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Prognostic value of metabolic tumor volume on [18F]FDG PET/CT in addition to the TNM classification system of locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer
(2024) Brose, Alexander; Miederer, Isabelle; König, Jochem; Gkika, Eleni; Sahlmann, Jörg; Schimek-Jasch, Tanja; Schreckenberger, Mathias; Nestle, Ursula; Kappes, Jutta; Miederer, Matthias
Purpose: Staging of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is commonly based on [18F]FDG PET/CT, in particular to exclude distant metastases and guide local therapy approaches like resection and radiotherapy. Although it is hoped that PET/CT will increase the value of primary staging compared to conventional imaging, it is generally limited to the characterization of TNM. The first aim of this study was to evaluate the PET parameter metabolic tumor volume (MTV) above liver background uptake as a prognostic marker in lung cancer. The second aim was to investigate the possibility of incorporating MTV into the TNM classification system for disease prognosis in locally advanced NSCLC treated with chemoradiotherapy. Methods: Retrospective evaluation of 235 patients with histologically proven, locally advanced NSCLC from the multi-centre randomized clinical PETPLAN trial and a clinical cohort from a hospital registry. The PET parameters SUVmax, SULpeak, MTV and TLG above liver background uptake were determined. Kaplan-Meier curves and stratified Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to investigate the prognostic value of PET parameters and TNM along with clinical variables. Subgroup analyses were performed to compare hazard ratios according to TNM, MTV, and the two variables combined. Results: In the multivariable Cox regression analysis, MTV was associated with significantly worse overall survival independent of stage and other prognostic variables. In locally advanced disease stages treated with chemoradiotherapy, higher MTV was significantly associated with worse survival (median 17 vs. 32 months). Using simple cut-off values (45 ml for stage IIIa, 48 ml for stage IIIb, and 105 ml for stage IIIc), MTV was able to further predict differences in survival for stages IIIa-c. The combination of TNM and MTV staging system showed better discrimination for overall survival in locally advanced disease stages, compared to TNM alone. Conclusion: Higher metabolic tumor volume is significantly associated with worse overall survival and combined with TNM staging, it provides more precise information about the disease prognosis in locally advanced NSCLC treated with chemoradiotherapy compared to TNM alone. As a PET parameter with volumetric information, MTV represents a useful addition to TNM.
Protocol and research program of the European registry and biobank for interstitial lung diseases (eurILDreg)
(2024) Krauss, Ekaterina; Tello, Silke; Naumann, Jennifer; Wobisch, Sandra; Ruppert, Clemens; Kuhn, Stefan; Mahavadi, Poornima; Majeed, Raphael W.; Bonniaud, Philippe; Molina-Molina, Maria; Wells, Athol; Hirani, Nik; Vancheri, Carlo; Walsh, Simon; Griese, Matthias; Crestani, Bruno; Guenther, Andreas; Borie, Raphael; Kannengiesser, Caroline; Poletti, Venerino; Behr, Juergen; Drakopanagiotakis, Fotios; Bastos, Helder; Ravaglia, Claudia; Hurley, Killian; Eils, Roland; Gut, Ivo; Haick, Hossam; Broza, Yoav Y.
