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Following the First World War and the loss of German territories in Posen, West Prussia and Silesia, many German Jews from those areas left their homes and settled either in Germany or moved to the USA, Latin America or Palestine. Quite a few of them came to Berlin. There and in other German cities as well they founded so called Heimatvereine, Jewish Heritage Societies. This article analyses the spaces those societies created – concrete spaces, in which people met, but also metaphorical spaces, in which a specific East-German-Jewish diasporic milieu was created and maintained that also transcended the borders of the Weimar Republic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study conducted by researchers at Charite University Hospital and School of Medicine in Berlin, Germany, has found that the mechanical properties and structure of biomaterials can impact cell function during regeneration by modulating growth factor signaling. The researchers engineered a macroporous biomaterial to mimic the mechanical stiffness and heterogeneity of the native extracellular matrix. They discovered that the mechanical interaction of cells with the heterogeneous and nonlinear deformation properties of soft matrices enhances BMP-2 growth factor signaling, which is important for tissue regeneration. The findings suggest that future biomaterials should consider including mechanical complexity as a design parameter in addition to mechanical stiffness and stress relaxation. [Extracted from the article]

A new study from the German Archaeology Institute discusses the first case of Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (LCPD) in Greece. The study uses the Digital Atlas of Ancient Rare Diseases (DAARD) to diagnose and contextualize the new case with 42 archaeological cases of LCPD recorded in the database. The study demonstrates the potential of the DAARD to aid in diagnosing rare diseases and interpreting new cases in the context of existing studies. The researchers suggest that more rare diseases from archaeological contexts should be added to the DAARD to expand our understanding of rare diseases in the past. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from the Max Delbruck Center for Molecular Medicine in Berlin, Germany have conducted a study on anxiety disorders, specifically focusing on microglia, a type of cell in the central nervous system. The study found that there are sex differences in microglia function, with females showing a higher expression of genes associated with phagocytosis and synaptic engulfment compared to males. Additionally, the researchers discovered that minocycline, an antibiotic, reduced the engulfment of synapses by female microglia and had an anxiolytic effect on female mice with high anxiety. This study suggests that targeting microglia function could be a potential avenue for treating anxiety disorders. [Extracted from the article]

A systematic review conducted by Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH in Germany aimed to summarize the epidemiological and economic burden of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in the country. The review included 42 articles and found that RSV is a major cause of acute lower respiratory infection and hospitalizations among infants, young children, and the elderly. The highest burden of RSV infection was observed in infants and young children, with limited exploration of the impact on healthy children or the elderly. The study suggests that more focus should be placed on understanding the medical and economic burden of RSV in these groups. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy in Berlin, Germany, has provided new insights into the architecture of paranoia in the general population. The study found that paranoia is a common phenomenon that occurs in both individuals with and without mental illness. The researchers identified four categories of increasing levels of paranoia: interpersonal sensitivity, mistrust, ideas of reference, and persecutory ideas. The study also revealed significant associations between paranoia and various psychological domains, such as increased psychiatric symptoms and maladaptive coping. Overall, the findings contribute to a better understanding of the hierarchical, dimensional, and dynamic structure of paranoia and its link to psychopathology in the German population. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Charite University Hospital and School of Medicine in Berlin, Germany, aimed to assess hypertension control and the agreement between different blood pressure measurement methods in kidney transplant recipients. The study included 89 stable kidney transplant recipients, and measurements were taken using office blood pressure, home blood pressure monitoring, and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. The results showed that uncontrolled hypertension was present in a significant number of patients, particularly during nighttime. The study suggests that integrating 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring into clinical practice for kidney transplant recipients is important, and further research on hypertension treatment in this population is needed. [Extracted from the article]

A new report from Charite University Hospital and School of Medicine in Berlin, Germany presents fresh data on Alzheimer's disease. The research focuses on the use of magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) and a mathematical measure called 1-Norm to quantify mechanical inhomogeneities in tissue. The study found that 1-Norm is sensitive to tissue mechanical inhomogeneity caused by the freeze-thaw cycle and Alzheimer's disease, and has the potential to be used as a diagnostic biomarker. The research was supported by various organizations including the National Science Foundation and the German Research Foundation. [Extracted from the article]

