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Introduction: Systemic therapy is firmly established in patients with advanced or metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Clinical efficacy is still modest and options are limited. Combination therapy protocols such as FOLFIRINOX and gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel (Gem/NP) define standard-of-care. Patients may receive a sequence of both regimens as first- and second-line palliative treatment. However, there is no guidance regarding a preferred order. Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of clinical characteristics, treatment trajectories, and outcomes of patients with advanced PDAC treated at the West German Cancer Center Essen from 2014 to 2020 to inform treatment decisions with respect to predictive factors, impact of chemotherapy regimen sequence, and maintenance treatment. Results: We identified 170 patients with available follow-up. Of those, 160 (94.1%) patients received palliative CTX for primary metastatic, locally advanced, or recurrent PDAC. Median progression-free survival (PFS) upon first palliative chemotherapy was 4.1 (3.1–5.9) months. First-line FOLFIRINOX was associated with superior PFS (median 6.3 months) and OS (9.7 months, HR 0.7, p = 0.03) as compared to Gem/NP or other regimens (PFS 3.0, OS 6.9 months). However, OS benefit of first-line FOLFIRINOX was lost in patients who received at least two treatment lines (median OS 12.1 vs. 13.1 months, p = 0.43). A landmark analysis of patients with clinical benefit (defined as CR/PR/SD for at least 20 weeks) upon first-line therapy revealed improved OS (HR 0.53, p = 0.02) for patients receiving continued deescalated maintenance therapy. Second-line regimens resulted in similar PFS (overall log-rank p = 0.92, median PFS upon second-line therapy 2.3 [1.8–2.9], per-regimen median between 1.8 and 3.9 months). A previously established systemic inflammation score proved to be strongly prognostic and allowed identification of a patient subgroup with dismal prognosis (OS 2.9 vs. 11.4 months, HR 5.23, p < 0.001), independent of other prognostic factors and with no relevant interaction with the choice of first-line regimen. Conclusion: In this real-world population of PDAC patients treated with contemporary combination chemotherapies, a positive impact of first-line FOLFIRINOX was only observed when no second or further line treatment was administered. Intensity-reduced maintenance therapy may lead to superior survival.

The success of marine management initiatives and our capability for dealing with environmental change largely depend on our understanding regarding the distribution of species and their habitat preferences. In the present study, we deployed baited remote underwater video systems (BRUVs) in a portion of Brazilian central coast (i.e., Todos os Santos Bay) to describe fish species-habitat associations along an estuary-bay-continental shelf gradient. Significant variation in the fish assemblage was found among three ecosystems, four depth classes, and eight different types of habitat, confirming that the structure and composition of fish assemblages is mediated by a set of habitat characteristics forming an ecological mosaic. The highest species richness and relative abundance were found in the mangroves and reefs. The data demonstrated that some species, such as Lutjanus jocu, Lutjanus synagris, Carangoides bartholomaei, Eucinostomus argenteus and Eucinostomus melanopterus had clear ontogenetic shifts among habitats and across ecosystems. Some species (Sphoeroides greeley, L. synagris, and Eucinostomus gula) were widespread along the ecosystem-level gradient and were observed in a number of different habitats, reflecting more generalist habitat associations. By contrast, a large number of species (54; e.g., Ptereleotris randali, Decapterus macarellus and Mugil curema) were recorded in a single habitat type, indicating they were habitat specialists. Despite this apparent habitat-related pattern, the size-mediated relationships found in many species indicate cross-migration along the ecosystem gradient. Our findings have implications for the conservation and monitoring of fish assemblages highlighting the role of the connectivity of marine habitats as a conservation priority toward to an ecosystem-based management strategy.

While marine protected areas (MPAs) are increasing worldwide, it is still needed to assess the effectiveness of those already consolidated. Methods and ecological assessments to understanding integrated and habitat-specific management regimes are still scarce and insufficient for policy implications and biodiversity conservation. Through Baited Remote Underwater Video (BRUV), we used fish assemblages as proxy of ecological and managerial status in two reef habitat types along three protection levels at Abrolhos Bank - the largest and most biodiverse coral reef complex of the South Atlantic. We found completely distinct responses in the fish fauna between the top (shallow) and bottom (deep) habitats of the unique "chapeirões" pinnacle reef formations. In the most protected zone (no-take), higher richness and abundance of commercial fish and more diverse trophic structure was observed. Particularly, large (sharks and groupers) and small carnivores (snappers) were more abundant and distributed more homogeneously over both reef habitats in the strictly enforced no-take zone. Abundance of these top-predators decreased from the low enforcement no-take zone to the multiple use area, where they were often absent while their typical preys (primary and secondary consumers) were thriving, notably in the top habitats. These outcomes highlight the importance to focus investigations not selectively on a single habitat type or depth zone in order to properly assess MPA effectiveness. Consequently, the monitoring and protection of fish species supported by marine spatial planning may benefit from an improved understanding of ecological functioning provided by MPA performance.