Background and Aims: Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs), encompassing both pediatric and adult cases, present a diverse spectrum of chronic conditions with variable prognosis. Despite limited therapeutic options beyond antifibrotic drugs and immunosuppressants, accurate diagnosis is challenging, often necessitating invasive procedures that may not be feasible for certain patients. Drawn against this background, experts across pediatric and adult ILD fields have joined forces in the RARE-ILD initiative to pioneer novel non-invasive diagnostic algorithms and biomarkers. Collaborating with the RARE-ILD consortium, the eurILDreg aims to comprehensively describe different ILDs, analyze genetically defined forms across age groups, create innovative diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers, and employ artificial intelligence for data analysis. Methods: The foundation of eurILDreg is built on a comprehensive parameter list developed and adopted by clinical experts, encompassing over 1,800 distinct parameters related to patient history, clinical examinations, diagnosis, lung function and biospecimen collection. This robust dataset is further enriched with daily assessments captured through the patientMpower app, including handheld spirometry and exercise tests, conducted on approximately 350 patients over the course of a year. This approach involves app-based daily assessments of quality of life, symptom tracking, handheld spirometry, saturation measurement, and the 1-min sit-to-stand test (1-STST). Additionally, pediatric data from the ChILD-EU registry will be integrated into the RARE-ILD Data Warehouse, with the ultimate goal of including a total of 4.000 ILD patients and over 100.000 biospecimen. Discussion: The collaborative efforts within the consortium are poised to streamline research endeavors significantly, promising to advance patient-centered care, foster innovation, and shape the future landscape of interstitial lung disease research and healthcare practices.
Physiological phenotyping of transpiration response to vapour pressure deficit in wheat
(2024) Moritz, Anna; Eckert, Andreas; Vukasovic, Stjepan; Snowdon, Rod; Stahl, Andreas
Background: Precision phenotyping of short-term transpiration response to environmental conditions and transpiration patterns throughout wheat development enables a better understanding of specific trait compositions that lead to improved transpiration efficiency. Transpiration and related traits were evaluated in a set of 79 winter wheat lines using the custom-built “DroughtSpotter XXL” facility. The 120 l plant growth containers implemented in this phenotyping platform enable gravimetric quantification of water use in real-time under semi-controlled, yet field-like conditions across the entire crop life cycle. Results: The resulting high-resolution data enabled identification of significant developmental stage-specific variation for genotype rankings in transpiration efficiency. In addition, for all examined genotypes we identified the genotype-specific breakpoint in transpiration in response to increasing vapour pressure deficit, with breakpoints ranging between 2.75 and 4.1 kPa. Conclusion: Continuous monitoring of transpiration efficiency and diurnal transpiration patterns enables identification of hidden, heritable genotypic variation for transpiration traits relevant for wheat under drought stress. Since the unique experimental setup mimics field-like growth conditions, the results of this study have good transferability to field conditions.
Assessing the potential of nature-based solutions as sustainable land and water management strategies in the high tropical Andean páramo ecosystem
(2024) Fonseca, Kalina; Acero Triana, Juan S.; Ramírez, Miguel; Martínez, William; Ilbay, Mercy; Espitia-Sarmiento, Edgar; Breuer, Lutz
Nature-based solutions (NbS) are gaining attention as viable strategies for restoring water-rich ecosystems such as the páramo. However, the lack of evidence on their effectiveness, coupled with a limited understanding of their political, economic, social, technological, environmental, and legal (PESTEL) context, hinders their widespread adoption. To address this gap, we propose a multi-method framework that (i) captures PESTEL factors influencing the implementation of passive ecological restoration in páramo ecosystems as a measure of NbS and (ii) assesses its associated environmental impacts. Our approach integrates a scoping review with remote sensing techniques, water quality assessment, and correlation analyses. Focusing on the Upper Pita and Upper Cutuchi River Basins-key water sources for Andean communities in Ecuador, we reveal that the deterioration of their páramo ecosystems in the 20th century was mainly due to camelid grazing and pine timber production. In response to these threats, bottom-up management efforts starting in 1999, guided by various PESTEL factors, promoted policies, regulations, social agreements, and financial support for achieving passive ecological restoration between 2010 and 2017 in the Upper Pita River Basin. As a result, the conservation of 73.4% of natural páramo with excellent water quality in 2022. By contrast, top-down management in the Upper Cutuchi River Basin was ineffective because national strategies failed to tackle the local environmental challenges posed by the PESTEL factors. Hence, only 31.6% of the natural páramo remained with poor water quality by 2022. Our study is the first to demonstrate that passive ecological restoration benefits these ecosystems, while its absence results in significant changes that require additional restoration strategies.
