visus und postoperative Medikamentenscore unterschieden sich nicht signifikant voneinander. Schlussfolgerung: Die TET war der FTO in Hinblick auf Erfolg und Komplikationsrisiko {\"u}berlegen. Die m{\"o}glichen Vorteile der Operation durch die genannten Modifikationen konnten nicht best{\"a}tigt werden.}, subject = {Offenwinkelglaukom}, language = {de} } @phdthesis{Soda2021, author = {Soda, Hassan}, title = {Interdisziplin{\"a}res Schlaganfallmanagement anhand des Stroke Manager Programms - Studiendaten und Perspektiven f{\"u}r die Schlaganfallversorgung}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-24206}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-242061}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Die Schlaganfallnachsorge in Deutschland wird von verschiedenen Leistungserbringern gepr{\"a}gt, die teilweise komplement{\"a}re und komplexe Dienstleistungen erbringen und sektoren{\"u}bergreifend arbeiten. In Bad Neustadt wurde in Kooperation mit der Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg und dem Zentrum f{\"u}r Telemedizin Bad Kissingen das Stroke Manager Programm entwickelt und evaluiert. Das strukturierte Nachsorgeprogramm Stroke Manager basiert auf einer standardisierten Informations- und Software Unterst{\"u}tzung von der Akutversorgung bis drei Monate nach Entlassung aus der station{\"a}ren Versorgung. Anhand der Ergebnisse des Stroke Manager Programms konnte eine vergleichsweise hohe Persistenz bzgl. der station{\"a}r verordneten medikament{\"o}sen Sekund{\"a}rpr{\"a}vention {\"u}ber einen Zeitraum von drei Monaten festgestellt werden, ebenso konnten wir nachweisen, dass sich das Programm positiv auf die Versorgungsqualit{\"a}t sowie die Patientenzufriedenheit nach Schlaganfall auswirken kann. Die im Stroke Manager-Programm betreuten Schlaganfallpatienten wiesen im Vergleich signifikante Unterschiede bei den Faktoren Rauchverhalten, Schlaganfallschweregrad und subjektive, globale Lebensqualit{\"a}t auf.}, subject = {Stroke Manager}, language = {de} } @phdthesis{Seidensticker2021, author = {Seidensticker, Katharina}, title = {Aufbau eines humanen 3D-Atemwegsmodells zur Modellierung der Atemwegsinfektion mit Bordetella pertussis}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-24209}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-242092}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Mittels Tissue Engineering hergestellte humane 3D in vitro-Testsysteme sind ein neuer Ansatz, um u.a. Erkrankungen der Atemwege zu simulieren und zu untersuchen. Obwohl gegen B. pertussis, den Erreger des Keuchhustens, Impfstoffe zur Verf{\"u}gung stehen, nimmt die Erkrankungs-Inzidenz in den letzten Jahren deutlich zu. Da B. pertussis zu den obligat humanpathogenen Erregern z{\"a}hlt, sind die aus Tierversuchen stammenden Daten nur unzureichend auf den Menschen {\"u}bertragbar. Die genauen Pathomechanismen der Infektion sind bisher nicht gekl{\"a}rt. Auf einer biologischen Kollagenmatrix wurde eine Ko-Kultur aus humanen tracheobronchialen Fibroblasten und humanen tracheobronchialen Epithelzellen (hTEC) angesiedelt und 3 Wochen unter apikaler Bel{\"u}ftung kultiviert. Die ausdifferenzierten 3D Testsysteme wurden mit {\"U}berst{\"a}nden von Bordetella pertussis-Kulturen inkubiert und auf licht- und elektronenmikroskopischer Ebene analysiert. Weiterhin wurden 2D Kulturen der hTEC mit Hilfe der Ramanspektroskopie nicht-invasiv auf intrazellul{\"a}re Ver{\"a}nderungen nach der Inkubation mit den bakteriellen {\"U}berst{\"a}nden untersucht. Das 3D Testsystem der humanen Atemwegschleimhaut zeigte auf lichtmikroskopischer und ultrastruktureller Ebene eine hohe in vitro - in vivo-Korrelation. Die elektronenmikroskopische Analyse zeigte morphologische Ver{\"a}nderungen nach der Inkubation mit den B. pertussis {\"U}berst{\"a}nden, die mit vorbeschrieben Effekten einer B. pertussis Infektion korrelieren. Mittels der Ramanspektroskopie ließen sich Gruppen von unbehandelten Zellen von Gruppen, die zuvor mit Bakterien{\"u}berst{\"a}nden inkubiert wurden, trennen. Somit zeigte sich die Ramanspektroskopie sensitiv f{\"u}r intrazellul{\"a}re Infektionsfolgen. Zusammenfassend wurde belegt, dass das 3D-Modell der humanen Atemwegschleimhaut zur Untersuchung obligat humanpathogener Infektionserreger geeignet ist und dass die Ramanspektroskopie eine nicht-invasive Methode ist, um durch Infektionen hervorgerufene intrazellul{\"a}ren Pathologien zu analysieren.