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Bueno M, Calyeca J, Khaliullin T, Miller MP, Alvarez D, Rosas L, Brands J, Baker C, Nasser A, Shulkowski S, Mathien A, Uzoukwu N, Sembrat J, Mays BG, Fiedler K, Hahn SA, Salvatore SR, Schopfer FJ, Rojas M, Sandner P, Straub AC, Mora AL. CYB5R3 in type II alveolar epithelial cells protects against lung fibrosis by suppressing TGF-β1 signaling. JCI Insight 2023; 8:e161487. [PMID: 36749633 PMCID: PMC10077481 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.161487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Type II alveolar epithelial cell (AECII) redox imbalance contributes to the pathogenesis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a deadly disease with limited treatment options. Here, we show that expression of membrane-bound cytochrome B5 reductase 3 (CYB5R3), an enzyme critical for maintaining cellular redox homeostasis and soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) heme iron redox state, is diminished in IPF AECIIs. Deficiency of CYB5R3 in AECIIs led to sustained activation of the pro-fibrotic factor TGF-β1 and increased susceptibility to lung fibrosis. We further show that CYB5R3 is a critical regulator of ERK1/2 phosphorylation and the sGC/cGMP/protein kinase G axis that modulates activation of the TGF-β1 signaling pathway. We demonstrate that sGC agonists (BAY 41-8543 and BAY 54-6544) are effective in reducing the pulmonary fibrotic outcomes of in vivo deficiency of CYB5R3 in AECIIs. Taken together, these results show that CYB5R3 in AECIIs is required to maintain resilience after lung injury and fibrosis and that therapeutic manipulation of the sGC redox state could provide a basis for treating fibrotic conditions in the lung and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Bueno
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jazmin Calyeca
- Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Timur Khaliullin
- Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Megan P. Miller
- Heart, Lung, Blood, and Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Diana Alvarez
- Aging Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Lorena Rosas
- Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Judith Brands
- Heart, Lung, Blood, and Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Christian Baker
- Aging Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Amro Nasser
- Aging Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Stephanie Shulkowski
- Aging Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - August Mathien
- Aging Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Nneoma Uzoukwu
- Aging Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - John Sembrat
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Brenton G. Mays
- Heart, Lung, Blood, and Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kaitlin Fiedler
- Heart, Lung, Blood, and Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Scott A. Hahn
- Heart, Lung, Blood, and Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Francisco J. Schopfer
- Heart, Lung, Blood, and Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center (PLRC), and
- Center for Metabolism and Mitochondrial Medicine (C3M), University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Mauricio Rojas
- Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Peter Sandner
- Bayer Pharmaceuticals Wuppertal, Germany
- Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Ana L. Mora
- Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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Westermann B, Lotze M, Varra L, Versteeg N, Domin M, Nicolet L, Obrist M, Klepzig K, Marbot L, Lämmler L, Fiedler K, Wattendorf E. When laughter arrests speech: fMRI-based evidence. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2022; 377:20210182. [PMID: 36126674 PMCID: PMC9489293 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2021.0182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Who has not experienced that sensation of losing the power of speech owing to an involuntary bout of laughter? An investigation of this phenomenon affords an insight into the neuronal processes that underlie laughter. In our functional magnetic resonance imaging study, participants were made to laugh by tickling in a first condition; in a second one they were requested to produce vocal utterances under the provocation of laughter by tickling. This investigation reveals increased neuronal activity in the sensorimotor cortex, the anterior cingulate gyrus, the insula, the nucleus accumbens, the hypothalamus and the periaqueductal grey for both conditions, thereby replicating the results of previous studies on ticklish laughter. However, further analysis indicates the activity in the emotion-associated regions to be lower when tickling is accompanied by voluntary vocalization. Here, a typical pattern of activation is identified, including the primary sensory cortex, a ventral area of the anterior insula and the ventral tegmental field, to which belongs to the nucleus ambiguus, namely, the common effector organ for voluntary and involuntary vocalizations. During the conflictual voluntary-vocalization versus laughter experience, the laughter-triggering network appears to rely heavily on a sensory and a deep interoceptive analysis, as well as on motor effectors in the brainstem. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Cracking the laugh code: laughter through the lens of biology, psychology and neuroscience’.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Westermann
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - M Lotze
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - L Varra
- Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - N Versteeg
- Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - M Domin
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - L Nicolet
- College of Health Sciences Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - M Obrist
- College of Health Sciences Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - K Klepzig
- College of Health Sciences Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - L Marbot
- Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - L Lämmler
- Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - K Fiedler
- Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - E Wattendorf
- Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland.,College of Health Sciences Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
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Kittel-Schneider S, Leutritz A, van Braam L, Preis K, Gehrmann A, Fiedler K, Deckert J, Unterecker S, Scherf-Clavel M. Antidepressants in pregnancy – focus on therapeutic drug
monitoring. PHARMACOPSYCHIATRY 2022. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1747654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S. Kittel-Schneider
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University
Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University
Hospital of Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - A.L. Leutritz
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University
Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - L. van Braam
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University
Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - K. Preis
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University
Hospital of Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - A. Gehrmann
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University
Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - K. Fiedler
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University
Hospital of Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - J. Deckert
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University
Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - S. Unterecker
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University
Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - M. Scherf-Clavel
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University
Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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Bueno M, Brands J, Voltz L, Fiedler K, Mays B, St. Croix C, Sembrat J, Mallampalli RK, Rojas M, Mora AL. ATF3 represses PINK1 gene transcription in lung epithelial cells to control mitochondrial homeostasis. Aging Cell 2018; 17. [PMID: 29363258 PMCID: PMC5847866 DOI: 10.1111/acel.12720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
