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No full textDas Poster wurde am 05.07.2024 im Rahmen des KOBV-Forum 2024 präsentiert
Prämenstruelle Symptome als Funktion veränderter zentralautonomer Netzwerkaktivität
No full textThe experience of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) affects up to 90% of individuals with an active menstrual cycle and involves a spectrum of aversive physiological and psychological symptoms in the days leading up to menstruation (Tschudin et al., 2010). Despite its high prevalence, the precise origins of PMS remain elusive, with influences ranging from hormonal fluctuations to cognitive, social, and cultural factors (Hunter, 2007; Matsumoto et al., 2013).
Biologically, hormonal fluctuations, particularly in gonadal steroids, are commonly believed to be implicated in PMS, with the central factor being varying susceptibilities to the fluctuations between individuals and cycles (Rapkin & Akopians, 2012). Allopregnanolone (ALLO), a neuroactive steroid and progesterone metabolite, has emerged as a potential link to PMS symptoms (Hantsoo & Epperson, 2020). ALLO is a positive allosteric modulator of the GABAA receptor, influencing inhibitory communication (Rupprecht, 2003; Andréen et al., 2006). Different susceptibility to ALLO fluctuations throughout the cycle may lead to reduced GABAergic signal transmission during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle.
The GABAergic system's broad influence leads to a number of affected physiological systems, including a consistent reduction in vagally mediated heart rate variability (vmHRV) during the luteal phase (Schmalenberger et al., 2019). This reduction in vmHRV is more pronounced in individuals with high PMS symptoms (Baker et al., 2008; Matsumoto et al., 2007). Fear conditioning studies have shown inconsistent associations with cycle phases, suggesting a complex interplay between physiological parameters and PMS-related symptoms (Carpenter et al., 2022; Epperson et al., 2007; Milad et al., 2006).
The neurovisceral integration model posits that vmHRV reflects the capacity of the central autonomous network (CAN), which is responsible for regulatory processes on behavioral, cognitive, and autonomous levels (Thayer & Lane, 2000, 2009). Fear learning, mediated within the CAN, is suggested to be indicative of vmHRV's capacity for successful
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regulation (Battaglia & Thayer, 2022). Given the GABAergic mediation of central inhibitory functional connectivity in the CAN, which may be affected by ALLO fluctuations, this thesis proposes that fluctuating CAN activity in the luteal phase contributes to diverse aversive symptoms in PMS.
A research program was designed to empirically test these propositions. Study 1 investigated fear discrimination during different menstrual cycle phases and its interaction with vmHRV, revealing nuanced effects on acoustic startle response and skin conductance response. While there was heightened fear discrimination in acoustic startle responses in participants in the luteal phase, there was an interaction between menstrual cycle phase and vmHRV in skin conductance responses. In this measure, heightened fear discrimination during the luteal phase was only visible in individuals with high resting vmHRV; those with low vmHRV showed reduced fear discrimination and higher overall responses.
Despite affecting the vast majority of menstruating people, there are very limited tools available to reliably assess these symptoms in the German speaking area. Study 2 aimed at closing this gap, by translating and validating a German version of the short version of the Premenstrual Assessment Form (Allen et al., 1991), providing a reliable tool for future investigations, which closes the gap in PMS questionnaires in the German-speaking research area.
Study 3 employed a diary study paradigm to explore daily associations between vmHRV and PMS symptoms. The results showed clear simultaneous fluctuations between the two constructs with a peak in PMS and a low point in vmHRV a few days before menstruation onset. The association between vmHRV and PMS was driven by psychological PMS symptoms.
Based on the theoretical considerations regarding the neurovisceral perspective on PMS, another interesting construct to consider is attentional control, as it is closely related to functions of the CAN. Study 4 delved into attentional control and vmHRV differences between menstrual cycle phases, demonstrating an interaction between cycle phase and PMS symptoms. In a pilot, we found reduced vmHRV and attentional control during the luteal phase only in participants who reported strong PMS.
