University of Duisburg-Essen

About: University of Duisburg-Essen is a education organization based out in Essen, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Transplantation. The organization has 16072 authors who have published 39972 publications receiving 1109199 citations.

Prevalence and complications of uveitis in juvenile idiopathic arthritis in a population-based nation-wide study in Germany: suggested modification of the current screening guidelines

Abstract: patients with uveitis were significantly younger at onset of arthritis (3.8 vs 7.0yrs) or ANA-positive (86% vs 42%) than the patients without uveitis. Predictors of uveitis included age at onset (P ¼0.03) and ANA-positivity (P <0.01) besides the presence of a certain JIA subgroup (P ¼0.04). Uveitis was clinically silent in 75% of the oligoarthritis but in none of the enthesitis-related arthritis patients. The median onset of uveitis was 5.5 months after arthritis manifestation. In 73%, 77% and 90%, uveitis developed within 1, 2 and 4yrs after arthritis, respectively. Anterior uveitis was the most common anatomic type of uveitis (83%). Uveitis complications at mean follow-up of 5.6yrs were common (56%), and predictors for complications included presence of complications at first visit (P <0.001) and uveitis manifestation before arthritis (P ¼0.001), but not ANA positivity. Conclusions. The JIA subgroups markedly differ with respect to the prevalence and course of associated uveitis. Ophthalmological screening should be initiated early after arthritis onset and the intervals be related to the JIA subgroup. A modification of the current screening guidelines is suggested.

Meta-analysis of multidecadal biodiversity trends in Europe

Abstract: Local biodiversity trends over time are likely to be decoupled from global trends, as local processes may compensate or counteract global change. We analyze 161 long-term biological time series (15–91 years) collected across Europe, using a comprehensive dataset comprising ~6,200 marine, freshwater and terrestrial taxa. We test whether (i) local long-term biodiversity trends are consistent among biogeoregions, realms and taxonomic groups, and (ii) changes in biodiversity correlate with regional climate and local conditions. Our results reveal that local trends of abundance, richness and diversity differ among biogeoregions, realms and taxonomic groups, demonstrating that biodiversity changes at local scale are often complex and cannot be easily generalized. However, we find increases in richness and abundance with increasing temperature and naturalness as well as a clear spatial pattern in changes in community composition (i.e. temporal taxonomic turnover) in most biogeoregions of Northern and Eastern Europe.

Rapid stress reduction and anxiolysis among distressed women as a consequence of a three-month intensive yoga program.

Abstract: Summary Background: Emotional distress is an increasing public health problem and Hatha yoga has been claimed to induce stress reduction and empowerment in practicing subjects. We aimed to evaluate potential effects of Iyengar Hatha yoga on perceived stress and associated psychological outcomes in mentally distressed women. Material/Methods: A controlled prospective non-randomized study was conducted in 24 self-referred female subjects (mean age 37.9±7.3 years) who perceived themselves as emotionally distressed. Subjects were offered participation in one of two subsequential 3-months yoga programs. Group 1 (n=16) participated in the fi rst class, group 2 (n=8) served as a waiting list control. During the yoga course, subjects attended two-weekly 90-min Iyengar yoga classes. Outcome was assessed on entry and after 3 months by Cohen Perceived Stress Scale, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Profi le of Mood States, CESD-Depression Scale, Bf-S/Bf-S’ Well-Being Scales, Freiburg Complaint List and ratings of physical well-being. Salivary cortisol levels were measured before and after an evening yoga class in a second sample. Results: Compared to waiting-list, women who participated in the yoga-training demonstrated pronounced and signifi cant improvements in perceived stress (P<0.02), State and Trait Anxiety (P<0.02 and P<0.01, respectively), well-being (P<0.01), vigor (P<0.02), fatigue (P<0.02) and depression (P<0.05). Physical well-being also increased (P<0.01), and those subjects suffering from headache or back pain reported marked pain relief. Salivary cortisol decreased signifi cantly after participation in a yoga class (P<0.05). Conclusions: Women suffering from mental distress participating in a 3-month Iyengar yoga class show significant improvements on measures of stress and psychological outcomes. Further investigation of yoga with respect to prevention and treatment of stress-related disease and of underlying mechanism is warranted.