@article{QuittmannMeskemperAlbrachtetal.2020, author = {Quittmann, Oliver J. and Meskemper, Joshua and Albracht, Kirsten and Abel, Thomas and Foitschik, Tina and Str{\"u}der, Heiko K.}, title = {Normalising surface EMG of ten upper-extremity muscles in handcycling: Manual resistance vs. sport-specific MVICs}, series = {Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology}, volume = {51}, journal = {Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology}, number = {Article 102402}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {1050-6411}, doi = {10.1016/j.jelekin.2020.102402}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Muscular activity in terms of surface electromyography (sEMG) is usually normalised to maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVICs). This study aims to compare two different MVIC-modes in handcycling and examine the effect of moving average window-size. Twelve able-bodied male competitive triathletes performed ten MVICs against manual resistance and four sport-specific trials against fixed cranks. sEMG of ten muscles [M. trapezius (TD); M. pectoralis major (PM); M. deltoideus, Pars clavicularis (DA); M. deltoideus, Pars spinalis (DP); M. biceps brachii (BB); M. triceps brachii (TB); forearm flexors (FC); forearm extensors (EC); M. latissimus dorsi (LD) and M. rectus abdominis (RA)] was recorded and filtered using moving average window-sizes of 150, 200, 250 and 300 ms. Sport-specific MVICs were higher compared to manual resistance for TB, DA, DP and LD, whereas FC, TD, BB and RA demonstrated lower values. PM and EC demonstrated no significant difference between MVIC-modes. Moving average window-size had no effect on MVIC outcomes. MVIC-mode should be taken into account when normalised sEMG data are illustrated in handcycling. Sport-specific MVICs seem to be suitable for some muscles (TB, DA, DP and LD), but should be augmented by MVICs against manual/mechanical resistance for FC, TD, BB and RA.}, language = {en} } @article{KoppSchunckGosauetal.2020, author = {Kopp, Alexander and Schunck, Laura and Gosau, Martin and Smeets, Ralf and Burg, Simon and Fuest, Sandra and Kr{\"o}ger, Nadja and Zinser, Max and Krohn, Sebastian and Behbahani, Mehdi and K{\"o}pf, Marius and Lauts, Lisa and Rutkowski, Rico}, title = {Influence of the casting concentration on the mechanical and optical properties of Fa/CaCl2-derived silk fibroin membranes}, series = {International Journal of Molecular Sciences}, volume = {21}, journal = {International Journal of Molecular Sciences}, number = {18 art. no. 6704}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {1422-0067}, doi = {10.3390/ijms21186704}, year = {2020}, abstract = {In this study, we describe the manufacturing and characterization of silk fibroin membranes derived from the silkworm Bombyx mori. To date, the dissolution process used in this study has only been researched to a limited extent, although it entails various potential advantages, such as reduced expenses and the absence of toxic chemicals in comparison to other conventional techniques. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the influence of different fibroin concentrations on the process output and resulting membrane properties. Casted membranes were thus characterized with regard to their mechanical, structural and optical assets via tensile testing, SEM, light microscopy and spectrophotometry. Cytotoxicity was evaluated using BrdU, XTT, and LDH assays, followed by live-dead staining. The formic acid (FA) dissolution method was proven to be suitable for the manufacturing of transparent and mechanically stable membranes. The fibroin concentration affects both thickness and transparency of the membranes. The membranes did not exhibit any signs of cytotoxicity. When compared to other current scientific and technical benchmarks, the manufactured membranes displayed promising potential for various biomedical applications. Further research is nevertheless necessary to improve reproducible manufacturing, including a more uniform thickness, less impurity and physiological pH within the membranes.