A new report from researchers at Charite University Hospital and School of Medicine in Berlin, Germany discusses the findings of a meta-analysis on retinal photoreceptor functionality in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). The study used chromatic pupillometry to assess the integrity of melanopsin-expressing retinal ganglion cells. The results showed that melanopsin-mediated post-illumination pupil response to blue light was significantly impaired in PD but not in AD. The researchers suggest that future studies should analyze the effects of local field stimulation, dopaminergic treatment, and longitudinal design to further understand melanopsin dysfunction in PD. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Free University Berlin explores the impact of internet usage on job satisfaction during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study, based on data from the 2020 China Family Panel Study, confirms that internet usage significantly affects job satisfaction. The research also reveals that time pressure mediates and strengthens this effect, while time flexibility does not play a moderating role. Additionally, the study highlights the digital divide across socio-demographic groups, with urban residents and female employees experiencing a greater impact on job satisfaction. Overall, the study emphasizes the critical role of internet usage in promoting job satisfaction during the digital transformation, particularly during the pandemic. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on the safety profile of gadobutrol, a gadolinium-based contrast agent, over 25 years and more than 100 million administrations. Topics include the overall low incidence of adverse drug reactions (ADRs), the specific types and frequencies of reported side effects, and the drug's safety in various patient populations including children and the elderly.

A study conducted at Charite University Hospital and School of Medicine in Berlin, Germany, has found that patients with active inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may have an increased risk of cardiovascular complications. The researchers used cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) to assess adverse myocardial remodeling in IBD patients and found that those with active disease showed impaired ventricular function and markers of left ventricular fibrosis. The study provides evidence of myocardial involvement and adverse left ventricular remodeling in patients with IBD. Further research is needed to better understand the relationship between IBD and cardiovascular health. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by the Leibniz Institute in Berlin, Germany, aimed to develop and validate a self-report instrument called the Transition-KompAZ. This instrument assesses competencies, needs, and satisfaction among youth transitioning from pediatric to adult rheumatology. The Transition-KompAZ was administered to adolescents and young adults with inflammatory rheumatic diseases before or after transfer to adult rheumatology. The study found that the Transition-KompAZ showed good model fit, internal consistency, construct validity, and test-retest reliability. However, further research is needed to assess its predictive value in terms of transfer readiness and successful transition. [Extracted from the article]

A report from Charite - University Medicine Berlin discusses the potential health benefits of the holistic health and wellness Kneipp concept for kindergarten children aged 2-6 years. The Kita Kneipp Study is a cluster randomized controlled trial that will investigate the effect of the Kneipp concept on reducing sick days in kindergartens in Berlin, Germany. The primary outcome measure will be changes in the number of kindergarten sick days, and secondary outcomes will measure cold symptoms and gastroenterological-based symptoms. The study will also include expert interviews and focused ethnographies to understand the experience of implementing the Kneipp concept in kindergartens. The study design aims to identify if the Kneipp concept can be used for health promotion among young children. [Extracted from the article]

A report from the Max-Planck-Institute for Human Development in Berlin, Germany suggests that psychology can benefit from learning from the natural sciences, particularly in terms of developing precise theories. The report highlights the phenomenon of theory aversion in psychology, where researchers avoid the effort and risk of refutation associated with theory-building. The report identifies three common research practices that contribute to theory aversion: the null ritual, as-if theories, and lists of binary oppositions. The researchers argue that psychologists should adopt a more balanced approach, incorporating both theory and experimentation. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by the Robert Koch Institute in Germany evaluated the diet of the German population using two indices: a healthy eating index (HEI-MON) and a planetary healthy eating index (PHEI-MON). The study found that adherence to both guidelines was higher among women, older individuals, and those with higher education levels. The sub-scores for the indices revealed that there was high agreement with recommendations for certain food groups, such as side dishes and fruit, but low agreement for others, such as free sugar and vegetables. The study concluded that there is potential for the population to adopt a diet more in line with both guidelines. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from the Freie Universitat Berlin explores the impact of concurrent infections of Salmonella and Ascaris, a parasitic worm, on host immunity in pigs. The study found that pigs with both infections had higher bacterial burdens compared to pigs with only one infection. The impaired control of Salmonella in coinfected pigs was associated with suppressed immune responses and altered activation of gut macrophages. The research suggests that the type 2/regulatory immune response induced during Ascaris infection may increase susceptibility to concurrent bacterial infections. [Extracted from the article]

