Forschungsprojekte mit der Praxis entwickeln: Ergebnisse des Projektentwicklungsprozesses der Innovationsgruppe ginkoo

Organic farming actors need to handle more complex innovation processes to develop locally adapted and globally relevant solutions for challenges such as agricultural-biodiversity and relationship between farmers and producers. For a coordinating management of such innovation processes, management tools that exceed classical innovation management techniques, are required if sustainable solutions are to be achieved. Developing relevant knowledge requires a transdisciplinary approach to bridge the gap between science and practice. This paper presents our process and the resulting concept of the transdisciplinary innovation group ginkoo for one of two case studies. It aims at developing a research concept that integrates the practical context such that ground for using the research findings after the end of funding has been laid

The anemia-independent impact of myelodysplastic syndromes on health-related quality of life

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are in the majority of cases characterized by anemia. Both anemia and MDS per se may directly contribute to impairments in health-related quality of life (HRQoL). In this study, we aimed to investigate the anemia-independent impact of MDS on HRQoL. We evaluated participants (≥ 50 years) from the large population-based Lifelines cohort (N = 44,694, mean age 59.0 ± 7.4 years, 43.6% male) and the European MDS Registry (EUMDS) (N = 1538, mean age 73.4 ± 9.0 years, 63.0% male), which comprises a cohort of lower-risk MDS patients. To enable comparison concerning HRQoL, SF-36 scores measured in Lifelines were converted to EQ-5D-3L index (range 0-1) and dimension scores. Lower-risk MDS patients had significantly lower HRQoL than those from the Lifelines cohort, as illustrated in both the index score and in the five different dimensions. Multivariable linear regression analysis demonstrated that MDS had an adjusted total impact on the EQ-5D index score (B =  - 0.12, p < 0.001) and an anemia-independent "direct" impact (B =  - 0.10, p < 0.001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed an anemia-independent impact of MDS in the dimension mobility, self-care, usual activities, and anxiety/depression (all except pain/discomfort). This study demonstrates that the major part of the negative impact of lower-risk MDS on HRQoL is not mediated via anemia. Thus, the therapeutic focus should include treatment strategies directed at underlying pathogenic mechanisms to improve HRQoL, rather than aiming predominantly at increasing hemoglobin levels

The anemia-independent impact of myelodysplastic syndromes on health-related quality of life

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are in the majority of cases characterized by anemia. Both anemia and MDS per se may directly contribute to impairments in health-related quality of life (HRQoL). In this study, we aimed to investigate the anemia-independent impact of MDS on HRQoL. We evaluated participants (≥ 50 years) from the large population-based Lifelines cohort (N = 44,694, mean age 59.0 ± 7.4 years, 43.6% male) and the European MDS Registry (EUMDS) (N = 1538, mean age 73.4 ± 9.0 years, 63.0% male), which comprises a cohort of lower-risk MDS patients. To enable comparison concerning HRQoL, SF-36 scores measured in Lifelines were converted to EQ-5D-3L index (range 0-1) and dimension scores. Lower-risk MDS patients had significantly lower HRQoL than those from the Lifelines cohort, as illustrated in both the index score and in the five different dimensions. Multivariable linear regression analysis demonstrated that MDS had an adjusted total impact on the EQ-5D index score (B =  - 0.12, p < 0.001) and an anemia-independent "direct" impact (B =  - 0.10, p < 0.001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed an anemia-independent impact of MDS in the dimension mobility, self-care, usual activities, and anxiety/depression (all except pain/discomfort). This study demonstrates that the major part of the negative impact of lower-risk MDS on HRQoL is not mediated via anemia. Thus, the therapeutic focus should include treatment strategies directed at underlying pathogenic mechanisms to improve HRQoL, rather than aiming predominantly at increasing hemoglobin levels

Reactive amphiphilic block copolymers for the preparation of hybrid inorganic/organic materials

