TY - JOUR A1 - Özsoylu, Dua A1 - Kizildag, Sefa A1 - Schöning, Michael Josef A1 - Wagner, Torsten T1 - Differential chemical imaging of extracellular acidification within microfluidic channels using a plasma-functionalized light-addressable potentiometric sensor (LAPS) JF - Physics in Medicine N2 - Extracellular acidification is a basic indicator for alterations in two vital metabolic pathways: glycolysis and cellular respiration. Measuring these alterations by monitoring extracellular acidification using cell-based biosensors such as LAPS plays an important role in studying these pathways whose disorders are associated with numerous diseases including cancer. However, the surface of the biosensors must be specially tailored to ensure high cell compatibility so that cells can represent more in vivo-like behavior, which is critical to gain more realistic in vitro results from the analyses, e.g., drug discovery experiments. In this work, O2 plasma patterning on the LAPS surface is studied to enhance surface features of the sensor chip, e.g., wettability and biofunctionality. The surface treated with O2 plasma for 30 s exhibits enhanced cytocompatibility for adherent CHO–K1 cells, which promotes cell spreading and proliferation. The plasma-modified LAPS chip is then integrated into a microfluidic system, which provides two identical channels to facilitate differential measurements of the extracellular acidification of CHO–K1 cells. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first time that extracellular acidification within microfluidic channels is quantitatively visualized as differential (bio-)chemical images. Y1 - 2020 U6 - http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.phmed.2020.100030 SN - 2352-4510 VL - 10 IS - 100030 PB - Elsevier CY - Amsterdam ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Welden, Rene A1 - Schöning, Michael Josef A1 - Wagner, Patrick H. A1 - Wagner, Torsten T1 - Light-Addressable Electrodes for Dynamic and Flexible Addressing of Biological Systems and Electrochemical Reactions JF - Sensors N2 - In this review article, we are going to present an overview on possible applications of light-addressable electrodes (LAE) as actuator/manipulation devices besides classical electrode structures. For LAEs, the electrode material consists of a semiconductor. Illumination with a light source with the appropiate wavelength leads to the generation of electron-hole pairs which can be utilized for further photoelectrochemical reaction. Due to recent progress in light-projection technologies, highly dynamic and flexible illumination patterns can be generated, opening new possibilities for light-addressable electrodes. A short introduction on semiconductor–electrolyte interfaces with light stimulation is given together with electrode-design approaches. Towards applications, the stimulation of cells with different electrode materials and fabrication designs is explained, followed by analyte-manipulation strategies and spatially resolved photoelectrochemical deposition of different material types. Y1 - 2020 U6 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/s20061680 SN - 1424-8220 VL - 20 IS - 6 PB - MDPI CY - Basel ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Vögele, Stefan A1 - Grajewski, Matthias A1 - Govorukha, Kristina A1 - Rübbelke, Dirk T1 - Challenges for the European steel industry: Analysis, possible consequences and impacts on sustainable development JF - Applied Energy N2 - The steel industry in the European Union (EU), important for the economy as a whole, faces various challenges. These are inter alia volatile prices for relevant input factors, uncertainties concerning the regulation of CO₂-emissions and market shocks caused by the recently introduced additional import duties in the US, which is an important sales market. We examine primary and secondary effects of these challenges on the steel industry in the EU and their impacts on European and global level. Developing and using a suitable meta-model, we analyze the competitiveness of key steel producing countries with respect to floor prices depending on selected cost factors and draw conclusions on the impacts in the trade of steel on emissions, energy demand, on the involvement of developing countries in the value chain as well on the need for