Publikationsfonds der Universität Hohenheim
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Über den Publikationsfonds der Universität Hohenheim erhalten Wissenschaftlerinnen und Wissenschaftler der Universität finanzielle Unterstützung bei der Veröffentlichung ihrer Forschungsergebnisse im Open Access. Gefördert werden Zeitschriftenartikel in Fully-Open-Access-Zeitschriften (Gold-OA) und hybriden Subskriptionszeitschriften (Hybrid-OA) sowie Monografien. Autorinnen und Autoren können online einen Förderantrag zur Finanzierungsbeteiligung ihrer Publikation stellen.
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Publication Role of iron and TfR1 in the application of high‑dose ascorbate against pancreatic cancer(2026) Piotrowsky, Alban; Leischner, Christian; Schmieder, Hendrik; Detert, Katja; Schneider, Kathrin; Schulte, Johanna; Hammerschmidt, Sabrina; Marongiu, Luigi; Renner, Olga; Burkard, Markus; Venturelli, SaschaPancreatic cancer remains one of the deadliest tumor diseases with an urgent need for new therapy options. At the same time, the use of high‑dose vitamin C in cancer treatment has been investigated for decades. Despite promising in vitro and in vivo data and initial clinical studies, there is a need for optimization with regard to an ideal treatment regimen and suitable patient population for the use of high‑dose vitamin C. The aim of the present study was to evaluate for the first time the combination of high‑dose vitamin C with the administration of iron in three human pancreatic cancer cell lines and to determine the exact cell death mechanism. While the investigated cell lines showed a high susceptibility to ascorbate treatment, the combination treatment with FeCl3 generally led to a reduction in the ascorbate effect and in the formation of reactive oxygen species. The ascorbate‑induced cell death showed no signs of apoptosis but clear ferroptotic properties. Furthermore, treatment of the tumor cells with FeCl3 was accompanied by reduced expression of TfR1, preventing an increase in the intracellular labile iron pool. The present study provided valuable information on the mechanism of action of high‑dose vitamin C in pancreatic cancer, whereby a combination treatment with ferric iron in the context of tumor therapy is not recommended based on these data.Publication Recombinant production of acidophilic L-arabinose isomerase from Lentilactobacillus parakefiri in Bacillus subtilis(2025) Weber, Nathanael; Götz, Sebastian; Senger, Jana; Lutz-Wahl, Sabine; Fischer, Lutz; Weber, Nathanael; Institute of Food Science and Biotechnology, Department of Biotechnology and Enzyme Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 25, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany; Götz, Sebastian; Institute of Food Science and Biotechnology, Department of Biotechnology and Enzyme Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 25, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany; Senger, Jana; Institute of Food Science and Biotechnology, Department of Biotechnology and Enzyme Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 25, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany; Lutz-Wahl, Sabine; Institute of Food Science and Biotechnology, Department of Biotechnology and Enzyme Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 25, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany; Fischer, Lutz; Institute of Food Science and Biotechnology, Department of Biotechnology and Enzyme Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 25, 70599, Stuttgart, GermanyBackground: The monosaccharide D-tagatose is a promising alternative to sucrose because of its similar sweetness and lower glycemic index. A novel L-arabinose isomerase (L-AI) from Lentilactobacillus parakefiri DSM 10551 (L-AI-Lp) has been biochemically characterized and used to isomerize D-galactose to D-tagatose in skim milk ultrafiltration permeate at pH 4.5 and 6.5. However, like most L-AIs described in the literature, this enzyme has only been produced recombinantly in Escherichia coli. This study aimed to systematically investigate the intracellular recombinant production of L-AI-Lp in Bacillus subtilis, which has qualified for a presumption of safety (QPS) designation from the European Food Safety Authority. Results: The influence of four promoters on L-AI-Lp production in