Objectives
The potential influence of infections and immunological changes on the aetiology and pathogenesis of bipolar disorder (BD) has been discussed. Our aim was to detect intrathecal specific ...antibody synthesis against the neurotropic infectious agents that have previously been linked to BD.
Methods
Paired cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum samples from 40 patients with BD were analysed using the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay to detect the concentration of antibodies against the following neurotropic infectious pathogens: Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), herpes simplex virus (HSV) types 1 and 2, cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Epstein–Barr virus (EBV). The specific antibody index (AI) was calculated, and an AI > 1.4 was considered to be evidence of intrathecal specific antibody synthesis. Twenty‐six patients with pseudotumour cerebri served as controls.
Results
Eight out of 40 patients with BD displayed specific intrathecal antibody synthesis against at least one of the tested neurotropic agents compared to only one patient in the control group (p = 0.061, not significant). Of these eight patients with BD, no significant prevalence of any particular neurotropic pathogen was evident. Five out of 40 patients with BD showed oligoclonal bands in the CSF, suggestive of a chronic immune reaction in the central nervous system (CNS).
Conclusions
We found evidence for increased production of antibody in the CSF of individuals with BD. However, the trend for polyspecific intrathecal antibody synthesis, as well as the presence of oligoclonal bands, might indicate activation of the intrathecal humoral immune system in a subgroup of patients with BD, as it is known to be associated with autoimmune disorders of the CNS.
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BFBNIB, DOBA, FZAB, GIS, IJS, IZUM, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Fragmentation of habitat, for example by intensive agricultural practices, can be detrimental to local biodiversity. However, it often remains unclear whether such biodiversity declines are caused by ...loss of habitat area or increased fragmentation, and how habitat quality factors into it. In our study system, vegetated vineyards are typically small, and isolated from one another, potentially limiting the distribution and dispersal of organisms.
In a full‐factorial experiment of a priori selected vegetated vineyard patches of differing size and fragmentation, we aimed to disentangle the effects of habitat area (area of vegetated vineyards), habitat fragmentation (number of vegetated vineyards per 100 ha) and field‐scale ground vegetation density on ground beetle, leafhopper and wild bee communities using a combined framework of multiscale and multispecies modelling (Hierarchical Model of Species Communities).
We demonstrate variable effects of habitat area, fragmentation and local ground vegetation density on the three insect groups: Increased habitat area at fine scales favours higher species richness of leafhoppers, while local vegetation density boosts species richness of both leafhoppers and ground beetles, whereas no community‐level responses were detected for wild bees.
We conclude that increased ground vegetation density at both field and landscape scales (i.e. higher habitat area) favours more diverse and abundant insect communities, while fragmentation effects are highly variable and species specific. In addition, our results highlight that mainly ground beetles and leafhoppers will benefit from simple ground greening measures in vineyards, while for wild bees environmental factors other than the ones tested here may drive community structure.
We recommend increasing the number and area of vegetated vineyards (even at small spatial scales) requiring more nature‐friendly farming practices especially regarding a reduction or renunciation from herbicide applications, while the within‐field vegetation density should optimally be intermediate or high to favour a diverse insect community.
ZUSAMMENFASSUNG
Die Zersiedelung der Landschaft, beispielsweise durch intensive Landwirtschaftsnutzung, kann für die Biodiversität verheerende Folgen haben. Dennoch ist es oft unklar, ob solche Biodiversitätsverluste durch eine Abnahme der Habitatsfläche oder durch eine erhöhte Fragmentierung verursacht werden – und welche Rolle dabei die Habitatsqualität spielt. In unserem untersuchten Gebiet sind begrünte Rebberge typischerweise klein und isoliert voneinander, was potenziell die Verbreitung und Vernetzung von Organismen limitiert.
In einem faktoriellen Experiment haben wir begrünte Weinparzellen mit unterschiedlicher Fläche und Fragmentierung a priori ausgewählt, um die Effekte der Habitatsfläche (Fläche begrünter Reben), Fragmentierung (Anzahl einzelner begrünter Rebflächen) und Dichte der Bodenbegrünung auf Laufkäfer, Zikaden und Wildbienen zu studieren. Wir benutzten dazu eine Kombination aus “Multiscale” (d.h. mehrere räumliche Maßstäbe) und multi‐Arten Modellierungen (Hierarchical Model of Species Communities, HMSC).
Wir zeigen unterschiedliche Effekte von Habitatsfläche, Fragmentierung und Begrünungsdichte auf die drei Insektengruppen: Eine zunehmende Habitatsfläche auf kleinem Raum begünstigt eine höhere Artenvielfalt der Zikaden, wobei die Begrünungsdichte für die Artenvielfalt von Zikaden und Laufkäfern entscheidend ist. Für Wildbienen haben wir keine Multi‐Arten Effekte entdeckt.