innovations to avoid relocations of production. Hence, our study contributes to the assessment of sustainable industrial development, which is aimed by the Sustainability Development Goal “Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation countries”. By applying information on country-specific Human Development Indexes (reflecting aspects of life expectancy, education, and per capita income), we show that relocating energy-intensive industries from the EU may not only increase global energy demand and CO₂-emissions, but may also be to the disadvantage of developing countries. Y1 - 2020 U6 - http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2020.114633 SN - 0306-2619 VL - 264 IS - Article number: 114633 PB - Elsevier CY - Amsterdam ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Tran, Ngoc Trinh A1 - Staat, Manfred T1 - Direct plastic structural design under lognormally distributed strength by chance constrained programming JF - Optimization and Engineering N2 - We propose the so-called chance constrained programming model of stochastic programming theory to analyze limit and shakedown loads of structures under random strength with a lognormal distribution. A dual chance constrained programming algorithm is developed to calculate simultaneously both the upper and lower bounds of the plastic collapse limit and the shakedown limit. The edge-based smoothed finite element method (ES-FEM) is used with three-node linear triangular elements. Y1 - 2020 U6 - http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11081-019-09437-2 SN - 1573-2924 VL - 21 IS - 1 SP - 131 EP - 157 PB - Springer Nature CY - Cham ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Stulpe, Werner T1 - Pairwise coexistence of effects versus coexistence JF - Journal of Physics: Conference Series Y1 - 2020 U6 - http://dx.doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1638/1/012004 SN - 1742-6596 VL - 1638 IS - 012004 SP - 1 EP - 21 PB - IOP CY - Bristol ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Streese, Lukas A1 - Kotliar, Konstantin A1 - Deiseroth, Arne A1 - Infanger, Denis A1 - Gugleta, Konstantin A1 - Schmaderer, Christoph A1 - Hanssen, Henner T1 - Retinal endothelial function in cardiovascular risk patients: A randomized controlled exercise trial JF - Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports N2 - The aim of this study was to investigate, for the first time, the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on retinal microvascular endothelial function in cardiovascular (CV) risk patients. In the randomized controlled trial, middle-aged and previously sedentary patients with increased CV risk (aged 58 ± 6 years) with ≥ two CV risk factors were randomized into a 12-week HIIT (n = 33) or control group (CG, n = 36) with standard physical activity recommendations. A blinded examiner measured retinal endothelial function by flicker light-induced maximal arteriolar (ADmax) and venular (VDmax) dilatation as well as the area under the arteriolar (AFarea) and venular (VFarea) flicker curve using a retinal vessel analyzer. Standardized assessments of CV risk factors, cardiorespiratory fitness, and retinal endothelial function were performed before and after HIIT. HIIT reduced body mass index, fat mass, and low-density lipoprotein and increased muscle mass and peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak). Both ADmax (pre: 2.7 ± 2.1%, post: 3.0 ± 2.2%, P = .018) and AFarea (pre: 32.6 ± 28.4%*s, post: 37.7 ± 30.6%*s, P = .016) increased after HIIT compared with CG (ADmax, pre: 3.2 ± 1.8%, post: 2.9 ± 1.8%, P = .254; AFarea, pre: 41.6 ± 28.5%*s, post: 37.8 ± 27.0%*s, P = .186). Venular function remained unchanged after HIIT. There was a significant association between ∆-change VO2peak and ∆-changes ADmax and AFarea (P = .026, R² = 0.073; P = .019, R² = 0.081, respectively). 