Pollution in aquatic ecosystems is rapidly becoming one of the world's greatest ecological challenges. Given their intermediate position between terrestrial and marine environments, estuarine systems are especially vulnerable to human pollution. Amazonian estuaries have unique characteristics, such as heterogeneous landscape intercalating tracts of vegetation with sandbanks and beaches. In the present study, we provide the first qualitative and quantitative data on litter retention in an Amazonian estuary, comparing vegetated and bare substrate areas. Overall, 12,003 items were recovered, with a mean ± SD density and weight of 1.69 ± 2.16 items/m2 and 78.08 ± 93.11 g/m2, respectively. Plastic was the principal material (80.97%) found. The highest number of items was found in the vegetated habitats (73.11%), indicating these areas as the most affected by plastic pollution. Our findings provide important insights for future research planning and implementation of effective public policies for conservation and management of these important ecosystems.

Fish fauna assessments with traditional catch methods are undesired in marine reserves. Underwater visual census on the other hand is biased due to fish-diver interactions, such as shyness or avoidance behavior of large-bodied target species. This study presents the first marine ichthyofauna inventory of the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, off northeastern Brazil, sampled with non-destructive, independent Baited Remote Underwater Video Systems (BRUVS). High fish species richness, totaling 66 species from 28 families and 10 orders, including five elasmobranch species and other large predatory fish, such as barracudas, groupers and snappers, were recorded from 81 underwater video samples. Additionally, all of the 4,398 individuals sighted were associated to up to four different benthic habitat types. A catalog of underwater fish images and a detailed species list with additional information, such as conservation status, are provided.

(English abstract below!) *In der vorliegenden Ausgabe des Magazin erwachsenenbildung.at versammeln sich Beiträge zu drei Themenbereichen von Erwachsenenbildung in der Weltgesellschaft. Dies sind zunächst die inhaltlichen Möglichkeiten der Erwachsenenbildung im Lichte der Globalisierung, dann die Frage der (politischen) Positionierung einer Erwachsenenbildung für die Weltgemeinschaft sowie schließlich Europäische Organisationsformen, Projekte oder Bildungskonzepte, die für die Erwachsenenbildung relevant sind. So wird etwa in einigen Beiträgen Migration als globales Phänomen aufgegriffen und in diesem Kontext nach den Herausforderungen der Weltgesellschaft für die Erwachsenenbildung gefragt. Andere Beiträge befassen sich mit Bildungspolitik auf der Ebene der Vereinten Nationen oder der EU; aber auch österreichische Entwicklungen hinsichtlich international ausgerichteter Erwachsenenbildungsarbeit werden beleuchtet. Gesellschaftsanalysen sind ebenso vertreten wie eine Auseinandersetzung mit dem Individuum in der „Weltgesellschaft“ und Vorstellungen von Projekten, Konzepten und Initiativen. Die Herausgeber gelangen trotz der inhaltlichen Breite der Ausgabe zu einem ernüchternden Resümee: Blickt man nämlich anhand der enthaltenen Literatur Reviews auf den internationalen Diskurs und vergegenwärtigt sich so die vielen Facetten des Themas, zu denen in dieser Ausgabe nicht publiziert wurde, so wird klar: Erwachsenenbildung in der Weltgesellschaft wird vergleichsweise wenig diskutiert und es gilt, noch „PionierInnenarbeit“ zu leisten, um den Diskurs hierzulande voranzubringen.* *** *This issue of The Austrian Open Access Journal on Adult Education (Meb) features articles on three topics related to adult education in global society: the potential content of adult education in light of globalization, the issue of the (political) positioning of adult education for global society and European forms of organization, projects or educational concepts that are relevant for adult education. Several articles address migration as a global phenomenon and in this context the challenges of a global society for adult education. Other articles are concerned with educational policy at the level of the United Nations or the EU, yet Austrian developments in adult education work with an international orientation are also illuminated. Social analyses are also presented as is an examination of the individual in „global society“ and ideas for projects, concepts and initiatives. Despite the broad range of content in this issue, the editors come to a sobering conclusion. If the reader takes a look at the international discourse described in the literature reviews and realizes the many facets of the subjects which were not published in this issue, it is clear: Adult education in global society is relatively rarely discussed and „pioneering work“ must be done in order to advance the discourse in Austria. (Ed.)*

