@phdthesis{Waltmann2024, author = {Waltmann, Maria}, title = {Neurocognitive mechanisms of loss of control in Binge Eating Disorder}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-36430}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-364300}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2024}, abstract = {Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is a common, early-onset mental health condition characterised by uncontrollable episodes of overeating followed by negative emotions such as guilt and shame. An improved understanding of the neurocognitive mechanisms underlying BED is central to the development of more targeted and effective treatments. This thesis comprises a systematic review and three empirical studies contributing to this endeavour. BED can be thought of as a disorder of cognitive-behavioural control. Indeed, self-report evidence points towards enhanced impulsivity and compulsivity in BED. However, retrospective self-reports do not capture the mechanisms underlying impulsive and compulsive lapses of control in the moment. The systematic review therefore focussed on the experimental literature on impulsivity and compulsivity in BED. The evidence was very mixed, although there was some indication of altered goal-directed control and behavioural flexibility in BED. We highlight poor reliability of experimental paradigms and the failure to properly account for weight status as potential reasons for inconsistencies between studies. Moreover, we propose that impulsivity and/or compulsivity may be selectively enhanced in negative mood states in BED and may therefore not be consistently detected in lab-based studies. In the empirical studies, we explored the role of behavioural flexibility in BED using experimental and neuroimaging methods in concert with computational modelling. In the first empirical study, we assessed the reliability of a common measure of behavioural flexibility, the Probabilistic Reversal Learning Task (PRLT). We demonstrate that the behavioural and computational metrics of the PRLT have sufficient reliability to justify past and future applications if calculated using hierarchical modelling. This substantially improves reliability by reducing error variance. The results support the use of the PRLT in the second and third empirical studies on development and BED. Because a majority of patients develop BED as adolescents or young adults, we speculated that it may emerge as a consequence of disrupted or deficient maturation of behavioural flexibility. Little is known about typical development in this domain. We therefore investigated normative development of reversal learning from adolescence to adulthood in the second empirical study. Typically- developing adolescents exhibited less adaptive and more erratic and explorative behaviour than adults. This behaviour was accounted for by reduced sensitivity to positive feedback in a reinforcement learning model, and partially mediated by reduced activation reflecting uncertainty in the medial prefrontal cortex, a region known to mature substantially during adolescence. In the third empirical study, we investigated reversal learning in BED, paying special attention to potential biases associated with learning from wins vs learning from losses. We speculated that negative urgency could make it more difficult for BED patients to learn and make decisions under pressure to avoid losses. To dissociate between effects of excess weight and BED, we collected data from obese individuals with and without BED as well as normal-weight controls. As hypothesised, there were subtle neurocognitive differences between obese participants with and without BED with regard to learning to obtain rewards and to avoid losses. Obese individuals showed relatively impaired learning to obtain rewards, while BED patients showed relatively impaired learning to avoid losses. This was reflected in differential learning signals in the brain and associated with BED symptom severity. In sum, this thesis shows that the evidence on impulsivity and compulsivity in BED is inconsistent and offers potential explanations for this inconsistency. It highlights the need for reliability in interindividual difference research and indicates ways to improve it. Further, it charts the typical development of reversal learning from adolescence to adulthood and underscores the relevance of exploration in the context of learning and decision-making in adolescence. Finally, it demonstrates qualitative differences between BED and obesity, hinting at a pivotal role of aversive states in loss of control in BED.}, subject = {Binge-eating Disorder}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Fleissner2024, author = {Fleißner, Janik Frank Hans-Werner}, title = {Die Bedeutung von Oncostatin M f{\"u}r die Lipidhom{\"o}ostase Apoe- und Ldlr-deletierter M{\"a}use}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-28059}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-280592}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2024}, abstract = {OSM, ein Vertreter der IL-6-Typ-Zytokine, ist nicht nur f{\"u}r entz{\"u}ndliche, sondern auch f{\"u}r metabolische Prozesse von Bedeutung. Vorarbeiten der Arbeitsgruppe GEIER/HERMANNS und Studien von KOMORI et al. legen protektive Eigenschaften des Zytokins nahe, da M{\"a}use, denen OSMR fehlte, Charakteristika des metabolischen Syndroms aufwiesen. Zur eingehenderen Untersuchung der von OSM vermittelten Wirkung auf den murinen Lipidstoffwechsel wurden zwei f{\"u}r die NAFLD und Atherosklerose anf{\"a}llige Modelle herangezogen und jeweils in Gegenwart und Abwesenheit des Osmr studiert: Weibliche Apoe-/-(Osmr-/-) und Ldlr-/-(Osmr-/-) M{\"a}use wurden {\"u}ber einen Zeitraum von zw{\"o}lf Wochen mit westlicher Di{\"a}t gef{\"u}ttert, w{\"o}chentlich gewogen, am Ende der Di{\"a}t geopfert und geerntet. Wildtypische C57Bl/6-M{\"a}use erfuhren die gleiche Behandlung und dienten als Referenzgruppe. Im Rahmen des Promotionsprojektes wurden Leberfettgehalt, Serumlipidspiegel, Lipoproteinfraktionen und Stuhllipide von Apoe-deletierten M{\"a}usen bestimmt und mit bereits vorhandenen Daten der Ldlr-/-(Osmr-/-) und wildtypischen M{\"a}use in Beziehung gesetzt. Expressionsanalysen von am Lipidstoffwechsel beteiligten Genen in Darm-, Leber- und Fettgewebe trugen dazu bei, OSM-abh{\"a}ngige Regulationen aufzudecken. Ldlr-/- Tiere nahmen unter der Di{\"a}t exzessiv zu, hatten hohe Serumspiegel an Leptin, Gluco-se und Lipiden, eine Lebersteatose und, begleitet von einer Induktion des Vldlr, erh{\"o}hte inflammatorische Marker im visceralen Fettgewebe. Der zus{\"a}tzliche Knockout des Osmr ging mit einer geringeren Vldlr-Expression im Fettgewebe und einer hepatozyt{\"a}ren Induktion von Cyp7a1 einher und resultierte in einem metabolisch g{\"u}nstigeren Ph{\"a}notyp. Apoe-defiziente Tiere unterschieden sich hinsichtlich ihrer Gewichtszunahme nicht von Ldlr-/-Osmr-/- und C57Bl/6-M{\"a}usen. {\"U}berraschenderweise zeigten sich im Serum von Apoe-/-Osmr-/- jedoch gegen{\"u}ber Apoe-/- M{\"a}usen erh{\"o}hte Konzentrationen des Gesamt- und VLDL-Cholesterins, der Triglyceride und freien Fetts{\"a}uren. Obwohl Lebern der Apoe-/-Osmr-/- M{\"a}use geringere Ldlr- und Lrp1-mRNA-Spiegel als die der Apoe-/- M{\"a}use aufwiesen, hatten sie einen h{\"o}heren hepatischen Cholesteringehalt. Bei gesteigerter Cpt1a-Expression fiel der hepatische Tri-glyceridgehalt Apoe-deletierter M{\"a}use geringer aus als in Ldlr-/-(Osmr-/-) und wildtypischen Tieren. Unter Umgehung einer Fettgewebsentz{\"u}ndung pr{\"a}sentierten Apoe-defiziente M{\"a}use Hinweise einer inflammatorischen Lebersch{\"a}digung, die pathogenetisch am ehesten mit einer gest{\"o}rten Cholesterinhom{\"o}ostase in Verbindung zu bringen war. Abh{\"a}ngig vom genetischen Hintergrund des Mausmodells hatte OSM sch{\"u}tzende oder sch{\"a}dliche Effekte auf den Lipidmetabolismus. Die Ergebnisse der vorliegenden Arbeit betonen die entscheidende Bedeutung entz{\"u}ndlicher, von OSM modulierter Prozesse f{\"u}r den Fettstoffwechsel in Leber- und Fettgewebe. Weiterf{\"u}hrende Experimente sind n{\"o}tig, um die den Beobachtungen zugrunde liegenden molekularen Mechanismen zu entschl{\"u}sseln.}, subject = {Apolipoprotein E}, language = {de} } @phdthesis{Bakirci2024, author = {Bakirci, Ezgi}, title = {Development of \(In\) \(vitro\) Models for Tissue Engineering Applications Using a High-Resolution 3D Printing Technology}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-25164}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-251645}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2024}, abstract = {In vitro models mimic the tissue-specific anatomy and play essential roles in personalized medicine and disease treatments. As a sophisticated manufacturing technology, 3D printing overcomes the limitations of traditional technologies and provides an excellent potential for developing in vitro models to mimic native tissue. This thesis aims to investigate the potential of a high-resolution 3D printing technology, melt electrowriting (MEW), for fabricating in vitro models. MEW has a distinct capacity for depositing micron size fibers with a defined design. In this thesis, three approaches were used, including 1) extending the MEW polymer library for different biomedical applications, 2) developing in vitro models for evaluation of cell growth and migration toward the different matrices, and 3) studying the effect of scaffold designs and biochemical cues of microenvironments on cells. First, we introduce the MEW processability of (AB)n and (ABAC)n segmented copolymers, which have thermally reversible network formulation based on physical crosslinks. Bisurea segments are combined with hydrophobic poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) or hydrophilic poly(propylene oxide)-poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(propylene oxide) (PPO-PEG-PPO) segments to form the (AB)n segmented copolymers. (ABAC)n segmented copolymers contain all three segments: in addition to bisurea, both hydrophobic and hydrophilic segments are available in the same polymer chain, resulting in tunable mechanical and biological behaviors. MEW copolymers either support cells attachment or dissolve without cytotoxic side effects when in contact with the polymers at lower concentrations, indicating that this copolymer class has potential in biological applications. The unique biological and surface properties, transparency, adjustable hydrophilicity of these copolymers could be beneficial in several in vitro models. The second manuscript addresses the design and development of a melt electrowritten competitive 3D radial migration device. The approach differs from most of the previous literature, as MEW is not used here to produce cell invasive scaffolds but to fabricate an in vitro device. The device is utilized to systematically determine the matrix which promotes cell migration and growth of glioblastoma cells. The glioblastoma cell migration is tested on four different Matrigel concentrations using a melt electrowritten radial device. The glioblastoma U87 cell growth and migration increase at Matrigel concentrations 6 and 8 mg mL-1 In the development of this radial device, the accuracy, and precision of melt electrowritten circular shapes were investigated. The results show that the printing speed and design diameter are essential parameters for the accuracy of printed constructs. It is the first instance where MEW is used for the production of in vitro devices. The influence of biochemical cues and scaffold designs on astrocytes and glioblastoma is investigated in the last manuscript. A fiber comprising the box and triangle-shaped pores within MEW scaffolds are modified with biochemical cues, including RGD and IKVAV peptides using a reactive NCO-sP(EO-stat-PO) macromer. The results show that astrocytes and glioblastoma cells exhibit different phenotypes on scaffold designs and peptide-coated scaffolds.}, subject = {3D-Druck}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{DasgebNitschke2024, author = {Das [geb. Nitschke], Felix Marcel}, title = {DNA-Methylierung und Genexpression von FKPB5 als Teil des Stresshormonsystems bei von Depressionen und Herzinsuffizienz Betroffenen sowie gesunden Kontrollen}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-36973}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-369730}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2024}, abstract = {FKBP5 stellt im Stresssystem der HPA-Achse ein zentrales Gen bei der Regulation der Sensitivit{\"a}t des Glukokortikoidrezeptors und somit der Reaktion auf Stress dar. Zur Adaptation an Umwelteinfl{\"u}sse ist es selbst in ein komplexes System von Regulationsmechanismen eingebettet, die unter anderem epigenetische Modifikationen in Form von DNA-Methylierung umfassen. Bisherige Studien legen eine starke Assoziation von FKBP5 zu stressinduzierten psychischen Erkrankungen nahe und weisen auf eine Dysregulation der HPA-Achse als m{\"o}glichen Pathomechanismus hin. F{\"u}r die enge klinische Interaktion von Depression und Herzinsuffizienz sowie eine ebenfalls vermutete Rolle der HPA-Achse in der Pathogenese letzterer, k{\"o}nnte FKBP5 daher ein entscheidendes Bindeglied darstellen. Gleichzeitig bietet die Identifikation einer {\"u}ber FKBP5 ausgedr{\"u}ckten Dysregulation der HPA-Achse einen biologischen Befund, der als Marker f{\"u}r das Ansprechen einer antidepressiven Therapie herangezogen werden k{\"o}nnte. Ziel dieser Arbeit war daher die Untersuchung eines m{\"o}glichen Einflusses regulatorischer Parameter von FKBP5 auf die Herzinsuffizienz sowie eine Pr{\"u}fung dieser als m{\"o}gliche Biomarker f{\"u}r einen Erfolg der antidepressiven Therapie. Dazu wurden Blutproben von ProbandInnen der GEParD- bzw. DaCFail-Studie mit Depression, Herzinsuffizienz sowie gesunde Kontrollen untersucht. Durch Pyrosequenzierung bisulfitkonvertierter DNA erfolgte die Bestimmung der Methylierung regulatorischer CpGs. Die Messung der relativen mRNA-Expression erfolgte durch den Einsatz einer qPCR. In der Auswertung fand sich keine differentielle mRNA-Expression oder Methylierung zwischen den vier Untersuchungsgruppen. Allerdings reagierten depressive PatientInnen verglichen mit der Kontrollgruppe mit einer geringeren Zunahme der mRNA-Expression als Reaktion auf den mDST. Das Therapieansprechen in der Depressionsgruppe wiederum war mit einer niedrigeren Methylierung auf CpG7 sowie einer h{\"o}heren mRNA-Expression zu Therapiebeginn assoziiert. Im Behandlungsverlauf f{\"u}hrte eine Abnahme der mRNA-Expression bei den Respondern zu einer Ann{\"a}herung beider Gruppen. Diese Arbeit konnte keine Hinweise f{\"u}r eine Rolle von FKBP5 in der Pathogenese der Herzinsuffizienz finden. Allerdings zeigten die Befunde zur Regulation des Gens bei Glukokortikoidstimulation eine hohe Konstanz zu vorherigen Ergebnissen. In diesen Kontext reihen sich auch die Ergebnisse f{\"u}r das Therapieansprechen ein, die aufgrund einer Herabregulation der HPA-Achse im Therapieverlauf die Idee einer urs{\"a}chlichen HPA-Dysregulation in der Gruppe der Responder bekr{\"a}ftigen. F{\"u}r sich allein genommen lassen sich mRNA-Expression und Methylierung aufgrund mangelnder Sensitivit{\"a}t und Spezifit{\"a}t nicht als Biomarker f{\"u}r das Therapieansprechen einsetzen. Die bisherigen Befunde best{\"a}rken aber eine m{\"o}gliche Rolle in einer Batterie unterschiedlicher Biomarker auf verschiedenen Ebenen, wie Klinik, Psychometrie und Physiologie.