The article presents the discussion on impact of varying definitions of chronic kidney failure requiring dialysis on prevalence, incidence, mortality, and healthcare costs in German statutory health insurance claims data. Topics include variability in estimated case numbers and costs, differences in survival rates; and the influence of acute kidney injury on dialysis treatment outcomes.

A report from the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in Berlin, Germany discusses the diagnosis and treatment of anorexia nervosa (AN) in childhood and adolescence. AN is a serious disease with a prevalence of up to 3.6% in women and 0.3% in men. The review highlights the importance of environmental factors and the heritability of AN, as well as the goal of returning to normal body weight for somatic and mental health. The research emphasizes the need to shorten the duration of the illness, minimize mortality and chronic illness, and explore pharmacological approaches to treatment. [Extracted from the article]

A report from the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) highlights the presence of Staphylococcus aureus in wild ungulates in Brandenburg, Germany. The study found that approximately 8% of nasal swabs from wild ruminants tested positive for the bacteria. The strains of Staphylococcus aureus identified were associated with various sequence types and carried genes encoding staphylococcal enterotoxin, including one isolate that also harbored the toxic shock syndrome toxin encoding gene. The report emphasizes the potential for serious infections or food poisoning from handling game meat and the importance of proper hygiene practices during processing. [Extracted from the article]

The article presents data from the RESHAPE-HF2 trial, which evaluates the MitraClip device for treating moderate-to-severe functional mitral regurgitation in heart failure patients. Topics discussed include baseline patient characteristics, comparisons with prior trials (COAPT and MITRA-FR), and the implications of using the MitraClip in a patient population with varying levels of mitral regurgitation severity.

A recent study conducted by Charite - University Medicine Berlin examined the impact of increasing psychological flexibility through Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) on therapy outcomes. The study involved 90 patients in a psychiatric day hospital and measured psychological flexibility, symptomatology, quality of life, and level of functioning at three time points. The results showed a significant increase in psychological flexibility, which was correlated with a decrease in symptomatology and an increase in quality of life and general level of functioning. This study provides further evidence for psychological flexibility as a transdiagnostic process variable in successful psychotherapy. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from the Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery in Berlin, Germany, discusses the long-term psychological and somatic outcomes of heart transplant recipients. The study evaluated the quality of life (QoL) of patients who had undergone heart transplantation 20-31 years ago. The findings revealed that these long-term survivors had good functional, cardiac, and mental status, but reported lower physical QoL and higher levels of subjective complaints. The research emphasizes the importance of social support for heart transplant recipients. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by Charite - University Medicine Berlin examined the characteristics of pruritus (itching) in primary cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) patients. The researchers found that pruritus was prevalent and severe in CTCL patients, leading to significant impairment in quality of life, sleep, and psychological distress. Elevated levels of certain mediators, such as IL-31 and tryptase, were found in CTCL patients with pruritus, suggesting that these could be potential therapeutic targets for managing itching in CTCL patients. The study highlights the need for appropriate therapeutic management of pruritus in CTCL patients. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by Charite - University Medicine Berlin examined the effects of social circle norm feedback on the behavior of psychology students. The researchers found that students often misrepresent peer behavior, leading to excessive alcohol consumption and inadequate studying. While previous approaches to address these misrepresentations have been ineffective, the study found that specific feedback on the behavioral distribution of alcohol consumption and studying time within an individual's social circle can positively impact behavior. The correction of inaccuracies in perception did not appear to be necessary for the feedback to be effective. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Humboldt University in Berlin, Germany, conducted a study to evaluate and compare the element flow in sustainable food systems. They focused on integrating black soldier fly larvae (BSF) production with Nile tilapia production using different experimental fish feed. The results showed that the choice of ingredients and subsequent elemental composition of fish feeds are crucial for the composition of BSF larvae. This research highlights the importance of fish feed composition for fish performance and the quality of the larvae reared on fish faeces. [Extracted from the article]

