@article{KruegerMausKressetal.2021, author = {Kr{\"u}ger, Timothy and Maus, Katharina and Kreß, Verena and Meyer-Natus, Elisabeth and Engstler, Markus}, title = {Single-cell motile behaviour of Trypanosoma brucei in thin-layered fluid collectives}, series = {The European Physical Journal E}, volume = {44}, journal = {The European Physical Journal E}, number = {3}, issn = {1292-895X}, doi = {10.1140/epje/s10189-021-00052-7}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-273022}, year = {2021}, abstract = {We describe a system for the analysis of an important unicellular eukaryotic flagellate in a confining and crowded environment. The parasite Trypanosoma brucei is arguably one of the most versatile microswimmers known. It has unique properties as a single microswimmer and shows remarkable adaptations (not only in motility, but prominently so), to its environment during a complex developmental cycle involving two different hosts. Specific life cycle stages show fascinating collective behaviour, as millions of cells can be forced to move together in extreme confinement. Our goal is to examine such motile behaviour directly in the context of the relevant environments. Therefore, for the first time, we analyse the motility behaviour of trypanosomes directly in a widely used assay, which aims to evaluate the parasites behaviour in collectives, in response to as yet unknown parameters. In a step towards understanding whether, or what type of, swarming behaviour of trypanosomes exists, we customised the assay for quantitative tracking analysis of motile behaviour on the single-cell level. We show that the migration speed of cell groups does not directly depend on single-cell velocity and that the system remains to be simplified further, before hypotheses about collective motility can be advanced.}, language = {en} } @article{KobsarKoehnlechnerKlingleretal.2022, author = {Kobsar, Anna and Koehnlechner, Karina and Klingler, Philipp and Niklaus, Marius and Zeller-Hahn, Julia and Koessler, Angela and Weber, Katja and Boeck, Markus and Koessler, Juergen}, title = {The effect of short-term refrigeration on platelet responsiveness}, series = {Scientific Reports}, volume = {12}, journal = {Scientific Reports}, number = {1}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-022-21124-4}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-301390}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Storage of platelet concentrates (PC) at cold temperature (CT) is discussed as an alternative to the current standard of storage at room temperature (RT). Recently, we could show that cold-induced attenuation of inhibitory signaling is an important mechanism promoting platelet reactivity. For developing strategies in blood banking, it is required to elucidate the time-dependent onset of facilitated platelet activation. Thus, freshly prepared platelet-rich-plasma (PRP) was stored for 1 and 2 h at CT (2-6 °C) or at RT (20-24 °C), followed by subsequent comparative analysis. Compared to RT, basal and induced vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) phosphorylation levels were decreased under CT within 1 h by approximately 20\%, determined by Western blot analysis and flow cytometry. Concomitantly, ADP- and collagen-induced threshold aggregation values were enhanced by up to 30-40\%. Furthermore, platelet-covered areas on collagen-coated slides and aggregate formation under flow conditions were increased after storage at CT, in addition to induced activation markers. In conclusion, a time period of 1-2 h for refrigeration is sufficient to induce an attenuation of inhibitory signaling, accompanied with an enhancement of platelet responsiveness. Short-term refrigeration may be considered as a rational approach to obtain PC with higher functional reactivity for the treatment of hemorrhage.