}, subject = {Gen FKBP5}, language = {de} } @phdthesis{Junghanns2024, author = {Junghanns, Lara Madeleine}, title = {Resistenzmechanismen gegen Amphotericin B in humanpathogenen Hefepilzen}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-36986}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-369861}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2024}, abstract = {Die 2009 erstmals entdeckte Spezies C. auris erlangte binnen k{\"u}rzester Zeit zunehmend weltweite Aufmerksamkeit. Vor allem die Tendenz der Multiresistenzentwicklung und das rasche Ausl{\"o}sen von nosokomialen Infektionen erschweren den Umgang und die Therapie von C. auris Infektionen im Vergleich zu anderen Candida Spezien. Diese Dissertationsarbeit umfasst eine systematische Resistenzanalyse der im NRZMyk vorhandenen Stammsammlung aus C. auris und C. parapsilosis Isolaten, um Aufschluss {\"u}ber den Wirkmechanismus von Amphotericin B in Hefepilzen zu erlangen. Anhand der zun{\"a}chst durchgef{\"u}hrten Amphotericin B-Resistenztestungen kristallisierten sich CAU37 und CAU43 mit MHK-Werten bis zu 12 µg/ml als stark Amphotericin B-resistente Isolate heraus. Die Analyse der Sequenzierungsergebnisse zeigte bei beiden St{\"a}mmen eine Mutation im ERG4 Gen an Position 576, welche nicht eindeutig als alleinige Ursache f{\"u}r die verminderte Amphotericin B-Empfindlichkeit festgelegt werden konnte. Dennoch wurde im Rahmen eines Survival Assays bei beiden Amphotericin B-resistenten Isolaten anf{\"a}nglich eine konzentrationsabh{\"a}ngige Aktivit{\"a}t gegen{\"u}ber Amphotericin B festgestellt, bevor ein Nachwachsen der Kulturen beobachtet wurde. Somit wurde die Vermutung aufgestellt, dass lediglich ein Teil der aufgebrachten Candida-Zellen abget{\"o}tet wird und dies in einer Vermehrung der {\"u}berlebenden Zellen resultiert. Des Weiteren konnte im Rahmen von Resistenztestungen mit dem Sphingolipidinhibitor Myriocin nachgewiesen werden, dass vor allem in Amphotericin B-resistenten Isolaten eine deutliche Wirkungsverst{\"a}rkung des Polyens hervorgerufen wird. Diese Sensitivit{\"a}tssteigerung ist allgemein bei allen C. auris Isolaten zu beobachten, f{\"a}llt bei resistenten St{\"a}mmen jedoch deutlich st{\"a}rker aus. Hierdurch kam die Annahme auf, dass Amphotericin B-Resistenzen auch in m{\"o}glichen Ver{\"a}nderungen des Sphingolipid-Haushaltes begr{\"u}ndet sein k{\"o}nnten. Dar{\"u}ber hinaus scheint Myriocin keinen Einfluss auf Fluconazol-resistente oder FKS-mutierte Echinocandin-resistente C. auris St{\"a}mme zu haben. Das ebenfalls untersuchte und von Myriocin abgeleitete Medikament Fingolimod hatte jedoch ebenfalls keinen wirkungsverst{\"a}rkenden Effekt. Allerdings reagierte ein Großteil der C. auris Isolate (57,6 \%) sensitiv gegen{\"u}ber dem neusten medizinisch bekannten Triazol Isavuconazol und es konnte erstmalig ein ECV-Wert von 0,03125 µg/ml festgelegt werden. Ein valider Vergleich von C. auris zu C. parapsilosis war aufgrund der mangelnden Anzahl an C. parapsilosis Isolaten jedoch nicht m{\"o}glich}, subject = {Candida}, language = {de} } @phdthesis{NoppergebAckermann2024, author = {Nopper [geb. Ackermann], Nadja}, title = {Impf- und Immunstatus W{\"u}rzburger Medizinstudierender von 2004-2020}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-36968}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-369689}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2024}, abstract = {In dieser Arbeit wurde der Impfstatus der W{\"u}rzburger Medizinstudierenden von 2004-2020 entsprechend der jeweils im sechsten Semester geltenden STIKO Empfehlungen ausgewertet (im folgenden Impfquote genannt) und mit den Ergebnissen von Studien an Universit{\"a}ten in Frankfurt, Bochum und Dresden, sowie der Allgemeinbev{\"o}lkerung und dem medizinischen Personal in Deutschland verglichen. Außerdem wurde ausgewertet, inwiefern das Angebot der Nachimpfungen im Impfkurs angenommen wurde und m{\"o}gliche Zusammenh{\"a}nge mit aufgedeckten Impfl{\"u}cken wurden diskutiert. Bei manchen impfpr{\"a}ventablen Infektionskrankheiten (IPIE) wie Pertussis war von 2004-2020 ein deutlicher Anstieg der Impfquote (von <2\% auf knapp 90\%) zu beobachten, bei anderen, wie Tetanus war bereits seit 2004 eine Impfquote von etwa 75-90\% zu sehen, der {\"u}ber die gesamte Beobachtungszeit auf etwa 85-90\% anstieg. Im Vergleich zu anderen Studien mit Medizinstudierenden anderer Universit{\"a}ten in Deutschland schnitten die W{\"u}rzburger Medizinstudierenden in Bezug auf Masern, Mumps, R{\"o}teln und Varizellen mit Impfquoten um die 80-90\% oder h{\"o}her im Vergleich zu 73-86\% in den anderen St{\"a}dten durchweg besser ab. Bei Hepatitis B war anfangs eine vergleichbare (65-90\%), sp{\"a}ter eine h{\"o}here Impfquote (um die 80\%) als in den Vergleichsstudien (um die 40\%) zu beobachten. In Bezug auf Tetanus (Impfquote im Schnitt 85,2\%), Diphtherie (Impfquote im Schnitt 82,9\%), Pertussis (Impfquote im Schnitt 49,3\%) und Influenza (Impfung in Vorsaison im Schnitt bei 29,3\%) waren die Daten aus W{\"u}rzburg gut mit den Daten aus Vorstudien in {\"a}hnlichen Zeitr{\"a}umen vergleichbar. Im Vergleich zu Daten zur Impfquote bei Meningokokken und HPV aus der Allgemeinbev{\"o}lkerung lagen die W{\"u}rzburger Medizinstudierenden von 2017-2020 {\"u}ber den dort verzeichneten Werten (48\% zu 29\% bzw. 63\% zu 53). Im Vergleich zu Daten der Impfsurveillance des RKI aus 2020 zeigte sich der Effekt der Impfempfehlung bei Kindern (Meningokokken: 90\% der 4-7 J{\"a}hrigen, HPV: 63,3\% der 14 J{\"a}hrigen). Bei der Pneumokokken Impfung gaben - obwohl die STIKO Empfehlung nicht auf medizinisches Personal zutrifft - 10,8\% der Studierenden an, mindestens einmal geimpft zu sein. Dies k{\"o}nnte ein erh{\"o}htes Gesundheitsbewusstsein der Medizinstudierenden widerspiegeln. Zusammenfassend kann gesagt werden, dass der Anteil der W{\"u}rzburger Medizinstudierenden, deren Impfstatus f{\"u}r die einzelnen IPIE den STIKO Empfehlungen f{\"u}r medizinisches Personal entsprach, {\"u}ber die Jahre 2004 bis 2020 angestiegen ist. Zum Großteil lag der Anteil der Studierenden mit Impfstatus entsprechend den STIKO Empfehlungen {\"u}ber dem aus den Studien der anderen Universit{\"a}ten. Trotzdem blieben noch deutliche L{\"u}cken im Impfstatus, bspw. bei Pertussis oder Masern, und Wissen der W{\"u}rzburger Medizinstudierenden bestehen. Diese L{\"u}cken werden sich auf Dauer in die {\"A}rzteschaft und schließlich auch in die Empfehlungen durch das {\"a}rztliche Personal fortsetzen. Deshalb sollte ein besonderer Fokus auf die Verbesserung des Impfstatus Medizinstudierender gelegt werden, beispielsweise durch regelm{\"a}ßige verpflichtende Kontrollen durch Betrieb{\"a}rzt*in, intensivierte Lehre sowie bessere Aufkl{\"a}rung bereits zu Beginn des Studiums. Das Format des Impfkurses, wie er in W{\"u}rzburg durchgef{\"u}hrt wird, scheint ein gut gew{\"a}hltes Format, um den Studierenden die M{\"o}glichkeit zu geben, ihren eigenen Impfstatus zu {\"u}berpr{\"u}fen und diesen weiter zu verbessern. Die Impfquote der Studierenden lag in den Jahren 2014 bis 2020 - den Jahren, in denen die Nachimpfungen im Kurs erfasst wurden - im Schnitt nach dem Kurs bei fast allen IPIE {\"u}ber 90\%. Nur bei Pertussis lag die Impfquote nach dem Kurs bei 83,4\% (vgl. vor dem Kurs 68,4\%). Durch nationale Vereinheitlichung der Lehre im NKLM zum Thema Impfen, fr{\"u}he Auseinandersetzung mit dem Thema und regelm{\"a}ßige {\"U}berpr{\"u}fung des eigenen Impfstatus sowie niederschwellige Impfangebote im Medizinstudium, kann einerseits eine Verbesserung des Impfstatus von Medizinstudierenden erreicht werden. Andererseits k{\"o}nnen so auch insgesamt bessere Impfquoten in der Bev{\"o}lkerung durch die verbesserte Ausbildung von {\"A}rztinnen bereits im Medizinstudium erzielt werden.}, subject = {Impfung}, language = {de} } @phdthesis{Fohmann2024, author = {Fohmann, Ingo}, title = {The Role of Sphingosine 1-phosphate and S1PR1-3 in the Pathophysiology of Meningococcal Meningitis}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-36976}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-369764}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2024}, abstract = {Neisseria meningitidis (N. meningitidis) is an obligate human pathogen which causes live-threatening sepsis and meningitis. The fatality rate after meningococcal infection is high and surviving patients often suffer from severe sequelae. To cause meningitis, N. meningitidis must overcome the endothelium of the blood-brain barrier. The bacterium achieves this through the interaction with endothelial surface receptors leading to alternations of the cellular metabolism and signaling, which lastly results in cellular uptake and barrier traversal of N. meningitidis. Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) is a lipid mediator that belongs to the class of sphingolipids and regulates the integrity of the blood-brain barrier through the interaction with its cognate receptors S1P receptors 1-3 (S1PR1-3). In this study, high performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was used to generate a time-resolved picture of the sphingolipid metabolism in a brain endothelial cell line (hCMEC/D3) upon meningococcal infection. Among various changes, S1P was elevated in the cellular compartment as well as in the supernatant of infected hCMEC/D3s. Analysis of mRNA expression in infected hCMEC/D3s with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) revealed that the increase in S1P could be attributed to the enhanced expression of the S1P-generating enzyme sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1). Antibody-based detection of SphK1 protein or phosphorylation at SphK1 residue Serine 225 in hCMEC/D3 plasma membrane fractions via Western Blot revealed that N. meningitidis also induced SphK1 phospho-activation and recruitment to the plasma membrane. Importantly, recruitment of SphK1 to the plasma membrane increases the probability of substrate encounter, thus elevating SphK activity. Enhanced SphK activity was also reflected on a functional level, as detected by a commercially available ATP depletion assay used for measuring the enzymatic activity of SphK. Infection of hCMEC/D3 cells with pilus-deficient mutants resulted in a lower SphK activation compared to the N. meningitidis wild type strain. hCMEC/D3 treatment with pilus-enriched protein fractions showed SphK activation similar to the infection with living bacteria and could be ascribed to pilus interaction with the membrane-proximal domain of cellular surface receptor CD147. Inhibition of SphK1 or SphK2 through pre-treatment with specific inhibitors or RNA interference reduced uptake of N. meningitidis into hCMEC/D3 cells, as measured with Gentamicin protection assays. Released S1P induced the phospho-activation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) via S1PR2 activation, whose expression was also increasing during infection. Furthermore, S1PR2 blockage had a preventive effect on bacterial invasion into hCMEC/D3 cells. On the contrary, activation of S1PR1+3 also reduced bacterial uptake, indicating an opposing regulatory role of S1PR1+3 and S1PR2 during N. meningitidis uptake. Moreover, SphK2 inhibition prevented inflammatory cytokine expression as well as release of interleukin-8 after N. meningitidis infection. Taken together, this study demonstrates the central role of S1P and its cognate receptors S1PR1-3 in the pathophysiology of meningococcal meningitis.}, subject = {Blut-Hirn-Schranke}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Franken2024, author = {Franken, Robert}, title = {Precision Predictions for \(\mathrm W^+ \mathrm W^-\) Scattering at the LHC}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-36944}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-369445}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2024}, abstract = {In this thesis we examine the vector boson scattering (VBS) process \(\mathrm p \mathrm p \to \mathrm e^+ \nu_\mathrm e\mu^-\bar\nu_\mu\mathrm j\mathrm j +X\) (short: \(\mathrm W^+\mathrm W^-\) scattering) at NLO accuracy in two experimental setups by performing a Monte Carlo analysis of a \(13\,\mathrm{TeV}\) LHC run. \(\mathrm W^+\mathrm W^-\) scattering shows similarities and differences compared to the scattering of other vector bosons. We present a detailed description of the types of appearing subprocesses and background processes. We give insight into our code which solves the problems we are faced within \(\mathrm W^+\mathrm W^-\) scattering. This is especially the presence of the Higgs-boson resonance in the fiducial phase-space region. Particular attention is dedicated to the permutation of resonances. The integrated signal cross section at LO \(\mathcal O(\alpha^6)\) amounts to \(2.6988(3)\,\mathrm{fb}\) and \(1.5322(2)\,\mathrm{fb}\), respectively, in the two experimental setups. The LO QCD-induced background of \(\mathcal O(\alpha_\mathrm s^2\alpha^4)\) amounts to \(6.9115(9)\,\mathrm{fb}\) and \(1.6923(3)\,\mathrm{fb}\). The EW corrections to the signal are \(-11.4\\%\) and \(-6.7\\%\), the QCD corrections amount to \(-5.2\\%\) and \(-23.0\\%\). The EW corrections to the background are \(-8.3\\%\) and \(-5.3\\%\), the QCD corrections amount to \(-30.3\\%\) and \(-77.6\\%\). Our results for the QCD corrections and the QCD-induced background include a large uncertainty from varying the renormalisation and factorisation scale, and we discuss improvements for future calculations. We show the differential cross sections with unique features of \(\mathrm W^+\mathrm W^-\) scattering compared to other VBS processes and investigate in particular the subprocess of Higgs-boson production by using a modified version of our setups.