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Pinna rudis Linnaeus, 1758 (Bivalvia: Pinnidae) has an Atlantic-Mediterranean distribution. Habitat degradation is considered the main cause of population declines in the recent past, raising the conservation status of the species to the category of vulnerable in some places. Population dynamics studies of P. rudis are still necessary to fully understand its conservation requirements. Moreover, new methods of individual data collection should be developed as individuals are highly sensitive to extraction and manipulation. In the present study, we propose a non-invasive method to collect P. rudis morphometric data in situ. For this, we sampled 900 m2 of the sea bed at Matiota Beach on São Vicente Island, Cabo Verde Archipelago, and collected 18 individuals to compute the relationship between shell length and width. The regression equation between the parameters allowed us to estimate the total size of 59 P. rudis individuals obtained from the beach. The non-invasive method adopted allowed determination of the total size of the individuals without removing them from the substratum and, thereby, allowing the comparative study of the species in different zones.
Based on six weeks spent in the field on six Cabo Verdean Islands in September/ October 2016 and 2017, we present 18 additions to the checklist of terrestrial biodiversity of the archipelago (ten arthropods, one bird, two fungi, and five flowering plants). Four of them are first records for Cabo Verde, the others for particular islands. Most interesting are the apple of Sodom fruit fly Dacus longistylus, perhaps actively introduced for biocontrol of the toxic apple of Sodom tree and the additions to the distribution of several bee species of the genera Amegilla, Megachile, and Xylocopa. Our observations indicate that the biodiversity of Cabo Verde is still incompletely known and more fieldwork is needed.
The West African region possesses one of the largest knowledge gaps in the distribution and taxonomy of all species, especially inconspicuous ones. This work presents one of the few bat studies ever carried out in the Cabo Verde Islands. Knowledge on the distribution of the seven species recorded in this remote archipelago is still very scarce and with very low resolution (many at island level), so new records are expectable and invaluable for the establishment of conservation policies. A review on the scattered and digitally unavailable (due to the old date of publication) knowledge of the Cabo Verde bat fauna with the first bat records for two islands and new occurrence data for two species on three islands is presented. It is expected that this work can constitute a reference for future bat works in the region, while providing acoustic data that can easily be updated upon future taxonomic revisions.
Untapped potential
(2018)
This first number of the seventh volume of Zoologia Caboverdiana is focussed on two groups of organisms that remain largely understudied in Cabo Verde. We are namely referring to mammals, both terrestrial and aquatic, and to terrestrial invertebrates. Two original articles and a short note, by authors from five different nationalities, including Cabo-Verdean, consolidate the vitality of this peer-reviewed journal.
Muito potencial
(2018)
No primeiro número do sétimo volume desta revista dedicamos a nossa atenção a dois grupos de organismos pouco estudados em Cabo Verde. Referimo-nos nomeadamente aos mamíferos, tanto terrestres como marinhos, e aos invertebrados terrestres. Este número consolida ainda a vitalidade desta revista com revisão por pares, com dois artigos originais e uma nota breve de autores de cinco nacionalidades diferentes, incluindo a cabo-verdiana.
Of the circa 25 species of butterfly species occurring in the Cabo Verde Archipelago, only one species is endemic: Chilades evorae (Lycaenidae). The species was reared by the authors and colour photographs of the early stages of this species are presented for the first time. The host-plants on the islands of Santo Antão, São Vicente, and Santa Luzia are illustrated with photographs. The butterfly is reported from Raso for the first time, together with a potential host-plant. A tachinid fly species Cadurciella sp. parasitising C. evorae is also reported.
Gervais’ beaked whale Mesoplodon europaeus (Gervais, 1855) is restricted to the Atlantic Ocean. Although most records are from the North Atlantic, it is probably continuously distributed in deep warm waters around the equator (Mead 1989, Norman & Mead 2001). Its occurrence in West Africa is poorly known, as records are rare. It is classified as Data Deficient (Taylor et al. 2008).
It is with great joy and imbued with the contagious Christmas spirit lived in Macaronesia that I present the second issue of the sixth volume of this journal. This issue consolidates the new path tracked the beginning of 2016, which focused on the renewal of the editorial board and the broadening of the scope of the journal to new scientific areas.
É com grande alegria, e imbuída do contagiante espírito Natalício que se vive na Macaronésia, que apresento o segundo número do sexto volume desta revista. Este número consolida o novo rumo traçado no início de 2016, que apostou na renovação do corpo editorial e na ampliação do âmbito da revista para novas áreas científicas.
DNA sequences disclose a new species of Africonus cone snail from São Vicente (Gastropoda: Conidae)
(2017)
The sequencing of complete mitochondrial genomes of cone species belonging to the (sub)genus Africonus, which is endemic to Cabo Verde, has allowed the reconstruction of phylogenetic relationships among these species, as well as delimitation and validation of their taxonomic status. While several species were found to be synonyms, some populations had enough DNA sequence divergence to merit the species status. This is the case of some populations inhabiting São Vicente, which are hereby described as a new species. The new species shares similarity in shell morphology to Africonus miruchae (Röckel, Rolán & Monteiro, 1980), endemic to Sal, due to convergence, and with Africonus denizi Afonso & Tenorio, 2011, endemic to São Vicente, due to close phylogenetic relationship. Additionally, the three species have significant differences in radular morphology.
The population size and distribution of Phaethon aethereus on Raso Islet was studied from August to December 2016. In total, 42 biometric measures were collected from 38 adults and four juveniles. No recapture was identified although some individuals were ringed in 2014. The means of biometrics variables obtained for the different body segments and eggs were within the ranges of P. aethereus mesonauta from tropical North Atlantic. The two largest agglomerations of P. aethereus identified on Raso were overlapping colonies of brown boobies Sula leucogaster which allowed the maximum direct count of only 90 individuals. The inaccessibility of some breeding areas conditioned the identification and monitoring of just 117 nests. Thus, we estimate the population by the number of nests in more than 100 pairs. However, without an annual census, it is difficult to estimate the population size of this species. So, annual studies are recommended to better understand the population dynamics of P. aethereus on Raso.
First record of a live false killer whale Pseudorca crassidens (Owen, 1846) in Cabo Verdean waters
(2017)
Despite the limited research on cetaceans in Cabo Verde waters, 23 species have been documented (Hazevoet & Wenzel 2000, Hazevoet et al. 2010, Koenen et al. 2013, Berrow et al. 2015). The presence of several species is known only from strandings, such as the false killer whale, which has beached dead twice on Boavista in the 1980s–1990s, and again in 2007 (Hazevoet et al. 2010, Koenen et al. 2013). This is a CITES species, and Data Deficient according to IUCN (Taylor et al. 2008).
Red-billed tropicbirds (Phaethon aethereus) are distributed throughout the tropical waters of the Eastern Pacific, the Northwest Indian Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean; in the latter, the species is represented by P. a. mesonauta (Del Hoyo et al. 1992). The brown booby (Sula leucogaster) is the species with the largest distribution within the Sulidae (Patterson et al. 2011) with breeding sites across the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific oceans (Morris-Pocock et al. 2010).
Mobulinae rays are part of Cabo Verde native biodiversity and belong to two extant genera, Manta and Mobula (Paig-Tran et al. 2013, Ward-Paige et al. 2013). Mobula spp. can be distinguished from Manta spp. by the mouth position, the shape of the cephalic fins and body size (Stevens 2011). Despite their large size, little is known about their population trends and precise distribution. They are particularly difficult to study in the wild and have restricted distributions (Ward-Paige et al. 2013, Croll et al. 2015).
A ideia da implantação de uma sociedade científica em Cabo Verde no campo da Zoologia nasce por iniciativa do Doutor Cornelis J. Hazevoet, biólogo holandês com residência em Portugal que tem vindo a estudar a biodiversidade das ilhas de Cabo Verde desde os anos 80. A investigação de Hazevoet tem tido como enfoque principal a filogeografia da avifauna e mamíferos marinhos, abrangendo ainda áreas da Biogeografia, Sistemática e Evolução com suporte na Paleontologia.
The idea of setting up a scientific society in Cabo Verde in the field of Zoology was born on the initiative of Dr Cornelis J. Hazevoet, a Dutch biologist living in Portugal who has been studying the biodiversity of the Cabo Verde Islands since the 1980s. Hazevoet’s research has mainly focused on the phylogeography of avian fauna and marine mammals, and to a lesser extent in areas of Biogeography, Systematics and Evolution from a Paleontological framework.
Parasites represent one of the most abundant lifestyles, and yet, only a small portion is described (Dobson et al. 2008). Cabo Verde parasitofauna is mostly unknown and the only study on parasites infecting reptiles, in which a new species of nematodes is referred, highlights the presence of unrecognized taxa (Jorge et al. 2012).
