TY - JOUR A1 - Reiners, Philipp A1 - Asam, Sarah A1 - Frey, Corinne A1 - Holzwarth, Stefanie A1 - Bachmann, Martin A1 - Sobrino, Jose A1 - Göttsche, Frank-M. A1 - Bendix, Jörg A1 - Kuenzer, Claudia T1 - Validation of AVHRR Land Surface Temperature with MODIS and in situ LST — a TIMELINE thematic processor JF - Remote Sensing N2 - Land Surface Temperature (LST) is an important parameter for tracing the impact of changing climatic conditions on our environment. Describing the interface between long- and shortwave radiation fluxes, as well as between turbulent heat fluxes and the ground heat flux, LST plays a crucial role in the global heat balance. Satellite-derived LST is an indispensable tool for monitoring these changes consistently over large areas and for long time periods. Data from the AVHRR (Advanced Very High-Resolution Radiometer) sensors have been available since the early 1980s. In the TIMELINE project, LST is derived for the entire operating period of AVHRR sensors over Europe at a 1 km spatial resolution. In this study, we present the validation results for the TIMELINE AVHRR daytime LST. The validation approach consists of an assessment of the temporal consistency of the AVHRR LST time series, an inter-comparison between AVHRR LST and in situ LST, and a comparison of the AVHRR LST product with concurrent MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) LST. The results indicate the successful derivation of stable LST time series from multi-decadal AVHRR data. The validation results were investigated regarding different LST, TCWV and VA, as well as land cover classes. The comparisons between the TIMELINE LST product and the reference datasets show seasonal and land cover-related patterns. The LST level was found to be the most determinative factor of the error. On average, an absolute deviation of the AVHRR LST by 1.83 K from in situ LST, as well as a difference of 2.34 K from the MODIS product, was observed. KW - Land Surface Temperature KW - AVHRR KW - MODIS KW - time series KW - Europe KW - validation KW - TIMELINE Y1 - 2021 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-246051 SN - 2072-4292 VL - 13 IS - 17 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Shan, Junwen A1 - Böck, Thomas A1 - Keller, Thorsten A1 - Forster, Leonard A1 - Blunk, Torsten A1 - Groll, Jürgen A1 - Teßmar, Jörg T1 - TEMPO/TCC as a Chemo Selective Alternative for the Oxidation of Hyaluronic Acid JF - Molecules N2 - Hyaluronic acid (HA)-based hydrogels are very commonly applied as cell carriers for different approaches in regenerative medicine. HA itself is a well-studied biomolecule that originates from the physiological extracellular matrix (ECM) of mammalians and, due to its acidic polysaccharide structure, offers many different possibilities for suitable chemical modifications which are necessary to control, for example, network formation. Most of these chemical modifications are performed using the free acid function of the polymer and, additionally, lead to an undesirable breakdown of the biopolymer’s backbone. An alternative modification of the vicinal diol of the glucuronic acid is oxidation with sodium periodate to generate dialdehydes via a ring opening mechanism that can subsequently be further modified or crosslinked via Schiff base chemistry. Since this oxidation causes a structural destruction of the polysaccharide backbone, it was our intention to study a novel synthesis protocol frequently applied to selectively oxidize the C6 hydroxyl group of saccharides. On the basis of this TEMPO/TCC oxidation, we studied an alternative hydrogel platform based on oxidized HA crosslinked using adipic acid dihydrazide as the crosslinker. KW - hyaluronic acid KW - oxidation KW - hydrogel formation KW - Schiff base chemistry Y1 - 2021 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-248362 SN - 1420-3049 VL - 26 IS - 19 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Schlevogt, Bernhard A1 - Boeker, Klaus H. W. A1 - Mauss, Stefan A1 - Klinker, Hartwig A1 - Heyne, Renate A1 - Link, Ralph A1 - Simon, Karl-Georg A1 - Sarrazin, Christoph A1 - Serfert, Yvonne A1 - Manns, Michael P. A1 - Wedemeyer, Heiner T1 - Weight gain after interferon-free treatment of chronic hepatitis C — results from the German Hepatitis C-Registry (DHC-R) JF - Biomedicines N2 - Chronic hepatitis C can be treated very effectively with direct-acting antivirals (DAA) with only minor side effects compared to an interferon-containing treatment regimen. The significance of metabolic comorbidities after HCV cure is not well defined. This study aims to investigate short- and long-term weight change of patients receiving interferon-free antiviral treatment for chronic hepatitis C. The German Hepatitis C-registry (DHC-R) is a national multicenter real-world cohort. A total of 5111 patients were followed prospectively after DAA treatment for up to 3 years. Weight change compared to baseline was analyzed at end of treatment and at years 1, 2, and 3 after completion of antiviral therapy. Regression analysis was performed to identify baseline predictors for weight change. While there was no relevant mean weight change (−0.2 kg, SD 4.3 kg) at the end of antiviral treatment, weight started to increase during long-term follow-up reaching +1.7 kg (SD 8.0 kg, p < 0.001) compared to baseline at 3 years (follow-up year 3, FU3) after completion of antiviral therapy. 