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Der Pfarrer im Don Quijote und die Pastoralmedizin
No full textDer Text befasst sich mit der Rolle des Pfarrers im Roman "Don Quijote" und untersucht, inwieweit dieser die Tradition der medicina clericalis und medicina ruralis fortsetzt. Es wird dargestellt, wie Kleriker im Mittelalter und der frühen Neuzeit sowohl seelische als auch körperliche Heilung betreuten und wie diese Tradition im "Don Quijote" weitergeführt wird. Der Pfarrer wird als spiritueller Heiler beschrieben, der durch seine Tätigkeiten, wie die Bücherverbrennung oder die Seelsorge, Don Quijote zu helfen versucht. Zudem wird der Gegensatz zwischen geistiger und körperlicher Heilung thematisiert
Impact of NPSR1 gene variation on the neural correlates of phasic and sustained fear in spider phobia—an imaging genetics and independent replication approach
No full textThe functional neuropeptide S receptor 1 (NPSR1) gene A/T variant (rs324981) is associated with fear processing. We investigated the impact of NPSR1 genotype on fear processing and on symptom reduction following treatment in individuals with spider phobia. A replication approach was applied [discovery sample: Münster (MS) nMS = 104; replication sample Würzburg (WZ) nWZ = 81]. Participants were genotyped for NPSR1 rs324981 [T-allele carriers (risk) versus AA homozygotes (no-risk)]. A sustained and phasic fear paradigm was applied during functional magnetic resonance imaging. A one-session virtual reality exposure treatment was conducted. Change of symptom severity from pre to post treatment and within session fear reduction were assessed. T-allele carriers in the discovery sample displayed lower anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) activation compared to AA homozygotes independent of condition. For sustained fear, this effect was replicated within a small cluster and medium effect size. No association with symptom reduction was found. Within-session fear reduction was negatively associated with ACC activation in T-allele carriers in the discovery sample. NPSR1 rs324981 genotype might be associated with fear processing in the ACC in spider phobia. Interpretation as potential risk-increasing function of the NPSR1 rs324981 T-allele via impaired top-down control of limbic structures remains speculative. Potential association with symptom reduction warrants further research
Inversions – The Good and the Bad of Digitalization
No full textThis working paper combines four student contributions whose themes highlight the pertinence of studying the inversion of digital technologies' outcomes:
• Disinformation as part of Russias Information Warfare
• The impact of algorithmic management on labour relations
• Implications of Chat GPT for students in higher education
• The contribution of blended teaching on the sustainability of institutions of higher educa-tion.
As such it encourages the reader to not only be attentive to the potential abuses of technologies that are meant to create value(s) for society but also to examine the mechanisms of inversion: how and when do positive impacts turn into negative ones? Doing so is a first steps to "own one's future": to overcome technology cynicism and explore ways of making our world a better place
Don Quijote y la filosofía del idealismo alemán
No full textDer Text analysiert die Verbindungen zwischen Cervantes' Don Quijote und der deutschen idealistischen Philosophie, insbesondere in den Werken von Hegel, Schelling und Schlegel. Es wird gezeigt, wie Don Quijote als Paradigma für den idealistischen Subjektivismus dient, bei dem das Individuum seine Realität aus sich selbst heraus erschafft. Hegel und andere Philosophen nutzen den Charakter von Don Quijote, um den Konflikt zwischen Idealität und Realität zu veranschaulichen. Die satirische und ironische Darstellung von Don Quijote wird als Spiegel der inneren Spannungen der idealistischen Philosophie interpretiert, wobei der Ritter die äußere Welt umformt, um sie seinen inneren Idealen anzupassen.El documento analiza las conexiones entre Don Quijote de Cervantes y la filosofía idealista alemana, especialmente en las obras de Hegel, Schelling y Schlegel. Se muestra cómo Don Quijote sirve como un paradigma para el subjetivismo idealista, donde el individuo crea su realidad desde sí mismo. Hegel y otros filósofos utilizan el personaje de Don Quijote para ilustrar el conflicto entre la idealidad y la realidad. La representación satírica e irónica de Don Quijote se interpreta como un reflejo de las tensiones internas de la filosofía idealista, en la que el caballero transforma el mundo exterior para que se ajuste a sus ideales internos
