TY - JOUR A1 - El-Helou, Sabine M. A1 - Biegner, Anika-Kerstin A1 - Bode, Sebastian A1 - Ehl, Stephan R. A1 - Heeg, Maximilian A1 - Maccari, Maria E. A1 - Ritterbusch, Henrike A1 - Speckmann, Carsten A1 - Rusch, Stephan A1 - Scheible, Raphael A1 - Warnatz, Klaus A1 - Atschekzei, Faranaz A1 - Beider, Renata A1 - Ernst, Diana A1 - Gerschmann, Stev A1 - Jablonka, Alexandra A1 - Mielke, Gudrun A1 - Schmidt, Reinhold E. A1 - Schürmann, Gesine A1 - Sogkas, Georgios A1 - Baumann, Ulrich H. A1 - Klemann, Christian A1 - Viemann, Dorothee A1 - Bernuth, Horst von A1 - Krüger, Renate A1 - Hanitsch, Leif G. A1 - Scheibenbogen, Carmen M. A1 - Wittke, Kirsten A1 - Albert, Michael H. A1 - Eichinger, Anna A1 - Hauck, Fabian A1 - Klein, Christoph A1 - Rack-Hoch, Anita A1 - Sollinger, Franz M. A1 - Avila, Anne A1 - Borte, Michael A1 - Borte, Stephan A1 - Fasshauer, Maria A1 - Hauenherm, Anja A1 - Kellner, Nils A1 - Müller, Anna H. A1 - Ülzen, Anett A1 - Bader, Peter A1 - Bakhtiar, Shahrzad A1 - Lee, Jae-Yun A1 - Heß, Ursula A1 - Schubert, Ralf A1 - Wölke, Sandra A1 - Zielen, Stefan A1 - Ghosh, Sujal A1 - Laws, Hans-Juergen A1 - Neubert, Jennifer A1 - Oommen, Prasad T. A1 - Hönig, Manfred A1 - Schulz, Ansgar A1 - Steinmann, Sandra A1 - Klaus, Schwarz A1 - Dückers, Gregor A1 - Lamers, Beate A1 - Langemeyer, Vanessa A1 - Niehues, Tim A1 - Shai, Sonu A1 - Graf, Dagmar A1 - Müglich, Carmen A1 - Schmalzing, Marc T. A1 - Schwaneck, Eva C. A1 - Tony, Hans-Peter A1 - Dirks, Johannes A1 - Haase, Gabriele A1 - Liese, Johannes G. A1 - Morbach, Henner A1 - Foell, Dirk A1 - Hellige, Antje A1 - Wittkowski, Helmut A1 - Masjosthusmann, Katja A1 - Mohr, Michael A1 - Geberzahn, Linda A1 - Hedrich, Christian M. A1 - Müller, Christiane A1 - Rösen-Wolff, Angela A1 - Roesler, Joachim A1 - Zimmermann, Antje A1 - Behrends, Uta A1 - Rieber, Nikolaus A1 - Schauer, Uwe A1 - Handgretinger, Rupert A1 - Holzer, Ursula A1 - Henes, Jörg A1 - Kanz, Lothar A1 - Boesecke, Christoph A1 - Rockstroh, Jürgen K. A1 - Schwarze-Zander, Carolynne A1 - Wasmuth, Jan-Christian A1 - Dilloo, Dagmar A1 - Hülsmann, Brigitte A1 - Schönberger, Stefan A1 - Schreiber, Stefan A1 - Zeuner, Rainald A1 - Ankermann, Tobias A1 - Bismarck, Philipp von A1 - Huppertz, Hans-Iko A1 - Kaiser-Labusch, Petra A1 - Greil, Johann A1 - Jakoby, Donate A1 - Kulozik, Andreas E. A1 - Metzler, Markus A1 - Naumann-Bartsch, Nora A1 - Sobik, Bettina A1 - Graf, Norbert A1 - Heine, Sabine A1 - Kobbe, Robin A1 - Lehmberg, Kai A1 - Müller, Ingo A1 - Herrmann, Friedrich A1 - Horneff, Gerd A1 - Klein, Ariane A1 - Peitz, Joachim A1 - Schmidt, Nadine A1 - Bielack, Stefan A1 - Groß-Wieltsch, Ute A1 - Classen, Carl F. A1 - Klasen, Jessica A1 - Deutz, Peter A1 - Kamitz, Dirk A1 - Lassy, Lisa A1 - Tenbrock, Klaus A1 - Wagner, Norbert A1 - Bernbeck, Benedikt A1 - Brummel, Bastian A1 - Lara-Villacanas, Eusebia A1 - Münstermann, Esther A1 - Schneider, Dominik T. A1 - Tietsch, Nadine A1 - Westkemper, Marco A1 - Weiß, Michael A1 - Kramm, Christof A1 - Kühnle, Ingrid A1 - Kullmann, Silke A1 - Girschick, Hermann A1 - Specker, Christof A1 - Vinnemeier-Laubenthal, Elisabeth A1 - Haenicke, Henriette A1 - Schulz, Claudia A1 - Schweigerer, Lothar A1 - Müller, Thomas G. A1 - Stiefel, Martina A1 - Belohradsky, Bernd H. A1 - Soetedjo, Veronika A1 - Kindle, Gerhard A1 - Grimbacher, Bodo T1 - The German national registry of primary immunodeficiencies (2012-2017) JF - Frontiers in Immunology N2 - Introduction: The German PID-NET registry was founded in 2009, serving as the first national registry of patients with primary immunodeficiencies (PID) in Germany. It is part of the European Society for Immunodeficiencies (ESID) registry. The primary purpose of the registry is to gather data on the epidemiology, diagnostic delay, diagnosis, and treatment of PIDs. Methods: Clinical and laboratory data was collected from 2,453 patients from 36 German PID centres in an online registry. Data was analysed with the software Stata® and Excel. Results: The minimum prevalence of PID in Germany is 2.72 per 100,000 inhabitants. Among patients aged 1-25, there was a clear predominance of males. The median age of living patients ranged between 7 and 40 years, depending on the respective PID. Predominantly antibody disorders were the most prevalent group with 57% of all 2,453 PID patients (including 728 CVID patients). A gene defect was identified in 36% of patients. Familial cases were observed in 21% of patients. The age of onset for