B. subtilis 007 was investigated in shake flask cultivations. Among these, the PAprE promoter yielded the highest volumetric L-AI activity of 69.2 ± 7.4 µkatGal, 65 °C/LCulture. The production yield was further increased to 147.7 ± 1.0 µkatGal, 65 °C/LCulture by using the nonsporulating, surfactin-deficient strain B. subtilis 007 ∆sfp ∆sigF, which was constructed by deleting sigF and sfp in B. subtilis 007. Furthermore, the influence of pH and dissolved oxygen (DO) on bioreactor cultivations of B. subtilis 007 ∆sfp ∆sigF was analyzed. In bioreactor cultivations, the highest L-AI activity of 88.6 ± 2.4 µkatGal, 65 °C/LCulture was measured under unregulated pH and low oxygen conditions (DO ≤ 5%), representing a 3.2-fold increase compared with previous recombinant production in E. coli. The L-AI-Lp was subsequently partially purified by heat treatment and precipitation methods, resulting in a 7.8-fold increase in specific activity to 128.2 nkatGal, 65 °C/mg and a yield of 84%. Conclusions: The L-AI-Lp was recombinantly produced for the first time in a microbial species with QPS status using the nonsporulating and surfactin-deficient strain B. subtilis 007 ∆sfp ∆sigF. The L-AI-Lp was subsequently partially purified via nonchromatographic methods, providing a basis for a low-cost downstream process. These results represent an important step toward potential industrial application of L-AI-Lp and highlight the potential of B. subtilis 007 ∆sfp ∆sigF as an expression host for the recombinant production of L-AIs compared with previously used hosts from the order Lactobacillales.Publication A multivariate approach to drought monitoring: Improving robustness and accuracy through a new drought index in regions with high climate variability, applied to the drought-prone region of Ethiopia(2026) Kebede, Abebe; Warrach-Sagi, Kirsten; Schwitalla, Thomas; Wulfmeyer, Volker; Abebe, Tesfaye; Tadesse, TsegayeStudy focus: Assessing, monitoring, and quantifying drought characteristics to develop early warning systems is crucial for identifying the spatial extent and severity of droughts at regional and local scales especially in regions of vulnerable societies relying on local agriculture. Observations and reanalysis from 1981 to 2022 are analyzed for spatiotemporal droughts in Ethiopia. While standard drought indices like Standardized Precipitation Index and Standardized Soil Moisture Index are based solely on precipitation or soil moisture, a new drought index based on precipitation, potential evaporation, surface temperature, soil temperature, and soil moisture is developed, making the index more robust to climate and land use changes. This new Multivariate Standardized Drought Index (MvrSDI) is evaluated focusing on the severity and duration of 2015 and 2022 droughts in Ethiopia. Results show that spatiotemporal comparisons of MvrSDI at 3-, 6-, and 12-month time scales detect drought severity and duration in each drought-prone region of Ethiopia. Further,Mann-Kendall statistic test identifiy a drought trend between 1981 and 2022 an increasing drought severity. New hydrological insight for the region: The MvrSDI effectively assesses and monitors drought impacts on agriculture, proving beneficial for stakeholders focused on environmental sustainability and food security. Its multivariate character makes MvrSDI more robust and therefore a valuable tool for drought monitoring and decision-making in regions with high climate variability and land use changes in drought-prone regions like Ethiopia.Publication Multi-crop early detection of spider mite damage using hyperspectral data and XGBoost(2026) Mandrapa, Boris; Spohrer, Klaus; Wuttke, Dominik; Ruttensperger, Ute; Dieckhoff, Christine; Müller, JoachimThe two-spotted spider mite is a globally significant pest affecting over 150 crop species, including cucumbers and strawberries. Its feeding activity leads to chlorophyll degradation and physiological changes in leaf tissue, which alter spectral reflectance properties and enable image-based detection. In this study, hyperspectral imaging (HSI) under controlled conditions was used to classify healthy and spider mite-infested leaves of cucumber and strawberry plants, including asymptomatic infested leaves. Spectral data were analyzed and classified with three supervised machine learning algorithms built on extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) models. The study had three objectives: (1) to assess the ability of XGBoost to classify multiple infestation states, (2) to evaluate model performance with a reduced set of effective wavelengths, and (3) to determine whether infestation across both crops can be classified using a single, merged model. Using all wavelengths, results showed that classification accuracy was 93 % for cucumber leaves, 84 % for strawberry leaves, and 87 % when combined. With five most effective wavelengths, classification accuracy reached 70 % for cucumber leaves, 65 % for strawberry leaves, and 65 % for cucumber and strawberry leaves combined. The most effective wavelengths were consistently selected from the red-edge and near-infrared (NIR) spectral regions, which highlights their importance for early detection. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first known study to successfully apply a combined machine learning model for early spider mite detection across two different crop species using hyperspectral data under controlled conditions. The results show the potential of machine learning for multi-crop pest detection and could lay the groundwork for practical, sensor-based tools in precision agriculture.Publication Multivariate analysis for balancing electrical energy requirement, throughput and oil recovery in mechanical extraction of peanut oil(2026) Bonzi, Wiomou Joévin; Romuli, Sebastian; Nounagnon, Bignon Stéphanie; Meissner, Klaus; Müller, JoachimMechanical pressing stands out as a widely adopted method for plant oil extraction in rural areas due to its simplicity and lower initial investment. This process requires seed conditioning and adjusted pressing parameters to enhance oil recovery. Previous studies have focused primarily on optimising oil recovery. In a sustainable approach, additional parameters such as specific energy and throughput should be considered due to their impact on production costs. This study aims to balance optimal oil recovery, energy efficiency, and economic viability in peanut oil mechanical extraction. Employing a Box Behnken design, the impact of shell ratio (5%, 10%, and 15%), steaming duration (10 min, 20 min, and 30 min), and rotational speed (20 rpm, 45 rpm, and 70 rpm) on specific energy of pressing stage, oil recovery, and throughput were investigated. Results show specific energy ranging from 50.7 Wh kg−1 to 96.3 Wh kg−1 and oil recovery ranging from 83.2% to 91.0%. Both responses were predominantly influenced by rotational speed. Specifically, lower rotational speed led to increased specific energy and higher oil recovery. A desirability function was introduced to perform multivariate optimisation, assigning response importance based on their influence on oil production cost. The results revealed an optimum point at 70 rpm, 5% shell ratio, and 20 min steaming duration, corresponding to a desirability value of 0.61. This optimum corresponds to a minimised specific energy (49.2 Wh kg−1) and maximised throughput (10.9 kg h−1), while providing an acceptable oil recovery (86.2%). This research provides valuable insights into optimising peanut oil mechanical extraction, considering energy efficiency and economic viability.Publication Aqueous Kabachnik -Fields synthesis of HMF-functionalized chitosan for thermally-stable LBL coatings on cotton fabrics(2026) Checa, M.; Arauzo, P.J.; Kruse, A.This study explores the Kabachnik-Fields (KF) reaction between chitosan, diethyl phosphite (DEP) and biorefinery-derived 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to produce chitosan-diethyl phosphite-HMF (CDH) derivatives for thermally-stable coatings. The effect of reaction temperature on the structure, phosphorus incorporation and thermal properties of the CDH-RT (room temperature), CDH-60 (60 °C), CDH-80 (80 °C) and CDH-100 (100 °C) products was investigated using FTIR, elemental analysis, ICPOES and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) in air. KF modification increased chitosan's initial thermal stability (T₅: 65 to 84-104 °C), promoted early char formation through an intumescent mechanism and enhanced residue stability at 930 °C (max. 32.4 wt %). To assess LBL coating compatibility, CDH products were applied to cotton fabrics (3 bilayers with phytic acid). Mass gain depended on KF temperature, with cotton-CDH-60/PA showing optimal incorporation (34.4 %). Synergy factors calculated from normalized TGA residues confirmed positive char-promoting effects for all CDH formulations (cotton-CDH-60/PA: 226.6 %). These results establish HMF-chitosan aminophosphonates as a promising platform for sustainable, thermally-protective cotton fabric coatings.Publication Lernen, Lehren, Arbeiten und Leben mit Künstlicher IntelligenzSchmerzhaftes Erwachen in neuen Lebenswelten verhindern!