}, subject = {W-Boson}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Baumann2024, author = {Baumann, Johannes}, title = {Induced Superconductivity in HgTe Quantum Point Contacts}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-36940}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-369405}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2024}, abstract = {In this thesis, the Josephson effect in mercury telluride based superconducting quantum point contacts (SQPCs) is studied. Implementing such confined structures into topological superconductors has been proposed as a means to detect and braid Majorana fermions. For the successful realization of such experiments though, coherent transport across the constriction is essential. By demonstrating the Josephson effect in a confined topological system, the presented experiments lay the foundation for future quantum devices that can be used for quantum computation. In addition, the experiments also provide valuable insights into the behavior of the Josephson effect in the low-channel limit (N<20). Due to the confinement of the weak link, we can also study the Josephson effect in a topological insulator, where the edge modes interact. In conclusion, this thesis discusses the fabrication of, and low-temperature measurements on mercury telluride quantum point contacts embedded within Josephson junctions. We find that the merging of the currently used fabrication methods for mercury telluride quantum point contacts and Josephson junctions does not yield a good enough device quality to resolve subbands of the quantum point contact as quantization effects in the transport properties. As we attribute this to the long dry etching time that is necessary for a top-contact, the fabrication process was adapted to reduce the defect density at the superconductor-semiconductor interface. Employing a technique that involves side contacting the mercury telluride quantum well and reducing the size of the mercury telluride mesa to sub-micrometer dimensions yields a quantized supercurrent across the junction. The observed supercurrent per mode is in good agreement with theoretical predictions for ballistic, one-dimensional modes that are longer than the Josephson penetration depth. Moreover, we find that oscillatory features superimpose the plateaus of the supercurrent and the conductance. The strength of these oscillatory features are sample-dependent and complicate the identification of plateaus. We suggest that the oscillatory features originate mainly from local defects and the short gate electrode. Additionally, resonances are promoted within the weak link if the transparency of the superconductor-HgTe interface differs from one. Furthermore, the research explores the regimes of the quantum spin Hall effect and the 0.5 anomaly. Notably, a small yet finite supercurrent is detected in the QSH regime. In samples fabricated from thick mercury telluride quantum wells, the supercurrent appears to vanish when the quantum point contact is tuned into the regime of the 0.5 anomaly. For samples fabricated from thin mercury telluride quantum wells, the conductance as well as the supercurrent vanish for strong depopulation. In these samples though, the supercurrent remains detectable even for conductance values significantly below 2 e²/h. Numerical calculation reproduce the transport behavior of the superconducting quantum point contacts. Additionally, the topological nature of the weak link is thoroughly investigated using the supercurrent diffraction pattern and the absorption of radio frequency photons. The diffraction pattern reveals a gate independent, monotonous decay of \$I_\text{sw}(B)\$, which is associated with the quantum interference of Andreev bound states funneled through the quantum point contact. Interestingly, the current distribution in the weak link appears unaffected as the quantum point contact is depleted. In the RF measurements, indications of a 4π periodic supercurrent are observed as a suppression of odd Shapiro steps. The ratio of the 4π periodic current to the 2π periodic current appears to decrease for smaller supercurrents, as odd Shapiro steps are exclusively suppressed for large supercurrents. Additionally, considering the observation that the supercurrent is small when the bulk modes in the quantum point contact are fully depleted, we suggest that the re-emerging of odd Shapiro steps is a consequence of the group velocity of the edge modes being significantly suppressed when the bulk modes are absent. Consequently, the topological nature of the superconducting quantum point contact is only noticeable in the transport properties when bulk modes are transmitted through the superconducting quantum point contact. The shown experiments are the first demonstration of mercury telluride superconducting quantum point contacts that exhibit signatures of quantization effects in the conductance as well as the supercurrent. Moreover, the experiments suggest that the regime of interacting topological edge channels is also accessible in mercury telluride superconducting quantum point contacts. This is potentially relevant for the realization of Majorana fermions and their application in the field of quantum computation.}, subject = {Topologischer Isolator}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{GamboaVargas2024, author = {Gamboa Vargas, Juan Fernando}, title = {Receptors of the TNFSF in the biology and regulation of Tregs}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-36980}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-369801}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2024}, abstract = {In this work we expanded upon a study from our group where a ligand-based TNF-α mutein was developed to engage specifically TNFR2 and not TNFR1 activating Tregs and expanding them, which in an allo-HCT context conferred protection from GvHD. Fusing TNF trimers to the heavy chain of an Fc-dead and mouse irrelevant antibody, a new generation of this agonist was developed called NewSTAR2. It is believed that other members of the TNFSF can also target Tregs, therefore additional agonists against DR3 and GITR were developed under the same principles as for NewSTAR2. Phenotyping analysis of the expression of these three receptors were done to confirm their specificity for Tregs before in vitro and in vivo testings with mice or murine splenic cells. A potent expansion of Tregs was seen with NewSTAR2 and the other agonists as well as upregulation of activation markers on Tregs. Thorough analyses with NewSTAR2-treated mice showed how Tregs in several immune and non-immune organs were expanded and upregulated immunomodulatory receptors. A miniature suppressive assay and other cocultures with responder cells confirmed their enhanced suppression over unstimulated Tregs through contact dependent and independent mechanisms. Despite other myeloid cells also being increased after treatment, no undesired effects were observed under steady-state and prophylactic administration of a single dose of NewSTAR2 improved survival frequencies and lessened development of clinical symptoms. Prophylactic treatment with the other TNFRSF agonists showed similar protection yet Fc(DANA)-muTL1A was superior in in terms of less death events and lower clinical score. It was found that not all the three TNFSF members have redundant functions as development of skin lesions was observed with GITRL-based agonist Fc(DANA)-muGITRL, although its expansion of Tregs in steady-state was remarkable with no apparent adverse effects. Neither agonist had an impact on donor cell engraftment or allorective T cell response, however NewSTAR2-treatmend proved to reduce inflammation in small intestine and liver. This work is proof of concept of the effectivity of selectively engaging TNFSF to activate Tregs and expand them systemically allowing them to control strong and complex immune interactions like those governing GvHD.}, subject = {Regulatorischer T-Lymphozyt}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Kreisz2024, author = {Kreisz, Philipp}, title = {Group S1 bZIP transcription factors regulate sink tissue development by controlling carbon and nitrogen resource allocation in \(Arabidopsis\) \(thaliana\)}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-32192}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-321925}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2024}, abstract = {The evolutionary success of higher plants is largely attributed to their tremendous developmental plasticity, which allows them to cope with adverse conditions. However, because these adaptations require investments of resources, they must be tightly regulated to avoid unfavourable trade-offs. Most of the resources required are macronutrients based on carbon and nitrogen. Limitations in the availability of these nutrients have major effects on gene expression, metabolism, and overall plant morphology. These changes are largely mediated by the highly conserved master kinase SNF1-RELATED PROTEIN KINASE1 (SnRK1), which represses growth and induces catabolic processes. Downstream of SnRK1, a hub of heterodimerising group C and S1 BASIC LEUCINE ZIPPER (bZIP) transcription factors has been identified. These bZIPs act as regulators of nutrient homeostasis and are highly expressed in strong sink tissues, such as flowers or the meristems that initiate lateral growth of both shoots and roots. However, their potential involvement in controlling developmental responses through their impact on resource allocation and usage has been largely neglected so far. Therefore, the objective of this work was to elucidate the impact of particularly S1 bZIPs on gene expression, metabolism, and plant development. Due to the high homology and suspected partial redundancy of S1 bZIPs, higher order loss-of-function mutants were generated using CRISPR-Cas9. The triple mutant bzip2/11/44 showed a variety of robust morphological changes but maintained an overall growth comparable to wildtype plants. In detail however, seedlings exhibited a strong reduction in primary root length. In addition, floral transition was delayed, and siliques and seeds were smaller, indicating a reduced supply of resources to the shoot and root apices. However, lateral root density and axillary shoot branching were increased, suggesting an increased ratio of lateral to apical growth in the mutant. The full group S1 knockout bzip1/2/11/44/53 showed similar phenotypes, albeit far more pronounced and accompanied by growth retardation. Metabolomic approaches revealed that these architectural changes were accompanied by reduced sugar levels in distal sink tissues such as flowers and roots. Sugar levels were also diminished in leaf apoplasts, indicating that long distance transport of sugars by apoplastic phloem loading was impaired in the mutants. In contrast, an increased sugar supply to the proximal axillary buds and elevated starch levels in the leaves were measured. In addition, free amino acid levels were increased in bzip2/11/44 and bzip1/2/11/44/53, especially for the important transport forms asparagine and glutamine. The increased C and N availability in the proximal tissues could be the cause of the increased axillary branching in the mutants. To identify bZIP target genes that might cause the observed shifts in metabolic status, RNAseq experiments were performed. Strikingly, clade III SUGARS WILL EVENTUALLY BE EXPORTED (SWEET) 8 genes were abundant among the differentially expressed genes. As SWEETs are crucial for sugar export to the apoplast and long-distance transport through the phloem, their reduced expression is likely to be the cause of the observed changes in sugar allocation. Similarly, the reduced expression of GLUTAMINE AMIDOTRANSFERASE 1_2.1 (GAT1_2.1), which exhibits glutaminase activity, could be an explanation for the abundance of glutamine in the mutants. Additional experiments (ATAC-seq, DAP� seq, PTA, q-RT-PCR) supported the direct induction of SWEETs and GAT1_2.1 by S1 bZIPs. To confirm the involvement of these target genes in the observed S1 bZIP mutant phenotypes, loss-of-function mutants were obtained, which showed moderately increased axillary branching. At the same time, the induced overexpression of bZIP11 in axillary meristems had the opposite effect. Collectively, a model is proposed for the function of S1 bZIPs in regulating sink tissue development. For efficient long-distance sugar transport, bZIPs may be required to induce the expression of clade III SWEETs. Thus, reduced SWEET expression in the S1 bZIP mutants would lead to a decrease in apoplastic sugar loading and a reduced supply to distal sinks such as shoot or root apices. The reduction in long� distance transport could lead to sugar accumulation in the leaves, which would then increasingly be transported via symplastic routes towards proximal sinks such as axillary branches and lateral roots or sequestered as starch. The reduced GAT1_2.1 levels lead to an abundance of glutamine, a major nitrogen transport form. The combined effect on C and N allocation results in increased nutrient availability in proximal tissues, promoting the formation of lateral plant organs. Alongside emerging evidence highlighting the power of bZIPs to steer nutrient allocation in other species, a novel but evolutionary conserved role for S1 bZIPs as regulators of developmental plasticity is proposed, while the generation of valuable data sets and novel genetic resources will help to gain a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved}, subject = {Molekularbiologie}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Kumar2024, author = {Kumar, Manish}, title = {Structural and compositional effects on tree-water relation}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-32624}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-326245}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2024}, abstract = {Forests are essential sources of tangible and intangible benefits, but global climate change associated with recurrent extreme drought episodes severely affects forest productivity due to extensive tree die-back. On that, it appeals to an urgency for large-scale reforestation efforts to mitigate the impact of climate change worldwide; however, there is a lack of understanding of drought-effect on sapling growth and survival mechanisms. It is also challenging to anticipate how long trees can survive and when they succumb to drought. Hence, to ensure success of reforestation programs and sustainable forest productivity, it is essential to identify drought-resistant saplings. For that, profound knowledge of hydraulic characteristics is needed. To achieve this, the study was split into two phases which seek to address (1) how the hydraulic and anatomical traits influence the sapling's growth rate under drought stress. (2) how plant water potential regulation and physiological traits are linked to species' water use strategies and their drought tolerance. The dissertation is assembled of two study campaigns carried out on saplings at the Chair of Botany II, University of W{\"u}rzburg, Germany. The first study involved three ecologically important temperate broadleaved tree species — saplings of 18-month (Acer pseudoplatanus, Betula pendula, and Sorbus aucuparia) — grown from seeds in contrasting conditions (inside a greenhouse and outside), with the latter being subjected to severe natural heat waves. In the second study, two additional temperate species (Fagus sylvatica and Tilia cordata) were added. The drying-out event was conducted using a randomised blocked design by monitoring plant water status in a climate-controlled chamber and a greenhouse. In campaign I, I present the result based on analysed data of 82 plants of temperate deciduous species and address the juvenile growth rate trade-off with xylem safety-efficiency. Our results indicate biomass production varies considerably due to the contrasted growing environment. High hydraulic efficiency is necessary for increased biomass production, while safety-efficiency traits are decoupled and species-specific. Furthermore, productivity was linked considerably to xylem safety without revealing a well-defined pattern among species. Moreover, plasticity in traits differed between stressed and non-stressed plants. For example, safety-related characteristics were more static than efficiency-related traits, which had higher intra-specific variation. Moreover, we recorded anatomical and leaf traits adjustments in response to a stress condition, but consistency among species is lacking. In campaign II, I combined different ways to estimate the degree of isohydry based on water potential regulation and connected the iso-anisohydric spectrum (i.e., hydroscape area, HSA) to hydraulic traits to elucidate actual plant performance during drought. We analysed plant water potential regulation (Ψpd and Ψmd) and stomatal conductance of 28-29 month saplings of five species. I used a linear mixed modelling approach that allowed to control individual variations to describe the water potential regulation and tested different conceptual definitions of isohydricity. The combined methods allowed us to estimate species' relative degree of isohydry. Further, we examined the traits coordination, including hydraulic safety margin, HSM; embolism resistance, P88; turgor loss, Ψtlp; stomata closure, Ps90; capacitance, C; cuticular conductance, gmin, to determine time to hydraulic failure (Thf). Thf is the cumulative effect of time to stomata closure (Tsc) and time after stomatal closure to catastrophic hydraulic failure (Tcrit). Our results show the species' HSA matches their stomatal stringency, which confirms the relationship between stomatal response and leaf water potential decline. Species that close stomata at lower water potential notably had a larger HSA. Isohydric behaviour was mostly associated with leaf hydraulic traits and poorly to xylem safety traits. Species' degree of isohydry was also unrelated to the species' time to death during drying-out experiments. This supports the notion that isohydry behaviours are linked to water use rather than drought survival strategies. Further, consistent with our assumptions, more isohydric species had larger internal water storage and lost their leaf turgor at less negative water potentials. Counter to our expectations, neither embolism resistance nor the associated hydraulic safety margins were related to metrics of isohydry. Instead, our results indicate traits associated with plant drought response to cluster along two largely independent axes of variation (i.e., stomatal stringency and xylem safety). Furthermore, on the temporal progression of plant drought responses, stomatal closure is critical in coordinating various traits to determine species' hydraulic strategies. Desiccation avoidance strategy was linked to Tsc and coordinated traits response of Ps90, Ψtlp, and HSA, whereas desiccation tolerance was related to Tcrit and traits such as lower P88 value, high HSM, and lower gmin. Notably, the shoot capacitance (C) is crucial in Thf and exhibits dichotomous behaviour linked to both Tsc and Tcrit. In conclusion, knowledge of growth rate trade-offs with xylem safety-efficiency combined with traits linked to species' hydraulic strategies along the isohydry could substantially enhance our ability to identify drought-resistant saplings to ensure the success of reforestation programs and predicting sensitivity to drought for achieving sustainable forest ecosystems.