presenting symptoms ranged from birth to late adulthood (range 0-88 years). Presenting symptoms comprised infections (74%) and immune dysregulation (22%). Ninety-three patients were diagnosed without prior clinical symptoms. Regarding the general and clinical diagnostic delay, no PID had undergone a slight decrease within the last decade. However, both, SCID and hyper IgE-syndrome showed a substantial improvement in shortening the time between onset of symptoms and genetic diagnosis. Regarding treatment, 49% of all patients received immunoglobulin G (IgG) substitution (70%-subcutaneous; 29%-intravenous; 1%-unknown). Three-hundred patients underwent at least one hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Five patients had gene therapy. Conclusion: The German PID-NET registry is a precious tool for physicians, researchers, the pharmaceutical industry, politicians, and ultimately the patients, for whom the outcomes will eventually lead to a more timely diagnosis and better treatment. KW - registry for primary immunodeficiency KW - primary immunodeficiency (PID) KW - German PID-NET registry KW - PID prevalence KW - European Society for Immunodeficiencies (ESID) KW - IgG substitution therapy KW - CVID Y1 - 2019 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-226629 VL - 10 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Gruschwitz, Philipp A1 - Hartung, Viktor A1 - Ergün, Süleyman A1 - Peter, Dominik A1 - Lichthardt, Sven A1 - Huflage, Henner A1 - Hendel, Robin A1 - Pannenbecker, Pauline A1 - Augustin, Anne Marie A1 - Kunz, Andreas Steven A1 - Feldle, Philipp A1 - Bley, Thorsten Alexander A1 - Grunz, Jan-Peter T1 - Comparison of ultrahigh and standard resolution photon-counting CT angiography of the femoral arteries in a continuously perfused in vitro model JF - European Radiology Experimental N2 - Background With the emergence of photon-counting CT, ultrahigh-resolution (UHR) imaging can be performed without dose penalty. This study aims to directly compare the image quality of UHR and standard resolution (SR) scan mode in femoral artery angiographies. Methods After establishing continuous extracorporeal perfusion in four fresh-frozen cadaveric specimens, photon-counting CT angiographies were performed with a radiation dose of 5 mGy and tube voltage of 120 kV in both SR and UHR mode. Images were reconstructed with dedicated convolution kernels (soft: Body-vascular (Bv)48; sharp: Bv60; ultrasharp: Bv76). Six radiologists evaluated the image quality by means of a pairwise forced-choice comparison tool. Kendall’s concordance coefficient (W) was calculated to quantify interrater agreement. Image quality was further assessed by measuring intraluminal attenuation and image noise as well as by calculating signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratios (CNR). Results UHR yielded lower noise than SR for identical reconstructions with kernels ≥ Bv60 (p < 0.001). UHR scans exhibited lower intraluminal attenuation compared to SR (Bv60: 406.4 ± 25.1 versus 418.1 ± 30.1 HU; p < 0.001). Irrespective of scan mode, SNR and CNR decreased while noise increased with sharper kernels but UHR scans were objectively superior to SR nonetheless (Bv60: SNR 25.9 ± 6.4 versus 20.9 ± 5.3; CNR 22.7 ± 5.8 versus 18.4 ± 4.8; p < 0.001). Notably, UHR scans were preferred in subjective assessment when images were reconstructed with the ultrasharp Bv76 kernel, whereas SR was rated superior for Bv60. Interrater agreement was high (W = 0.935). Conclusions Combinations of UHR scan mode and ultrasharp convolution kernel are able to exploit the full image quality potential in photon-counting CT angiography of the femoral arteries. Relevance statement The UHR scan mode offers improved image quality and may increase diagnostic accuracy in CT angiography of the peripheral arterial runoff when optimized reconstruction parameters are chosen. Key points • UHR photon-counting CT improves image quality in combination with ultrasharp convolution kernels. • UHR datasets display lower image noise compared with identically reconstructed standard resolution scans. • Scans in UHR mode show decreased intraluminal attenuation compared with standard resolution imaging. KW - CT angiography KW - femoral arteries KW - photon-counting computed tomography (CT) KW - small pixel effect KW - ultrahigh resolution Y1 - 2023 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-357905 VL - 7 