}, subject = {Bordetella pertussis}, language = {de} } @phdthesis{Kodandaraman2021, author = {Kodandaraman, Geema}, title = {Influence of insulin-induced oxidative stress in genotoxicity and disease}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-24200}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-242005}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Hormones are essential components in the body and their imbalance leads to pathological consequences. T2DM, insulin resistance and obesity are the most commonly occurring lifestyle diseases in the past decade. Also, an increased cancer incidence has been strongly associated with obese and T2DM patients. Therefore, our aim was to study the influence of high insulin levels in accumulating DNA damage in in vitro models and patients, through the induction of oxidative stress. The primary goal of this study was to analyze the genotoxicity induced by the combined action of two endogenous hormones (insulin and adrenaline) with in vitro models, through the induction of micronuclei and to see if they cause an additive increase in genomic damage. This is important for multifactorial diseases having high levels of more than one hormone, such as metabolic syndrome and conditions with multiple pathologies (e.g., T2DM along with high stress levels). Furthermore, the combination of insulin and the pharmacological inhibition of the tumor suppressor gene: PTEN, was to be tested in in vitro models for their genotoxic effect and oxidative stress inducing potential. As the tumor suppressor gene: PTEN is downregulated in PTEN associated syndromes and when presented along with T2DM and insulin resistance, this may increase the potential to accumulate genomic damage. The consequences of insulin action were to be further elucidated by following GFP-expressing cells in live cell-imaging to observe the ability of insulin, to induce micronuclei and replicative stress. Finally, the detrimental potential of high insulin levels in obese patients with hyperinsulinemia and pre-diabetes was to be studied by analyzing markers of oxidative stress and genomic damage. In summary, the intention of this work was to understand the effects of high insulin levels in in vitro and in patients to understand its relevance for the development of genomic instability and thus an elevated cancer risk.}, subject = {Insulin}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Liang2021, author = {Liang, Raimunde}, title = {Identification of new drug targets in adrenocortical carcinoma through targeted mRNA analysis}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-23554}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-235545}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Adrenocortical carcinomas (ACC) are aggressive tumors associated with a heterogeneous but generally poor prognosis and limited treatment options for advanced stages. Despite promising molecular insights and improved understanding of ACC biology, efficient targeted therapies have not been identified yet. Thus, this study aims to identify potential new drug targets for a future personalized therapeutic approach. RNA was isolated from 104 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor samples from ACC patients, 40 of those 104 cases proved to be suitable for further mRNA analyses according to the quality check of the extracted RNA. Gene expression of 84 known cancer drug targets was evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR using 5 normal adrenal glands as reference. Protein expression was investigated for selected candidate drug targets by immunohistochemistry in 104 ACC samples, 11 adenomas and 6 normal adrenal glands. Efficacy of an available inhibitor of the most promising candidate was tested by functional in vitro experiments in two ACC cell lines (NCI-H295R and MUC1) alone or in combination with other drugs. Most frequently overexpressed genes were TOP2A, IGF2, CDK1, CDK4, PLK4 and PLK1. Nuclear immunostaining of CDK1, CDK4 and PLK1 significantly correlated with the respective mRNA expression. CDK4 was chosen as the most promising candidate for functional validation as it is actionable by FDA-approved CDK4/6 inhibitors. ACC samples with copy number gains at CDK4 locus presented significantly higher CDK4 expression levels. The CDK4/6 inhibitor palbociclib showed a concentration- and time- dependent reduction of cell viability in vitro, which was more pronounced in NCI-H295R than in MUC1 cells. This was in line with higher CDK4 expression at western blot analysis in NCI-H295R cells. Furthermore, palbociclib was applied in combination with dual IGFR/IR inhibitor linsitinib showing a synergistic effect on reducing cell viability. In conclusion, this proof-of-principle study confirmed RNA profiling to be useful to discover potential drug targets. Detected drug targets are suitable to be investigated by immunohistochemistry in the clinical setting. Moreover, CDK4/6 inhibitors are promising candidates for treatment of a subset of patients with tumors presenting CDK4 copy number gains and/or overexpression, while linsitinib might be an interesting combination partner in patients with both IGF2 and IGF1R overexpression. These results are intended as a basis for a validation study in a prospective cohort, further evaluation in vivo in suitable mouse models or testing in patients with ACC in clinical trials are needed and might improve the future management of patients with ACC in terms of precision medicine.