Search

Cloud-Technologien sind einer der größten Treiber in der Weiterentwicklung von Unternehmens-IT. Die damit verbundene Implementierung von Cloud-First-Strategien wirkt sich direkt auf das Management von IT-Projektportfolios aus. Projekte innerhalb bestehender Portfolios müssen auf ihre strategische Passung untersucht und innerhalb des Projektportfolios angemessen gesteuert werden. Weitere Kriterien, die in diesem Zusammenhang berücksichtigt werden müssen, sind die Dringlichkeit, Wirtschaftlichkeit und der Reifegrad der Projekte sowie Abhängigkeiten zwischen Projekten. Die Bewertung der Projekte anhand dieser Kriterien sollte mit Hilfe einer Nutzwertanalyse erfolgen. Aus ihren Ergebnissen sind Maßnahmen in Hinblick auf die Repriorisierung der Projekte sowie der Projektausrichtung bezüglich des Betriebs von IT-Systemen ableitbar.

O estudo apresenta uma análise de resultados de dissertações e artigos científicos, publicados em Bases de Dados das áreas de ensino de Ciências e Biomedicina no período de 2016 a 2020, acerca de pesquisas relacionadas ao ensino das radiações eletromagnéticas numa abordagem interdisciplinar. Em paralelo à investigação, buscou-se, ainda, trabalhos que discutiram a interação entre a radiação produzida pelos celulares, as estações de rádio base e as abelhas com vistas a compor uma transposição didática interdisciplinar, relacionando conceitos de eletromagnetismo e de Biologia. Trata-se de uma pesquisa de revisão de literatura, de natureza qualitativa e do tipo bibliográfico. Diante do estudo realizado, foi possível identificar que a abordagem da perspectiva interdisciplinar no ensino do Eletromagnetismo vem sendo pouco explorado no processo de ensino-aprendizagem de Física.

A comunicação interna impacta positivamente na satisfação com o trabalho e no comprometimento dos funcionários com a organização. Porém, pouco se discute sobre os benefícios da comunicação interna em organizações hospitalares. Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo analisar como os funcionários de um hospital avaliam as estratégias de comunicação interna e como a comunicação interna impacta no sentimento de orgulho dos funcionários em fazerem parte da organização. Foram realizadas pesquisa descritiva, com 89 colaboradores, observações in loco e análise de documentos internos da organização. Observou-se que o hospital possui poucos canais formais de comunicação interna, um organograma verticalizado e gestão não democrática dos processos decisórios. A avaliação das estratégias de comunicação interna depende do gênero e do nível de escolaridade do funcionário. Demonstrou-se, que os funcionários sentem mais orgulho em pertencer a organização quando ela facilita a comunicação interna e quando as suas manifestações espontâneas são valorizadas pela direção do hospital.

Introdução: O excesso de peso é um fator de risco para o surgimento e agravamento das doenças crônicas não transmissíveis (DCNT) e para o aceleramento do envelhecimento celular, sendo um obstáculo importante para uma trajetória de vida saudável e com maior qualidade. Objetivo: Identificar a presença de DCNT e o estado nutricional em indivíduos adultos da região noroeste do Rio Grande do Sul. Métodos: Estudo transversal realizado à domicílio. Avaliou-se o estado nutricional através do cálculo peso divido pela altura², resultando no índice de massa corporal (IMC) e classificado de acordo com a Organização Mundial da Saúde: 18,5 a 24,9kg/m² para eutrofia, 25 a 29,9kg/m² para sobrepeso e >30kg/m² para obesidade. Através da pergunta “Algum médico ou profissional de saúde já disse que o(a) Sr.(a) tem...”, definiu-se a presença das DCNT de cada indivíduo. Resultados: Foram entrevistados 139 adultos, com idade média de 42,53±12,2 anos, 79,9% do sexo feminino. Dos participantes, 65,5% (n=89) estava com excesso de peso, sendo 28,7% (n=39) com obesidade. Relacionado às DCNT, encontrou-se maior presença para problema crônico na coluna, como dor crônica nas costas ou no pescoço, lombalgia, dor ciática, problemas nas vértebras ou disco (33,09%, n= 46), seguido de hipertensão arterial (32,37 %, n= 45) e hipercolesterolemia (20,14%, n=28). Conclusão: A maioria dos participantes estavam com excesso de peso, podendo este ser um fator importante para o aparecimento e agravamento das doenças crônicas relacionadas com a coluna, pressão e colesterol elevados, como apresentado nos resultados da pesquisa.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors directed against programmed cell death 1 (PDCD1/PD1) receptor and programmed cell death-ligand 1 (CD274/PD-L1) have been recently successfully implemented for the treatment of many cancers, but the response rate of tumour patients is still limited due to intrinsic and acquired resistances. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of this limited response have still to be defined in detail. The aim of this study is to uncover processes inhibiting PDCD1/CD274 expression thereby enhancing anti-tumour immune responses. The identification and characterization of microRNAs (miRNAs) targeting the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) as well as the coding sequence (CDS) of CD274 will provide the basis for a new drug development.Human melanoma cell lines and tissue samples were subjected to mRNA and/or protein expression analysis using qPCR, Western blot, flow cytometry, and/or immunohistochemistry. The data were correlated to clinical parameters. MiRNA trapping by RNA in vitro affinity purification (miTRAP) technology in combination with small RNA sequencing and different bioinformatics tools were employed to identify CD274-regulating miRNAs.Screening based on miTRAP in combination with RNAseq identified a large number of novel CD274-regulating candidate miRNAs, from which eight selected miRNAs were functionally validated. Five out of eight miRNAs were able to significantly reduce CD274 surface expression indicating that these miRNAs directly bind to the 3'-UTR or CDS of the CD274 gene. The miRNA-mediated inhibition of CD274 expression was accompanied by an increased T cell recognition. Furthermore, an inverse expression of three CD274-regulating miRNAs and CD274 was demonstrated in melanoma lesions. A CD274 miRNA score was generated, which was associated with disease progression and reduced survival of melanoma patients.These data revealed a novel mechanism that miRNAs targeting the CDS of immune checkpoint genes are functional, have prognostic relevance, and also the potential for the development of novel miRNA-based therapies.

Plasmodesmata (PD) provide interconnectivity between plant cells to enable the intercellular transport and communication that is requisite to multicellularity. Being at the interface of the apoplast, plasma membrane (PM), endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and symplast, PD are uniquely positioned to integrate exogenously and endogenously derived signals with plant developmental and physiological responses. The distinct membrane curvature and composition of PD allow them to function as microdomains to facilitate dynamic protein-protein interactions. Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) combined with fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) and fluorescence anisotropic decay measurements provides valuable tools to analyze these interactions in vivo and in planta. Here we describe a detailed methodology to perform FRET-FLIM and fluorescence anisotropy measurements to analyze protein-protein interactions at PD in a transient expression system using Nicotiana benthamiana; however this can be adapted to other plant species and subcellular compartments.

Since their first use in the 1930s, shake flasks have been a widely used bioreactor type for screening and process development due to a number of advantages. However, the limited gas-liquid mass transfer capacities—resulting from practical operation limits regarding shaking frequency and filling volumes—are a major drawback. The common way to increase the gas-liquid mass transfer in shake flasks with the implementation of baffles is generally not recommended as it comes along with several severe disadvantages. Thus, a new design principle for shaken bioreactors that aims for improving the gas-liquid mass transfer without losing the positive characteristics of unbaffled shake flasks is introduced. The flasks consist of cylindrical glass vessels with implemented perforated concentric ring walls. The ring walls improve the gas-liquid mass transfer via the formation of additional liquid films on both of its sides, whereas the perforations allow for mixing between the compartments. Sulfite oxidation experiments revealed over 200% higher maximum oxygen transfer capacities (OTRmax) compared to conventional shake flasks. In batch cultivations of Escherichia coli BL21 in mineral media, unlimited growth until glucose depletion and oxygen transfer rates (OTR) of up to 138 mmol/L/h instead of an oxygen limitation at 57 mmol/L/h as in normal shake flasks under comparable conditions could be achieved. Even overflow metabolism could be prevented due to sufficient oxygen supply without the use of unconventional shaking conditions or oxygen enrichment. Therefore, we believe that the new perforated ring flask principle has a high potential to considerably improve biotechnological screening and process development steps.