Relevance of charged and polar amino acids for functionality of membrane toxin TisB
(2024) Leinberger, Florian H.; Berghoff, Bork A.
Bacterial dormancy is marked by reduced cellular activity and the suspension of growth. It represents a valuable strategy to survive stressful conditions, as exemplified by the long-term tolerance towards antibiotics that is attributable to a fraction of dormant cells, so-called persisters. Here, we investigate the membrane toxin TisB (29 amino acids) from the chromosomal toxin-antitoxin system tisB/istR-1 in Escherichia coli. TisB depolarizes the inner membrane in response to DNA damage, which eventually promotes a stress-tolerant state of dormancy within a small fraction of the population. Using a plasmid-based system for moderate tisB expression and single amino acid substitutions, we dissect the importance of charged and polar amino acids. We observe that the central amino acids lysine 12 and glutamine 19 are of major importance for TisB functionality, which is further validated for lysine 12 in the native context upon treatment with the DNA-damaging antibiotic ciprofloxacin. Finally, we apply a library-based approach to test additional TisB variants in higher throughput, revealing that at least one positive charge at the C-terminus (either lysine 26 or 29) is mandatory for TisB-mediated dormancy. Our study provides insights into the molecular basis for TisB functionality and extends our understanding of bacterial membrane toxins.
Overexpression of Cx43: Is It an Effective Approach for the Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases?
(2025) Boengler, Kerstin; Mantuano, Beatrice; Toledano, Shira; Binah, Ofer; Schulz, Rainer
In the heart, Connexin 43 (Cx43) is involved in intercellular communication through gap junctions and exosomes. In addition, Cx43-formed hemichannels at the plasma membrane are important for ion homeostasis and cellular volume regulation. Through its localization within nuclei and mitochondria, Cx43 influences the function of the respective organelles. Several cardiovascular diseases such as heart failure, ischemia/reperfusion injury, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and arrhythmias are characterized by Cx43 downregulation and a dysregulated Cx43 function. Accordingly, a putative therapeutic approach of these diseases would include the induction of Cx43 expression in the damaged heart, albeit such induction may have both beneficial and detrimental effects. In this review we discuss the consequences of increasing cardiac Cx43 expression, and discuss this manipulation as a strategy for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
Robotic surgery of the urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract single surgeon initial experience, 66 consecutive cases
(2024) Farzat, Mahmoud; Leyh-Bannurah, Sami-Ramzi; Wagenlehner, Florian M.
Purpose: Robotic surgery is increasingly utilized in the treatment of urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract (UTUC). This study investigates the advantages and burden of robot-assisted surgical treatment of the urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract in a referral urological department, along with their functional and oncological results. Methods: The study included 66 prospectively enrolled patients who were surgically treated by a single, robotically specialized surgeon between July 2019 and December 2023. Patients were divided into three groups. Group 1: 50 patients underwent robot-assisted radical Nephroureterectomy (RANU) with bladder cuff excision, Group 2: 11 patients underwent RANU simultaneously with robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC), and Group 3: 5 patients underwent robot-assisted segmental ureterectomy (RASU). Clinical and oncological parameters were compared. Perioperative morbidity according to Clavien-Dindo was the primary endpoint of our study. The secondary endpoint was oncologic outcomes. Results: 37.8% of patients had locally advanced carcinomas. The average console time of RANU with bladder cuff excision was 69 min. The rate of positive surgical margins was n = 1/66 (2%). Lymphadenectomy (LAD) was performed on 30% of patients, with a mean of 13.7 lymph nodes removed. Of those who received LAD, 33% had lymph node metastasis. n = 6/66 (9%) patients received blood transfusion. The overall complication rate was 24%. The readmission rate was 7.5%. With a median follow-up of 26 months, the 2-year recurrence-free survival rate was 84.4%, and the 2-year overall survival rate was 94%. Conclusion: Robotic surgery is a feasible option for treating UTUC that can be adapted to meet the surgical needs of each patient. Prospective studies are warranted to confirm its benefits.