PINK1 (PTEN‐induced putative kinase 1) is a key regulator of mitochondrial homeostasis that is relatively depleted in aging lungs and in lung epithelial cells from patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a disease linked with aging. Impaired PINK1 expression and accumulation of damaged mitochondria in lung epithelial cells from fibrotic lungs were associated with the presence of ER stress. Here, we show that ATF3 (activating transcription factor 3), a member of the integrated stress response (ISR), negatively regulates transcription of the PINK1 gene. An ATF3 binding site within the human PINK1 promoter is located in the first 150 bp upstream of the transcription start site. Induction of ER stress or overexpression of ATF3 inhibited the activity of the PINK1 promoter. Importantly, overexpression of ATF3 causes accumulation of depolarized mitochondria, increased production of mitochondrial ROS, and loss of cell viability. Furthermore, conditional deletion of ATF3 in type II lung epithelial cells protects mice from bleomycin‐induced lung fibrosis. Finally, we observed that ATF3 expression increases in the lung with age and, specially, in lung epithelial cells from IPF lungs. These data provide a unique link between ATF3 and PINK1 expression suggesting that persistent stress, driven by ATF3, can dysregulate mitochondrial homeostasis by repression of PINK1 mRNA synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Bueno
- Vascular Medicine Institute; Department of Medicine; University of Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh PA USA
- Division of Pulmonary Allergy and Critical Care Medicine; Department of Medicine; University of Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh PA USA
| | - Judith Brands
- Vascular Medicine Institute; Department of Medicine; University of Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh PA USA
- Division of Pulmonary Allergy and Critical Care Medicine; Department of Medicine; University of Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh PA USA
| | - Lauren Voltz
- Vascular Medicine Institute; Department of Medicine; University of Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh PA USA
| | - Kaitlin Fiedler
- Vascular Medicine Institute; Department of Medicine; University of Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh PA USA
| | - Brenton Mays
- Vascular Medicine Institute; Department of Medicine; University of Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh PA USA
| | | | - John Sembrat
- Vascular Medicine Institute; Department of Medicine; University of Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh PA USA
- The Dorothy P. and Richard P. Simmons Center for Interstitial Lung Diseases; University of Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh PA USA
| | - Rama K. Mallampalli
- Division of Pulmonary Allergy and Critical Care Medicine; Department of Medicine; University of Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh PA USA
- Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System; Pittsburgh PA USA
| | - Mauricio Rojas
- Vascular Medicine Institute; Department of Medicine; University of Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh PA USA
- The Dorothy P. and Richard P. Simmons Center for Interstitial Lung Diseases; University of Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh PA USA
| | - Ana L. Mora
- Vascular Medicine Institute; Department of Medicine; University of Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh PA USA
- Division of Pulmonary Allergy and Critical Care Medicine; Department of Medicine; University of Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh PA USA
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Kretschamer RG, Fiedler K. Berechnung thermodynamischer Funktionen in Zeolithen adsorbierter n-Alkane mit Hilfe der Monte-Carlo-Methode. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.1515/zpch-1977-258141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Wendt R, Thamm H, Fiedler K, Stach H. Zur Temperaturabhängigkeit der Adsorptionsenthalpie zeolithischer Adsorbate: Änderungen der Adsorbatstruktur des Benzens in Silikalit. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.1515/zpch-1985-26642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Beck J, Liedtke HC, Widler S, Altermatt F, Loader SP, Hagmann R, Lang S, Fiedler K. Patterns or mechanisms? Bergmann’s and Rapoport’s rule in moths along an elevational gradient. COMMUNITY ECOL 2016. [DOI: 10.1556/168.2016.17.2.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Santjohanser CM, Rakhmanov M, Hirv K, Fiedler K, Krüsmann G, Wagner A, Würfel W. NK-Zytotoxizitätstest (NKZTT) zur Diagnostik bei rezidivierenden Aborten (RSA) bzw. bei repetitiven Implantationsversagen (RIF) und Intralipid/Immunglobuline als therapeutische Option. Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd 2016. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1592763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
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Winnica D, Que LG, Baffi C, Grasemann H, Fiedler K, Yang Z, Etling E, Wasil K, Wenzel SE, Freeman B, Holguin F. l-citrulline prevents asymmetric dimethylarginine-mediated reductions in nitric oxide and nitrosative stress in primary human airway epithelial cells. Clin Exp Allergy 2016; 47:190-199. [PMID: 27562295 DOI: 10.1111/cea.12802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2016] [Revised: 07/07/2016] [Accepted: 08/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asthma is associated with reduced systemic levels of l-arginine and increased asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA). This imbalance leads to nitric oxide synthase (NOS) uncoupling with reduced nitric oxide (NO) formation and greater oxidative and nitrosative stress. Whether this imbalance also occurs in bronchial epitheliumof asthmatics is unknown. OBJECTIVES We used primary human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs) from asthmatics and healthy controls to evaluate: (i) ADMA-mediated NOS uncoupling reduces epithelial production of NO and increases oxygen and nitrogen reactive species, and (ii) l-citrulline can reverse this mechanism by recoupling NOS, restoring NO production and reducing oxidative and nitrosative stress. RESULTS In HBECsIL-13 and INFγ stimulated NOS2 and increased NOx levels. The addition of ADMA reduced NOx and increased H2 O2 levels (p<0.001). Treatment with l-citrulline (800, 1600 μm) rescued NOx when the l-arginine media concentration was 25 μm but failed to do so with higher concentrations (100 μm). Under reduced l-arginine media conditions, HBECs treated with l-citrulline increased the levels of argininosuccinate, an enzyme that metabolizes l-citrulline to l-arginine. l-citrulline prevented the ADMA-mediated increase in nitrotyrosine in HBECs in cells from asthmatics and controls. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Increasing ADMA reduces NO formation and increases oxidative and nitrosative stress in airway epithelial cells. l-citrulline supplementation restores NO formation, while preventing nitrosative stress. These results, suggest that l-citrulline supplementation may indeed be a powerful approach to restore airway NO production and may have a therapeutic potential in diseases in which there is a defective production of NO.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Winnica
- Asthma Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - L G Que
- Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - C Baffi
- Asthma Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - H Grasemann
- Respiratory Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - K Fiedler
- Asthma Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Z Yang
- Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - E Etling
- Asthma Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - K Wasil
- Asthma Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - S E Wenzel
- Asthma Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - B Freeman
- Pharmacology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - F Holguin
- Asthma Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Abstract
The adsorption of benzene on silicalite has been investigated through the use of the Monte Carlo method. Calculations have been performed using an empirical atom-atom potential. The resulting concept of preferred adsorption sites has been applied to a combinatorial model of the pore-filling process. Differential heat of adsorption curves have been calculated from this combinatorial model as well as by Monte Carlo runs. Good agreement is demonstrated with measured adsorption heat curves over a wide range.
