27 research outputs found
Acclimation of the photosynthetic apparatus of the endemic Antarctic red macroalga Palmaria decipiens to seasonally changing light conditions = Akklimatisation des Photosyntheseapparates der endemisch antarktischen roten Makroalge Palmaria decipiens an saisonal wechselnde Lichtbedingungen
Climate-friendly nutrition education. Competence-oriented approaches, methods and challenges in the context of lifelong learning
Der Beitrag nimmt Bezug auf eine inklusive Ernährungsbildung. Es werden konkrete Ansätze für eine Verbesserung der gesellschaftlichen Teilhabe durch differenzierte kompetenz- und subjektorientierte Lernarrangements anhand von zwei lebensweltorientierten Praxisbeispielen aufgezeigt: die Mitmach-Küche für die Tafel-Kundschaft sowie Lecker Deutsch als Konzept für Menschen mit Migrationshintergrund und gering Literalisierte. (DIPF/Orig.)The article refers to inclusive nutrition education. Concrete approaches for improvement of social participation through differentiated competence- and subject-oriented learning arrangements are shown based on two lifeworld-oriented practical examples: the Mitmach-Küche (Participatory Kitchen) for food bank customers and Lecker Deutsch (Yummy German) as a concept for people with a migration background and low literacy levels. (DIPF/Orig.
Toxoplasma gondii Actively Inhibits Neuronal Function in Chronically Infected Mice
Upon infection with the obligate intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii, fast replicating tachyzoites infect a broad spectrum of host cells including neurons. Under the pressure of the immune response, tachyzoites convert into slow-replicating bradyzoites, which persist as cysts in neurons. Currently, it is unclear whether T. gondii alters the functional activity of neurons, which may contribute to altered behaviour of T. gondii–infected mice and men. In the present study we demonstrate that upon oral infection with T. gondii cysts, chronically infected BALB/c mice lost over time their natural fear against cat urine which was paralleled by the persistence of the parasite in brain regions affecting behaviour and odor perception. Detailed immunohistochemistry showed that in infected neurons not only parasitic cysts but also the host cell cytoplasm and some axons stained positive for Toxoplasma antigen suggesting that parasitic proteins might directly interfere with neuronal function. In fact, in vitro live cell calcium (Ca2+) imaging studies revealed that tachyzoites actively manipulated Ca2+ signalling upon glutamate stimulation leading either to hyper- or hypo-responsive neurons. Experiments with the endoplasmatic reticulum Ca2+ uptake inhibitor thapsigargin indicate that tachyzoites deplete Ca2+ stores in the endoplasmatic reticulum. Furthermore in vivo studies revealed that the activity-dependent uptake of the potassium analogue thallium was reduced in cyst harbouring neurons indicating their functional impairment. The percentage of non-functional neurons increased over time In conclusion, both bradyzoites and tachyzoites functionally silence infected neurons, which may significantly contribute to the altered behaviour of the host