48%, 31%, and 22% of patients had a weight gain greater than 1, 3, and 5 kg at FU3, respectively. During follow-up, a body mass index (BMI) <30 proved to be the only consistent predictor for weight gain. DAA treatment is followed by a substantial weight gain (+3 kg or more) in one-third of the patients during long-term follow-up. Non-obese patients seemed to be most vulnerable to weight gain. The body compartment involved in weight gain as well as the mechanism of weight gain remain to be elucidated. KW - chronic hepatitis C KW - direct-acting antivirals KW - interferon-free KW - HCV cure KW - weight gain KW - German Hepatitis C-Registry Y1 - 2021 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-248476 SN - 2227-9059 VL - 9 IS - 10 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Koch, Elias A. T. A1 - Petzold, Anne A1 - Wessely, Anja A1 - Dippel, Edgar A1 - Gesierich, Anja A1 - Gutzmer, Ralf A1 - Hassel, Jessica C. A1 - Haferkamp, Sebastian A1 - Hohberger, Bettina A1 - Kähler, Katharina C. A1 - Knorr, Harald A1 - Kreuzberg, Nicole A1 - Leiter, Ulrike A1 - Loquai, Carmen A1 - Meier, Friedegund A1 - Meissner, Markus A1 - Mohr, Peter A1 - Pföhler, Claudia A1 - Rahimi, Farnaz A1 - Schadendorf, Dirk A1 - Schell, Beatrice A1 - Schlaak, Max A1 - Terheyden, Patrick A1 - Thoms, Kai-Martin A1 - Schuler-Thurner, Beatrice A1 - Ugurel, Selma A1 - Ulrich, Jens A1 - Utikal, Jochen A1 - Weichenthal, Michael A1 - Ziller, Fabian A1 - Berking, Carola A1 - Heppt, Markus T1 - Immune checkpoint blockade for metastatic uveal melanoma: patterns of response and survival according to the presence of hepatic and extrahepatic metastasis JF - Cancers N2 - Background: Since there is no standardized and effective treatment for advanced uveal melanoma (UM), the prognosis is dismal once metastases develop. Due to the availability of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) in the real-world setting, the prognosis of metastatic UM has improved. However, it is unclear how the presence of hepatic and extrahepatic metastasis impacts the response and survival after ICB. Methods: A total of 178 patients with metastatic UM treated with ICB were included in this analysis. Patients were recruited from German skin cancer centers and the German national skin cancer registry (ADOReg). To investigate the impact of hepatic metastasis, two cohorts were compared: patients with liver metastasis only (cohort A, n = 55) versus those with both liver and extra-hepatic metastasis (cohort B, n = 123). Data were analyzed in both cohorts for response to treatment, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). The survival and progression probabilities were calculated with the Kaplan–Meier method. Log-rank tests, χ\(^2\) tests, and t-tests were performed to detect significant differences between both cohorts. Results: The median OS of the overall population was 16 months (95% CI 13.4–23.7) and the median PFS, 2.8 months (95% CI 2.5–3.0). The median OS was longer in cohort B than in cohort A (18.2 vs. 6.1 months; p = 0.071). The best objective response rate to dual ICB was 13.8% and to anti-PD-1 monotherapy 8.9% in the entire population. Patients with liver metastases only had a lower response to dual ICB, yet without significance (cohort A 8.7% vs. cohort B 16.7%; p = 0.45). Adverse events (AE) occurred in 41.6%. Severe AE were observed in 26.3% and evenly distributed between both cohorts. Conclusion: The survival of this large cohort of patients with advanced UM was more favorable than reported in previous benchmark studies. Patients with both hepatic and extrahepatic metastasis showed more favorable survival and higher response to dual ICB than those with hepatic metastasis only. KW - uveal melanoma KW - immune checkpoint blockade KW - PD-1 KW - CTLA-4 KW - liver metastasis KW - treatment resistance Y1 - 2021 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-242603 SN - 2072-6694 VL - 13 IS - 13 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Opolka, Alexander A1 - Müller, Dominik A1 - Fella, Christian A1 - Balles, Andreas A1 - Mohr, Jürgen A1 - Last, Arndt T1 - Multi-lens array full-field X-ray microscopy JF - Applied Sciences N2 - X-ray full-field microscopy at laboratory sources for photon energies above 10 keV suffers from either long exposure times or low resolution. The photon flux is mainly limited by the objectives used, having a limited numerical aperture NA. We show that this can be