While Studies 1-4 provided evidence for the mechanisms underlying PMS, Studies 5 and 6 investigated short- and long-term intervention protocols to ameliorate PMS symptomatology. Study 5 explored the potential of heart rate variability biofeedback (HRVB) in alleviating PMS symptoms and a number of other outcome measures. In a waitlist-control design, participants underwent a 4-week smartphone-based HRVB intervention. The results revealed positive effects on PMS, with larger effect sizes on psychological symptoms, as well as on depressive symptoms, anxiety/stress and attentional control.
Finally, Study 6 examined the acute effects of HRVB on attentional control. The study found positive impact but only in highly stressed individuals.
The thesis, based on this comprehensive research program, expands our understanding of PMS as an outcome of CAN fluctuations mediated by GABAA receptor reactivity. The results largely support the model. These findings not only deepen our understanding of PMS but also offer potential avenues for therapeutic interventions. The promising results of smartphone-based HRVB training suggest a non-pharmacological approach to managing PMS symptoms, although further research is needed to confirm its efficacy.
In conclusion, this thesis illuminates the complex web of factors contributing to PMS, providing valuable insights into its etiological underpinnings and potential interventions. By elucidating the relationships between hormonal fluctuations, CAN activity, and psychological responses, this research contributes to more effective treatments for individuals grappling with the challenges of PMS. The findings hold promise for improving the quality of life for those affected by this prevalent and often debilitating condition.Das prämenstruelle Syndrom (PMS) betrifft bis zu 90% aller Personen mit einem aktiven Menstruationszyklus und umfasst ein Spektrum aversiver physiologischer und psychologischer Symptome in den Tagen vor der Menstruation (Tschudin et al., 2010). Trotz der hohen Prävalenz bleiben die genauen Ursachen von PMS weitgehend unklar, wobei Einflüsse von hormonellen Schwankungen bis hin zu kognitiven, sozialen und kulturellen Faktoren reichen (Hunter, 2007; Matsumoto et al., 2013).
Von einer biologischen Perspektive werden hormonelle Schwankungen insbesondere in den Geschlechtshormonen häufig mit PMS in Verbindung gebracht. Dabei gelten individuelle und zyklusabhängige Anfälligkeiten gegenüber der hormonellen Schwankungen als zentraler Faktor (Rapkin & Akopians, 2012). Allopregnanolon (ALLO), ein neuroaktives Steroid und ein Progesteronmetabolit, hat sich als potenzielle Verbindung zu PMS-Symptomen herausgestellt (Hantsoo & Epperson, 2020). ALLO ist ein positiver allosterischer Modulator des GABAA-Rezeptors, der die inhibitorische Kommunikation beeinflusst (Rupprecht, 2003; Andréen et al., 2006). Eine unterschiedliche Anfälligkeit für ALLO-Schwankungen im Verlauf des Menstruationszyklus kann zu einer verminderten GABAergen Signalübertragung während der Lutealphase führen.
Der breite Einfluss des GABAergen Systems führt zu einer Vielzahl von betroffenen physiologischen Systemen, einschließlich einer konstanten Reduktion der vagal vermittelten Herzfrequenzvariabilität (vmHRV) während der Lutealphase (Schmalenberger et al., 2019). Diese Reduktion der vmHRV ist bei Personen mit starken PMS-Symptomen stärker ausgeprägt (Baker et al., 2008; Matsumoto et al., 2007). Studien zur Furchtkonditionierung haben inkonsistente Assoziationen mit den Zyklusphasen gezeigt, was auf ein komplexes Zusammenspiel zwischen physiologischen Parametern und PMS-spezifischen Symptomen hindeutet (Carpenter et al., 2022; Epperson et al., 2007; Milad et al., 2006).
Das neuroviszerale Integrationsmodell postuliert, dass die vmHRV die Kapazität des zentralen autonomen Netzwerks (CAN) widerspiegelt, das für regulatorische Prozesse auf Verhaltens-, kognitiver und autonomer Ebene verantwortlich ist (Thayer & Lane, 2000, 2009). Das innerhalb des CAN vermittelte Furchtlernen wird als Indikator für die Fähigkeit der vmHRV zur erfolgreichen Regulation betrachtet (Battaglia & Thayer, 2022). Angesichts der GABAergen Vermittlung der zentralen inhibitorischen funktionellen Konnektivität im CAN, die durch ALLO-Schwankungen beeinflusst werden kann, postuliert diese Arbeit, dass eine fluktuierende CAN-Aktivität in der Lutealphase zu den vielfältigen aversiven Symptomen des PMS beiträgt.