A Longnose stingray Hypanus guttatus (Bloch & Schneider, 1801) embryo with a major asymmetrical morphological abnormality to its pectoral fin was obtained from commercial shrimp fisher's bycatch, off the coast of the Amazon River Mouth in northern Brazil. The specimen and the deformity, which would presumably have impeded its long-term survival, are described and documented in detail. We herein provide the first report of an abnormal individual of this species for the Brazilian coast. Resumo: Um embrião de Arraia-bicuda Hypanus guttatus (Bloch & Schneider, 1801) com uma anomalia morfológica assimétrica grave na nadadeira peitoral foi obtido como captura-acidental de um barco de pesca de camarão da costa da foz do rio Amazonas, no norte do Brasil. O indivíduo e sua deformação, que provavelmente teria impedido sua sobrevivência ao longo prazo, são descritos e documentados em detalhe. Apresentamos com esse estudo o primeiro registro de um indivíduo anormal dessa espécie para a costa do Brasil.

The present study documents, for the first time, the ingestion of microplastics (MPs) by Longnose stingrays in the Western Atlantic Ocean. We examined 23 specimens of Hypanus guttatus from the Brazilian Amazon coast and found microplastic particles in the stomach contents of almost a third of the individuals. Fibers were the most frequent item (82%), blue was the most frequent color (47%) and Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) was the most frequent polymer recorded (35%), as identified by 2D imaging - Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR). The ingestion of microplastics by Longnose stingray has not been previously recorded. The findings of the present study thus provide an important baseline for future studies of microplastic ingestion by dasyatid rays and other batoid species in the Atlantic Ocean, and contribute to the broader understanding of the spatial and temporal dimensions of the growing problem of plastic pollution in aquatic ecosystems and organisms.

Talente regional unterstutzt die osterreichweite Entwicklung regionaler Initiativen und Netzwerke und liefert somit einen wichtigen Beitrag zur Starkung des Interesses an und der Kenntnisse uber Naturwissenschaft und Technik.

Globalisierung und Digitalisierung sind anhaltende Megatrends der wirtschaftlichen Entwicklung. Sie haben Einfluss auf Tätigkeits- und somit Kompetenzanforderungen an die Beschäftigten. Im Beitrag wird explorativ anhand aktueller österreichischer Unternehmensdaten aufgezeigt, dass Firmen die Herausforderung (und Chancen) von Digitalisierung und Globalisierung in unterschiedlichen Schneidungen/Konstellationen ergreifen. Diese unterschiedliche betriebliche Realisierung hat auch gewisse Effekte auf die Kompetenzanforderungen der Beschäftigten: zumeist im Sinne unterschiedlicher Bedeutungszunahmen der Kompetenzen (und weniger als Bedeutungsrückgang ¿ oder gar Wegfallen ¿ von Kompetenzen). Zudem sind in etlichen Unternehmen kumulierende Effekte von Globalisierung und Digitalisierung hinsichtlich der zukünftigen Kompetenzanforderungen an die Beschäftigten beobachtbar: Firmen, die sowohl auf Globalisierung als auch auf Digitalisierung setzen, um die betriebliche Effizienz/Produktivität zu steigern, haben die höchsten Kompetenzanforderungen. Im Beitrag werden mögliche Konsequenzen aus diesen Befunden für die österreichische Berufsbildung angerissen.

A sexually mature albino specimen of the Gillbacker Sea Catfish species Sciades parkeri (Siluriformes, Ariidae), a vulnerable species, was captured in northern Amazon estuary, State of Pará, Brazil. Herein we present the first record of albinism phenomenon for this species, including the morphometric description of the albino, and a non-abnormal coloring specimen.

We discuss new applications of baited remote underwater video (BRUV) systems based on recordings of Amazonian freshwater fauna during a long-term fish monitoring program in the Xingu River, Brazil. BRUVs facilitated estimates of relative abundance and frequency of occurrence for species of river turtles (Podocnemis unifilis, P. expansa, Rhinoclemmys punctularia), river dolphin (Inia geoffrensis) and spectacled caiman (Caiman crocodilus) in a variety of habitats including rocky rapids, submerged sandy beaches, an artificial reservoir and the Xingu Ria.