}, language = {en} } @article{SchaeblerAmatobiHornetal.2020, author = {Sch{\"a}bler, Stefan and Amatobi, Kelechi M. and Horn, Melanie and Rieger, Dirk and Helfrich‑F{\"o}rster, Charlotte and Mueller, Martin J. and Wegener, Christian and Fekete, Agnes}, title = {Loss of function in the Drosophila clock gene period results in altered intermediary lipid metabolism and increased susceptibility to starvation}, series = {Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences}, volume = {77}, journal = {Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences}, issn = {1420-682X}, doi = {10.1007/s00018-019-03441-6}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-232432}, pages = {4939-4956}, year = {2020}, abstract = {The fruit fly Drosophila is a prime model in circadian research, but still little is known about its circadian regulation of metabolism. Daily rhythmicity in levels of several metabolites has been found, but knowledge about hydrophobic metabolites is limited. We here compared metabolite levels including lipids between period\(^{01}\) (per\(^{01}\)) clock mutants and Canton-S wildtype (WT\(_{CS}\)) flies in an isogenic and non-isogenic background using LC-MS. In the non-isogenic background, metabo-lites with differing levels comprised essential amino acids, kynurenines, pterinates, glycero(phospho)lipids, and fatty acid esters. Notably, detectable diacylglycerols (DAG) and acylcarnitines (AC), involved in lipid metabolism, showed lower levels in per\(^{01}\) mutants. Most of these differences disappeared in the isogenic background, yet the level differences for AC as well as DAG were consistent for fly bodies. AC levels were dependent on the time of day in WTCS in phase with food consumption under LD conditions, while DAGs showed weak daily oscillations. Two short-chain ACs continued to cycle even in constant darkness. per\(^{01}\) mutants in LD showed no or very weak diel AC oscillations out of phase with feeding activity. The low levels of DAGs and ACs in per\(^{01}\) did not correlate with lower total food consumption, body mass or weight. Clock mutant flies showed higher sensitivity to starvation independent of their background-dependent activity level. Our results suggest that neither feeding, energy storage nor mobilisation is significantly affected in per\(^{01}\) mutants, but point towards impaired mitochondrial activity, supported by upregulation of the mitochondrial stress marker 4EBP in the clock mutants}, language = {en} } @article{VeepaschitViswanathanBordonneetal.2021, author = {Veepaschit, Jyotishman and Viswanathan, Aravindan and Bordonne, Remy and Grimm, Clemens and Fischer, Utz}, title = {Identification and structural analysis of the Schizosaccharomyces pombe SMN complex}, series = {Nucleic Acids Research}, volume = {49}, journal = {Nucleic Acids Research}, number = {13}, doi = {10.1093/nar/gkab158}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-259880}, pages = {7207-7223}, year = {2021}, abstract = {The macromolecular SMN complex facilitates the formation of Sm-class ribonucleoproteins involved in mRNA processing (UsnRNPs). While biochemical studies have revealed key activities of the SMN complex, its structural investigation is lagging behind. Here we report on the identification and structural determination of the SMN complex from the lower eukaryote Schizosaccharomyces pombe, consisting of SMN, Gemin2, 6, 7, 8 and Sm proteins. The core of the SMN complex is formed by several copies of SMN tethered through its C-terminal alpha-helices arranged with alternating polarity. This creates a central platform onto which Gemin8 binds and recruits Gemins 6 and 7. The N-terminal parts of the SMN molecules extrude via flexible linkers from the core and enable binding of Gemin2 and Sm proteins. Our data identify the SMN complex as a multivalent hub where Sm proteins are collected in its periphery to allow their joining with UsnRNA.}, language = {en} } @article{OberdoerferHeidrichBirnstieletal.2021, author = {Oberd{\"o}rfer, Sebastian and Heidrich, David and Birnstiel, Sandra and Latoschik, Marc Erich}, title = {Enchanted by Your Surrounding? Measuring the Effects of Immersion and Design of Virtual Environments on Decision-Making}, series = {Frontiers in Virtual Reality}, volume = {2}, journal = {Frontiers in Virtual Reality}, doi = {10.3389/frvir.2021.679277}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-260101}, pages = {679277}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Impaired decision-making leads to the inability to distinguish between advantageous and disadvantageous choices. The impairment of a person's decision-making is a common goal of gambling games. Given the recent trend of gambling using immersive Virtual Reality it is crucial to investigate the effects of both immersion and the virtual environment (VE) on decision-making. In a novel user study, we measured decision-making using three virtual versions of the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT). The versions differed with regard