12-weeks of HIIT improved retinal endothelial function in middle-aged patients with increased CV risk independent of the reduction in classical CV risk factors. Exercise has the potential to reverse or at least postpone progression of small vessel disease in older adults with increased CV risk under standard medication. Dynamic retinal vessel analysis seems to be a sensitive tool to detect treatment effects of exercise interventions on retinal microvascular endothelial function in middle-aged individuals with increased CV risk. Y1 - 2020 U6 - http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/sms.13560 SN - 1600-0838 VL - 30 IS - 2 SP - 272 EP - 280 PB - Wiley CY - Oxford ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Rausch, Valentin A1 - Kahmann, Stephanie Lucina A1 - Baltschun, Christoph A1 - Staat, Manfred A1 - Müller, Lars P. A1 - Wegmann, Kilian T1 - Pressure distribution to the distal biceps tendon at the radial tuberosity: a biomechanical study JF - The Journal of Hand Surgery N2 - Purpose Mechanical impingement at the narrow radioulnar space of the tuberosity is believed to be an etiological factor in the injury of the distal biceps tendon. The aim of the study was to compare the pressure distribution at the proximal radioulnar space between 2 fixation techniques and the intact state. Methods Six right arms and 6 left arms from 5 female and 6 male frozen specimens were used for this study. A pressure transducer was introduced at the height of the radial tuberosity with the intact distal biceps tendon and after 2 fixation methods: the suture-anchor and the cortical button technique. The force (N), maximum pressure (kPa) applied to the radial tuberosity, and the contact area (mm²) of the radial tuberosity with the ulna were measured and differences from the intact tendon were detected from 60° supination to 60° pronation in 15° increments with the elbow in full extension and in 45° and 90° flexion of the elbow. Results With the distal biceps tendon intact, the pressures during pronation were similar regardless of extension and flexion and were the highest at 60° pronation with 90° elbow flexion (23.3 ± 53.5 kPa). After repair of the tendon, the mean peak pressure, contact area, and total force showed an increase regardless of the fixation technique. Highest peak pressures were found using the cortical button technique at 45° flexion of the elbow and 60° pronation. These differences were significantly different from the intact tendon. The contact area was significantly larger in full extension and 15°, 30°, and 60° pronation using the cortical button technique. Conclusions Pressures on the distal biceps tendon at the radial tuberosity increase during pronation, especially after repair of the tendon. Clinical relevance Mechanical impingement could play a role in both the etiology of primary distal biceps tendon ruptures and the complications occurring after fixation of the tendon using certain techniques. Y1 - 2020 U6 - http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jhsa.2020.01.006 SN - 0363-5023 VL - 45 IS - 8 SP - 776.e1 EP - 776.e9 PB - Elsevier CY - Amsterdam ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Rausch, Valentin A1 - Harbrecht, Andreas A1 - Kahmann, Stephanie Lucina A1 - Fenten, Thomas A1 - Jovanovic, Nebojsa A1 - Hackl, Michael A1 - Müller, Lars P. A1 - Staat, Manfred A1 - Wegmann, Kilian T1 - Osteosynthesis of Phalangeal Fractures: Biomechanical Comparison of Kirschner Wires, Plates, and Compression Screws JF - The Journal of Hand Surgery N2 - Purpose The aim of this study was to compare several osteosynthesis techniques (intramedullary headless compression screws, T-plates, and Kirschner wires) for distal epiphyseal fractures of proximal phalanges in a human cadaveric model. Methods A total of 90 proximal phalanges from 30 specimens (index, ring, and middle fingers) were used for this study. After stripping off all soft tissue, a transverse distal epiphyseal fracture was simulated at the proximal phalanx. The 30 specimens were randomly assigned to 1 fixation technique (30 per technique), either a 3.0-mm intramedullary headless compression screw, locking plate fixation with a 2.0-mm T-plate, or 2 oblique 1.0-mm Kirschner wires. Displacement analysis (bending, distraction, and torsion) was performed using optical tracking of an applied random speckle pattern after osteosynthesis. Biomechanical testing was performed with increasing cyclic loading and with cyclic load to failure using a biaxial torsion-tension testing machine. Results Cannulated intramedullary compression screws showed significantly less displacement at the fracture site in torsional testing. Furthermore, screws were significantly more stable in bending testing. Kirschner wires were significantly less stable than