Gutenberg Open Science (Univ. Mainz)
Not a member yet
11784 research outputs found
Sort by
Echocardiographic measures read by artificial intelligence enable accurate and rapid prediction of the worsening of heart failure
Get PDFAims
Automatic echocardiographic measurements using artificial intelligence have shown promising results; however, they have not been compared with manual measurements regarding heart failure (HF) progression and algorithm runtime.
Methods and results
Data came from the prospective HF study MyoVasc (NCT04064450), which involved a highly standardized 5-h examination, including comprehensive echocardiography, at a dedicated study centre between January 2013 and April 2018. Worsening of HF was a primary composite endpoint, recorded by structured follow-up, death certificates, and medical records. The automated assessment was performed using EchoDL, eight 3D convolutional neural networks (CNNs) trained to predict clinical parameters. Manual and automatic left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), E/E′-ratio and left ventricular mass (LVM) demonstrated a good intraclass correlation coefficient {LVEF: 0.75 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.75–0.77], E/E′-ratio: 0.59 [CI 0.56–0.61], LVM: 0.64 [CI 0.62–0.66]}. After a median follow-up of 3.8 years (IQR 2.1–5.0), 470 patients experienced worsening of HF. In multivariable Cox analysis, comparison of manually and automatically assessed LVEF, E/E′-ratio and LVM demonstrated risk estimates slightly in favour of the CNNs. Direct comparison of C-indices showed significantly better model performance for automatically determined LVEF (0.71 vs. 0.73, P = 0.038) and E/E′-ratio (0.64 vs. 0.66, P = 0.013) and a trend for LVM (0.66 vs. 0.68, P = 0.063). Echo-DL required an average of 1053.4 ms (95% CI 1050.7–1056.0) to analyse a four-second-long echocardiogram.
Conclusion
Automated analysis of echocardiograms using 3D CNNs was comparable to manual measurements in predicting HF-specific outcomes. Echo-DL offers potential time savings and improved risk prediction in clinical settings, allowing integration into echocardiographic hardware
The influence of spinal pain, spinal mobility, and spinal curvature on the risk of falling in osteoporotic patients
Get PDFsettingsOrder Article Reprints
Open AccessArticle
The Influence of Spinal Pain, Spinal Mobility, and Spinal Curvature on the Risk of Falling in Osteoporotic Patients
by Antonia Diegisser 1,Janine Huthwelker 1,*,Jürgen Konradi 1ORCID,Friedrich Bodem 1,†,Philipp Drees 2 andUlrich Betz 1ORCID
1
Institute of Physical Therapy, Prevention and Rehabilitation, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
2
Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
†
Author deceased.
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(13), 4511; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14134511
Submission received: 28 May 2025 / Revised: 17 June 2025 / Accepted: 18 June 2025 / Published: 25 June 2025
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention and Rehabilitation in Osteoporosis)
Downloadkeyboard_arrow_down Browse Figures Versions Notes
Abstract
Background/Objective: Although the increased proneness to falling in osteoporotic patients has been stated in the literature, the knowledge of underlying reasons and their possible interactions is incomplete. For this reason, it was the aim of this work to investigate the possible relation between spinal pain, spinal mobility, and spinal curvature on the risk of falling in osteoporotic patients. Methods: Our study included a total of 100 osteoporotic patients. Standardized methods were used to evaluate spinal pain, spinal mobility, and spinal statics. The risk of falling was assessed by the Tinetti test. To explicitly determine potential spine-related risk factors for falling, the results observed were adjusted by linear regression statistics considering already known risk factors (e.g., age, level of activity, muscle weakness, disturbed lateral balance). Results: The risk of falling in osteoporotic patients was found to be influenced by spinal pain (p = 0.010), the total spine mobility (p = 0.013), and, in particular, by its rotational mobility (p = 0.019). Spinal curvature (spine inclination in this context) did not show a significant effect (p = 0.892). Conclusions: Spinal pain and total spine mobility, in particular its rotational mobility, contribute to the risk of falling in osteoporotic patients. This finding should be appropriately considered in preventive patient care programs
Substantial genetic differentiation within and between populations of the European adder (Vipera berus) in Baden-Württemberg, Germany
Get PDFHabitat destruction and fragmentation are the main threats to species' long-term survival, they isolate populations geographically and genetically. Over the last centuries, the European adder (Vipera berus) has experienced a decline in abundance and an increase in population extinctions within its entire distribution area. In our study, we aimed to infer whether these trends that are also observed in Baden-Württemberg, Germany have affected the genetic constitution of adders in this region. We therefore genotyped 141 adders using 10 microsatellite markers. Adders were sampled at eight sites, six in the northern Black Forest, one in the southern Black Forest and one in the Swabian Jura. We analyzed genetic diversity, genetic differentiation within sites, average pairwise relatedness and sibling relationships at each site. We additionally applied population STRUCTURE analyses on all and to a subset of individuals and we assessed genetic differentiation between sites. Genetic diversities inferred were like those found in other European regions. We detected signs of genetic erosion across all sites, that is, an excess of homozygotes, positive FIS values, large mean pairwise relatedness values and/or the presence of full and half sib dyads. At one site, we found clear evidence for a within-site differentiation by STRUCTURE and sibship clustering, which we attribute to a barrier to gene flow, that is, a road bisecting the site. We inferred high genetic differentiation between all sites, indicating low gene flow between sites. Our findings indicate that conservation measures should increase population sizes and restore gene flow within and between adder populations in Baden-Württemberg