to the degree of immersion and design of the virtual environment. While emotions affect decision-making, we further measured the positive and negative affect of participants. A higher visual angle on a stimulus leads to an increased emotional response. Thus, we kept the visual angle on the Iowa Gambling Task the same between our conditions. Our results revealed no significant impact of immersion or the VE on the IGT. We further found no significant difference between the conditions with regard to positive and negative affect. This suggests that neither the medium used nor the design of the VE causes an impairment of decision-making. However, in combination with a recent study, we provide first evidence that a higher visual angle on the IGT leads to an effect of impairment.}, 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{ClausHubertBecheretal.2019, author = {Claus, Heike and Hubert, Kerstin and Becher, D{\"o}rte and Otto, Andreas and Pawlik, Marie-Christin and Lappann, Ines and Strobel, Lea and Vogel, Ulrich and Johswich, Kay}, title = {A homopolymeric adenosine tract in the promoter region of nspA influences factor H-mediated serum resistance in Neisseria meningitidis}, series = {Scientific Reports}, volume = {9}, journal = {Scientific Reports}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-019-39231-0}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-200956}, pages = {2736}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Although usually asymptomatically colonizing the human nasopharynx, the Gram-negative bacterium Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus) can spread to the blood stream and cause invasive disease. For survival in blood, N. meningitidis evades the complement system by expression of a polysaccharide capsule and surface proteins sequestering the complement regulator factor H (fH). Meningococcal strains belonging to the sequence type (ST-) 41/44 clonal complex (cc41/44) cause a major proportion of serogroup B meningococcal disease worldwide, but they are also common in asymptomatic carriers. Proteome analysis comparing cc41/44 isolates from invasive disease versus carriage revealed differential expression levels of the outer membrane protein NspA, which binds fH. Deletion of nspA reduced serum resistance and NspA expression correlated with fH sequestration. Expression levels of NspA depended on the length of a homopolymeric tract in the nspA promoter: A 5-adenosine tract dictated low NspA expression, whereas a 6-adenosine motif guided high NspA expression. Screening German cc41/44 strain collections revealed the 6-adenosine motif in 39\% of disease isolates, but only in 3.4\% of carriage isolates. Thus, high NspA expression is associated with disease, but not strictly required. The 6-adenosine nspA promoter is most common to the cc41/44, but is also found in other hypervirulent clonal complexes.}, language = {en} } @article{BankogluArnoldHeringetal.2018, author = {Bankoglu, Ezgi Eyluel and Arnold, Charlotte and Hering, Ilona and Hankir, Mohammed and Seyfried, Florian and Stopper, Helga}, title = {Decreased chromosomal damage in lymphocytes of obese patients after bariatric surgery}, series = {Scientific Reports}, volume = {8}, journal = {Scientific Reports}, number = {11195}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-018-29581-6}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-177090}, year = {2018}, abstract = {The number of bariatric surgeries being performed worldwide has markedly risen. While the improvement in obesity-associated comorbidities after bariatric surgery is well-established, very little is known about its impact on cancer risk. The peripheral lymphocyte micronucleus test is a widely used method for the monitoring of chromosomal damage levels in vivo, and micronucleus frequency positively correlates with cancer risk. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the micronucleus frequency before and after bariatric surgery in obese subjects. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were collected from 45 obese subjects before and at two time-points after bariatric surgery (6 and 12 months) to assess spontaneous micronucleus frequency. Consistent with the increased cancer risk previously shown, bariatric surgery-induced weight loss led to a significant reduction in lymphocyte micronucleus frequency after 12 months. Interestingly, comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome further seemed to have an impact on the lymphocyte micronucleus frequency. Our findings may indicate a successful reduction of cancer risk in patients following weight loss caused by bariatric surgery.