The host genotype actively shapes its microbiome across generations in laboratory mice
(2024) Benga, Laurentiu; Rehm, Anna; Gougoula, Christina; Westhoff, Philipp; Wachtmeister, Thorsten; Benten, W. Peter M.; Engelhardt, Eva; Weber, Andreas P. M.; Köhrer, Karl; Sager, Martin; Janssen, Stefan
Background: The microbiome greatly affects health and wellbeing. Evolutionarily, it is doubtful that a host would rely on chance alone to pass on microbial colonization to its offspring. However, the literature currently offers only limited evidence regarding two alternative hypotheses: active microbial shaping by host genetic factors or transmission of a microbial maternal legacy. Results: To further dissect the influence of host genetics and maternal inheritance, we collected two-cell stage embryos from two representative wild types, C57BL6/J and BALB/c, and transferred a mixture of both genotype embryos into hybrid recipient mice to be inoculated by an identical microbiome at birth. Conclusions: Observing the offspring for six generations unequivocally emphasizes the impact of host genetic factors over maternal legacy in constant environments, akin to murine laboratory experiments. Interestingly, maternal legacy solely controlled the microbiome in the first offspring generation. However, current evidence supporting maternal legacy has not extended beyond this initial generation, resolving the aforementioned debate.
Study protocol TransTAM: Transdiagnostic research into emotional disorders and cognitive-behavioral therapy of the adaptive mind
(2024) Hermann, Andrea; Benke, Christoph; Blecker, Carlo R.; de Haas, Benjamin; He, Yifei; Hofmann, Stefan G.; Iffland, Jona R.; Jengert-Stahl, Johanna; Kircher, Tilo; Leinweber, Katrin; Linka, Marcel; Mulert, Christoph; Neudert, Marie K.; Noll, Ann-Kathrin; Melzig, Christiane A.; Rief, Winfried; Rothkopf, Constantin; Schäfer, Axel; Schmitter, Christina V.; Schuster, Verena; Stark, Rudolf; Straube, Benjamin; Zimmer, Raphaela I.; Kirchner, Lukas
Background: Emotional disorders such as depression and anxiety disorders share substantial similarities in their etiology and treatment. In recent decades, these commonalities have been increasingly recognized in classification systems and treatment programs crossing diagnostic boundaries. Methods: To examine the prospective effects of different transdiagnostic markers on relevant treatment outcomes, we plan to track a minimum of N = 200 patients with emotional disorders during their routine course of cognitive behavioral therapy at two German outpatient clinics. We will collect a wide range of transdiagnostic markers, ranging from basic perceptual processes and self-report measures to complex behavioral and neurobiological indicators, before entering therapy. Symptoms and psychopathological processes will be recorded before entering therapy, between the 20th and 24th therapy session, and at the end of therapy. Discussion: Our results could help to identify transdiagnostic markers with high predictive power, but also provide deeper insights into which patient groups with which symptom clusters are less likely to benefit from therapy, and for what reasons.
Integrating climate risks in bank risk management and capital requirements
(2025) Auzepy, Alix; Bannier, Christina E.
Diese Open-Access-Studie zeigt, wie europäische Banken derzeit Klimarisiken in ihr Risikomanagement integrieren. Als Rahmen für unsere Analyse wählen wir dabei den Baseler-Regulierungsansatz. Unsere Ergebnisse stellen sowohl den Status Quo hinsichtlich des Umgangs mit Klimarisiken im Bank-Risikomanagement dar, sie beschreiben aber vor allem auch die Herausforderungen in der Umsetzung der aktuellen (und geplanten) Regulierungsanforderungen und geben Hinweise auf einen Best Practice Ansatz. Unsere Studie ist somit nicht nur für Experten im Risikomanagement von Finanzinstituten sowie für Vorstand und Aufsichtsrat dieser Unternehmen höchst aktuell und relevant, sondern auch für Aufsichtsbehörden und regulatorische Stellen sowie alle Beratungsdienstleister in diesem Bereich.