Extracellular Vesicle microRNAs as Possible Liquid Biopsy Markers in HNSCC—A Longitudinal, Monocentric Study
No full textSimple Summary: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) consists of a group of heterogeneous tumors that are diagnosed comparatively late and often have a poor prognosis. Current head and neck research is motivated to find biomarkers for early detection, diagnosis, and therapy monitoring. Extravesicular (EV)-microRNA obtained by liquid biopsy of blood offers a promising approach here since the respective target mRNAs and their function in tumor neogenesis are partly already known. In this study, blood sera from 50 HNSCC patients and 16 controls treated between 2020–2023 at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery of the University Hospital of Münster, were obtained by liquid biopsy. A specific EV-miRNA panel consisting of EV-miR-21, -1246, -200c, -let-7a, -11a, and -26a was determined. The expression of the analyzed EV-microRNA of the patients was then examined for correlation with clinical parameters regarding the diagnostic and prognostic value and suitability for therapy monitoring.Abstract: Background: Biomarkers for HNSCC are still lacking. Biomolecules obtained via liquid biopsy are being investigated for diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy monitoring, including extracellular vesicles (EVs) and EV-cargo, e.g., proteins, RNA, and microRNA. This study aims to understand localization-dependent EV-microRNA expression in blood sera, their dynamics over time (12 months FU), and insights into their potential in diagnostics and therapy monitoring. Methods: Via liquid biopsy, blood serum was taken from 50 patients with HNSCC and 16 controls. Extracellular vesicles were isolated from serum by precipitation, and the contained microRNA-21, -1246, -200c, -let-7a, -181a, and -26a were amplified by reverse transcription and determined with real-time PCR. Expression ratios (HNSCC to healthy controls) were collated with the patients’ clinical parameters. A second liquid biopsy was carried out avg. 12 months later in the tumor aftercare. A sub-analysis with the Oropharynx subsite was implemented. Results: EV-mir-21, -let-7a, and -181a were 2.5–3-fold higher expressed in HPV/p16+ than in HPV/p16- HNSCC. Different expressions of EV-mir-181a and -26a could be demonstrated depending on the therapy modality. Conclusions: EV-microRNA could be a promising biomarker in the diagnosis and therapy monitoring of HNSCC. A systematic comparison of EV- and tissue microRNA expression in different HNSCC-subsites is needed
Fitness, functions, and exaptation:a study in philosophical methodology and theoretical and applied philosophy of biology
No full textDiese Arbeit widmet sich einem Thema aus dem Bereich der Philosophie der Biologie. Zwei zentrale Begriffe der Biologie werden untersucht: der Begriff der biologischen Fitness und der Funktionsbegriff. Über die Fragen aus diesem speziellen Gebiet hinaus stellt sie methodologische Überlegungen zur philosophischen Reflexion wissenschaftlicher Grundbegriffe an. Insbesondere beschäftigt sich die Arbeit mit der Frage, ob Wissenschaftsphilosophie bei der Erklärung der zu verstehenden Phänomene in Einzelwissenschaften bzw. der Klärung einzelwissenschaftlicher Begriffe dem Ansatz der Begriffsanalyse oder einer anderen Methode folgen sollte. Zum Schluss wird anhand einer Fallstudie aus der Verhaltensbiologie gezeigt, wie die Wissenschaftsphilosophie auch für die experimentelle Biologie fruchtbar gemacht werden kann.This book comprises various areas in the philosophy of science. It begins with a general consideration of philosophical methodology and its significance for the philosophy of science. Applying the methodological framework developed in the first part, it continues to work on some conceptual issues within the philosophy of biology, namely issues concerning the notions of biological fitness and functions. Subsequently, it ends with a case study of the applied philosophy of science suggesting new experiments based on theoretical considerations