}, language = {en} } @article{FriedrichHartigPruessetal.2022, author = {Friedrich, Maximilian and Hartig, Johannes and Pr{\"u}ss, Harald and Ip, Wang Chi and Volkmann, Jens}, title = {Rapidly progressive dementia: Extending the spectrum of GFAP-astrocytopathies?}, series = {Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology}, volume = {9}, journal = {Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology}, number = {3}, doi = {10.1002/acn3.51513}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-312957}, pages = {410-415}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Autoimmune glial fibrillary acidic protein astrocytopathy (GFAP-A) is a steroid-responsive meningoencephalomyelitis, sometimes presenting with atypical clinical signs such as movement disorders or psychiatric and autonomic features. Beyond clinical presentation and imaging, diagnosis relies on detection of GFAP-antibodies (AB) in CSF. Using quantitative behavioral, serologic, and immunohistochemical analyses, we characterize two patients longitudinally over 18-24 months who presented with rapidly progressive neurocognitive deterioration in the context of GFAP-AB in CSF and unremarkable cranial MRI studies. Intensified immunotherapy was associated with clinical stabilization. The value of GFAP-AB screening in selected cases of rapidly progressive dementias is discussed.}, language = {en} } @article{ManukjanWiegeringReindletal.2020, author = {Manukjan, Georgi and Wiegering, Verena and Reindl, Tobias and Strauß, Gabriele and Klopocki, Eva and Schulze, Harald and Andres, Oliver}, title = {Novel variants in FERMT3 and RASGRP2 - Genetic linkage in Glanzmann-like bleeding disorders}, series = {Pediatric Blood \& Cancer}, volume = {67}, journal = {Pediatric Blood \& Cancer}, number = {2}, doi = {10.1002/pbc.28078}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-208129}, pages = {e28078}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Defects of platelet intracellular signaling can result in severe platelet dysfunction. Several mutations in each of the linked genes FERMT3 and RASGRP2 on chromosome 11 causing a Glanzmann-like bleeding phenotype have been identified so far. We report on novel variants in two unrelated pediatric patients with severe bleeding diathesis—one with leukocyte adhesion deficiency type III due to a homozygous frameshift in FERMT3 and the other with homozygous variants in both, FERMT3 and RASGRP2 . We focus on the challenging genetic and functional variant assessment and aim to accentuate the risk of obtaining misleading results due to the phenomenon of genetic linkage.}, language = {en} } @article{KirchnerHerrmannMatrasetal.2022, author = {Kirchner, Andr{\´e} and Herrmann, Nico and Matras, Paul and M{\"u}ller, Iris and Meister, Julia and Schattner, Thomas G.}, title = {A pedo-geomorphological view on land use and its potential in the surroundings of the ancient Hispano-Roman city Munigua (Seville, SW Spain)}, series = {E\&G Quaternary Science Journal}, volume = {71}, journal = {E\&G Quaternary Science Journal}, number = {2}, doi = {10.5194/egqsj-71-123-2022}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-300141}, pages = {123 -- 143}, year = {2022}, abstract = {This study investigates the surroundings of Munigua (municipium Flavium Muniguense), a small Roman town in the ancient province of Hispania Baetica (SW Spain). The city's economy was based primarily on copper and iron mining, which brought financial prosperity to its citizens. Local production of agricultural goods is thought to have been of little importance, as the regional soil conditions do not seem to be suitable for extensive agriculture. To evaluate the recent soil agro-potential and to find evidence for prehistoric and historic land use in the surroundings of Munigua, we applied a pedo-geomorphological approach based on the physico-chemical analysis of 14 representative soil and sediment exposures. Selected samples were analyzed for bulk chemistry, texture and phytoliths. The chronostratigraphy of the sequences was based on radiocarbon dating of charcoal samples. The site evaluation of the present-day soil agro-potential was carried out according to standard procedures and included