overcome by making use of the cone-beam illumination of laboratory sources by imaging the same field of view (FoV) several times under slightly different angles using an array of X-ray lenses. Using this technique, the exposure time can be reduced drastically without any loss in terms of resolution. A proof-of-principle is given using an existing laboratory metal-jet source at the 9.25 keV Ga K\(_α\)-line and compared to a ray-tracing simulation of the setup. KW - X-ray microscopy KW - full-field microscopy KW - compound refractive X-ray lenses KW - CRLs Y1 - 2021 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-244974 SN - 2076-3417 VL - 11 IS - 16 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Brunkhorst-Kanaan, Nathalie A1 - Trautmann, Sandra A1 - Schreiber, Yannick A1 - Thomas, Dominique A1 - Kittel-Schneider, Sarah A1 - Gurke, Robert A1 - Geisslinger, Gerd A1 - Reif, Andreas A1 - Tegeder, Irmgard T1 - Sphingolipid and endocannabinoid profiles in adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder JF - Biomedicines N2 - Genes encoding endocannabinoid and sphingolipid metabolism pathways were suggested to contribute to the genetic risk towards attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The present pilot study assessed plasma concentrations of candidate endocannabinoids, sphingolipids and ceramides in individuals with adult ADHD in comparison with healthy controls and patients with affective disorders. Targeted lipid analyses of 23 different lipid species were performed in 71 mental disorder patients and 98 healthy controls (HC). The patients were diagnosed with adult ADHD (n = 12), affective disorder (major depression, MD n = 16 or bipolar disorder, BD n = 6) or adult ADHD with comorbid affective disorders (n = 37). Canonical discriminant analysis and CHAID analyses were used to identify major components that predicted the diagnostic group. ADHD patients had increased plasma concentrations of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P d18:1) and sphinganine-1-phosphate (S1P d18:0). In addition, the endocannabinoids, anandamide (AEA) and arachidonoylglycerol were increased. MD/BD patients had increased long chain ceramides, most prominently Cer22:0, but low endocannabinoids in contrast to ADHD patients. Patients with ADHD and comorbid affective disorders displayed increased S1P d18:1 and increased Cer22:0, but the individual lipid levels were lower than in the non-comorbid disorders. Sphingolipid profiles differ between patients suffering from ADHD and affective disorders, with overlapping patterns in comorbid patients. The S1P d18:1 to Cer22:0 ratio may constitute a diagnostic or prognostic tool. KW - attention deficit hyperactivity disorder KW - endocannabinoids KW - ceramides KW - bipolar disorder KW - major depression KW - tandem mass spectrometry Y1 - 2021 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-246080 SN - 2227-9059 VL - 9 IS - 9 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Dech, Stefan A1 - Holzwarth, Stefanie A1 - Asam, Sarah A1 - Andresen, Thorsten A1 - Bachmann, Martin A1 - Boettcher, Martin A1 - Dietz, Andreas A1 - Eisfelder, Christina A1 - Frey, Corinne A1 - Gesell, Gerhard A1 - Gessner, Ursula A1 - Hirner, Andreas A1 - Hofmann, Matthias A1 - Kirches, Grit A1 - Klein, Doris A1 - Klein, Igor A1 - Kraus, Tanja A1 - Krause, Detmar A1 - Plank, Simon A1 - Popp, Thomas A1 - Reinermann, Sophie A1 - Reiners, Philipp A1 - Roessler, Sebastian A1 - Ruppert, Thomas A1 - Scherbachenko, Alexander A1 - Vignesh, Ranjitha A1 - Wolfmueller, Meinhard A1 - Zwenzner, Hendrik A1 - Kuenzer, Claudia T1 - Potential and challenges of harmonizing 40 years of AVHRR data: the TIMELINE experience JF - Remote Sensing N2 - Earth Observation satellite data allows for the monitoring of the surface of our planet at predefined intervals covering large areas. However, there is only one medium resolution sensor family in orbit that enables an observation time span of 40 and more years at a daily repeat interval. This is the AVHRR sensor family. If we want to investigate the long-term impacts of climate change on our environment, we can only do so based on data that remains available for several decades. If we then want to investigate processes with respect to climate change, we need very high temporal resolution enabling the generation of long-term time series and the derivation of related statistical parameters such as mean, variability, anomalies, and trends. The challenges to generating a well calibrated and harmonized 40-year-long time series based on AVHRR sensor data flown on 14 different platforms are enormous. However, only extremely thorough pre-processing and harmonization ensures that trends found in the data are real trends and not sensor-related (or other) artefacts. The generation of European-wide time series as a basis for the derivation of a multitude of parameters is therefore an extremely challenging