Organisms need to constantly inform their cellular machinery about the biochemical and physical status of their surroundings to adapt and thrive. While some external signals are also sensed intracellularly, a considerable share of external information is registered already at the plasma membrane (PM). Receptor kinases (RKs) are crucial for plant cells to integrate such cues from the environment, from microbes, or from other cells to coordinate their physiological response and their development. Early studies on RK signaling depicted the path from external signal to internal response in a linear fashion, but recent findings show that these cellular information highways are highly interconnected and pass signals through molecular intersections. In this review, we first discuss how individual RKs simultaneously contribute to the transduction and deconvolution of a multitude of signals by controlled assembly into diverse RK complexes, exemplified by FERONIA signaling versatility. We then elaborate on how cells can exert highly localized control over the assembly, interaction and composition of such complexes in order to attain essential cellular output specificity.

A população carcerária feminina brasileira encontra-se submetida a precárias condições de reclusão que afetam a garantia do direito à alimentação adequada e o respeito à dignidade da pessoa humana. Contudo, pesquisas acerca desse tema ainda são escassas no Brasil. Objetivou-se avaliar atitudes e hábitos alimentares de mulheres privadas de liberdade sobre a perspectiva do direito humano à alimentação adequada, além de investigar as mudanças ocorridas na alimentação ao longo do cárcere e caracterizar o perfil sociodemográfico dessa população. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, no qual coletou-se os dados por meio de entrevista gravada, questionando acerca do consumo e satisfação das entrevistadas sobre a alimentação recebida e as mudanças no padrão alimentar antes e durante o cárcere. Para análise dos dados, utilizou-se o método de análise de conteúdo. Participaram do estudo nove mulheres caracterizando um perfil sociodemográfico jovem, de cor não branca, com baixo nível de escolaridade e renda familiar as quais encontram-se cumprindo pena há menos de quatro anos. Verificou-se o fornecimento de quatro refeições diárias compostas por uma alimentação de baixa qualidade sensorial e nutricional, monótona e com pouca variedade de alimentos e nutrientes, sendo referidas falhas no preparo e cuidados de higiene na produção das refeições, descrevendo a alimentação recebida como inferior àquela mantida anteriormente ao cárcere.

A Paleontologia tem obtido destaque no cenário nacional e internacional nas últimas décadas. O Brasil tornou-se polo importante de pesquisas na área e tem contribuído significativamente para o conhecimento acerca de nosso passado. Entretanto, conteúdos sobre Paleontologia geralmente não são incluídos e trabalhados nas salas de aula brasileira da Educação Básica, por não constarem nos documentos oficiais regulatórios. Este trabalho buscou analisar trabalhos publicados nos últimos dezesseis anos sobre a inclusão da Paleontologia no Ensino Básico do Brasil, além de verificar de que forma os pesquisadores sugerem a inclusão do tema no currículo escolar. Foram analisados vinte trabalhos cujo objetivo era investigar ou sugerir atividades sobre Paleontologia em salas de aulas de diferentes níveis do Ensino Básico. Encontrou-se que existem poucos trabalhos com sugestões de atividades de ensino sobre Paleontologia e que essas foram pensadas, principalmente, para as aulas de Ciências e Biologia, deixando de lado a potencialidade de aplicação em outras disciplinas.

BACKGROUND Increasing use of emergency departments (EDs) by patients with low urgency, combined with limited availability of medical staff, results in extended waiting times and delayed care. Technological approaches could possibly increase efficiency by providing urgency advice and symptom assessments. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety of urgency advice provided by a symptom assessment app, Ada, in an ED. METHODS The study was conducted at the interdisciplinary ED of Marburg University Hospital, with data collection performed between August 2019 and March 2020. This study had a single-center cross-sectional prospective observational design and included 378 patients. The app’s urgency recommendation was compared with an established triage concept (Manchester Triage System [MTS]), including patients from the lower 3 MTS categories only. For all patients who were undertriaged, an expert physician panel assessed the case to detect potential avoidable hazardous situations (AHSs). RESULTS Of 378 participants, 344 (91%) were triaged the same or more conservatively and 34 (8.9%) were undertriaged by the app. Of the 378 patients, 14 (3.7%) had received safe advice determined by the expert panel and 20 (5.3%) were considered to be potential AHS. Therefore, the assessment could be considered safe in 94.7% (358/378) of the patients when compared with the MTS assessment. From the 3 lowest MTS categories, 43.4% (164/378) of patients were not considered as emergency cases by the app, but could have been safely treated by a general practitioner or would not have required a physician consultation at all. CONCLUSIONS The app provided urgency advice after patient self-triage that has a high rate of safety, a rate of undertriage, and a rate of triage with potential to be an AHS, equivalent to telephone triage by health care professionals while still being more conservative than direct ED triage. A large proportion of patients in the ED were not considered as emergency cases, which could possibly relieve ED burden if used at home. Further research should be conducted in the at-home setting to evaluate this hypothesis. CLINICALTRIAL German Clinical Trial Registration DRKS00024909; https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do? navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00024909

Background Increasing use of emergency departments (EDs) by patients with low urgency, combined with limited availability of medical staff, results in extended waiting times and delayed care. Technological approaches could possibly increase efficiency by providing urgency advice and symptom assessments. Objective The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety of urgency advice provided by a symptom assessment app, Ada, in an ED. Methods The study was conducted at the interdisciplinary ED of Marburg University Hospital, with data collection performed between August 2019 and March 2020. This study had a single-center cross-sectional prospective observational design and included 378 patients. The app’s urgency recommendation was compared with an established triage concept (Manchester Triage System [MTS]), including patients from the lower 3 MTS categories only. For all patients who were undertriaged, an expert physician panel assessed the case to detect potential avoidable hazardous situations (AHSs). Results Of 378 participants, 344 (91%) were triaged the same or more conservatively and 34 (8.9%) were undertriaged by the app. Of the 378 patients, 14 (3.7%) had received safe advice determined by the expert panel and 20 (5.3%) were considered to be potential AHS. Therefore, the assessment could be considered safe in 94.7% (358/378) of the patients when compared with the MTS assessment. From the 3 lowest MTS categories, 43.4% (164/378) of patients were not considered as emergency cases by the app, but could have been safely treated by a general practitioner or would not have required a physician consultation at all. Conclusions The app provided urgency advice after patient self-triage that has a high rate of safety, a rate of undertriage, and a rate of triage with potential to be an AHS, equivalent to telephone triage by health care professionals while still being more conservative than direct ED triage. A large proportion of patients in the ED were not considered as emergency cases, which could possibly relieve ED burden if used at home. Further research should be conducted in the at-home setting to evaluate this hypothesis. Trial Registration German Clinical Trial Registration DRKS00024909; https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do? navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00024909

Stem cell homeostasis in plant shoot meristems requires tight coordiantion between stem cell proliferation and cell differentiation. In Arabidopsis, stem cells express the secreted dodecapeptide CLAVATA3 (CLV3), which signals through the leucine-rich repeat (LRR)–receptor kinase CLAVATA1 (CLV1) and related CLV1-family members to downregulate expression of the homeodomain transcription factor WUSCHEL (WUS). WUS protein moves from cells below the stem cell domain to the meristem tip and promotes stem cell identity, together with CLV3 expression, generating a negative feedback loop. How stem cell activity in the meristem centre is coordinated with organ initiation and cell differentiation at the periphery is unknown.We show here that the CLE40 gene, encoding a secreted peptide closely related to CLV3, is expressed in the SAM in differentiating cells in a pattern complementary to that of CLV3. CLE40 promotes WUS expression via BAM1, a CLV1-family receptor, and CLE40 expression is in turn repressed in a WUS-dependent manner. Together, CLE40-BAM1-WUS establish a second negative feedback loop. We propose that stem cell homeostasis is achieved through two intertwined pathways that adjust WUS activity and incorporate information on the size of the stem cell domain, via CLV3-CLV1, and on cell differentiation via CLE40-BAM1.