Length-weight relationships (LWR) of 14 fish species were estimated from Palito Mountain ridge, upper Tapajós river basin, Brazilian Amazon region. This study represents the first LWR to the small characid Hemigrammus marginatus, and additionally provides new maximum record of length and weight for three species.. Keywords: Neotropical freshwater fish fauna; Length-weight relationship; Tapajós river basin; Allometry. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.18561/2179-5746/biotaamazonia.v5n3p112-114

A large adult Largetooth Sawfish Pristis pristis (Linnaeus 1758; family: Pristidade) was accidentally caught and released alive on June 30, 2016, from a shrimp trawler approximately 63 nautical mil...

Die Konzepte zur Molekularpathogenese von Schilddrusentumoren haben sich in den letzten Jahren kontinuierlich weiterentwickelt. Als entscheidender Faktor wurde in Schilddrusenkarzinomen die konstitutive Aktivierung intrazellularer Tyrosinkinasen identifiziert. In Follikelzell-basierten Karzinomen scheint die Aktivierung von MAPK- und PI3K-Signalkaskaden uber somatische Mutationen und Gen-Rearrangements eine entscheidende Rolle zu spielen. In niedrig differenzierten und anaplastischen Karzinomen wird oftmals eine Akkumulation genetischer Veranderungen der Follikelzell-basierten Tumoren und das Auftreten neuer genetischer Mutationen beobachtet. Das C-Zell-basierte medullare Karzinom entsteht durch eine Aktivierung der RET-Kinase uber Keimbahnmutationen im RET-Proto-Onkogen oder somatische RET- und RAS-Mutationen. Die Erkenntnisse zur molekularen Pathogenese von Schilddrusentumoren haben die Entwicklung neuer zielgerichteter Therapien ermoglichst. Die Identifikation molekularer Marker ist fur eine Vorhersage hinsichtlich der Wirkung zielgerichteter Therapien wunschenswert.

Experiments were performed to identify the glycinergic or GABAergic nature, and the timing of discharge, of the neurons which produce chloride-dependent inhibitions on other bulbar respiratory neurons (RNs) during their silent and active phases. RNs recorded extracellularly in pentobarbital-anesthetized or decerebrate cats, were subjected to iontophoretic applications of glutamate, of the glycine antagonist strychnine, and of the GABAA receptor antagonist bicuculline. Both antagonists induced discharge or increased discharge frequency in restricted parts of the respiratory cycle without affecting the discharge frequency in other parts of the cycle. Strychnine most often elicited activity in late-inspiration and early-expiration, but also in early inspiration and in late expiration. Bicuculline was most often effective throughout the entire discharge period of each neuron with no effect during the silent period, although it also acted selectively during late-inspiration in inspiratory neurons, an effect attributed to GABAA receptor blockade. The convergence of glycinergic afferent inputs during late inspiration and early expiration suggests that glycinergic neurons may play an important role in the inspiratory to expiratory phase transition.

The action of endogenous excitatory amino acids on phrenic motoneurons was studied in anesthetized, vagotomized, paralyzed and artificially ventilated rabbits. The NMDA receptor antagonists APV and ketamine, as well as the non-NMDA receptor antagonists GAMS and DNQX were administered by microinjection into the ventral horn of the spinal segments C3-C5. Injection of each antagonist resulted in a reversible reduction of the phrenic nerve activity. Results suggest an important function of endogenous excitatory amino acids in the excitation of phrenic motneurons. NMDA as well as non-NMDA receptors are involved. The functional role of both receptor types in bulbospinal neurotransmission is discussed.

The involvement of GABA mediated neurotransmission in the central control of respiration was investigated by administration of the specific GABAA receptor agonist muscimol and the specific GABAA receptor antagonist biculline into the fourth cerebral ventricle of the rabbit. Cycle-triggered averaging of the phrenic nerve activity (PNA) was used to quantify drug-induced changes of the central respiratory pattern. Muscimol reduced the peak amplitude of PNA and increased the duration of the respiratory phases. High amounts of muscimol led to a long-lasting but reversible central apnea. Bicuculline very effectively blocked the effects of externally applied muscimol. Blockade of intrinsically active GABAergic neurotransmission by bicuculline resulted in a multitude of effects. Peak amplitude of PNA increased whereas the duration of both inspiration and expiration decreased. In this respect, effects of bicuculline and muscimol were complementary. Bicuculline reduced the slope of the inspiratory ramp, increased postinspiratory activity and induced an augmenting type of discharge activity in the last part of expiration resulting in a smooth transition between expiration and inspiration. In some cases the respiratory modulation was completely lost and PNA became perfectly tonic. This 'apneustic' type of respiratory pattern could be transformed into rhythmic breathing by increasing the respiratory drive. We conclude that neurotransmission via GABAA receptors is important for the maintenance of respiratory rhythm as well as the generation of normal respiratory pattern.