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Affiliation(s)
- B. Grauert
- Central Institute of Physical Chemistry, GDR Academy of Sciences, Rudower Chaussee 5, DDR-1199 Berlin-Adlershof. East Germany
| | - K. Fiedler
- Central Institute of Physical Chemistry, GDR Academy of Sciences, Rudower Chaussee 5, DDR-1199 Berlin-Adlershof. East Germany
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Abstract
A Monte Carlo method for calculating thermodynamic functions of zeolitic adsoption systems is presented, which is different from the method of Metropolis et al. (1949; 1953). The method is based on emphasizing sampling strategy for representing the canonical measure by means of a trajectory averaging. The method allows the calculation of free energy, energy and other derived thermodynamic functions directly from the histogram as well as the calculation of the empirical dispersion and the bias.
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Affiliation(s)
- K. Fiedler
- Central Institute of Physical Chemistry, Academy of Sciences, GDR, Rudower Chaussee 5, DDR-1199 Berlin-Adlershof
| | - B. Grauert
- Central Institute of Physical Chemistry, Academy of Sciences, GDR, Rudower Chaussee 5, DDR-1199 Berlin-Adlershof
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Rodríguez-Castañeda G, Brehm G, Fiedler K, Dyer LA. Ant predation on herbivores through a multitrophic lens: how effects of ants on plant herbivore defense and natural enemies vary along temperature gradients. Curr Opin Insect Sci 2016; 14:73-80. [PMID: 27436650 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2016.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2015] [Revised: 01/30/2016] [Accepted: 02/02/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Ants are keystone predators in terrestrial trophic cascades. Addressing ants' roles in multitrophic interactions across regional gradients is important for understanding mechanisms behind range limits of species. We present four hypotheses of trophic dynamics occurring when ants are rare: first, there is a shift in predator communities; second, plants decrease investments in ant attraction and increase production of secondary metabolites; third, lower herbivory at high elevations allows plants to tolerate herbivory; and fourth, distribution of ant-plants can be limited based on ant abundance. Conducting experiments on multitrophic effects of ants across elevational gradients, and incorporating these results to ecological niche modeling (ENM) will improve our knowledge of the impacts of global change on ants, trophic interactions, and biodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Rodríguez-Castañeda
- University of Texas in Austin, Section of Integrative Biology, 205 West 24th Street, Austin, TX 78712, United States.
| | - G Brehm
- Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Institut für spezielle Zoologie und Evolutionsbiologie mit Phyletischem Museum, Ebertstrasse 1, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - K Fiedler
- Universität Wien, Department of Botany & Biodiversity Research, Rennweg 14, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - L A Dyer
- University of Nevada, Reno, 1664 North Virginia Street, Reno 89557, United States
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Schwarzer JU, Steinfatt H, Schleyer M, Köhn FM, Fiedler K, von Hertwig I, Krüsmann G, Würfel W. Microdissection TESE is superior to conventional TESE in patients with nonobstructive azoospermia caused by Y chromosome microdeletions. Andrologia 2015; 48:402-5. [PMID: 26304126 DOI: 10.1111/and.12460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonobstructive azoospermia is caused in up to 10% by microdeletions of the Y chromosome in the azoospermia factor (AZF) region, which is divided into three nonoverlapping areas (AZFa, AZFb and AZFc). In 25 male patients with AZF microdeletions, the results of two different techniques for surgical sperm retrieval (SR), conventional multilocular TESE and microdissection TESE, were studied retrospectively over a period of 19 years. Conventional multilocular TESE was carried out in 11 patients and microdissection TESE in 14 patients. Successful SR was possible only in patients with isolated AZFc microdeletions, so only the 20 patients with AZFc microdeletions alone were taken into account for the comparison of the both operative techniques. The sperm detection rate for conventional multilocular TESE was 25%, the sperm detection for microdissection TESE was significantly higher with 67%. In all patients, a histological examination of the testicular tissue was carried out, which showed a mixed picture, but Sertoli-cell-only syndrome in most cases. FSH was no prognostic marker for successful SR. In two of six couples performing an intracytoplasmic sperm injection until now, a pregnancy occurred.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - M Schleyer
- Kinderwunsch Centrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - F M Köhn
- Andrologicum München, Munich, Germany
| | - K Fiedler
- Kinderwunsch Centrum München, Munich, Germany
| | | | - G Krüsmann
- Kinderwunsch Centrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - W Würfel
- Kinderwunsch Centrum München, Munich, Germany
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Carneiro E, Mielke OHH, Casagrande MM, Fiedler K. Skipper Richness (Hesperiidae) Along Elevational Gradients in Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Neotrop Entomol 2014; 43:27-38. [PMID: 27193401 DOI: 10.1007/s13744-013-0175-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2013] [Accepted: 09/20/2013] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Hesperiidae are claimed to be a group of elusive butterflies that need major effort for sampling, thus being frequently omitted from tropical butterfly surveys. As no studies have associated species richness patterns of butterflies with environmental gradients of high altitudes in Brazil, we surveyed Hesperiidae ensembles in Serra do Mar along elevational transects (900-1,800 m above sea level) on three mountains. Transects were sampled 11-12 times on each mountain to evaluate how local species richness is influenced by mountain region, vegetation type, and elevational zones. Patterns were also analyzed for the subfamilies, and after disregarding species that exhibit hilltopping behavior. Species richness was evaluated by the observed richness, Jacknife2 estimator and Chao 1 estimator standardized by sample coverage. Overall, 155 species were collected, but extrapolation algorithms suggest a regional richness of about 220 species. Species richness was far higher in forest than in early successional vegetation or grassland. Richness decreased with elevation, and was higher on Anhangava mountain compared with the two others. Patterns were similar between observed and extrapolated Jacknife2 richness, but vegetation type and mountain richness became altered using sample coverage standardization. Hilltopping species were more easily detected than species that do not show this behavior; however, their inclusion did neither affect estimated richness nor modify the shape of the species accumulation curve. This is the first contribution to systematically study highland butterflies in southern Brazil where all records above 1,200 m are altitudinal extensions of the known geographical ranges of skipper species in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Carneiro
- Lab de Estudos de Lepidoptera Neotropical, Depto de Zoologia, Univ Federal do Paraná, Caixa Postal 19020, 81531-980, Curitiba, PR, Brasil.