plating or screw fixation in any cyclic load to failure test setup. Conclusions Intramedullary compression screws are a highly stable alternative in the treatment of transverse distal epiphyseal phalangeal fractures. Kirschner wires seem to be inferior regarding displacement properties and primary stability. Clinical relevance Fracture fixation of phalangeal fractures using plate osteosynthesis may have the advantage of a very rigid reduction, but disadvantages such as stiffness owing to the more invasive surgical approach and soft tissue irritation should be taken into account. Headless compression screws represent a minimally invasive choice for fixation with good biomechanical properties. Y1 - 2020 U6 - http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jhsa.2020.04.010 SN - 0363-5023 VL - 45 IS - 10 SP - 987.e1 EP - 987.e8 PB - Elsevier CY - Amsterdam ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Ramoshaba, Nthai E. A1 - Huisman, Hugo W. A1 - Lammertyn, Leandi A1 - Kotliar, Konstantin A1 - Schutte, Aletta E. A1 - Smith, Wayne T1 - Retinal microvasculature and masked hypertension in young adults: the African-PREDICT study JF - Hypertension Research N2 - 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. Y1 - 2020 U6 - http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41440-020-0487-0 SN - 1348-4214 IS - 43 SP - 1231 EP - 1238 PB - Springer Nature CY - Osaka ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Quittmann, Oliver J. A1 - Meskemper, Joshua A1 - Albracht, Kirsten A1 - Abel, Thomas A1 - Foitschik, Tina A1 - Strüder, Heiko K. T1 - Normalising surface EMG of ten upper-extremity muscles in handcycling: Manual resistance vs. sport-specific MVICs JF - Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology N2 - 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. Y1 - 2020 U6 - http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jelekin.2020.102402 SN - 1050-6411 VL - 51 IS - Article 102402 PB - Elsevier CY - Amsterdam ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Quittmann, Oliver J. A1 - Abel, Thomas A1 - Albracht, Kirsten A1 - Meskemper, Joshua A1 - Foitschik, Tina A1 - Strüder, Heiko K. T1 - Biomechanics of handcycling propulsion in a 30-min continuous load test at lactate threshold: Kinetics, kinematics, and muscular activity in able-bodied participants JF - European Journal of Applied Physiology N2 - Purpose This study aims to investigate the biomechanics of handcycling during a continuous load trial (CLT) to assess the mechanisms underlying fatigue in upper body exercise. Methods Twelve able-bodied triathletes performed a 30-min CLT at a power output corresponding to lactate threshold in a racing recumbent handcycle mounted on a stationary ergometer. During the CLT, ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), tangential crank kinetics, 3D joint kinematics, and muscular activity of ten muscles of the upper extremity and trunk were examined using motion capturing and surface electromyography. Results During the CLT, spontaneously chosen cadence and RPE increased, whereas crank torque decreased. Rotational work was higher during the pull phase. Peripheral RPE was higher compared to central RPE. Joint range of motion decreased for elbow-flexion and radial-duction. Integrated EMG (iEMG) increased in the forearm flexors, forearm extensors, and M. deltoideus (Pars spinalis). An earlier onset of activation was found for M. deltoideus (Pars clavicularis), M. pectoralis major, M. rectus abdominis, M. biceps brachii, and the forearm flexors. Conclusion Fatigue-related alterations seem to apply analogously in handcycling and cycling. The most distal muscles are responsible for force transmission on the cranks and might thus suffer most from neuromuscular fatigue. The findings indicate that peripheral fatigue (at similar lactate values) is higher in handcycling compared to leg cycling, at least for inexperienced participants. An increase in cadence might delay peripheral fatigue by a reduced vascular occlusion. We assume that the gap between peripheral and central fatigue can be reduced by sport-specific endurance training. Y1 - 2020 U6 - http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00421-020-04373-x SN - 1439-6327 IS - 120 SP - 1403 EP - 1415 PB - Springer CY - Heidelberg ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Pogorelova, Natalia A1 - Rogachev, Evgeniy A1 - Digel, Ilya A1 - Chernigova, Svetlana A1 - Nardin, Dmitry T1 - Bacterial Cellulose Nanocomposites: Morphology and Mechanical Properties JF - Materials N2 - Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a promising material for biomedical applications due to its unique properties such as high mechanical strength and biocompatibility. This article describes the microbiological synthesis, modification, and characterization of the obtained BC-nanocomposites originating from symbiotic consortium Medusomyces gisevii. Two BC-modifications have been obtained: BC-Ag and BC-calcium phosphate (BC-Ca3(PO4)2). Structure and physicochemical properties of the BC and its modifications were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and infrared Fourier spectroscopy as well as by measurements of mechanical and water holding/absorbing capacities. Topographic analysis of the surface revealed multicomponent thick fibrils (150–160 nm in diameter and about 15 µm in length) constituted by 50–60 nm nanofibrils weaved into a left-hand helix. Distinctive features of Ca-phosphate-modified BC samples were (a) the presence of 500–700 nm entanglements and (b) inclusions of Ca3(PO4)2 crystals. The samples impregnated with Ag nanoparticles exhibited numerous roundish inclusions, about 110 nm in diameter. The boundaries between the organic and inorganic phases were very distinct in both cases. The Ag-modified samples also showed a prominent waving pattern in the packing of nanofibrils. The obtained BC gel films possessed water-holding capacity of about 62.35 g/g. However, the dried (to a constant mass) BC-films later exhibited a low water absorption capacity (3.82 g/g). It was found that decellularized BC samples had 2.4 times larger Young’s modulus and 2.2 times greater tensile strength as compared to dehydrated native BC films. We presume that this was caused by molecular compaction of the BC structure. Y1 - 2020 SN - 1996-1944 U6 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ma13122849 VL - 13 IS - 12 SP - 1 EP - 16 PB - MDPI CY - Basel ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Poghossian, Arshak A1 - Schöning, Michael Josef T1 - Capacitive field-effect eis chemical sensors and biosensors: A status report JF - Sensors N2 - 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. Y1 - 2020 U6 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/s20195639 SN - 1424-8220 VL - 20 IS - 19 PB - MDPI CY - Basel ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Poghossian, Arshak A1 - Jablonski, Melanie A1 - Molinnus, Denise A1 - Wege, Christina A1 - Schöning, Michael Josef T1 - Field-Effect Sensors for Virus Detection: From Ebola to SARS-CoV-2 and Plant Viral Enhancers JF - Frontiers in Plant Science N2 - Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a novel human infectious disease provoked by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Currently, no specific vaccines or drugs against COVID-19 are available. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment are essential in order to slow the virus spread and to contain the disease outbreak. Hence, new diagnostic tests and devices for virus detection in clinical samples that are faster, more accurate and reliable, easier and cost-efficient than existing ones are needed. Due to the small sizes, fast response time, label-free operation without the need for expensive and time-consuming labeling steps, the possibility of real-time and multiplexed measurements, robustness and portability (point-of-care and on-site testing), biosensors based on semiconductor field-effect devices (FEDs) are one of the most attractive platforms for an electrical detection of charged biomolecules and bioparticles by their intrinsic charge. In this review, recent advances and key developments in the field of label-free detection of viruses (including plant viruses) with various types of FEDs are presented. In recent years, however, certain plant viruses have also attracted additional interest for biosensor layouts: Their repetitive protein subunits arranged at nanometric spacing can be employed for coupling functional molecules. If used as adapters on sensor chip surfaces, they allow an efficient immobilization of analyte-specific recognition and