Stem cell homeostasis in plant shoot meristems requires tight coordination between stem cell proliferation and cell differentiation. In Arabidopsis, stem cells express the secreted dodecapeptide CLAVATA3 (CLV3), which signals through the leucine-rich repeat (LRR)-receptor kinase CLAVATA1 (CLV1) and related CLV1-family members to downregulate expression of the homeodomain transcription factor WUSCHEL (WUS). WUS protein moves from cells below the stem cell domain to the meristem tip and promotes stem cell identity, together with CLV3 expression, generating a negative feedback loop. How stem cell activity in the meristem centre is coordinated with organ initiation and cell differentiation at the periphery is unknown. We show here that the CLE40 gene, encoding a secreted peptide closely related to CLV3, is expressed in the SAM in differentiating cells in a pattern complementary to that of CLV3. CLE40 promotes WUS expression via BAM1, a CLV1-family receptor, and CLE40 expression is in turn repressed in a WUS-dependent manner. Together, CLE40-BAM1-WUS establish a second negative feedback loop. We propose that stem cell homeostasis is achieved through two intertwined pathways that adjust WUS activity and incorporate information on the size of the stem cell domain, via CLV3-CLV1, and on cell differentiation via CLE40-BAM1., eLife digest Plants are sessile lifeforms that have evolved many ways to overcome this challenge. For example, they can quickly adapt to their environment, and they can grow new organs, such as leaves and flowers, throughout their lifetime. Stem cells are important precursor cells in plants (and animals) that can divide and specialize into other types of cells to help regrow leaves and flowers. A region in the plant called meristem, which can be found in the roots and shoots, continuously produces new organs in the peripheral zone of the meristem by maintaining a small group of stem cells in the central zone of the meristem. This is regulated by a signalling pathway called CLV and a molecule produced by the stem cells in the central zone, called CLV3. Together, they keep a protein called WUS (found in the deeper meristem known as the organizing zone) at low levels. WUS, in turn, increases the production of stem cells that generate CLV3. However, so far it was unclear how the number of stem cells is coordinated with the rate of organ production in the peripheral zone. To find out more, Schlegel et al. studied cells in the shoot meristems from the thale cress Arabidopsis thaliana. The researchers found that cells in the peripheral zone produce a molecule called CLE40, which is similar to CLV3. Unlike CLV3, however, CLE40 boosts the levels of WUS, thereby increasing the number of stem cells. In return, WUS reduces the production of CLE40 in the central zone and the organizing centre. This system allows meristems to adapt to growing at different speeds. These results help reveal how the activity of plant meristems is regulated to enable plants to grow new structures throughout their life. Together, CLV3 and CLE40 signalling in meristems regulate stem cells to maintain a small population that is able to respond to changing growth rates. This understanding of stem cell control could be further developed to improve the productivity of crops.

BACKGROUND Continuously growing medical knowledge and the increasing amount of data make it difficult for medical professionals to keep track of all new information, and to place this in context of existing information. A variety of digital technologies and artificial intelligence (AI)-based methods are available nowadays as impressively persuasive tools to empower physicians in clinical decision making and improve healthcare quality. A novel Diagnostic Decision Support System (DDSS) prototype, developed with a focus on traceability, transparency and usability by Ada Health GmbH will be examined more closely in this study. OBJECTIVE Feasibility and functionality test of a novel DDSS prototype, exploring the potential and performance to identify the underlying cause of acute dyspnea in patients at the University Hospital Basel. METHODS A prospective, observational feasibility study was conducted at the Emergency Department (ED) and Internal Medicine Ward of the University Hospital Basel, Switzerland. A convenience sample of 20 adult patients entering the ED with dyspnea as the chief complaint and a high probability for inpatient admission were selected. A study physician followed the patients admitted to the ED through the hospitalization without any interference with the routine clinical work. Routinely collected, health-related, personal data from those patients were entered in the DDSS prototype. The DDSS prototype’s resulting disease probability list was compared with the gold standard main diagnosis provided by the treating physician. A proportion of cases in which the correct diagnosis was the first diagnosis listed (M1), listed as 1 of the top 3 (M3) or listed as 1 of the top 5 (M5) was calculated for each visit. A panel of three physicians with different levels of clinical experience and expertise evaluated the matching diagnoses from the hospital and from the DDSS prototype. RESULTS The DDSS had high clarity of information presentation and a user-friendly, novel and transparent interface. The DDSS prototype was not perfectly suited for the ED because case entry was time consuming (1.5-2 h per case). It provided accurate decision support in the clinical inpatient setting in (M1 average 31%, M3 average 55.3%, M5 average 70.7%) patients with dyspnea as a main presenting complaint. CONCLUSIONS The study of the feasibility and functionality of the tool was successful with some limitations. Used in the right place, the DDSS has the potential to support doctors in their decision-making process by showing new pathways and unintentionally ignored diagnoses. The DDSS prototype had some limitations regarding the process of data input, diagnostic accuracy and the completeness of integrated medical knowledge. The results of this study provide a basis for the tool’s further development. Additionally future studies should be conducted with the aim to overcome the tool’s and study design’s present limitations. CLINICALTRIAL clinicaltrials.gov RN: NCT04827342

Background Establishing rapport and empathy between patients and their health care provider is important but challenging in the context of a busy and crowded emergency department (ED). Objective We explore the hypotheses that rapport building, documentation, and time efficiency might be improved in the ED by providing patients a digital tool that uses Bayesian reasoning–based techniques to gather relevant symptoms and history for handover to clinicians. Methods A 2-phase pilot evaluation was carried out in the ED of a German tertiary referral and major trauma hospital that treats an average of 120 patients daily. Phase 1 observations guided iterative improvement of the digital tool, which was then further evaluated in phase 2. All patients who were willing and able to provide consent were invited to participate, excluding those with severe injury or illness requiring immediate treatment, with traumatic injury, incapable of completing a health assessment, and aged Results Respondents strongly endorsed the tool for facilitating conversation (61/81, 75% of patients, 57/78, 73% of physician ratings, and 10/10, 100% of nurse ratings). Most nurses judged the tool as potentially time saving, whereas most physicians only agreed for a subset of medical specialties (eg, surgery). Patients reported high usability and understood the tool’s questions. The tool was recommended by most patients (63/81, 78%), in 53% (41/77) of physician ratings, and in 76% (61/80) of nurse ratings. Questionnaire completion rates were 100% (81/81) by patients and 96% (78/81 enrolled patients) by physicians. Conclusions This pilot confirmed that a larger study in the setting would be feasible. The tool has clear potential to improve patient–health care provider interaction and could also contribute to ED efficiency savings. Future research and development will extend the range of patients for whom the history-taking tool has clinical utility. Trial Registration German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00024115; https://drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00024115

BACKGROUND Establishing rapport and empathy between patients and their health care provider is important but challenging in the context of a busy and crowded emergency department (ED). OBJECTIVE We explore the hypotheses that rapport building, documentation, and time efficiency might be improved in the ED by providing patients a digital tool that uses Bayesian reasoning–based techniques to gather relevant symptoms and history for handover to clinicians. METHODS A 2-phase pilot evaluation was carried out in the ED of a German tertiary referral and major trauma hospital that treats an average of 120 patients daily. Phase 1 observations guided iterative improvement of the digital tool, which was then further evaluated in phase 2. All patients who were willing and able to provide consent were invited to participate, excluding those with severe injury or illness requiring immediate treatment, with traumatic injury, incapable of completing a health assessment, and aged RESULTS Respondents strongly endorsed the tool for facilitating conversation (61/81, 75% of patients, 57/78, 73% of physician ratings, and 10/10, 100% of nurse ratings). Most nurses judged the tool as potentially time saving, whereas most physicians only agreed for a subset of medical specialties (eg, surgery). Patients reported high usability and understood the tool’s questions. The tool was recommended by most patients (63/81, 78%), in 53% (41/77) of physician ratings, and in 76% (61/80) of nurse ratings. Questionnaire completion rates were 100% (81/81) by patients and 96% (78/81 enrolled patients) by physicians. CONCLUSIONS This pilot confirmed that a larger study in the setting would be feasible. The tool has clear potential to improve patient–health care provider interaction and could also contribute to ED efficiency savings. Future research and development will extend the range of patients for whom the history-taking tool has clinical utility. CLINICALTRIAL German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00024115; https://drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00024115