Wir schlussfolgern, dass eine erhöhte Begrünungsdichte sowohl innerhalb der Parzellen als auch auf Landschaftsebene (d.h. erhöhte Habitatsfläche) die Insektenvielfalt und ‐dichte erhöht, wobei Fragmentierungseffekte variabel und artspezifisch sind. Zusätzlich zeigen unsere Ergebnisse, dass hauptsächlich Laufkäfer und Zikaden von solchen Begrünungs‐Maßnahmen in Weinbergen profitieren, wobei für Wildbienen wohl andere Umweltfaktoren als die hier getesteten deren Vielfalt und Struktur beeinflussen.
Wir empfehlen die Anzahl und die Fläche an begrünten Weinbergen zu erhöhen, was eine naturfreundliche Bewirtschaftungsweise erfordert – insbesondere bezüglich einer Reduktion oder eines Verzichts auf Herbizid‐Anwendungen. Die Begrünungsdichte innerhalb der Parzellen sollte idealerweise intermediär oder höher sein, um eine höhere Insektenvielfalt zu unterstützen.
In our semi‐experimental study on vineyard insect communities, we investigated the effects of habitat area, fragmentation and ground vegetation density using a multiscale framework and Joint Species Distribution Modeling (JSDM). We demonstrate that increased habitat area of vegetated vineyards at fine scales favours higher leafhopper species richness, while local vegetation density boosts both species richness of leafhoppers and ground beetles.
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FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
Objective: There is growing evidence of cognitive impairment as a trait factor in bipolar disorder. The generalizability of this finding is limited because previous studies have either focussed ...exclusively on bipolar I disorder or have analysed mixed patient groups. Thus, it is still largely unknown whether bipolar II patients perform differently from bipolar I patients on measures of cognitive functioning.
Methodology: A total of 65 patients with bipolar I disorder, 38 with bipolar II disorder, and 62 healthy controls participated in the study. Patients had to be euthymic for at least one month. Clinical and demographic variables were collected in a clinical interview and with the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐IV. Cognitive functioning was assessed using a neuropsychological battery. Univariate and multivariate analyses of variance were conducted for analyzing possible differences between the groups.
Results: The multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) indicated overall differences in neuropsychological performance between the three groups (Pillai Spur: F 1.96, p = 0.003). Post hoc comparisons revealed that patients with bipolar I disorder showed significantly lower scores in psychomotor speed, working memory, verbal learning, delayed memory, and executive functions than healthy controls. Patients with bipolar II disorder showed significant deficits in psychomotor speed, working memory, visual/constructional abilities, and executive functions compared to controls, but not on verbal learning and delayed memory. The two patient groups did not differ significantly from each other on any domain tested.
Conclusion: These results support a similar pattern of cognitive deficits in both subtypes of bipolar disorder.
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BFBNIB, DOBA, FZAB, GIS, IJS, IZUM, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
There is a possible association between infectious agents and psychiatric disorders. Previous studies in the US provided evidence for cognitive impairment correlated with Herpes simplex virus type 1 ...(HSV-1) infection. For a replication study in Europe we chosed individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder to analyse the correlation with HSV-1 infection. Antibody prevalence was analyzed by using solid phase immunoassay techniques. Cognitive functioning was tested with the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) Form A, the Trail Making Test A&B, and two subtests from the WAIS III: the Letter Number Sequencing Task and the subtest on information. History and psychopathology was assessed using structured interviews and validated rating scales (SCID, HRSD-21, YMRS, PANSS). Additionally, we investigated social functioning and quality of life using self-assessment-scales (SAS, LQLP). Prevalence rates of antibodies against diverse infectious agents did not differ significantly between patients and controls. We found a significant correlation between cognitive impairment in patients with bipolar disorder and the prevalence of antibodies directed against HSV-1. Cognitive functions were significantly impaired including language, attention, and immediate memory.
The results of this study confirm previous findings suggesting that HSV-1 affects cognitive functions in patients with bipolar disorder. This may also result in more impaired functioning, less quality of life and difficulties in social adjustment.