task, the details of which are presented in this paper. KW - AVHRR KW - Earth Observation KW - harmonization KW - time series analysis KW - climate related trends KW - automatic processing KW - Europe KW - TIMELINE Y1 - 2021 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-246134 SN - 2072-4292 VL - 13 IS - 18 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Hennig, Thomas A1 - Djakovic, Lara A1 - Dölken, Lars A1 - Whisnant, Adam W. T1 - A Review of the Multipronged Attack of Herpes Simplex Virus 1 on the Host Transcriptional Machinery JF - Viruses N2 - During lytic infection, herpes simplex virus (HSV) 1 induces a rapid shutoff of host RNA synthesis while redirecting transcriptional machinery to viral genes. In addition to being a major human pathogen, there is burgeoning clinical interest in HSV as a vector in gene delivery and oncolytic therapies, necessitating research into transcriptional control. This review summarizes the array of impacts that HSV has on RNA Polymerase (Pol) II, which transcribes all mRNA in infected cells. We discuss alterations in Pol II holoenzymes, post-translational modifications, and how viral proteins regulate specific activities such as promoter-proximal pausing, splicing, histone repositioning, and termination with respect to host genes. Recent technological innovations that have reshaped our understanding of previous observations are summarized in detail, along with specific research directions and technical considerations for future studies. KW - herpes simplex virus KW - RNA polymerase II KW - transcription KW - host shutoff KW - promoter-proximal pausing KW - C-terminal domain KW - polyadenylation KW - splicing Y1 - 2021 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-246165 SN - 1999-4915 VL - 13 IS - 9 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Schroer, Guido A1 - Toussaint, Valérie A1 - Bachmann, Stephanie A1 - Pöppler, Ann‐Christin A1 - Gierlich, Christian Henning A1 - Delidovich, Irina T1 - Functional Phenylboronate Polymers for the Recovery of Diols, Sugar Alcohols, and Saccharides from Aqueous Solution JF - ChemSusChem N2 - The ongoing transition from fossil to renewable feedstocks demands new efficient processes for an economically viable production of biomass‐derived commodities and fine chemicals. Novel energy‐ and material‐efficient product purification and separation will play a crucial role due to altered product and feed composition. The present study comprises the synthesis and tests of cross‐linked p‐vinylphenylboronate polymers for the separation of 18 diols, sugar alcohols, and saccharides, which can be obtained during biomass processing. The separation was based on molecular recognition, that is, esterification of the phenylboronate with vicinal diols. A correlation of the molecular complexation constant, the polymer swelling, and the maximum adsorption capacity was found. The adsorption curves over time were recorded. Preliminary results on competitive adsorption of binary mixtures showed a high potential for the separation of substrates with significantly different complexation constants. Desorption tests implied easier desorption of substrates that only adsorb on the outer polymer shell. KW - adsorption KW - biomass KW - phenylboronate KW - polymers KW - separation techniques Y1 - 2021 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-239889 VL - 14 IS - 23 SP - 5207 EP - 5215 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Shityakov, Sergey A1 - Hayashi, Kentaro A1 - Störk, Stefan A1 - Scheper, Verena A1 - Lenarz, Thomas A1 - Förster, Carola Y. T1 - The conspicuous link between ear, brain and heart − Could neurotrophin-treatment of age-related hearing loss help prevent Alzheimer's disease and associated amyloid cardiomyopathy? JF - Biomolecules N2 - Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common cause of dementia in the elderly, is a neurodegenerative disorder associated with neurovascular dysfunction and cognitive decline. While the deposition of amyloid β peptide (Aβ) and the formation of neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) are the pathological hallmarks of AD-affected brains, the majority of cases exhibits a combination of comorbidities that ultimately lead to multi-organ failure. Of particular interest, it can be demonstrated that Aβ pathology is present in the hearts of patients with AD, while the formation of NFT in the auditory system can be detected much earlier than the onset of symptoms. Progressive hearing impairment may beget social isolation and accelerate cognitive decline and increase the risk of developing dementia. The current review discusses the concept of a brain–ear–heart axis by which Aβ and NFT inhibition could be achieved through targeted supplementation of neurotrophic factors to the cochlea and the brain. Such amyloid inhibition might also indirectly affect amyloid accumulation in the heart, thus reducing