}, subject = {Adrenokortikales Karzinom}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Qureischi2021, author = {Qureischi, Musga}, title = {Selective modulation of alloreactive T cells in preclinical models of acute Graft-versus-Host Disease}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-23603}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-236031}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is a curative therapy for the treatment of malignant and non-malignant bone marrow diseases. The major complication of this treatment is a highly inflammatory reaction called Graft-versus-Host Disease (GvHD). Here, transplanted donor T cells cause massive tissue destruction and inflammation in the main target organs liver, skin and the intestine. Currently, this inflammatory reaction can be treated successfully using strong immunosuppressive agents. One efficient group of immunosuppressants are calcineurin inhibitors such as Cyclosporin A (CsA) and Tacrolimus (FK506). These treatment strategies target all T lymphocytes subsets equally and do not separate GvH from the desirable Graft-versus-Leukemia (GvL) effect. Therefore, we aimed to find immunological targets on alloreactive T cells in order to develop novel treatment strategies, which selectively modulates alloreactive T cells without impairing the GvL effect or hematopoietic immune reconstitution. The aim of this thesis was to develop a predictive marker panel to track alloreactive T cells in the peripheral blood (PB) of murine allo-HCT recipients. In clinically relevant model of aGvHD we demonstrated that alloreactive T cells have a distinct surface marker expression profile and can be detected in the PB before aGvHD manifestation. Based on our data, we propose a combinatory panel consisting of 4 surface markers (a4b7 integrin, CD162E, CD162P und CD62L) on circulating CD8+ T cells to identify the risk of aGvHD after allo-HCT. Since tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily (TNFR SF) members are involved in several immunological processes, we did extensive surface marker expression analysis of several TNFR superfamily members and other immunomodulatory molecules on conventional and regulatory T cells (Tcons vs. Tregs) on different time points during aGvHD progression. The aim of this study was to find subset-specific immunomodulatory molecules on recently activated Tcons and Tregs. We found that GITR, 4-1BB and CD27 were highly expressed on alloreactive and na{\"i}ve Tregs. In contrast, PD1 expression was highly upregulated on recently activated alloreactive Tcons. The data of this study serves as basis for future approaches, which aim to develop T cell subset specific therapeutic antibody fusion proteins. a4b7 integrin and CD162P (P-Selectin ligand) are highly upregulated on alloreactive T cells and mediate the infiltration of these cells into GvHD target organs. We developed recombinant (antibody) fusion proteins to target these two homing molecules and could show that antibody-based fusion proteins are superior to ligand-based fusion proteins regarding production efficiency and binding affinity. Therefore, we propose for future studies to focus on the described antibody-based fusion proteins for the selective targeting of T cells. Since the widely used calcineurin inhibitors are impairing the desirable GvL effect, we investigated if selective NFATc1 inhibition might be a novel strategy to prevent or reduce alloreactivity, while hopefully maintaining the GvL effect. In particular, we addressed the role of the isoform NFATc1 and inhibited its posttranslational modification by SUMO (Small Ubiquitin-related Modifier). Indeed, inhibition of NFATc1 SUMOylation resulted in reduced inflammation and increased Treg frequencies in a murine MHC major mismatch aGvHD model. Conclusively, we showed that alloreactive T cells can be identified by their surface profile in the PB of allo-HCT recipients before aGvHD symptoms appeared. Furthermore, we introduced a approach to selectively target alloreactive T cells by antibody fusion proteins, which might serve as a novel strategy to separate GvH from GvL. Additionally, we demonstrated that averted posttranslational modification of NFATc1 by SUMOylation serves as potential target to reduce alloreactivity of T cells.