@masterthesis{Roehrich, type = {Bachelor Thesis}, author = {Roehrich, Anne-Victoria}, title = {Contribution of relocated biology technologies and mobile health for the estimation of cardiovascular risks.}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-15232}, school = {Hochschule Rhein-Waal}, pages = {44}, abstract = {Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the first mortality causes in the world (Khan 2021) and one of the main causes of death in Belgium. It is gauged that 17.9 million lives are taken every year worldwide. They are the causes of multiple issues, such as premature death or disabilities. They are as well causing a consequent impact on socio-economic aspects. One of the cardiovascular risks, which is one of the main thematic of this thesis is Atrial Fibrillation (AF). AF is not a new pathology, it was already described in 1827 by Robert Adams, and then in the 20th century, William Einthoven, by inventing electrocardiography, enabled the first record of it (Staerk, Sherer, Ko et al. ,year 2017). AF is a type of cardiac arrhythmia, and the most sustained one. In Belgium it is estimated that 150 000 persons are affected by it. Being an important factor in the prevention of Heart Failures (HF) and Cardiovascular risks, the management, and the screening of it are a predominant matter taking in consideration the risks brought by it. Different protocols are established in hospitals, however it is a bit more limited in general practitioner's offices (GP practices). The introduction to digital health devices can as well be delicate, as many benefits they can offer, a few disadvantages have to be taken into account in order to include them to a proper protocol. Establishing a protocol including different factors such as relocated biology technologies and mobile health, while being external to the GP practices, can prove itself to be a challenge.}, language = {en} } @masterthesis{Sternberg, type = {Bachelor Thesis}, author = {Sternberg, Daniel}, title = {Cannabislegalisierung in Deutschland: Auswirkungen auf den Jugend- und Gesundheitsschutz}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-15970}, school = {Hochschule Rhein-Waal}, pages = {87}, abstract = {Das Thema der Cannabislegalisierung in Deutschland ist mit dem Beschluss im Koalitionsvertrag der neuen Koalition von 2021 so aktuell wie nie zuvor. In der vorliegenden Arbeit soll herausgearbeitet werden, ob die Cannabislegalisierung in Deutschland den Jugend- und Gesundheitsschutz f{\"o}rdern kann. Nach Beantwortung dieser Frage soll dar{\"u}ber hinaus analysiert werden, welche Maßnahmen bzw. Rahmenbedingungen der Legalisierung den Jugend- und Gesundheitsschutz am effektivsten f{\"o}rdern k{\"o}nnen. Zur Beantwortung dieser Forschungsfragen wurde eine umfassende Literaturrecherche durchgef{\"u}hrt. Dass Cannabis in Deutschland trotz Verbot konsumiert wird, zeigt die Lebenszeitpr{\"a}valenz von {\"u}ber 28 \%. Es wurde herausgestellt, dass Cannabis insbesondere f{\"u}r Jugendliche gesundheitliche Gefahren mit sich bringt. Auf Grund der Illegalit{\"a}t wird das Cannabis unkontrolliert auf dem Schwarzmarkt verkauft, weshalb es oftmals zu minderwertiger Qualit{\"a}t oder sogar Streckmitteln und Verunreinigungen kommt, die zus{\"a}tzliche Gesundheitsrisiken bergen. Ebenfalls wird der Kontakt zu anderen illegalen Drogen gef{\"o}rdert. Staaten, die Cannabis bereits legalisiert haben, zeigen, dass der Konsum kaum anstieg und bei Jugendlichen sogar r{\"u}ckl{\"a}ufig war. Bez{\"u}glich cannabisinduzierter Krankheiten konnte ein Anstieg festgestellt werden, der allerdings auf die steigende gesellschaftliche Akzeptanz von Cannabis zur{\"u}ckzuf{\"u}hren ist. Erstere Forschungsfrage l{\"a}sst sich demnach damit beantworten, dass mit dem Wegfallen versteckter Gefahren des Schwarzmarktes der Jugend- und Gesundheitsschutz gef{\"o}rdert werden kann, da das alleinige Verbot nicht vom Konsum abh{\"a}lt. Mit gewissen Rahmenbedingungen, wie z.B. dem Preis, Verkaufsstellen, H{\"o}chstabgabemengen, Produktion und THC-Obergrenzen kann die Gesundheit der Konsumenten gesch{\"u}tzt sowie auch die H{\"a}ufigkeit und Intensit{\"a}t des Konsums eingeschr{\"a}nkt werden. Somit sch{\"u}tzt die Legalisierung von Cannabis unter den richtigen Rahmenbedingungen effektiv die Gesundheit von Jugendlichen sowie allen Cannabiskonsumenten, w{\"a}hrend dar{\"u}ber hinaus finanzielle Vorteile entstehen.