| | - O H H Mielke
- Lab de Estudos de Lepidoptera Neotropical, Depto de Zoologia, Univ Federal do Paraná, Caixa Postal 19020, 81531-980, Curitiba, PR, Brasil
| | - M M Casagrande
- Lab de Estudos de Lepidoptera Neotropical, Depto de Zoologia, Univ Federal do Paraná, Caixa Postal 19020, 81531-980, Curitiba, PR, Brasil
| | - K Fiedler
- Dept of Tropical Ecology and Animal Biodiversity, Fac of Life Sciences, Univ of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Würfel W, Suttner R, Shakeshaft D, Mayer V, Schoen U, Sendelbach K, Locher M, Koehler U, Fiedler K, Krüsmann G, Holinski-Feder E. Pregnancy and Birth After a Two-Step PGD: Polar Body Diagnosis for Hemophilia A and Array CGH on Trophectoderm Cells for Chromosomal Aberrations. Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd 2013; 73:812-814. [PMID: 24771936 DOI: 10.1055/s-0033-1350705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2013] [Revised: 07/05/2013] [Accepted: 07/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: To demonstrate that a PGD program can be successfully established after the 2011 verdict of the German Bundestag concerning PGD. Material and Method: Eight years previously, the couple had had a daughter who suffered from clinically manifest hemophilia A due to an unbalanced X-inactivation, as well as microdeletion syndrome resulting in severe physical and mental disability. The couple wished to have a second child but refused the idea of a "trial" pregnancy. Given the indications for both, it was necessary to carry out polar body diagnosis (PBD) to rule out hemophilia A and, during the same cycle, a subsequent PGD on the blastocysts to rule out genetic aberrations. The PBD and PGD (trophectoderm biopsy, TEB) were performed after high-dosage ovarian stimulation and ICSI fertilization of the oocytes. A blastocyst was successfully transferred on day 6. Results: The patient conceived immediately. The pregnancy developed normally and the patient gave birth to a girl in the 40th week of pregnancy. Post-natal examinations showed that the baby is free from hemophilia A and is developing normally both physically and mentally. Conclusion: Establishment of a PGD program is now possible after legalization of PGD in Germany. It is possible to apply two investigative techniques in a single treatment cycle if multifactorial diagnosis is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Würfel
- KCM (Kinderwunsch Centrum München), Munich
| | - R Suttner
- KCM (Kinderwunsch Centrum München), Munich
| | | | - V Mayer
- MGZ (Medizinisch-Genetisches Zentrum), Munich
| | - U Schoen
- MGZ (Medizinisch-Genetisches Zentrum), Munich
| | | | - M Locher
- MGZ (Medizinisch-Genetisches Zentrum), Munich
| | - U Koehler
- MGZ (Medizinisch-Genetisches Zentrum), Munich
| | - K Fiedler
- KCM (Kinderwunsch Centrum München), Munich
| | - G Krüsmann
- KCM (Kinderwunsch Centrum München), Munich
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Bodner F, Strutzenberger P, Brehm G, Fiedler K. Species richness and host specificity among caterpillar ensembles on shrubs in the Andes of Southern Ecuador. Neotrop Entomol 2012; 41:375-385. [PMID: 23950087 DOI: 10.1007/s13744-012-0066-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2011] [Accepted: 06/13/2012] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Caterpillar ensembles were sampled on 16 species of shrubs from the family Asteraceae and the genus Piper (Piperaceae) in open and forest habitats in the Andean montane forest zone of southern Ecuador between August 2007 and May 2009. Trophic affiliations of caterpillars to the host plants were confirmed in feeding trials. Overall, species richness of herbivorous caterpillars was high (191 species across all plants), but varied strongly between ensembles associated with different plant species (2-96 lepidopteran species per shrub species). Ensembles on Piper species were characterized by low effective species numbers and high dominance of one or two species of the Geometridae genus Eois Hübner. Low species number and high dominance were also found on latex-bearing Erato polymnioides, whereas ensembles on two other Asteraceae species were far more diverse and less strongly shaped by a few dominant species. The observed diversity patterns fit well to the concept that anti-herbivore defenses of plants are the major factors regulating associated insect ensembles. Local abundance and geographic range of host plants appear to have less influence. Lepidopteran species feeding on Asteraceae were found to be more generalistic than those feeding on Piper species. We conclude that caterpillar ensembles on most, but not all, studied plant species are defined by a small number of dominant species, which usually are narrow host specialists. This pattern was more distinct on Piper shrubs in forest understory, whereas Asteraceae in disturbed habitats had more open caterpillar ensembles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Bodner
- Dept of Tropical Ecology & Animal Biodiversity, Univ of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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24
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Reich S, Schley J, Kern T, Fiedler K, Wolfart S. Examples of model-free implant restorations using Cerec inLab 4.0 software. Int J Comput Dent 2012; 15:207-225. [PMID: 23252221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
This case report demonstrates two ways to fabricate model-free implant restorations with the Cerec inLab 4.0 software. Because the patient, a woman with a history of periodontal disease, did not wish to have a removable partial denture, implant therapy was planned for the restoration of her edentulous areas 14/15 and 24/25. In addition, the restoration was to provide functional relief of the natural maxillary anterior teeth. The two implants for the first quadrant were planned as single-tooth restorations. Each was designed as a full contour implant supra-structure using the Cerec Biogeneric abutment design technique. After completing the design phase, each restoration proposal was split into two parts: a zirconia abutment and a lithium disilicate crown. For the restoration of the second quadrant, custom 20-degree-angled abutments were individualized and acquired with the Cerec camera. A block crown was then designed, milled in burn-out acrylic resin, and fabricated from a lithium disilicate glass-ceramic ingot according to the press ceramic technique. Additionally methods of provisional restorations are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Reich
- Department of Prosthodontics, Implantology and Biomaterials, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH University Hospital, Aachen, Germany.