evaluation of potential rootability, available water-storage capacity and nutrient budget within the uppermost 1 m. The results show that moderate to very good soil agro-potential prevails in the granitic and floodplain areas surrounding Munigua. Clearly, recent soil agro-potential in these areas allows the production of basic agricultural goods, and similar limited agricultural use should also have been possible in ancient times. In contrast, weak to very weak present-day soil agro-potential prevails in the metamorphic landscape due to the occurrence of shallow and sandy to stony soils. In addition, the study provides pedo-geomorphological evidence for prehistoric and historic land use in pre-Roman, Roman and post-Roman times. Catenary soil mapping in the vicinity of a Roman house complex reveals multi-layered colluvial deposits. They document phases of hillslope erosion mainly triggered by human land use between 4063 ± 82 and 3796 ± 76 cal BP, around 2601 ± 115 cal BP, and between 1424 ± 96 and 421 ± 88 cal BP. Moreover, geochemical and phytolith analyses of a Roman hortic Anthrosol indicate the local cultivation of agricultural products that contributed to the food supply of Munigua. Overall, the evidence of Roman agricultural use in the Munigua area indicates that the city's economy was by no means focused solely on mining. The production of basic agricultural products was also part of Munigua's economic portfolio. Our geoarcheological study thus supports the archeological concept of economically diversified Roman cities in the province of Baetica and in Hispania.}, language = {en} } @article{TinajeroTrejoRanaNageletal.2016, author = {Tinajero-Trejo, Mariana and Rana, Namrata and Nagel, Christoph and Jesse, Helen E. and Smith, Thomas W. and Wareham, Lauren K. and Hippler, Michael and Schatzschneider, Ulrich and Poole, Robert K.}, title = {Antimicrobial Activity of the Manganese Photoactivated Carbon Monoxide-Releasing Molecule [Mn(CO)\(_3\)(tpa-kappa\(^3\)N)]\(^+\) Against a Pathogenic Escherichia coli that Causes Urinary Infections}, series = {Antioxidants \& Redox Signaling}, volume = {24}, journal = {Antioxidants \& Redox Signaling}, number = {14}, doi = {10.1089/ars.2015.6484}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-188910}, pages = {765-780}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Aims: We set out to investigate the antibacterial activity of a new Mn-based photoactivated carbon monoxide-releasing molecule (PhotoCORM, [Mn(CO)\(_3\)(tpa-kappa\(^3\)N)]\(^+\)) against an antibiotic-resistant uropathogenic strain (EC958) of Escherichia coli. Results: Activated PhotoCORM inhibits growth and decreases viability of E. coli EC958, but non-illuminated carbon monoxide-releasing molecule (CORM) is without effect. NADH-supported respiration rates are significantly decreased by activated PhotoCORM, mimicking the effect of dissolved CO gas. CO from the PhotoCORM binds to intracellular targets, namely respiratory oxidases in strain EC958 and a bacterial globin heterologously expressed in strain K-12. However, unlike previously characterized CORMs, the PhotoCORM is not significantly accumulated in cells, as deduced from the cellular manganese content. Activated PhotoCORM reacts avidly with hydrogen peroxide producing hydroxyl radicals; the observed peroxide-enhanced toxicity of the PhotoCORM is ameliorated by thiourea. The PhotoCORM also potentiates the effect of the antibiotic, doxycycline. Innovation: The present work investigates for the first time the antimicrobial activity of a light-activated PhotoCORM against an antibiotic-resistant pathogen. A comprehensive study of the effects of the PhotoCORM and its derivative molecules upon illumination is performed and mechanisms of toxicity of the activated PhotoCORM are investigated. Conclusion: The PhotoCORM allows a site-specific and time-controlled release of CO in bacterial cultures and has the potential to provide much needed information on the generality of CORM activities in biology. Understanding the mechanism(s) of activated PhotoCORM toxicity will be key in exploring the potential of this and similar compounds as antimicrobial agents, perhaps in combinatorial therapies with other agents.