Im Rahmen dieser Arbeit wird die Frage behandelt, wie Menschen zur Ausführung von Lohnarbeit erzogen werden können. Das Hauptaugenmerk liegt dabei auf zwei Kernfragen: 1. Welche Anforderungen müssen Arbeitende erfüllen, um in der modernen Arbeitswelt nützlich zu sein und Anstellung zu finden?2. Wie können Arbeitende dazu erzogen werden, diesen Anforderungen zu entsprechen und wie setzen verschiedene Institutionen diese Erziehung praktisch um?Als Hauptanforderungen an Lohnarbeitende werden der Wille zur Lohnarbeit, Spezialisierung und Disziplinierung definiert. Der Wille zur Lohnarbeit wird dabei durch indirekten Zwang, Religion und Moral, sowie Konsum anerzogen. Die Spezialisierung wird durch unterschiedlich organisierte Ausbildungsmodelle erreicht. Die Disziplinierung erfolgt durch die Verteilung der Individuen im Disziplinarraum und engmaschige Kontrolle und Prüfung. Alle diese Erziehungsmaßnahmen im Rahmen der drei Anforderungsfelder werden an praktischen Beispielen in unterschiedlichsten Institutionen dargelegt.Abschließend wird durch eine Betrachtung der heutigen Zeit festgestellt, dass die Erziehung zur Lohnarbeit und die drei betrachteten Anforderungsfelder auch heute noch sehr relevant sind, auch wenn sich einige Methoden geändert haben. This paper addresses the question of how people can be educated to perform wage labour. The focus is on two key questions:1. What requirements do workers have to meet to be useful and find employment in the modern world of work?2. How can workers be educated to meet these requirements and how do different institutions implement this education in practice?The main requirements for wage workers are defined as the motivation to wage work, specialisation, and disciplining. The motivation to wage labour is instilled through indirect coercion, religion, and morality, as well as consumption. Specialisation is achieved through differently organised job training models. Disciplining is achieved through the distribution of individuals in the disciplinary space and close-meshed control and assessment. All these educational measures within the framework of the three requirement fields are illustrated by practical examples in a wide variety of institutions.Finally, by looking at the present day, it is established that education for wage labour and the three fields of requirements are still very relevant today, even if some methods have changed. Arbeit an der Bibliothek noch nicht eingelangt - Daten nicht geprüft Abweichender Titel laut Übersetzung des Verfassers/der Verfasserin Karl-Franzens-Universität Graz, Masterarbeit, 2021

Introdução: A promoção da mudança de comportamento alimentar é uma boa estratégia para promoção de saúde e prevenção de doenças crônicas, porém, é um processo complexo, pois para que ocorra uma mudança significativa, o indivíduo deve ser motivado para o enfrentamento das barreiras e aprimoramento dos facilitadores para a mudança. Objetivo: Identificar a intenção de mudança de comportamento em saúde e possíveis barreiras em indivíduos adultos da região noroeste do Rio Grande do Sul. Métodos: Estudo transversal realizado à domicílio. Avaliou-se se os participantes achavam que deveriam fazer algo para melhorar a saúde; o que era mais importante mudar para melhorar a saúde; se existia algo que os impedia de mudar e se pretendiam mudar nos próximos 12 meses. Resultados: Foram entrevistados 139 adultos, com idade média de 42,53±12,2 anos, 79,9% do sexo feminino. A maioria (92,8%, n=129) indicou que deveria fazer algo para melhorar a saúde, sendo mais importante fazer (ou aumentar) a atividade física (61,2%, n=79) e emagrecer (19,3%, n=25). As principais barreiras que os impediam de mudar foram falta de força de vontade (36,4%, n=47) e o horário de trabalho (24%, n=31). Nos próximos 12 meses pretendiam fazer (ou aumentar) exercício físico (92,2%, n=119) e melhorar hábitos alimentares (87,59%, n=113). Conclusão: A maioria dos participantes estava no estágio de contemplação, considerando que precisavam fazer atividade física e emagrecer para melhorar sua saúde e que para isso deveriam praticar exercício físico e melhorar hábitos alimentares. Como barreiras estavam a falta de força de vontade e horário de trabalho.

Background Continuously growing medical knowledge and the increasing amount of data make it difficult for medical professionals to keep track of all new information and to place it in the context of existing information. A variety of digital technologies and artificial intelligence–based methods are currently available as persuasive tools to empower physicians in clinical decision-making and improve health care quality. A novel diagnostic decision support system (DDSS) prototype developed by Ada Health GmbH with a focus on traceability, transparency, and usability will be examined more closely in this study. Objective The aim of this study is to test the feasibility and functionality of a novel DDSS prototype, exploring its potential and performance in identifying the underlying cause of acute dyspnea in patients at the University Hospital Basel. Methods A prospective, observational feasibility study was conducted at the emergency department (ED) and internal medicine ward of the University Hospital Basel, Switzerland. A convenience sample of 20 adult patients admitted to the ED with dyspnea as the chief complaint and a high probability of inpatient admission was selected. A study physician followed the patients admitted to the ED throughout the hospitalization without interfering with the routine clinical work. Routinely collected health-related personal data from these patients were entered into the DDSS prototype. The DDSS prototype’s resulting disease probability list was compared with the gold-standard main diagnosis provided by the treating physician. Results The DDSS presented information with high clarity and had a user-friendly, novel, and transparent interface. The DDSS prototype was not perfectly suited for the ED as case entry was time-consuming (1.5-2 hours per case). It provided accurate decision support in the clinical inpatient setting (average of cases in which the correct diagnosis was the first diagnosis listed: 6/20, 30%, SD 2.10%; average of cases in which the correct diagnosis was listed as one of the top 3: 11/20, 55%, SD 2.39%; average of cases in which the correct diagnosis was listed as one of the top 5: 14/20, 70%, SD 2.26%) in patients with dyspnea as the main presenting complaint. Conclusions The study of the feasibility and functionality of the tool was successful, with some limitations. Used in the right place, the DDSS has the potential to support physicians in their decision-making process by showing new pathways and unintentionally ignored diagnoses. The DDSS prototype had some limitations regarding the process of data input, diagnostic accuracy, and completeness of the integrated medical knowledge. The results of this study provide a basis for the tool’s further development. In addition, future studies should be conducted with the aim to overcome the current limitations of the tool and study design. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04827342; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04827342

The receptor-like kinases (RLKs) CLAVATA1 (CLV1) and BARELY ANY MERISTEMs (BAM1–BAM3) form the CLV1 family (CLV1f), which perceives peptides of the CLV3/EMBRYO SURROUNDING REGION (ESR)-related (CLE) family within various signaling pathways of Arabidopsis thaliana. CLE peptide signaling, which is required for meristem size control, vascular development, and pathogen responses, involves the formation of receptor complexes at the plasma membrane. These complexes comprise RLKs and co-receptors in varying compositions depending on the signaling context, and regulate expression of target genes, such as WUSCHEL (WUS). How the CLE signal is transmitted intracellularly after perception at the plasma membrane is not known in detail. Here, we found that the membrane-associated receptor-like cytoplasmic kinase (RLCK) MAZZA (MAZ) and additional members of the Pti1-like protein family interact in vivo with CLV1f receptors. MAZ, which is widely expressed throughout the plant, localizes to the plasma membrane via post-translational palmitoylation, potentially enabling stimulus-triggered protein re-localization. We identified a role for a CLV1–MAZ signaling module during stomatal and root development, and redundancy could potentially mask other phenotypes of maz mutants. We propose that MAZ, and related RLCKs, mediate CLV1f signaling in a variety of developmental contexts, paving the way towards understanding the intracellular processes after CLE peptide perception.