}, subject = {Wachstumsrate}, language = {en} } @misc{Stark2024, type = {Master Thesis}, author = {Stark, Luise}, title = {Flechten erz{\"a}hlen. Eine kulturanthropologische Studie {\"u}ber allt{\"a}gliche {\"A}sthetiken}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-36978}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-369784}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, pages = {105}, year = {2024}, abstract = {Als Systemsprenger menschlicher Ordnungen und Wissenschaftstraditionen finden sich Flechten auf der ganzen Welt und bleiben doch oft unbemerkt. Das macht den Symbionten aus Pilz und Alge in urbanen, l{\"a}ndlichen und digitalen R{\"a}umen interessant f{\"u}r eine alltagswissenschaftliche Untersuchung. Menschliche Geschichten {\"u}ber Flechten sind gef{\"u}llt mit Vermutungen, H{\"o}rensagen und Assoziationen. Denn augenscheinlich sind Flechten in Deutschland wieder auf dem Vormarsch, sitzen vermehrt in den geliebten Obstb{\"a}umen, erobern Denkm{\"a}ler oder die heimischen Terrassen. Der Pilz im Symbionten wird als Gefahr f{\"u}r Leib und Leben erz{\"a}hlt, die pflanzliche Alge hingegen als Schmuck und nat{\"u}rliches Heilmittel. Ihre Auf- und Abwertung gibt viel {\"u}ber die Ordnungen des Anthropoz{\"a}ns preis. Kommen die Flechten selbst zu Wort, verfliegen diese kurzweiligen Narrative. Unbemerkt schaffen sie es durch das Bewachsen und Einf{\"a}rben von Oberfl{\"a}chen, dass Menschen R{\"a}ume anders lesen. Flechten geben uns nicht nur ein Gef{\"u}hl von Zeit, die schon vergangen ist, sondern formen redundante Wege von Wasser, Licht und Ber{\"u}hrung nach. Anhand der Flechte als {\"a}sthetischer Erfahrung wird hier ihre enorme Wirkmacht auf menschliche Alltage herausgearbeitet.}, subject = {Flechten}, language = {de} } @phdthesis{Banaschewski2024, author = {Banaschewski, Nora Malaika Marcia Cath{\´e}rine}, title = {Erleichterungslernen bei Jugendlichen mit nicht-suizidalem selbstverletzendem Verhalten}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-32367}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-323673}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2024}, abstract = {Die Erleichterung von einem k{\"o}rperlichen Schmerzreiz besitzt appetitiven Charakter (Leknes et al., 2008; 2011; Seymour et al., 2005), aktiviert belohnungsassoziierte Hirnstrukturen (Leknes et al., 2011; Leknes \& Brock, 2014; Leknes \& Tracey, 2008; Navratilova \& Porreca, 2014) und f{\"o}rdert durch ihre Konditionierbarkeit als Erleichterungslernen bezeichnete appetitive Lern- und Konditionierungsprozesse (Andreatta et al., 2010, 2012; 2013; 2017; Gerber et al., 2014; Tanimoto et al., 2004; Yarali et al., 2008). Die vorliegende Arbeit best{\"a}tigt das angewandte Versuchsparadigma als valides Modell f{\"u}r Erleichterungslernen im Menschen und zeigt erstmals, dass der appetitive Charakter von Schmerzerleichterung auch in Jugendlichen konditionierbar ist. Erfolgreiches Erleichterungslernen zeigte sich dabei in der untersuchten Stichprobe lediglich auf impliziter, nicht aber auf expliziter, kognitiver Ebene. Dies st{\"u}tzt Thesen und vorherige Forschungsbefunde einer Dualit{\"a}t assoziativen Lernens in ein implizites Lernen, welches vornehmlich subkortikale Strukturen erfordert und ein explizites Lernen, das vorrangig kortikale Strukturen wie den pr{\"a}frontalen Cortex involviert (Andreatta et al., 2010; Strack \& Deutsch, 2004; Williams et al., 2001). Die Beobachtungen einer differenten Furcht- versus Erleichterungs-Extinktion best{\"a}rken die Thesen eines diversen neuronalen Hintergrunds dieser beiden Lernformen (Diegelmann et al., 2013; Gerber et al., 2014; Yarali et al., 2009; Yarali \& Gerber, 2010). Gleichzeitig werfen die Studienergebnisse die Frage auf, ob und inwiefern im Erleichterungslernen von Jugendlichen Unterschiede zu jenem in Erwachsenen bestehen. Die Hypothese einer verst{\"a}rkten Akquisition von Erleichterungslernen bei Jugendlichen mit NSSV im Vergleich zu gesunden Jugendlichen ließ sich in der vorliegenden Studie nicht best{\"a}tigen. Somit liefern die Ergebnisse keinen direkten Hinweis darauf, dass ein verst{\"a}rktes Lernen durch Schmerzerleichterung an der {\"A}tiopathogenese von NSSV beteiligt sein k{\"o}nnte. Die vorliegende Arbeit zeigte vielmehr die Tendenz eines abgeschw{\"a}chten impliziten Erleichterungslernens bei den Jugendlichen mit NSSV. Die tendenziellen Gruppenunterschiede ließen sich nicht hinreichend durch eine differente aktuelle Stimmungslage oder durch eine unterschiedlich starke Auspr{\"a}gung aversiver emotionaler Anspannungen oder momentaner Angstaffekte erkl{\"a}ren. Innerhalb der Gruppe Jugendlicher mit NSSV zeigte sich auch kein Hinweis darauf, dass der Erfolg von Erleichterungslernen vom Schweregrad des NSSV oder von der aktuellen Einnahme von Antidepressiva abh{\"a}ngig sein k{\"o}nnte. Explorative Analysen ergaben, dass Gruppeneffekte in der vorliegenden Studie wom{\"o}glich aufgrund einer statistischen Untersch{\"a}tzung, bedingt durch einen zu geringen Stichprobenumfang, nicht das Signifikanzniveau erreichten und dass Unterschiede im Erleichterungslernen von Jugendlichen mit und ohne NSSV tats{\"a}chlich sogar noch st{\"a}rker ausgepr{\"a}gt sein k{\"o}nnten. Somit sollte die vorliegende Arbeit als Pilotstudie f{\"u}r zuk{\"u}nftige gr{\"o}ßer angelegte Studien zu Erleichterungslernen bei NSSV betrachtet werden. Zuk{\"u}nftige Studien erscheinen insbesondere sinnvoll mit Blick auf die hohe klinische sowie gesellschaftliche Relevanz von NSSV f{\"u}r welches, trotz der hohen Pr{\"a}valenzen und des deutlich erh{\"o}hten Morbidit{\"a}ts- und Mortalit{\"a}tsrisikos, zum aktuellen Zeitpunkt noch keine hinreichenden Erkl{\"a}rungsmodelle bestehen. Die Studie best{\"a}tigte das Vorliegen eines erh{\"o}hten Grades aversiver emotionaler Anspannung in Jugendlichen mit NSSV, welcher zuvor nur an Erwachsenen mit einer BPD untersucht und festgestellt worden war (Niedtfeld et al., 2010; Stiglmayr et al., 2005). Die Abnahme negativer Affekte bei den Jugendlichen mit NSSV im Studienverlauf repliziert die Ergebnisse vorheriger Studien, in denen eine Reduktion selbst-berichteter negativer Affekte durch die Beendigung eines Schmerzreizes beobachtet wurde (Bresin et al., 2010; Bresin \& Gordon, 2013). Damit best{\"a}rken die Studienergebnisse bestehende Erkl{\"a}rungsmodelle f{\"u}r NSSV, welche eine entscheidende Beteiligung der k{\"o}rperlichen Schmerzen und der Schmerzerleichterung bei der Selbstverletzung an der Affektregulation vermuten. Weiterhin wirft die vorliegende Arbeit die Frage auf, welche Rolle eine ver{\"a}nderte Wahrnehmung von Schmerz und Schmerzerleichterung in der {\"A}tiopathogenese von NSSV einnimmt und wie diese sich auf Lernprozesse auswirkt. Insgesamt erbr{\"a}chten weitere Erkenntnisse {\"u}ber den potenziellen Zusammenhang von NSSV und abweichendem Erleichterungslernen ein besseres Verst{\"a}ndnis f{\"u}r Mechanismen der Entstehung und Aufrechterhaltung von NSSV und b{\"o}ten zudem m{\"o}glicherweise Ans{\"a}tze f{\"u}r neue Therapiem{\"o}glichkeiten des St{\"o}rungsbildes.}, subject = {Selbstbesch{\"a}digung}, language = {de} } @phdthesis{Geissendoerfer2024, author = {Geißend{\"o}rfer, Lisa}, title = {The Macroeconomic Dimensions of Credit: A Comprehensive Analysis of Finance, Inequality and Growth}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-37003}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-370037}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2024}, abstract = {Besonders einflussreich f{\"u}r das moderne Verst{\"a}ndnis zur makro{\"o}konomischen Rolle von Banken und Kredit ist die monet{\"a}re Wachstumstheorie von Schumpeter. Ausgehend von dieser wird in dieser Dissertation die makro{\"o}konomische Rolle des Finanzsystems f{\"u}r die (1) Erzeugung von Wirtschaftswachstum, (2) Lenkung von {\"o}konomischen Ressourcen und (3) Verteilung von Wohlstand untersucht. In Kapitel 3 wird zun{\"a}chst empirisch gezeigt, dass 1.) ein positiver Zusammenhang zwischen dem Wachstum von Krediten und Wirtschaftswachstum besteht, auch f{\"u}r entwickelte L{\"a}nder, 2.) kein empirischer Zusammenhang von Haushaltssparen und Wirtschaftswachstum festgestellt werden kann, und 3.) auf l{\"a}nderspezifischer Ebene sowohl positive, als auch negative und insignifikante Effekte von Kredit auf Wirtschaftswachstum existieren. Damit zeigt sich eine breite empirische Evidenz f{\"u}r Schumpeters monet{\"a}re Hypothesen. Eine besonders interessante Anwendung von Schumpeters Wachstumstheorie zeigt sich in China. Die Ergebnisse der empirischen Analyse legen nahe, dass es generell einen positiven Zusammenhang zwischen Kredit- und Wirtschaftswachstum in China gibt, der aber nicht linear in Bezug auf Regionen, Zeitpunkte und Gr{\"o}ße des Finanzsystems ist. Weiterhin deuten die Ergebnisse darauf hin, dass die kreditfinanzierte Industriepolitik in China zu mehr Investitionen und BIP-Wachstum beigetragen haben k{\"o}nnte, wobei es jedoch Nichtlinearit{\"a}ten zwischen einzelnen Branchen und Unternehmenstypen gibt. Zuletzt wird in Kapitel 5 die Frage aufgeworfen, welche Rolle das Finanzsystem bei der Verteilung des Wohlstands spielt. W{\"a}hrend Kredite an Haushalte und Unternehmen, zusammen mit Indikatoren zum Arbeits- und Sparverhalten, sowie zur Altersstruktur der Bev{\"o}lkerung, die wichtigsten Determinanten von Verm{\"o}gensungleichheit sind, zeigen sich in der Beziehung von Krediten und Verm{\"o}gensungleichheit ebenfalls verschiedene Nichtlinearit{\"a}ten, u.a. im Bezug auf den Entwicklungsstand von Finanzsystemen und Wohneigentumsquoten.}, subject = {Kredit}, language = {en} } @article{GilSepulcreLindnerSchindleretal.2021, author = {Gil-Sepulcre, Marcos and Lindner, Joachim O. and Schindler, Dorothee and Velasco, Luc{\´i}a and Moonshiram, Dooshaye and R{\"u}diger, Olaf and DeBeer, Serena and Stepanenko, Vladimir and Solano, Eduardo and W{\"u}rthner, Frank and Llobet, Antoni}, title = {Surface-promoted evolution of Ru-bda coordination oligomers boosts the efficiency of water oxidation molecular anodes}, series = {Journal of the American Chemical Society}, volume = {143}, journal = {Journal of the American Chemical Society}, number = {30}, doi = {10.1021/jacs.1c04738}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-351514}, pages = {11651-11661}, year = {2021}, abstract = {A new Ru oligomer of formula {[Ru-\(^{II}\)(bda-\(\kappa\)-N\(^2\)O\(^2\))(4,4'-bpy)]\(_{10}\)(4,4'-bpy)}, 10 (bda is [2,2'-bipyridine]-6,6'-dicarbox-ylate and 4,4'-bpy is 4,4'-bipyridine), was synthesized and thoroughly characterized with spectroscopic, X-ray, and electrochemical techniques. This oligomer exhibits strong affinity for graphitic materials through CH-\(\pi\) interactions and thus easily anchors on multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNT), generating the molecular hybrid material 10@CNT. The latter acts as a water oxidation catalyst and converts to a new species, 10'(H\(_2\)O)\(_2\)@CNT, during the electrochemical oxygen evolution process involving solvation and ligand reorganization facilitated by the interactions of molecular Ru catalyst and the surface. This heterogeneous system has been shown to be a powerful and robust molecular hybrid anode for electrocatalytic water oxidation into molecular oxygen, achieving current densities in the range of 200 mA/cm\(^2\) at pH 7 under an applied potential of 1.45 V vs NHE. The remarkable long-term stability of this hybrid material during turnover is rationalized based on the supramolecular interaction of the catalyst with the graphitic surface.}, language = {en} } @article{GronwaldHoosHottenrott2019, author = {Gronwald, Thomas and Hoos, Olaf and Hottenrott, Kuno}, title = {Effects of Acute Normobaric Hypoxia on Non-linear Dynamics of Cardiac Autonomic Activity During Constant Workload Cycling Exercise}, series = {Frontiers in Physiology}, volume = {10}, journal = {Frontiers in Physiology}, doi = {10.3389/fphys.2019.00999}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-369199}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Aim: Measurements of Non-linear dynamics of heart rate variability (HRV) provide new possibilities to monitor cardiac autonomic activity during exercise under different environmental conditions. Using detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA) technique to assess correlation properties of heart rate (HR) dynamics, the present study examines the influence of normobaric hypoxic conditions (HC) in comparison to normoxic conditions (NC) during a constant workload exercise. Materials and Methods: Nine well trained cyclists performed a continuous workload exercise on a cycle ergometer with an intensity corresponding to the individual anaerobic threshold until voluntary exhaustion under both NC and HC (15\% O2). The individual exercise duration was normalized to 10\% sections (10-100\%). During exercise HR and RR-intervals were continuously-recorded. Besides HRV time-domain measurements (meanRR, SDNN), fractal correlation properties using short-term scaling exponent alpha1 of DFA were calculated. Additionally, blood lactate (La), oxygen saturation of the blood (SpO2), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded in regular time intervals. Results: We observed significant changes under NC and HC for all parameters from the beginning to the end of the exercise (10\% vs. 100\%) except for SpO2 and SDNN during NC: increases for HR, La, and RPE in both conditions; decreases for SpO2 and SDNN during HC, meanRR and DFA-alpha1 during both conditions. Under HC HR (40-70\%), La (10-90\%), and RPE (50-90\%) were significantly-higher, SpO2 (10-100\%), meanRR (40-70\%), and DFA-alpha1 (20-60\%) were significantly-lower than under NC. Conclusion: Under both conditions, prolonged exercise until voluntary exhaustion provokes a lower total variability combined with a reduction in the amplitude and correlation properties of RR fluctuations which may be attributed to increased organismic demands. Additionally, HC provoked higher demands and loss of correlation properties at an earlier stage during the exercise regime, implying an accelerated alteration of cardiac autonomic regulation.