Ein Forschungsprogramm wurde konzipiert, um diese Annahmen empirisch zu überprüfen. Studie 1 untersuchte die Furchtdiskriminierung während verschiedener Menstruationszyklusphasen und deren Wechselwirkung mit vmHRV. Dabei wurden nuancierte Effekte auf den akustischen Schreckreflex und die Hautleitfähigkeitsreaktion aufgedeckt. Während eine gesteigerte Furchtdiskriminierung in akustischen Startlereaktionen bei Teilnehmenden in der Lutealphase festgestellt wurde, zeigte sich in den Hautleitfähigkeitsreaktionen eine Wechselwirkung zwischen Menstruationszyklusphase und vmHRV. In dieser Variable war eine erhöhte Furchtdiskriminierung während der Lutealphase nur bei Personen mit hoher Ruhe-vmHRV sichtbar; Personen mit niedriger vmHRV zeigten eine verringerte Furchtdiskriminierung und insgesamt stärkere Reaktionen.
Trotzdem PMS die Mehrzahl aller menstruierender Personen betrifft, gibt es im deutschen Sprachraum wenige Instrumente, die die Symptomatik reliabel erfassen. Um diese Lücke zu schließen, übersetzte und validierte Studie 2 eine deutsche Version der Kurzversion der Premenstrual Assessment Form (Allen et al., 1991), wodurch ein reliables Instrument für zukünftige Untersuchungen bereitgestellt wurde. Dieses schließt eine Lücke in PMS-Fragebögen in der deutschen Forschungslandschaft.
Studie 3 verwendete ein Tagebuchstudienparadigma, um tägliche Zusammenhänge zwischen vmHRV und PMS-Symptomen zu erforschen. Die Ergebnisse zeigten klare simultane Fluktuationen zwischen den beiden Konstrukten mit einem Höhepunkt in PMS und einem Tiefpunkt in vmHRV einige Tage vor Beginn der Menstruation. Die Assoziation zwischen vmHRV und PMS wurde hautsächlich durch psychologische PMS-Symptome verursacht.
Basierend auf den theoretischen Überlegungen zur neuroviszeralen Perspektive auf PMS, ist ein weiteres interessantes zu betrachtende Konstrukt Aufmerksamkeitskontrolle, da diese eng mit Funktionen des CAN zusammenhängt. Studie 4 untersuchte Aufmerksamkeitskontrolle und Unterschiede in der vmHRV zwischen der Luteal- und Follikelphase des Menstruationszyklus und zeigte eine Wechselwirkung zwischen Zyklusphase und PMS-Symptomen. In einer Pilotstudie fanden wir eine reduzierte vmHRV und Aufmerksamkeitskontrolle während der Lutealphase ausschließlich bei Teilnehmenden, die starke PMS-Symptome berichteten.
Während die Studien 1-4 Evidenz für die Mechanismen hinter PMS lieferten, untersuchten Studien 5 und 6 Kurz- und Langzeitinterventionsprotokolle zur Verbesserung der PMS-Symptomatik. Studie 5 untersuchte den Effekt von Herzratenvariabilitätsbiofeedback (HRVB) auf PMS-Symptome und einer Reihe anderer Outcomemaße. In einem Wartelisten-Kontroll-Design durchliefen die Teilnehmenden eine 4-wöchige Smartphone-basierte HRVB-Intervention. Die Ergebnisse zeigten positive Effekte auf PMS, mit größeren Effektstärken in psychologischen Symptomen, sowie bei depressiven Symptomen, Ängstlichkeit/Stress und Aufmerksamkeitskontrolle.
