Phylogenetic relationship of the genus Scorzoneroides (Compositae) inferred from plastid and low-copy nuclear markers, and karyological data

Frühere Untersuchungen der molekularen Phylogenie der Gattung Leontodon mit Markern aus dem Chloroplastengenom und dem nukleären ribosomalen DNA-Marker ITS führten zu einer Neuordnung der Gattung Leontodon. Leontodon subgenus Oporinia wurde durch diese molekularen Informationen zur Gattung Scorzoneroides erhoben. In unserem Projekt sollen die Chloroplasten-DNA Daten zum einen vorhergegangene Ergebnisse bestätigen, und zum anderen eine zusätzliche Informationsquelle darstellen. 11 universelle Marker des Plastidengenoms wurden an je 17 Spezies auf ihre Applizierbarkeit, ihren Sequenzabgleich sowie ihren Informationsgehalt untersucht, daraus wurden die drei besten Regionen verwendet . Sieben nukleäre Genregionen wurden untersucht, um einen möglichen hybriden Ursprung einzelner Arten der Gattung Scorzoneroides aufzuklären. Zwei Regionen des nukleären Genoms, GAPDH und A39 konnten teilweise direkt sequenziert werden. Um die erhaltenen Sequenzen zu verbessern, wurden für beide Marker zusätzliche, interne Primer erzeugt. In beiden Regionen wurden polymorphe Sequenzen gefunden, welche durch Klonierung getrennt werden sollten. 180 Klon-Kolonien (96 für GAPDH, 84 für A39) wurden in weiterer Folge sequenziert, um die unterschiedlichen Fragmente zu erhalten. Eine Chromosomenzahl konnte bei vier annuellen Spezies der Gattung ermittelt werden. Scorzoneroides besitzt eine Basischromosomenzahl von x=6, bei zwei der untersuchten Arten konnten Abweichungen festgestellt werden. Hier beträgt die Chromosomenzahl x=5. Die ermittelte Genomgröße für 8 aus 9 verfügbaren Spezies ist relativ klein und beläuft sich auf Werte zwischen 1C=1.24pg und 1C=1.87pg.Earlier investigations on the molecular phylogeny of the genus Leontodon using chloroplast regions in combination with the nuclear rDNA region ITS, led to a generic status of Leontodon subgenus Oporinia, today Scorzoneroides. To confirm previous results, as well as to get well-resolved phylogenetic trees, more noncoding regions of the chloroplast genome were sequenced. We were investigating the applicability, ease of alignment and informativity of 11 universal markers, the best 3 markers were chosen to work with. Seven low-copy nuclear markers were tested to detect speculated hybridization events in Scorzoneroides. PCR conditions were optimized for all markers. Two of the regions, namely GAPDH and the A39 locus could be directly sequenced from some PCR reactions. Internal primers were designed to increase PCR reliability among the tested accessions from Hypochaeridinae. Both low-copy nuclear genes showed polymorphic sequences in some accessions, which led to cloning. We used 96 colonies from GAPDH and 84 colonies from A39 to get both copies of each individual sequence that showed polymorphic sites. A combination of the two nuclear regions GAPDH and A39 locus with the three plastid markers atpH-atpI, ndhF-rpl32 and rpl16-Intron showed a well-resolved phylogenetic tree. Chromosome counts and genome size measurements from seeds of 9 species of all resulting clades of the phylogenetic analysis were measured. Successful germination was easily obtained for annual species, whereas the germination rate of the included perennial species was very low. Chromosome counts could only be obtained for the annual plants. The basic chromosome number for Scorzoneroides is x=6, two species had a chromosome number of x=5. The genome size of 8 out of 9 available species could be measured by flow cytometry. All species investigated possess a small genome size ranging from 1C=1.24pg to 1C=1.87pg

Preparativne modifikacije askomicina. V. Dobivanje novih derivata pomoću zamjene cikloheksilvinilidenske podjedinice

Starting from the easily accessible 24-O-tert-butyldimethylsilyl-22(R)-dihydro-28-oxoascomycin, methodologies that allow replacement of the cyclohexylvinylidene moiety of ascomycin by various other substituents are described. In addition, a so far unknown reactivity of the masked tricarbonyl moiety of ascomycin towards a stabilized Wittig reagent is reported.Opisani su postupci koji počinju s lako pristupačnim 25-O-tert-butildimetilsilil-22(R)-dihidro-28-oksoaskomicinom i omogućuju zamjenu askomicinske cikloheksilvinilidenske podjedinice različitim substituentima

Internet based multicenter study for thoracolumbar injuries: a new concept and preliminary results