}, language = {en} } @article{PoghossianSchoening2020, author = {Poghossian, Arshak and Sch{\"o}ning, Michael Josef}, title = {Capacitive field-effect eis chemical sensors and biosensors: A status report}, series = {Sensors}, volume = {20}, journal = {Sensors}, number = {19}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {1424-8220}, doi = {10.3390/s20195639}, pages = {Artikel 5639}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Electrolyte-insulator-semiconductor (EIS) field-effect sensors belong to a new generation of electronic chips for biochemical sensing, enabling a direct electronic readout. The review gives an overview on recent advances and current trends in the research and development of chemical sensors and biosensors based on the capacitive field-effect EIS structure—the simplest field-effect device, which represents a biochemically sensitive capacitor. Fundamental concepts, physicochemical phenomena underlying the transduction mechanism and application of capacitive EIS sensors for the detection of pH, ion concentrations, and enzymatic reactions, as well as the label-free detection of charged molecules (nucleic acids, proteins, and polyelectrolytes) and nanoparticles, are presented and discussed.}, language = {en} } @article{MuschallikKippReckeretal.2020, author = {Muschallik, Lukas and Kipp, Carina Ronja and Recker, Inga and Bongaerts, Johannes and Pohl, Martina and Gelissen, Melanie and Sch{\"o}ning, Michael Josef and Selmer, Thorsten and Siegert, Petra}, title = {Synthesis of α-hydroxy ketones and vicinal diols with the Bacillus licheniformis DSM 13T butane-2, 3-diol dehydrogenase}, series = {Journal of Biotechnology}, volume = {202}, journal = {Journal of Biotechnology}, number = {Vol. 324}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, isbn = {2590-1559}, doi = {10.1016/j.jbiotec.2020.09.016}, pages = {61 -- 70}, year = {2020}, abstract = {The enantioselective synthesis of α-hydroxy ketones and vicinal diols is an intriguing field because of the broad applicability of these molecules. Although, butandiol dehydrogenases are known to play a key role in the production of 2,3-butandiol, their potential as biocatalysts is still not well studied. Here, we investigate the biocatalytic properties of the meso-butanediol dehydrogenase from Bacillus licheniformis DSM 13T (BlBDH). The encoding gene was cloned with an N-terminal StrepII-tag and recombinantly overexpressed in E. coli. BlBDH is highly active towards several non-physiological diketones and α-hydroxyketones with varying aliphatic chain lengths or even containing phenyl moieties. By adjusting the reaction parameters in biotransformations the formation of either the α-hydroxyketone intermediate or the diol can be controlled.}, language = {en} } @incollection{Laack2020, author = {Laack, Walter van}, title = {Twee Kanten van {\´e}{\´e}n Medaille}, series = {Het Geheim van Elysion : 45 Jaar Studies naar Nabij-de-Dood-Ervaringen over Bewustzijn in Liefde zonder Waarheen}, booktitle = {Het Geheim van Elysion : 45 Jaar Studies naar Nabij-de-Dood-Ervaringen over Bewustzijn in Liefde zonder Waarheen}, publisher = {Van Warven}, address = {Kampen}, isbn = {978-94-93175-44-0}, pages = {97 -- 105}, year = {2020}, language = {nl} } @article{HeinkeKnickerAlbracht2020, author = {Heinke, Lars N. and Knicker, Axel J. and Albracht, Kirsten}, title = {Increased shoulder muscle stretch reflex elicitability in supine subject posture}, series = {Isokinetics and Exercise Science}, volume = {28}, journal = {Isokinetics and Exercise Science}, number = {2}, publisher = {IOS Press}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {1878-5913}, doi = {10.3233/IES-192219}, pages = {139 -- 146}, year = {2020}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Muscle stretch reflexes are widely used to examine neural muscle function. The knowledge of reflex response in muscles crossing the shoulder is limited. OBJECTIVE: To quantify reflex modulation according to various subject postures and different procedures of muscle pre-activation steering. METHODS: Thirteen healthy male participants performed two sets of external shoulder rotation stretches in various positions and with different procedures of muscle pre-activation steering on an isokinetic dynamometer over a range of two different pre-activation levels. All stretches were applied with a dynamometer acceleration of 104∘/s2 and a velocity of 150∘/s. Electromyographical response was measured via sEMG. RESULTS: Consistent reflexive response was observed in all tested muscles in all experimental conditions. The reflex elicitation rate revealed a significant muscle main effect (F (5,288) = 2.358, ρ= 0.040; η2= 0.039; f= 0.637) and a significant test condition main effect (F (1,288) = 5.884, ρ= 0.016; η2= 0.020; f= 0.143). Reflex latency revealed a significant muscle pre-activation level main effect (F (1,274) = 5.008, ρ= 0.026; η2= 0.018; f= 0.469). CONCLUSION: Muscular reflexive response was more consistent in the primary internal rotators of the shoulder. Supine posture in combination with visual feedback of muscle pre-activation level enhanced the reflex elicitation rate.