Communication between plant cells and their biotic environment largely depends on the function of plasma membrane localized receptor-like kinases (RLKs). Major players in this communication within root meristems are secreted peptides, including CLAVATA3/EMBRYO SURROUNDING REGION40 (CLE40). In the distal root meristem, CLE40 acts through the RLK ARABIDOPSIS CRINKLY4 (ACR4) and the leucine-rich repeat (LRR) RLK CLAVATA1 (CLV1) to promote cell differentiation. In the proximal meristem, CLE40 signaling requires the LRR receptor-like protein CLAVATA2 (CLV2) and the membrane localized pseudokinase CORYNE (CRN) and serves to inhibit cell differentiation. The molecular components that act immediately downstream of the CLE40-activated receptors are not yet known. Here, we show that active CLE40 signaling triggers the release of intracellular Ca2+ leading to increased cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]cyt) in a small subset of proximal root meristem cells. This rise in [Ca2+]cyt depends on the CYCLIC NUCLEOTIDE GATED CHANNELS (CNGCs) 6 and 9 and on CLV1. The precise function of changes in [Ca2+]cyt is not yet known but might form a central part of a fine-tuned response to CLE40 peptide that serves to integrate root meristem growth with stem cell fate decisions and initiation of lateral root primordia.

The receptor-like kinases (RLKs) CLAVATA1 (CLV1) and BARELY ANY MERISTEMs (BAM1 – 3) form the CLV-family (CLVf), which perceives peptides of the CLV3/EMBRYO SURROUNDING REGION (ESR)-related (CLE) family within various signaling pathways ofArabidopsis thaliana. CLE peptide signaling, which is required for meristem size control, vascular development, or pathogen responses, involves the formation of receptor complexes at the plasma membrane (PM). These complexes comprise RLKs and co-receptors in varying compositions depending on the signaling context and regulate target gene expression, such asWUSCHEL(WUS). How the CLE signal is transmitted intracellularly after perception at the PM is not known.Here, we found that the membrane-associated receptor-like cytoplasmic kinase (RLCK) MAZZA (MAZ) MAZ and additional members of the Pti1-like protein family interactin vivowith CLVf receptors. MAZ, which is widely expressed throughout the plant, localizes to the PM via posttranslational palmitoylation potentially enabling stimulus-triggered protein re-localization. We identified a role for a CLV1/MAZ signaling module during stomatal and root development, and redundancy could potentially mask other phenotypes ofmaz-1mutants. We propose that RLCKs such as MAZ mediate CLVf signaling in a variety of developmental contexts, paving the way towards understanding the intracellular processes after CLE peptide perception.

The accounting standards of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and the United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (US-GAAP) require from financial institutions to consider multiple macroeconomic scenarios when calculating loan loss provisions. At present, however, it is unclear how to determine the number of scenarios and scenario probabilities without resorting to - often subjective - expert judgement. The paper discusses a model-based approach and proposes to use hidden Markov models to determine the number of relevant scenarios and scenario probabilities. The tool of the hidden Markov model allows to use established model selection criteria, such as the Akaike information criterion, to decide on the number of scenarios. Hidden Markov models also provide estimates of the transition matrix of the hidden states, which constitute the required conditional scenario probabilities. The tool of the hidden Markov model is discussed by using a time series of defaults from Standard & Poor's.

Accounting standards require that financial institutions must measure default risk with respect to the full maturity of a financial instrument. This requires forecasting of future default probabilities. The forecast of future default probabilities concerns two aspects: forecasting macroeconomic scenarios and future average (with respect to the macro-economy) default probabilities. The present paper addresses the modelling of future average default probabilities. Due to the small number of defaults and observations this poses a difficult problem in the corporate area and requires a parsimonious model to deal with the sparse data situation. The degree of difficulty is made greater by the fact that default probabilities change for corporations via different patterns over time, with the pattern being depend on the initial rating grade. For initial investment-grade ratings the risk of a default increases, while for the bottom of the rating scale default probabilities decrease. To model these different patterns the paper proposes to extend the existing discrete-time survival model and to incorporate an additional time- and co-variate-dependent shape parameter into the hazard function. Using data from Standard & Poor's the paper shows that the shape parameter is able to reproduce the different patterns. The proposed model is bench-marked against a model which does not employ a shape parameter and the results show that the shape parameter improves in-sample and out-of-sample prediction.

Hintergrund: Der Heidelberger Health Score (HHS 3.0) ist ein ökonomisches Messinstrument mit 14 Indikatoren zur systematischen Identifikation von Bedarfen zum Erhalt der Arbeitsfähigkeit. Die 6 im Fragebogen erhobenen Gesundheitsdimensionen umfassen persönliche Gesundheitseinschätzung (PGE), gesundheitliche Ressourcensituation (GRS), mentale Widerstandsfähigkeit (MWF), Work Ability Index (WAI), allgemeines Aktivitätsprofil (AAP) und arbeitsplatzbezogenes Beanspruchungsprofil (ABP). Die Ergebnisse können in einem Gesamtscore abgebildet werden. Ziel der Arbeit (Fragestellung): Wir untersuchten Hinweise auf Validität der Revision 3.0 des HHS anhand von fünf Stichproben. Material und Methoden: Bezüge des HHS zu Standardmessinstrumenten wie SF-36, WAI und SCL wurden in korrelativen Querschnittsdesigns analysiert. Angaben zu Sitzzeiten wurden mit objektiver einwöchiger Akzelerometrie überprüft. Ein prospektives Längsschnittdesign analysierte prädiktive Validität, Sensitivität und Spezifität des HHS für AU-Tage. Ergebnisse: Der HHS wies die erwarteten Korrelationen zu Standardmessinstrumenten wie SF-36 (r = 0,30-0,55), WAI (r = 0,49) und SCL (r = -0,53) auf. Probanden verschätzten sich zwar bei absoluten Sitzzeiten, jedoch wurden Probandenunterschiede laut Akzelerometrie vom HHS recht gut abgebildet (r = 0,57). Mit dem HHS konnten AU-Tage prognostiziert werden (r = -0,43). Diskussion: Der HHS-Gesamtscore und die HHS-Dimensionen erlauben ein spezifisches Screening der arbeitsrelevanten Gesundheitsressourcen. Vor dem Hintergrund der festgestellten Ressourcenlage können gesundheitliche Risikofaktoren für AU-Tage adressiert und bedarfsgerechte Interventionen geplant werden. Der HHS erlaubt es damit, Maßnahmen bedarfsgerecht, zielgenau und effizient im betrieblichen Gesundheitsmanagement zu verankern. Background: The Heidelberg Health Score (HHS 3.0) is an economical 14-item measurement instrument for systematically identifying crucial risk factors and general resistance resources related to preserving employee work ability. The six health-related dimensions reflect Subjective Health Assessment (PGE), General Health Resources (GRS), Mental Resilience (MWF), Work Ability Index (WAI), General Activity Profile (AAP), and Workplace-related Stress Profile (ABP). Results can be formed into a total score. Objectives: The results on the validity of the revised HHS 3.0 as established with five samples are reported. Materials and methods: The relationships between HHS and standard assessment tools such as the SF-36, WAI, and SCL were investigated by means of cross-sectional designs. Subjectively reported sitting times were evaluated against an objective accelerometer worn for a week. A prospective longitudinal study analyzed the HHS’s predictive validity, sensitivity, and specificity for days of incapacity to work. Results: HHS was statistically associated with standard assessment tools as hypothesized: SF-36 (r = 0.30-0.55), WAI (r = 0.49), and SCL (r = -0.53).Though participants misestimated their absolute sitting times, individual differences between them were captured quite well according to the accelerometer (r = 0.57). Days of incapacity to work could be predicted with the help of HHS (r = -0.43). Conclusions: The HHS total score and HHS dimensions provide tools for screening staff’s work-related health resources. Corporate health management may accurately identify areas of staff health in need of attention that - in light of individuals' resources - may affect their days of incapacity to work. Thus HHS enables corporate health management to plan tailored interventions more efficiently.