A report from Free University Berlin discusses the findings of research on atopic dermatitis. The study focuses on the serine protease inhibitor Lympho-epithelial Kazal-type-related inhibitor (LEKTI) and its potential anti-inflammatory action. The researchers tested LEKTI domain 6 (LD6) in vitro and in vivo for its effects on atopic skin disease. The results showed that LD6 reduced the inflammatory reaction and calcium response in skin equivalents and mice models. The study suggests that LD6 could be a new therapeutic option for treating atopic skin. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers from Charite University Hospital and School of Medicine in Berlin, Germany, compared two surgical techniques for treating drug-resistant trigeminal neuralgia (TGN). The study analyzed the outcomes of 114 patients who underwent transposition and 110 patients who underwent interposition. The results showed that both techniques had positive short- and midterm outcomes, with a good outcome experienced by 83.3% of patients in the transposition group and 85% of patients in the interposition group at follow-up. However, the study did not confirm that transposition was more effective in preventing recurrence and reducing complications compared to interposition. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Humboldt University in Berlin, Germany, has identified missense variants in the ANO4 gene as a cause of fever-sensitive developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE/EE) and generalized epilepsy with febrile seizures plus (GEFS+). The study found that these variants lead to destabilization of the ANO4 protein structure, resulting in severe loss of ion channel function and impaired plasma membrane trafficking. The research expands the understanding of the genetic basis for encephalopathic sporadic and inherited fever-sensitive epilepsies and suggests a dominant-negative effect of ANO4 variants. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from the Max Delbruck Center for Molecular Medicine in Berlin, Germany, discusses the findings on neonatal diabetes. The researchers identified a mutation in the KCNQ1 gene in an individual with permanent neonatal diabetes. They used CRISPR-mediated homology repair to study the effects of the mutation on human embryonic stem cells and generated islet-like organoids. The mutation increased spike frequency and Ca2+ flux, leading to insulin hypersecretion. However, with prolonged culturing, the mutant islets decreased their secretion and deteriorated, modeling a diabetic state. The study provides a better understanding of the role of KCNQ1 in regulating insulin secretion and b-cell survival in hereditary diabetes pathology. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by investigators at Charite University Hospital and School of Medicine in Berlin, Germany, has reported new findings on the treatment of subdural hematoma. The study focused on a technique for preoperative localization of the middle meningeal artery (MMA) to facilitate the evacuation of chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) through a burr hole. The researchers used anatomical measurements to design a template for target point localization, which was then validated in clinical settings. The results showed that this template-based approach was a simple, fast, reliable, and cost-effective technique for surgical evacuation of cSDHs with MMA obliteration. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by the Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience in Berlin, Germany, explores the control processes involved in working memory. The researchers used multivariate pattern analyses to identify the neuronal activity patterns associated with executive control over flexible memory stores. They found that certain regions of the brain represent the item that is cued for continued memorization, independently of the item itself. This decentralized control suggests an alternative perspective to the traditional notion of central executive control over memory function. The research has been peer-reviewed and published in the Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Charite University Hospital and School of Medicine in Berlin, Germany, explored the relationship between viscoelasticity and water diffusion in soft biological tissues. The researchers used magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) to study various biomaterial samples. They developed a theoretical framework that revealed distinct clusters characterizing different water-network interactions based on solid and fluid viscosity. The findings suggest that tissue remodeling and architectural changes can be detected using clinical DWI and MRE, providing valuable information for diagnostic imaging. The research has been peer-reviewed and published in Acta Biomaterialia. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted in Berlin, Germany analyzed 35 years of data on pediatric heart transplant recipients. The study found that survival rates have significantly improved over the years, with 1-year survival rates increasing from 79.3% to 92.3%. However, there were differences in survival rates among different age groups, with infants under 1 year of age experiencing higher early mortality and adolescents facing increased long-term risks. The study also noted an increase in waiting times for heart transplantation, particularly for younger age groups, reflecting the growing demand for donor organs. Despite the increased demand and the use of mechanical circulatory support, post-transplantation survival was not compromised. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report in the Psychology & Psychiatry Journal discusses research on psychoanalysis conducted by Georg Bruns and colleagues. The research compares four essays that explore topics such as war, state terror, social violence, racism, mourning, and the avoidance of mourning. The study finds that dictatorships employ similar techniques of manipulation, linguistic style, and historical references. The researchers argue that these regimes exploit national myths through manipulative alienation and that the success of their manipulation depends on internal dialogue. The research has been peer-reviewed and is published in the International Journal of Psychoanalysis. For more information, readers can contact Georg Bruns or the publisher of the journal. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from Freie Universitat Berlin explores the heterogeneity of treatment effects (HTEs) in internet- and mobile-based interventions (IMIs) for depression. The study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 102 randomized clinical trials, involving 19,758 participants with moderate depression severity. The findings indicate that there is no evidence for increased patient-by-treatment interaction in IMIs among patients with subthreshold to mild depression. However, HTE was higher in more severe depression levels, suggesting that a more sensitive, guided, digital precision approach would benefit individuals with more severe symptoms. The study calls for further research to explore personalization strategies and fully exploit the potential of IMIs. [Extracted from the article]