In this thesis the synthesis of well-defined polystyrene-block-polyglycidol (PS-b-PG) block copolymers, their micelle formation and the use of these micelles for the preparation of hybrid inorganic/organic materials are described. The hybrid materials are used for patterning of highly ordered titanium dioxide nanoparticles on a silicon wafer. The amphiphilic block copolymers were synthesized by sequential anionic polymerisation of the corresponding monomers in benzene with the sec-butyl lithium/phosphazene base initiating system to achieve well-defined polystyrene-block-poly(ethoxy ethyl glycidyl ether) (PS-b-PEEGE) block copolymers. It was shown that chain-transfer reactions during the polymerisation process limit the molecular weight of the PEEGE block and tailing in the SEC traces indicated the presence of PEEGE homopolymer. The removal of the protection group was achieved with concentrated hydrochloric acid or an acidic ion exchange resin. In both cases the deprotection was quantitative, but in case of the hydrochloric acid the reaction conditions played a very important role; under optimal conditions no degradation of the PEEGE block in the copolymer was observed. The PG homopolymer inside the block copolymer was responsible for the tailing in SEC and was removed by precipitation of the block copolymer in distilled water. The glass transition temperatures of PS-b-PEEGE and PS-b-PG were determined by DSC. It could be shown that the PS-b-PEEGE block copolymers were completely miscible proven by only one glass transition temperature. In contrast, the PS-b-PG block copolymers had two glass transition temperatures showing their immiscibility. The PS-b-PG block copolymers were used for the preparation of micellar solutions in toluene as selective solvent. The micelles were characterized by static and dynamic light scattering as well as small angle X-ray scattering. The results of the light scattering experiments showed that copolymers containing a mass fraction of PG block below 0.5 self-assembled into core-shell micelles, while samples with higher PG content formed non-specifically aggregated particles. Their presence resulted most probably from multiple hydrogen bond formation between PG units that could strongly restrict their complete equilibration in solution. Additionally, the micellar solutions of PS-b-PG block copolymers were coated onto mica as substrate. It could be shown by SFM and TEM that the dried micelles had mostly a spherical shape. The well-defined core-shell micelles of PS-b-PG were loaded with concentrated hydrochloric acid and titanium(IV) isopropoxide (titanium alkoxide) which lead to hydrolysis of the titanium alkoxide within the micellar core. It was proven that a condensation reaction lead to a permanent connection between glycidol units and the inorganic component. As a consequence, stable hybrid micelles were obtained, which were coated onto a substrate to form a thin film and analyzed again by SFM and TEM. The cross-linked micelles were used for the highly controlled nanostructuring of titanium dioxide on the surface. The titanium-loaded micellar solutions were coated onto a silicon wafer to obtain thin films. These thin films were treated with hydrogen plasma to remove the organic material and convert the titanium alkoxide to well-defined titanium dioxide nanoparticles. The hexagonal ordering of titanium dioxide was proven by microscopic techniques and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed the chemical nature of the particles

Reactive amphiphilic block copolymers for the preparation of hybrid inorganic/organic materials

In this thesis the synthesis of well-defined polystyrene-block-polyglycidol (PS-b-PG) block copolymers, their micelle formation and the use of these micelles for the preparation of hybrid inorganic/organic materials are described. The hybrid materials are used for patterning of highly ordered titanium dioxide nanoparticles on a silicon wafer. The amphiphilic block copolymers were synthesized by sequential anionic polymerisation of the corresponding monomers in benzene with the sec-butyl lithium/phosphazene base initiating system to achieve well-defined polystyrene-block-poly(ethoxy ethyl glycidyl ether) (PS-b-PEEGE) block copolymers. It was shown that chain-transfer reactions during the polymerisation process limit the molecular weight of the PEEGE block and tailing in the SEC traces indicated the presence of PEEGE homopolymer. The removal of the protection group was achieved with concentrated hydrochloric acid or an acidic ion exchange resin. In both cases the deprotection was quantitative, but in case of the hydrochloric acid the reaction conditions played a very important role; under optimal conditions no degradation of the PEEGE block in the copolymer was observed. The PG homopolymer inside the block copolymer was responsible for the tailing in SEC and was removed by precipitation of the block copolymer in distilled water. The glass transition temperatures of PS-b-PEEGE and PS-b-PG were determined by DSC. It could be shown that the PS-b-PEEGE block copolymers were completely miscible proven by only one glass transition temperature. In contrast, the PS-b-PG block copolymers had two glass transition temperatures showing their immiscibility. The PS-b-PG block copolymers were used for the preparation of micellar solutions in toluene as selective solvent. The micelles were characterized by static and dynamic light scattering as well as small angle X-ray scattering. The results of the light scattering experiments showed that copolymers containing a mass fraction of PG block below 0.5 self-assembled into core-shell micelles, while samples with higher PG content formed non-specifically aggregated particles. Their presence resulted most probably from multiple hydrogen bond formation between PG units that could strongly restrict their complete equilibration in solution. Additionally, the micellar solutions of PS-b-PG block copolymers were coated onto mica as substrate. It could be shown by SFM and TEM that the dried micelles had mostly a spherical shape. The well-defined core-shell micelles of PS-b-PG were loaded with concentrated hydrochloric acid and titanium(IV) isopropoxide (titanium alkoxide) which lead to hydrolysis of the titanium alkoxide within the micellar core. It was proven that a condensation reaction lead to a permanent connection between glycidol units and the inorganic component. As a consequence, stable hybrid micelles were obtained, which were coated onto a substrate to form a thin film and analyzed again by SFM and TEM. The cross-linked micelles were used for the highly controlled nanostructuring of titanium dioxide on the surface. The titanium-loaded micellar solutions were coated onto a silicon wafer to obtain thin films. These thin films were treated with hydrogen plasma to remove the organic material and convert the titanium alkoxide to well-defined titanium dioxide nanoparticles. The hexagonal ordering of titanium dioxide was proven by microscopic techniques and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed the chemical nature of the particles