As doenças crônicas não transmissíveis são umas das principais causas de morte no Brasil. O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar uma revisão de literatura avaliando a prevalência, os fatores de risco, a prevenção e o tratamento de duas doenças envolvidas no processo de envelhecimento, a hipertensão e a osteoporose. Foi realizado busca nas bases de dados Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS) e Periódicos da Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (Capes), cujos termos de busca foram “doença crônica”, “idoso”, “hipertensão” ou “osteoporose”. Foram incluídos artigos originais e artigos de revisão em português ou em inglês, e excluiu-se da pesquisa artigos que não estivessem disponíveis online gratuitamente na íntegra. Foram encontrados 1393 artigos, sendo selecionadas para o estudo 26 publicações nacionais e internacionais, divulgadas entre os anos de 2004 e 2014. Como resultados, observou-se que a hipertensão e a osteoporose consistem em doenças de elevada prevalência entre os idosos, principalmente entre as mulheres. Fatores genéticos e ambientais, como o tabagismo, o etilismo, o sedentarismo e a alimentação constituem nos principais fatores de risco dessas doenças. A prevenção dessas doenças é baseada em cuidados com os fatores de risco, como a prática de exercícios físicos e uma alimentação rica em frutas e verduras, e pobre em sal, no caso da hipertensão. O tratamento da osteoporose e da hipertensão usualmente ocorre por intervenção cirúrgica e farmacológica, respectivamente. Os resultados encontrados neste estudo contribuem para o melhor entendimento sobre essas doenças, auxiliando na busca por um envelhecimento saudável.

In credit portfolio modeling the asset correlation parameter is used to describe the degree of default rates fluctuations. In this article we estimate the asset correlation parameter for banks and other industry sectors from default data. We find that estimates of the asset correlation vary substantially among the different segments and that banks exhibit a much larger asset correlation parameter, larger also than the regulatory value of the Basel Accord. For pooled data the asset correlation parameter shrinks due to diversification effects.

A diabetes é considerada um importante problema de saúde pública em todos os países. As Doenças Crônicas não Transmissíveis, dentre a quais encontra-se a diabetes, podem ser gerenciadas, mas não curadas, assim, os tratamentos vão além da redução da morbimortalidade. O objetivo deste estudo foi conhecer as práticas construídas sobre autocuidado, especialmente no que diz respeito à adesão e às escolhas terapêuticas relacionadas à alimentação de pessoas com Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2. Trata-se de uma pesquisa do tipo exploratória, descritiva e de abordagem qualitativa. Foram incluídos no estudo indivíduos com Diabetes Mellittus tipo 2, usuários de Unidades de Estratégia de Saúde da Família. Para a seleção dos participantes utilizou-se a técnica de “Bola de Neve” e como instrumento de pesquisa foi usado entrevistas norteadas por um roteiro. Para a análise das informações foi utilizada a análise temática, possibilitando a definição de três categorias principais: “Estratégias de enfrentamento e o cotidiano do autocuidado dos indivíduos com Diabete Mellitus”, “Sentimentos e percepções despertados a partir do diagnóstico do Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2” e “O lugar do serviço de saúde no cuidado da Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2”. Do ponto de vista das participantes do estudo, estas se julgam capazes de controlar a doença, sobretudo com a medicação e seleção de uma única fonte de amido durante as refeições.

Wildnager sind wichtige Zwischenwirte und paratenische Wirte für Parasiten von Hunden und Katzen. Dazu gehören auch Parasiten der Gattungen Toxoplasma, Echinococcus und Toxocara, die eine bedeutende Rolle als Zoonosen spielen. Wildnager können als Indikator für die Kontamination der Umwelt mit infektiösen Stadien dieser Pathogene genutzt werden und damit zur Einschätzung des Infektionsisikos für Menschen und Haustiere beitragen. In der vorliegenden Studie wurden im November 2010 sowie zwischen April und November 2011 an vier verschiedenen Standorten in Berlin Wildnager gefangen. Zwei der Standorte lagen im städtischen/urbanen Bereich und die anderen beiden waren periurban im Randbereich von Berlin lokalisiert. Die gefangenen Nager wurden einer kompletten parasitologischen Untersuchung unterzogen, in der verschiedene Organproben genommen wurden, um diese später auf Parasitenstadien zu untersuchen. Es wurden verschiedene PCRs durchgeführt, um DNA Protozoen speziell von T. gondii, und Helminthen, insbesondere von Toxocara spp., in Gewebeproben vom Gehirn (Toxocara und T. gondii) oder vom Muskel (Toxocara) der Tiere nachzuweisen. Zusätzlich wurden während der Sektion Metazestoden gesammelt, die ebenfalls über eine PCR gefolgt von Sequenzierung bestimmt wurden. Des Weiteren wurde ein ELISA zur Detektion von Antikörpern gegen T. canis durchgeführt. Insgesamt konnten 257 Wildnager über den Fangzeitraum gefangen werden. Es wurden bei 14,2 % der Nager Antikörper gegen T. canis nachgewiesen. In Muskulatur oder Gehirn wurden acht Tiere auf T. canis, vier für T. cati und ein Tier für Parascaris sp. positiv getestet. Der am häufigsten nachgewiesene Parasit war F. glareoli mit einer Prävalenz von 13,6 %. Erwartungsgemäß wurde dieser Parasit überwiegend in Rötelmäusen gefunden (44,1 % Prävalenz), er wurde hier aber erstmals auch in wenigen Gelbhals- und einer Brandmaus nachgewiesen. Lediglich in 12 Wildnagern wurde T. gondii detektiert, was einer Prävalenz von 4,7 % entspricht. Dabei waren Nager aus der Gattung Microtus signifikant häufiger T. gondii-positiv als solche der Gattung Apodemus. Es gab keinen Nachweis von Echinococcus und die vorhandenen Metazestoden wurden molekularbiologisch den Arten M. litteratus und T. martis zugeordnet. Außerdem wurde in einer Rötelmaus C. globifera identifiziert, ein Parasit der bei Greifvögeln vorkommt. Bei der statistischen Untersuchung der Daten ergab eine Analyse mittels „Non-metric multidimensional scaling“ (NMDS) in Kombination mit einer Clusteranalyse, dass die Parasitenfauna in eine urbane und periurbane Gruppe aufgeteilt werden können. In der urbanen Gruppe wurde ein hohes Vorkommen von Askariden-Larven positiven Tieren verzeichnet, hingegen wurde die periurbane Gruppe durch das Auftreten von F. glareoli geprägt. Abschließend lässt sich sagen, dass bei dieser durchgeführten Studie Parasiten mit zoonotischen Potential nachgewiesen wurden. E. multilocularis als bedeutendster zoonotischer Erreger wurde in keinem der Wildnager gefunden. Toxocara spp. war der am häufigsten nachgewiesene Parasit. In diesem Fall scheint die serologische Untersuchung mittels ELISA von Nagetieren eine sinnvolle Maßnahme um die Kontamination der Umwelt mit T. canis zu monitoren. Es scheint aber aufgrund der besonders schnell ansteigenden Zahl von Hauskatzen wünscheswert entsprechende Assays auch für T. cati zu entwickeln und einzusetzen., "Small rodents as intermediate host and paratenic host of parasites from dogs and cats" Wild rodents are important intermediate and paratenic hosts of canine and feline parasites. Among these are parasites of the genera Toxoplasma, Echinococcus and Toxocara, which play an important role as causes of zoonotic diseases. Wild rodents can be used as indicators of environmental contamination with infectious stages of these pathogens and thus to estimate risk of transmission for humans and companion animals. In the present study wild rodents were captured at four study sites in Berlin in November 2010 and between April and November 2011. Two of the sites were located in urban areas in the city while the other two were in periurban areas at the periphery of the city. The trapped rodents were subjected to a complete parasitological examination during which several organ samples were taken to be analysed later for the presence of parasitic stages. Various PCRs were conducted to detect DNA of protozoa, particularly Toxoplasma gondii, and helminths, especially Toxocara spp., in tissue samples from brain (T. gondii and Toxocara spp.) and from muscle (Toxocara spp.). In addition, metacestodes were collected during necropsies and identified by PCR and sequencing. Moreover, an ELISA for the detection of antibodies against T. canis was performed. In total, 257 wild rodents were trapped during the study period. Antibodies against T. canis were detected in 14.2% of all rodents. In muscle or brain, eight animals were positive by PCR for T. canis, four for T. cati and one for Parascaris sp. With a prevalence of 13.6% Frenkelia glareoli was the most frequently found parasite. As expected, this parasite was predominantly found in bank voles (44.1% prevalence) but for the first time it was also found in a few yellow-necked mice and a striped field mouse. T. gondii was found in only 12 wild rodents, which corresponds to a prevalence of 4.7%. Rodents of the genus Microtus were significantly more frequently infected than those of the genus Apodemus. None of the rodents was positive for Echinococcus and the collected metacestodes were identified as Mesocestoides litteratus and Taenia martis. Furthermore, Cladotaenia globifera, a parasite of prey birds, was identified in one bank vole. The statistical evaluation of the data by nonmetric multidimensional scaling“ (NMDS) in combination with a cluster analysis revealed that the parasite fauna can be grouped into an urban and a periurban group. The urban group was characterised by a high frequency of rodents carrying larvae of ascarids while the periurban group showed a high frequency of F. glareoli.