The Cambridge Global Handbook of Financial Infrastructure
(2025)
Financial infrastructures are the lifeblood of political economies and are consistently considered critical by governments. They encapsulate socio-technical processes; not merely cables and computer servers, but the relationship of those in finance to these and other physical objects. The Cambridge Global Handbook of Financial Infrastructure consolidates the study of financial infrastructures by bridging political economy, humanities, sociology and science and technology studies. It delves into the core questions of modern finance, from the effect of digitalization on financial functions to the intricate web of global power dynamics. Drawing together interdisciplinary research, it explores the nuances of inclusivity and exclusivity within financial systems, shedding light on historical inequalities and colonial legacies. Including fresh insights, compelling case studies, and conceptual advances, this essential volume offers invaluable perspectives for informing analysis of the past, present, future of finance, and shaping policy debates.
Hein Heckroth - Bühnenbildner, Filmdesigner, Maler. Bausteine einer Werkbiografie
(2025)
Hein Heckroth (1901–1970) war als Bühnenbildner, Kostümentwerfer, Produktionsdesigner, Maler und Zeichner ein bedeutender Akteur im Kunstleben seiner Zeit. Er schuf die Ausstattung für Theaterproduktionen ersten Ranges, zum Beispiel für das von Kurt Jooss choreografierte Tanzdrama Der grüne Tisch (1932). Der legendäre Ballettfilm The Red Shoes (1948) erhielt durch Heckroths Entwürfe sein Gepräge und brachte ihm den Oscar in der Kategorie „Best Art Direction (Color)“ ein. Doch obwohl Heckroth als Szenograf über Jahrzehnte mit vielen Theater- und Filmgrößen aufs Engste zusammenarbeitete und als Maler wiederholt – auch posthum – durch Ausstellungen gewürdigt wurde, ist die Landkarte seiner ruhelosen und wechselvollen Karriere noch voller weißer Flecken. Das Buch trägt dazu bei, Heckroths Werkbiografie weiter und tieferdringend zu erkunden und ihn als einen exemplarischen Akteur der Moderne greifbar zu machen. In den einzelnen Beiträgen geht es deshalb sowohl um die Rekonstruktion biografischer Stationen Heckroths als auch um eine differenzierte Einordnung des Künstlers und seines vielgestaltigen Schaffens in die historischen Kontexte.
Immediate dam-sourced colostrum provision reduces calf mortality - management practices and calf mortality in large dairy herds
(2024) Keller, Steffi; Donat, Karsten; Söllner-Donat, Stefanie; Wehrend, Axel; Klassen, Anne
Background: Farm-specific management practices greatly impact calf mortality rates. This cross-sectional study aimed to analyse the association between calf mortality and management practices in large dairy farms. A total of 93 dairy farms were voluntarily included in the study. All farms reared their own youngstock, and all but one kept more than 100 dairy cows. From March 2017 to March 2018, calf management practices were monitored during a farm visit, and farm managers were surveyed regarding calving procedures, neonate management, and environmental factors. Data were collated and analysed in conjunction with the 2017 calf mortality rate, as determined for each farm by using data from the German database of animal origin and movement (HI-Tier). All variables from the topics of colostrum supply, calf feeding, housing, health related information and calving preparation of the cows that resulted in P ≤ 0.1 in the analysis of variance were assumed to be associated with the calf mortality rate and were considered for a general linear mixed regression model. Results: According to the data from the HI-Tier database of the 93 study herds from 2017, 54,474 calves were born alive and 3,790 calves died within the first six months of life. The calf mortality rate was lower on farms where calves were immediately provided with dam-sourced colostrum. Farm managers perceiving dust as the primary factor precipitating respiratory disease on the farm was positively associated with calf mortality. Regularly replacing bucket teats correlated with lower calf mortality rates compared to replacing them only upon detection of abrasion. Conclusions: The study findings suggest that feeding calves with dam-sourced colostrum can potentially reduce overall calf mortality within the herd. This management practice holds comparable importance to ensuring successful passive transfer through timely and adequate colostrum feeding. Moreover, maintaining a low dust environment for the calves and consistently replacing bucket teats play significant roles in promoting better overall calf health.