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Paul2021, author = {Paul, Rebecca Theodora}, title = {Subjektive Krankheitswahrnehmung, Therapieadh{\"a}renz und Zufriedenheit mit erhaltenen Informationen bei Patienten mit chronischer Nebenniereninsuffizienz - Zusammenhang mit der Teilnahme an einer standardisierten Patientenschulung}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-23552}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-235522}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Rezente Studien mit kleineren Fallzahlen offenbaren bei Patienten mit chronischer Nebenniereninsuffizienz eine sehr negative Krankheitswahrnehmung, große {\"A}ngste und Sorgen hinsichtlich der Substitutionstherapie mit Glucocorticoiden sowie eine geringe Therapieadh{\"a}renz. Ziel der vorliegenden Beobachtungsstudie war es daher im Rahmen einer monozentrischen Querschnittstudie nebenniereninsuffiziente Patienten zu Therapieadh{\"a}renz, subjektiver Krankheits- und Glucocorticoidwahrnehmung und Zufriedenheit mit erhaltenen Informationen zu befragen. Zudem wurden erstmalig die Zusammenh{\"a}nge zwischen der Teilnahme an einer standardisierten NNI-Schulung und oben genannten Aspekten im Rahmen einer multizentrischen L{\"a}ngschnittstudie untersucht. Die Ergebnisse der Querschnittstudie zeichnen insgesamt ein deutlich positiveres Bild von der subjektiven Krankheits- und Therapiewahrnehmung als bisher in der Literatur beschrieben. Die subjektive Therapieadh{\"a}renz war hoch. Zudem waren Sorgen und {\"A}ngste hinsichtlich der Glucocorticoid-Substitution geringer ausgepr{\"a}gt als erwartet. Nichtsdestotrotz ließ sich konkordant zu fr{\"u}heren Publikationen eine zum Teil sehr große Unzufriedenheit mit erhaltenen Informationen zu m{\"o}glichen Problemen der Glucocorticoid-Substitution feststellen. Die Ergebnisse der L{\"a}ngschnittstudie deuten darauf hin, dass die standardisierte Patientenschulung ein geeignetes Instrument sein k{\"o}nnte, um die Zufriedenheit von Patienten mit NNI zu steigern, das Selbstmanagement zu st{\"a}rken und gleichzeitig positiven Einfluss auf die Wahrnehmung der Substitutionstherapie nehmen k{\"o}nnte.}, subject = {Nebennierenrindeninsuffizienz}, language = {de} } @article{WagnerMottUpcinetal.2021, author = {Wagner, Nicole and Mott, Kristina and Upcin, Berin and Stegner, David and Schulze, Harald and Erg{\"u}n, S{\"u}leyman}, title = {CXCL12-abundant reticular (CAR) cells direct megakaryocyte protrusions across the bone marrow sinusoid wall}, series = {Cells}, volume = {10}, journal = {Cells}, number = {4}, issn = {2073-4409}, doi = {10.3390/cells10040722}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-234180}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Megakaryocytes (MKs) release platelets into the lumen of bone marrow (BM) sinusoids while remaining to reside within the BM. The morphogenetic events of this complex process are still not fully understood. We combined confocal laser scanning microscopy with transmission and serial block-face scanning electron microscopy followed by 3D-reconstruction on mouse BM tissue sections. These analyses revealed that MKs in close vicinity to BM sinusoid (BMS) wall first induce the lateral retraction of CXCL12-abundant reticular (CAR) cells (CAR), followed by basal lamina (BL) degradation enabling direct MK-sinusoidal endothelial cells (SECs) interaction. Subsequently, an endothelial engulfment starts that contains a large MK protrusion. Then, MK protrusions penetrate the SEC, transmigrate into the BMS lumen and form proplatelets that are in direct contact to the SEC surface. Furthermore, such processes are induced on several sites, as observed by 3D reconstructions. Our data demonstrate that MKs in interaction with CAR-cells actively induce BMS wall alterations, including CAR-cell retraction, BL degradation, and SEC engulfment containing a large MK protrusion. This results in SEC penetration enabling the migration of MK protrusion into the BMS lumen where proplatelets that are adherent to the luminal SEC surface are formed and contribute to platelet release into the blood circulation.}, language = {en} } @article{KristDornquastReinholdetal.2021, author = {Krist, Lilian and Dornquast, Christina and Reinhold, Thomas and Becher, Heiko and J{\"o}ckel, Karl-Heinz and Schmidt, B{\"o}rge and Schramm, Sara and Icke, Katja and Danquah, Ina and Willich, Stefan N. and Keil, Thomas and Brand, Tilman}, title = {Association of acculturation status with longitudinal changes in health-related quality of life — results from a cohort study of adults with Turkish origin in Germany}, series = {International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health}, volume = {18}, journal = {International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health}, number = {6}, issn = {1660-4601}, doi = {10.3390/ijerph18062827}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-234068}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Health-related quality of life (HRQL) among migrant populations can be associated with acculturation (i.e., the process of adopting, acquiring and adjusting to a new cultural environment). Since there is a lack of longitudinal studies, we aimed to describe HRQL changes among adults of Turkish descent living in Berlin and Essen, Germany, and their association with acculturation. Participants of a population-based study were recruited in 2012-2013 and reinvited six years later to complete a questionnaire. Acculturation was assessed at baseline using the Frankfurt acculturation scale (integration, assimilation, separation and marginalization). HRQL was assessed at