(2025) Sembill, Detlef; Kärner, Tobias; Friederichs, Edgar; Seeber, Susan; Seifried, JürgenDer Beitrag beleuchtet die tiefgreifenden Veränderungen, die Künstliche Intelligenz (KI) für Bildung, Arbeit und Gesellschaft mit sich bringt, und versteht diese als zentrale Zivilisationsfrage. Er zeigt die Ambivalenzen der KI zwischen technologischem Fortschritt, gesellschaftlicher Kontrolle und humaner Verantwortung auf und warnt vor der Gefahr einer technokratischen Entmündigung des Menschen. Im Mittelpunkt steht die Bildung als Schlüssel zur Entwicklung von Reflexionsfähigkeit, ethischem Urteilsvermögen und demokratischer Teilhabe. Auf der Grundlage interdisziplinärer Analysen plädiert der Text für eine humanistisch-demokratische Neuausrichtung von Lern- und Arbeitswelten, die Technologie nicht als Selbstzweck, sondern als Werkzeug für ein menschenwürdiges Zusammenleben begreift. Ziel ist eine kritisch-reflektierte Gestaltung technologischer Zukunft, die Aufklärung, Verantwortung und Humanität in das Zentrum gesellschaftlicher Entwicklung rückt.Publication Partizipation in der Berufsausbildung aus der Perspektive von AuszubildendenValidierung eines Fragebogens
(2025) Kärner, Tobias; Jüttler, MichaelDer Beitrag zielt auf die Validierung eines Fragebogens zur Erfassung von Partizipationsmöglichkeiten in der betrieblichen Ausbildung. Die Daten stammen aus einer bundesweiten Studie mit 713 Auszubildenden. Die Ergebnisse zeigen gute psychometrische Eigenschaften des Instruments sowie plausible deskriptive Skalenausprägungen und erwartungskonforme Zusammenhänge mit Drittvariablen wie der Motivation. Wird Ausbildung partizipationsoffen und wenig fremdbestimmt erlebt, geht dies positiv mit intrinsischer und identifizierter Motivation einher. Das Instrument erlaubt eine differenzierte empirische Analyse partizipativer Einflussnahme und unterstützt Ausbildungsbetriebe dabei, Sichtweisen der Auszubildenden systematisch zu erfassen.Publication Comparative analysis of minerals, carotenoids, and tocochromanols in ripe seeds, immature seeds and tepals of bitter and non-bitter quinoa genotypes(2026) Lauer, Luise Amelie; Kollmar, Marius; Schmöckel, Sandra M.; Frank, JanQuinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) contains high amounts of minerals, carotenoids and vitamin E (tocochromanols), but also antinutrients, such as saponins. Based on their saponin content, quinoa can be classified into “bitter” and “non-bitter” genotypes. Carotenoids (lutein, zeaxanthin, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin), vitamin E and saponins share a precursor in their respective biosynthesis pathways. Thus, we investigated whether the downregulation of saponin biosynthesis in non-bitter quinoa affects the contents of minerals and lipid-soluble compounds compared to bitter quinoa. The analytes were quantified in ripe seeds of fifty (23 bitter and 27 non-bitter) quinoa genotypes. A subset of twelve genotypes (6 bitter and 6 non-bitter) was analyzed for carotenoids and tocochromanols in immature seeds and their tepals. Total mineral (8206 mg/kg vs. 8646 mg/kg) and carotenoid contents (314 µg/100 g vs. 242 µg/100 g) did not differ between bitter and non-bitter ripe seeds. However, non-bitter quinoa seeds contained higher lutein and total tocochromanol (driven by tocotrienols) contents than bitter genotypes. Carotenoid and tocochromanol contents in immature seeds and tepals did not differ between phenotypes; tepals had up to 74-fold higher contents than the seeds. In conclusion, the downregulation of saponin biosynthesis in non-bitter quinoa genotypes does not affect the biosynthesis of carotenoids and tocochromanols.Publication Mitigating phytotoxicity of hydrothermal liquefaction hydrochar toward potential agricultural applications(2026) Batista, Gabriel F.; Kruse, Andrea; Becker, Gero C.Valorizing hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) by-products