}, language = {de} } @masterthesis{Mutzberg, type = {Bachelor Thesis}, author = {Mutzberg, Lisa-Camilla}, title = {Oral Enzyme Therapy in Systemic Analgetic Treatment}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-15107}, school = {Hochschule Rhein-Waal}, pages = {91}, abstract = {The possibility of an oral enzyme combination being able to replace diclofenac in the treatment of pain and inflammation is discussed. Oral enzyme therapy involves the use of proteolytic enzymes like bromelain, serratiopeptidase, trypsin, rutin, and papain. The goal of oral enzyme therapy is to replace non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in the treatment of symptoms requiring short or long-term treatment due to the side effects of NSAIDs for example diclofenac. The main analysis is focused on the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of oral enzyme therapy. The results are based on database retrieval covering single oral enzymes and oral enzyme combinations like Wobenzym and Phlogenzym. Osteoarthritis and post- surgery treatment studies of oral enzyme therapy are included to analyze the efficacy and effectiveness of the new treatment approach. Bromelain, serratiopeptidase, and rutin are covered in their industrial production. Safety and efficacy, trial diversity, economics, and the potential of oral enzymes being the new homeopathy are discussed. Oral enzymes show a great safety profile in the overall comparison to NSAIDs with tolerability rated as good and very good by patients and physicians. The trial diversity has an impact on the comparability resulting in the need for a cohesion set-up for the retrieval of evidence on the efficacy and effectiveness of oral enzyme therapy. The economic situation of oral enzymes is defined by the currently expensive production of enzymes with a possible reduction in retail price due to new techniques and technology. With the presence of new studies of high quality in the future, a detailed revision of facts is advised on oral enzymes being an alternative to NSAIDs.}, language = {en} } @masterthesis{Wujec, type = {Bachelor Thesis}, author = {Wujec, Priscilla}, title = {Chancen und Risiken einer CRISPR/Cas9 basierten Gentherapie an Duchenne Muskel Dystrophie und Zystischer Fibrose}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-12940}, school = {Hochschule Rhein-Waal}, pages = {72}, abstract = {Hintergrund: Seit 2013 gewinnt das autonome Immunsystem der Bakterien CRISPR/Cas9 an Bedeutung f{\"u}r die Humanmedizin. Das System kann einen pr{\"a}zisen Schnitt in der DNA verursachen, gegebenenfalls neue Gene einsetzen. Mit CRISPR/Cas9 k{\"o}nnten krankheitsverursachende Gene potenziell ausgeschaltet und eine ph{\"a}notypische Verbesserung oder Heilung erm{\"o}glicht werden. Jedoch gibt es noch Herausforderungen, welche die Behandlungsm{\"o}glichkeiten in der konventionellen Humanmedizin limitieren. Ziel der Arbeit: Ziel dieser Arbeit ist eine Abhandlung {\"u}ber die Chancen, Risiken und Herausforderungen der Genschere CRISPR/Cas9 in der Humanmedizin an genetisch bedingten Erkrankungen am Beispiel von Duchenne Muskel Dystrophie und Zystischer Fibrose. Ergebnisse: CRISPR/Cas9 kann an CF humanisierten S{\"a}ugetiermodellen, sowie IPS Stammzellen eine Korrektur der F508 Deletion im CFTR Gen verursachen. Die Forskolin Schwellung ist nach Behandlung mit CRIPSR/Cas9 im S{\"a}ugetiermodell wiederhergestellt. Es trat ein Off-Target Effekt auf. Gleichwohl konnte eine Behandlung mit CRISPR/Cas9 am humanisierten S{\"a}ugetiermodell f{\"u}r DMD die Dystrophin-Expression wiederherstellen. Muskelkraft in Skelett- und Herzmuskulatur hat sich signifikant verbessert. Es kam zu On-Target Effekten und Immunreaktionen. Fazit: CRISPR/Cas9 hat das Potenzial genetische Mutationen zu korrigieren und die Gen-Expression zu retten. Weitere Studien m{\"u}ssen unternommen werden, um das Risiko von Off-Target Effekten zu minimieren, Langzeitwirkungen zu beobachten und Drug Delivery zu optimieren.