baseline (SF-8) and at follow-up (SF-12) resulting in a physical (PCS) and mental (MCS) sum score. Associations with acculturation and HRQL were analyzed with linear regression models using a time-by-acculturation status interaction term. In the study 330 persons were included (65\% women, mean age ± standard deviation 43.3 ± 11.8 years). Over the 6 years, MCS decreased, while PCS remained stable. While cross-sectional analyses showed associations of acculturation status with both MCS and PCS, temporal changes including the time interaction term did not reveal associations of baseline acculturation status with HRQL. When investigating HRQL in acculturation, more longitudinal studies are needed to take changes in both HRQL and acculturation status into account.}, language = {en} } @article{KraftReichertPryss2021, author = {Kraft, Robin and Reichert, Manfred and Pryss, R{\"u}diger}, title = {Towards the interpretation of sound measurements from smartphones collected with mobile crowdsensing in the healthcare domain: an experiment with Android devices}, series = {Sensors}, volume = {22}, journal = {Sensors}, number = {1}, issn = {1424-8220}, doi = {10.3390/s22010170}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-252246}, year = {2021}, abstract = {The ubiquity of mobile devices fosters the combined use of ecological momentary assessments (EMA) and mobile crowdsensing (MCS) in the field of healthcare. This combination not only allows researchers to collect ecologically valid data, but also to use smartphone sensors to capture the context in which these data are collected. The TrackYourTinnitus (TYT) platform uses EMA to track users' individual subjective tinnitus perception and MCS to capture an objective environmental sound level while the EMA questionnaire is filled in. However, the sound level data cannot be used directly among the different smartphones used by TYT users, since uncalibrated raw values are stored. This work describes an approach towards making these values comparable. In the described setting, the evaluation of sensor measurements from different smartphone users becomes increasingly prevalent. Therefore, the shown approach can be also considered as a more general solution as it not only shows how it helped to interpret TYT sound level data, but may also stimulate other researchers, especially those who need to interpret sensor data in a similar setting. Altogether, the approach will show that measuring sound levels with mobile devices is possible in healthcare scenarios, but there are many challenges to ensuring that the measured values are interpretable.}, language = {en} } @article{AnkenbrandShainbergHocketal.2021, author = {Ankenbrand, Markus J. and Shainberg, Liliia and Hock, Michael and Lohr, David and Schreiber, Laura M.}, title = {Sensitivity analysis for interpretation of machine learning based segmentation models in cardiac MRI}, series = {BMC Medical Imaging}, volume = {21}, journal = {BMC Medical Imaging}, number = {1}, doi = {10.1186/s12880-021-00551-1}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-259169}, pages = {27}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Background Image segmentation is a common task in medical imaging e.g., for volumetry analysis in cardiac MRI. Artificial neural networks are used to automate this task with performance similar to manual operators. However, this performance is only achieved in the narrow tasks networks are trained on. Performance drops dramatically when data characteristics differ from the training set properties. Moreover, neural networks are commonly considered black boxes, because it is hard to understand how they make decisions and why they fail. Therefore, it is also hard to predict whether they will generalize and work well with new data. Here we present a generic method for segmentation model interpretation. Sensitivity analysis is an approach where model input is modified in a controlled manner and the effect of these modifications on the model output is evaluated. This method yields insights into the sensitivity of the model to these alterations and therefore to the importance of certain features on segmentation performance. Results We present an open-source Python library (misas), that facilitates the use of sensitivity analysis with arbitrary data and models. We show that this method is a suitable approach to answer practical questions regarding use and functionality of segmentation models. We demonstrate this in two case studies on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. The first case study explores the suitability of a published network for use on a public dataset the network has not been trained on. The second case study demonstrates how sensitivity analysis can be used to evaluate the robustness of a newly trained model. Conclusions Sensitivity analysis is a useful tool for deep learning developers as well as users such as clinicians. It extends their toolbox, enabling and improving interpretability of segmentation models. Enhancing our understanding of neural networks through sensitivity analysis also assists in decision making. Although demonstrated only on cardiac magnetic resonance images this approach and software are much more broadly applicable.