In Volume 5, Number 2, of Zoologia Caboverdiana, Richard Porter and Tony Prater reassessed the two existing records of Baird’s sandpiper Calidris bairdii for Cabo Verde, concluding that both were misidentified, based on the respective photographs in the 6th and 8th Cabo Verde Bird Reports (Hazevoet 2010, 2014).
The authors carried out a survey of butterflies on 12 of the Cape Verde Islands from 29 October to 18 December 2013. During the survey records were also made of the few hawk-moths (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae) encountered during the day, or feeding at flowers at dusk and dawn. None was collected at light. Since several of our records are believed to be new island records, we present them here. The few voucher specimens collected have been deposited in the Natural History Museum, London.
A survey of butterfly species was carried out on 12 islands of the Cape Verde archipelago (Brava, Cima, Fogo, Santiago, Maio, Boa Vista, Sal, São Nicolau, Raso, Santa Luzia, São Vicente, Santo Antão) during almost eight weeks in 2013. Results include the discovery of six species not previously recorded from the islands: Vanessa atalanta, V. vulcania, Junonia oenone, Danaus plexippus, Eurema brigitta and Azanus ubaldus. Known island distribution of some resident species is extended. Status of some long-standing (and questionable) historical records and probable misidentifications are discussed in detail. Data are presented with regard to habitat, habits and host-plants of all taxa, together with a table of species, islands, status and probable original geographical source. Entomological data from Cambridge University ornithological research on Raso between 2006 and 2014 are also included. Comment is made with regard to whether butterfly studies support inclusion of the Cape Verde Islands in ‘Macaronesia’ sensu lato.
During August-September 2014 and 2015, yachtbased surveys were conducted in the Cape Verde archipelago with the main objective of trying to locate humpback whales Megaptera novaeangliae during the late boreal summer (Berrow et al. 2014). Spring breeding humpbacks in Cape Verde waters are known to have their feeding grounds in the high Arctic (e.g. Wenzel et al. 2009). While these animals have generally left the breeding grounds by mid-May, a number of sightings during the summer months (June- August) have raised the possibility that animals from southern stocks may occasionally reach as far north as Cape Verde (Hazevoet et al. 2011).
Wer ein Unternehmen gründet, geht ein Risiko ein: Das Vorhaben kann auch misslingen. Viele vermissen in Deutschland eine »Kultur des Scheiterns«, die Misserfolge verzeiht und den Mut der Gründer wertschätzt. Wie ein Blick auf die Gründerszene an der Goethe-Universität zeigt, ist der Mentalitätswandel aber bereits in vollem Gange.
Heißt es "er buk" oder "er backte", "staubgesaugt" oder "gestaubsaugt", "den Pilot" oder "den Piloten"? Derlei Zweifelsfragen bringen einen immer wieder ins Grübeln. Sie sind jedoch kein Beleg des Unwissens – im Gegenteil. Das Nachdenken darüber bringt Licht in die Natur von Sprache und Sprachwandel.
"Prognosen sind schwierig, besonders, wenn sie die Zukunft betreffen", sagt ein geflügeltes Wort. Die letzte Finanzkrise ist dafür ein gutes Beispiel, denn die wenigsten Analysten und Wirtschaftsweisen haben sie kommen sehen. Da Finanzkrisen glücklicherweise selten sind, ist es allerdings schwierig, Modelle zu entwickeln, die rechtzeitig vor einem Crash warnen.
Künstliche Intelligenz (KI), also intelligente Software, führt heutzutage Aufgaben aus, die man einst nur Menschen zutraute. Schon heute ist sie in vielen Bereichen unserer Gesellschaft angekommen – man denke an selbstfahrende Fahrzeuge, medizinische Diagnostik, Übersetzungsprogramme, persönliche Gesprächsassistenten, Suchfunktionen und Robotik. Doch wie weit können wir KI-Systemen vertrauen?
Welchen Stellenwert hat der Glaube im Bereich der menschlichen Überzeugungen? Wie verhalten sich Wissen und Gewissheit zueinander? Die moderne Wissenschaft wird oft mit Faktenwissen gleichgesetzt, doch ohne die Reflexion über die Welt ist Wissenschaft nicht denkbar. Sie findet z.B. statt in der Religionsphilosophie.
CRISPR/Cas ist nicht die erste Genschere, mit der man DNA-Stränge schneiden kann, aber sie ist wesentlich leichter zu handhaben als ihre Vorläufer. Das verstärkt einerseits die Hoffnung auf verbesserte Gentherapien, andererseits aber auch die Angst vor Missbrauch und unvorhersehbaren Nebenwirkungen. Ethische Debatten und politische Entscheidungen sind gefordert.
Als Gymnasiast machte ich den Fehler, Latein als tote Sprache abzutun. Gut gemeinte Ratschläge, wonach Latein eine für alle romanischen Sprachen Erleuchtung bringende Grammatikschule sei, ignorierte ich. Fast neun Jahre nach dieser Entscheidung stand ich vor einem Problem: Für das Lehramtsstudium in Geschichte trat Latein nun doch sehr lebhaft in meinen Alltag. Für die meisten historischen Quellen aus zwei der drei Epochen war es unabdingbar – und nicht zuletzt als formale Voraussetzung, um mein Studium abschließen zu können. ...
Bakterien sind wahre Überlebenskünstler. Im Laufe der Evolution haben sie zahlreiche Strategien entwickelt, sich an schnell veränderliche, unsichere Umweltbedingungen anzupassen. So ist ihr Stoffwechsel wesentlich ausgeklügelter als derjenige des Menschen. Sie können innerhalb von Minuten ihre Genexpression anpassen und zur Not auch jahrzehntelang in Sporenform auf bessere Zeiten warten.
Neues Wissen erzeugt gleichzeitig auch Nichtwissen. Wie damit umzugehen ist, wirft in kaum einem Forschungsgebiet so viele Fragen auf wie in der Medizin. So kann die Pränataldiagnostik heute schon im ersten Schwangerschaftsdrittel bestimmte, früher nicht behandelbare Fehlbildungen erkennen. Dadurch entstehen komplexe Behandlungssituationen, die Eltern mit bisher nicht bekannten Unwägbarkeiten konfrontieren. Forschende aus Medizin und Soziologie untersuchen gemeinsam, wie Eltern während und nach der Schwangerschaft auf die schwierige Situation reagieren.
Er ist ein wenig Mode geworden in der Alltagssprache: der Begriff der Ambivalenz. In Psychologie und Soziologie gilt er als ein hilfreiches Konzept für die Betrachtung von Übergangsphasen in Leben und Gesellschaft. Das Pilotprojekt ALMA an der Goethe-Universität greift darauf zurück, um die Situation alleinlebender Männer im Alter besser verstehen zu können.
Unsicherheit gehört zum Leben. Sie weckt unsere Bereitschaft zum Lernen, fördert Flexibilität und wirkt sich produktiv auf unser Verhalten aus. Sie kann uns Glücksmomente bescheren, aber auch das Gefühl von Bedrohung und Angst. Neurophysiologen entdecken gerade erst, wie das Gehirn mit Unsicherheit umgeht.
Background: Liver cirrhosis is associated with profound immunodysfunction, i.e. a parallel presence of chronic systemic inflammation and immunosuppression, which can result in acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). Omega-3 fatty acids are precursors of pro-resolving mediators and support the resolution of inflammation.
Objective: The aim of this study was to determine plasma levels of omega-3 fatty acids in patients with liver cirrhosis and ACLF.
Methods: Patients with liver cirrhosis with and without ACLF were enrolled in a prospective cohort study and analyzed post-hoc for the present sub-study. Clinical data and biomaterials were collected at baseline and at day 7, 28 and after 3 months of follow-up. Plasma concentrations of arachidonic acid (ARA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which represent key omega-6 and -3 fatty acids, respectively, were quantified and associated with markers of systemic inflammation and severity of liver cirrhosis.
Results: A total of 117 patients were included in the present analyses. Of those, 26 (22.2%), 51 (43.6%) and 40 (34.2%) patients had compensated or decompensated liver cirrhosis, and ACLF. Plasma levels of ARA and DHA were similar in patients with compensated cirrhosis, decompensated cirrhosis, and ACLF. Furthermore, no significant association between plasma ARA or DHA and C-reactive protein or peripheral blood leukocytes were observed (P>0.05).
Conclusion: In our study plasma levels of key omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid are neither associated with the severity of liver cirrhosis nor with liver-cirrhosis-associated systemic inflammation.
In many countries a majority of cancer patients are not treated at Comprehensive Cancer Centers (CCCs). Even for those that are, parts of the treatment or follow‐up may be carried out in local community hospitals or in private practices. How to assure quality in cancer care and create innovation? How to integrate decentralized versus centralized patient care, education, and cancer research? Outlined here is a 360° view of outreach to include all stake holders – most importantly patients and their families, patient advocacy groups, health care providers, health insurers, and policy makers.