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Gruschwitz, Philipp A1 - Hartung, Viktor A1 - Kleefeldt, Florian A1 - Peter, Dominik A1 - Lichthardt, Sven A1 - Huflage, Henner A1 - Grunz, Jan-Peter A1 - Augustin, Anne Marie A1 - Ergün, Süleyman A1 - Bley, Thorsten Alexander A1 - Petritsch, Bernhard T1 - Continuous extracorporeal femoral perfusion model for intravascular ultrasound, computed tomography and digital subtraction angiography JF - PLoS One N2 - Objectives We developed a novel human cadaveric perfusion model with continuous extracorporeal femoral perfusion suitable for performing intra-individual comparison studies, training of interventional procedures and preclinical testing of endovascular devices. Objective of this study was to introduce the techniques and evaluate the feasibility for realistic computed tomography angiography (CTA), digital subtraction angiography (DSA) including vascular interventions, and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). Methods The establishment of the extracorporeal perfusion was attempted using one formalin-fixed and five fresh-frozen human cadavers. In all specimens, the common femoral and popliteal arteries were prepared, introducer sheaths inserted, and perfusion established by a peristaltic pump. Subsequently, we performed CTA and bilateral DSA in five cadavers and IVUS on both legs of four donors. Examination time without unintentional interruption was measured both with and without non-contrast planning CT. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting was performed by two interventional radiologists on nine extremities (five donors) using a broad spectrum of different intravascular devices. Results The perfusion of the upper leg arteries was successfully established in all fresh-frozen but not in the formalin-fixed cadaver. The experimental setup generated a stable circulation in each procedure (ten upper legs) for a period of more than six hours. Images acquired with CT, DSA and IVUS offered a realistic impression and enabled the sufficient visualization of all examined vessel segments. Arterial cannulating, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty as well as stent deployment were feasible in a way that is comparable to a vascular intervention in vivo. The perfusion model allowed for introduction and testing of previously not used devices. Conclusions The continuous femoral perfusion model can be established with moderate effort, works stable, and is utilizable for medical imaging of the peripheral arterial system using CTA, DSA and IVUS. Therefore, it appears suitable for research studies, developing skills in interventional procedures and testing of new or unfamiliar vascular devices. KW - continuous extracorporeal femoral perfusion model KW - novel human cadaveric perfusion model KW - computed tomography angiography (CTA) KW - digital subtraction angiography (DSA) KW - intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) Y1 - 2023 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-350136 SN - 1932-6203 VL - 18 IS - 5 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Zwink, Nadine A1 - Jenetzky, Ekkehart A1 - Schmiedeke, Eberhard A1 - Schmidt, Dominik A1 - Märzheuser, Schmidt A1 - Grasshoff-Derr, Sabine A1 - Holland-Cunz, Stefan A1 - Weih, Sandra A1 - Hosie, Stuart A1 - Reifferscheid, Peter A1 - Ameis, Helen A1 - Kujath, Christina A1 - Rissmann, Anke A1 - Obermayr, Florian A1 - Schwarzer, Nicole A1 - Bartels, Enrika A1 - Reutter, Heiko A1 - Brenner, Hermann T1 - Assisted reproductive techniques and the risk of anorectal malformations: a German case-control study JF - Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases N2 - Background: The use of assisted reproductive techniques (ART) for treatment of infertility is increasing rapidly worldwide. However, various health effects have been reported including a higher risk of congenital malformations. Therefore, we assessed the risk of anorectal malformations (ARM) after in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Methods: Data of the German Network for Congenital Uro-REctal malformations (CURE-Net) were compared to nationwide data of the German IVF register and the Federal Statistical Office (DESTATIS). Odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) were determined to quantify associations using multivariable logistic regression accounting for potential confounding or interaction by plurality of births. Results: In total, 295 ARM patients