is essential to improve process sustainability and support its industrial-scale implementation. However, the direct agricultural application of HTL-derived hydrochar remains limited due to reported phytotoxic effects. By studying and mitigating phytotoxicity, this work evaluates the potential suitability for agricultural use of hydrochar, the solid by-product from continuous HTL of a 50/50 wt. % cattle manure and wheat straw mixture at 325 °C, separated with an in-line filter. Phytotoxicity was assessed using seed germination assays with Barley (Hordeum vulgare) and Cress (Lepidium sativum) seeds. Two hydrochar post-treatments, washing (hydrochloric acid and water) and pyrolysis (300 °C and 500 °C), were examined to mitigate hydrochar phytotoxicity. Raw HTL-hydrochar significantly hindered plant growth, reducing the root lengths of barley and cress by 37 % and 70 %, respectively, compared to the control. Water-washed post-treatment eliminated hydrochar phytotoxicity and enhanced Barley root growth by 42 % compared to control at a 15 ton ha⁻¹ application rate, indicating a possible growth-stimulating effect. Pyrolysis also mitigated hydrochar phytotoxic effects, with cress root lengths statistically similar to the control. No uptake of heavy metals by the plants were observed in the germination assays. These results suggest that phytotoxicity originates from water-soluble organic compounds, likely phenols, short-chain organic acids and aldehydes, produced during HTL process and adsorbed in the hydrochar surface. The novelty of this work lies in demonstrating the complete removal of phytotoxicity from HTL hydrochar using technologically mature and scalable post-treatments. Therefore, a barrier to hydrochar valorization is removed, enabling further investigations into agronomic applications. This work contributes to a circular biomass valorization strategy.Publication Influence of low oxygen concentrations on color stability of modified atmosphere packaged beef(2026) Krell, Johannes; Aeckerle, Luis; Poveda-Arteaga, Alejandro; Weiss, Jochen; Terjung, Nino; Gibis, MonikaThe influence of low oxygen concentrations on the development of color and the myoglobin redox states over storage time was analyzed, to determine whether there are conditions that increase discoloration. Beef slices were packaged in atmospheres containing nitrogen gas and 0 %, 0.5 %, 1 %, 1.5 %, 3 %, and 5 % of oxygen. The samples were stored at 2 °C for 14 days. During storage, color, reflectance and oxygen concentration were measured optically through the packaging. The color difference ΔE2000 and the relative oxymyoglobin (OMb), deoxymyoglobin (DMb), and metmyoglobin (MMb) levels were calculated. After 14 days, the oxygen concentrations changed to 0.09 % (0 %), 0.36 % (0.5 %), 0.92 % (1 %), 1.28 % (1.5 %) 2.55 % (3 %), and 4.29 % (5 %). Regarding MMb formation, the 0 % samples (ΔMMb0–14d 11.1 %) were significantly (p < 0.05) more stable compared to the other samples, which showed an increase of MMb formation with rising oxygen concentration after 14 days. The other samples reached a ΔMMb0–14d increase of 21.1 % (0.5 %), 26.7 % (1 %), 30.0 % (1.5 %), 31.1 % (3 %), and 34.4 % (5 %). The color stability showed significantly (p < 0.05) increasing ΔE values of 2.49 (0 %), 3.39 (0.5 %), 4.66 (1 %), 5.14 (1.5 %), 6.03 (3 %), and 7.34 (5 %) with rising oxygen contents. These findings suggest that to ensure the color stability of beef with minimal MMb formation, it is important to completely exclude oxygen from the packages, since the destabilizing effect of oxygen already started at 0.5 %. The non-invasive measurement of the oxygen concentration and the reflectance data over 14 days gave new insights into the discoloration process of beef stored in low-oxygen atmospheres.Publication Improved method for temporally interpolating radiosonde profiles in the convective boundary layer(2026) von Klitzing, Linus; Turner, David D.; Lange, Diego; Wulfmeyer, Volker; von Klitzing, Linus; Institute of Physics and Meteorology, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany; Turner, David D.; NOAA Global Systems Laboratory, Boulder, CO, USA; Lange, Diego; Institute of Physics and Meteorology, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany; Wulfmeyer, Volker; Institute of Physics and