Prospektion im Tempelbezirk 3 des römischen vicus Belginum (OT Wederath, Gde. Morbach, Kr. Bernkastel-Wittlich, Rheinland-Pfalz)

Im Rahmen des mehrjährigen Prospektionsprogramms der Universität Leipzig im Bereich des römischen vicus Belginum (OT Wederath, Gde. Morbach, Kr. Bernkastel-Wittlich, Rheinland Pfalz) wurde im November 2007 der Bereich von Tempelbezirk 3 und seiner Umgebung begangen. Dieser Tempelbezirk liegt im Westen des vicus und ist bislang nur durch eine geophysikalische Prospektion bekannt. Die Begehungen erbrachten eine perfekte Übereinstimmung mit dem Magnetometerbild mit Konzentrationen im Bereich des gallorömischen Umgangstempels und der Temenosmauer. Die Funde ermöglichen eine Datierung in das 1. bis 2. und vielleicht das frühe 3. Jh. n. Chr. Bemerkenswert ist die Entdeckung mittel- und spätlatènezeitlicher Scherben des 3.-1. Jh. v. Chr. Sie weisen entweder auf eine ältere Besiedlung oder eine frühe Kulttätigkeit.Since several years, the University of Leipzig is carrying out archaeological prospections in the Roman vicus Belginum and its surroundings (OT Wederath, Gde. Morbach, Kr. Bernkastel-Wittlich, Rhenania-Palatinate, Germany). In November 2007 the temple area 3 was prospected. This site is located at the western periphery of the vicus. It was until yet only known by geophysical prospection. The actual prospection showed a perfect coincidence of findings and the magnetometer plot. High frequencies of finds, mostly brick fragments, were found at the Temenos walls and the site of the Gallo-Roman temple. The few ceramic sherds are dating from the 1st to the 2nd, probably the early 3rd cent. AD. Remarkable was the find of hand-made pottery, dating into the middle and late Latène period (approx. 3rd-1st cent. BC)

Impact of pulmonary vein isolation on obstructive sleep apnea in patients with atrial fibrillation

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been identified as associated with the onset and propagation of atrial fibrillation (AF) and predicts recurrences of AF after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). Vice versa, it has never been investigated whether PVI influences OSA. However, it has been controversial whether a restored atrial function can affect the course of OSA. There­fore, we have assessed whether PVI procedure modulates the prevalence and severity of OSA. Methods and Results: We included 23 individuals with AF that were assigned to undergo PVI into this study. Patients were 65 ± 7 years old, obese (BMI 29.9 ± 5.4 kg/m2), white (100%) and had a normal left ventricular function (LVEF 64 ± 9%). Polygraphic assessment was carried out before and 6 months after PVI. The prevalence of OSA, defined as an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) ≥ 5 per hour of sleep, was 74% before PVI compared to 70% 6 months after the procedure (p > 0.05). Severity of OSA did not differ (AHI before vs. after: 18 ± 18/h vs. 15 ± 17/h, p > 0.05) as well as further polygraphic parameters did not differ before and after the procedure. Conclusions: Prevalence and severity of OSA are not affected by PVI in patients suffering from AF.

Prospektion einer Villa rustica bei Wederath, Flur Kleinicher Berg (Gde. Morbach, Kr. Bernkastel-Wittlich, Rheinland-Pfalz)

Prospektionen der Universität Leipzig im Umkreis des römischen vicus Belginum weisen bei Wederath, Flur Kleinicher Berg (Gde. Morbach, Kr. Bernkastel-Wittlich, Rheinland Pfalz) eine mutmaßliche villa rustica hin. Diese lag auf einem kleinen Plateau außerhalb der Begehungsfläche. Das Fundmaterial besteht vorwiegend aus Ziegeln (Dach- und Fußbodenziegel) und relativ wenig Keramik. Die bestimmbare römische Keramik datiert in das 2. bis 4. Jh. n. Chr. Bemerkenswert ist der Fund mehrerer Scherben der Hunsrück-Eifel-Kultur. Sie könnten einen Hinweis auf eine Besiedlung des Plateaus seit der Mitte des 1. Jahrtausends v. Chr. darstellen. Nur wenige hundert Meter entfernt befindet sich das große Hügelgräberfeld „Götzeroth“ der Hunsrück- Eifel-Kultur.Archaeological prospections by the University of Leipzig in the surroundings of the Roman vicus Belginum revealed near Wederath (Rhenania-Palatinate, Germany) a probable villa rustica. Mostly bricks (tegulae, imbrices and floor tiles) and only a small amount of ceramics were found. The Roman ceramics are dating mostly into the 2nd to 4th cent. AD. Remarkable are the finds of some ceramic sherds of the Hunsrück-Eifel-Culture. They could indicate settlement activity at the site since the mid of the first millennium BC. The extended tumulus cemetery “Götzeroth” is located some hundred meters to the east

Replacement of connexin43 by connexin26 in transgenic mice leads to dysfunctional reproductive organs and slowed ventricular conduction in the heart