born between 1997 and 2011 in Germany, who were recruited through participating pediatric surgeries from all over Germany and the German self-help organisation SoMA, were included. Controls were all German live-births (n = 10,069,986) born between 1997 and 2010. Overall, 30 cases (10%) and 129,982 controls (1%) were born after IVF or ICSI, which translates to an odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of 8.7 (5.9-12.6) between ART and ARM in bivariate analyses. Separate analyses showed a significantly increased risk for ARM after IVF (OR, 10.9; 95% CI, 6.2-19.0; P < 0.0001) as well as after ICSI (OR, 7.5; 95% CI, 4.6-12.2; P < 0.0001). Furthermore, separate analyses of patients with isolated ARM, ARM with associated anomalies and those with a VATER/VACTERL association showed strong associations with ART (ORs 4.9, 11.9 and 7.9, respectively). After stratification for plurality of birth, the corresponding odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) were 7.7 (4.6-12.7) for singletons and 4.9 (2.4-10.1) for multiple births. Conclusions: There is a strongly increased risk for ARM among children born after ART. Elevations of risk were seen after both IVF and ICSI. Further, separate analyses of patients with isolated ARM, ARM with associated anomalies and those with a VATER/VACTERL association showed increased risks in each group. An increased risk of ARM was also seen among both singletons and multiple births. KW - metaanalysis KW - in-vitro fertilization KW - reproductive medicine KW - anal atresia KW - imperforate anus KW - anorectal malformation KW - birth defects KW - prevalence KW - assisted reproductive techniques KW - congenital malformations KW - descriptive epidemiology KW - infants born KW - children born KW - IVF-methods KW - technology Y1 - 2012 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-134036 VL - 7 IS - 65 ER - TY - THES A1 - Peter, Dominik T1 - Reorganisation der Zellkontakte der Endothelbarriere bei der Stabilisierung durch cAMP und Rac1 T1 - Reorganization of Intercellular Junctions in Stabilization of Endothelial Barrier Functions by cAMP and Rac1 N2 - Zwischen Blutkompartiment und umliegenden Interstitium besteht eine Barriere, die durch eine einzelne Schicht aus Endothelzellen gebildet wird. Essentiell für diese Barriere, deren Funktion in der Begrenzung des Austausches von Flüssigkeit und gelösten Stoffen liegt, sind interzelluläre Junktionen, welche die Endothelzellen miteinander verbinden. Durch eine gestörte Funktion und Regulation der Endothelbarriere entstehen beim Menschen verschiedene Pathologien wie zum Beispiel Ödeme, hämorrhagischer Schlaganfall und vaskuläre Malformationen. Es ist bekannt, dass cAMP die Endothelbarriere zum Teil durch Aktivierung der kleinen GTPase Rac1 stabilisiert. Trotz der großen medizinischen Relevanz dieses Signalweges, sind die damit einhergehenden Effekte auf die interzellulären Kontakte auf ultrastruktureller Ebene weitgehend unbekannt. In mikrovaskulären Endothelzellkulturen kam es ähnlich wie in intakten Mikrogefäßen zur Stärkung der Barrierefunktion. So resultierte sowohl nach Behandlung mit Forskolin und Rolipram (F/R), welche zur Steigerung der intrazellulären cAMP-Spiegel führen, als auch nach Zugabe von 8-(4-chlorophenylthio)-2´-O-methyladenosin-3´,5´-cyclic monophosphorothioate (O-Me-cAMP), einem selektiven Aktivator des cAMP nachgeschalteten Epac/Rap1-Signalweges, ein Anstieg des TER; außerdem konnte durch beide Substanzen (F/R und O-Me-cAMP) die Aktivierung von Rac1 induziert werden. Desweiteren wurde eine verstärkte Intensität und Linearisierung des Immunfluoreszenzsignals der Zelljunktionsproteine VE-Cadherin und Claudin5 entlang der Zellgrenzen beobachtet. In der ultrastrukturellen Analyse der interzellulären Kontaktzonen-Architektur zeigte sich unter F/R- oder O-Me-cAMP-Exposition ein signifikanter Anstieg an komplexen Interdigitationen. Diese komplexen Strukturen waren dadurch charakterisiert, dass sich die Membranen benachbarter Zellen, die durch zahlreiche endotheliale Junktionen stabilisiert wurden, über vergleichsweise lange Distanzen eng aneinanderlegten, so dass ein deutlich verlängerter Interzellularspalt resultierte. Die Inhibition der Rac1-Aktivierung durch NSC-23766 verminderte die Barrierefunktion und blockierte effektiv die O-Me-cAMP-vermittelte Barrierestabilisierung und Reorganisation der Kontaktzone einschließlich der Junktionsproteine. Demgegenüber konnte die