}, language = {de} } @masterthesis{Torzewska, type = {Bachelor Thesis}, author = {Torzewska, Agata}, title = {Method development for quantification of prescription drugs Fluphenazine and Flupentixol in serum.}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-12715}, school = {Hochschule Rhein-Waal}, pages = {74}, abstract = {The LVR clinic in Viersen belongs to a group of nine psychiatric clinics in NRW, Germany. In the pharmacy laboratory, the therapeutic drug monitoring is offered for antiepileptic drugs (AED´s), neuroleptics and antidepressants. Fluphenazine and Flupentixol are used to relieve the symptoms of schizophrenia and other similar mental health problems. The purpose of this work is the development and validation of methods for quantitation of the neuroleptics Fluphenazine and Flupentixol, contained in human serum. Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is very important for a patient-matched therapy. TDM is applied to handle and direct the pharmacotherapy because of the pharmacokinetic differences between different individuals. The developed methods should be afterwards introduced into the daily routine of the laboratory. The analytical device used for this purpose is a Liquid Chromatography with a Mass Spectrometer (LCMS), with a Biphenyl Accucore separation column which is also used for other neuroleptics quantised. For Fluphenazine, an already existing in the laboratory sample precipitation method was used. Also, an already applied for other similar neuroleptics LCMS method, called "Biphenyl03_new" (lasting for 11 minutes, with a high gradient between the elution agents) was taken on, and resulted in a good linearity. In case of Flupentixol, a completely new method had to be established, in order to achieve a baseline separation of cis-Z-Flupentixol and trans-E-Flupentixol. For the sample preparation, a solid phase extraction method was developed. The established methods were then applied for quantitation of patient samples, and the stability of the measurements was proved. Also, the accuracy and precision of obtained results was tested in the Proficiency Test. Limit of quantitation achieved for Fluphenazine was 0,5ng/ml, whereas for Flupentixol the LOQ was 0,25ng/ml. The Limit of detection found was 0,05ng/ml for both substances. The development was successful for both analytes and the established methods were integrated into the daily routine of the laboratory.}, language = {en} } @masterthesis{Birkenbach, type = {Bachelor Thesis}, author = {Birkenbach, Gesa}, title = {Quantitative real-time PCR Detection of Yersinia ruckeri for Application in Aquaculture}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-16361}, school = {Hochschule Rhein-Waal}, pages = {76}, abstract = {To detect pathogen infections in aquaculture early and reduce their impact, a photonic biosensing chip is being developed in the PHOTO-SENS project, to enable fast and easy routine testing in aquaculture facilities. One target bacterial pathogen is Yersinia ruckeri, the causative agent of enteric redmouth disease. Detection is based on short DNA sequences (probes), that are complementary to the DNA of their target pathogen. In this work, a Yersinia ruckeri-specific probe was designed together with a set of qPCR primers. The probe and primers were tested in qPCR experiments, including quantifi- cation of extracted DNA, specificity and sensitivity testing, and detection of bacterial DNA from highly diluted samples to mimic the detection of environmental DNA. Three different standard series were created for the quantification of unknown samples. The influence of fish tissue on detection was tested, and the efficiency of Chelex-DNA ex- tractions were compared to peqGOLD Tissue DNA Mini Kit extractions. During quantification experiments with a first standard series (Y1P), the quantification output of most samples was 12-175 times higher than expected. The lower limit of detection was at 100 copies based on that standard, with an efficiency of 88\%. The discrepancy was reduced with a gBlocks standard (limit of detection: 5 copies; effi- ciency: 92\%). A CFU standard provided quantification results in reasonable agreement with expected CFU starting quantities (limit of detection: 1 CFU; efficiency: 106\%). De- tection of diluted samples after filtration was possible. Chelex DNA extractions yielded higher amounts of detectable DNA compared to a DNA extraction kit. Less bacterial DNA was extracted in bacterial culture samples containing fish tissue than in samples that did not contain fish tissue. Higher-than-expected quantification outputs were attributed to flaws in the creation of a first standard series as well as detectable DNA from dead cells or clusters that were not accounted for in the expected starting quantities. The gBlocks standard was as- sumed to be most reliable for quantification of exact copy numbers, while the CFU standard produced results that could be accounted for in CFU counts. As these chal- lenges concerned the standard series' and not the probe itself, it was concluded that the probe was suitable for application in the PHOTO-SENS project for detection of Yersinia ruckeri.}, language = {en} } @masterthesis{Waller, type = {Bachelor Thesis}, author = {Waller, Ole}, title = {Evaluating the potential of mRNA vaccines for human rabies}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-16737}, school = {Hochschule Rhein-Waal}, pages = {80}, abstract = {To this date, rabies is still one of the most fatal diseases worldwide and generates at least 59,000 deaths per year. Although current vaccines are safe and effective, RNA technology proposes improved vaccines that are potentially able to facilitate eradication of rabies until 2030. In this review, RNA vaccine candidates are evaluated for their potential to be effective against rabies and to be implemented in immunization programs. To understand the relevance of disease prevention, rabies virus and its function in the body is clarified. RNA technology is explained to comprehend its mode of action in the human immune system and its potential to be a vaccine platform. Comparison to existing vaccines showed advantages in several characteristics that are relevant for vaccine approval. RNA vaccines scored better in efficacy, stability, production, and dosing, but there is still room for improvements in terms of safety and tolerability. Theoretical potential is proven, but practical translation of RNA vaccines into clinical candidates requires more attention, as safety and tolerability are the leading limiting factor for approval of any new drug or vaccine. Producing a safe, stable and effective RNA vaccine does not necessarily ensure less rabies deaths, because rabies control strategies heavily rely on proper funding and availability in these rabies endemic region. Nonetheless, RNA vaccine technology offers potential solutions for the elimination of rabies.}, language = {en} } @masterthesis{Hawas, type = {Bachelor Thesis}, author = {Hawas, Takwa}, title = {Chancen und Risiken der CAR-T-Zellen in der onkologischen Immuntherapie}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-16513}, school = {Hochschule Rhein-Waal}, pages = {75}, abstract = {Bei der CAR-T-Zell-Therapie erhalten Patient*innen nach einer Leukapherese autologer T-Lymphozyten ihre eigenen T-Zellen zur{\"u}ck, die vor der Behandlung mittels viraler Vektoren die chim{\"a}ren Antigenrezeptoren, engl. Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR), transduziert bekommen. Bereits Stunden nach der Zellinfusion und in den folgenden Wochen expandieren die CAR-T-Zellen und sind in der Lage, das Antigen spezifisch zu binden und die Tumorzellen zu zerst{\"o}ren. CAR-T-Zellen haben sich in Therapien gegen h{\"a}matologische Tumore als spektakul{\"a}r wirksam erwiesen. Doch die vielversprechende Behandlung hat ihre Grenzen und ihren Preis. Drei große Herausforderungen begrenzen derzeit ihren Erfolg im Bereich solider Tumore: Antigenerkennung, Migration und {\"U}berleben in der Tumormikroumgebung. CAR-T-Zell-Therapien z{\"a}hlen auch mit Kosten von etwa 300 Tausend Euro immer noch zu den teuersten Verfahren in der Medizin. Eine intensivere Forschung im