Audiovisuelle Translation und Fremdsprachenunterricht in Deutschland:Untertitel(n) und das evidenzbasierte Potenzial im Kontext des Niederländischen als Zielsprache
No full textDiese Dissertation ist im sekundären Bildungsbereich in Deutschland verortet und untersucht das Potenzial von Filmuntertiteln im Fremdsprachenunterricht am Beispiel des Niederländischen als Zielsprache aus angewandt-sprachwissenschaftlicher und didaktischer Perspektive. Im Fokus stehen zwei Ansätze: „Subtitles as a Support“ (Untertitel als rezeptive Unterstützung) und „Subtitling as a Task“ (aktive Untertitelerstellung). Drei primär quantitativ ausgerichtete Teilstudien mit über 90 Lehrkräften und 300 Lernenden analysieren – mithilfe von Fragebögen und Tests – die Haltungen und Unterrichtspraktiken von Lehrkräften hinsichtlich beider Untertitelansätze (Teilstudie 1), die Effektivität der Hinzuschaltung von intra-/interlingualen, doppelten und englischsprachigen Untertiteln für das Inhaltsverstehen und den Wortschatzerwerb (Teilstudie 2) sowie den Lerngewinn durch aktives Untertiteln (Teilstudie 3). Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass die simultane Präsentation der Ziel- und Ausgangssprache (doppelte Untertitel) besonders effektiv ist und dass aktives Untertiteln signifikante Lernfortschritte ermöglicht. Die Arbeit bietet evidenzbasierte Empfehlungen für den Einsatz von audiovisuellen Medien im schulischen Niederländischunterricht in Deutschland.This dissertation explores the potential of film subtitles in foreign language teaching from an applied linguistic and didactic perspective, with Dutch as the target language in the context of German secondary education. It focuses on two approaches: “Subtitles as a Support” (the activation of subtitles as receptive support) and “Subtitling as a Task” (active subtitle creation by learners). Three sub-studies, primarily quantitative in nature, were conducted. These sub-studies, which involved over 90 teachers and 300 learners, were based on questionnaires and tests. The sub-studies analyzed teachers' attitudes and teaching practices regarding both subtitle approaches (Sub-study 1), the effectiveness of adding intra-/interlingual, dual, and English subtitles for content comprehension and vocabulary acquisition (Sub-study 2), and the learning gains from active subtitling (Sub-study 3). The findings indicate that simultaneous presentation of the target and source language (dual subtitles) is particularly effective, and that active subtitling enables significant learning gains. This dissertation provides evidence-based recommendations for the use of audiovisual media in Dutch lessons in German schools
Cannabis use and the risk of primary open‑angle glaucoma: a Mendelian randomization study
No full textSeveral observational studies have investigated the association between cannabis use and intraocular pressure, but its association with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) remains unclear. In this study, we leveraged human genetic data to assess through Mendelian randomization (MR) whether cannabis use affects POAG. We used five single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with lifetime cannabis use (P-value < 5 × 10–8) from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) (N = 184,765) by the International Cannabis Consortium, 23andMe, and UK Biobank and eleven SNPs associated with cannabis use disorder (P-value < 5 × 10–7) from a GWAS meta-analysis of (17,068 cases and 357,219 controls of European descent) from Psychiatric Genomics Consortium Substance Use Disorders working group, Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, and deCode. We associated the selected five SNPs from the GWAS of lifetime cannabis use and the eleven SNPs from the GWAS of cannabis use disorder, with the largest to date GWAS meta-analysis of POAG (16,677 cases and 199,580 controls). MR analysis suggested no evidence for a causal association of lifetime cannabis use and cannabis use disorder with POAG (odds ratio (OR) of outcome per doubling of the odds of exposure (95% confidence interval): 1.04 (0.88; 1.23) for lifetime cannabis use and 0.97 (0.92; 1.03) for cannabis use disorder). Sensitivity analyses to address pleiotropy and weak instrument bias yielded similar estimates to the primary analysis. In conclusion, our results do not support a causal association between cannabis use and POAG
Co-expression and clinical utility of AR-FL and AR splice variants AR-V3, AR-V7 and AR-V9 in prostate cancer