BACKGROUND: In order to further distinguish unique from general functions of connexin43, we have generated mice in which the coding region of connexin43 was replaced by that of connexin26. RESULTS: Heterozygous mothers showed impaired mammary gland development responsible for decreased lactation and early postnatal death of the pups which could be partially rescued by wild type foster mothers. Only about 17% of the homozygous connexin43 knock-in connexin26 mice instead of 25% expected according to Mendelian inheritance, were born and only 6% survived to day 21 post partum and longer. Neonatal and adult connexin43 knock-in connexin26 mice exhibited slowed ventricular conduction in their hearts, i.e. similar but delayed electrophysiological abnormalities as connexin43 deficient mice. Furthermore, connexin43 knock-in connexin26 male and female mice were infertile and exhibited hypotrophic gonads. In testes, tubuli seminiferi were developed and spermatogonia as well as some primary spermatocytes were present, but further differentiated stages of spermatogenesis were absent. Ovaries of female connexin43 knock-in connexin26 mice revealed only few follicles and the maturation of follicles was completely impaired. CONCLUSION: The impaired gametogenesis of homozygous males and females can explain their infertility

Heart failure after pressure overload in autosomal-dominant desminopathies: Lessons from heterozygous DES-p.R349P knock-in mice

Background Mutations in the human desmin gene (DES) cause autosomal-dominant and -recessive cardiomyopathies, leading to heart failure, arrhythmias, and AV blocks. We analyzed the effects of vascular pressure overload in a patient-mimicking p.R349P desmin knock-in mouse model that harbors the orthologue of the frequent human DES missense mutation p. R350P. Methods and results Transverse aortic constriction (TAC) was performed on heterozygous (HET) DES-p.R349P mice and wild-type (WT) littermates. Echocardiography demonstrated reduced left ventricular ejection fraction in HET-TAC (WT-sham: 69.5 ± 2.9%, HET-sham: 64.5 ± 4.7%, WTTAC: 63.5 ± 4.9%, HET-TAC: 55.7 ± 5.4%; p<0.01). Cardiac output was significantly reduced in HET-TAC (WT sham: 13088 ± 2385 μl/min, HET sham: 10391 ± 1349μl/min, WT-TAC: 8097 ± 1903μl/min, HET-TAC: 5793 ± 2517μl/min; p<0.01). Incidence and duration of AV blocks as well as the probability to induce ventricular tachycardias was highest in HET-TAC. We observed reduced mtDNA copy numbers in HET-TAC (WT-sham: 12546 ± 406, HET-sham: 13526 ± 781, WT-TAC: 11155 ± 3315, HET-TAC: 8649 ± 1582; p = 0.025), but no mtDNA deletions. The activity of respiratory chain complexes I and IV showed the greatest reductions in HET-TAC. Conclusion Pressure overload in HET mice aggravated the clinical phenotype of cardiomyopathy and resulted in mitochondrial dysfunction. Preventive avoidance of pressure overload/arterial hypertension in desminopathy patients might represent a crucial therapeutic measure

Impact of gender in patients with device-related thrombosis after left atrial appendage closure - A sub-analysis from the multicenter EUROC-DRT-registry.

BACKGROUND Device-related thrombosis (DRT) is a common finding after left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) and is associated with worse outcomes. As women are underrepresented in clinical studies, further understanding of sex differences in DRT patients is warranted. METHODS AND RESULTS This sub-analysis from the EUROC-DRT-registry compromises 176 patients with diagnosis of DRT after LAAC. Women, who accounted for 34.7% (61/176) of patients, were older (78.0 ± 6.7 vs. 74.9 ± 9.1 years, p = .06) with lower rates of comorbidities. While DRT was detected significantly later in women (173 ± 267 vs. 127 ± 192 days, p = .01), anticoagulation therapy was escalated similarly, mainly with initiation of novel oral anticoagulant (NOAC), vitamin K antagonist (VKA) or heparin. DRT resolution was achieved in 67.5% (27/40) of women and in 75.0% (54/72) of men (p = .40). In the remaining cases, an intensification/switch of anticoagulation was conducted in 50.% (9/18) of men and in 41.7% (5/12) of women. Final resolution was achieved in 72.5% (29/40) cases in women, and in 81.9% (59/72) cases in men (p = .24). Women were followed-up for a similar time as men (779 ± 520 vs. 908 ± 687 days, p = .51). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed no difference in mortality rates in women (Hazard Ratio [HR]: 1.73, 95%-Confidence interval [95%-CI]: .68-4.37, p = .25) and no differences in stroke (HR: .83, 95%-CI: .30-2.32, p = .72) within 2 years after LAAC. CONCLUSION Evaluation of risk factors and outcome revealed no differences between men and women, with DRT in women being diagnosed significantly later. Women should be monitored closely to assess for DRT formation/resolution. Treatment strategies appear to be equally effective

Factors Associated with Revision Surgery after Internal Fixation of Hip Fractures