Expected depletion of oil and fossil resources urges the development of new alternative routes for the production of bulk chemicals and fuels beyond petroleum resources. In this study, the clostridial acetone pathway was used for the formation of acetone in the acetogenic bacterium Acetobacterium woodii . The acetone production operon (APO) containing the genes thlA (encoding thiolase A), ctfA / ctfB (encoding CoA transferase), and adc (encoding acetoacetate decarboxylase) from Clostridium acetobutylicum were cloned under the control of the thlA promoter into four vectors having different replicons for Gram-positives (pIP404, pBP1, pCB102, and pCD6). Stable replication was observed for all constructs. A. woodii [pJIR_act thlA ] achieved the maximal acetone concentration under autotrophic conditions (15.2±3.4 mM). Promoter sequences of the genes ackA from A. woodii and pta-ack from C. ljungdahlii were determined by primer extension (PEX) and cloned upstream of the APO. The highest acetone production in recombinant A. woodii cells was achieved using the promoters P thlA and P pta-ack . Batch fermentations using A. woodii [pMTL84151_act thlA ] in a bioreactor revealed that acetate concentration had an effect on the acetone production, due to the high K m value of the CoA transferase. In order to establish consistent acetate concentration within the bioreactor and to increase biomass, a continuous fermentation process for A. woodii was developed. Thus, acetone productivity of the strain A. woodii [pMTL84151_act thlA ] was increased from 1.2 mg L −1 h −1 in bottle fermentation to 26.4 mg L −1 h −1 in continuous gas fermentation.

Small rodents serve as reservoir hosts for tick-borne pathogens, such as the spirochetes causing Lyme disease. Whether natural coinfections with other macroparasites alter the success of tick feeding, antitick immunity, and the host's reservoir competence for tick-borne pathogens remains to be determined. In a parasitological survey of wild mice in Berlin, Germany, approximately 40% of Ixodes ricinus -infested animals simultaneously harbored a nematode of the genus Heligmosomoides . We therefore aimed to analyze the immunological impact of the nematode/tick coinfection as well as its effect on the tick-borne pathogen Borrelia afzelii . Hosts experimentally coinfected with Heligmosomoides polygyrus and larval/nymphal I. ricinus ticks developed substantially stronger systemic type 2 T helper cell (Th2) responses, on the basis of the levels of GATA-3 and interleukin-13 expression, than mice infected with a single pathogen. During repeated larval infestations, however, anti-tick Th2 reactivity and an observed partial immunity to tick feeding were unaffected by concurrent nematode infections. Importantly, the strong systemic Th2 immune response in coinfected mice did not affect susceptibility to tick-borne B. afzelii . An observed trend for decreased local and systemic Th1 reactivity against B. afzelii in coinfected mice did not result in a higher spirochete burden, nor did it facilitate bacterial dissemination or induce signs of immunopathology. Hence, this study indicates that strong systemic Th2 responses in nematode/tick-coinfected house mice do not affect the success of tick feeding and the control of the causative agent of Lyme disease.

Einleitung: Das Pankreaskarzinom zeigt häufig keine Frühsymptome und wird erst in fortgeschrittenem Stadium diagnostiziert. Bei Patienten mit lokal fortgeschrittenem, inoperablem Pankreastumor (LAPC) besteht die Möglichkeit einer Chemotherapie oder Radiochemotherapie (RCT), aber die Rolle der RCT bleibt ein kontrovers diskutiertes Thema. Eine dosiseskalierte RCT scheint durch die Einführung der bildgesteuerten und intensitätsmodulierten Radiotherapie ermöglicht zu sein und die Ansprechraten und onkologischen Behandlungsergebnisse möglicherweise zu verbessern. Methoden: Die retrospektive Studie umfasst 28 Patienten mit LAPC, die mittels helikaler Tomotherapie unter täglicher computertomographischer Lagekontrolle und einer begleitenden Chemotherapie, hauptsächlich Capecitabine, behandelt wurden. Die Therapie beinhaltete 30 Fraktionen mit 1,7 Gy bis zu einer Gesamtdosis von 51 Gy im Planungszielvolumen. Am makroskopisch sichtbaren Tumorgewebe wurde die Dosis mittels simultan integriertem Boost mit Einzelfraktionen von 2,2 Gy bis zu einer Kumulativdosis von 66 Gy (60-66 Gy) appliziert. Es erfolgte die Analyse des Auftretens eines Lokalrezidivs oder einer Fernmetastase, des progressionsfreien und des Gesamtüberlebens sowie der erfassten Toxizitäten, des Verlaufs der Tumormarker und eine Dosis-Volumen-Analyse. Ergebnisse: Die mediane Nachsorgezeit betrug 14 Monate. Bei 24 Patienten wurde innerhalb von drei Monaten nach Behandlungsende das radiotherapeutische Ansprechen ausgewertet. Bei 14 Patienten zeigte sich eine stabile Situation, bei 9 Patienten kam es zu einer partiellen Remission, bei einem Patienten wurde ein Fortschreiten der Erkrankung festgestellt. Die mediane Zeit bis zum Auftreten eines Lokalrezidivs nach RCT betrug 13 Monate und bis zum Auftreten von Fernmetastasen 9 Monate. Das mediane progressionsfreie Überleben betrug 6 Monate und das mediane Gesamtüberleben 19 Monate. Bei insgesamt 10 Patienten konnten Toxizitäten > Grad 2 festgestellt werden, vor allem Gewichtsverlust, Müdigkeit oder Schmerzen. Ein Patient verstarb innerhalb von 14 Tagen nach RCT an einer gastrointestinalen Blutung. Die Analyse der Dosis-Volumen-Histogramme der Milz korrelierten signifikant mit dem Auftreten von: Erbrechen, Diarrhoe, Gewichtsverlust, Dehydratation, Fatigue und hämorrhagischen Toxizitäten mit R-Werten zwischen 0.392 und 0.561 (alle p-Werte > 0.05). Die univariate Analyse des Verlaufs des Tumormarkers CA 19-9 zeigte eine signifikante Korrelation zwischen dem deutlichen Abfall des Tumormarkers und einem verlängerten Zeitraum bis zum Auftreten eines Lokalrezidivs (p=0.029) sowie einem verbesserten Gesamtüberleben (p=0.049). Schlussfolgerung: Die dosiseskalierte RCT beim LAPC scheint eine durchführbare und tolerable Therapieoption mit verlängertem Zeitraum bis zum Auftreten eines Lokalrezidivs und verbessertem Gesamtüberleben zu sein. Das kurze progressionsfreie Überleben und das Auftreten von Toxizitäten stellen jedoch limitierende Faktoren dar und bedürfen weiterer Untersuchungen. Der Tumormarker CA 19-9 und die Dosis-Volumen-Beziehungen der Milz erscheinen prädiktiv für die onkologischen Behandlungsergebnisse beziehungsweise das Auftreten von Nebenwirkungen und sollten genauer evaluiert werden., Introduction: Pancreatic cancer often shows no early symptoms and is only diagnosed at an advanced stage. Patients with a locally advanced, inoperable pancreatic cancer (LAPC) could be treated with chemotherapy or radiotherapy but the role of radiotherapy remains controversial. Dose-escalated radiotherapy seems to be possible through the introduction of image-guided and intensity-modulated radiotherapy and may improve response rates and outcome. Methods: This retrospective study included 28 patients with LAPC who were treated by helical tomotherapy with daily CT imaging and concomitant chemotherapy, mainly capecitabine. Therapy included 30 fractions with 1.7 Gray (Gy) up to a total dose of 51 Gy in the planning target volume. On the macroscopically visible tumor tissue, the dose was applied by a simultaneous integrated boost with single fractions of 2.2 Gy up to a median cumulative dose of 66 Gy (60-66 Gy). Local recurrence-free and distant metastasis-free, progression-free and overall survival as well as detected toxicities were analyzed, moreover the course of the tumor markers was noted and a dose-volume analysis was performed. Results: The median follow-up was 14 months. In 24 patients radiotherapeutic response was assessed within three months after treatment. There was a stable situation in 14 patients, 9 patients had partial remission and in only one patient, progress was observed. Median local recurrence-free survival was 13 months and median distant metastasis-free survival was 9 months. Median progression-free survival after radiochemotherapy was 6 months and median overall survival was 19 months. In a total of 10 patients toxicities > grade 2 were observed, especially weight loss, fatigue or pain. One patient died of gastrointestinal bleeding within 14 days after radiotherapy. The analysis of the dose-volume histograms of the spleen significantly correlated with the onset of: vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, dehydration, fatigue and hemorrhagic toxicities with R-values between 0.392 and 0.561 (all p-values > 0.05). The univariate analysis showed significant correlation only between ∆CA 19-9 and improved local recurrence (p=0.029) as well as overall survival (p=0.049). Conclusion: Dose-escalated radiochemotherapy in LAPC appears to be a feasible and tolerable treatment option with prolonged local recurrence-free and improved overall survival. However, the short progression-free survival and the occurrence of toxicities are limiting factors and require further investigation. The tumormarker CA 19-9 and the dose-volume relationships of the spleen are predictive of the oncological treatment results and the occurrence of side effects and should be evaluated more precisely.