}, language = {en} } @article{FahmyGarciaFarrellWitteBoumaetal.2019, author = {Fahmy-Garcia, Shorouk and Farrell, Eric and Witte-Bouma, Janneke and Robbesom-van den Berge, Iris and Suarez, Melva and Mumcuoglu, Didem and Walles, Heike and Kluijtmans, Sebastiaan G. J. M. and van der Eerden, Bram C. J. and van Osch, Gerjo J. V. M. and van Leeuwen, Johannes P. T. M. and van Driel, Marjolein}, title = {Follistatin Effects in Migration, Vascularization, and Osteogenesis in vitro and Bone Repair in vivo}, series = {Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology}, volume = {7}, journal = {Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology}, doi = {10.3389/fbioe.2019.00038}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-227617}, year = {2019}, abstract = {The use of biomaterials and signaling molecules to induce bone formation is a promising approach in the field of bone tissue engineering. Follistatin (FST) is a glycoprotein able to bind irreversibly to activin A, a protein that has been reported to inhibit bone formation. We investigated the effect of FST in critical processes for bone repair, such as cell recruitment, osteogenesis and vascularization, and ultimately its use for bone tissue engineering. In vitro, FST promoted mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) and endothelial cell (EC) migration as well as essential steps in the formation and expansion of the vasculature such as EC tube-formation and sprouting. FST did not enhance osteogenic differentiation of MSCs, but increased committed osteoblast mineralization. In vivo, FST was loaded in an in situ gelling formulation made by alginate and recombinant collagen-based peptide microspheres and implanted in a rat calvarial defect model. Two FST variants (FST288 and FST315) with major differences in their affinity to cell-surface proteoglycans, which may influence their effect upon in vivo bone repair, were tested. In vitro, most of the loaded FST315 was released over 4 weeks, contrary to FST288, which was mostly retained in the biomaterial. However, none of the FST variants improved in vivo bone healing compared to control. These results demonstrate that FST enhances crucial processes needed for bone repair. Further studies need to investigate the optimal FST carrier for bone regeneration.}, language = {en} } @article{GalKilenczAlbertetal.2019, author = {G{\´a}l, Bernadett I. and Kilencz, T{\"u}nde and Albert, Anita and Demeter, Ildik{\´o} and Hegedűs, Kl{\´a}ra M{\´a}ria and Janka, Zolt{\´a}n and Csifcs{\´a}k, G{\´a}bor and {\´A}lmos, P{\´e}ter Z.}, title = {Mild Effect of Nalmefene on Alcoholic Cue-Induced Response Invigoration in Alcohol Use Disorder Without Accompanying Changes in Electrophysiological Signatures of Early Visual Processing and Executive Control}, series = {Frontiers in Pharmacology}, volume = {10}, journal = {Frontiers in Pharmacology}, doi = {10.3389/fphar.2019.01087}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-369182}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Nalmefene is approved for as-needed pharmacological treatment in alcohol use disorder (AUD) by the European Medicines Agency. While the cellular effects of nalmefene have been thoroughly investigated, data are very limited on how this agent influences neural signals associated with inhibitory control and the visual analysis of environmental cues. This double-blind crossover study assessed the behavioral and neural effects of acute nalmefene administration in patients diagnosed with AUD. In experiment 1, we validated our experimental paradigm (electroencephalography combined with a modified Go/NoGo task using images of alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks as prime stimuli) in 20 healthy adults to ensure that our protocol is suitable for assessing the behavioral and neural aspects of executive control. In experiment 2, we recruited 19 patients with AUD, and in a double-blind crossover design, we investigated the effects of nalmefene versus placebo on task performance (response accuracy, the sensitivity index, and reaction times), visual responses to appetitive cues (occipital P1, N1, and P2 components), and electrophysiological markers of conflict detection and response inhibition (frontal N2 and P3 waveforms). Under placebo, patients produced faster reaction times to alcohol-primed Go stimuli, an effect that was weak despite being statistically significant. However, the effect of alcoholic cues on the speed of response initiation disappeared after receiving nalmefene. We found no placebo versus nalmefene difference regarding our patients' ability to accurately inhibit responses to NoGo stimuli or for occipital and frontal event-related potentials. Our results suggest that nalmefene might be potent in reducing the vigor to act upon alcoholic cues in AUD patients, but this effect is most probably mediated via subcortical (rather than cortical) neural circuits.}, language = {en} } @article{FrankeConzelmannGruenblattetal.2019, author = {Franke, Maximilian and Conzelmann, Annette and Gr{\"u}nblatt, Edna and Werling, Anna M. and Spieles, Helen and Wewetzer, Christoph and Warnke, Andreas and Romanos, Marcel and Walitza, Susanne and Renner, Tobias J.}, title = {No Association of Variants of the NPY-System With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in Children and Adolescents}, series = {Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience}, volume = {12}, journal = {Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience}, doi = {10.3389/fnmol.2019.00112}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-229051}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) causes severe distress and is therefore counted by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as one of the 10 most impairing illnesses. There is evidence for a strong genetic underpinning especially in early onset OCD (eoOCD). Though several genes involved in neurotransmission have been reported as candidates, there is still a need to identify new pathways. In this study, we focussed on genetic variants of the Neuropeptide Y (NPY) system. NPY is one of the most abundant neuropeptides in the human brain with emerging evidence of capacity to modulate stress response, which is of high relevance in OCD. We focussed on tag-SNPs of NPY and its receptor gene NPY1R in a family-based approach. The sample comprised 86 patients (children and adolescents) with eoOCD with both their biological parents. However, this first study on genetic variants of the NPY-system could not confirm the association between the investigated SNPs and eoOCD. Based on the small sample size results have to be interpreted as preliminary and should be replicated in larger samples. However, also in an additional GWAS analysis in a large sample, we could not observe an associations between NPY and OCD. Overall, these preliminary results point to a minor role of NPY on the stress response of OCD.}, language = {en} } @article{GeranUeckerPruessetal.2019, author = {Geran, Rohat and Uecker, Florian C. and Pr{\"u}ss, Harald and Haeusler, Karl Georg and Paul, Friedemann and Ruprecht, Klemens and Harms, Lutz and Schmidt, Felix A.}, title = {Olfactory and Gustatory Dysfunction in Patients With Autoimmune Encephalitis}, series = {Frontiers in Neurology}, volume = {10}, journal = {Frontiers in Neurology}, doi = {10.3389/fneur.2019.00480}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-232921}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Objective: To test the hypothesis that olfactory (OF) and gustatory function (GF) is disturbed in patients with autoimmune encephalitides (AE). Methods: The orthonasal OF was tested in 32 patients with AE and 32 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HC) with the standardized Threshold Discrimination Identification (TDI) score. This validated olfactory testing method yields individual scores for olfactory threshold (T), odor discrimination (D), and identification (I), along with a composite TDI score. The GF was determined by the Taste Strip Test (TST). Results: Overall, 24/32 (75\%) of patients with AE, but none of 32 HC (p < 0.001) had olfactory dysfunction in TDI testing. The results of the threshold, discrimination and identification subtests were significantly reduced in patients with AE compared to HC (all p < 0.001). Assessed by TST, 5/19 (26.3\%) of patients with AE, but none of 19 HC presented a significant limitation in GF (p < 0.001). The TDI score was correlated with the subjective estimation of the olfactory capacity on a visual analog scale (VAS; rs = 0.475, p = 0.008). Neither age, sex, modified Rankin Scale nor disease duration were associated with the composite TDI score. Conclusions: This is the first study investigating OF and GF in AE patients. According to unblinded assessment, patients with AE have a reduced olfactory and gustatory capacity compared to HC, suggesting that olfactory and gustatory dysfunction are hitherto unrecognized symptoms in AE. Further studies with larger number of AE patients would be of interest to verify our results.}, language = {en} } @article{JarickMokhtariSchelleretal.2018, author = {Jarick, Katja J. and Mokhtari, Zeinab and Scheller, Lukas and Hartweg, Julia and Thusek, Sina and Le, Duc-Dung and Ranecky, Maria and Shaikh, Haroon and Qureischi, Musga and Heinze, Katrin G. and Beilhack, Andreas}, title = {Photoconversion of Alloreactive T Cells in Murine Peyer's Patches During Acute Graft-Versus-Host Disease: Tracking the Homing Route of Highly Proliferative Cells In Vivo}, series = {Frontiers in Immunology}, volume = {9}, journal = {Frontiers in Immunology}, doi = {10.3389/fimmu.2018.01468}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-323309}, year = {2018}, abstract = {The regulation of immune cell migration throughout the body is essential to warrant immunosurveillance and to maintain immune homeostasis. Marking and tracking of these cells has proven important to study mechanisms of immune cell trafficking and cell interaction in vivo. Photoconversion is a well-suited technique for intravital application because it enables contactless time- and location-specific marking of cells in the tissue without surgically manipulating the microenvironment of the cells in question. However, in dividing cells the converted fluorescent protein may decline quickly. Here, we provide a detailed description of the photoconversion technique and its applicability to tracking highly proliferating T cells from the priming site of T cell activation to peripheral target organs of effector function in a preclinical model. Dendra2+ T cells were photoconverted in the Peyer's patches during the initiation phase of acute graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) and tracked through the mesenteric lymph nodes and the peripheral blood to the small intestine with flow cytometry and intravital two-photon microscopy. Photoconverted alloreactive T cells preserved the full proliferative capacity, homing, and migration of alloreactive T cells in the intestinal lamina propria. We conclusively proved that photoconversion of highly proliferative alloreactive T cells in the Peyer's patches is an effective tool to study trafficking of alloreactive T cells under physiologic conditions and to GvHD target tissues. This technique can also be applied to the study of immune cell tracking under inflammatory and non-inflammatory conditions.}, language = {en} } @article{HammerHalderKleihetal.2018, author = {Hammer, Eva M. and Halder, Sebastian and Kleih, Sonja C. and K{\"u}bler, Andrea}, title = {Psychological Predictors of Visual and Auditory P300 Brain-Computer Interface Performance}, series = {Frontiers in Neuroscience}, volume = {12}, journal = {Frontiers in Neuroscience}, doi = {10.3389/fnins.2018.00307}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-369207}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) provide communication channels independent from muscular control. In the current study we used two versions of the P300-BCI: one based on visual the other on auditory stimulation. Up to now, data on the impact of psychological variables on P300-BCI control are scarce. Hence, our goal was to identify new predictors with a comprehensive psychological test-battery. A total of N = 40 healthy BCI novices took part in a visual and an auditory BCI session. Psychological variables were measured with an electronic test-battery including clinical, personality, and performance tests. The personality factor "emotional stability" was negatively correlated (Spearman's rho = -0.416; p < 0.01) and an output variable of the non-verbal learning test (NVLT), which can be interpreted as ability to learn, correlated positively (Spearman's rho = 0.412; p < 0.01) with visual P300-BCI performance. In a linear regression analysis both independent variables explained 24\% of the variance. "Emotional stability" was also negatively related to auditory P300-BCI performance (Spearman's rho = -0.377; p < 0.05), but failed significance in the regression analysis. Psychological parameters seem to play a moderate role in visual P300-BCI performance. "Emotional stability" was identified as a new predictor, indicating that BCI users who characterize themselves as calm and rational showed worse BCI performance. The positive relation of the ability to learn and BCI performance corroborates the notion that also for P300 based BCIs learning may constitute an important factor. Further studies are needed to consolidate or reject the presented predictors.}, language = {en} } @article{HersterBittnerCodreaetal.2019, author = {Herster, Franziska and Bittner, Zsofia and Codrea, Marius Cosmin and Archer, Nathan K. and Heister, Martin and L{\"o}ffler, Markus W. and Heumos, Simon and Wegner, Joanna and Businger, Ramona and Schindler, Michael and Stegner, David and Sch{\"a}kel, Knut and Grabbe, Stephan and Ghoreschi, Kamran and Miller, Lloyd S. and Weber, Alexander N. R.