Willi Schütz
(2018)
2007 wurde vom Verfasser auf dem Großen Feldberg im Taunus ein Bestand des Grauen Alpendost (Adenostyles alliariae) entdeckt, der noch heute (2017) existiert. Der von der Art dominierte Pflanzenbestand kann als subalpine Hochstaudenflur (Verband Adenostylion, Ordnung Adenostyletalia, Klasse Betulo-Adenostyletea) eingestuft werden. Da der Große Feldberg früher regelmäßig von Botanikern aufgesucht wurde, ist es höchst wahrscheinlich, dass es sich um eine Neuansiedlung handelt. Weil in der Umgebung in jüngster Zeit mehrere Ansalbungen erfolgten, ist zu vermuten, dass es sich auch bei Adenostyles alliariae um eine Ansalbung handelt. Entsprechendes gilt wohl auch für den dort mit Adenostyles vergesellschafteten Blauen Eisenhut (Aconitum napellus). Aus Sicht des Schutzes der Biodiversität sind jegliche Ansalbungen zu verurteilen.
Im Rahmen der Kartierung der Gefäßpflanzenflora des Vor-, Hoch- und kammnahen Hintertaunus wurden vom Verfasser drei Amaranthus-Arten gefunden, für die in der Literatur bisher aus der gesamten Region Nordwest (A. caudatus und A. cruentus) oder zumindest aus dem Taunus (A. albus) keine Nachweise vorliegen. A. cruentus wurde auf einer Gartenbrache sowie auf einer in Gartennähe gelegenen Ackerbrache gefunden. Beide Pflanzenbestände lassen sich eindeutig dem Chenopodio-Oxalidetum, einer für bodensaure Standorte bezeichnenden Garten-Unkrautgesellschaft zuordnen. Kleine, aber dennoch blühende und fruchtende Individuen von A. caudatus wuchsen in Pflasterritzen im für derartige Standorte typischen Bryo-Saginetum und A. albus fand sich in einer zum wärmeliebenden Flügel der Klasse Artemisietea gehörenden, ansonsten aber nicht eindeutig klassifizierbaren Vergesellschaftung.
Die einst im Jahre 1952 von Heinrich Lipser (1886–1963) gegründeten „Hessischen Floristischen Briefe“ haben im Jahre 2016 im 64. Jahre ihres Bestehens ihr Erscheinen eingestellt. Sie waren ein Bindeglied der hessischen Floristen und haben Aufsätze und Mitteilungen floristischen Inhaltes veröffentlicht. Daraus resultierten die Schriftenverzeichnisse von Wolfgang Ludwig. Später wurden von Ludwig (1923–2013) einmal jährlich die neuesten Arbeiten alphabetisch erfasst. Vor einigen Jahren hat dies der Verfasser übernommen und in bislang 18 Veröffentlichungen auf neuere Arbeiten zur Flora von Hessen hingewiesen. Dies soll jetzt in den „roten Heften“ der BVNH fortgesetzt werden. Mit der Aufnahme eines Titels ist keinerlei Wertung über Inhalt oder Qualität der Arbeiten verbunden. Es ist vielmehr eine dokumentarische Aufnahme.
34 hessische Populationen von Cypripedium calceolus wurden populationsgenetisch untersucht, um neue Erkenntnisse zur genetischen Differenzierung im Verbreitungsgebiet zu erlangen und um wissenschaftsbasierte Aussagemöglichkeiten zur Populationsstärkung von C. calceolus in Hessen zu geben. Zur populationsgenetischen Analyse wurden ISSR und AFLP verwendet, was in 60 beziehungsweise 810 auswertbaren Merkmalen resultierte, die für die weitere statistische Analyse herangezogen wurden. Beide molekulare Methoden resultierten in ähnlichen populationsspezifischen Diversitätswerten. Es konnte mit beiden Methoden eine kleine genetische Differenzierung zwischen den untersuchten Regionen von Proben aus den drei Bundesländern Hessen, Thüringen und Mecklenburg-Vorpommern festgestellt werden. Die ISSR-Daten wiesen auf Populationsebene eine große genetische Differenzierung auf (AMOVA), während die genetische Differenzierung zwischen den verschiedenen Regionen (Nord-, Nordost-, Ost-Hessen, Thüringen und Rügen) gering ist. Der Manteltest ergab keine Korrelation zwischen der genetischen und der geografischen Distanz und weder die PCoA noch die Structure-Analyse ließen signifikante populationsgenetische Strukturen erkennen. Das Thema Populationsstärkung von C. calceolus wird in Hessen und anderen Bundesländern schon seit Langem kontrovers diskutiert, da nur wenige Daten über die genetische Diversität des Frauenschuhs bekannt sind. Durch die Ergebnisse dieser Arbeit kann gezeigt werden, dass anhand der verwendeten genetischen Methoden keine relevanten Unterschiede zwischen den Regionen vorliegen und Populationsstärkungen von C. calceolus in Hessen aus anderen Populationen in Hessen möglich sind.
Hexaploides Chenopodium album ist in Frankfurt am Main (Hessen) häufig. Die Pflanzen unterscheiden sich deutlich in Blütezeit, Höhe, Verzweigung, Blattform und Blütenstandsmorphologie, wobei oft morphologisch einheitliche Pflanzen benachbart wachsen. Die Merkmale variieren unabhängig voneinander und es erscheint nicht sinnvoll, morphologische Gruppen taxonomisch zu fassen.
In den Jahren 2016 und 2017 wurde eine umfassende Bestandsaufnahme der hessischen Vorkommen der Draht-Segge (Carex diandra) durchgeführt. Von allen nach 1980 bekannt gewordenen konnten nur noch zwei Vorkommen bestätigt werden; damit gehört die Draht-Segge heute zu den seltensten Pflanzensippen in Hessen. Für die verbliebenen Bestände werden Vorschläge zur Sicherung und Erhaltung gemacht sowie Anregungen zur Entwicklung gegeben.
Im Rahmen eines Monitorings wurden alle im Artenhilfskonzept der BVNH von 1999 ermittelten sowie einzelne später bekannt gewordene hessische Vorkommen der Aufrechten Weißmiere im Frühjahr 2016 erneut aufgesucht und dokumentiert. Von diesen 27 Vorkommen konnten wir lediglich 15 bestätigen. Für einen großen Teil der untersuchten Populationen sind erhebliche Rückgänge der Individuenzahlen zu verzeichnen, lediglich vier Vorkommen sind stabil geblieben oder sogar leicht angestiegen. Bei der Interpretation der Individuenzahlen ist jedoch zu berücksichtigen, dass die Art mit großen witterungsbedingten Schwankungen der Populationsgröße auftritt und jahrweise auch völlig ausbleiben kann. Die Beobachtungen bestätigen eine akute Bedrohung durch das Brachfallen oder die Unterbeweidung der Wuchsorte und die damit verbundenen Folgeerscheinungen wie das Ausbleiben der durch den Viehtritt verursachten Offenböden oder die zunehmende Gehölzausbreitung. Der auf den Flächen entstehende Altgras- und Moosfilz verhindert mutmaßlich ein Auskeimen der Art. Als wesentliche Voraussetzung für die Erhaltung und langfristige Sicherung der Vorkommen der Aufrechten Weißmiere wird die Beibehaltung oder Wiedereinführung einer extensiven Nutzung angesehen. Neben einer Beweidung mit Schafen scheint sich auch eine extensive Rinderbeweidung günstig auf die Populationen auszuwirken. Um den Fortbestand der Art in Hessen zu sichern, sind auch Wiederansiedlungen von Moenchia erecta an erloschenen Wuchsorten in Betracht zu ziehen, sofern eine geregelte Folgenutzung in Form einer Beweidung gewährleistet ist.
Buchbesprechungen
(2018)
Es werden folgende Publikation rezensiert: Hessen Forst & Nordwestdeutsche Forstliche Versuchsanstalt (Hrsg.): Hessische Naturwaldreservate im Portrait.Stirnberg, Hessen Forst & Nordwestdeutsche Forstliche Versuchsanstalt (Hrsg.): Hessische Naturwaldreservate im Portrait. Weiherskopf, Kremer & Merz: Naturparadies Mittelrhein, Lehmann & Lübcke: Artenvielfalt im Naturpark Diemelsee, Lübcke: Die Ederaue bei Rennertehausen, Lüder: Grundkurs Pflanzenbestimmung, Jäger (Hrsg.): Rothmaler: Exkursionsflora von Deutschland.
Die Fundmeldungen in Band 30 von Botanik und Naturschutz in Hessen stammen von: Rolf Angersbach, Dirk Bönsel, Wolfgang Ehmke, Christian Feuring, Thomas Gregor, Arthur Händler, Matthias Harnisch, Sylvain Hodvina, Gerwin Kasperek, Andreas König, Heiko Kramer, Hasko Friedrich Nesemann, Uwe Raabe, Petra Schmidt, Koloman Stich und Hjalmar Thiel.