This article reports about the internet based, second multicenter study (MCS II) of the spine study group (AG WS) of the German trauma association (DGU). It represents a continuation of the first study conducted between the years 1994 and 1996 (MCS I). For the purpose of one common, centralised data capture methodology, a newly developed internet-based data collection system ( http://www.memdoc.org ) of the Institute for Evaluative Research in Orthopaedic Surgery of the University of Bern was used. The aim of this first publication on the MCS II was to describe in detail the new method of data collection and the structure of the developed data base system, via internet. The goal of the study was the assessment of the current state of treatment for fresh traumatic injuries of the thoracolumbar spine in the German speaking part of Europe. For that reason, we intended to collect large number of cases and representative, valid information about the radiographic, clinical and subjective treatment outcomes. Thanks to the new study design of MCS II, not only the common surgical treatment concepts, but also the new and constantly broadening spectrum of spine surgery, i.e. vertebro-/kyphoplasty, computer assisted surgery and navigation, minimal-invasive, and endoscopic techniques, documented and evaluated. We present a first statistical overview and preliminary analysis of 18 centers from Germany and Austria that participated in MCS II. A real time data capture at source was made possible by the constant availability of the data collection system via internet access. Following the principle of an application service provider, software, questionnaires and validation routines are located on a central server, which is accessed from the periphery (hospitals) by means of standard Internet browsers. By that, costly and time consuming software installation and maintenance of local data repositories are avoided and, more importantly, cumbersome migration of data into one integrated database becomes obsolete. Finally, this set-up also replaces traditional systems wherein paper questionnaires were mailed to the central study office and entered by hand whereby incomplete or incorrect forms always represent a resource consuming problem and source of error. With the new study concept and the expanded inclusion criteria of MCS II 1, 251 case histories with admission and surgical data were collected. This remarkable number of interventions documented during 24 months represents an increase of 183% compared to the previously conducted MCS I. The concept and technical feasibility of the MEMdoc data collection system was proven, as the participants of the MCS II succeeded in collecting data ever published on the largest series of patients with spinal injuries treated within a 2 year period

Effect of a common UMOD variant on kidney function, blood pressure, cognitive and physical function in a community-based cohort of older adults

In genome-wide association studies, genetic variants in the UMOD gene associate with kidney function, blood pressure (BP), and hypertension. Elevated BP is linked to kidney function and impaired cognitive as well as physical performance in later life. We investigated the association between UMOD rs4293393-A > G and kidney function, BP, cognitive and physical function in the Berlin Aging Study II (BASE-II). Data of 1556 older BASE-II participants (mean age 68.2 +/- 3.7 years) were analyzed. BP was determined by standardized automated measurements, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) by CKD Epidemiology Collaboration creatinine equation. Cognitive function was assessed by Mini-Mental State Examination and Digit Symbol Substitution Test, while physical function by Handgrip Strength and Timed Up and Go-Test. Association analyses were performed by covariance and logistic regression models adjusting for sex. G-allele carriers at UMOD rs4293393 exhibited significantly higher eGFR values compared to non-carriers (AA, 76.4 ml/min/1.73 m(2), CI: 75.7-77.2 vs. AG, 78.4 ml/min/1.73 m(2), CI: 77.3-79.5 vs. GG, 78.5 ml/min/1.73 m(2), CI: 75.4-81.7; P = 0.010), and a lower risk of eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) (AG, OR: 0.63, CI: 0.41-0.97, P = 0.033). However, UMOD rs4293393 genotypes were not associated with BP, diagnosis of hypertension or cognitive and physical function parameters. Our data corroborate previous findings on the association of UMOD rs4293393-G with better kidney function in older adults. However, no association between UMOD and BP or physical and cognitive parameters in these community-dwelling older adults was detected

Combining Electron Spin Resonance Spectroscopy with Scanning Tunneling Microscopy at High Magnetic Fields

Magnetic media remain a key in information storage and processing. The continuous increase of storage densities and the desire for quantum memories and computers pushes the limits of magnetic characterisation techniques. Ultimately, a tool which is capable of coherently manipulating and detecting individual quantum spins is needed. The scanning tunnelling microscope (STM) is the only technique which unites the prerequisites of high spatial and energy resolution, low temperature and high magnetic fields to achieve this goal. Limitations in the available frequency range for electron spin resonance STM (ESR-STM) mean that many instruments operate in the thermal noise regime. We resolve challenges in signal delivery to extend the operational frequency range of ESR-STM by more than a factor of two and up to 100GHz, making the Zeeman energy the dominant energy scale at achievable cryogenic temperatures of a few hundred millikelvin. We present a general method for augmenting existing instruments into ESR-STMs to investigate spin dynamics in the high-field limit. We demonstrate the performance of the instrument by analysing inelastic tunnelling in a junction driven by a microwave signal and provide proof of principle measurements for ESR-STM.Comment: 8 pages, 7 figure

Potentially inappropriate medication in older participants of the Berlin Aging Study II (BASE-II) - Sex differences and associations with morbidity and medication use