}, title = {Platelets Aggregate With Neutrophils and Promote Skin Pathology in Psoriasis}, series = {Frontiers in Immunology}, volume = {10}, journal = {Frontiers in Immunology}, doi = {10.3389/fimmu.2019.01867}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-320175}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Psoriasis is a frequent systemic inflammatory autoimmune disease characterized primarily by skin lesions with massive infiltration of leukocytes, but frequently also presents with cardiovascular comorbidities. Especially polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) abundantly infiltrate psoriatic skin but the cues that prompt PMNs to home to the skin are not well-defined. To identify PMN surface receptors that may explain PMN skin homing in psoriasis patients, we screened 332 surface antigens on primary human blood PMNs from healthy donors and psoriasis patients. We identified platelet surface antigens as a defining feature of psoriasis PMNs, due to a significantly increased aggregation of neutrophils and platelets in the blood of psoriasis patients. Similarly, in the imiquimod-induced experimental in vivo mouse model of psoriasis, disease induction promoted PMN-platelet aggregate formation. In psoriasis patients, disease incidence directly correlated with blood platelet counts and platelets were detected in direct contact with PMNs in psoriatic but not healthy skin. Importantly, depletion of circulating platelets in mice in vivo ameliorated disease severity significantly, indicating that both PMNs and platelets may be relevant for psoriasis pathology and disease severity.}, language = {en} } @article{GryszelSchlossarekWuerthneretal.2023, author = {Gryszel, Maciej and Schlossarek, Tim and W{\"u}rthner, Frank and Natali, Mirco and Głowacki, Eric Daniel}, title = {Water-soluble cationic perylene diimide dyes as stable photocatalysts for H\(_2\)O\(_2\) evolution}, series = {ChemPhotoChem}, volume = {7}, journal = {ChemPhotoChem}, number = {9}, issn = {2367-0932}, doi = {10.1002/cptc.202300070}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-370250}, year = {2023}, abstract = {Photocatalytic generation of hydrogen peroxide, H\(_2\)O\(_2\), has gained increasing attention in recent years, with applications ranging from solar energy conversion to biophysical research. While semiconducting solid-state materials are normally regarded as the workhorse for photogeneration of H\(_2\)O\(_2\), an intriguing alternative for on-demand H\(_2\)O\(_2\) is the use of photocatalytic organic dyes. Herein we report the use of water-soluble dyes based on perylene diimide molecules which behave as true molecular catalysts for the light-induced conversion of dissolved oxygen to hydrogen peroxide. In particular, we address how to obtain visible-light photocatalysts which are stable with respect to aggregation and photochemical degradation. We report on the factors affecting efficiency and stability, including variable electron donors, oxygen partial pressure, pH, and molecular catalyst structure. The result is a perylene diimide derivative with unprecedented peroxide evolution performance using a broad range of organic donor molecules and operating in a wide pH range.}, language = {en} } @article{KasaragodSchindelin2018, author = {Kasaragod, Vikram B. and Schindelin, Hermann}, title = {Structure-Function Relationships of Glycine and GABAA Receptors and Their Interplay With the Scaffolding Protein Gephyrin}, series = {Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience}, volume = {11}, journal = {Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience}, doi = {10.3389/fnmol.2018.00317}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-325607}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Glycine and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) are the major determinants of inhibition in the central nervous system (CNS). These neurotransmitters target glycine and GABAA receptors, respectively, which both belong to the Cys-loop superfamily of pentameric ligand-gated ion channels (pLGICs). Interactions of the neurotransmitters with the cognate receptors result in receptor opening and a subsequent influx of chloride ions, which, in turn, leads to hyperpolarization of the membrane potential, thus counteracting excitatory stimuli. The majority of glycine receptors and a significant fraction of GABAA receptors (GABAARs) are recruited and anchored to the post-synaptic membrane by the central scaffolding protein gephyrin. This ∼93 kDa moonlighting protein is structurally organized into an N-terminal G-domain (GephG) connected to a C-terminal E-domain (GephE) via a long unstructured linker. Both inhibitory neurotransmitter receptors interact via a short peptide motif located in the large cytoplasmic loop located in between transmembrane helices 3 and 4 (TM3-TM4) of the receptors with a universal receptor-binding epitope residing in GephE. Gephyrin engages in nearly identical interactions with the receptors at the N-terminal end of the peptide motif, and receptor-specific interaction toward the C-terminal region of the peptide. In addition to its receptor-anchoring function, gephyrin also interacts with a rather large collection of macromolecules including different cytoskeletal elements, thus acting as central scaffold at inhibitory post-synaptic specializations. Dysfunctions in receptor-mediated or gephyrin-mediated neurotransmission have been identified in various severe neurodevelopmental disorders. Although biochemical, cellular and electrophysiological studies have helped to understand the physiological and pharmacological roles of the receptors, recent high resolution structures of the receptors have strengthened our understanding of the receptors and their gating mechanisms. Besides that, multiple crystal structures of GephE in complex with receptor-derived peptides have shed light into receptor clustering by gephyrin at inhibitory post-synapses. This review will highlight recent biochemical and structural insights into gephyrin and the GlyRs as well as GABAA receptors, which provide a deeper understanding of the molecular machinery mediating inhibitory neurotransmission.}, language = {en} } @article{SchneiderWiewelhoveRaederetal.2019, author = {Schneider, Christoph and Wiewelhove, Thimo and Raeder, Christian and Flatt, Andrew A. and Hoos, Olaf and Hottenrott, Laura and Schumbera, Oliver and Kellmann, Michael and Meyer, Tim and Pfeiffer, Mark and Ferrauti, Alexander}, title = {Heart Rate Variability Monitoring During Strength and High-Intensity Interval Training Overload Microcycles}, series = {Frontiers in Physiology}, volume = {10}, journal = {Frontiers in Physiology}, doi = {10.3389/fphys.2019.00582}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-231515}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Objective: In two independent study arms, we determine the effects of strength training (ST) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) overload on cardiac autonomic modulation by measuring heart rate (HR) and vagal heart rate variability (HRV). Methods: In the study, 37 well-trained athletes (ST: 7 female, 12 male; HIIT: 9 female, 9 male) were subjected to orthostatic tests (HR and HRV recordings) each day during a 4-day baseline period, a 6-day overload microcycle, and a 4-day recovery period. Discipline-specific performance was assessed before and 1 and 4 days after training. Results: Following ST overload, supine HR, and vagal HRV (Ln RMSSD) were clearly increased and decreased (small effects), respectively, and the standing recordings remained unchanged. In contrast, HIIT overload resulted in decreased HR and increased Ln RMSSD in the standing position (small effects), whereas supine recordings remained unaltered. During the recovery period, these responses were reversed (ST: small effects, HIIT: trivial to small effects). The correlations between changes in HR, vagal HRV measures, and performance were weak or inconsistent. At the group and individual levels, moderate to strong negative correlations were found between HR and Ln RMSSD when analyzing changes between testing days (ST: supine and standing position, HIIT: standing position) and individual time series, respectively. Use of rolling 2-4-day averages enabled more precise estimation of mean changes with smaller confidence intervals compared to single-day values of HR or Ln RMSSD. However, the use of averaged values displayed unclear effects for evaluating associations between HR, vagal HRV measures, and performance changes, and have the potential to be detrimental for classification of individual short-term responses. Conclusion: Measures of HR and Ln RMSSD during an orthostatic test could reveal different autonomic responses following ST or HIIT which may not be discovered by supine or standing measures alone. However, these autonomic changes were not consistently related to short-term changes in performance and the use of rolling averages may alter these relationships differently on group and individual level.}, language = {en} } @article{KervarrecSamimiGuyetantetal.2019, author = {Kervarrec, Thibault and Samimi, Mahtab and Guy{\´e}tant, Serge and Sarma, Bhavishya and Ch{\´e}ret, J{\´e}r{\´e}my and Blanchard, Emmanuelle and Berthon, Patricia and Schrama, David and Houben, Roland and Touz{\´e}, Antoine}, title = {Histogenesis of Merkel Cell Carcinoma: A Comprehensive Review}, series = {Frontiers in Oncology}, volume = {9}, journal = {Frontiers in Oncology}, doi = {10.3389/fonc.2019.00451}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-325733}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a primary neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin. This neoplasia features aggressive behavior, resulting in a 5-year overall survival rate of 40\%. In 2008, Feng et al. identified Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) integration into the host genome as the main event leading to MCC oncogenesis. However, despite identification of this crucial viral oncogenic trigger, the nature of the cell in which MCC oncogenesis occurs is actually unknown. In fact, several hypotheses have been proposed. Despite the large similarity in phenotype features between MCC tumor cells and physiological Merkel cells (MCs), a specialized subpopulation of the epidermis acting as mechanoreceptor of the skin, several points argue against the hypothesis that MCC derives directly from MCs. Alternatively, MCPyV integration could occur in another cell type and induce acquisition of an MC-like phenotype. Accordingly, an epithelial as well as a fibroblastic or B-cell origin of MCC has been proposed mainly based on phenotype similarities shared by MCC and these potential ancestries. The aim of this present review is to provide a comprehensive review of the current knowledge of the histogenesis of MCC.}, language = {en} } @article{NagyvanGeffenStegneretal.2019, author = {Nagy, Magdolna and van Geffen, Johanna P. and Stegner, David and Adams, David J. and Braun, Attila and de Witt, Susanne M. and Elvers, Margitta and Geer, Mitchell J. and Kuijpers, Marijke J. E. and Kunzelmann, Karl and Mori, Jun and Oury, C{\´e}cile and Pircher, Joachim and Pleines, Irina and Poole, Alastair W. and Senis, Yotis A. and Verdoold, Remco and Weber, Christian and Nieswandt, Bernhard and Heemskerk, Johan W. M. and Baaten, Constance C. F. M. J.}, title = {Comparative Analysis of Microfluidics Thrombus Formation in Multiple Genetically Modified Mice: Link to Thrombosis and Hemostasis}, series = {Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine}, volume = {6}, journal = {Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine}, doi = {10.3389/fcvm.2019.00099}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-232194}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Genetically modified mice are indispensable for establishing the roles of platelets in arterial thrombosis and hemostasis. Microfluidics assays using anticoagulated whole blood are commonly used as integrative proxy tests for platelet function in mice. In the present study, we quantified the changes in collagen-dependent thrombus formation for 38 different strains of (genetically) modified mice, all measured with the same microfluidics chamber. The mice included were deficient in platelet receptors, protein kinases or phosphatases, small GTPases or other signaling or scaffold proteins. By standardized re-analysis of high-resolution microscopic images, detailed information was obtained on altered platelet adhesion, aggregation and/or activation. For a subset of 11 mouse strains, these platelet functions were further evaluated in rhodocytin- and laminin-dependent thrombus formation, thus allowing a comparison of glycoprotein VI (GPVI), C-type lectin-like receptor 2 (CLEC2) and integrin α6β1 pathways. High homogeneity was found between wild-type mice datasets concerning adhesion and aggregation parameters. Quantitative comparison for the 38 modified mouse strains resulted in a matrix visualizing the impact of the respective (genetic) deficiency on thrombus formation with detailed insight into the type and extent of altered thrombus signatures. Network analysis revealed strong clusters of genes involved in GPVI signaling and Ca2+ homeostasis. The majority of mice demonstrating an antithrombotic phenotype in vivo displayed with a larger or smaller reduction in multi-parameter analysis of collagen-dependent thrombus formation in vitro. Remarkably, in only approximately half of the mouse strains that displayed reduced arterial thrombosis in vivo, this was accompanied by impaired hemostasis. This was also reflected by comparing in vitro thrombus formation (by microfluidics) with alterations in in vivo bleeding time. In conclusion, the presently developed multi-parameter analysis of thrombus formation using microfluidics can be used to: (i) determine the severity of platelet abnormalities; (ii) distinguish between altered platelet adhesion, aggregation and activation; and (iii) elucidate both collagen and non-collagen dependent alterations of thrombus formation. This approach may thereby aid in the better understanding and better assessment of genetic variation that affect in vivo arterial thrombosis and hemostasis.}, language = {en} } @article{VuralDopplerMeinl2018, author = {Vural, Atay and Doppler, Kathrin and Meinl, Edgar}, title = {Autoantibodies Against the Node of Ranvier in Seropositive Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy: Diagnostic, Pathogenic, and Therapeutic Relevance}, series = {Frontiers in Immunology}, volume = {9}, journal = {Frontiers in Immunology}, doi = {10.3389/fimmu.2018.01029}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-233279}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Discovery of disease-associated autoantibodies has transformed the clinical management of a variety of neurological disorders. Detection of autoantibodies aids diagnosis and allows patient stratification resulting in treatment optimization. In the last years, a set of autoantibodies against proteins located at the node of Ranvier has been identified in patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). These antibodies target neurofascin, contactin1, or contactin-associated protein 1, and we propose to name CIDP patients with these antibodies collectively as seropositive. They have unique clinical characteristics that differ from seronegative CIDP. Moreover, there is compelling evidence that autoantibodies are relevant for the pathogenesis. In this article, we review the current knowledge on the characteristics of autoantibodies against the node of Ranvier proteins and their clinical relevance in CIDP. We start with a description of the structure of the node of Ranvier followed by a summary of assays used to identify seropositive patients; and then, we describe clinical features and characteristics linked to seropositivity. We review knowledge on the role of these autoantibodies for the pathogenesis with relevance for the emerging concept of nodopathy/paranodopathy and summarize the treatment implications.