Darstellungen vom eigenen Selbst. Vergleichende Analysen der Kinderzeichnungen von psychisch unauffälligen versus auffälligen Sechs- bis Zehnjährigen unter Berücksichtigung des soziokulturellen Hintergrundes

Bisherige kulturvergleichende Untersuchungen zu zeichnerischen Selbstdarstellungen von drei- bis sechsjährigen Kindern aus divergenten soziokulturellen Kontexten haben bislang bedeutsame Belege dafür hervorgebracht, dass die Kinderzeichnungen ausgehend von der Prämisse einer kulturvermittelten Entwicklung des Selbstkonzepts als Ausdruck kultureller Modelle von Autonomie und Relationalität verstanden werden können. Die vorliegende Untersuchung knüpft an die bisherigen Befunde an und befasst sich mit der Frage, inwiefern sich die referierten Unterschiede in Bezug auf Figurhöhen, die graphische Detailliertheit, die Darstellung des Gesichtsausdrucks und die beobachtete Farbvielfalt bei Kindern unterschiedlicher Kulturen auch im Kontext der klinischen Kinder- und Jugendlichenpsychiatrie bzw. -psychotherapie feststellen lassen. Für die Überprüfung von Unterschieden wurden aus einer Stichprobe von sechs- bis zehnjährigen Kindern ohne versus mit Migrationshintergrund n=30 Kinder ohne und n=31 Kinder mit psychischen Auffälligkeiten gebeten, zunächst sich selbst („Zeichne Dich selbst“) und anschließend sich selbst im Kontext der Familie („Zeichne Dich mit Deiner Familie!“) darzustellen. Zusätzlich wurden die graphische Kompetenz der Kinder mittels dreier Subtests des FEW-2 sowie ihre subjektiv empfundene, gesundheitsbezogene Lebensqualität mittels des KIDSCREEN-27-Fragebogens erfasst. Die zeichnerischen Selbstdarstellungen wurden mittels qualitativer und quantitativer Forschungsmethoden ausgewertet und die graphische Kompetenz, das dargestellte Strukturniveau der figurativen Darstellungen und die Anzahl der gezeichneten Figuren als mögliche Störvariablen in die Analysen einbezogen. Im Ergebnis zeigt sich zwar im Hinblick auf die Figurhöhe der gezeichneten Selbstdarstellungen ein statistisch signifikanter Haupteffekt für den soziokulturellen Kontext, jedoch hinsichtlich der graphischen Detailliertheit der Zeichnungen und der beobachteten Farbvielfalt statistisch signifikante Interaktionseffekte für Soziokultureller Kontext x Psychische Gesundheit. Auch für die Aufgabenstellung (Selbst-Allein- versus Selbst-in-Familie-Darstellung) ergeben sich statistisch signifikante Haupt- und Interaktionseffekte. Lediglich in der Darstellung der Kopfhöhen und im Hinblick auf den gezeichneten Gesichtsausdruck der Selbstdarstellungen lassen sich keine statistisch signifikanten Unterschiede in den Zeichnungen der Kinder finden. Die Befunde sind jedoch v.a. mit Blick auf die Zusammensetzung der Stichprobe mit Vorsicht zu interpretieren. Die Autorin stellt die Ergebnisse in den Kontext bisheriger Forschungsbemühungen und reflektiert die zugrundeliegenden theoretischen Annahmen kritisch. Für das Erreichen eines Verständnisses für kulturelle Vielfalt werden Implikationen für die Praxis abgeleitet und der weitere Forschungsbedarf skizziert

Deep bisulfite sequencing of aberrantly methylated loci in a patient with multiple methylation defects.

NLRP7 is a maternal effect gene as maternal mutations in this gene cause recurrent hydatidiform moles, spontaneous abortions and stillbirths, whereas live births are very rare. We have studied a patient with multiple anomalies born to a mother with a heterozygous NLRP7 mutation. By array-based CpG methylation analysis of blood DNA from the patient, his parents and 18 normal controls on Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation27 BeadChips we found that the patient had methylation changes (delta ß ≥ 0.3) at many imprinted loci as well as at 87 CpGs associated with 85 genes of unknown imprinting status. Using a pseudoproband (permutation) approach, we found methylation changes at only 7-24 CpGs (mean 15; standard deviation 4.84) in the controls. Thus, the number of abberantly methylated CpGs in the patient is more than 14 standard deviations higher. In order to identify novel imprinted genes among the 85 conspicuous genes in the patient, we selected 19 (mainly hypomethylated) genes for deep bisulfite amplicon sequencing on the ROCHE/454 Genome Sequencer in the patient and at least two additional controls. These controls had not been included in the array analysis and were heterozygous for a single nucleotide polymorphism at the test locus, so that allele-specific DNA methylation patterns could be determined. Apart from FAM50B, which we proved to be imprinted in blood, we did not observe allele-specific DNA methylation at the other 18 loci. We conclude that the patient does not only have methylation defects at imprinted loci but (at least in blood) also an excess of methylation changes at apparently non-imprinted loci