INTRODUCTION: Multimorbidity in advanced age and the need for drug treatment may lead to polypharmacy, while pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic changes may increase the risk of adverse drug events (ADEs). OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the proportion of subjects using potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) in a cohort of older and predominantly healthy adults in relation to polypharmacy and morbidity. METHODS: Cross-sectional data were available from 1,382 study participants (median age 69 years, IQR 67-71, 51.3% females) of the Berlin Aging Study II (BASE-II). PIM was classified according to the EU(7)-PIM and German PRISCUS (representing a subset of the former) list. Polypharmacy was defined as the concomitant use of at least five drugs. A morbidity index (MI) largely based on the Charlson Index was applied to evaluate the morbidity burden. RESULTS: Overall, 24.1% of the participants were affected by polypharmacy. On average, men used 2 (IQR 1-4) and women 3 drugs (IQR 1-5). According to PRISCUS and EU(7)-PIM, 5.9% and 22.6% of participants received at least one PIM, while use was significantly more prevalent in females (25.5%) compared to males (19.6%) considering EU(7)-PIM (p = 0.01). In addition, morbidity in males receiving PIM according to EU(7)-PIM was higher (median MI 1, IQR 1-3) compared to males without PIM use (median MI 1, IQR 0-2, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: PIM use occurred more frequently in women than in men, while it was associated with higher morbidity in males. As expected, EU(7)-PIM identifies more subjects as PIM users than the PRISCUS list but further studies are needed to investigate the differential impact of both lists on ADEs and outcome. KEY POINTS: We found PIM use to be associated with a higher number of regular medications and with increased morbidity. Additionally, we detected a higher prevalence of PIM use in females compared to males, suggesting that women and people needing intensive drug treatment are patient groups, who are particularly affected by PIM use

Sicherung von Dämmen, Deichen und Stauanlagen : Handbuch für Theorie und Praxis ; Vol. V - 2015

Die Universität Siegen beschäftigt sich seit über 15 Jahren wissenschaftlich und im Bereich der anwendungsorientierten Forschung mit diesem Thema und hat dazu mittlerweile fünf Symposien durchgeführt. Mit der Veröffentlichung soll die langjährige Tradition als etablierte wissenschaftliche Plattform mit einem Wissensaustausch auf europäischer Ebene fortgesetzt werden. Die Bearbeitung dieser Thematik erfolgt auf der Basis der bewährten Kooperation zwischen Geotechnik und Wasserbau an der Universität Siegen. Aktuelle Ereignisse, wie z.B. die aus England oder Australien im Februar des Jahres 2014, machen uns aber auch deutlich, dass ein absoluter Schutz gegen Extremereignisse nicht möglich ist. Sie zeigen aber auch, dass dort wo technischer Hochwasserschutz konsequent umgesetzt wurde Schäden vermieden werden konnten. Wir sind nach den Ereignissen in den vergangenen Jahren aufgefordert wissenschaftlich noch leistungsfähigere und duktilere Systeme zu entwickeln. Weiter ist die Wissenschaft in der Pflicht, die Zivile Sicherheit im Hochwasser-schutz permanent zu bewerten, zu bearbeiten und ganzheitliche-interdisziplinäre und länderübergreifende Lösungen für die Zivilgesellschaft einzufordern

Characterization of the clinical and immunologic phenotype and management of 157 individuals with 56 distinct heterozygous NFKB1 mutations

Background: An increasing number of NFKB1 variants are being identified in patients with heterogeneous immunologic phenotypes. Objective: To characterize the clinical and cellular phenotype as well as the management of patients with heterozygous NFKB1 mutations. Methods: In a worldwide collaborative effort, we evaluated 231 individuals harboring 105 distinct heterozygous NFKB1 variants. To provide evidence for pathogenicity, each variant was assessed in silico; in addition, 32 variants were assessed by functional in vitro testing of nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B cells (NF-kappa B) signaling. Results: We classified 56 of the 105 distinct NFKB1 variants in 157 individuals from 68 unrelated families as pathogenic. Incomplete clinical penetrance (70%) and age-dependent severity of NFKB1-related phenotypes were observed. The phenotype included hypogammaglobulinemia (88.9%), reduced switched memory B cells (60.3%), and respiratory (83%) and gastrointestinal (28.6%) infections, thus characterizing the disorder as primary immunodeficiency. However, the high frequency of autoimmunity (57.4%), lymphoproliferation (52.4%), noninfectious enteropathy (23.1%), opportunistic infections (15.7%), autoinflammation (29.6%), and malignancy (16.8%) identified NF-kappa B1-related disease as an inborn error of immunity with immune dysregulation, rather than a mere primary immunodeficiency. Current treatment includes immunoglobulin replacement and immunosuppressive agents. Conclusions: We present a comprehensive clinical overview of the NF-kappa B1-related phenotype, which includes immunodeficiency, autoimmunity, autoinflammation, and cancer. Because of its multisystem involvement, clinicians from each and every medical discipline need to be made aware of this autosomal-dominant disease. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and NF-kappa B1 pathway-targeted therapeutic strategies should be considered in the future.Peer reviewe