Comparative evaluation of the modulatory role of 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D3 on endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced effects in 2D and 3D cultures of the intestinal porcine epithelial cell line IPEC-J2
(2024) Wen, Gaiping; Eder, Klaus; Ringseis, Robert
Background: The use of conventional two-dimensional (2D) culture of the porcine intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) line IPEC-J2 in animal nutrition research has the disadvantage that IEC function is studied under unphysiological conditions, which limits the ability of transferring knowledge to the in vivo-situation. Thus, the aim of the present study was to establish a more convincing and meaningful three-dimensional (3D) culture of IPEC-J2 cells, which allows to study cell function in a more tissue-like environment, and to compare the effect of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress inducer tunicamycin (TM) on ER stress indicators and the expression of tight junction proteins (TJP), inflammatory and apoptosis-related genes and the modulatory role of 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D3 (1,25D3) on these parameters in 2D and 3D cultures of IPEC-J2 cells. Results: A published protocol for 3D culture of Caco-2 cells was successfully adopted to IPEC-J2 cells as evident from fully differentiated 3D IPEC-J2 spheroids showing the characteristic spherical architecture with a single layer of IPEC-J2 cells surrounding a central lumen. Treatment of 2D IPEC-J2 cells and 3D IPEC-J2 spheroids with TM for 24 h markedly increased mRNA and/or protein levels of the ER stress target genes, heat shock protein family A (Hsp70) member 5 (HSPA5) and DNA damage inducible transcript 3 (DDIT3), whereas co-treatment with TM and 1,25D3 did not mitigate TM-induced ER stress in IPEC-J2 cells in the 2D and the 3D cell culture. In contrast, TM-induced expression of pro-inflammatory [interleukin-6 (IL6), IL8] and pro-apoptotic genes [BCL2 associated X, apoptosis regulator (BAX), caspase 3 (CASP3), CASP8] and genes encoding TJP [TJP1, claudin 1 (CLDN1), CLDN3, occludin (OCLN), cadherin 1 (CDH1), junctional adhesion molecule 1 (JAM1)] was reduced by co-treatment with TM and 1,25D3 in 3D IPEC-J2 spheroids but not in the 2D cell culture. Conclusions: The effect of 1,25D3 in the IPEC-J2 cell culture is dependent on the culture model applied. While 1,25D3 does not inhibit TM-induced expression of genes involved in inflammation, apoptosis and TJP in conventional 2D cultures of IPEC-J2 cells, TM-induced expression of these genes is abrogated by 1,25D3 in the more meaningful 3D IPEC-J2 cell culture model.