F/R-vermittelte Barrierestabilisierung durch NSC-23766 nicht beeinträchtigt werden. Parallel dazu durchgeführte Experimente mit makrovaskulären Endothelien zeigten, dass es in diesem Zelltyp unter Bedingungen erhöhter cAMP-Konzentrationen weder zur Rac1-Aktivierung noch zur Barrierestärkung oder Kontaktzonen-Reorganisation kam. Diese Ergebnisse deuten darauf hin, dass in mikrovaskulären Endothelien Rac1-vermittelte Änderungen der Kontaktzonen-Morphologie zur cAMP-induzierten Barrierestabilisierung beitragen. N2 - Evidence exists that cAMP stabilizes the endothelial barrier in part via activation of the small GTPase Rac1. However, despite the high medical relevance of this signaling pathway, the mechanistic effects on intercellular contacts on the ultrastructural level are largely unknown. In microvascular endothelial cell monolayers, in which increased cAMP strengthened barrier properties similar to intact microvessels in vivo, both forskolin and rolipram (F/R) to increase cAMP and 8-(4-chlorophenylthio)-2´-O-methyladenosine-3´,5´-cyclic monophosphorothioate (O-Me-cAMP) to stimulate exchange protein directly activated by cAMP/Ras proximate-1 (Epac/Rap1) signaling enhanced transendothelial electrical resistance (TER) and induced activation of Rac1. Concurrently, augmented immunofluorescence intensity and linearization of signals at cell borders were observed for intercellular junction proteins VE-cadherin and claudin5. Ultrastructural analysis of the intercellular contact zone morphology documented that exposure to F/R or O-Me-cAMP led to a significant increase in the proportion of contacts displaying complex interdigitations of cell borders in which membranes of neighboring cells were closely apposed over comparatively long distances and which were stabilized by numerous intercellular junctions. Interference with Rac1 activation by NSC-23766 completely abolished both barrier stabilization and contact zone reorganization in response to O-Me-cAMP whereas F/R-mediated barrier enhancement was not affected by NSC-23766. In parallel experiments using macrovascular endothelium, increased cAMP failed to induce Rac1 activation, barrier enhancement and contact zone reorganization. These results indicate that in microvascular endothelium Rac1-mediated alterations in contact zone architecture contributes to cAMP-induced barrier stabilization. KW - Endothelbarriere KW - Endothelial barrier functions KW - Adhärens-/ Occludensjunktionen KW - cAMP KW - Rho GTPase KW - Rac1 KW - Epac KW - adherens tight junctions Y1 - 2012 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-97787 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Holzapfel, Boris Michael A1 - Prodinger, Peter M. A1 - Pilge, Hakan A1 - Banke, Ingo J. A1 - Bürklein, Dominik A1 - Miethke, Thomas A1 - Gradinger, Reiner T1 - Acute Osteomyelitis of the Humerus mimicking Malignancy: Streptococcus pneumoniae as Exceptional Pathogen in an Immunocompetent Adult JF - BMC Infectious Diseases N2 - Background Chronic osteomyelitis due to direct bone trauma or vascular insufficiency is a frequent problem in orthopaedic surgery. In contrast, acute haematogenous osteomyelitis represents a rare entity that almost exclusively affects prepubescent children or immunodeficient adults. Case Presentation In this article, we report the case of acute pneumococcal osteomyelitis of the humerus in an immunocompetent and otherwise healthy 44-year-old male patient presenting with minor inflammation signs and misleading clinical features. Conclusions The diagnosis had to be confirmed by open biopsy which allowed the initiation of a targeted therapy. A case of pneumococcal osteomyelitis of a long bone, lacking predisposing factors or trauma, is unique in adults and has not been reported previously. KW - Acute osteomyelitis KW - Haematogenous KW - Long bones KW - Immunodeficiency KW - Osteomyelitis of the humerus Y1 - 2013 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-95790 ER - TY - RPRT A1 - Müller, Jörg A1 - Scherer-Lorenzen, Michael A1 - Ammer, Christian A1 - Eisenhauer, Nico A1 - Seidel, Dominik A1 - Schuldt, Bernhard A1 - Biedermann, Peter A1 - Schmitt, Thomas A1 - Künzer, Claudia A1 - Wegmann, Martin A1 - Cesarz, Simone A1 - Peters, Marcell A1 - Feldhaar, Heike A1 - Steffan-Dewenter, Ingolf A1 - Claßen, Alice A1 - Bässler, Claus A1 - von Oheimb, Goddert A1 - Fichtner, Andreas A1 - Thorn, Simon A1 - Weisser, Wolfgang T1 - BETA-FOR: Erhöhung der strukturellen