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25
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Plank
- Department of Animal Biodiversity University of Vienna Vienna Austria
- Austrian Coordination Centre for Bat Conservation and Research (KFFOE) Leonding Austria
| | - K. Fiedler
- Department of Animal Biodiversity University of Vienna Vienna Austria
| | - G. Reiter
- Austrian Coordination Centre for Bat Conservation and Research (KFFOE) Leonding Austria
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26
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Santjohanser C, Franz C, Wuerfel W, Meri O, Fiedler K, Krüsmann G, Krüsmann J, Hirv K, Toth B. 564 cycles with G-CSF application in patients with fertility disorders. J Reprod Immunol 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2011.06.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Abstract
The timing of the origin of present day Neotropical animal diversity is still a matter of debate. For a long time, a preponderance of glacial (i.e. Pleistocene) radiations has been proposed. However, recent data from molecular clock studies indicate a preglacial origin for most of the examined taxa. We performed a fossil-calibrated molecular dating analysis of the genus Eois, which is a major component of one of the world's most diverse assemblages of herbivorous insects. We found that diversification of Eois took place in the Miocene following a pattern best explained by density-dependent diversification. A strong slowdown of diversification towards the present was detected. Diversification of Eois does overlap with increased Andean uplift and diversification of the most commonly used host plant genus Piper. These findings match the patterns found for the majority of Neotropical tetrapods and for three other unrelated, ecologically different lepidopteran genera.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Strutzenberger
- Department of Animal Biodiversity, University of Vienna, Wien, Austria.
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28
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Frimmel S, Krienke A, Riebold D, Löbermann M, Littmann M, Fiedler K, Klaus C, Süss J, Reisinger E. Frühsommer-Meningoenzephalitis-Virus bei Menschen und Zecken in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Dtsch Med Wochenschr 2010; 135:1393-6. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1262424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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29
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Würfel W, Krüsmann G, Fiedler K, Hertwig IV, Schleyer M, Böhm I, Ovens-Raeder A, Waldenmaier C, Wiedemann U, Schwarzer U. Zur intrazytoplasmatischen Injektion (ICSI) von Spermatozoen aus dem Nebenhoden (MESA) und dem Hoden (TESE): Eine retrospektive Analyse von über 500 Behandlungszyklen. Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd 2008. [DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1022738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
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30
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Schwarzer J, Pickl U, Hofmann R, Fiedler K, Hertwig IV, Krüsmann G, Würfel W. Epididymale und testikuläre Spermatozoengewinnung zur intrazytoplasmatischen Mikroinjektion. Aktuelle Urol 2008. [DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1055579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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31
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Brehm G, Homeier J, Fiedler K, Kottke I, Illig J, Nöske NM, Werner FA, Breckle SW. Mountain Rain Forests in Southern Ecuador as a Hotspot of Biodiversity – Limited Knowledge and Diverging Patterns. Ecological Studies 2008. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-540-73526-7_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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32
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Günter S, Cabrera O, Weber M, Stimm B, Zimmermann M, Fiedler K, Knuth J, Boy J, Wilcke W, Iost S, Makeschin F, Werner F, Gradstein SR, Mosandl R. Natural Forest Management in Neotropical Mountain Rain Forests — An Ecological Experiment. Ecological Studies 2008. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-540-73526-7_33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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33
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Abstract
Studies indicate that 10-60% of the spinal cord injury (SCI) population retains residual cognitive deficits following the injury. However, previous studies have not used a comprehensive neuropsychological battery and/or a well-matched control group. In addition, no study has determined if cognitive deficits continue more than one year after injury. The present study addressed these limitations by comparing the performance of a chronic SCI group (Mean = 17 years post-injury) and a well-matched control group in four cognitive areas. Memory, visuospatial skills, attention/executive functioning, and processing speed were assessed. Results from a discriminant function analysis indicated that information processing speed best differentiated between the SCI and control groups. Twenty-nine percent of the SCI group performed 1 to 2 standard deviations below the control group mean. These results could not be attributed to psychological status or history of alcohol consumption. The findings emphasize the importance of neuropsychological evaluation after SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- R N Dowler
- Albuquerque Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Albuquerque, NM 87108, USA
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34
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Daniels H, Gottsberger G, Fiedler K. Nutrient Composition of Larval Nectar Secretions from Three Species of Myrmecophilous Butterflies. J Chem Ecol 2005; 31:2805-21. [PMID: 16365706 DOI: 10.1007/s10886-005-8395-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2004] [Revised: 08/16/2005] [Accepted: 09/02/2005] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
A comparative chemical analysis of the larval nectar secretions and hemolymph from three unspecifically and facultatively ant-attended lycaenid species (Polyommatus coridon, P. icarus, and Zizeeria knysna) was performed by using high-performance liquid chromatography techniques. Sucrose was the main sugar component in all three species. In half of the samples of P. coridon, it was accompanied by glucose, whereas other sugars occurred only rarely. In P. icarus and Z. knysna, melezitose was the second-most important component, followed by fructose and glucose. Total sugar contents were 43.6 +/- 14.8 g/l (mean +/- SD) for P. coridon, 74.2 g/l for P. icarus, and 68.3 +/- 22.6 g/l for Z. knysna. Up to 14 different identified amino acids were found in P. coridon nectar, with a total content of 9.7 +/- 3.4 g/l. Leucine was always the major component (contributing 50% of overall amino acid content). Other important amino acids were tyrosine, proline, arginine, and phenylalanine. P. icarus nectar contained up to six amino acids with a total content of 1.2 g/l, dominated by tyrosine and phenylalanine. Z. knysna nectar contained alanine and proline, with only 0.3 +/- 0.17 g/l total content. In the hemolymph of all species, up to 16 different amino acids occurred relatively regularly, with histidine dominating, followed by serine and proline. The amino acid pattern in hemolymph was considerably different from that of the nectar secretions. Larval diet weakly influenced P. coridon nectar sugars, and with a semisynthetic diet, a more homogeneous amino acid pattern was detected. Comparison with reports from other lycaenid species shows that secretions rich in amino acids are related to intimate, often obligate ant associations, whereas facultative, unspecific myrmecophiles rely on carbohydrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Daniels