► Seropositive HSV-1 status was associated with cognitive impairment in bipolar disorder. ► European sample could replicate US study. ► Social functioning and quality of life were impaired and correlated with cognitive impairment. ► Psychosocial stressors could provide exacerbation when pre-existing. ► Impairment could be stress-induced or directly triggered by infectious genes.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK
The full UHPLC-MS metabolome fingerprinting and anti-
effect of
(Molina) Mirb. (Nalca) total extract (GTE) and fractions prepared from its edible fresh petioles were evaluated. The activity of
...against
strains ATCC 45504 and J99 was assessed
by means of agar diffusion assay, Minimum Inhibition Concentration (MIC), and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC), while killing curve and transmission electronic microscopy (TEM) were conducted in order to determine the effect of the plant extract on bacterial growth and ultrastructure. Additionally, the inhibitory effect upon urease was evaluated using both the Jack Bean and
enzymes. To determine which molecules could be responsible for the antibacterial effects, tentative identification was done by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap®-HR-MS). Furthermore, the total
extract was fractionated using centrifugal partition chromatography (CPC), giving four active fractions (1-4). It was determined that the crude extract and centrifugal partition chromatography fractions of
have a bactericidal effect being the lowest MIC and MBC = 32 μg/ml. In the killing curves, fraction one acts faster than control amoxicillin. In the urease assay, F3 exhibited the lowest IC
value of 13.5 μg/ml. Transmission electronic microscopy showed that crude
extract promotes disruption and separation of the cellular wall and outer membrane detachment on
causing bacterial cell death.
Abstract Background Bipolar disorders are often not recognized. Several screening tools have been developed, e.g., the Hypomania Checklist-32 (HCL-32) and the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) to ...improve this situation. Whereas the German HCL-32 has been used in non-clinical samples, neither the HCL-32 nor the MDQ has been validated in German samples of mood-disordered patients. Additionally, hardly any prior study has included patients with non-mood disorders or has considered potential effects of comorbid conditions. Therefore the goal of this study was to test the validity of both scales in a diverse patient sample while also taking into account psychiatric comorbidity. Method A multi-site study was conducted involving seven centers. Patients (n = 488) completed the HCL-32 and MDQ and were independently interviewed with the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM (SCID). Results Sensitivity for bipolar I was similar for HCL-32 and MDQ (.88 and .84) but slightly different for bipolar II (.90 and .83), specificity, however, was higher for MDQ. In general, a comorbid condition led to increased scores in both tools regardless of whether the primary diagnosis was bipolar or not. Limitations and discussion Although we included not just mood-disordered patients, detailed subgroup analyses for all diagnostic categories were not possible due to sample sizes. In summary, HCL-32 and MDQ seem fairly comparable in detecting bipolar disorders although their effectiveness depends on the goal of the screening, psychiatric comorbidity, and potentially the setting.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK
There is a possible association between infectious agents and psychiatric disorders. Previous studies in the US provided evidence for cognitive impairment correlated with Herpes simplex virus type 1 ...(HSV-1) infection. For a replication study in Europe we chosed individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder to analyse the correlation with HSV-1 infection. Antibody prevalence was analyzed by using solid phase immunoassay techniques. Cognitive functioning was tested with the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) Form A, the Trail Making Test A&B, and two subtests from the WAIS III: the Letter Number Sequencing Task and the subtest on information. History and psychopathology was assessed using structured interviews and validated rating scales (SCID, HRSD-21, YMRS, PANSS). Additionally, we investigated social functioning and quality of life using self-assessment-scales (SAS, LQLP). Prevalence rates of antibodies against diverse infectious agents did not differ significantly between patients and controls. We found a significant correlation between cognitive impairment in patients with bipolar disorder and the prevalence of antibodies directed against HSV-1. Cognitive functions were significantly impaired including language, attention, and immediate memory. The results of this study confirm previous findings suggesting that HSV-1 affects cognitive functions in patients with bipolar disorder. This may also result in more impaired functioning, less quality of life and difficulties in social adjustment.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) represent a protein family with a wide range of functions. Approximately 30% of human drug targets are GPCRs, illustrating their pharmaceutical relevance. In ...contrast, the knowledge about invertebrate GPCRs is limited and is mainly restricted to model organisms like
Drosophila melanogaster and
Caenorhabditis elegans. Especially in ectoparasites like ticks and fleas, only few GPCRs are characterised. From the cat flea
Ctenocephalides felis, a relevant parasite of cats and dogs, no GPCRs are known so far. Thus, we performed a bioinformatic analysis of available insect GPCR sequences from the honeybee
Apis mellifera, the mosquito
Anopheles gambiae, the fruit fly
Drosophila melanogaster and genomic sequences from insect species. Aim of this analysis was the identification of highly conserved GPCRs in order to clone orthologs of these candidates from
Ctenocephalides felis. It was found that the dopamine receptor family revealed highest conservation levels and thus was chosen for further characterisation. In this work, the identification, full-length cloning and functional expression of the first GPCR from
Ctenocephalides felis, the dopamine receptor II (CfDopRII), are described.
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