Diversität zwischen Waldbeständen zur Erhöhung der Multidiversität und Multifunktionalität in Produktionswäldern. Antragstext für die DFG Forschungsgruppe FOR 5375 T1 - BETA-FOR: Enhancing the structural diversity between patches for improving multidiversity and multifunctionality in production forests. Proposal for DFG Research Unit FOR 5375 BT - β\(_4\) : Proposal for the 1st phase (2022-2026) of the DFG Research Unit FOR 5375/1 (DFG Forschergruppe FOR 5375/1 – BETA-FOR), Fabrikschleichach, October 2021 N2 - Der in jüngster Zeit beobachtete kontinuierliche Verlust der β-Diversität in Ökosystemen deutet auf homogene Gemeinschaften auf Landschaftsebene hin, was hauptsächlich auf die steigende Landnutzungsintensität zurückgeführt wird. Biologische Vielfalt ist mit zahlreichen Funktionen und der Stabilität von Ökosystemen verknüpft. Es ist daher zu erwarten, dass eine abnehmende β-Diversität auch die Multifunktionalität verringert. Wir kombinieren hier Fachwissen aus der Forstwissenschaft, der Ökologie, der Fernerkundung, der chemischen Ökologie und der Statistik in einem gemeinschaftlichen und experimentellen β-Diversitätsdesign, um einerseits die Auswirkungen der Homogenisierung zu bewerten und andererseits Konzepte zu entwickeln, um negative Auswirkungen durch Homogenisierung in Wäldern rückgängig zu machen. Konkret werden wir uns mit der Frage beschäftigen, ob die Verbesserung der strukturellen β-Komplexität (ESBC) in Wäldern durch Waldbau oder natürliche Störungen die Biodiversität und Multifunktionalität in ehemals homogenen Produktionswäldern erhöhen kann. Unser Ansatz wird mögliche Mechanismen hinter den beobachteten Homogenisierungs-Diversitäts-Beziehungen identifizieren und zeigen, wie sich diese auf die Multifunktionalität auswirken. An elf Standorten in ganz Deutschland haben wir dazu zwei Waldbestände als zwei kleine "Waldlandschaften" ausgewählt. In einem dieser beiden Bestände haben wir ESBC (Enhancement of Structural Beta Complexity)-Behandlungen durchgeführt. Im zweiten, dem Kontrollbestand, werden wir die gleich Anzahl 50x50m Parzellen ohne ESBC einrichten. Auf allen Parzellen werden wir 18 taxonomische Artengruppen aller trophischer Ebenen und 21 Ökosystemfunktionen, einschließlich der wichtigsten Funktionen in Wäldern der gemäßigten Zonen, messen. Der statistische Rahmen wird eine umfassende Analyse der Biodiversität ermöglichen, indem verschiedenen Aspekte (taxonomische, funktionelle und phylogenetische Vielfalt) auf verschiedenen Skalenebenen (α-, β-, γ-Diversität) quantifiziert werden. Um die Gesamtdiversität zu kombinieren, werden wir das Konzept der Multidiversität auf die 18 Taxa anwenden. Wir werden neue Ansätze zur Quantifizierung und Aufteilung der Multifunktionalität auf α- und β-Skalen verwenden und entwickeln. Durch die experimentelle Beschreibung des Zusammenhangs zwischen β-Diversität und Multifunktionalität in einer Reallandschaft wird unsere Forschung einen neuen Weg einschlagen. Darüber hinaus werden wir dazu beitragen, verbesserte Leitlinien für waldbauliche Konzepte und für das Management natürlicher Störungen zu entwickeln, um Homogenisierungseffekte der Vergangenheit umzukehren. N2 - The recently observed consistent loss of β-diversity across ecosystems indicates increasingly homogeneous communities in patches of landscapes, mainly caused by increasing land-use intensity. Biodiversity is related to numerous ecosystem functions and stability. Therefore, decreasing β-diversity is also expected to reduce multifunctionality. To assess the impact of homogenization and to develop guidelines to reverse its potentially negative effects, we combine expertise from forest science, ecology, remote sensing, chemical ecology and statistics in a collaborative and experimental β-diversity approach. Specifically, we will address the question whether the Enhancement of Structural Beta Complexity (ESBC) in forests by silviculture or natural disturbances will increase biodiversity and multifunctionality in formerly homogeneously structured production forests. Our approach will identify potential mechanisms behind observed homogenization-diversity-relationships and show how these translate into effects on multifunctionality. At eleven forest sites throughout Germany, we selected two districts as two types of small ‘forest landscapes’. In one of these two districts, we established ESBC treatments (nine differently treated 50x50 m patches with a focus on canopy cover and