Im Naturschutzgebiet „Kühkopf-Knoblochsaue“ in der hessischen Rheinaue wurden 2013 121 dreijährige Pflanzen der Wilden Weinrebe in zwei Bereichen der Kühkopfaue angepflanzt. Für diese Anpflanzung standen 65 Genotypen zur Verfügung. 2014 überlebten 86 % der Pflanzen, 79 % wurden als „gut“ oder „durchschnittlich“ bonitiert.
Bisher war nur ein durch DNA-Analyse bestätigtes Vorkommen der Weißen Seerose (Nymphaea alba) im Naturschutzgebiet „Bruderlöcher von Erfelden“ für Hessen bekannt. Nach einem Hinweis von Uta Hillesheim-Kimmel auf ein mögliches weiteres Vorkommen im Naturschutzgebiet „Sickler Teich bei Londorf“ wurden die betreffenden Pflanzen morphologisch begutachtet und dem gleichen DNA-Testverfahren (AFLP) unterzogen, welches für die Bestätigung des Vorkommens im NSG „Bruderlöcher von Erfelden“ verwendet wurde. Die Auswertung des Tests ergab, dass es sich bei den weißblühenden Seerosen im Sickler Teich tatsächlich um Nymphaea alba s. str. handelt. Drei Individuen haben die Entschlammung des Sickler Teichs in den Jahren 2008 und 2009 überlebt. Dieses ist damit das zweite durch DNA-Test bestätigte Vorkommen dieser in Hessen sehr seltenen Art.
Anhand von zwei Fundorten im Reinhardswald wird über den Erstnachweis des Bunten Springkrautes (Impatiens edgeworthii) für Hessen berichtet. Die Pflanzen bilden individuenreiche Bestände auf leicht oder stärker gestörten Standorten in Lichtungen in oder am Rande bodensaurer Buchenwälder. Das Vorkommen wird in Beziehung zur Ausbreitungsgeschichte in Mitteleuropa gebracht und im Hinblick auf die potentielle Weiterentwicklung diskutiert. Eine Überprüfung der Identität durch Vergleich mit Typusbelegen, vertiefte Literaturauswertung und Untersuchung von Blüten und Samenmerkmalen ergab, dass es sich zweifelsfrei um I. edgeworthii handelt und nicht um die ebenfalls aus dem westlichen Himalaya stammenden und wegen habitueller Ähnlichkeit gelegentlich in Betracht gezogenen Arten I. pseudobicolor und I. lemannii.
Im Rahmen eines Monitorings wurden alle bislang bekannten hessischen Vorkommen des Hügel-Knäuelkrautes im Frühjahr 2015 erneut aufgesucht und dokumentiert. Für den größten Teil der untersuchten Wuchsorte sind Bestandsrückgänge zu verzeichnen, lediglich zwei Vorkommen sind stabil geblieben. Als einziger Wuchsort mit einer positiven Entwicklung ist das erst 1999 neu nachgewiesene Vorkommen im Naturschutzgebiet „Die Burg bei Unter-Widdersheim“ hervorzuheben, wo sich die Population vergößert hat. Nach Interpretation der Untersuchungsergebnisse führen vor allem Bodeneutrophierung und Nutzungsaufgabe sowie das Ausbleiben kleinräumiger Bodenverwundungen zu Rückgängen der Population. Neben gezielten Pflegemaßnahmen wie Entbuschungen und der Schaffung offener Bodenstellen scheint eine regelmäßige Beweidung förderlich für die Art zu sein. Um den Fortbestand von Scleranthus verticillatus in Hessen zu sichern, sind auch Wiederansiedlungen an erloschenen Wuchsorten in Betracht zu ziehen.
Buchbesprechungen
(2016)
Es werden folgende Publikation rezensiert: Ackermann & Sachteleben: Identifizierung der Hotspots der Biologischen Vielfalt in Deutschland; Bellin-Harder: In der Schwebe. Vegetationsdynamik und Pflegeprognostik. Ein vegetationskundlicher Beitrag zur Gartendenkmalpflege am Beispiel der Löwenburg im Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe, Kassel; Düll & Kutzelnigg: Taschenlexikon der Pflanzen Deutschlands und angrenzender Länder. Die wichtigsten mitteleuropäischen Arten im Porträt; Nassauischer Verein für Naturkunde: Zwischen Mittelrhein und Taunus. Naturschätze in Lorch am Rhein; Parolly & Rohwer: Schmeil-Fitschen. Die Flora Deutschlands und der angrenzenden Länder; Pusch et al: Die Botaniker Thüringens.
Die Fundmeldungen in Band 29 von Botanik und Naturschutz in Hessen stammen von: Günther Blaich, Dirk Bönsel, Wolfgang Ehmke, Uta Engel, Christian Feuring, Hans-Joachim Flügel, Thomas Gregor, Arthur Händler, Sylvain Hodvina, Bernhard Kniep, Horst Kretzschmar, Detlef Mahn, Lenz Meierott, Annette Modl-Chalwatzis, Holger Uhlich, Kai-Uwe Nierbauer, Uwe Raabe, Michael Uebeler, Heinrich & Felix Wacker und Georg Zizka.
A series of derivatives of the potent dual soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH)/5-lipoxygenase-activating protein (FLAP) inhibitor diflapolin was designed, synthesized, and characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and elemental analysis. These novel compounds were biologically evaluated for their inhibitory activity against sEH and FLAP. Molecular modeling tools were applied to analyze structure–activity relationships (SAR) on both targets. Results show that even small modifications on the lead compound diflapolin markedly influence the inhibitory potential, especially on FLAP, suggesting very narrow SAR.
We present the black hole accretion code (BHAC), a new multidimensional general-relativistic magnetohydrodynamics module for the MPI-AMRVAC framework. BHAC has been designed to solve the equations of ideal general-relativistic magnetohydrodynamics in arbitrary spacetimes and exploits adaptive mesh refinement techniques with an efficient block-based approach. Several spacetimes have already been implemented and tested. We demonstrate the validity of BHAC by means of various one-, two-, and three-dimensional test problems, as well as through a close comparison with the HARM3D code in the case of a torus accreting onto a black hole. The convergence of a turbulent accretion scenario is investigated with several diagnostics and we find accretion rates and horizon-penetrating fluxes to be convergent to within a few percent when the problem is run in three dimensions. Our analysis also involves the study of the corresponding thermal synchrotron emission, which is performed by means of a new general-relativistic radiative transfer code, BHOSS. The resulting synthetic intensity maps of accretion onto black holes are found to be convergent with increasing resolution and are anticipated to play a crucial role in the interpretation of horizon-scale images resulting from upcoming radio observations of the source at the Galactic Center.
Endothelial to mesenchymal transition in cardiovascular disease : JACC state-of-the-art review
(2019)
Endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is a process whereby an endothelial cell undergoes a series of molecular events that lead to a change in phenotype toward a mesenchymal cell (e.g., myofibroblast, smooth muscle cell). EndMT plays a fundamental role during development, and mounting evidence indicates that EndMT is involved in adult cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), including atherosclerosis, pulmonary hypertension, valvular disease, and fibroelastosis. Therefore, the targeting of EndMT may hold therapeutic promise for treating CVD. However, the field faces a number of challenges, including the lack of a precise functional and molecular definition, a lack of understanding of the causative pathological role of EndMT in CVDs (versus being a “bystander-phenomenon”), and a lack of robust human data corroborating the extent and causality of EndMT in adult CVDs. Here, we review this emerging but exciting field, and propose a framework for its systematic advancement at the molecular and translational levels.
We present entropy-limited hydrodynamics (ELH): a new approach for the computation of numerical fluxes arising in the discretization of hyperbolic equations in conservation form. ELH is based on the hybridisation of an unfiltered high-order scheme with the first-order Lax-Friedrichs method. The activation of the low-order part of the scheme is driven by a measure of the locally generated entropy inspired by the artificial-viscosity method proposed by Guermond et al. (J. Comput. Phys. 230(11):4248-4267, 2011, doi:10.1016/j.jcp.2010.11.043). Here, we present ELH in the context of high-order finite-differencing methods and of the equations of general-relativistic hydrodynamics. We study the performance of ELH in a series of classical astrophysical tests in general relativity involving isolated, rotating and nonrotating neutron stars, and including a case of gravitational collapse to black hole. We present a detailed comparison of ELH with the fifth-order monotonicity preserving method MP5 (Suresh and Huynh in J. Comput. Phys. 136(1):83-99, 1997, doi:10.1006/jcph.1997.5745), one of the most common high-order schemes currently employed in numerical-relativity simulations. We find that ELH achieves comparable and, in many of the cases studied here, better accuracy than more traditional methods at a fraction of the computational cost (up to ∼50% speedup). Given its accuracy and its simplicity of implementation, ELH is a promising framework for the development of new special- and general-relativistic hydrodynamics codes well adapted for massively parallel supercomputers.