the risk of developing AD-associated amyloid cardiomyopathy and cardiovascular disease. KW - Alzheimer's disease KW - amyloid cardiomyopathy KW - heart failure KW - age-related hearing loss KW - neurotrophins KW - blood–brain barrier KW - blood–labyrinth barrier KW - spiral ganglion neuron KW - BDNF KW - GDNF Y1 - 2021 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-241084 SN - 2218-273X VL - 11 IS - 6 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Weiß, Martin A1 - Hein, Grit A1 - Hewig, Johannes T1 - Between joy and sympathy: Smiling and sad recipient faces increase prosocial behavior in the dictator game JF - International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health N2 - In human interactions, the facial expression of a bargaining partner may contain relevant information that affects prosocial decisions. We were interested in whether facial expressions of the recipient in the dictator game influence dictators´ ehavior. To test this, we conducted an online study (n = 106) based on a modified version of a dictator game. The dictators allocated money between themselves and another person (recipient), who had no possibility to respond to the dictator. Importantly, before the allocation decision, the dictator was presented with the facial expression of the recipient (angry, disgusted, sad, smiling, or neutral). The results showed that dictators sent more money to recipients with sad or smiling facial expressions and less to recipients with angry or disgusted facial expressions compared with a neutral facial expression. Moreover, based on the sequential analysis of the decision and the interaction partner in the preceding trial, we found that decision-making depends upon previous interactions. KW - emotional influence KW - dictator game KW - facial expression KW - social decision-making Y1 - 2021 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-241106 VL - 18 IS - 11 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Lilla, Nadine A1 - Kessler, Almuth F. A1 - Weiland, Judith A1 - Ernestus, Ralf-Ingo A1 - Westermaier, Thomas T1 - Case Report: A Case Series Using Natural Anatomical Gaps — Posterior Cervical Approach to Skull Base and Upper Craniocervical Meningiomas Without Bone Removal JF - Frontiers in Surgery N2 - Background: Removal of anteriorly located tumors of the upper cervical spine and craniovertebral junction (CVJ) is a particular surgical challenge. Extensive approaches are associated with pain, restricted mobility of neck and head and, in case of foramen magnum and clivus tumors, with retraction of brainstem and cerebellum. Methods: Four symptomatic patients underwent resection of anteriorly located upper cervical and lower clivus meningiomas without laminotomy or craniotomy using a minimally invasive posterior approach. Distances of natural gaps between C0/C1, C1/C2, and C2/C3 were measured using preoperative CT scans and intraoperative lateral x-rays. Results: In all patients, safe and complete resection was conducted by the opening of the dura between C0/C1, C1/C2, and C2/C3, respectively. There were no surgical complications. Local pain was reported as very moderate by all patients and postoperative recovery was extremely fast. All tumors had a rather soft consistency, allowing mass reduction prior to removal of the tumor capsule and were well separable from lower cranial nerves and vascular structures. Conclusion: If tumor consistency is appropriate for careful mass reduction before removal of the tumor capsule and if tumor margins are not firmly attached to crucial structures, then upper cervical, foramen magnum, and lower clivus meningiomas can be safely and completely removed through natural gaps in the CVJ region. Both prerequisites usually become clear early during surgery. Thus, this tumor entity may be planned using this minimally invasive approach and may be extended if tumor consistency turns out to be less unfavorable for resection or if crucial structures cannot be easily separated from the tumor. KW - minimally invasive KW - meningioma KW - cervical spine KW - spinal tumor operation KW - craniovertebral junction Y1 - 2021 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-244613 SN - 2296-875X VL - 8 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Dekant, Raphael A1 - Langer, Michael A1 - Lupp, Maria A1 - Adaku Chilaka, Cynthia A1 - Mally, Angela T1 - In vitro and in vivo analysis of ochratoxin A-derived glucuronides and mercapturic acids as biomarkers of exposure JF - Toxins N2 - Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a widespread food contaminant, with exposure estimated to range from 0.64 to 17.79 ng/kg body weight (bw) for average consumers and from 2.40 to 51.69 ng/kg bw per day for high consumers. Current exposure estimates are, however, associated with considerable uncertainty. While biomarker-based approaches may contribute to improved exposure assessment, there is