}, language = {en} } @article{AkimbekovQiaoDigeletal.2020, author = {Akimbekov, Nuraly and Qiao, Xiaohui and Digel, Ilya and Abdieva, Gulzhamal and Ualieva, Perizat and Zhubanova, Azhar}, title = {The effect of leonardite-derived amendments on soil microbiome structure and potato yield}, series = {Agriculture}, volume = {10}, journal = {Agriculture}, number = {Art. 147}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, doi = {10.3390/agriculture10050147}, pages = {1 -- 17}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Humic substances originating from various organic matters can ameliorate soil properties, stimulate plant growth, and improve nutrient uptake. Due to the low calorific heating value, leonardite is rather unsuitable as fuel. However, it may serve as a potential source of humic substances. This study was aimed at characterizing the leonardite-based soil amendments and examining the effect of their application on the soil microbial community, as well as on potato growth and tuber yield. A high yield (71.1\%) of humic acid (LHA) from leonardite has been demonstrated. Parental leonardite (PL) and LHA were applied to soil prior to potato cultivation. The 16S rRNA sequencing of soil samples revealed distinct relationships between microbial community composition and the application of leonardite-based soil amendments. Potato tubers were planted in pots in greenhouse conditions. The tubers were harvested at the mature stage for the determination of growth and yield parameters. The results demonstrated that the LHA treatments had a significant effect on increasing potato growth (54.9\%) and tuber yield (66.4\%) when compared to the control. The findings highlight the importance of amending leonardite-based humic products for maintaining the biogeochemical stability of soils, for keeping their healthy microbial community structure, and for increasing the agronomic productivity of potato plants.}, language = {en} } @article{RamoshabaHuismanLammertynetal.2020, author = {Ramoshaba, Nthai E. and Huisman, Hugo W. and Lammertyn, Leandi and Kotliar, Konstantin and Schutte, Aletta E. and Smith, Wayne}, title = {Retinal microvasculature and masked hypertension in young adults: the African-PREDICT study}, series = {Hypertension Research}, journal = {Hypertension Research}, number = {43}, publisher = {Springer Nature}, address = {Osaka}, issn = {1348-4214}, doi = {10.1038/s41440-020-0487-0}, pages = {1231 -- 1238}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Masked hypertension is known to induce microvascular complications. However, it is unclear whether early microvascular changes are already occurring in young, otherwise healthy adults. We therefore investigated whether retinal microvascular calibers and acute responses to a flicker stimulus are related to masked hypertension. We used the baseline data of 889 participants aged 20-30 years who were taking part in the African Prospective study on the Early Detection and Identification of Cardiovascular Disease and Hypertension. Clinic and 24-h ambulatory blood pressure were measured. The central retinal artery equivalent (CRAE) and central retinal vein equivalent were calculated from fundus images, and retinal vessel dilation was determined in response to flicker light-induced provocation. A smaller CRAE was observed in those with masked hypertension vs. those with normotension (157.1 vs. 161.2 measuring units, P < 0.001). In forward multivariable-adjusted regression analysis, only CRAE was negatively related to masked hypertension [adjusted R² = 0.267, β = -0.097 (95\% CI = -0.165; -0.029), P = 0.005], but other retinal microvascular parameters were not associated with masked hypertension. In multivariable logistic regression analyses, masked hypertension [OR = 2.333, (95\% CI = 1.316; 4.241), P = 0.004] was associated with a narrower CRAE. In young healthy adults, masked hypertension was associated with retinal arteriolar narrowing, thereby reflecting early microvascular alterations known to predict cardiovascular outcomes in later life.