Sepsis is characterized by dysregulated gene expression, provoking a hyper-inflammatory response occurring in parallel to a hypo-inflammatory reaction. This is often associated with multi-organ failure, leading to the patient’s death. Therefore, reprogramming of these pro- and anti-inflammatory, as well as immune-response genes which are involved in acute systemic inflammation, is a therapy approach to prevent organ failure and to improve sepsis outcomes. Considering epigenetic, i.e., reversible, modifications of chromatin, not altering the DNA sequence as one tool to adapt the expression profile, inhibition of factors mediating these changes is important. Acetylation of histones by histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and initiating an open-chromatin structure leading to its active transcription is counteracted by histone deacetylases (HDACs). Histone deacetylation triggers a compact nucleosome structure preventing active transcription. Hence, inhibiting the activity of HDACs by specific inhibitors can be used to restore the expression profile of the cells. It can be assumed that HDAC inhibitors will reduce the expression of pro-, as well as anti-inflammatory mediators, which blocks sepsis progression. However, decreased cytokine expression might also be unfavorable, because it can be associated with decreased bacterial clearance.
We present a 360∘ (i.e., 4π steradian) general-relativistic ray-tracing and radiative transfer calculations of accreting supermassive black holes. We perform state-of-the-art three-dimensional general-relativistic magnetohydrodynamical simulations using the BHAC code, subsequently post-processing this data with the radiative transfer code RAPTOR. All relativistic and general-relativistic effects, such as Doppler boosting and gravitational redshift, as well as geometrical effects due to the local gravitational field and the observer’s changing position and state of motion, are therefore calculated self-consistently. Synthetic images at four astronomically-relevant observing frequencies are generated from the perspective of an observer with a full 360∘ view inside the accretion flow, who is advected with the flow as it evolves. As an example we calculated images based on recent best-fit models of observations of Sagittarius A*. These images are combined to generate a complete 360∘ Virtual Reality movie of the surrounding environment of the black hole and its event horizon. Our approach also enables the calculation of the local luminosity received at a given fluid element in the accretion flow, providing important applications in, e.g., radiation feedback calculations onto black hole accretion flows. In addition to scientific applications, the 360∘ Virtual Reality movies we present also represent a new medium through which to interactively communicate black hole physics to a wider audience, serving as a powerful educational tool.
The attention control video has been frequently applied to test the ego depletion effect. However, its validity has never been tested, a shortcoming we address in this preregistered study. In the first task, self-control strength was temporarily depleted in the depletion condition (n = 56) but remained intact in the control condition (n = 56). The attention control video served as the secondary task, and we assumed that the depletion condition would perform significantly worse compared to the control condition. Attention regulation was measured with an eye-tracking device. The results revealed that the gaze behavior in the two conditions differed statistically significantly; however, the actual difference was small, indicating that the attention control video may not be an optimal measure of self-control.
Colonia Actia Nicopolis : Überlegungen anläßlich der Neuedition von CIL III 7334 in CIPh I 1, 78
(2018)
Der marmorne Inschriftenstein des Decimus Furius Octavius ist (CIL III 7334 = ILS 2080) seit langem bekannt. Bei der editio princeps von 1888 handelt es sich um einen Rekonstruktionsversuch P.-F. Foucarts anhand einer fehlerhaften Abschrift des Textes durch A. Kontoleon, der die Inschrift εν ταις υπωρείαις του Παγγαίου όρους, παρά την Ηδωνίδα της Μακεδονίας (am Fuß des Pangaion-Gebirges, beim makedonischen Idonia) gefunden hat. R. Cagnat hat im Jahr darauf einige Verbesserungen vorgeschlagen. M. Dimitsas hat den Text Foucarts und größtenteils auch dessen Kommentare in sein Corpus der makedonischen Inschriften übernommen. Im CIL von 1902 hat Th. Mommsen, weiterhin ohne Autopsie oder Abklatsch, einige weitere Konjekturen vorgenommen. Die Inschrift wird hier Serres zugewiesen, ein Fehler, der sich in fast allen folgenden wissenschaftlichen Beiträgen zur Inschrift wiederfindet. Ebenso wird im CIL suggeriert, der Text könne nach Z. 16, die in allen bisherigen Publikationen die letzte war, nach unten beliebig erweitert werden. Tatsächlich ist lediglich noch für eine Zeile Platz vorhanden, bevor der etwas erhabene Rand des Inschriftenfeldes und das untere Abschlußprofil anschließen, die auch nach dem Verlust der linken unteren Ecke weiterhin zu sehen waren. A. Salač hatte den Stein im Jahr 1921 noch in situ gesehen, allerdings fehlte zu dieser Zeit schon die linke untere Ecke. Wiederentdeckt wurde er in den späten 1960er Jahren von Ch. Koukouli. ...
È noto che i Poliorketika di Enea Tattico costituiscono un affresco straordinario sulla vita di una piccola comunità greca della metà del IV sec. a.C. sotto la minaccia di un assedio. Gran parte degli sforzi dell’autore è rivolta ad istruire i cittadini su come prepararsi a sostenere un blocco imposto dal nemico: tramite un’attenta regolamentazione delle attività quotidiane si mira a mantenere unita la comunità, nella convinzione che i pericoli maggiori possano giungere dall’interno. Soltanto nei paragrafi conclusivi di ciò che rimane dei Poliorketika (i quali, si ricordi, sono mutili del finale), e precisamente a partire dal capitolo 32, si inaugura "l’unica sezione unitaria sicuramente individuabile", come riconosciuto dalla critica, dedicata stavolta alle contromisure da adottare in previsione di attacchi portati direttamente contro le mura con l’ausilio di mezzi d’assalto, scale e operazioni di scavo. ...
In der elektronischen Datenbank UBI ERAT LUPA findet sich ein bisher noch nicht wissenschaftlich publizierter Weihestein aus Bad Wimpfen am Neckar (Landkreis Heilbronn), welcher bereits im Jahre 1984 entdeckt wurde.1 Der in zwei Teile zerbrochene, aber vollständige Altar aus Sandstein (Höhe 54 cm – Breite 26 cm – Tiefe 20 cm) stammt aus einem Brunnen "nahe des Kulthauses des vicus". ...
Im inschriftlichen Gesamtbefund der Provinz Germania superior war die Nennung eines cornicen auf einer Grabinschrift bislang nicht bekannt. Dieses Bild muß nunmehr aufgrund der Identifizierung einer bereits seit längerem bekannten, stark beschädigten Sandsteininschrift aus disparater Befundlage revidiert werden. ...
Aus dem zu Wiesbaden gehörenden Mainz-Kastel/Castellum Mattiacorum stammt eine im Jahre 1849 entdeckte fragmentarische Grabinschrift, deren Lesung bis heute nicht sicher scheint, da sich in der Literatur und den elektronischen Datenbanken unterschiedliche Lesevarianten finden. Der Grabstein, eine Stele aus Sandstein mit achtzeiliger Inschrift (Höhe 188 cm – Breite 80 cm – Tiefe 26 cm), fand sich in der sogenannten Froschkaute "rechts vor dem Wiesbadener Thor". ...
Während sich die einschlägige Forschung in verdienstvoller Detailarbeit bemüht, aus antiken Quellen die Feinheiten von Helden- oder Heldinnenerzählungen herauszuarbeiten, scheint der Antikfilm das Potential zum "Spielverderber" zu besitzen. Bei Titeln wie Coriolano, eroe senza patria wirkt die Aufgabe erledigt, bevor auch nur die ersten Bilder angelaufen sind. Die einschlägigen Produktionen sind so stark über ihre Helden definiert, dass sie umgangssprachlich mit Bezeichnungen wie "Muskelmänner-Filme" belegt werden. Trotz (oder gerade wegen) der Masse an starken Figuren wie Hercules, Goliath, Maciste, Samson und Spartacus sind es die "unwahrscheinlichen" Heldinnen, deren Analyse sich als besonders aufschlussreich erweist. Kaum irgendwo wird diese Kontrastwirkung deutlicher als bei den jugendlichen Detektivinnen des Antikfilms.
Für das Verständnis der Sonderrolle bedarf es einer kurzen Zusammenfassung des medialen Kontextes. Die jugendlichen Detektivinnen selbst werden in zwei Fallstudien vorgestellt, mit denen zugleich unterschiedliche Endpunkte in einer Entwicklung von "Heldinnen der Geschichte" sichtbar werden. Der vierte und letzte Teil kehrt zu den medialen Traditionen und den etablierten Geschlechterrollen zurück und versucht das Phänomen als nur vermeintliches Paradoxon zu erklären: ein Gegensatz, der sich durch das Fehlen eines Widerparts erklärt. Der Auftakt gehört jedoch einer Geschichte voller männlicher Heldenfiguren. ...