The involvement of glycinergic neurotransmission in the central regulation of respiration was investigated by administration of specific receptor agonists and antagonists into the 4th cerebral ventricle of the rabbit. Central respiratory activity was assessed by cycle-triggered averaging of phrenic nerve activity (PNA). Glycine reduced the peak amplitude of PNA and increased the duration of the respiratory phases. Conversely, strychnine decreased the duration of both phases, being more effective in expiration. Strychnine converted inspiratory ramp activity to a decrescendo type of pattern, with the highest discharge activity present at the onset of the inspiratory phase. Strychnine induced tonic PNA lasting throughout expiration with a decrescendo type of activity. In many cases strychnine induce apneusis with tonic PNA being at a level of about 2/3 of its maximum value during control. We conclude that glycinergic neurotransmission is important for the maintenance of the respiratory rhythm as well as the generation of normal respiratory pattern. Glycine could be involved in phasic as well as tonic inhibitory neurotransmission within the central respiratory system.

Introduction: Fungal infections of internal organs are a major complication for patients with hematological neoplasias. For more than 20 years, the frequency of such mycoses has been increasing with the aggressiveness of tumor treatment. Methods: Autopsy findings over a 30-year period (1976 to 2005) from a single institution (Institute of Pathology, University of Essen) were retrospectively classified according to basic disease, frequency of mycoses, kind of mycoses, organs involved, hematopoietic transplantation, and cause of death. Results: 340 of 1 591 autopsied patients with hematological neoplasias (21.4%) revealed an invasive mycosis. The proportion increased from about 10% before 1980 to some 30% in the 1990s but fell to 21% by 2005. The frequency of mycoses decreased significantly both for transplanted patients (from 47.5% to 30.3%) and for non-transplanted patients (from 29.8% to 16.4%). The rate of deaths due to mycosis also decreased. The relative frequency of candidal mycoses went down, while aspergilloses predominated. The organ most frequently involved was the lung. Discussion: The autopsy results signal a trend reversal in the leading complication of the treatment of hematological neoplasias and lend support to the assumption that antimycotic strategies are having a positive effect. CA extern

An animal ventilator based on the principle of constant gas flow is described. The ventilator can operate either in a fixed cycle mode or in cycle-triggered mode. In the first case the built-in generator allows the setting of respiration rate and of the ratio of inspiratory duration to total respiratory cycle duration. When operated in cycle-triggered mode, phrenic nerve activity by means of an external respiratory phase detector controls the action of the pump. An internal circuitry allows precise no-inflation maneuvers. The device provides logical timing signals suitable for cycle-triggered averaging of respiration-related neuronal activity. The ventilator has proven its usefulness in experiments on reflex control of central respiration in paralyzed rabbits.

Fungal infections of internal organs are a major complication for patients with hematological neoplasias. For more than 20 years, the frequency of such mycoses has been increasing with the aggressiveness of tumor treatment.Autopsy findings over a 30-year period (1976 to 2005) from a single institution (Institute of Pathology, University of Essen) were retrospectively classified according to basic disease, frequency of mycoses, kind of mycoses, organs involved, hematopoietic transplantation, and cause of death.340 of 1591 autopsied patients with hematological neoplasias (21.4%) revealed an invasive mycosis. The proportion increased from about 10% before 1980 to some 30% in the 1990s but fell to 21% by 2005. The frequency of mycoses decreased significantly both for transplanted patients (from 47.5% to 30.3%) and for non-transplanted patients (from 29.8% to 16.4%). The rate of deaths due to mycosis also decreased. The relative frequency of candidal mycoses went down, while aspergilloses predominated. The organ most frequently involved was the lung.The autopsy results signal a trend reversal in the leading complication of the treatment of hematological neoplasias and lend support to the assumption that antimycotic strategies are having a positive effect.