deadwood features). In the second, the control district, we will establish nine patches without ESBC. By a comprehensive sampling, we will monitor 18 taxonomic groups and measure 21 ecosystem functions, including key functions in temperate forests, on all patches. The statistical framework will allow a comprehensive biodiversity assessment by quantifying the different aspects of multitrophic biodiversity (taxonomical, functional and phylogenetic diversity) on different levels of biodiversity (α-, β-, γ-diversity). To combine overall diversity, we will apply the concept of multidiversity across the 18 taxa. We will use and develop new approaches for quantification and partitioning of multifunctionality at α- and β- scales. Overall, our study will herald a new research avenue, namely by experimentally describing the link between β-diversity and multifunctionality. Furthermore, we will help to develop guidelines for improved silvicultural concepts and concepts for management of natural disturbances in temperate forests reversing past homogenization effects. KW - Waldökosystem KW - Biodiversität KW - BETA-Multifunktionalität KW - beta-multifunctionality KW - BETA-Diversität KW - beta diversity KW - Forschungsstation Fabrikschleichach Y1 - 2022 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-290849 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Kurotschka, Peter Konstantin A1 - Tiedemann, Elena A1 - Wolf, Dominik A1 - Thier, Nicola A1 - Forster, Johannes A1 - Liese, Johannes G. A1 - Gagyor, Ildiko T1 - Management of common infections in German primary care: a cross-sectional survey of knowledge and confidence among General Practitioners and outpatient pediatricians JF - Antibiotics N2 - Outpatient antibiotic use is closely related to antimicrobial resistance and in Germany, almost 70% of antibiotic prescriptions in human health are issued by primary care physicians (PCPs). The aim of this study was to explore PCPs, namely General Practitioners' (GPs) and outpatient pediatricians' (PDs) knowledge of guideline recommendations on rational antimicrobial treatment, the determinants of confidence in treatment decisions and the perceived need for training in this topic in a large sample of PCPs from southern Germany. Out of 3753 reachable PCPs, 1311 completed the survey (overall response rate = 34.9%). Knowledge of guideline recommendations and perceived confidence in making treatment decisions were high in both GPs and PDs. The two highest rated influencing factors on prescribing decisions were reported to be guideline recommendations and own clinical experiences, hence patients' demands and expectations were judged as not influencing treatment decisions. The majority of physicians declared to have attended at least one specific training course on antibiotic use, yet almost all the participating PCPs declared to need more training on this topic. More studies are needed to explore how consultation-related and context-specific factors could influence antibiotic prescriptions in general and pediatric primary care in Germany beyond knowledge. Moreover, efforts should be undertaken to explore the training needs of PCPs in Germany, as this would serve the development of evidence-based educational interventions targeted to the improvement of antibiotic prescribing decisions rather than being focused solely on knowledge of guidelines. KW - infectious diseases management KW - general practitioner KW - pediatrician KW - primary care KW - outpatient KW - antibiotic use KW - antimicrobial resistance KW - antimicrobial stewardship KW - survey KW - knowledge Y1 - 2021 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-246272 SN - 2079-6382 VL - 10 IS - 9 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Ferero, Andrea A1 - Rivero, Olga A1 - Wäldchen, Sina A1 - Ku, Hsing-Ping A1 - Kiser, Dominik P. A1 - Gärtner, Yvonne A1 - Pennington, Laura S. A1 - Waider, Jonas A1 - Gaspar, Patricia A1 - Jansch, Charline A1 - Edenhofer, Frank A1 - Resink, Thérèse J. A1 - Blum, Robert A1 - Sauer, Markus A1 - Lesch, Klaus-Peter T1 - Cadherin-13 Deficiency Increases Dorsal Raphe 5-HT Neuron Density and Prefrontal Cortex Innervation in the Mouse Brain JF - Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience N2 - Background: During early prenatal stages of brain development, serotonin (5-HT)-specific neurons migrate through somal translocation to form the raphe nuclei and subsequently begin to project to their