yet insufficient data on urinary metabolites of OTA and their relation to external dose to allow reliable estimates of daily intake. This study was designed to assess potential species differences in phase II biotransformation in vitro and to establish a correlation between urinary OTA-derived glucuronides and mercapturic acids and external exposure in rats in vivo. In vitro analyses of OTA metabolism using the liver S9 of rats, humans, rabbits and minipigs confirmed formation of an OTA glucuronide but provided no evidence for the formation of OTA-derived mercapturic acids to support their use as biomarkers. Similarly, OTA-derived mercapturic acids were not detected in urine of rats repeatedly dosed with OTA, while indirect analysis using enzymatic hydrolysis of the urine samples prior to LC–MS/MS established a linear relationship between urinary glucuronide excretion and OTA exposure. These results support OTA-derived glucuronides but not mercapturic acids as metabolites suitable for biomonitoring. KW - ochratoxin A KW - biomarker of exposure KW - glucuronide KW - mercapturic acid KW - mycotoxin Y1 - 2021 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-245146 SN - 2072-6651 VL - 13 IS - 8 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Scheiner, Ricarda A1 - Lim, Kayun A1 - Meixner, Marina D. A1 - Gabel, Martin S. T1 - Comparing the appetitive learning performance of six European honeybee subspecies in a common apiary JF - Insects N2 - The Western honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) is one of the most widespread insects with numerous subspecies in its native range. How far adaptation to local habitats has affected the cognitive skills of the different subspecies is an intriguing question that we investigate in this study. Naturally mated queens of the following five subspecies from different parts of Europe were transferred to Southern Germany: A. m. iberiensis from Portugal, A. m. mellifera from Belgium, A. m. macedonica from Greece, A. m. ligustica from Italy, and A. m. ruttneri from Malta. We also included the local subspecies A. m. carnica in our study. New colonies were built up in a common apiary where the respective queens were introduced. Worker offspring from the different subspecies were compared in classical olfactory learning performance using the proboscis extension response. Prior to conditioning, we measured individual sucrose responsiveness to investigate whether possible differences in learning performances were due to differential responsiveness to the sugar water reward. Most subspecies did not differ in their appetitive learning performance. However, foragers of the Iberian honeybee, A. m. iberiensis, performed significantly more poorly, despite having a similar sucrose responsiveness. We discuss possible causes for the poor performance of the Iberian honeybees, which may have been shaped by adaptation to the local habitat. KW - adaptation KW - Apis mellifera KW - olfactory learning KW - proboscis extension response KW - sucrose responsiveness KW - genetic diversity Y1 - 2021 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-245180 SN - 2075-4450 VL - 12 IS - 9 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Lauruschkat, Chris D. A1 - Etter, Sonja A1 - Schnack, Elisabeth A1 - Ebel, Frank A1 - Schäuble, Sascha A1 - Page, Lukas A1 - Rümens, Dana A1 - Dragan, Mariola A1 - Schlegel, Nicolas A1 - Panagiotou, Gianni A1 - Kniemeyer, Olaf A1 - Brakhage, Axel A. A1 - Einsele, Hermann A1 - Wurster, Sebastian A1 - Loeffler, Juergen T1 - Chronic occupational mold exposure drives expansion of Aspergillus-reactive type 1 and type 2 T-helper cell responses JF - Journal of Fungi N2 - Occupational mold exposure can lead to Aspergillus-associated allergic diseases including asthma and hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Elevated IL-17 levels or disbalanced T-helper (Th) cell expansion were previously linked to Aspergillus-associated allergic diseases, whereas alterations to the Th cell repertoire in healthy occupationally exposed subjects are scarcely studied. Therefore, we employed functional immunoassays to compare Th cell responses to A. fumigatus antigens in organic farmers, a cohort frequently exposed to environmental molds, and non-occupationally exposed controls. Organic farmers harbored significantly higher A. fumigatus-specific Th-cell frequencies than controls, with comparable expansion of Th1- and Th2-cell frequencies but only slightly elevated Th17-cell frequencies. Accordingly, Aspergillus antigen-induced Th1 and Th2 cytokine levels were strongly elevated, whereas induction of IL-17A was minimal. Additionally, increased levels of some innate immune cell-derived cytokines were found in samples from organic farmers. Antigen-induced cytokine release combined with Aspergillus-specific Th-cell frequencies resulted in high classification accuracy between organic farmers and