}, language = {en} } @article{PauliPaulProppertetal.2021, author = {Pauli, Martin and Paul, Mila M. and Proppert, Sven and Mrestani, Achmed and Sharifi, Marzieh and Repp, Felix and K{\"u}rzinger, Lydia and Kollmannsberger, Philip and Sauer, Markus and Heckmann, Manfred and Sir{\´e}n, Anna-Leena}, title = {Targeted volumetric single-molecule localization microscopy of defined presynaptic structures in brain sections}, series = {Communications Biology}, volume = {4}, journal = {Communications Biology}, doi = {10.1038/s42003-021-01939-z}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-259830}, pages = {407}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Revealing the molecular organization of anatomically precisely defined brain regions is necessary for refined understanding of synaptic plasticity. Although three-dimensional (3D) single-molecule localization microscopy can provide the required resolution, imaging more than a few micrometers deep into tissue remains challenging. To quantify presynaptic active zones (AZ) of entire, large, conditional detonator hippocampal mossy fiber (MF) boutons with diameters as large as 10 mu m, we developed a method for targeted volumetric direct stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (dSTORM). An optimized protocol for fast repeated axial scanning and efficient sequential labeling of the AZ scaffold Bassoon and membrane bound GFP with Alexa Fluor 647 enabled 3D-dSTORM imaging of 25 mu m thick mouse brain sections and assignment of AZs to specific neuronal substructures. Quantitative data analysis revealed large differences in Bassoon cluster size and density for distinct hippocampal regions with largest clusters in MF boutons. Pauli et al. develop targeted volumetric dSTORM in order to image large hippocampal mossy fiber boutons (MFBs) in brain slices. They can identify synaptic targets of individual MFBs and measured size and density of Bassoon clusters within individual untruncated MFBs at nanoscopic resolution.}, language = {en} } @article{PageWallstabeLotheretal.2021, author = {Page, Lukas and Wallstabe, Julia and Lother, Jasmin and Bauser, Maximilian and Kniemeyer, Olaf and Strobel, Lea and Voltersen, Vera and Teutschbein, Janka and Hortschansky, Peter and Morton, Charles Oliver and Brakhage, Axel A. and Topp, Max and Einsele, Hermann and Wurster, Sebastian and Loeffler, Juergen}, title = {CcpA- and Shm2-Pulsed Myeloid Dendritic Cells Induce T-Cell Activation and Enhance the Neutrophilic Oxidative Burst Response to Aspergillus fumigatus}, series = {Frontiers in Immunology}, volume = {12}, journal = {Frontiers in Immunology}, issn = {1664-3224}, doi = {10.3389/fimmu.2021.659752}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-239493}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Aspergillus fumigatus causes life-threatening opportunistic infections in immunocompromised patients. As therapeutic outcomes of invasive aspergillosis (IA) are often unsatisfactory, the development of targeted immunotherapy remains an important goal. Linking the innate and adaptive immune system, dendritic cells are pivotal in anti-Aspergillus defense and have generated interest as a potential immunotherapeutic approach in IA. While monocyte-derived dendritic cells (moDCs) require ex vivo differentiation, antigen-pulsed primary myeloid dendritic cells (mDCs) may present a more immediate platform for immunotherapy. To that end, we compared the response patterns and cellular interactions of human primary mDCs and moDCs pulsed with an A. fumigatus lysate and two A. fumigatus proteins (CcpA and Shm2) in a serum-free, GMP-compliant medium. CcpA and Shm2 triggered significant upregulation of maturation markers in mDCs and, to a lesser extent, moDCs. Furthermore, both A. fumigatus proteins elicited the release of an array of key pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and CCL3 from both DC populations. Compared to moDCs, CcpA- and Shm2-pulsed mDCs exhibited greater expression of MHC class II antigens and stimulated stronger proliferation and IFN-γ secretion from autologous CD4\(^+\) and CD8\(^+\) T-cells. Moreover, supernatants of CcpA- and Shm2-pulsed mDCs significantly enhanced the oxidative burst in allogeneic neutrophils co-cultured with A. fumigatus germ tubes. Taken together, our in vitro data suggest that ex vivo CcpA- and Shm2-pulsed primary mDCs have the potential to be developed into an immunotherapeutic approach to tackle IA.