Background: Femoral neck fractures are associated with high rates of revision surgery after management with internal fixation. Using data from the Fixation using Alternative Implants for the Treatment of Hip fractures (FAITH) trial evaluating methods of internal fixation in patients with femoral neck fractures, we investigated associations between baseline and surgical factors and the need for revision surgery to promote healing, relieve pain, treat infection or improve function over 24 months postsurgery. Additionally, we investigated factors associated with (1) hardware removal and (2) implant exchange from cancellous screws (CS) or sliding hip screw (SHS) to total hip arthroplasty, hemiarthroplasty, or another internal fixation device. Methods: We identified 15 potential factors a priori that may be associated with revision surgery, 7 with hardware removal, and 14 with implant exchange. We used multivariable Cox proportional hazards analyses in our investigation. Results: Factors associated with increased risk of revision surgery included: female sex, [hazard ratio (HR) 1.79, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.25-2.50; P = 0.001], higher body mass index (fo

Cannabinoid receptor 1 signalling modulates stress susceptibility and microglial responses to chronic social defeat stress

Psychosocial stress is one of the main environmental factors contributing to the development of psychiatric disorders. In humans and rodents, chronic stress is associated with elevated inflammatory responses, indicated by increased numbers of circulating myeloid cells and activation of microglia, the brain-resident immune cells. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) regulates neuronal and endocrine stress responses via the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1). CB1-deficient mice (Cnr

Prospektion im Tempelbezirk 3 des römischen vicus Belginum (OT Wederath, Gde. Morbach, Kr. Bernkastel-Wittlich, Rheinland-Pfalz)

Im Rahmen des mehrjährigen Prospektionsprogramms der Universität Leipzig im Bereich des römischen vicus Belginum (OT Wederath, Gde. Morbach, Kr. Bernkastel-Wittlich, Rheinland Pfalz) wurde im November 2007 der Bereich von Tempelbezirk 3 und seiner Umgebung begangen. Dieser Tempelbezirk liegt im Westen des vicus und ist bislang nur durch eine geophysikalische Prospektion bekannt. Die Begehungen erbrachten eine perfekte Übereinstimmung mit dem Magnetometerbild mit Konzentrationen im Bereich des gallorömischen Umgangstempels und der Temenosmauer. Die Funde ermöglichen eine Datierung in das 1. bis 2. und vielleicht das frühe 3. Jh. n. Chr. Bemerkenswert ist die Entdeckung mittel- und spätlatènezeitlicher Scherben des 3.-1. Jh. v. Chr. Sie weisen entweder auf eine ältere Besiedlung oder eine frühe Kulttätigkeit.Since several years, the University of Leipzig is carrying out archaeological prospections in the Roman vicus Belginum and its surroundings (OT Wederath, Gde. Morbach, Kr. Bernkastel-Wittlich, Rhenania-Palatinate, Germany). In November 2007 the temple area 3 was prospected. This site is located at the western periphery of the vicus. It was until yet only known by geophysical prospection. The actual prospection showed a perfect coincidence of findings and the magnetometer plot. High frequencies of finds, mostly brick fragments, were found at the Temenos walls and the site of the Gallo-Roman temple. The few ceramic sherds are dating from the 1st to the 2nd, probably the early 3rd cent. AD. Remarkable was the find of hand-made pottery, dating into the middle and late Latène period (approx. 3rd-1st cent. BC)

Total beta-adrenoceptor knockout slows conduction and reduces inducible arrhythmias in the mouse heart.

INTRODUCTION: Beta-adrenoceptors (β-AR) play an important role in the neurohumoral regulation of cardiac function. Three β-AR subtypes (β(1), β(2), β(3)) have been described so far. Total deficiency of these adrenoceptors (TKO) results in cardiac hypotrophy and negative inotropy. TKO represents a unique mouse model mimicking total unselective medical β-blocker therapy in men. Electrophysiological characteristics of TKO have not yet been investigated in an animal model. METHODS: In vivo electrophysiological studies using right heart catheterisation were performed in 10 TKO mice and 10 129SV wild type control mice (WT) at the age of 15 weeks. Standard surface ECG, intracardiac and electrophysiological parameters, and arrhythmia inducibility were analyzed. RESULTS: The surface ECG of TKO mice revealed a reduced heart rate (359.2±20.9 bpm vs. 461.1±33.3 bpm; p<0.001), prolonged P wave (17.5±3.0 ms vs. 15.1±1.2 ms; p = 0.019) and PQ time (40.8±2.4 ms vs. 37.3±3.0 ms; p = 0.013) compared to WT. Intracardiac ECG showed a significantly prolonged infra-Hisian conductance (HV-interval: 12.9±1.4 ms vs. 6.8±1.0 ms; p<0.001). Functional testing showed prolonged atrial and ventricular refractory periods in TKO (40.5±15.5 ms vs. 21.3±5.8 ms; p = 0.004; and 41.0±9.7 ms vs. 28.3±6.6 ms; p = 0.004, respectively). In TKO both the probability of induction of atrial fibrillation (12% vs. 24%; p<0.001) and of ventricular tachycardias (0% vs. 26%; p<0.001) were significantly reduced. CONCLUSION: TKO results in significant prolongations of cardiac conduction times and refractory periods. This was accompanied by a highly significant reduction of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias. Our finding confirms the importance of β-AR in arrhythmogenesis and the potential role of unspecific beta-receptor-blockade as therapeutic target