}, language = {en} } @article{AkimbekovDigelSherelkhanetal.2020, author = {Akimbekov, Nuraly S. and Digel, Ilya and Sherelkhan, Dinara K. and Lutfor, Afzalunnessa B. and Razzaque, Mohammed S.}, title = {Vitamin D and the Host-Gut Microbiome: A Brief Overview}, series = {Acta Histochemica et Cytochemica}, volume = {53}, journal = {Acta Histochemica et Cytochemica}, number = {3}, publisher = {Japan Society of Histochemistry and Cytochemistry}, address = {Osaka}, issn = {1347-5800}, doi = {10.1267/ahc.20011}, pages = {33 -- 42}, year = {2020}, abstract = {There is a growing body of evidence for the effects of vitamin D on intestinal host-microbiome interactions related to gut dysbiosis and bowel inflammation. This brief review highlights the potential links between vitamin D and gut health, emphasizing the role of vitamin D in microbiological and immunological mechanisms of inflammatory bowel diseases. A comprehensive literature search was carried out in PubMed and Google Scholar using combinations of keywords "vitamin D," "intestines," "gut microflora," "bowel inflammation". Only articles published in English and related to the study topic are included in the review. We discuss how vitamin D (a) modulates intestinal microbiome function, (b) controls antimicrobial peptide expression, and (c) has a protective effect on epithelial barriers in the gut mucosa. Vitamin D and its nuclear receptor (VDR) regulate intestinal barrier integrity, and control innate and adaptive immunity in the gut. Metabolites from the gut microbiota may also regulate expression of VDR, while vitamin D may influence the gut microbiota and exert anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating effects. The underlying mechanism of vitamin D in the pathogenesis of bowel diseases is not fully understood, but maintaining an optimal vitamin D status appears to be beneficial for gut health. Future studies will shed light on the molecular mechanisms through which vitamin D and VDR interactions affect intestinal mucosal immunity, pathogen invasion, symbiont colonization, and antimicrobial peptide expression.}, language = {en} } @article{ChoiFelderFelderetal.2020, author = {Choi, Chang-Hoon and Felder, Tim and Felder, J{\"o}rg and Tellmann, Lutz and Hong, Suk-Min and Wegener, Hans-Peter and Shah, N Jon and Ziemons, Karl}, title = {Design, evaluation and comparison of endorectal coils for hybrid MR-PET imaging of the prostate}, series = {Physics in Medicine \& Biology}, volume = {65}, journal = {Physics in Medicine \& Biology}, number = {11}, publisher = {IOP}, address = {Bristol}, issn = {0031-9155}, doi = {10.1088/1361-6560/ab87f8}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men and its early detection is critical for its successful treatment. The use of multimodal imaging, such as MR-PET, is most advantageous as it is able to provide detailed information about the prostate. However, as the human prostate is flexible and can move into different positions under external conditions, it is important to localise the focused region-of-interest using both MRI and PET under identical circumstances. In this work, we designed five commonly used linear and quadrature radiofrequency surface coils suitable for hybrid MR-PET use in endorectal applications. Due to the endorectal design and the shielded PET insert, the outer face of the coils investigated was curved and the region to be imaged was outside the volume of the coil. The tilting angles of the coils were varied with respect to the main magnetic field direction. This was done to approximate the various positions from which the prostate could be imaged. The transmit efficiencies and safety excitation efficiencies from simulations, together with the signal-to-noise ratios from the MR images were calculated and analysed. Overall, it was found that the overlapped loops driven in quadrature were superior to the other types of coils we tested. In order to determine the effect of the different coil designs on PET, transmission scans were carried out, and it was observed that the differences between attenuation maps with and without the coils were negligible. The findings of this work can provide useful guidance for the integration of such coil designs into MR-PET hybrid systems in the future.}, language = {en} }