Vom Blaming zum Shaming : theologische Kritik zweier Kommunikationspraktiken in den (sozialen) Medien aus lutherischer Perspektive
No full textDer Artikel erhebt die Problematik der Kommunikationsphänomene des Blamings und Shamings in den (sozialen) Medien und führt sie einer theologisch-ethischen Kritik zu. Dazu werden Blaming und Shaming unterschieden und die These aufgestellt, dass es sich beim Shaming um eine radikalisierte und totalisierte Form des Blamings handelt, die auf der Fokusverschiebung von der zu kritisierenden Handlung einer Person beim Blaming hin zur Verunglimpfung der handelnden Person beim Shaming durch eine Emotionalisierung und Moralisierung der entsprechenden Kommunikationsakte beruht. Da sich der bestehende theologisch-ethische Ansatz einer Kritik an Shaming-Phänomenen auf der Grundlage der Unterscheidung von Person und Werk als nur bedingt tragfähig erweist, wird alternativ eine Kritik des Shamings auf der Grundlage der protestantischen Sündenlehre vorgeschlagen
Regulation of topoisomerase I–induced mutagenesis and its impact on aging in yeast
No full textAging is characterized by several molecular hallmarks, including accumulation of mutations in the genome. Given the interconnected nature of these hallmarks of aging, it is challenging to distinguish causative factors from their consequences. However, genomic instability is a strong candidate as a driver of aging due to its role in accumulating cellular damage over time, ultimately compromising genome integrity and cellular function. One of the most frequent forms of DNA damage is the incorporation of ribonucleotides (rNMPs) into the genome, which can lead to mutations and genome instability, making rNMP processing an intriguing candidate for influencing aging.
Here, we investigate the role of Topoisomerase I (Top1) in rNMP repair and its impact on genomic integrity and aging. We find that Top1-mediated DNA damage is elevated in aged yeast cells compared to their younger counterparts, suggesting an age-associated increase in Top1 activity or its mutagenic consequences. Furthermore, processes known to extend lifespan, such as caloric restriction, reduce Top1-dependent mutation accumulation, reinforcing the link between genome stability and aging. While rNMP processing does not appear to influence yeast lifespan under normal conditions, we demonstrate that loss of RNase H2 activity shortens lifespan in worms, and that subsequent degradation of Top1 in adult worms rescues lifespan to wildtype levels. These findings support a model in which Top1 activity at rNMPs contributes to genomic instability and may act as a pro-aging factor, especially under conditions where rNMP removal is impaired.
Together, this work highlights a mechanistic connection between genome maintenance pathways and aging, advancing our understanding of how genomic instability shapes lifespan.VII, 105 Seiten ; Illustratione
Conserved LIR-specific interaction of Sigma-1 receptor and GABARAP
No full textAmong its various functions, the sigma-1 receptor (σ1R) has been reported to modulate macroautophagy. It is currently unknown how this activity is mediated. We phylogenetically, structurally, and biochemically analyzed σ1R regarding its function in autophagy. We identified several putative LC3-interacting-regions (LIRs) that may mediate interactions with ATG8 proteins, which are known to promote autophagosome biogenesis, autophagic cargo reception, and lysosome fusion. Human σ1R comprises a LIR motif (hLIR5) typical for interaction with a specific ATG8, GABARAP. Biochemically, we uncovered a GABARAP-σ1R interaction depending on this motif via peptide array analysis and confirmed this via immunoprecipitation, co-localization, and proximity ligation assays. In addition, we verified a LIR-dependent presence of σ1R in isolated native autophagic vesicles. Excitingly, two point mutations within this LIR that have previously been reported to be associated with autosomal-recessive distal spinal muscular atrophy lack the ability to interact with GABARAP, highlighting the physiological relevance of the hLIR5-mediated σ1R-GABARAP interaction
Building AI intuition : four educational pillars for teaching AI in design at AI+D Lab
Get PDFIn 2023, we outlined our ambition to provide students with an AI Intuition—a general concept of the technology’s working principles and limitations. Structured around four pillars—technical literacy, hands-on exploration, conceptual engagement, and critical reflection—the AI+Design lab tested diverse teaching formats and developed custom tools to support learning. The article highlights our teaching approaches and reflects on how they contribute to our goals
A randomized crossover trial assessing plaque regrowth dynamics in adults with use of an oscillating-rotating electric toothbrush versus a manual toothbrush measured by Digital Plaque Image Analysis
Get PDFObjectives:
This randomized crossover trial involving adult participants with ≥ 10% plaque coverage on anterior teeth compared dental plaque regrowth dynamics between an oscillating-rotating (O-R) electric toothbrush and a manual toothbrush using Digital Plaque Imaging Analysis.