Bereich der Dysfunktion des Immunsystems in der Tumormikroumgebung stellt ein notwendiger Schritt zur {\"U}berwindung von H{\"u}rden bei der Behandlung von soliden Tumoren mit CAR-T-Zellen dar. Angemessene finanzielle sowie gesetzliche Anreize und die Einf{\"u}hrung optimierter Herstellungsprozesse, multidisziplin{\"a}rer und pr{\"a}diktiver Ans{\"a}tze und zeitgem{\"a}ßer Tools der Biotechnologie und Bioinformatik in den klinischen Alltag zur pr{\"a}diktiven Krebsmodellierung sind ebenso wichtige Grundvoraussetzungen f{\"u}r eine wirtschaftliche Ausweitung des Einsatzes von CAR-T-Zellen. Anderenfalls w{\"u}rden Gesundheitssysteme die Kosten sowie die Komplexit{\"a}t nicht mehr stemmen k{\"o}nnen und diese lebensrettende CAR-T-Zell-Therapien w{\"u}rden außerhalb der Reichweite der Patienten bleiben, die es wirklich brauchen.}, language = {de} } @masterthesis{Abdelazim, type = {Bachelor Thesis}, author = {Abdelazim, Ahmed}, title = {A Structured Classification and Evaluation of Current and Future Treatments for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-16960}, school = {Hochschule Rhein-Waal}, pages = {62}, abstract = {Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a heterogeneous autoimmune disease that has a variety of manifestations and is therefore difficult to find a treatment for. Several advances have occurred in the field of SLE drug discovery, especially since the publishing of the first Genome Wide-Associated Studies in 2005. More than one hundred loci were found to be involved in the disease. Subsequently, the treatments were aimed towards tackling the pathways that were found after the uses of modern genetic techniques. Historically, the FDA approved only two drugs for treatment until the approval of Belimumab in 2011. Ten years later, two more drugs were approved in the same year, with few more drugs expected to receive approval in the near future. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of these future drugs in addition to the ones considered to be milestones in the treatment of SLE, finding Anifrolumab to be the most promising drug currently on the market for treatment of moderate to severe SLE and Obinutuzumab to be the drug to watch.}, language = {en} } @masterthesis{Chentsova, type = {Bachelor Thesis}, author = {Chentsova, Olga}, title = {MESENCHYMAL STEM CELLS (MSC) IN BREAST CANCER TREATMENT: ADVANTAGES AND CHALLENGES OVER TRADITIONAL THERAPIES}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-16927}, school = {Hochschule Rhein-Waal}, pages = {62}, abstract = {Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent and deadly malignancies in women globally, due to its aggressive behavior and poor response to traditional treatments. Despite the significant improvements in understanding of tumor therapies, efforts to treat patients with advanced cancer are still hampered by the size and heterogeneity of the tumor burden and the development of drug resistance. Therefore, the need for novel therapeutic strategies is essential. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been studied for a long time with encouraging results in the treatment of metastatic cancers, including breast cancer. The discovery of MSCs' therapeutic abilities to inhibit the growth of cancer, cause cell death, and trigger immune responses served as a catalyst for the development of bioengineered MSCs. The use of MSCs in cell therapy is the subject of numerous investigations now. This thesis aimed to summarize the current knowledge on traditional breast cancer treatments and compare them to novel approaches based on MSCs usage. To this end, scientific publications retrieved from databases such as PubMed were selected considering specific inclusion/exclusion criteria and were extensively analyzed. Results obtained underline the potential applications of MSCs for breast cancer treatment, such as using MSCs as carriers of oncolytic viruses, suicide genes, and anticancer medicines to malignancies. Furthermore, challenges and limitations of several MSCs based treatments and MSCs control were evaluated and discussed based on ongoing clinical trials.}, language = {en} }