Summary The paper proposes a sequential Bayesian updating approach to estimate default probabilities on rating grade level for no- and low-default portfolios. Bayesian sequential updating enables default probabilities to be obtained also for those rating grades for which no defaults have been observed. The advantage of this approach is that it preserves the rank order of rating grades in the case of no defaults. Rank preservation is not ensured when using an identical prior distribution across all rating grades. We discuss Bayesian sequential updating for the beta–binomial model and a model incorporating the asymptotic single-risk factor model of the Basel Accord. Practical aspects such as incorporating information from external sources and the margin of conservatism are addressed.

The Basel Accord assumes an inverse relationship between the probability of default and the asset correlation parameter, with the latter being responsible for modeling the degree of cyclicality of default rates. Previous empirical studies that embedded the formula of the Basel Accord into a statistical model, however, were not able to support this relationship. In this article, we find evidence for the inverse relationship between default probability and asset correlation. By replicating the results from previous studies, we provide an explanation for the different findings. Finally, we propose a parametric function to model the relationship between the default probability and the asset correlation.

While the utility of experimental free-access alcohol self-administration paradigms is well established, little data exist addressing the question of whether study participation influences subsequent natural alcohol consumption. We here present drinking reports of young adults before and after participation in intravenous alcohol self-administration studies.Timeline Follow-back drinking reports for the 6 weeks immediately preceding the first, and the 6 weeks after the last experimental alcohol challenge were examined from subjects completing 1 of 2 similar alcohol self-administration paradigms. In study 1, 18 social drinkers (9 females, mean age 24.1 years) participated in 3 alcohol self-infusion sessions up to a maximum blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 160 mg%. Study 2 involved 60 participants (30 females, mean age 18.3 years) of the Dresden Longitudinal Study on Alcohol Use in Young Adults (D-LAYA), who participated in 2 sessions of alcohol self-infusion up to a maximum BAC of 120 mg%, and a nonexposed age-matched control group of 42 (28 females, mean age 18.4 years) subjects.In study 1, participants reported (3.7%) fewer heavy drinking days as well as a decrease of 2.5 drinks per drinking day after study participation compared to prestudy levels (p 0.05, respectively). In study 2, alcohol-exposed participants reported 7.1% and non-alcohol-exposed controls 6.5% fewer drinking days at poststudy measurement (p 0.001), while percent heavy drinking days and drinks per drinking day did not differ.These data suggest that participation in intravenous alcohol self-administration experiments does not increase subsequent real-life drinking of young adults.

Die Fachausdruck „Anorexie“ beschreibt in der Medizin den Problemkomplex der Appetitlosigkeit sowie der fehlenden Futteraufnahme. Dieses Symptom kann primar oder sekundar erworben sein, stellvertretend fur viele Probleme stehen und ist ein haufiger Vorstellungsgrund von Meerschweinchen in Tierarztpraxen.

Purpose The role of radiotherapy for unresectable pancreatic cancer is controversial. A benefit of additional radiotherapy is supported by some observations. A dose-effect relationship was recently found by dose escalation employing image guided and intensity modulated radiotherapy. Methods We retrospectively evaluated 28 consecutive patients, all with history of extensive prior therapies for unresectable locally advanced/ recurrent pancreatic cancer (LAPC/LRPC). Treatment was delivered by helical tomotherapy after daily position verification with computed tomography. Dose to the planned target volume (PTV) was 51 Gy, while the dose to the macroscopic tumor was escalated by a simultaneous integrated boost to a median cumulative dose of 66 Gy (60–66 Gy). Concomitant chemotherapy consisted mainly of capecitabine (n = 23). Results 10 of 28 patients presented acute toxicities > grade 2, one patient succumbed to gastrointestinal bleeding after treatment. No correlations of toxicities and dose volume histograms (DVH) of retrospectively delineated small bowel loops were observed, although average small bowel volume receiving ≥ 20 Gy was 374 ml. DVH analyses revealed a correlation of splenic parameters and acute toxicity: Vomiting, anorexia, dehydration, hematologic toxicity, fatigue, combined gastro-intestinal toxicity wit R-values between 0.392 and 0.561 (all p-values > 0.05). Only one patient developed late toxicities > grade 2. With an average follow-up time in surviving patients of 14 months median overall survival time was 19 months and median time to local recurrence 13 months. In 8 patients with available imaging of local recurrence: 5 in field recurrences, 2 marginal recurrences and one lymph node recurrence outside the high dose radiation field were observed. In univariate analysis only ΔCA-19-9 during radiotherapy was associated with local control (p = 0.029) and overall survival (p = 0.049). Conclusion Dose escalated normo-fractionated radiotherapy for LAPC/LRPC seems feasible and suitable to prolong local control and in consequence long-term survival. However, in-field local progression is still frequently observed and possibilities to increase the local effectiveness should be evaluated. Exposure of the spleen was predictive for acute toxicity and should be further investigated.

Netosis in an adult control. In vitro imaging of NETs forming neutrophils with representative images for one control subject. A brightfield image allowed quantification of total cells, SYTOX® Green allowed quantification of NETosis based on size of events and comparison of different stimuli. One representative example of the unstimulated and one PMA stimulated sample is shown. Fiji Software was used to measure NET area. Images of SYTOX® Green stained cells were taken with a Leica DMI 4000 B microscope; exposure time = 170 ms. (PDF 2057 kb)