Albstadt-Sigmaringen University

Foam Rolling (FR) is a type of self-massage used in sports and rehabilitation. The evidence on its effects has significantly increased in recent years; however, the extent to which novel research findings on FR have been implemented in practice remains unknown. Thus, we aimed to survey and document responses on the application, contraindications, and adverse events of FR among German-speaking sports and rehabilitation professionals. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted, which included 21 items relating to four key topics: (i) participant characteristics, (ii) FR application parameters, (iii) contraindications, and (iv) adverse events. Overall, 776 participants consented to participate. 68.6% of respondents indicated using FR in their practice. Average duration of FR was recommended at 3.2 min per body region. Smooth rollers were primarily used (82.9%). Pursued goals and observed effects were largely congruent and subjective methods were mainly used to assess effects. 90.9% of FR-users considered contraindications in practice, with pain being the most commonly noted factor. Headaches and tissue inflammation were the most reported side effects. While 32.4% believed that no adverse events can be expected, most respondents found however adverse events such as tissue inflammation plausible. An assumed lack of scientific evidence for positive effects was the most frequently cited reason for non-use of FR. Although our results demonstrate congruency between research findings and practical application across various parameters, researchers and practitioners should collaborate closely to disseminate knowledge, establish guidelines, and expand the FR evidence base, particularly regarding adverse events.

Laboratory automation has transformed bioanalytical research, yet smaller research laboratories face challenges in adopting such technologies due to limited resources, time, and technical expertise, while already facing complex bioanalytical methods. To address these barriers, we developed a robotic-arm-based camera detection system featuring two software applications designed to simplify laboratory automation. Both applications use fiducial markers (Augmented Reality University of Cordoba (ArUco)), for object detection. The first application creates a 3D digital model of the robot’s environment using ArUco markers and a Python-based Open Computer Vision (OpenCV) simulated stereo vision setup, enabling automated computer-aided design (CAD) in FreeCAD. This facilitates safe and efficient robot arm navigation. The second application integrates a deep learning neural network for automated digital display recognition, achieving an in-house error rate of 1.69%, comparable to manual readings. By leveraging low-cost hardware and open-source software available on GitHub, the system is accessible to smaller research facilities, reducing programming complexity and enabling broader adoption of laboratory automation in bioanalytical workflows. This work demonstrates an affordable and effective solution for integrating robotic arms into scientific workflows, enhancing reproducibility and efficiency in bioanalytical research.

Bacterial contamination of fresh produce is a growing concern for food safety, as apart from human pathogens, antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) can persist on fresh leafy produce. A prominent persistence trait in bacteria is biofilm formation, as it provides increased tolerance to stressful conditions. We screened a comprehensive collection of 174 antibiotic-susceptible and -resistant Escherichia coli originating from fresh leafy produce and its production environment. We tested the ability of these strains to produce biofilms, ranging from none or weak to extreme biofilm-forming bacteria. Next, we tested the ability of selected antibiotic-resistant isolates to colonize gnotobiotic lamb's lettuce (Valerianella locusta) plants. We hypothesized that a higher in vitro biofilm formation capacity correlates with increased colonization of gnotobiotic plant leaves. Despite a marked difference in the ability to form in vitro biofilms for a number of E. coli strains, in vitro biofilm formation was not associated with increased survival on gnotobiotic V. locusta leaf surfaces. However, all tested strains persisted for at least 21 days, highlighting potential food safety risks through unwanted ingestion of resistant bacteria. Population densities of biofilm-forming E. coli exhibited a complex pattern, with subpopulations more successful in colonizing gnotobiotic V. locusta leaves. These findings emphasize the complex behavior of ARB on leaf surfaces and their implications for human safety.IMPORTANCEEach raw food contains a collection of microorganisms, including bacteria. This is of special importance for fresh produce such as leafy salads or herbs, as these foods are usually consumed raw or after minimal processing, whereby higher loads of living bacteria are ingested than with a food that is heated before consumption. A common bacterial lifestyle involves living in large groups embedded in secreted protective substances. Such bacterial assemblies, so-called biofilms, confer high persistence and resistance of bacteria to external harsh conditions. In our research, we investigated whether stronger in vitro biofilm formation by antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli correlates with better survival on lamb's lettuce leaves. Although no clear correlation was observed between biofilm formation capacity and population density on the salad, all tested isolates could survive for at least 3 weeks with no significant decline over time, highlighting a potential food safety risk independently of in vitro biofilm formation.

The activation of ferroptosis is being pursued in cancer research as a strategy to target apoptosis-resistant cells. By contrast, in various diseases that affect the cardiovascular system, kidneys, liver, and central and peripheral nervous systems, attention is directed toward interventions that prevent ferroptotic cell death. Mechanistic insights into both research areas stem largely from studies using cellular in vitro models. However, intervention strategies that show promise in cellular test systems often fail in clinical trials, which raises concerns regarding the predictive validity of the utilized in vitro models.In this study, the human LUHMES cell line, which serves as a model for human dopaminergic neurons, was used to characterize factors influencing the activation of ferroptosis. Erastin and RSL-3 induced cell death that was distinct from apoptosis. Parameters such as the differentiation state of LUHMES cells, cell density, and the number and timing of medium changes were identified as determinants of sensitivity to ferroptosis activation. In differentiated LUHMES cells, interventions at mechanistically divergent sites (iron chelation, coenzyme Q10, peroxidase mimics, or inhibition of 12/15-lipoxygenase) provide almost complete protection from ferroptosis. LUHMES cells allowed the experimental modulation of intracellular iron concentrations and demonstrated a correlation between intracellular iron levels, the rate of lipid peroxidation, as well as the sensitivity of the cells to ferroptotic cell death.These findings underscore the importance of understanding the various factors that influence ferroptosis activation and highlight the need for well-characterized in vitro models to enhance the reliability and predictive value of observations in ferroptosis research, particularly when translating findings into in vivo contexts.

Der Landkreis Sigmaringen. Geschichte und Gestalt. Von Gregor Richter, Jörg Werner [u. a.]. Abb. nach Aufnahmen von Otto Kasper und anderen (= Thorbecke Bildbücher, 66). Sigmaringen: Thorbecke 1981. 324 S.

ABSTRACT Intensive agricultural production methods are one of the main reasons for the loss of agrobiodiversity. To reduce this loss, one option is the on-farm preservation of genetic resources. For on-farm preservation to be successful, the cultivation of heritage cereals has to be made attractive for farmers. While there are some studies exploring the perception of heritage cereals, endangered species and heirloom vegetable varieties, there is still a lack of research on consumers’ purchase motives. To close this gap, we combined soft and hard laddering and focused on bread made from heritage cereal varieties. First, we carried out 42 laddering interviews with consumers in four German cities, and second, we conducted a Germany-wide online survey including a hard laddering with 1200 consumers. We found that the psychosocial consequences health and naturalness dominate when purchasing bread made from heritage cereals and could be relevant elements of marketing communication strategies.