Schließlich untersuchte Studie 6 die akuten Effekte von HRVB auf Aufmerksamkeitskontrolle. Die Studie zeigte positive Effekte, jedoch nur bei stark gestressten Personen
Blurring the Boundaries of Jewishness
No full textIn this essay I argue that while research in Jewish studies over the last several decades has done much to erode the historical narrative of Jewish/non-Jewish separation and detachment, it has also raised various questions pertaining to the outcome of Jewish/non-Jewish interactions and coexistence as well as the contours of Jewish difference. I contend that employing the concepts of conviviality, ethnic/religious/national indifference, and similarity will greatly facilitate answering these questions
Das Zweite Gesetz zur Bekämpfung der Wirtschaftskriminalität als Geburtsstunde des Computerstrafrechts
No full textPortal Wissen = Education:Digital
No full textHave you already swiped or liked this morning? Have you taken part in a video conference at work, used or programmed a database? Have you paid with your smartphone on the way home, listened to a podcast, or extended the lending of books you borrowed from the library? And in the evening, have you filled out your tax return application on ELSTER.de on your tablet, shopped online, or paid invoices before you were tempted to watch a series on a streaming platform?
Our lives are entirely digitalized.
These changes make many things faster, easier, and more efficient. But keeping pace with these changes demands a lot from us, and not everyone succeeds. There are people who prefer to go to the bank to make a transfer, leave the programming to the experts, send their tax return by mail, and only use their smartphone to make phone calls. They don’t want to keep pace, or maybe they can’t. They haven’t learned these things. Others, younger people, grow up as “digital natives” surrounded by digital devices, tools, and processes. But does that mean they really know how to use them? Or do they also need digital education?
But what does successful digital education actually look like? Does it teach us how to use a tablet, how to google properly, and how to write Excel spreadsheets? Perhaps it’s about more than that. It’s about understanding the comprehensive change that has been taking hold of our world since it was broken down into digital ones and zeros and rebuilt virtually. But how do we learn to live in a world of digitality – with all that it entails, and to our benefit?
For the new issue of “Portal Wissen”, we looked around at the university and interviewed researchers about the role that the connection between digitalization and learning plays in the research of various disciplines. We spoke to Katharina Scheiter, Professor of Digital Education, about the future of German schools and had several experts show us examples of how digital tools can improve learning in schools. We also talked to computer science and agricultural researchers about how even experienced farmers can still learn a lot about their land and their work thanks to digital tools. We spoke to educational researchers who are using big data to analyze how boys and girls learn and what the possible causes for differences are. Education and political scientist Nina Kolleck, on the other hand, looks at education against the backdrop of globalization and relies on the analysis of large amounts of social media data.
Of course, we don’t lose sight of the diversity of research at the University of Potsdam. We learn, for example, what alternatives to antibiotics could soon be available. This magazine also looks at stress and how it makes us ill as well as the research into sustainable ore extraction.
A new feature of our magazine is a whole series of shorter articles that invite you to browse and read: from research news and photographic insights into laboratories to simple explanations of complex phenomena and outlooks into the wider world of research to a small scientific utopia and a personal thanks to research. All this in the name of education, of course. Enjoy your read
Systematic review and meta-analysis of ex-post evaluations on the effectiveness of carbon pricing
No full textToday, more than 70 carbon pricing schemes have been implemented around the globe, but their contributions to emissions reductions remains a subject of heated debate in science and policy. Here we assess the effectiveness of carbon pricing in reducing emissions using a rigorous, machine-learning assisted systematic review and meta-analysis. Based on 483 effect sizes extracted from 80 causal ex-post evaluations across 21 carbon pricing schemes, we find that introducing a carbon price has yielded immediate and substantial emission reductions for at least 17 of these policies, despite the low level of prices in most instances. Statistically significant emissions reductions range between –5% to –21% across the schemes (–4% to –15% after correcting for publication bias). Our study highlights critical evidence gaps with regard to dozens of unevaluated carbon pricing schemes and the price elasticity of emissions reductions. More rigorous synthesis of carbon pricing and other climate policies is required across a range of outcomes to advance our understanding of “what works” and accelerate learning on climate solutions in science and policy