Meteorology, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, GermanyA significantly improved technique for temporally interpolating radiosonde (RS) profiles of potential temperature and water vapor mixing ratio in the planetary boundary layer during daytime is introduced. The key innovation of this technique is its operation on a height grid normalized with the planetary boundary layer height. This study utilized a three-month dataset of three-hourly soundings from the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement Facility's Southern Great Plains site. The technique was evaluated for convective boundary layer cases, with the necessary boundary layer height data obtained from a ground-based infrared spectrometer. A total of 79 comparisons were conducted between reference soundings and interpolated profiles that did and did not employ height normalization. The results demonstrated a substantial improvement in the representation of interpolated profiles using the new technique, characterized by enhanced correlation, improved amplitude representation, and reduced bias for potential temperature, as well as improved correlation and reduced bias for water vapor mixing ratio.Publication Does a smarter ChatGPT become more utilitarian?(2026) Pfeffer, Jürgen; Krügel, Sebastian; Uhl, Matthias; Pfeffer, Jürgen; Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Social Sciences and Technology, Munich, Germany; Krügel, Sebastian; Faculty of Business, Economics and Social Sciences, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany; Uhl, Matthias; Faculty of Business, Economics and Social Sciences, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, GermanyHundreds of millions of users interact with large language models (LLMs) regularly to get advice on all aspects of life. The increase in LLMs’ logical capabilities might be accompanied by unintended side effects with ethical implications. Focusing on recent model developments of ChatGPT, we can show clear evidence for a systematic shift in ethical stances that accompanied a leap in the models’ logical capabilities. Specifically, as ChatGPT’s capacity grows, it tends to give decisively more utilitarian answers to the two most famous dilemmas in ethics. Given the documented impact that LLMs have on users, we call for a research focus on the prevalence and dominance of ethical theories in LLMs as well as their potential shift over time. Moreover, our findings highlight the need for continuous monitoring and transparent public reporting of LLMs’ moral reasoning to ensure their informed and responsible use.Publication Phylogenetic analysis and public health implications of Salmonella Strains in southwestern states of Nigeria using InvA gene sequences(2025) Fadipe, Emmanuel O.; Hölzle, Ludwig E.; Hölzle, Ludwig E.; Department of Livestock Infectiology and Environmental Hygiene, Institute of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; Da Silveira, Júlia Angélica Gonçalves; Department of Livestock Infectiology and Environmental Hygiene, Institute of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; Salvarani, Felipe M.; Department of Livestock Infectiology and Environmental Hygiene, Institute of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; Domingues, Sheyla Farhayldes Souza; Department of Livestock Infectiology and Environmental Hygiene, Institute of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; Da Silveira, Júlia Angélica Gonçalves; Salvarani, Felipe M.; Domingues, Sheyla Farhayldes SouzaSalmonella is a significant public health concern in Nigeria causing foodborne illnesses. Genetic diversity and prevalence of Salmonella is poorly understood in Nigeria. This study assessed the occurrence of Salmonella in various poultry houses in Nigeria and explored the evolutionary relationships among the isolates by analysis on invA gene. A total number of 314 samples (feces, feed, dust, waters, and palm swab) were collected from 49 farms in Abeokuta (18), Ibadan (20) and Oshogbo (11). Salmonella was detected with a prevalence of 2.75% in Ogun, 6.0% in Osun and 5.71%, in Oyo States, respectively. The overall prevalence of Salmonella in poultry farms sampled was 15/314 (4.78%). Sequence analysis revealed two sequences 01 and 02 to have 99.59% and 89.04 homologies with sequence of Paratyphi serovar (LC320032) and Enteritidis serovar (LC318423) in