}, language = {en} } @article{TooKellerSickeletal.2018, author = {Too, Chin Chin and Keller, Alexander and Sickel, Wiebke and Lee, Sui Mae and Yule, Catherine M.}, title = {Microbial Community Structure in a Malaysian Tropical Peat Swamp Forest: The Influence of Tree Species and Depth}, series = {Frontiers in Microbiology}, volume = {9}, journal = {Frontiers in Microbiology}, doi = {10.3389/fmicb.2018.02859}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-229000}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Tropical peat swamp forests sequester globally significant stores of carbon in deep layers of waterlogged, anoxic, acidic and nutrient-depleted peat. The roles of microbes in supporting these forests through the formation of peat, carbon sequestration and nutrient cycling are virtually unknown. This study investigated physicochemical peat properties and microbial diversity between three dominant tree species: Shorea uliginosa (Dipterocarpaceae), Koompassia malaccensis (legumes associated with nitrogen-fixing bacteria), Eleiodoxa conferta (palm) and depths (surface, 45 and 90 cm) using microbial 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Water pH, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, total phenolic contents and C/N ratio differed significantly between depths, but not tree species. Depth also strongly influenced microbial diversity and composition, while both depth and tree species exhibited significant impact on the archaeal communities. Microbial diversity was highest at the surface, where fresh leaf litter accumulates, and nutrient supply is guaranteed. Nitrogen was the core parameter correlating to microbial communities, but the interactive effects from various environmental variables displayed significant correlation to relative abundance of major microbial groups. Proteobacteria was the dominant phylum and the most abundant genus, Rhodoplanes, might be involved in nitrogen fixation. The most abundant methanogens and methanotrophs affiliated, respectively, to families Methanomassiliicoccaceae and Methylocystaceae. Our results demonstrated diverse microbial communities and provide valuable insights on microbial ecology in these extreme ecosystems.}, language = {en} } @article{SiebertCiatoMurakamietal.2019, author = {Siebert, Claudia and Ciato, Denis and Murakami, Masanori and Frei-Stuber, Ludwig and Perez-Rivas, Luis Gustavo and Monteserin-Garcia, Jos{\´e} Luis and N{\"o}lting, Svenja and Maurer, Julian and Feuchtinger, Annette and Walch, Axel K. and Haak, Harm R. and Bertherat, J{\´e}r{\^o}me and Mannelli, Massimo and Fassnacht, Martin and Korpershoek, Esther and Reincke, Martin and Stalla, G{\"u}nter K. and Hantel, Constanze and Beuschlein, Felix}, title = {Heat Shock Protein 90 as a Prognostic Marker and Therapeutic Target for Adrenocortical Carcinoma}, series = {Frontiers in Endocrinology}, volume = {10}, journal = {Frontiers in Endocrinology}, doi = {10.3389/fendo.2019.00487}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-238029}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Background: Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare tumor entity with restricted therapeutic opportunities. HSP90 (Heat Shock Protein 90) chaperone activity is fundamental for cell survival and contributes to different oncogenic signaling pathways. Indeed, agents targeting HSP90 function have shown therapeutic efficacy in several cancer types. We have examined the expression of HSP90 in different adrenal tumors and evaluated the use of HSP90 inhibitors in vitro as possible therapy for ACC. Methods: Immunohistochemical expression of HSP90 isoforms was investigated in different adrenocortical tumors and associated with clinical features. Additionally, a panel of N-terminal (17-allylamino-17-demethoxygeldanamycin (17-AAG), luminespib, and ganetespib) and C-terminal (novobiocin and silibinin) HSP90 inhibitors were tested on various ACC cell lines. Results: Within adrenocortical tumors, ACC samples exhibited the highest expression of HSP90β. Within a cohort of ACC patients, HSP90β expression levels were inversely correlated with recurrence-free and overall survival. In functional assays, among five different compounds tested luminespib and ganetespib induced a significant decrease in cell viability in single as well as in combined treatments with compounds of the clinically used EDP-M scheme (etoposide, doxorubicin, cisplatin, mitotane). Inhibition of cell viability correlated furthermore with a decrease in proliferation, in cell migration and an increase in apoptosis. Moreover, analysis of cancer pathways indicated a modulation of the ERK1/2—and AKT—pathways by luminespib and ganetespib treatment. Conclusions: Our findings emphasize HSP90 as a marker with prognostic impact and promising target with N-terminal HSP90 inhibitors as drugs with potential therapeutic efficacy toward ACC.}, language = {en} } @article{NguyenSaisingTribellietal.2019, author = {Nguyen, Minh-Thu and Saising, Jongkon and Tribelli, Paula Maria and Nega, Mulugeta and Diene, Seydina M. and Fran{\c{c}}ois, Patrice and Schrenzel, Jacques and Spr{\"o}er, Cathrin and Bunk, Boyke and Ebner, Patrick and Hertlein, Tobias and Kumari, Nimerta and H{\"a}rtner, Thomas and Wistuba, Dorothee and Voravuthikunchai, Supayang P. and M{\"a}der, Ulrike and Ohlsen, Knut and G{\"o}tz, Friedrich}, title = {Inactivation of farR Causes High Rhodomyrtone Resistance and Increased Pathogenicity in Staphylococcus aureus}, series = {Frontiers in Microbiology}, volume = {10}, journal = {Frontiers in Microbiology}, doi = {10.3389/fmicb.2019.01157}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-224117}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Rhodomyrtone (Rom) is an acylphloroglucinol antibiotic originally isolated from leaves of Rhodomyrtus tomentosa. Rom targets the bacterial membrane and is active against a wide range of Gram-positive bacteria but the exact mode of action remains obscure. Here we isolated and characterized a spontaneous Rom-resistant mutant from the model strain Staphylococcus aureus HG001 (RomR) to learn more about the resistance mechanism. We showed that Rom-resistance is based on a single point mutation in the coding region of farR [regulator of fatty acid (FA) resistance] that causes an amino acid change from Cys to Arg at position 116 in FarR, that affects FarR activity. Comparative transcriptome analysis revealed that mutated farR affects transcription of many genes in distinct pathways. FarR represses for example the expression of its own gene (farR), its flanking gene farE (effector of FA resistance), and other global regulators such as agr and sarA. All these genes were consequently upregulated in the RomR clone. Particularly the upregulation of agr and sarA leads to increased expression of virulence genes rendering the RomR clone more cytotoxic and more pathogenic in a mouse infection model. The Rom-resistance is largely due to the de-repression of farE. FarE is described as an efflux pump for linoleic and arachidonic acids. We observed an increased release of lipids in the RomR clone compared to its parental strain HG001. If farE is deleted in the RomR clone, or, if native farR is expressed in the RomR strain, the corresponding strains become hypersensitive to Rom. Overall, we show here that the high Rom-resistance is mediated by overexpression of farE in the RomR clone, that FarR is an important regulator, and that the point mutation in farR (RomR clone) makes the clone hyper-virulent.}, language = {en} } @article{JohnAbrantesPrustyetal.2019, author = {John, Cathy N. and Abrantes, Pedro M. D. S. and Prusty, Bhupesh K. and Ablashi, Dharam V. and Africa, Charlene W. J.}, title = {K21 Compound, a Potent Antifungal Agent: Implications for the Treatment of Fluconazole-Resistant HIV-Associated Candida Species}, series = {Frontiers in Microbiology}, volume = {10}, journal = {Frontiers in Microbiology}, doi = {10.3389/fmicb.2019.01021}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-323505}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Background/Objectives: With mucocutaneous candidiasis being highly prevalent in HIV patients, the emergence of fluconazole-resistant Candida species forms a major challenge in treating and eradicating these infections. The objective of this study was to establish the antifungal activity of K21, a membrane-rupturing antimicrobial compound derived from a silica quaternary ammonium compound (SiQAC) with tetraethoxysilane (TEOS). Methods: The study sample included 81 Candida species of which 9 were type strains and 72 were clinical isolates. Minimum inhibitory concentrations, synergy, fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI), and time kill assays were determined by broth microdilution. Electron microscopy (EM) was used to determine the qualitative changes brought about after treatment with K21. Results: K21 inhibited the growth of all fluconazole-resistant and susceptible Candida strains with only 2 h of exposure required to effectively kill 99.9\% of the inoculum, and a definite synergistic effect was observed with a combination of K21 and fluconazole. EM demonstrated the presence of two forms of extracellular vesicles indicative of biofilm formation and cell lysis. Conclusion: The study established the efficacy of K21 as an antifungal agent and with fluconazole-resistant candidiasis on the increase, the development of K21 can provide a promising alternative to combat acquired drug resistance.}, language = {en} } @article{PrustyGulveGovindetal.2018, author = {Prusty, Bhupesh K. and Gulve, Nitish and Govind, Sheila and Krueger, Gerhard R. F. and Feichtinger, Julia and Larcombe, Lee and Aspinall, Richard and Ablashi, Dharam V. and Toro, Carla T.}, title = {Active HHV-6 Infection of Cerebellar Purkinje Cells in Mood Disorders}, series = {Frontiers in Microbiology}, volume = {9}, journal = {Frontiers in Microbiology}, doi = {10.3389/fmicb.2018.01955}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-369222}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Early-life infections and associated neuroinflammation is incriminated in the pathogenesis of various mood disorders. Infection with human roseoloviruses, HHV-6A and HHV-6B, allows viral latency in the central nervous system and other tissues, which can later be activated causing cognitive and behavioral disturbances. Hence, this study was designed to evaluate possible association of HHV-6A and HHV-6B activation with three different groups of psychiatric patients. DNA qPCR, immunofluorescence and FISH studies were carried out in post-mortem posterior cerebellum from 50 cases each of bipolar disorder (BPD), schizophrenia, 15 major depressive disorder (MDD) and 50 appropriate control samples obtained from two well-known brain collections (Stanley Medical Research Institute). HHV-6A and HHV-6B late proteins (indicating active infection) and viral DNA were detected more frequently (p < 0.001 for each virus) in human cerebellum in MDD and BPD relative to controls. These roseolovirus proteins and DNA were found less frequently in schizophrenia cases. Active HHV-6A and HHV-6B infection in cerebellar Purkinje cells were detected frequently in BPD and MDD cases. Furthermore, we found a significant association of HHV-6A infection with reduced Purkinje cell size, suggesting virus-mediated abnormal Purkinje cell function in these disorders. Finally, gene expression analysis of cerebellar tissue revealed changes in pathways reflecting an inflammatory response possibly to HHV-6A infection. Our results provide molecular evidence to support a role for active HHV-6A and HHV-6B infection in BPD and MDD.}, language = {en} } @article{TichaMoosWajantetal.2018, author = {Ticha, Olga and Moos, Lukas and Wajant, Harald and Bekeredjian-Ding, Isabelle}, title = {Expression of Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor 2 Characterizes TLR9-Driven Formation of Interleukin-10-Producing B Cells}, series = {Frontiers in Immunology}, volume = {8}, journal = {Frontiers in Immunology}, doi = {10.3389/fimmu.2017.01951}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-241323}, year = {2018}, abstract = {B cell-derived interleukin-10 (IL-10) production has been described as a hallmark for regulatory function in B lymphocytes. However, there is an ongoing debate on the origin of IL-10-secreting B cells and lack of specific surface markers has turned into an important obstacle for studying human B regulatory cells. In this study, we propose that tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 (TNFR2) expression can be used for enrichment of IL-10-secreting B cells. Our data confirm that IL-10 production can be induced by TLR9 stimulation with CpG ODN and that IL-10 secretion accompanies differentiation of peripheral blood B cells into plasma blasts. We further show that CpG ODN stimulation induces TNFR2 expression, which correlates with IL-10 secretion and terminal differentiation. Indeed, flow cytometric sorting of TNFR2+ B cells revealed that TNFR2+ and TNFR2- fractions correspond to IL-10+ and IL-10- fractions, respectively. Furthermore, CpG-induced TNFR2+ B cells were predominantly found in the IgM+ CD27+ B cell subset and spontaneously released immunoglobulin. Finally, our data corroborate the functional impact of TNFR2 by demonstrating that stimulation with a TNFR2 agonist significantly augments IL-10 and IL-6 production in B cells. Altogether, our data highlight a new role for TNFR2 in IL-10-secreting human B lymphocytes along with the potential to exploit this finding for sorting and isolation of this currently ill-defined B cell subset.}, language = {en} } @article{KlotzHigginsSchaubmaretal.2019, author = {Klotz, Peter and Higgins, Paul G. and Schaubmar, Andreas R. and Failing, Klaus and Leidner, Ursula and Seifert, Harald and Scheufen, Sandra and Semmler, Torsten and Ewers, Christa}, title = {Seasonal Occurrence and Carbapenem Susceptibility of Bovine Acinetobacter baumannii in Germany}, series = {Frontiers in Microbiology}, volume = {10}, journal = {Frontiers in Microbiology}, doi = {10.3389/fmicb.2019.00272}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-325927}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Acinetobacter baumannii is one of the leading causes of nosocomial infections in humans. To investigate its prevalence, distribution of sequence types (STs), and antimicrobial resistance in cattle, we sampled 422 cattle, including 280 dairy cows, 59 beef cattle, and 83 calves over a 14-month period. Metadata, such as the previous use of antimicrobial agents and feeding, were collected to identify putative determining factors. Bacterial isolates were identified via MALDI-TOF/MS and PCR, antimicrobial susceptibility was evaluated via VITEK2 and antibiotic gradient tests, resistance genes were identified by PCR. Overall, 15.6\% of the cattle harbored A. baumannii, predominantly in the nose (60.3\% of the A. baumannii isolates). It was more frequent in dairy cows (21.1\%) than in beef cattle (6.8\%) and calves (2.4\%). A seasonal occurrence was shown with a peak between May and August. The rate of occurrence of A. baumannii was correlated with a history of use of 3rd generation cephalosporins in the last 6 months prior to sampling Multilocus sequence typing (Pasteur scheme) revealed 83 STs among 126 unique isolates. Nine of the bovine STs have previously been implicated in human infections. Besides known intrinsic resistance of the species, the isolates did not show additional resistance to the antimicrobial substances tested, including carbapenems. Our data suggest that cattle are not a reservoir for nosocomial A. baumannii but carry a highly diverse population of this species. Nevertheless, some STs seem to be able to colonize both cattle and humans.