}, language = {en} } @article{TanBabakVenkatesanetal.2019, author = {Tan, Aaron and Babak, Maria V. and Venkatesan, Gopalakrishnan and Lim, Clarissa and Klotz, Karl-Norbert and Herr, Deron Raymond and Cheong, Siew Lee and Federico, Stephanie and Spalluto, Giampiero and Ong, Wei-Yi and Chen, Yu Zong and Loo, Jason Siau Ee and Pastorin, Giorgia}, title = {Design, Synthesis and Evaluation of New Indolylpyrimidylpiperazines for Gastrointestinal Cancer Therapy}, series = {Molecules}, volume = {24}, journal = {Molecules}, number = {20}, issn = {1420-3049}, doi = {10.3390/molecules24203661}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-193271}, pages = {3661}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Human A3 adenosine receptor hA3AR has been implicated in gastrointestinal cancer, where its cellular expression has been found increased, thus suggesting its potential as a molecular target for novel anticancer compounds. Observation made in our previous work indicated the importance of the carbonyl group of amide in the indolylpyrimidylpiperazine (IPP) for its human A2A adenosine receptor (hA2AAR) subtype binding selectivity over the other AR subtypes. Taking this observation into account, we structurally modified an indolylpyrimidylpiperazine (IPP) scaffold, 1 (a non-selective adenosine receptors' ligand) into a modified IPP (mIPP) scaffold by switching the position of the carbonyl group, resulting in the formation of both ketone and tertiary amine groups in the new scaffold. Results showed that such modification diminished the A2A activity and instead conferred hA3AR agonistic activity. Among the new mIPP derivatives (3-6), compound 4 showed potential as a hA3AR partial agonist, with an Emax of 30\% and EC50 of 2.89 ± 0.55 μM. In the cytotoxicity assays, compound 4 also exhibited higher cytotoxicity against both colorectal and liver cancer cells as compared to normal cells. Overall, this new series of compounds provide a promising starting point for further development of potent and selective hA3AR partial agonists for the treatment of gastrointestinal cancers.}, language = {en} } @article{SperlichDeClerckZinneretal.2018, author = {Sperlich, Billy and De Clerck, Ine and Zinner, Christoph and Holmberg,, Hans-Christer and Wallmann-Sperlich, Birgit}, title = {Prolonged sitting interrupted by 6-min of high-intensity exercise: circulatory, metabolic, hormonal, thermal, cognitive, and perceptual responses}, series = {Frontiers in Physiology}, volume = {9}, journal = {Frontiers in Physiology}, number = {1279}, doi = {10.3389/fphys.2018.01279}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-177307}, year = {2018}, abstract = {The aim was to examine certain aspects of circulatory, metabolic, hormonal, thermoregulatory, cognitive, and perceptual responses while sitting following a brief session of high-intensity interval exercise. Twelve students (five men; age, 22 ± 2 years) performed two trials involving either simply sitting for 180 min (SIT) or sitting for this same period with a 6-min session of high-intensity exercise after 60 min (SIT+HIIT). At T\(_0\) (after 30 min of resting), T\(_1\) (after a 20-min breakfast), T\(_2\) (after sitting for 1 h), T\(_3\) (immediately after the HIIT), T\(_4\), T\(_5\), T\(_6\), and T\(_7\) (30, 60, 90, and 120 min after the HIIT), circulatory, metabolic, hormonal, thermoregulatory, cognitive, and perceptual responses were assessed. The blood lactate concentration (at T\(_3\)-T\(_5\)), heart rate (at T\(_3\)-T\(_6\)), oxygen uptake (at T\(_3\)-T\(_7\)), respiratory exchange ratio, and sensations of heat (T\(_3\)-T\(_5\)), sweating (T\(_3\), T\(_4\)) and odor (T\(_3\)), as well as perception of vigor (T\(_3\)-T\(_6\)), were higher and the respiratory exchange ratio (T\(_4\)-T\(_7\)) and mean body and skin temperatures (T\(_3\)) lower in the SIT+HIIT than the SIT trial. Levels of blood glucose and salivary cortisol, cerebral oxygenation, and feelings of anxiety/depression, fatigue or hostility, as well as the variables of cognitive function assessed by the Stroop test did not differ between SIT and SIT+HIIT. In conclusion, interruption of prolonged sitting with a 6-min session of HIIT induced more pronounced circulatory and metabolic responses and improved certain aspects of perception, without affecting selected hormonal, thermoregulatory or cognitive functions.