GenBank, respectively. Sequence 01 clustered with S. serovar Enteritidis from the USA, whereas Sequence 02 formed a distinct clade near S. serovar Typhimurium from Egypt. These findings underscore the public health significance of S. enterica in Nigeria, particularly in relation to food animals. The study highlights the need for improved farm management practices, stringent food safety regulations, and robust surveillance systems to mitigate the risk of Salmonella outbreaks.Publication A prospective exploratory study on potential systemic causes and risk factors for subconjunctival bleeding in neonatal calves(2025) Steffl, Martin; Euchner, Katharina; Nautscher, Nadine; Euchner, Katharina; Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, 70593 Stuttgart, Germany; (K.E.); (N.N.); Nautscher, Nadine; Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, 70593 Stuttgart, Germany; (K.E.); (N.N.); Benoit-Biancamano, Marie-Odile; Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, 70593 Stuttgart, Germany; (K.E.); (N.N.); Vanore, Maria; Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, 70593 Stuttgart, Germany; (K.E.); (N.N.); Benoit-Biancamano, Marie-Odile; Vanore, MariaSubconjunctival bleeding in neonatal calves is most commonly seen in association with birth trauma. There are currently no investigations available that examine the systemic causes of this phenomenon. In this prospective and exploratory case–control study, seven out of eighty neonatal calves examined over a two-year period were born with subconjunctival bleeding. The anatomical location of the subconjunctival bleeding and details related to the cow’s and calf’s parturitional and gestational history were recorded. Blood samples from cases and controls ( n = 7) were analyzed hematologically, and the serum lysyl oxidase-like enzyme 4 (LOXL4) concentration was determined through an ELISA to establish evidence for possible structural, copper-dependent vascular abnormalities. We found no significant difference in the clinical data of both groups. Hematological examinations revealed no evidence of anemia or thrombocytopenia. Additionally, no significant differences in differential leukocyte counts were observed between the different groups. However, the neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR) demonstrated a significant difference between the calves with subconjunctival bleeding and controls. The serum LOXL4 protein concentration was not significantly different in calves with subconjunctival bleeding compared to controls. In conclusion, our clinical, hematological, and biochemical data provided no evidence for potential systemic causes of subconjunctival bleeding. However, these results must be considered in light of this study’s small sample size and thus low statistical power.Publication Optimizing mung bean productivity and root morphology with biofertilizers for sustainable farming(2025) Nabati, Jaafar; Mirzaeetalarposhti, Reza; Yousefi, Afsaneh; Kurdestani, Ali Malakshahi; Nabati, Jaafar; Department of Agrotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran; Mirzaeetalarposhti, Reza; Institute of Crop Science, University of Hohenheim, 70599, Stuttgart, GermanyThe excessive use of chemical fertilizers has raised major environmental and economic concerns in legume cultivation. This study assessed the effects of various fertilizers, including biofertilizers and chemical nitrogen, on yield, root characteristics, and nutrient dynamics in two mung bean genotypes (Partow, IC418452). Field trials were conducted over a two-year period in Mashhad, Iran, using a factorial randomized block design. Treatments included two genotypes and six fertilizer levels: control, N-fixing bacteria (FLNF), P-solubilizing bacteria (PSB), K-solubilizing bacteria (KSB), a consortium (FLNF + PSB + KSB), and Urea. Yield components, biomass, root morphology, nodulation, and plant/soil NPK concentrations were measured and analyzed. Fertilizers significantly affected yield, biomass, root structure, and nutrient uptake. Urea yielded the highest biomass, grain yield, and root area, especially in Partow. However, the microbial consortium significantly improved yield components compared to the control and uniquely maximized root nodulation and inoculation percentage, indicating an enhanced biological nitrogen fixation potential. On average