"Interkulturell_real" in der räumlichen Entwicklung: Beispiele studentischer Arbeiten zur Wertschätzung städtischer Freiräume in Kassel

"Regional zunehmend vielfältige Migration bildet den Anlass, Studierenden räumlicher Planung Aufgaben mit dem Zweck zu stellen, Hinweisen auf unterschiedliche Wertschätzungen öffentlicher Freiräume nachzugehen. Neben der Erreichbarkeit und Bekanntheit städtischer Flächen spielen Betätigungsmöglichkeiten, Ausstattung wie Wasser sowie die empfundene Atmosphäre wie Naturnähe wichtige Rollen dabei, ob und in welchem Maße ein Freiraum gerne aufgesucht wird. Mit Ausnahme der Kinder und Jugendlichen zeichnen sich bei allen Altersgruppen Präferenzen ab, die sich zum Teil kulturspezifisch deuten lassen. Ergebnisse werden hinsichtlich der Möglichkeiten für eine künftige, fachübergreifend koordinierte Lehre und Forschung diskutiert." (Autorenreferat)"Increasing regional and global migration provide the starting point for investigating how and to what extent environmental preferences relate to culturally specific values. Results from pertinent student assignments are presented where local interviews were conducted for purposes of planning education. Results suggest that access to urban open space and the shared knowledge about such spaces appear to be relevant. Also important are opportunities to carry out favourite activities, the availability of certain features such as water, and the perceived character such as 'natural atmosphere'. Cultural background may play a role in determining preferences for urban open space for all age groups, with the notable exception of children and young teenagers. Results are discussed with reference to opportunities for systematic trans-disciplinary learning and research." (author's abstract

Sunlight exposure exerts immunomodulatory effects to reduce multiple sclerosis severity

Multiple sclerosis (MS) disease risk is associated with reduced sunexposure. This study assessed the relationship between measures of sun exposure (vitamin D [vitD], latitude) and MS severity in the setting of two multicenter cohort studies (n(NationMS) = 946, n(BIONAT) = 990). Additionally, effect-modification by medication and photosensitivity-associated MC1R variants was assessed. High serum vitD was associated with a reduced MS severity score (MSSS), reduced risk for relapses, and lower disability accumulation over time. Low latitude was associated with higher vitD, lower MSSS, fewer gadolinium-enhancing lesions, and lower disability accumulation. The association of latitude with disability was lacking in IFN-beta-treated patients. In carriers of MC1R:rs1805008(T), who reported increased sensitivity toward sunlight, lower latitude was associated with higher MRI activity, whereas for noncarriers there was less MRI activity at lower latitudes. In a further exploratory approach, the effect of ultraviolet (UV)-phototherapy on the transcriptome of immune cells of MS patients was assessed using samples from an earlier study. Phototherapy induced a vitD and type I IFN signature that was most apparent in monocytes but that could also be detected in B and T cells. In summary, our study suggests benefidal effects of sun exposure on established MS, as demonstrated by a correlative network between the three factors: Latitude, vitD, and disease severity. However, sun exposure might be detrimental for photosensitive patients. Furthermore, a direct induction of type I IFNs through sun exposure could be another mechanism of UV-mediated immune-modulation in MS