Conservation of the dehiscence zone gene regulatory network in dicots and the role of the SEEDSTICK ortholog of California poppy (Eschscholzia californica) in fruit development
(2024) Lotz, Dominik; Rössner, Le Han; Ehlers, Katrin; Kong, Doudou; Rössner, Clemens; Rupp, Oliver; Becker, Annette
Background: Fruits, with their diverse shapes, colors, and flavors, represent a fascinating aspect of plant evolution and have played a significant role in human history and nutrition. Understanding the origins and evolutionary pathways of fruits offers valuable insights into plant diversity, ecological relationships, and the development of agricultural systems. Arabidopsis thaliana (Brassicaceae, core eudicot) and Eschscholzia californica (California poppy, Papaveraceae, sister group to core eudicots) both develop dry dehiscent fruits, with two valves separating explosively from the replum-like region upon maturation. This led to the hypothesis, that homologous gene regulatory networks direct fruit development and dehiscence in both species. Results: Transcriptome analysis of separately collected valve and replum-like tissue of California poppy yielded the SEEDSTICK (STK) ortholog as candidate for dehiscence zone regulation. Expression analysis of STK orthologs from dry dehiscing fruits of legumes (Vicia faba, Glycine max and Pisum sativum) shows their involvement in fruit development. Functional analysis using Virus-Induced Gene Silencing (VIGS) showed premature rupture of fruits and clarified the roles of EscaSTK: an evolutionary conserved role in seed filling and seed coat development, and a novel role in restricting cell divisions in the inner cell layer of the valve. Conclusion: Our analysis shows that the gene regulatory network described in Arabidopsis is significantly different in other dicots, even if their fruits form a dehiscence zone at the valve margins. The ortholog of STK, known to be involved in ovule development and seed abscission in Arabidopsis, was recruited to a network regulating fruit wall proliferation in California poppy. There, EscaSTK allows fruit maturation without premature capsule rupture, highlighting the importance of proper endocarp development for successful seed dispersal.
Isolated and multiple causes of equine dystocia
(2024) Ellerbrock, Markus; Krohn, Judith; Büttner, Kathrin; Wehrend, Axel
Background: Dystocia is rare in horses, but is life-threatening for mares and foals. Therefore, veterinary research depends on up-to-date data to optimise equine dystocia management. In addition, knowledge of the prognosis of equine dystocia is necessary to advise animal owners. This retrospective study of equine dystocia aimed to enrich existing datasets with up-to-date information. For the first time, the focus was on the causes of dystocia that occurred alone or in combination. Over a period of 10 years, 72 cases of dystocia were analysed using a standardised, predetermined diagnosis code. Results: Of the 72 cases of dystocia, an isolated cause of dystocia was identified in 37 cases (51.4%) and 35 mares showed a combination of two or more causes (48.6%). Foetal causes were significantly more frequent origin of dystocia (66/69) than maternal causes (3/66) (P < 0.0001). Incorrect posture of the foetal forelimbs and head was the most common combination at 25.7%. The most common isolated cause of dystocia was incorrect posture of the foetal forelimbs (18.9%). A foetotomy was performed in 68% of cases. A caesarean section or an extraction was performed in 13.9% of the cases. Three mares died before any obstetric care was provided. Nine mares (12.5%) were not discharged alive. 73 foals were delivered of which 55 were already dead before veterinary treatment began. In relation to the total number of births in which the foetus was alive at the start of obstetric care, the foetal mortality rate was 61.1% and 88.9% by the time the mare was discharged. Conclusions: It has been demonstrated for the first time that multiple causes of dystocia in horses are almost as common as isolated causes of dystocia. Neonatal mortality remains high, indicating that the timely detection and treatment of dystocia has the highest priority.
Dynamics of the human bile acid metabolome during weight loss
(2024) Schmid, Andreas; Liebisch, Gerhard; Burkhardt, Ralph; Belikan, Hannah; Köhler, Sebastian; Steger, Daniel; Schweitzer, Leonie; Pons-Kühnemann, Jörn; Karrasch, Thomas; Schäffler, Andreas
Bile acids (BA) are supposed to cause metabolic alterations after bariatric surgery (BS). Here we report the longitudinal dynamics of the human BA metabolome by LC–MS/MS after BS versus low calory diet (LCD) in two obesity cohorts over 12 months. Rapid and persistent oscillations of 23 BA subspecies could be identified with highly specific patterns in BS vs. LCD. TCDCA, GLCA, and TLCA represent most promising candidates for drug development.