}, 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{BraunEvdokimovFranketal.2022, author = {Braun, Alexandra and Evdokimov, Dimitar and Frank, Johanna and Pauli, Paul and Wabel, Thomas and {\"U}{\c{c}}eyler, Nurcan and Sommer, Claudia}, title = {Relevance of Religiosity for Coping Strategies and Disability in Patients with Fibromyalgia Syndrome}, series = {Journal of Religion and Health}, volume = {61}, journal = {Journal of Religion and Health}, number = {1}, issn = {1573-6571}, doi = {10.1007/s10943-020-01177-3}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-269135}, pages = {524-539}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Coping strategies are essential for the outcome of chronic pain. This study evaluated religiosity in a cohort of patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), its effect on pain and other symptoms, on coping and FMS-related disability. A total of 102 FMS patients were recruited who filled in questionnaires, a subgroup of 42 patients participated in a face-to-face interview, and data were evaluated by correlation and regression analyses. Few patients were traditionally religious, but the majority believed in a higher existence and described their spirituality as "transcendence conviction". The coping strategy "praying-hoping" and the ASP dimension "religious orientation" (r = 0.5, P < 0.05) showed a significant relationship independent of the grade of religiosity (P < 0.05). A high grade of belief in a higher existence was negatively associated with the choice of ignoring as coping strategy (r = - 0.4, P < 0.05). Mood and affect-related variables had the highest impact on disability (b = 0.5, P < 0.05). In this cohort, the grade of religiosity played a role in the choice of coping strategies, but had no effects on health and mood outcome.}, language = {en} } @article{StreinzerChakravortyNeumayeretal.2019, author = {Streinzer, Martin and Chakravorty, Jharna and Neumayer, Johann and Megu, Karsing and Narah, Jaya and Schmitt, Thomas and Bharti, Himender and Spaethe, Johannes and Brockmann, Axel}, title = {Species composition and elevational distribution of bumble bees (Hymenoptera, Apidae, Bombus Latreille) in the East Himalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, India}, series = {ZooKeys}, volume = {851}, journal = {ZooKeys}, doi = {10.3897/zookeys.851.32956}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-201937}, pages = {71-89}, year = {2019}, abstract = {The East Himalaya is one of the world's most biodiverse ecosystems. However, very little is known about the abundance and distribution of many plant and animal taxa in this region. Bumble bees are a group of cold-adapted and high elevation insects that fulfil an important ecological and economical function as pollinators of wild and agricultural flowering plants and crops. The Himalayan mountain range provides ample suitable habitats for bumble bees. Systematic study of Himalayan bumble bees began a few decades ago and the main focus has centred on the western region, while the eastern part of the mountain range has received little attention and only a few species have been verified. During a three-year survey, more than 700 bumble bee specimens of 21 species were collected in Arunachal Pradesh, the largest of the north-eastern states of India. The material included a range of species that were previously known from a limited number of collected specimens, which highlights the unique character of the East Himalayan ecosystem. Our results are an important first step towards a future assessment of species distribution, threat, and conservation. Clear elevation patterns of species diversity were observed, which raise important questions about the functional adaptations that allow bumble bees to thrive in this particularly moist region in the East Himalaya.}, language = {en} } @article{LangeAthinodorou2021, author = {Lange-Athinodorou, Eva}, title = {Implications of geoarchaeological investigations for the contextualization of sacred landscapes in the Nile Delta}, series = {E\&G Quarternary Science Journal}, volume = {70}, journal = {E\&G Quarternary Science Journal}, number = {1}, doi = {10.5194/egqsj-70-73-2021}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-258688}, pages = {73-82}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Key elements of sacred landscapes of the Nile Delta were lakes, canals and artificial basins connected to temples, which were built on elevated terrain. In the case of temples of goddesses of an ambivalent, even dangerous, nature, i.e. lioness goddesses and all female deities who could appear as such, the purpose of sacred lakes and canals exceeded their function as a water resource