Der Befehl des Kaisers Caligula an seine an der Nordseeküste versammelte Truppe, Muscheln zu sammeln statt zur erwarteten oder auch befürchteten Expedition nach Britannien aufzubrechen, scheint sich aufs Beste einzufügen in die zahlreichen Eskapaden, Willkürmaßnahmen und unkontrollierten Verhaltensweisen des im Frühjahr 37 n. Chr. mit kaum 25 Jahren als Nachfolger des Tiberius zur Herrschaft gelangten Kaisers.1 Die Nachricht findet sich zuerst bei dem nie um eine sensationelle Mitteilung aus dem Leben römischer Kaiser verlegenen Sueton in seiner im früheren 2. Jh. n. Chr. verfassten Biographie des C. Caesar Germanicus (Suet., Cal. 46), allenthalben bekannt als Gaius oder eben Caligula ("Soldatenstiefelchen"). Diesen Spitznamen hatten die Rheinlegionen für den als Kleinkind im Heer des Germanicus mitziehenden Sohn des Befehlshabers erdacht. ...
Introduction: The global spread of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO) complicates treatment and isolation measures in hospitals and has shown to increase mortality. Patients with disease- or therapy-related immunodeficiency are especially at risk for fatal infections caused by MDRO. The impact of MDRO colonization on the clinical course of AML patients undergoing intensive induction chemotherapy—a potentially curative but highly toxic treatment option—has not been systematically studied.
Materials & methods: 312 AML patients undergoing intensive induction chemotherapy between 2007 and 2015 were examined for MDRO colonization. Patients with evidence for MDRO before or during the hospital stay of induction chemotherapy were defined as colonized, patients who never had a positive swab for MDRO were defined as noncolonized.
Results: Of 312 AML patients 90 were colonized and 130 were noncolonized. Colonized patients suffered from significantly more days with fever, spent more days on the intensive care unit and had a higher median C-reactive protein value during the hospital stay. These findings did not result in a prolonged length of hospital stay or an increased mortality rate for colonized patients. However, in a subgroup analysis, patients colonized with carbapenem-resistant enterobacteriaceae (CRE) had a significantly reduced 60- and 90-day, as well as 1- and 2-year survival rates when compared to noncolonized patients.
Conclusion: Our analysis highlights the importance of intensive MDRO screening especially in patients with febrile neutropenia since persisting fever can be a sign of MDRO-colonization. CRE-colonized patients require special surveillance, since they seem to be at risk for death.
In diesem Artikel wird am Beispiel des Fremdsprachenlernens der wissenschaftlich noch wenig bearbeitete Zusammenhang zwischen Identität und Lernen thematisiert. Annahme ist, dass trotz des bildungspolitischen Appells zum Lebenslangen Lernen das Lernen im Lebenslauf nicht kontinuierlich, sondern diskontinuierlich ist. Es wird die Frage gestellt, wie die Lernenden mit diesen Diskontinuitäten umgehen. Die Wahrnehmung, Beschreibung und Ordnung dieser Diskontinuitäten ist – so die These des Beitrags – abhängig vom Selbstbild als Lerner bzw. von dessen Identität. Drei Formen werden empirisch herausgearbeitet: die Identität als heroische(r) Lerner(in), die Identität als selbstverständliche(r) Lerner(in) und die Identität als potenzielle(r) Lerner(in). In allen drei Formen, die keineswegs ausschließend sind, sondern sich individuell im Lebenslauf abwechseln können und zugleich zeitbezogen unterschiedliche Verbindungen eingehen können, wird Kontinuität als lebenslanger Lerner her- bzw. dargestellt; und dies auch dann, wenn das Lernen diskontinuierlich verläuft.
The inhalation of particulate matter (PM) in second-hand smoke (SHS) is hazardous to health of smokers and non-smokers. Tobacco strength (amount of tar, nicotine, and carbon monoxide) and different additives might have an effect on the amount of PM. This study aimed to investigate the influence of tobacco strength or additives on PM. Four cigarette types of the brand Marlboro with different strengths and with or without additives were analyzed in comparison to the 3R4F reference cigarette. SHS was generated by an automatic environmental tobacco smoke emitter (AETSE) in an enclosed space with a volume of 2.88 m³. PM concentrations (PM10, PM2.5, PM1) were measured with a laser aerosol spectrometer followed by statistical analysis. The two strongest Marlboro brands (Red and Red without additives) showed the highest PM concentrations of all tested cigarettes. The measured mean concentrations Cmean of PM10 increased up to 1458 µg/m³ for the Marlboro Red without additives (PM2.5: 1452 µg/m³, PM1: 1263 µg/m³). The similarly strong Marlboro Red showed very similar PM values. The second strongest type Marlboro Gold showed 36% (PM10, PM2.5) and 32% (PM1) lower values, respectively. The “lightest” type Marlboro Silver Blue showed 54% (PM10, PM2.5) or 50% (PM1) lower PM values. The results indicate that the lower the tar, nicotine, and carbon monoxide amounts, as well as the longer the cigarette filter, the lower are the PM levels. An influence of additives could not be determined.
Tumor cells frequently overexpress heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) and present it on their cell surface, where it can be recognized by pre‐activated NK cells. In our retrospective study the expression of Hsp70 was determined in relation to tumor‐infiltrating CD56+ NK cells in formalin‐fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tumor specimens of patients with SCCHN (N = 145) as potential indicators for survival and disease recurrence. All patients received radical surgery and postoperative cisplatin‐based radiochemotherapy (RCT). In general, Hsp70 expression was stronger, but with variable intensities, in tumor compared to normal tissues. Patients with high Hsp70 expressing tumors (scores 3–4) showed significantly decreased overall survival (OS; p = 0.008), local progression‐free survival (LPFS; p = 0.034) and distant metastases‐free survival (DMFS; p = 0.044), compared to those with low Hsp70 expression (scores 0–2), which remained significant after adjustment for relevant prognostic variables. The adverse prognostic value of a high Hsp70 expression for OS was also observed in patient cohorts with p16‐ (p = 0.001), p53‐ (p = 0.0003) and HPV16 DNA‐negative (p = 0.001) tumors. The absence or low numbers of tumor‐infiltrating CD56+ NK cells also correlated with significantly decreased OS (p = 0.0001), LPFS (p = 0.0009) and DMFS (p = 0.0001). A high Hsp70 expression and low numbers of tumor‐infiltrating NK cells have the highest negative predictive value (p = 0.00004). In summary, a strong Hsp70 expression and low numbers of tumor‐infiltrating NK cells correlate with unfavorable outcome following surgery and RCT in patients with SCCHN, and thus serve as negative prognostic markers.
Objectives: Reconstruction of long segmental bone defects is demanding for patients and surgeons, and associated with long-term treatment periods and substantial complication rates in addition to high costs. While defects up to 4–5 cm length might be filled up with autologous bone graft, heterologous bone from cadavers, or artificial bone graft substitutes, current options to reconstruct bone defects greater than 5 cm consist of either vascularized free bone transfers, the Masquelet technique or the Ilizarov distraction osteogenesis. Alternatively, autologous cell transplantation is an encouraging treatment option for large bone defects as it eliminates problems such as limited autologous bone availability, allogenic bone immunogenicity, and donor-site morbidity, and might be used for stabilizing loose alloplastic implants.
Methods: The authors show different cell therapies without expansion in culture, with ex vivo expansion and cell therapy in local bone defects, bone healing and osteonecrosis. Different kinds of cells and scaffolds investigated in our group as well as in vivo transfer studies and BMC used in clinical phase I and IIa clinical trials of our group are shown.
Results: Our research history demonstrated the great potential of various stem cell species to support bone defect healing. It was clearly shown that the combination of different cell types is superior to approaches using single cell types. We further demonstrate that it is feasible to translate preclinically developed protocols from in vitro to in vivo experiments and follow positive convincing results into a clinical setting to use autologous stem cells to support bone healing.
Several peptides in clinical use are derived from non-ribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPS). In these systems multiple NRPS subunits interact with each other in a specific linear order mediated by specific docking domains (DDs), whose structures are not known yet, to synthesize well-defined peptide products. In contrast to classical NRPSs, single-module NRPS subunits responsible for the generation of rhabdopeptide/xenortide-like peptides (RXPs) can act in different order depending on subunit stoichiometry thereby producing peptide libraries. To define the basis for their unusual interaction patterns, we determine the structures of all N-terminal DDs (NDDs) as well as of an NDD-CDD complex and characterize all putative DD interactions thermodynamically for such a system. Key amino acid residues for DD interactions are identified that upon their exchange change the DD affinity and result in predictable changes in peptide production. Recognition rules for DD interactions are identified that also operate in other megasynthase complexes.