A global patent dataset of bioeconomy-related inventions
(2024) Kriesch, Lukas; Losacker, Sebastian
Many governments worldwide have proposed transitioning from a fossil-based economy to a bioeconomy to address climate change, resource depletion, and other environmental concerns. The bioeconomy utilizes renewable biological resources across all sectors and is strongly founded on scientific advances and technological progress. Given that the bioeconomy spans multiple sectors, industries, and technological fields, tracking it is challenging, and both policymakers and researchers lack a comprehensive understanding of the bioeconomy transition’s progress. We aim to solve this problem by providing a dataset on patents, a commonly used indicator to study the development of novel knowledge and technological change, that identifies bioeconomy-related inventions. We leverage the advanced semantic understanding embedded in pre-trained transformer models to identify bioeconomy-related patents based on patent abstracts, and we use a topic modelling approach to identify several coherent technological fields within the corpus of bioeconomy patents. The dataset can be linked to other patent databases and therefore provides rich opportunities to study the technological knowledge base of the bioeconomy.
Anogenital distance on MRI does not correlate to surgical diagnosis of endometriosis in patients without prior abdominal surgery
(2024) Harth, Sebastian; Metze, Lena; Leufkens, Daniel; Roller, Fritz C.; Brose, Alexander; Zeppernick, Felix; Meinhold-Heerlein, Ivo; Krombach, Gabriele A.
Anogenital distance (AGD) is regarded as a potential biomarker for endometriosis, and a measurement on MRI images has been found to be promising. This study aimed to evaluate the measurement of AGD on MRI to predict the surgical diagnosis of endometriosis. We included 127 patients who received an MRI for endometriosis between October 2018 and February 2023. AGD was measured on MRI by two readers (MRI-AGD-AC: clitoris to anus; MRI-AGD-AF: posterior fourchette to anus). The feasibility and interobserver reliability of AGD measurements were evaluated. Differences in AGD between patient groups were analyzed. The intraclass correlation coefficient estimates indicated a good to excellent reliability of MRI-AGD-AC (0.92; 95% CI: 0.83–0.95) and a poor to good reliability of MRI-AGD-AF (0.68; 95% CI: 0.27–0.83). No statistically significant differences in the mean MRI-AGD-AC and MRI-AGD-AF in patients with and without surgical diagnosis of DIE (p = 0.413; p = 0.110), peritoneal endometriosis with and without DIE (p = 0.641; p = 0.323), and ovarian endometriosis (p = 0.155; p = 0.150) were found. The AUC ranged from 0.475 (95% CI: 0.365–0.584) to 0.586 (95% CI: 0.454–0.718). Thus, AGD does not constitute a valuable biomarker for patients with clinically suspected endometriosis.
Hyperflexing the horse’s neck: a systematic review and meta-analysis
(2024) König von Borstel, Uta; Kienapfel, Kathrin; McLean, Andrew; Wilkins, Cristina; McGreevy, Paul
The article reports a meta-analysis of 58 peer-reviewed studies investigating on dorsoventral hyperflexion of the neck in horses, a practice under substantial public and scientific scrutiny for the past two decades. The following databases were last searched on 28.05.2023: CAB, Google Scholar, Web of Science, NAL/Agricola, PubMed and ScienceDirect. After evaluating the conclusions of each study, we performed statistical analyses to establish a consensus on welfare and performance (performance marks, kinematics and musculoskeletal) outcomes in horses performing with a hyperflexed head and neck posture (HNP). The analysis revealed that a significant majority of the articles (75% of n = 36; Z = 3.00; P>|Z|=0.0027) expressed concerns about the welfare of horses working in this posture. Parameters such as dressage training level, prior experience, duration, and method of achieving the hyperflexed posture did not influence welfare concern conclusions significantly (P > 0.1). Therefore, it appears that the practice impairs welfare regardless of how it is imposed. A concurrent assessment of the weight of evidence for performance benefits showed inconclusive results: approximately one-quarter of the studies showed benefits and one-quarter detrimental effects, while the largest proportion (44%) showed no significant effect on performance. On balance, it appears that the costs associated with hyperflexed HNPs exceed potential benefits.

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