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The interplay between biomolecular assembly and phase separation
No full textMany biological functions and dysfunctions rely on two fundamental processes, molecular assembly and the formation of condensed phases such as biomolecular condensates. Condensed phases generally form via phase separation, while molecular assemblies are clusters of molecules of various sizes, shapes, and functionality. We developed a theory that relies on thermodynamic principles to understand the interplay between molecular assembly and phase separation. We propose two prototypical classes of protein interactions and characterize their different equilibrium states and relaxation dynamics. We obtain results consistent with recent in vitro experimental observations of reconstituted proteins, including anomalous size distribution of assemblies, the gelation of condensed phases, and the change in condensate volume during ageing. Our theory provides the framework to unravel the mechanisms underlying physiological assemblies essential for cellular function and aberrant assemblies which are associated with several neurodegenerative disorders
Boosting multi-professional collaboration in palliative care through digital technologies: an action design research study
Get PDFThe success of palliative care requires collaboration among multiple professions within a sensibly digitized work system. The diverse perspectives and expertise of team members inform their collective endeavor, often leading to differing interpretations and priorities in patient care. This diversity necessitates a continual exchange of knowledge and information. Current technologies, including the hospital information system, do not foster such collaboration, particularly in palliative care. This study explores digital enhancements that can promote multi-professional collaboration (MPC). The authors employed action design research and used a work system theory lense to examine the palliative care work systems in two hospital wards in Germany. Through extensive on-site observations and interventions with practitioners, the study identified challenges that arose during MPC. This paper presents the proposed organizational and technical solutions. The paper provides design principles and guidelines for a collaboration support system to maximize MPC. Theoretical contributions include insights into the challenges of MPC and design knowledge about collaboration support. This work can inform practitioners about common challenges and offers potential solutions and guidance for implementing a collaboration support system
Oncological outcomes of breast cancer patients after planned IORT boost with low-kV x-rays — results of the TARGIT BQR prospective phase IV trial
Get PDFPurpose
The TARGIT BQR (boost quality registry) phase IV trial investigates clinical outcomes of breast cancer patients with standard external-beam radiotherapy (EBRT) of the whole breast and intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) with low-kV x‑rays as an anticipated tumor bed boost in a real-world setting.
Methods
Intraoperative radiotherapy was performed immediately after breast-conserving surgery in one fraction. External-beam radiotherapy and systemic treatment were given according to the German S3 guideline for breast cancer and local tumor board recommendations. Outcome parameters were death, local recurrence, metastasis, local lymph node recurrence, and ipsilateral and contralateral invasive breast cancer. Kaplan–Meier estimates were used to calculate overall survival, metastasis-free survival, local recurrence-free survival, and disease-free survival.
Results
From 10 centers, 1133 patients were recruited. This analysis included 871 patients with 879 cancers, with a median follow-up of 36 months (up to 12 years). An IORT boost was performed in 82% and whole-breast irradiation in 84%. Overall survival was 98.4% after 3 years, 96.8% after 5 years, and 95.4% after 10 years (16 deaths; 1.8%). Metastasis and local recurrence occurred in 11 patients each (1.3%). At 5 years, the local control rate was 97.4% and local recurrence-free survival was 94.4%. Ipsilateral breast cancer occurred in 2 patients, contralateral breast cancer in 3 patients, and local lymph node recurrence in 2 patients. Disease-free survival was 92.9% after 5 years and 82.6% after 10 years.
Conclusion
This phase IV trial confirms previously reported outcomes on upfront IORT boost, with excellent disease-control outcomes
A knowledge spillover narrative theory of entrepreneurship
Get PDFThis paper complements the knowledge spillover theory of entrepreneurship (KSTE) by introducing narratives as a vehicle to match people and places. While the KSTE explains that places differ in their economic activity by the key role played by new ventures in absorbing knowledge spillovers, the theory does not sufficiently address ‘how’ this leads to sustainable agglomeration effects. This paper complements the KSTE by introducing the spillover process of stories and narratives to attract people from outside, best described by a matching function of agents involved in all kinds of entrepreneurial activities—the knowledge spillover narrative theory of entrepreneurship (KSNTE). This refinement then explains agglomerations effects like entrepreneurial ecosystems induced by the stories and narratives told to match important people, solidifying the reputation of the location as ‘the-place-to-be’ for entrepreneurship
Association of DNA methylation with hypertension and blood pressure: a 7-year longitudinal study from KORA F4/FF4
No full textBackground
Hypertension (HTN) has been linked to changes in DNA methylation. However, longitudinal epigenome-wide analyses are still limited.
Methods
We analyzed data from the KORA F4 and FF4 studies, conducted approximately 7 years apart. The dataset included 2614 participants, each with DNA methylation measured at least once. Leucocyte DNA methylation was profiled using the Illumina 450 k and EPIC arrays. Linear mixed-effects models were employed to identify associations between methylation sites and HTN status, systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). Interaction terms with follow-up time captured longitudinal methylation trajectories. We further examined CpG sites related to reversed, persistent, or progressive HTN and assessed their correlations with gene expression.
Results
One CpG site was associated with SBP and four with DBP, all representing novel loci, including RILP (cg08625564) and SVIL (cg15298791). Differential annual methylation changes were observed for 2, 23, and 12 CpG sites by HTN status, SBP, and DBP, respectively, highlighting genes such as RHPN2, CLDND1, ZNF69, and FKBP1B. Twenty CpG sites were associated with persistent HTN, including PLCB2 and MPPE1. In whole blood, 22 significant CpG–transcript pairs were detected, involving 14 CpG sites and 19 gene transcripts.
Conclusions
This longitudinal epigenome-wide study identified novel CpG sites associated with blood pressure and persistent HTN. We observed differential DNA methylation trajectories over time linked to HTN, SBP, and DBP, with several changes correlating with gene expression, suggesting functional relevance. These findings underscore the dynamic role of DNA methylation in blood pressure regulation and provide new insights into epigenetic mechanisms of HTN
Wissenschaft und Forschung in Augsburg, Ausgabe 26 - Winter 2026
No full textAktuelle Ausgabe der semesterweise erscheinenden Forschungsbeilage in Zusammenarbeit der Universität Augsburg und der Augsburger Allgemeinen - achtseitige Themenbeilage in der Gesamtausgabe der Augsburger Allgemeinen. Erscheinungsdatum: 30. Januar 2026
Verantwortlich für den Text: Michael Hallermayer, Dr. Manuela Rutsatz, Corina Härning, Andreas Schäfe