for basic practical and religious needs. Their pleasing coolness was believed to calm the goddess' fiery nature, and during important religious festivals, the barques of the goddesses were rowed on those waters. As archaeological evidence was very rare in the past, the study of those sacred waters was mainly confined to textual sources. Recently applied geoarchaeological methods, however, have changed this situation dramatically: they allow in-depth investigations and reconstructions of these deltaic sacred landscapes. Exploring these newly available data, the paper presented here focuses on the sites of Buto, Sais and Bubastis, by investigating the characteristics of their sacred lakes, canals and marshes with respect to their hydrogeographical and geomorphological context and to their role in ancient Egyptian religion and mythology as well.}, language = {en} } @article{HankeRauschSosnowskietal.2022, author = {Hanke, Kathrin and Rausch, Tanja K. and Sosnowski, Runa and Paul, Pia and Spiegler, Juliane and M{\"u}ller, Mirja and K{\"o}nig, Inke R. and G{\"o}pel, Wolfgang and Herting, Egbert and H{\"a}rtel, Christoph}, title = {Early skin-to-skin contact does not affect cerebral tissue oxygenation in preterm infants <32 weeks of gestation}, series = {Children}, volume = {9}, journal = {Children}, number = {2}, issn = {2227-9067}, doi = {10.3390/children9020211}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-262290}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Aim: It was the aim of our study to determine the regional cerebral tissue oxygenation saturation (rcSO\(_2\)) as an additional monitoring parameter during early skin-to-skin contact (SSC) in preterm infants with a gestational age of <32 gestational weeks. Methods: We conducted two observational convenience sample studies using additional monitoring with near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) in the first 120 h of life: (a) NIRS 1 (gestational age of 26 0/7 to 31 6/7 weeks) and (b) NIRS 2 (gestational age of 24 0/7 to 28 6/7 weeks). The rcSO\(_2\) values were compared between resting time in the incubator (period I), SSC (period II) and handling nursing care (period III). For the comparison, we separated the sequential effects by including a "wash-out phase" of 1 h between each period. Results: During the first 120 h of life 38/53 infants in NIRS 1 and 15/23 infants in NIRS 2 received SSC, respectively. We found no remarkable differences for rcSO\(_2\) values of NIRS 1 patients between SSC time and period I (95\% confidence interval (CI) for the difference in \%: SSC vs. period I [1; 3]). In NIRS 2, rcSO\(_2\) values during SSC were only 2\% lower compared with period I [median [1. quartile; 3. quartile] in \%; 78 [73; 82] vs. 80 [74; 85]] but were similar to period III [78 [72; 83]]. In a combined analysis, a small difference in rcSO\(_2\) values between SSC and resting times was found using a generalized linear mixed model that included gender and gestational age (OR 95\% CI; 1.178 [1.103; 1.253], p < 0.0001). Episodes below the cut-off for "hypoxia"; e.g., <55\%, were comparable during SSC and periods I and III (0.3-2.1\%). No FiO\(_2\) adjustment was required in the vast majority of SSC episodes. Conclusions: Our observational data indicate that rcSO\(_2\) values of infants during SSC were comparable to rcSO\(_2\) values during incubator care and resting time. This additional monitoring supports a safe implementation of early SSC in extremely preterm infants in NICUs.}, language = {en} } @article{SteudingSuriajaya2020, author = {Steuding, J{\"o}rn and Suriajaya, Ade Irma}, title = {Value-Distribution of the Riemann Zeta-Function Along Its Julia Lines}, series = {Computational Methods and Function Theory}, volume = {20}, journal = {Computational Methods and Function Theory}, issn = {1617-9447}, doi = {10.1007/s40315-020-00316-x}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-232621}, pages = {389-401}, year = {2020}, abstract = {For an arbitrary complex number a≠0 we consider the distribution of values of the Riemann zeta-function ζ at the a-points of the function Δ which appears in the functional equation ζ(s)=Δ(s)ζ(1-s). These a-points δa are clustered around the critical line 1/2+i\(\mathbb {R}\) which happens to be a Julia line for the essential singularity of ζ at infinity. We observe a remarkable average behaviour for the sequence of values ζ(δ\(_a\)).}, language = {en} }