Material and Methods:
Thirty-four participants were randomized to one of 4 treatment sequences, each having four 8-day treatment periods. Participants brushed twice daily with the assigned toothbrush. Morning and afternoon plaque were evaluated on Days 1, 3, and 8. The primary variable was afternoon percent plaque coverage, using repeated measures analysis from Days 1, 3, and 8.
Results:
The O-R toothbrush produced lower mean plaque levels versus the manual toothbrush for all endpoints (p ≤ 0.001). The benefit for the O-R toothbrush increased over time, demonstrating 16.4% (p = 0.001) and 28.1% (p < 0.001) lower afternoon plaque levels on Days 1 and 8, respectively, compared to the manual brush. Trends were similar for morning plaque. Repeated measures analyses showed a 21.2% reduction in overall afternoon plaque and a 23.5% reduction in overall morning plaque for the O-R brush versus the manual brush (p < 0.001).
Conclusions:
The O-R toothbrush controlled plaque regrowth better than a manual toothbrush and should be considered to reduce plaque-related diseases as part of a generalized prophylaxis and treatment plan.
Trial Registration
ISRCTN Registry: ISRCTN 28649560
Reactivity of polonium towards quartz surfaces
No full textBeyond the (quasi)stable and abundant elements lead and bismuth, all elements are radioactive, with polonium being the first of a series of radioelements up to primordial uranium. Interest in understanding its chemical behavior is increasing, not least due to its co-production in accelerator-driven systems and high radiotoxicity. Polonium is also the lighter homologue of the superheavy element livermorium, which has not been studied chemically to date. Polonium therefore acts as a benchmark to verify the structure of the periodic table at the heavy-element frontier. Here, we report on gas–solid thermochromatography studies of polonium in the atom-at-a-time regime under helium and hydrogen gas atmospheres. Quartz surfaces with different degrees of hydroxylation were used as a stationary phase. On quartz glass with low OH-concentrations, a volatile species interacting with an adsorption enthalpy of −85+3−2 kJ mol−1 was found and assigned to elemental polonium. On more highly hydroxylated quartz glass, an additional deposition zone due to a species with an adsorption enthalpy of −139+6−5 kJ mol−1 was observed and attributed to a polonium species formed by chemical reactions with the surface. Under our experimental conditions, chemical reactions of polonium in the solid phase dominate over reactions in the gas phase. Thus, the nature of the surface should be considered as an important parameter in future gas chromatography studies
Positive episodic future thinking and its impact on the perceived performance anxiety in performing artists
No full textPerformance anxiety is characterized by specific fears of social situations involving potentially being judged or scrutinized by others. Research on coping strategies has focused on breathing techniques, biofeedback training and the use of beta-blockers; less is known about the impact of positive episodic future thinking (i.e., the imagination of successful events in one’s personal future). Given previous evidence of beneficial effects of episodic future thinking on emotional well-being, we hypothesized that positive episodic future thinking may lead to a decrease of performance anxiety in performing artists. Fifty-four performing artists (27 higher and 27 lower performance anxious) filled in a Performance Anxiety Questionnaire and imagined three different performance related events (two envisioned situations focussed on the moments shortly before having to perform, interjected by the imagination of currently successfully performing on stage). Overall, the ‘higher performance anxious’ group showed higher perceived nervousness in all three envisioned events than the ‘lower performance anxious’ group [F(1,52) = 13.04, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.20]. Both groups showed a significant decrease in perceived nervousness during (p < 0.001) and after (p < 0.001) engaging in positive episodic future thinking, suggesting the intervention has similar anxiety-reducing effects on severely and less severely affected performing artists. Implications regarding positive episodic future thinking as a possible treatment for anxiety are discussed