detector elements such as antibodies and enzymes at highest surface densities. The display on plant viral bionanoparticles may also lead to long-time stabilization of sensor molecules upon repeated uses and has the potential to increase sensor performance substantially, compared to conventional layouts. This has been demonstrated in different proof-of-concept biosensor devices. Therefore, richly available plant viral particles, non-pathogenic for animals or humans, might gain novel importance if applied in receptor layers of FEDs. These perspectives are explained and discussed with regard to future detection strategies for COVID-19 and related viral diseases. Y1 - 2020 U6 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2020.598103 VL - 11 IS - Article 598103 SP - 1 EP - 14 PB - Frontiers CY - Lausanne ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Muschallik, Lukas A1 - Molinnus, Denise A1 - Jablonski, Melanie A1 - Kipp, Carina Ronja A1 - Bongaerts, Johannes A1 - Pohl, Martina A1 - Wagner, Torsten A1 - Schöning, Michael Josef A1 - Selmer, Thorsten A1 - Siegert, Petra T1 - Synthesis of α-hydroxy ketones and vicinal (R, R)-diols by Bacillus clausii DSM 8716ᵀ butanediol dehydrogenase JF - RSC Advances N2 - α-hydroxy ketones (HK) and 1,2-diols are important building blocks for fine chemical synthesis. Here, we describe the R-selective 2,3-butanediol dehydrogenase from B. clausii DSM 8716ᵀ (BcBDH) that belongs to the metal-dependent medium chain dehydrogenases/reductases family (MDR) and catalyzes the selective asymmetric reduction of prochiral 1,2-diketones to the corresponding HK and, in some cases, the reduction of the same to the corresponding 1,2-diols. Aliphatic diketones, like 2,3-pentanedione, 2,3-hexanedione, 5-methyl-2,3-hexanedione, 3,4-hexanedione and 2,3-heptanedione are well transformed. In addition, surprisingly alkyl phenyl dicarbonyls, like 2-hydroxy-1-phenylpropan-1-one and phenylglyoxal are accepted, whereas their derivatives with two phenyl groups are not substrates. Supplementation of Mn²⁺ (1 mM) increases BcBDH's activity in biotransformations. Furthermore, the biocatalytic reduction of 5-methyl-2,3-hexanedione to mainly 5-methyl-3-hydroxy-2-hexanone with only small amounts of 5-methyl-2-hydroxy-3-hexanone within an enzyme membrane reactor is demonstrated. Y1 - 2020 U6 - http://dx.doi.org/10.1039/D0RA02066D SN - 2046-2069 VL - 10 SP - 12206 EP - 12216 PB - Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) CY - Cambridge ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Muschallik, Lukas A1 - Kipp, Carina Ronja A1 - Recker, Inga A1 - Bongaerts, Johannes A1 - Pohl, Martina A1 - Gelissen, Melanie A1 - Schöning, Michael Josef A1 - Selmer, Thorsten A1 - Siegert, Petra T1 - Synthesis of α-hydroxy ketones and vicinal diols with the Bacillus licheniformis DSM 13T butane-2, 3-diol dehydrogenase JF - Journal of Biotechnology N2 - 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. Y1 - 2020 SN - 2590-1559 U6 - http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jbiotec.2020.09.016 VL - 202 IS - Vol. 324 SP - 61 EP - 70 PB - Elsevier CY - Amsterdam ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Morat, Mareike A1 - Faude, Oliver A1 - Hanssen, Henner A1 - Ludyga, Sebastian A1 - Zacher, Jonas A1 - Eibl, Angi A1 - Albracht, Kirsten A1 - Donath, Lars T1 - Agility Training to Integratively Promote Neuromuscular, Cognitive, Cardiovascular and Psychosocial Function in Healthy Older Adults: A Study Protocol of a One-Year Randomized-Controlled Trial JF - International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health N2 - Exercise training effectively mitigates aging-induced health and fitness impairments. Traditional training recommendations for the elderly focus separately on relevant physiological fitness domains, such as balance, flexibility, strength and endurance. Thus, a more holistic and functional training framework is needed. The proposed agility training concept integratively tackles spatial orientation, stop and go, balance and strength. The presented protocol aims at introducing a two-armed, one-year randomized controlled trial, evaluating the effects of this concept on neuromuscular, cardiovascular, cognitive and psychosocial health outcomes in healthy older adults. Eighty-five participants were enrolled in this