controls. Aspf22, CatB, and CipC elicited the strongest differences in Th1 and Th2 responses between the two cohorts, suggesting these antigens as potential candidates for future bio-effect monitoring approaches. Overall, we found that occupationally exposed agricultural workers display a largely balanced co-expansion of Th1 and Th2 immunity with only minor changes in Th17 responses. KW - mold exposure KW - immunoassay KW - biomarker KW - Aspergillus KW - cytokines KW - inflammation KW - adaptive immunity KW - hypersensitivity Y1 - 2021 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-245202 SN - 2309-608X VL - 7 IS - 9 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Opitz, Timm A1 - Schuwerk, Tobias A1 - Paulus, Markus A1 - Kloo, Daniela A1 - Osterhaus, Christopher A1 - Lesch, Klaus‐Peter A1 - Sodian, Beate T1 - No links between genetic variation and developing theory of mind: A preregistered replication attempt of candidate gene studies JF - Developmental Science N2 - Genetic variability is being discussed as a source of inter‐individual differences in Theory of Mind development. Previous studies documented an association between variations in DRD4 VNTR 48 bp, OXTR rs53576, COMT rs4680, and Theory of Mind task performance. As empirical evidence on these associations is sparse, we conducted a preregistered replication attempt of a study reporting a link between DRD4 VNTR 48 bp and false belief understanding in 50‐month‐old children [Lackner, C., Sabbagh, M. A., Hallinan, E., Liu, X., & Holden, J. J. (2012). Developmental Science, 15(2), 272–280.]. Additionally, we attempted a replication of studies on the role of OXTR rs53576 and COMT rs4680 in Theory of Mind. In both replication attempts, we did not find any evidence for associations between the sampled genetic markers and Theory of Mind ability in a series of analyses. Extending the replication attempt of Lackner et al., we employed longitudinal data from several tasks and measurement points, which allowed us to run follow‐up robustness checks with more reliable scores. These extensive analyses corroborated our null finding. This comprehensive non‐replication is important to balance current research on genetic markers of Theory of Mind. In a combined evaluation of our own and previous studies, we point to substantial methodological issues that research on the genetic basis of Theory of Mind development faces. We conclude that these limitations currently prevent firm conclusions on genetic influences on Theory of Mind development. KW - COMT KW - DRD4 KW - false belief KW - OXTR KW - theory of mind Y1 - 2021 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-238812 VL - 24 IS - 5 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Lauerer, Elias A1 - Tiedemann, Elena A1 - Polak, Thomas A1 - Simmenroth, Anne T1 - Can smoking cessation be taught online? A prospective study comparing e-learning and role-playing in medical education JF - International Journal of Medical Education N2 - Objectives: We compared the effect of different didactic formats - e - learning and role-playing - on medical students' knowledge and counselling skills in smoking cessation training. Methods: At a German medical school, 145 third-year students were randomly allocated to attend an online course with video examples or an attendance course with role-playing. Students were trained in smoking cessation counselling according to the 5A's (ask, advise, assess, assist, arrange) for approximately 90 minutes. Practical skills were measured in an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) and represent the primary endpoint of this prospective comparative study. Additionally, changes in theoretic knowledge were assessed by pre - and post - interventional questionnaires and a final written exam. Results: In the OSCE, overall scores were higher in the attendance group (Mdn=70.8 % vs. 62.8 %; U=119; p=.087, n=36), but a statistical advantage was only found in one single counselling sequence (“Assist”: Mdn=66.7 % vs. 51.4 %; p = .049) and the rating of the standardised patients (M=4.7 vs. 4.2 out of 5 points, t(27.836)=2.0, p=.028). Students’ results (n=130) from self-assessment and written exams suggest that both approaches are equally well suited to increase theoretical knowledge. The online course was more time efficient (90 vs. 73 minutes). Conclusions: Seminar and web-based training seem equally well suited for transferring knowledge and skills on tobacco cessation counselling. Considering their particular strengths, these two teaching approaches could be combined. KW - medical education KW - e-learning KW - smoking cessation KW - objective structured clinical examination Y1 - 2021 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-230056 VL - 12 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Anton, Sylvia A1 - Rössler, Wolfgang T1 - Plasticity and modulation of olfactory circuits in insects JF - Cell and Tissue