}, language = {en} } @article{KressJessenMarquardtetal.2021, author = {Kreß, Julia Katharina Charlotte and Jessen, Christina and Marquardt, Andr{\´e} and Hufnagel, Anita and Meierjohann, Svenja}, title = {NRF2 enables EGFR signaling in melanoma cells}, series = {International Journal of Molecular Sciences}, volume = {22}, journal = {International Journal of Molecular Sciences}, number = {8}, issn = {1422-0067}, doi = {10.3390/ijms22083803}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-260222}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK) are rarely mutated in cutaneous melanoma, but the expression and activation of several RTK family members are associated with a proinvasive phenotype and therapy resistance. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a member of the RTK family and is only expressed in a subgroup of melanomas with poor prognosis. The insight into regulators of EGFR expression and activation is important for the understanding of the development of this malignant melanoma phenotype. Here, we describe that the transcription factor NRF2, the master regulator of the oxidative and electrophilic stress response, mediates the expression and activation of EGFR in melanoma by elevating the levels of EGFR as well as its ligands EGF and TGFα. ChIP sequencing data show that NRF2 directly binds to the promoter of EGF, which contains a canonical antioxidant response element. Accordingly, EGF is induced by oxidative stress and is also increased in lung adenocarcinoma and head and neck carcinoma with mutationally activated NRF2. In contrast, regulation of EGFR and TGFA occurs by an indirect mechanism, which is enabled by the ability of NRF2 to block the activity of the melanocytic lineage factor MITF in melanoma. MITF effectively suppresses EGFR and TGFA expression and therefore serves as link between NRF2 and EGFR. As EGFR was previously described to stimulate NRF2 activity, the mutual activation of NRF2 and EGFR pathways was investigated. The presence of NRF2 was necessary for full EGFR pathway activation, as NRF2-knockout cells showed reduced AKT activation in response to EGF stimulation compared to controls. Conversely, EGF led to the nuclear localization and activation of NRF2, thereby demonstrating that NRF2 and EGFR are connected in a positive feedback loop in melanoma. In summary, our data show that the EGFR-positive melanoma phenotype is strongly supported by NRF2, thus revealing a novel maintenance mechanism for this clinically challenging melanoma subpopulation.}, language = {en} } @article{GerovaWickeChiharaetal.2021, author = {Gerova, Milan and Wicke, Laura and Chihara, Kotaro and Schneider, Cornelius and Lavigne, Rob and Vogel, J{\"o}rg}, title = {A grad-seq view of RNA and protein complexes in Pseudomonas aeruginosa under standard and bacteriophage predation conditions}, series = {mbio}, volume = {12}, journal = {mbio}, number = {1}, doi = {10.1128/mBio.03454-20}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-259054}, pages = {e03454-20}, year = {2021}, abstract = {The Gram-negative rod-shaped bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa is not only a major cause of nosocomial infections but also serves as a model species of bacterial RNA biology. While its transcriptome architecture and posttranscriptional regulation through the RNA-binding proteins Hfq, RsmA, and RsmN have been studied in detail, global information about stable RNA-protein complexes in this human pathogen is currently lacking. Here, we implement gradient profiling by sequencing (Grad-seq) in exponentially growing P. aeruginosa cells to comprehensively predict RNA and protein complexes, based on glycerol gradient sedimentation profiles of >73\% of all transcripts and ∼40\% of all proteins. As to benchmarking, our global profiles readily reported complexes of stable RNAs of P. aeruginosa, including 6S RNA with RNA polymerase and associated product RNAs (pRNAs). We observe specific clusters of noncoding RNAs, which correlate with Hfq and RsmA/N, and provide a first hint that P. aeruginosa expresses a ProQ-like FinO domain-containing RNA-binding protein. To understand how biological stress may perturb cellular RNA/protein complexes, we performed Grad-seq after infection by the bacteriophage ΦKZ. This model phage, which has a well-defined transcription profile during host takeover, displayed efficient translational utilization of phage mRNAs and tRNAs, as evident from their increased cosedimentation with ribosomal subunits. Additionally, Grad-seq experimentally determines previously overlooked phage-encoded noncoding RNAs. Taken together, the Pseudomonas protein and RNA complex data provided here will pave the way to a better understanding of RNA-protein interactions during viral predation of the bacterial cell. IMPORTANCE Stable complexes by cellular proteins and RNA molecules lie at the heart of gene regulation and physiology in any bacterium of interest. It is therefore crucial to globally determine these complexes in order to identify and characterize new molecular players and regulation mechanisms. Pseudomonads harbor some of the largest genomes known in bacteria, encoding ∼5,500 different proteins. Here, we