ongoing trial. Seventy-nine participants completed baseline testing and were block-randomized to the agility training group or the inactive control group. All participants undergo pre- and post-testing with interim assessment after six months. The intervention group currently receives supervised, group-based agility training twice a week over one year, with progressively demanding perceptual, cognitive and physical exercises. Knee extension strength, reactive balance, dual task gait speed and the Agility Challenge for the Elderly (ACE) serve as primary endpoints and neuromuscular, cognitive, cardiovascular, and psychosocial meassures serve as surrogate secondary outcomes. Our protocol promotes a comprehensive exercise training concept for older adults, that might facilitate stakeholders in health and exercise to stimulate relevant health outcomes without relying on excessively time-consuming physical activity recommendations. KW - agility KW - prevention KW - healthy aging KW - community dwelling KW - psychosocial Y1 - 2020 U6 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17061853 SN - 1660-4601 VL - 17 IS - 6 SP - 1 EP - 14 PB - MDPI CY - Basel ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Mennicken, Max A1 - Peter, Sophia K. A1 - Kaulen, Corinna A1 - Simon, Ulrich A1 - Karthäuser, Silvia T1 - Transport through Redox-Active Ru-Terpyridine Complexes Integrated in Single Nanoparticle Devices JF - The Journal of Physical Chemistry C N2 - Transition metal complexes are electrofunctional molecules due to their high conductivity and their intrinsic switching ability involving a metal-to-ligand charge transfer. Here, a method is presented to contact reliably a few to single redox-active Ru-terpyridine complexes in a CMOS compatible nanodevice and preserve their electrical functionality. Using hybrid materials from 14 nm gold nanoparticles (AuNP) and bis-{4′-[4-(mercaptophenyl)-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine]}-ruthenium(II) complexes a device size of 30² nm² inclusive nanoelectrodes is achieved. Moreover, this method bears the opportunity for further downscaling. The Ru-complex AuNP devices show symmetric and asymmetric current versus voltage curves with a hysteretic characteristic in two well separated conductance ranges. By theoretical approximations based on the single-channel Landauer model, the charge transport through the formed double-barrier tunnel junction is thoroughly analyzed and its sensibility to the molecule/metal contact is revealed. It can be verified that tunneling transport through the HOMO is the main transport mechanism while decoherent hopping transport is present to a minor extent. Y1 - 2020 U6 - http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpcc.9b11716 SN - 1932-7455 VL - 124 IS - 8 SP - 4881 EP - 4889 PB - ACS Publications CY - Washington, DC ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Malan, Leone A1 - Hamer, Mark A1 - Känel, Roland von A1 - Kotliar, Konstantin A1 - Wyk, Roelof D. van A1 - Lambert, Gavin W. A1 - Vilser, Walthard A1 - Ziemssen, Tjalf A1 - Schlaich, Markus P. A1 - Smith, Wayne A1 - Magnusson, Martin A1 - Wentzel, Annemarie A1 - Myburgh, Carlien E. A1 - Steyn, Hendrik S. A1 - Malan, Nico T. T1 - Delayed retinal vein recovery responses indicate both non-adaptation to stress as well as increased risk for stroke: the SABPA study JF - Cardiovascular Journal of Africa Y1 - 2020 U6 - http://dx.doi.org/10.5830/CVJA-2020-031 SN - 1680-0745 VL - 26 IS - 31 SP - 1 EP - 12 PB - Clinics Cardive Publishing CY - Durbanville ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Kopp, Alexander A1 - Schunck, Laura A1 - Gosau, Martin A1 - Smeets, Ralf A1 - Burg, Simon A1 - Fuest, Sandra A1 - Kröger, Nadja A1 - Zinser, Max A1 - Krohn, Sebastian A1 - Behbahani, Mehdi A1 - Köpf, Marius A1 - Lauts, Lisa A1 - Rutkowski, Rico T1 - Influence of the casting concentration on the mechanical and optical properties of Fa/CaCl2-derived silk fibroin membranes JF - International Journal of Molecular Sciences N2 - 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. Y1 - 2020 U6 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijms21186704 SN - 1422-0067 N1 - Special issue: Optimization of Biomaterials for Reconstructive and Regenerative Medicine VL - 21 IS - 18 art. no. 6704 PB - MDPI CY - Basel ER -