Ongoing brain activity has been implicated in the modulation of cortical excitability. The combination of electroencephalography (EEG) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in a real-time triggered setup is a novel method for testing hypotheses about the relationship between spontaneous neuronal oscillations, cortical excitability, and synaptic plasticity. For this method, a reliable real-time extraction of the neuronal signal of interest from scalp EEG with high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is of crucial importance. Here we compare individually tailored spatial filters as computed by spatial-spectral decomposition (SSD), which maximizes SNR in a frequency band of interest, against established local C3-centered Laplacian filters for the extraction of the sensorimotor μ-rhythm. Single-pulse TMS over the left primary motor cortex was synchronized with the surface positive or negative peak of the respective extracted signal, and motor evoked potentials (MEP) were recorded with electromyography (EMG) of a contralateral hand muscle. Both extraction methods led to a comparable degree of MEP amplitude modulation by phase of the sensorimotor μ-rhythm at the time of stimulation. This could be relevant for targeting other brain regions with no working benchmark such as the local C3-centered Laplacian filter, as sufficient SNR is an important prerequisite for reliable real-time single-trial detection of EEG features.
In transferring the concept of flow to the context of fiction reading a new approach to understanding the evolvement of reading pleasure is provided. This study presents the Reading Flow Short Scale (RFSS), the first reading-specific flow measurement tool. The RFSS was applied to 229 readers via online survey after 20 min of reading in self-selected novels. In a systematic analysis of psychometric properties, the RFSS’ factorial structure, reliability, and associations with theoretically related constructs were examined. As expected, the RFSS showed a two-factor structure, positive correlations with variables related to reading pleasure and flow, and an inverted U-shaped association with perceived fit between reader skills and text challenge. Comparisons of confirmatory factor analysis model confirmed that RFSS items loaded on different latent variables than items assessing other narrative engagement concepts, namely presence, identification, suspense, and cognitive mastery, and hence distinctly capture flow states in fiction reading. In sum, our findings indicate that the RFSS is a useful instrument for assessing flow states in fiction reading, thereby enriching the portfolio of measurement instruments in reading research.
During erythropoiesis, haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) differentiate in successive steps of commitment and specification to mature erythrocytes. This differentiation process is controlled by transcription factors that establish stage- and cell type-specific gene expression. In this study, we demonstrate that FUSE binding protein 1 (FUBP1), a transcriptional regulator important for HSC self-renewal and survival, is regulated by T-cell acute lymphocytic leukaemia 1 (TAL1) in erythroid progenitor cells. TAL1 directly activates the FUBP1 promoter, leading to increased FUBP1 expression during erythroid differentiation. The binding of TAL1 to the FUBP1 promoter is highly dependent on an intact GATA sequence in a combined E-box/GATA motif. We found that FUBP1 expression is required for efficient erythropoiesis, as FUBP1-deficient progenitor cells were limited in their potential of erythroid differentiation. Thus, the finding of an interconnection between GATA1/TAL1 and FUBP1 reveals a molecular mechanism that is part of the switch from progenitor- to erythrocyte-specific gene expression. In summary, we identified a TAL1/FUBP1 transcriptional relationship, whose physiological function in haematopoiesis is connected to proper erythropoiesis.
The deer ked (Lipoptena cervi) is distributed in Europe, North America, and Siberia and mainly infests cervids as roe deer, fallow deer, and moose. From a one health perspective, deer keds occasionally bite other animals or humans and are a potential vector for Bartonella schoenbuchensis. This bacterium belongs to a lineage of ruminant-associated Bartonella spp. and is suspected to cause dermatitis and febrile diseases in humans. In this study, we analyzed the microbiome from 130 deer keds collected from roe deer, fallow deer and humans in the federal states of Hesse, Baden-Wuerttemberg, and Brandenburg, Germany. Endosymbiontic Arsenophonus spp. and Bartonella spp. represented the biggest portion (~90%) of the microbiome. Most Bartonella spp. (n = 93) were confirmed to represent B. schoenbuchensis. In deer keds collected from humans, no Bartonella spp. were detected. Furthermore, Acinetobacter spp. were present in four samples, one of those was confirmed to represent A. baumannii. These data suggest that deer keds harbor only a very narrow spectrum of bacteria which are potentially pathogenic for animals of humans.
Climatic seasonality drives ecosystem processes (e.g. productivity) and influences plant species distribution. However, it is poorly understood how different aspects of seasonality (especially regarding temperature and precipitation) affect growth continuity of trees in climates with low seasonality because seasonality is often only crudely measured. On islands, exceptionally wide elevational species distribution ranges allow the use of tree rings to identify how growth continuity and climate–growth relationships change with elevation. Here, we present a novel dendroecological method to measure stem growth continuity based on annual density fluctuations (ADFs) in tree rings of Pinus canariensis to indicate low climatic seasonality. The species ranges from 300 to >2000 m a.s.l. on the trade wind-influenced island of La Palma (Canary Islands), where we measured three decades of tree-ring data of 100 individuals distributed over 10 sites along the entire elevational range. The successfully implemented ADF approach revealed a major shift of stem growth continuity across the elevational gradient. In a remarkably clear pattern, stem growth continuity (percentage of ADFs) showed a hump-shaped relationship with elevation reaching a maximum at around 1000 m a.s.l. Low- to mid-elevation tree growth was positively correlated with the Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI; indicating aridity) and sea surface temperature (indicating trade wind-influenced moderation of water supply), while high-elevation tree growth was positively correlated with winter temperature (indicating a cold-induced dormancy period). We conclude that ADFs are a useful method to measure stem growth continuity in low-seasonality climates. Growth of P. canariensis on the Canary Islands is more frequently interrupted by winter cold at high elevations and by summer drought at low elevations than in the trade wind-influenced mid elevations, where growth sometimes continues throughout the year. Climate change-associated alterations in trade wind cloud formation might cause non-analogue growth limitations for many unique island species.
Neoepitope-specific T-cell responses have been shown to induce durable clinical responses in patients with advanced cancers. We explored the recognition patterns of tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes (TILs) from patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most fatal form of tumors of the central nervous system. Whole-genome sequencing was used for generating DNA sequences representing the entire spectrum of ‘private’ somatic mutations in GBM tumors from five patients, followed by 15-mer peptide prediction and subsequent peptide synthesis. For each mutated peptide sequence, the wildtype sequence was also synthesized and individually co-cultured with autologous GBM TILs, which had been expanded in vitro with a combination of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-15 and IL-21. After seven days of culture, interferon gamma (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and/or IL-17A production was measured by ELISA in culture supernatants, and used as an epitope-specific immune response readout. Mutated peptides that induced a strong cytokine response were considered to contain legitimate neoepitopes. TILs from 5/5 patients with GBM exhibited specific immune reactivity profiles to the nominal target peptides, defined by IFN-γ and/or TNF-α production, as well as IL-17A. Neoepitopes, defined by mutated peptides inducing IFN-γ and/or TNF-α production without or only minimal reactivity to the wildtype sequences, were found for each individual patient. CD8+ TILs dominated the patients’ responses to private neoepitopes. The present study shows that neoepitope-specific TIL reactivity constitutes an important arm of anti-tumor immune responses in patients with GBM, and thus a powerful tool for developing next-generation personalized immunotherapies.
Carotid artery intima media thickness (cIMT) and carotid plaque are measures of subclinical atherosclerosis associated with ischemic stroke and coronary heart disease (CHD). Here, we undertake meta-analyses of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in 71,128 individuals for cIMT, and 48,434 individuals for carotid plaque traits. We identify eight novel susceptibility loci for cIMT, one independent association at the previously-identified PINX1 locus, and one novel locus for carotid plaque. Colocalization analysis with nearby vascular expression quantitative loci (cis-eQTLs) derived from arterial wall and metabolic tissues obtained from patients with CHD identifies candidate genes at two potentially additional loci, ADAMTS9 and LOXL4. LD score regression reveals significant genetic correlations between cIMT and plaque traits, and both cIMT and plaque with CHD, any stroke subtype and ischemic stroke. Our study provides insights into genes and tissue-specific regulatory mechanisms linking atherosclerosis both to its functional genomic origins and its clinical consequences in humans.
Species’ functional traits set the blueprint for pair-wise interactions in ecological networks. Yet, it is unknown to what extent the functional diversity of plant and animal communities controls network assembly along environmental gradients in real-world ecosystems. Here we address this question with a unique dataset of mutualistic bird–fruit, bird–flower and insect–flower interaction networks and associated functional traits of 200 plant and 282 animal species sampled along broad climate and land-use gradients on Mt. Kilimanjaro. We show that plant functional diversity is mainly limited by precipitation, while animal functional diversity is primarily limited by temperature. Furthermore, shifts in plant and animal functional diversity along the elevational gradient control the niche breadth and partitioning of the respective other trophic level. These findings reveal that climatic constraints on the functional diversity of either plants or animals determine the relative importance of bottom-up and top-down control in plant–animal interaction networks.