- Department of Crop Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, S-230 53 Alnarp, Sweden.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. Gelbin
- Central Institute of Physical Chemistry, Academy of Sciences of German Democratic Republic, Berlin, GDR
| | - K. Fiedler
- Central Institute of Physical Chemistry, Academy of Sciences of German Democratic Republic, Berlin, GDR
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Abstract
Two experimental studies investigated the influence of prior knowledge on constructive judgments. In Study 1, individuals with high expertise (graduate students) and individuals with low expertise (freshmen) were required to answer questions about a target’s mania before they were asked to judge the target on several rating scales including mania. Results indicated that merely thinking about the mania questions resulted in stronger constructive biases (i.e., higher mania ratings) in experts as compared to non-experts. This effect occurred even when participants correctly rejected the question content as false. Study 2, in which knowledge structures were varied experimentally, replicated these findings.
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Schwarzer JU, Fiedler K, Hertwig IV, Krüsmann G, Würfel W, Mühlen B, Pickl U, Löchner-Ernst D, Schleyer M, Ovens-Räder A, Hennig M. Male factors determining the outcome of intracytoplasmic sperm injection with epididymal and testicular spermatozoa. Andrologia 2003; 35:220-6. [PMID: 12950406 DOI: 10.1046/j.1439-0272.2003.00563.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
During a period of 8 years, 1,079 intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) procedures with aspirated epididymal or testicular spermatozoa were performed. Epididymal spermatozoa were used in 172 cycles and testicular spermatozoa or spermatids in 907 cycles. Multiple biopsies were obtained from at least two different locations in the testes. Retrieved spermatozoa were used after cryopreservation (frozen) or immediately after aspiration (fresh). Three hundred patients had obstructive azoospermia (OA) or ejaculation failure. In 414 cases, azoospermia was caused by impaired spermatogenesis resulting from maldescended testes, chemotherapy/radiotherapy, or by Sertoli-cell-only syndrome, genetic disorders or unknown aetiology. Transfer rates, pregnancy rates and birth rates per ICSI cycle showed no statistically significant differences between testicular and epididymal spermatozoa in men with OA (28% average birth rates in both cases). However, birth rates differed significantly with regard to the status of spermatogenesis. Treatment of men with nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) resulted in a birth rate of 19% per cycle. In all patient groups, there was no difference in the birth rates achieved with fresh and cryopreserved spermatozoa. While testicular volume, follicle-stimulating hormone level and age of the male patient are no statistically significant prognostic factors, the underlying cause of azoospermia is the most important factor determining the outcome of ICSI with epididymal and testicular spermatozoa. The pregnancy rate is lower in NOA patients than in those with OA.
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Affiliation(s)
- J U Schwarzer
- The Munich Group of Reproductive Medicine, Frauenklinik Dr Krüsmann, Munich, Germany.
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Kronenberg G, Schredl M, Fiedler K, Heuser I. In healthy volunteers responses to challenge with cholecystokinin tetrapeptide differ between administration during REM and delta sleep. Depress Anxiety 2002; 14:141-4. [PMID: 11668667 DOI: 10.1002/da.1056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was designed to examine the sensitivity of different sleep stages to the pharmacological provocation of nocturnal panic attacks by cholecystokinin tetrapeptide (CCK-4). In a balanced cross-over design, healthy participants were challenged with identical doses of CCK-4 both during REM sleep and during delta sleep. In nine subjects, stimulation with 50 microg CCK-4 during REM sleep failed to elicit a full-blown panic awakening, while the same dose, administered during delta sleep, produced full-blown panic attacks in two participants. Similarly, stimulation of six subjects with 100 microg CCK-4 during REM sleep resulted in only one panic response, whereas four of nine subjects awoke experiencing a panic attack following stimulation with the identical dose during delta sleep. Severity of panic symptomatology, as measured by the self-rated Acute Panic Inventory, was also significantly increased when CCK-4 was administered during delta sleep. CCK-4 can be used as a challenge agent with an abrupt onset of action making it possible to provoke panic attacks precisely during a particular sleep stage. Sensitivity to the panicogenic effects of CCK-4 seems to be higher during delta sleep than REM sleep.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Kronenberg
- Central Institute of Mental Health, Mannheim, Germany
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Abstract
Twelve fungal species were screened for microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs): Aspergillus fumigatus, A. versicolor, A. niger, A. ochraceus, Trichoderma harzianum, T. pseudokoningii, Penicillium brevicompactum, P. chrysogenum, P. claviforme, P. expansum, Fusarium solani and Mucor sp. More than 150 volatile substances derived from fungal cultures have been analysed by head-space solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME). Each species had a defined MVOC profile which may be subjected to considerable modification in response to external factors such as cultivation on different substrata. The cultivation on different substrata changes the number and concentration of MVOCs. Species-specific volatiles may serve as marker compounds for the selective detection of fungal species in indoor environments. Examination of MVOCs from indoor air samples may become an important method in indoor air hygiene for the detection of type and intensity of masked contamination by moulds.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Fiedler
- Institute for General, Hospital and Environmental Hygiene, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Germany