}, language = {en} } @article{SchroeterPawelkeBiseniusetal.2018, author = {Schroeter, Matthias L. and Pawelke, Sarah and Bisenius, Sandrine and Kynast, Jana and Schuemberg, Katharina and Polyakova, Maryna and Anderl-Straub, Sarah and Danek, Adrian and Fassbender, Klaus and Jahn, Holger and Jessen, Frank and Kornhuber, Johannes and Lauer, Martin and Prudlo, Johannes and Schneider, Anja and Uttner, Ingo and Th{\"o}ne-Otto, Angelika and Otto, Markus and Diehl-Schmid, Janine}, title = {A Modified Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test Predicts Behavioral Variant Frontotemporal Dementia Better Than Executive Function Tests}, series = {Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience}, volume = {10}, journal = {Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience}, organization = {FTLD Study Group Germany}, doi = {10.3389/fnagi.2018.00011}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-234254}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) is characterized by deep alterations in behavior and personality. Although revised diagnostic criteria agree for executive dysfunction as most characteristic, impairments in social cognition are also suggested. The study aimed at identifying those neuropsychological and behavioral parameters best discriminating between bvFTD and healthy controls. Eighty six patients were diagnosed with possible or probable bvFTD according to Rascovsky et al. (2011) and compared with 43 healthy age-matched controls. Neuropsychological performance was assessed with a modified Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (RMET), Stroop task, Trail Making Test (TMT), Hamasch-Five-Point Test (H5PT), and semantic and phonemic verbal fluency tasks. Behavior was assessed with the Apathy Evaluation Scale, Frontal Systems Behavioral Scale, and Bayer Activities of Daily Living Scale. Each test's discriminatory power was investigated by Receiver Operating Characteristic curves calculating the area under the curve (AUC). bvFTD patients performed significantly worse than healthy controls in all neuropsychological tests. Discriminatory power (AUC) was highest in behavioral questionnaires, high in verbal fluency tasks and the RMET, and lower in executive function tests such as the Stroop task, TMT and H5PT. As fluency tasks depend on several cognitive functions, not only executive functions, results suggest that the RMET discriminated better between bvFTD and control subjects than other executive tests. Social cognition should be incorporated into diagnostic criteria for bvFTD in the future, such as in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-11, as already suggested in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM)-5.}, language = {en} } @article{VaahtorantaLenhartSuggateetal.2019, author = {Vaahtoranta, Enni and Lenhart, Jan and Suggate, Sebastian and Lenhard, Wolfgang}, title = {Interactive Elaborative Storytelling: Engaging Children as Storytellers to Foster Vocabulary}, series = {Frontiers in Psychology}, volume = {10}, journal = {Frontiers in Psychology}, doi = {10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01534}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-232136}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Positive effects of shared reading for children's language development are boosted by including instruction of word meanings and by increasing interactivity. The effects of engaging children as storytellers on vocabulary development have been less well studied. We developed an approach termed Interactive Elaborative Storytelling (IES), which employs both word-learning techniques and children's storytelling in a shared-reading setting. To systematically investigate potential benefits of children as storytellers, we contrasted this approach to two experimental groups, an Elaborative Storytelling group employing word-learning techniques but no storytelling by children and a Read-Aloud group, excluding any additional techniques. The study was a 3 × 2 pre-posttest randomized design with 126 preschoolers spanning 1 week. Measured outcomes were receptive and expressive target vocabulary, story memory, and children's behavior during story sessions. All three experimental groups made comparable gains on target words from pre- to posttest and there was no difference between groups in story memory. However, in the Elaborative Storytelling group, children were the least restless. Findings are discussed in terms of their contribution to optimizing shared reading as a method of fostering language.}, language = {en} } @article{LangFuellsackWajant2018, author = {Lang, Isabell and F{\"u}llsack, Simone and Wajant, Harald}, title = {Lack of Evidence for a Direct Interaction of Progranulin and Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor-1 and Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor-2 From Cellular Binding Studies}, series = {Frontiers in Immunology}, volume = {9}, journal = {Frontiers in Immunology}, doi = {10.3389/fimmu.2018.00793}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-236373}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Progranulin (PGRN) is a secreted anti-inflammatory protein which can be processed by neutrophil proteases to various granulins. It has been reported that at least a significant portion of the anti-inflammatory effects of PGRN is due to direct high affinity binding to tumor necrosis factor receptor-1 (TNFR1) and TNFR2 and inhibition of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-induced TNFR1/2 signaling. Two studies failed to reproduce the interaction of TNFR1 and TNFR2 with PGRN, but follow up reports speculated that this was due to varying experimental circumstances and/or the use of PGRN from different sources. However, even under consideration of these speculations, there is still a striking discrepancy in the literature between the concentrations of PGRN needed to inhibit TNF signaling and the concentrations required to block TNF binding to TNFR1 and TNFR2. While signaling events induced by 0.2-2 nM of TNF have been efficiently inhibited by low, near to equimolar concentrations (0.5-2.5 nM) of PGRN in various studies, the reported inhibitory effects of PGRN on TNF-binding to TNFR1/2 required a huge excess of PGRN (100-1,000-fold). Therefore, we investigated the effect of PGRN on TNF binding to TNFR1 and TNFR2 in highly sensitive cellular binding studies. Unlabeled TNF inhibited >95\% of the specific binding of a Gaussia princeps luciferase (GpL) fusion protein of TNF to TNFR1 and TNFR2 and blocked binding of soluble GpL fusion proteins of TNFR1 and TNFR2 to membrane TNF expressing cells to >95\%, too. Purified PGRN, however, showed in both assays no effect on TNF-TNFR1/2 interaction even when applied in huge excess. To rule out that tags and purification- or storage-related effects compromise the potential ability of PGRN to bind TNF receptors, we directly co-expressed PGRN, and as control TNF, in TNFR1- and TNFR2-expressing cells and looked for binding of GpL-TNF. While expression of TNF strongly inhibited binding of GpL-TNF to TNFR1/2, co-expression of PGRN had not effect on the ability of the TNFR1/2-expressing cells to bind TNF.}, language = {en} } @article{WeissZieglerFliesseretal.2018, author = {Weiss, Esther and Ziegler, Sabrina and Fliesser, Mirjam and Schmitt, Anna-Lena and H{\"u}nniger, Kerstin and Kurzai, Oliver and Morton, Charles-Oliver and Einsele, Hermann and Loeffler, Juergen}, title = {First Insights in NK—DC Cross-Talk and the Importance of Soluble Factors During Infection With Aspergillus fumigatus}, series = {Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology}, volume = {8}, journal = {Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology}, doi = {10.3389/fcimb.2018.00288}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-233565}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is an infectious disease caused by the fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus that mainly affects immunocompromised hosts. To investigate immune cell cross-talk during infection with A. fumigatus, we co-cultured natural killer (NK) cells and dendritic cells (DC) after stimulation with whole fungal structures, components of the fungal cell wall, fungal lysate or ligands for distinct fungal receptors. Both cell types showed activation after stimulation with fungal components and were able to transfer activation signals to the counterpart not stimulated cell type. Interestingly, DCs recognized a broader spectrum of fungal components and thereby initiated NK cell activation when those did not recognize fungal structures. These experiments highlighted the supportive function of DCs in NK cell activation. Furthermore, we focused on soluble DC mediated NK cell activation and showed that DCs stimulated with the TLR2/Dectin-1 ligand zymosan could maximally stimulate the expression of CD69 on NK cells. Thus, we investigated the influence of both receptors for zymosan, Dectin-1 and TLR2, which are highly expressed on DCs but show only minimal expression on NK cells. Specific focus was laid on the question whether Dectin-1 or TLR2 signaling in DCs is important for the secretion of soluble factors leading to NK cell activation. Our results show that Dectin-1 and TLR2 are negligible for NK cell activation. We conclude that besides Dectin-1 and TLR2 other receptors on DCs are able to compensate for the missing signal.}, language = {en} } @article{SchurigHaeuslerGrittneretal.2019, author = {Schurig, Johannes and Haeusler, Karl Georg and Grittner, Ulrike and Nolte, Christian H. and Fiebach, Jochen B. and Audebert, Heinrich J. and Endres, Matthias and Rocco, Andrea}, title = {Frequency of Hemorrhage on Follow Up Imaging in Stroke Patients Treated With rt-PA Depending on Clinical Course}, series = {Frontiers in Neurology}, volume = {10}, journal = {Frontiers in Neurology}, doi = {10.3389/fneur.2019.00368}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-234947}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Background: According to current guidelines, stroke patients treated with rt-PA should undergo brain imaging to exclude intracerebral bleeding 24 h after thrombolysis, before the start of medical secondary prevention. However, the usefulness of routine follow-up imaging with regard to changes in therapeutic management in patients without neurological deterioration is unclear. We hypothesized that follow up brain imaging solely to exclude bleeding in patients who clinically improved after rt-PA application may not be necessary. Methods: Retrospective single-center analysis including stroke patients treated with rt-PA. Records were reviewed for hemorrhagic transformation one day after systemic thrombolysis and brain imaging-based changes in therapeutic management. Twenty-four hour after thrombolysis patients were divided into four groups: (1) increased NIHSS score; (2) unchanged NIHSS score; (3) improved NIHSS score and; (4) NIHSS score = 0. Results: Out of 188 patients (mean age 73 years, 100 female) receiving rt-PA, 32 (17\%) had imaging-proven hemorrhagic transformation including 11 (6\%) patients with parenchymal hemorrhage. Patients in group (1, 2) more often had hypertension (p = 0.015) and more often had parenchymal hemorrhage (9 vs. 4\%; p < 0.206) compared to group (3, 4) and imaging-based changes in therapeutic management were more frequent (19\% vs. 6\%; p = 0.007). Patients of group (3, 4) had no changes in therapeutic management in 94\% of the cases. Patients in group (4) had no hemorrhagic transformation in routine follow-up brain imaging. Conclusions: Frequency of hemorrhagic transformation in Routine follow-up brain imaging and consecutive changes in therapeutic management were different depending on clinical course measured by NHISS score.}, language = {en} } @article{TreffWinkertSarebanetal.2019, author = {Treff, Gunnar and Winkert, Kay and Sareban, Mahdi and Steinacker, J{\"u}rgen M. and Sperlich, Billy}, title = {The Polarization-Index: A Simple Calculation to Distinguish Polarized From Non-polarized Training Intensity Distributions}, series = {Frontiers in Physiology}, volume = {10}, journal = {Frontiers in Physiology}, doi = {10.3389/fphys.2019.00707}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-229040}, year = {2019}, abstract = {The training intensity distribution (TID) of endurance athletes has retrieved substantial scientific interest since it reflects a vital component of training prescription: (i) the intensity of exercise and its distribution over time are essential components for adaptation to endurance training and (ii) the training volume (at least for most endurance disciplines) is already near or at maximum, so optimization of training procedures including TID have become paramount for success. This paper aims to elaborate the polarization-index (PI) which is calculated as log10(Zone 1/Zone 2∗Zone 3∗100), where Zones 1-3 refer to aggregated volume (time or distance) spent with low, mid, or high intensity training. PI allows to distinguish between non-polarized and polarized TID using a cut-off > 2.00 a.U. and to quantify the level of a polarized TID. Within this hypothesis paper, examples from the literature illustrating the usefulness of PI-calculation are discussed as well as its limitations. Further it is elucidated how the PI may contribute to a more precise definition of TID descriptors.}, language = {en} } @article{OPUS4-31268, title = {Search for new phenomena in events with same-charge leptons and b-jets in pp collisions at √\(s\) = 13 TeV with the ATLAS detector}, series = {Journal of High Energy Physics}, volume = {12}, journal = {Journal of High Energy Physics}, number = {39}, organization = {The ATLAS Collaboration}, doi = {10.1007/JHEP12(2018)039}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-312681}, pages = {1-55}, year = {2018}, abstract = {A search for new phenomena in events with two same- charge leptons or three leptons and jets identi fi ed as originating from b - quarks in a data sample of 36.1 fb of pp collisions at ps = 13TeV recorded by the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider is reported. No signi fi cant excess is found and limits are set on vector- like quark, fourtop- quark, and same- sign top- quark pair production. The observed ( expected) 95\% CL mass limits for a vector- like T - and B - quark singlet are mT > 0 : 98 ( 0 : 99) TeV and mB > 1 : 00 ( 1 : 01) TeV respectively. Limits on the production of the vector- like T5=3 - quark are also derived considering both pair and single production; in the former case the lower limit on the mass of the T5=3 - quark is ( expected to be) 1.19 ( 1.21) TeV. The Standard Model fourtop- quark production cross- section upper limit is ( expected to be) 69 ( 29) fb. Constraints are also set on exotic four- top- quark production models. Finally, limits are set on samesign top- quark pair production. The upper limit on uu ! tt production is ( expected to be) 89 ( 59) fb for a mediator mass of 1TeV, and a dark- matter interpretation is also derived, excluding a mediator of 3TeV with a dark- sector coupling of 1.0 and a coupling to ordinary matter above 0.31.}, language = {en} }