provide a first glimpse on which proteins and cellular transcripts form stable complexes in the human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We additionally performed this analysis with bacteria subjected to the important and frequently encountered biological stress of a bacteriophage infection. We identified several molecules with established roles in a variety of cellular pathways, which were affected by the phage and can now be explored for their role during phage infection. Most importantly, we observed strong colocalization of phage transcripts and host ribosomes, indicating the existence of specialized translation mechanisms during phage infection. All data are publicly available in an interactive and easy to use browser.}, language = {en} } @article{DoryabTaskinStahlhutetal.2021, author = {Doryab, Ali and Taskin, Mehmet Berat and Stahlhut, Philipp and Schr{\"o}ppel, Andreas and Wagner, Darcy E. and Groll, J{\"u}rgen and Schmid, Otmar}, title = {A Biomimetic, Copolymeric Membrane for Cell-Stretch Experiments with Pulmonary Epithelial Cells at the Air-Liquid Interface}, series = {Advanced Functional Materials}, volume = {31}, journal = {Advanced Functional Materials}, number = {10}, doi = {10.1002/adfm.202004707}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-225645}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Chronic respiratory diseases are among the leading causes of death worldwide, but only symptomatic therapies are available for terminal illness. This in part reflects a lack of biomimetic in vitro models that can imitate the complex environment and physiology of the lung. Here, a copolymeric membrane consisting of poly(ε-)caprolactone and gelatin with tunable properties, resembling the main characteristics of the alveolar basement membrane is introduced. The thin bioinspired membrane (≤5 μm) is stretchable (up to 25\% linear strain) with appropriate surface wettability and porosity for culturing lung epithelial cells under air-liquid interface conditions. The unique biphasic concept of this membrane provides optimum characteristics for initial cell growth (phase I) and then switch to biomimetic properties for cyclic cell-stretch experiments (phase II). It is showed that physiologic cyclic mechanical stretch improves formation of F-actin cytoskeleton filaments and tight junctions while non-physiologic over-stretch induces cell apoptosis, activates inflammatory response (IL-8), and impairs epithelial barrier integrity. It is also demonstrated that cyclic physiologic stretch can enhance the cellular uptake of nanoparticles. Since this membrane offers considerable advantages over currently used membranes, it may lead the way to more biomimetic in vitro models of the lung for translation of in vitro response studies into clinical outcome.}, language = {en} } @article{RymaTylekLiebscheretal.2021, author = {Ryma, Matthias and Tylek, Tina and Liebscher, Julia and Blum, Carina and Fernandez, Robin and B{\"o}hm, Christoph and Kastenm{\"u}ller, Wolfgang and Gasteiger, Georg and Groll, J{\"u}rgen}, title = {Translation of collagen ultrastructure to biomaterial fabrication for material-independent but highly efficient topographic immunomodulation}, series = {Advanced materials}, volume = {33}, journal = {Advanced materials}, number = {33}, doi = {10.1002/adma.202101228}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-256381}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Supplement-free induction of cellular differentiation and polarization solely through the topography of materials is an auspicious strategy but has so far significantly lagged behind the efficiency and intensity of media-supplementation-based protocols. Consistent with the idea that 3D structural motifs in the extracellular matrix possess immunomodulatory capacity as part of the natural healing process, it is found in this study that human-monocyte-derived macrophages show a strong M2a-like prohealing polarization when cultured on type I rat-tail collagen fibers but not on collagen I films. Therefore, it is hypothesized that highly aligned nanofibrils also of synthetic polymers, if packed into larger bundles in 3D topographical biomimetic similarity to native collagen I, would induce a localized macrophage polarization. For the automated fabrication of such bundles in a 3D printing manner, the strategy of "melt electrofibrillation" is pioneered by the integration of flow-directed polymer phase separation into melt electrowriting and subsequent selective dissolution of the matrix polymer postprocessing. This process yields nanofiber bundles with a remarkable structural similarity to native collagen I fibers, particularly for medical-grade poly(ε-caprolactone). These biomimetic fibrillar structures indeed induce a pronounced elongation of human-monocyte-derived macrophages and unprecedentedly trigger their M2-like polarization similar in efficacy as interleukin-4 treatment.}, language = {en} }