No full textBackground: Androgen receptor (AR) splice variants (AR-Vs) have been discussed as a biomarker in prostate cancer (PC). However, some reports question the predictive property of AR-Vs. From a mechanistic perspective, the connection between AR full length (AR-FL) and AR-Vs is not fully understood. Here, we aimed to investigate the dependence of AR-FL and AR-V expression levels on AR gene activity. Additionally, we intended to comprehensively analyze presence of AR-FL and three clinically relevant AR-Vs (AR-V3, AR-V7 and AR-V9) in different stages of disease, especially with respect to clinical utility in PC patients undergoing AR targeted agent (ARTA) treatment. Methods: AR-FL and AR-V levels were analyzed in PC and non-PC cell lines upon artificial increase of AR pre-mRNA using either drug treatment or AR gene activation. Furthermore, expression of AR-FL and AR-Vs was determined in PC specimen at distinct stages of disease (primary (n = 10) and metastatic tissues (n = 20), liquid biopsy samples (n = 422), mCRPC liquid biopsy samples of n = 96 patients starting novel treatment). Finally, baseline AR-FL and AR-V status was correlated with clinical outcome in a defined cohort of n = 65 mCRPC patients undergoing ARTA treatment. Results: We revealed rising levels of AR-FL accompanied with appearance and increase of AR-Vs in dependence of elevated AR pre-mRNA levels. We also noticed increase in AR-FL and AR-V levels throughout disease progression. AR-V expression was always associated with high AR-FL levels without any sample being solely AR-V positive. In patients undergoing ARTA treatment, AR-FL did show prognostic, yet not predictive validity. Additionally, we observed a substantial clinical response to ARTA treatment even in AR-V positive patients. Accordingly, multivariate analysis did not demonstrate independent significance of AR-Vs in neither predictive nor prognostic clinical utility. Conclusion: We demonstrate a correlation between AR-FL and AR-V expression during PC progression; with AR-V expression being a side-effect of elevated AR pre-mRNA levels. Clinically, AR-V positivity relies on high levels of AR-FL, making cells still vulnerable to ARTA treatment, as demonstrated by AR-FL and AR-V positive patients responding to ARTA treatment. Thus, AR-FL and AR-V might be considered as a prognostic, yet not predictive biomarker in mCRPC patients
Limits in the Perception of Facial Symmetry—A Prospective Study
No full textObjectives: It is generally accepted that the symmetry of the face plays a significant role in the visual perception of its attractiveness. Therefore, its objective assessment could be useful for individual therapy planning. However, there is an ongoing debate about whether completely symmetrical faces are less attractive than those with minor deviations. The aim of this study is to find thresholds of symmetry perception among faces with an increased spectrum of asymmetry values. Methods: The faces of 50 persons (25 men, 25 women) were digitized using a 3D scanner based on the fringe projection technique, and asymmetry values were calculated. In order to achieve a larger spectrum of asymmetry values, some of the surfaces were symmetrized or the symmetry was reduced. Afterward, an independent second group of 50 persons (13 medical professionals, 37 laypersons) rated "symmetry", "attractiveness" and "health" using a visual analog scale (VAS). Results: Symmetry ratings and asymmetry value had a strong and monotonically decreasing association (rho = −0.78, p ˂ 0.001). Manipulated or naturally asymmetrical faces (n = 12) could not be well distinguished with regard to their symmetry (rho = −0.14, p = 0.67). The same applies to very symmetrical or symmetrized faces (n = 10, rho = −0.14, p = 0.67). Medical professionals rated the symmetry (p ˂ 0.001) and attractiveness (p ˂ 0.001) significantly higher than laypersons, while there was no significant difference in the health assessment (p = 0.24). Conclusions: It could be shown that there are indications of threshold values in the perception of facial symmetries, both in the direction of very symmetrical faces and in the direction of asymmetrical faces. There is no evidence that completely symmetrical faces are perceived as less attractive. Thus, in maxillofacial surgery, treatment should aim for the highest symmetry possible, although small deviations are not detrimental