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Burghardt F, Proksch P, Fiedler K. Flavonoid sequestration by the common blue butterfly Polyommatus icarus: quantitative intraspecific variation in relation to larval hostplant, sex and body size. BIOCHEM SYST ECOL 2001; 29:875-889. [PMID: 11445289 DOI: 10.1016/s0305-1978(01)00036-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Common blue butterflies (Polyommatus icarus) sequester flavonoids from their larval food and store these pigments as part of their adult wing colouration. Insects were reared on 10 different diets to assess effects of host plants on variation in flavonoid sequestration in this moderately polyphagous butterfly. Rearing experiments revealed an unexpectedly large gradient in flavonoid richness, ranging from individuals with high flavonoid loads (reared on inflorescences of Medicago sativa, Trifolium repens, T. pratense) to butterflies which contained almost no such pigments (fed with foliage of M. sativa or Robinia pseudoacacia). Flavonoid sequestration was much more effective from natural hostplants than from experimentally offered diets which would not be accepted in the field. Female butterflies on average sequestered almost 60% more flavonoids than males. This sex difference was more pronounced on natural than on experimental diets. Flavonoid load was significantly and positively related to dry mass and forewing length as two important fitness correlates of butterflies. This correlation was particularly strong on experimental diets (i.e. under constraining conditions for development). On natural hostplants, in contrast, when butterflies generally were flavonoid-rich, no clear relationship between flavonoid load and size or mass emerged. Our analytical data are consistent with field results according to which females rich in UV-absorbing flavonoid wing pigments are more attractive to mate-searching males. In P. icarus, flavonoid richness might therefore increase visibility (by more effective sensory stimulation of the visual system), but could also confer information about the feeding history, and thus ontogenetically determined 'quality' of a potential mate.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Burghardt
- Lehrstuhl Pharmazeutische Biologie, Julius-von-Sachs-Institut der Universität Würzburg, Julius von Sachs-Platz 2, D-97082, Würzburg, Germany
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Abstract
SUMMARY
We report on the first case in which sequestered secondary plant compounds determine an insect’s external appearance in the ultraviolet spectrum and thereby influence visually mediated mate choice. Larvae of the common blue butterfly Polyommatus icarus specifically sequester flavonoids in different amounts and types, depending on the part or species of food plant. During late pupal development the majority of ultraviolet-absorbing flavonoids are deposited in the wing scales. The flavonoid content of the larval diet thereby determines ultraviolet wing patterns. In laboratory and field experiments, male butterflies clearly preferred flavonoid-rich, ultraviolet-absorbing female dummies. This preference is mediated visually by the ultraviolet pattern of the wings. Food-plant parts and species vary in value as a food source, so ultraviolet wing patterns may signal mate quality and are not a species-specific characteristic.
We discuss the use of principal component analysis in analysing spectral data in the context of visual communication. We propose the alternative application of confidence intervals of averaged spectra as a novel straightforward statistical method for comparing groups of spectra in a manner that is independent of assumptions about the visual system of the receiver. In addition, they can be used to give confidence intervals to derived measures of colour such as quantum catch by photoreceptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Knüttel
- Lehrstuhl Tierökologie I, Universität Bayreuth, D-95440 Bayreuth, Germany.
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Würfel W, Fiedler K, Krüsmann G, Smolka B, von Hertwig I. [Improving treatment outcome by LeukoNorm Cytochemia in patients with multiple, failed IVF or ICSI treatment cycles]. Zentralbl Gynakol 2001; 123:361-5. [PMID: 11488165 DOI: 10.1055/s-2001-16287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of these studies was to investigate whether the leucocytic ultrafiltrate LeukoNorm Cytochemia, which is approved for the treatment of immunologically-based recurrent spontaneous abortions (RSA), improves treatment results in patients with repetitive IVF or ICSI failures. MATERIAL AND METHODS Included in this study were patients with 3 embryo transfers, with at least 8 morphologically good-looking embryos of the categories a and b, and no conception. Excluded were patients with accompanying endocrine disorders, uterine malformations, and those exhibiting the presence of an antiphospholipid syndrome and of further autoantibody syndromes (e.g. antinuclear antibodies [ANA]). The patients were treated in three prospective, randomized studies. The studies differed with respect to the frequency and timing of the administration of LeukoNorm Cytochemia. RESULTS Pregnancy rates in each of the study protocols were generally higher than in the normal treatment group. Because of the small number of patients (study I: 10 patients), the differences were not always significant. The results of study III, which is still ongoing and in which LeukoNorm Cytochemia has been given on 5 consecutive days starting with the day of oocyte retrieval, are more significant. In the treatment group of study III the pregnancy rate was 55% as opposed to a rate of 21.2% in the non-treatment group. CONCLUSIONS The administration of LeukoNorm Cytochemia can significantly improve treatment results in patients with repetitive IVF or ICSI failures. Currently the most favourable results are observed with a dosage of 1 unit/10 kg on 5 consecutive days, starting with the day of oocyte retrieval. These results imply that, in the IVF or ICSI programmes, there exists a group of patients with disturbances in the embryo-maternal dialogue, and therefore no conceptions. Furthermore, the results demonstrate that the administration of LeukoNorm Cytochemia can improve the implantation rate of transferred embryos in these patients. We conclude that growth factors and cytokines synthesized and secreted by leucocytes have an important influence on embryonic implantation and growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Würfel
- Zentrum für Gynäkologische Endokrinologie und Sterilitätsmedizin, München
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Fiedler K, Brinkmann B, Betsch T, Wild B. A sampling approach to biases in conditional probability judgments: beyond base rate neglect and statistical format. J Exp Psychol Gen 2001. [PMID: 11006907 DOI: 10.1037//0096-3445.129.3.399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Conditional probability judgments of rare events are often inflated. Early accounts assumed a general deficit in using statistical base rates. More recent approaches predict improvement when problems are presented in frequency format or refer to natural categories. The present theory focuses on sampling processes. Experiment 1 showed that a seeming advantage of frequency over probability formats is due to a confounded factor, the need to mentally transform stimulus samples. An information search paradigm was used in Experiment 2. When sampling by the predictor, the probability to be estimated, p(criterion/predictor), was conserved in the samples and judgments were quite accurate. However, when sampling by the criterion, the low base-rate event was strongly overrepresented, accounting for the entire bias. Judgments were quite sensitive to the sampled data, but failed to take sampling constraints into account, as shown in Experiments 3 and 4.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Fiedler
- Department of Psychology, University of Heidelberg, Germany.