There is a need for diagnostic biomarkers of epilepsy and status epilepticus to support clinical examination, electroencephalography and neuroimaging. Extracellular microRNAs may be potentially ideal biomarkers since some are expressed uniquely within specific brain regions and cell types. Cerebrospinal fluid offers a source of microRNA biomarkers with the advantage of being in close contact with the target tissue and sites of pathology. Here we profiled microRNA levels in cerebrospinal fluid from patients with temporal lobe epilepsy or status epilepticus, and compared findings to matched controls. Differential expression of 20 microRNAs was detected between patient groups and controls. A validation phase included an expanded cohort and samples from patients with other neurological diseases. This identified lower levels of miR-19b in temporal lobe epilepsy compared to controls, status epilepticus and other neurological diseases. Levels of miR-451a were higher in status epilepticus compared to other groups whereas miR-21-5p differed in status epilepticus compared to temporal lobe epilepsy but not to other neurological diseases. Targets of these microRNAs include proteins regulating neuronal death, tissue remodelling, gliosis and inflammation. The present study indicates cerebrospinal fluid contains microRNAs that can support differential diagnosis of temporal lobe epilepsy and status epilepticus from other neurological and non-neurological diseases.
F1Fo‐ATP synthase is one of the best studied macromolecular machines in nature. It can be inhibited by a range of small molecules, which include the polyphenols, resveratrol and piceatannol. Here, we introduce Photoswitchable Inhibitors of ATP Synthase, termed PIAS, which were synthetically derived from these polyphenols. They can be used to reversibly control the enzymatic activity of purified yeast Yarrowia lipolyticaATP synthase by light. Our experiments indicate that the PIAS bind to the same site in the ATP synthase F1 complex as the polyphenols in their trans form, but they do not bind in their cis form. The PIAS could be useful tools for the optical precision control of ATP synthase in a variety of biochemical and biotechnological applications.
Improved risk stratification in prevention by use of a panel of selected circulating microRNAs
(2017)
Risk stratification is crucial in prevention. Circulating microRNAs have been proposed as biomarkers in cardiovascular disease. Here a miR panel consisting of miRs related to different cardiovascular pathophysiologies, was evaluated to predict outcome in the context of prevention. MiR-34a, miR-223, miR-378, miR-499 and miR-133 were determined from peripheral blood by qPCR and combined to a risk panel. As derivation cohort, 178 individuals of the DETECT study, and as validation cohort, 129 individuals of the SHIP study were used in a case-control approach. Overall mortality and cardiovascular events were outcome measures. The Framingham Risk Score(FRS) and the SCORE system were applied as risk classification systems. The identified miR panel was significantly associated with mortality given by a hazard ratio(HR) of 3.0 (95% (CI): 1.09–8.43; p = 0.034) and of 2.9 (95% CI: 1.32–6.33; p = 0.008) after adjusting for the FRS in the derivation cohort. In a validation cohort the miR-panel had a HR of 1.31 (95% CI: 1.03–1.66; p = 0.03) and of 1.29 (95% CI: 1.02–1.64; p = 0.03) in a FRS/SCORE adjusted-model. A FRS/SCORE risk model was significantly improved to predict mortality by the miR panel with continuous net reclassification index of 0.42/0.49 (p = 0.014/0.005). The present miR panel of 5 circulating miRs is able to improve risk stratification in prevention with respect to mortality beyond the FRS or SCORE.
Introduction: Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) are able to enhance angiogenesis and regulate inflammation that is especially important in wound healing under ischemic conditions. Thus, we evaluated the effect of local EET application on ischemic wounds in mice.
Methods: Ischemia was induced by cautherization of two of the three supplying vessels to the mouse ear. Wounding was performed on the ear three days later. Wounds were treated either with 11,12 or 14,15 EET and compared to untreated control and normal wounds. Epithelialization was measured every second day. VEGF, TNF-α, TGF-β, matrix metalloproteinases (MMP), tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP), Ki67, and SDF-1α were evaluated immunohistochemically in wounds on day 3, 6, and 9.
Results: Ischemia delayed wound closure (12.8 days ± 1.9 standard deviation (SD) for ischemia and 8.0 days ± 0.94 SD for control). 11,12 and14,15 EET application ameliorated deteriorated wound healing on ischemic ears (7.6 ± 1.3 SD for 11,12 EET and 9.2 ± 1.4 SD for 14,15 EET). Ischemia did not change VEGF, TNF-α, TGF-β, SDF-1α, TIMP, MMP7 or MMP9 level significantly compared to control. Local application of 11,12 as well as 14,15 EET induced a significant elevation of VEGF, TGF-β, and SDF-1α expression as well as proliferation during the whole phase of wound healing compared to control and ischemia alone.
Conclusion: In summary, EET improve impaired wound healing caused by ischemia as they enhance neovascularization and alter inflammatory response in wounds. Thus elevating lipid mediator level as 11,12 and 14,15 EET in wounds might be a successful strategy for amelioration of deranged wound healing under ischemia.
Aim: Patients with advanced systolic chronic heart failure frequently suffer from progressive functional mitral regurgitation. We report our initial experience in patients with an implanted pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) sensor, who developed severe mitral regurgitation, which was treated with the MitraClip system. We non‐invasively compared changes in PAP values in patients after MitraClip with PAP changes in patients without MitraClip.
Methods and results: Among 28 patients with New York Heart Association III heart failure with implanted PAP sensor for haemodynamic telemonitoring from a single centre, four patients (age 66 ± 6 years, left ventricular ejection fraction 21 ± 3%, and cardiac index 1.8 ± 0.3) received a MitraClip procedure and were compared with 24 patients (age 72 ± 8 years, left ventricular ejection fraction 26 ± 9.9%, and cardiac index 2.0 ± 1.0) without MitraClip procedure in a descriptive manner. Ambulatory PAP values were followed for 90 days in both groups. In comparison with the PAP values 4 weeks before MitraClip procedure, PAP was profoundly reduced in all four patients after 30 days (ΔPAPmean −11 ± 5, ΔPAPdiast −7 ± 3 mmHg, P < 0.02) as well as after 90 days (ΔPAPmean −6.3 ± 6, ΔPAPdiast −1 ± 3 mmHg). Reductions in PAP were accompanied by a profound reduction in N terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide as well as clinical and echocardiographic improvement. When analysing the dynamics with a regression model, reductions in all PAP values were significantly greater after MitraClip compared with conservative haemodynamic monitoring (P < 0.001).
Conclusions: The efficacy of the interventional MitraClip procedure on clinical symptoms can be confirmed by haemodynamic telemonitoring. Thus, daily non‐invasive haemodynamic telemonitoring allows, for the first time, for a continuous assessment of the haemodynamic efficacy of novel therapies in patients with chronic heart failure.
Biosynthetic gene content of the "Perfume Lichens" Evernia prunastri and Pseudevernia furfuracea
(2019)
Lichen-forming fungi produce a vast number of unique natural products with a wide variety of biological activities and human uses. Although lichens have remarkable potential in natural product research and industry, the molecular mechanisms underlying the biosynthesis of lichen metabolites are poorly understood. Here we use genome mining and comparative genomics to assess biosynthetic gene clusters and their putative regulators in the genomes of two lichen-forming fungi, which have substantial commercial value in the perfume industry, Evernia prunastri and Pseudevernia furfuracea. We report a total of 80 biosynthetic gene clusters (polyketide synthases (PKS), non-ribosomal peptide synthetases and terpene synthases) in E. prunastri and 51 in P. furfuracea. We present an in-depth comparison of 11 clusters, which show high homology between the two species. A ketosynthase (KS) phylogeny shows that biosynthetic gene clusters from E. prunastri and P. furfuracea are widespread across the Fungi. The phylogeny includes 15 genomes of lichenized fungi and all fungal PKSs with known functions from the MIBiG database. Phylogenetically closely related KS domains predict not only similar PKS architecture but also similar cluster architecture. Our study highlights the untapped biosynthetic richness of lichen-forming fungi, provides new insights into lichen biosynthetic pathways and facilitates heterologous expression of lichen biosynthetic gene clusters.
The current Special Issue is devoted to the broad spectrum of hepatotoxicity with its molecular mechanisms and pathophysiology, presented in eight publications. Scientists were from various countries, including the US, Mexico, the Czech Republic, Germany, Portugal, China, and Japan. Contributions considered various types of experimental and human liver injury, elicited by a number of causal conditions and substances. ...
A small single molecule with multiple photoswitchable subunits, selectively and independently controllable by light of different wavelengths, is highly attractive for applications in multi-responsive materials and biological sciences. Herein, triple photoswitches are presented consisting of three independent azobenzene (AB) subunits that share a common central phenyl ring: the meta-trisazobenzenes (MTA). It is the unique meta-connectivity pattern leading to decoupling of all azo-subunits although they do overlap spatially. Based on this pattern, we design a triple MTA photoswitch, as proof-of-principle, with three different, electronically independent AB branches on the computer, which can be individually photo-excited to trigger ultra-fast E → Z isomerization at the selected AB branch.