A report from the Freie Universitat Berlin discusses the prevalence of MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) in canine and feline clinical samples from veterinary practices in Germany between 2019 and 2021. The study analyzed bacterial diagnostic samples from 3491 German veterinary practices, finding a 17.8% MRSA prevalence in cats and dogs. The highest MRSA prevalence was found in canine wound samples. The research emphasizes the need for comprehensive antimicrobial resistance surveillance and suggests that regulation of veterinary antibiotic use should be informed by AMR surveillance. [Extracted from the article]

A report from Charite University Hospital and School of Medicine in Berlin, Germany discusses the findings of a study on hybrid CAD/CAM restorative dental materials. The study used micro-computed tomography (mu-CT) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to analyze the microstructures of different materials. The results showed that the 3D-printed hybrid material had some agglomerations and irregular distribution of fillers, while the CAD/CAM millable hybrid materials had a more homogeneous distribution of ceramic particles. The study concluded that mu-CT and SEM imaging are valuable tools for understanding the microstructure and mechanical properties of materials. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from Charite University Hospital and School of Medicine in Berlin, Germany have developed a new automated processing framework called LeAPP for clinical stroke magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data. This framework reduces the impact of brain lesions on processing outputs, allowing for more accurate identification of biomarkers for stroke recovery and intervention planning. The researchers validated the performance of LeAPP using artificial lesioned brains and found that it outperformed existing processing pipelines. The framework generates standardized output files that can be used for brain network modeling. This research contributes to reproducible research and provides a robust framework for automated processing of clinical stroke MRI data. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from Charite - University Medicine Berlin highlights the relationship between sleep and memory impairment in children and adolescents with epilepsy. The study conducted a systematic review of existing research on the influence of epilepsy-related altered sleep patterns on memory consolidation in this population. The review found that children and adolescents with epilepsy have a higher risk of sleep disturbance and lower sleep quality compared to control groups. Additionally, nocturnal interictal epileptiform discharges were shown to interfere with memory consolidation. Further case-control studies are needed to better understand the relationship between sleep and memory problems in pediatric epilepsy patients. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by Charite University Medicine Berlin explored the potential benefits of combining group psychotherapy with a self-help group to increase the therapeutic dosage for patients. The study involved 72 psychosomatic inpatients who participated in cognitive behavior group therapy and a parallel self-help group. The results showed that patients discussed similar topics in both settings, suggesting that this combination could extend the therapeutic process and increase the dosage without additional costs. This research provides valuable insights into addressing the limited availability of psychotherapists and improving access to therapy. [Extracted from the article]