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Betsch T, Haberstroh S, Glöckner A, Haar T, Fiedler K. The effects of routine strength on adaptation and information search in recurrent decision making. Organ Behav Hum Decis Process 2001; 84:23-53. [PMID: 11162296 DOI: 10.1006/obhd.2000.2916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The strength of decision routines was manipulated within a computer-controlled micro world simulation involving recurrent decision making. During a learning phase, participants were led to prefer a certain brand of an industrial good either about 15 times in a weak routine or about 30 times in a strong routine condition. In the test phase of Experiment 1, participants were confronted with changes in the microworld that rendered the routine obsolete. Routine maintenance over a series of repeated acquisition decisions was assessed as the major dependent variable. Although new information clearly suggested that a deviation from the routine would be beneficial, strong routine participants were more likely to maintain the routine compared to weak routine participants and a control group in which a comparable option (same outcome probabilities as the routine) carried an unfamiliar brand label. Experiment 2 investigated the effects of routine strength on information search. After having learned the routine, participants were asked to make one final decision involving the routine. The task was either framed as being similar to the learning task or as being novel. Before making the final decision, participants were asked to consider new information about the alternatives. Strong routine participants in the familiar task condition preferred information that favored the routine and avoided unfavorable information. If the task was framed as being novel, such confirmation biases disappeared completely. In contrast, weak routine participants exhibited a moderate confirmation bias in their searches independent from task framing.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Betsch
- University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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Würfel W, Krüsmann G, Fiedler K, Schleyer M, Mäurer PA, Waldenmaier C, Schwarzer U. [Intracytoplasmic injection of epididymal and testicular sperm after failed heterologous insemination]. Gynakol Geburtshilfliche Rundsch 2000; 38:10-5. [PMID: 9658710 DOI: 10.1159/000022220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
We report on our experiences with intracytoplasmic injection (ICSI) of epididymal and testicular spermatozoa (MESA, TESE) from azoospermic men whose wives had previously failed to become pregnant after several cycles of artificial insemination by donor (AID); because we do not perform AID treatment in our clinic, all these treatments were carried out in other fertility centers as well as the female diagnostic of sterility. In 3 husbands we could not find any testicular spermatozoa or spermatids, leaving 15 women under treatment. Of these 15 women, 9 became pregnant. This accounts for a pregnancy rate per patient of 60%. We believe that functional defects of the oocytes and somatizing psychological problems concerning AID are predominantly responsible for these results and that both problems can be overcome by ICSI. Besides, these results demonstrate that ICSI/MESA and ICSI/TESE are effective approaches in the treatment of azoospermic men and that using cryopreserved spermatozoa is not disadvantageous in the outcome of ICSI.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Würfel
- Abteilung für Gynäkologie, Frauenklinik Dr.-Wilhelm-Krüsmann, Münchner Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Reproduktionsmedizin, München, Deutschland
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Abstract
A cognitive-ecological approach to judgment biases is presented and substantiated by recent empirical evidence. Latent properties of the environment are not amenable to direct assessment but have to be inferred from empirical samples that provide the interface between cognition and the environment. The sampling process may draw on the external world or on internal memories. For systematic reasons (proximity, salience, and focus of attention), the resulting samples tend to be biased (selective, skewed, or conditional on information search strategies). Because people lack the metacognitive ability to understand and control for sampling constraints (predictor sampling, criterion sampling, selective-outcome sampling, etc.), the sampling biases carry over to subsequent judgments. Within this framework, alternative accounts are offered for a number of judgment biases, such as base-rate neglect, confirmation bias, illusory correlation, pseudo-contingency, Simpson's paradox, outgroup devaluation, and pragmatic-confusion effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Fiedler
- Institute of Psychology, University of Heidelberg, Germany.
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Würfel W, Schleyer M, Krüsmann G, Fiedler K. Zur Fertilisation kryokonservierter humaner Oozyten (Kryo-Oo) durch intrazytoplasmatische Injektion von Spermatozoen (ICSI) - Fertilisation of Cryopreserved Human Oocytes by Intracytoplasmatic Injection of Spermatozoa -. Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd 2000. [DOI: 10.1055/s-2000-8020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
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Fiedler K, Brinkmann B, Betsch T, Wild B. A sampling approach to biases in conditional probability judgments: beyond base rate neglect and statistical format. J Exp Psychol Gen 2000; 129:399-418. [PMID: 11006907 DOI: 10.1037/0096-3445.129.3.399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Conditional probability judgments of rare events are often inflated. Early accounts assumed a general deficit in using statistical base rates. More recent approaches predict improvement when problems are presented in frequency format or refer to natural categories. The present theory focuses on sampling processes. Experiment 1 showed that a seeming advantage of frequency over probability formats is due to a confounded factor, the need to mentally transform stimulus samples. An information search paradigm was used in Experiment 2. When sampling by the predictor, the probability to be estimated, p(criterion/predictor), was conserved in the samples and judgments were quite accurate. However, when sampling by the criterion, the low base-rate event was strongly overrepresented, accounting for the entire bias. Judgments were quite sensitive to the sampled data, but failed to take sampling constraints into account, as shown in Experiments 3 and 4.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Fiedler
- Department of Psychology, University of Heidelberg, Germany.
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