Research N2 - Olfactory circuits change structurally and physiologically during development and adult life. This allows insects to respond to olfactory cues in an appropriate and adaptive way according to their physiological and behavioral state, and to adapt to their specific abiotic and biotic natural environment. We highlight here findings on olfactory plasticity and modulation in various model and non-model insects with an emphasis on moths and social Hymenoptera. Different categories of plasticity occur in the olfactory systems of insects. One type relates to the reproductive or feeding state, as well as to adult age. Another type of plasticity is context-dependent and includes influences of the immediate sensory and abiotic environment, but also environmental conditions during postembryonic development, periods of adult behavioral maturation, and short- and long-term sensory experience. Finally, plasticity in olfactory circuits is linked to associative learning and memory formation. The vast majority of the available literature summarized here deals with plasticity in primary and secondary olfactory brain centers, but also peripheral modulation is treated. The described molecular, physiological, and structural neuronal changes occur under the influence of neuromodulators such as biogenic amines, neuropeptides, and hormones, but the mechanisms through which they act are only beginning to be analyzed. KW - antenna KW - antennal lobe KW - mushroom body KW - neuromodulation KW - structural synaptic plasticity Y1 - 2021 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-235820 SN - 0302-766X VL - 383 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Freimann, A. A1 - Dierkes, M. A1 - Petermann, T. A1 - Liman, C. A1 - Kempf, F. A1 - Schilling, K. T1 - ESTNeT: a discrete event simulator for space-terrestrial networks JF - CEAS Space Journal N2 - The capabilities of small satellites have improved significantly in recent years. Specifically multi-satellite systems become increasingly popular, since they allow the support of new applications. The development and testing of these multi-satellite systems is a new challenge for engineers and requires the implementation of appropriate development and testing environments. In this paper, a modular network simulation framework for space–terrestrial systems is presented. It enables discrete event simulations for the development and testing of communication protocols, as well as mission-based analysis of other satellite system aspects, such as power supply and attitude control. ESTNeT is based on the discrete event simulator OMNeT++ and will be released under an open source license. KW - space–terrestrial networks KW - wireless communication KW - system simulation Y1 - 2021 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-235835 SN - 1868-2502 VL - 13 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Strzalkowska, A. A1 - Strzalkowski, P. A1 - Al Yousef, Y. A1 - Grehn, F. A1 - Hillenkamp, J. A1 - Loewen, Nils A. T1 - Exact matching of trabectome-mediated ab interno trabeculectomy to conventional trabeculectomy with mitomycin C followed for 2 years JF - Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology N2 - Purpose We used exact matching for a highly balanced comparison of ab interno trabeculectomy (AIT) with the trabectome to trabeculectomy with mitomycin C (TRAB). Methods A total of 5485 patients who underwent AIT were exact-matched to 196 TRAB patients by baseline intraocular pressure (IOP), number of glaucoma medications, and glaucoma type. Nearest-neighbor–matching was applied to age. Success was defined as a final IOP of less than 21 mmHg, IOP reduction of at least 20% reduction from baseline, and no secondary surgical interventions. Outcomes were measured at 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. Results A total of 165 AIT could be matched to 165 TRAB. The mean baseline IOP was 22.3 ± 5.6 mmHg, and the baseline number of glaucoma medications was 2.7 ± 1.1 in both groups. At 24 months, IOP was reduced to 15.8 ± 5.2 mmHg in AIT and 12.4 ± 4.7 mmHg in TRAB. IOP was lower than baseline at all visits (p < 0.01) and lower in TRAB than AIT (p < 0.01). Glaucoma medications were reduced to 2.1 ± 1.3 in AIT and 0.2 ± 0.8 in TRAB. Compared to baseline, patients used fewer drops postoperatively (p < 0.01) and more infrequently in TRAB than in AIT (p > 0.01). Secondary surgical interventions had the highest impact on success and became necessary in 15 AIT and 59 TRAB patients. Thirty-two challenging events occurred in TRAB and none in AIT. Conclusion Both AIT and TRAB reduced IOP and medications. This reduction was more significant in TRAB but at the expense of four times as many secondary interventions. KW - trabeculectomy KW - Ab interno trabeculectomy KW - trabectome KW - exact matching Y1 - 2021 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-235224 SN - 0721-832X VL - 259 ER -