target regions. The rostral cluster of cells, comprising the median and dorsal raphe (DR), innervates anterior regions of the brain, including the prefrontal cortex. Differential analysis of the mouse 5-HT system transcriptome identified enrichment of cell adhesion molecules in 5-HT neurons of the DR. One of these molecules, cadherin-13 (Cdh13) has been shown to play a role in cell migration, axon pathfinding, and synaptogenesis. This study aimed to investigate the contribution of Cdh13 to the development of the murine brain 5-HT system. Methods: For detection of Cdh13 and components of the 5-HT system at different embryonic developmental stages of the mouse brain, we employed immunofluorescence protocols and imaging techniques, including epifluorescence, confocal and structured illumination microscopy. The consequence of CDH13 loss-of-function mutations on brain 5-HT system development was explored in a mouse model of Cdh13 deficiency. Results: Our data show that in murine embryonic brain Cdh13 is strongly expressed on 5-HT specific neurons of the DR and in radial glial cells (RGCs), which are critically involved in regulation of neuronal migration. We observed that 5-HT neurons are intertwined with these RGCs, suggesting that these neurons undergo RGC-guided migration. Cdh13 is present at points of intersection between these two cell types. Compared to wildtype controls, Cdh13-deficient mice display increased cell densities in the DR at embryonic stages E13.5, E17.5, and adulthood, and higher serotonergic innervation of the prefrontal cortex at E17.5. Conclusion: Our findings provide evidence for a role of CDH13 in the development of the serotonergic system in early embryonic stages. Specifically, we indicate that Cdh13 deficiency affects the cell density of the developing DR and the posterior innervation of the prefrontal cortex (PFC), and therefore might be involved in the migration, axonal outgrowth and terminal target finding of DR 5-HT neurons. Dysregulation of CDH13 expression may thus contribute to alterations in this system of neurotransmission, impacting cognitive function, which is frequently impaired in neurodevelopmental disorders including attention-deficit/hyperactivity and autism spectrum disorders. KW - serotonin KW - cadherin-13 (CDH13) KW - T-cadherin KW - neurodevelopment KW - psychiatric disorders KW - radial glia KW - dorsal raphe KW - prefrontal cortex Y1 - 2017 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-170313 VL - 11 IS - 307 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Prantl, Thomas A1 - Zeck, Timo A1 - Bauer, Andre A1 - Ten, Peter A1 - Prantl, Dominik A1 - Yahya, Ala Eddine Ben A1 - Ifflaender, Lukas A1 - Dmitrienko, Alexandra A1 - Krupitzer, Christian A1 - Kounev, Samuel T1 - A Survey on Secure Group Communication Schemes With Focus on IoT Communication JF - IEEE Access N2 - A key feature for Internet of Things (IoT) is to control what content is available to each user. To handle this access management, encryption schemes can be used. Due to the diverse usage of encryption schemes, there are various realizations of 1-to-1, 1-to-n, and n-to-n schemes in the literature. This multitude of encryption methods with a wide variety of properties presents developers with the challenge of selecting the optimal method for a particular use case, which is further complicated by the fact that there is no overview of existing encryption schemes. To fill this gap, we envision a cryptography encyclopedia providing such an overview of existing encryption schemes. In this survey paper, we take a first step towards such an encyclopedia by creating a sub-encyclopedia for secure group communication (SGC) schemes, which belong to the n-to-n category. We extensively surveyed the state-of-the-art and classified 47 different schemes. More precisely, we provide (i) a comprehensive overview of the relevant security features, (ii) a set of relevant performance metrics, (iii) a classification for secure group communication schemes, and (iv) workflow descriptions of the 47 schemes. Moreover, we perform a detailed performance and security evaluation of the 47 secure group communication schemes. Based on this evaluation, we create a guideline for the selection of secure group communication schemes. KW - Internet of Things KW - encryption KW - secure group communication Y1 - 2022 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-300257 VL - 10 SP - 99944 EP - 99962 ER -