across the two seasons, urea increased grain yield by 46% and biomass by 41% relative to the control, whereas the microbial consortium enhanced root nodulation by 62% and yield by 32%. Significant genotype×fertilizer interactions highlighted genotype-specific responses. Nodulation correlated positively with yield. Both urea and the PGPR consortium significantly increased mung bean productivity. While urea maximized yield, the consortium provided considerable yield gains and enhanced biological nitrogen fixation potential, presenting a viable and sustainable alternative to reduce reliance on chemical nitrogen. The goal was to understand the relationships between root morphology, nutrient utilization, and yield to promote sustainable, high-yield mung bean cultivation. These findings highlight the potential of multi-strain biofertilizers to maintain mung-bean productivity while reducing dependence on synthetic N inputs.Publication Model-based process design for surfactin production with Bacillus subtilis(2025) Hiller, Eric; Off, Manuel; Dittmann, Holger; Perino, Elvio Henrique Benatto; Lilge, Lars; Hausmann, Rudolf; Hiller, Eric; Department of Bioprocess Engineering, Institute of Food Science and Biotechnology, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany; Off, Manuel; Department of Bioprocess Engineering, Institute of Food Science and Biotechnology, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany; Dittmann, Holger; Department of Bioprocess Engineering, Institute of Food Science and Biotechnology, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany; Perino, Elvio Henrique Benatto; Department of Bioprocess Engineering, Institute of Food Science and Biotechnology, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany; Lilge, Lars; Department of Bioprocess Engineering, Institute of Food Science and Biotechnology, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany; Hausmann, Rudolf; Department of Bioprocess Engineering, Institute of Food Science and Biotechnology, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, GermanyBacillus subtilis is one of the most important production organisms in industrial biotechnology. However, there is still limited knowledge about the kinetics of fed-batch processes in bioreactors, as well as a lack of biological performance indicators, such as production yields, particularly regarding their variation over time. Understanding these kinetics and changes is crucial for optimizing the productivity in fed-batch processes. Fed-batch bioreactor cultures of Bacillus subtilis BMV9 in high cell density processes for surfactin production have been characterized with a kinetic model composed of first-order ordinary differential equations, describing the time course of biomass, substrate, surfactin and acetate. This model contributes to understanding critical restrictions and the knowledge gained was used to design and implement a model-based process. The model integrates biomass growth based on Monod kinetics, substrate consumption, surfactin synthesis and formation of the by-product acetate. After the model was parameterized for B. subtilis BMV9 using 12 different fed-batch bioreactor experiments, the kinetic model was able to accurately describe biomass accumulation, substrate consumption, product formation rates and, to some extent, the overflow metabolism involving acetate. Based on this, the kinetic model was used for a process design, in which the batch was omitted, which led to a product titre of 46.33 g/L and a space–time-yield of 2.11 g/(L*h) was achieved. The kinetic model developed in this study enables the description of the time course of biomass growth, substrate consumption and product formation and thus significantly improves process understanding. The computation of process parameters, which are not analytically accessible at any time, could be realized. A sensitivity analysis identified the maximum specific growth rate, substrate-related maintenance and the maximum acetate formation rate as key parameters influencing model outputs.Publication Identifying governance challenges in scaling biofortification programs and the potential of training: a case study of Uganda(2025) Alioma, Richard; Zeller, Manfred; Birner, Regina; Bosch, Christine; Muayahoto, Bho; Zeller, Manfred; Department of Rural Development Theory and Policy, Hohenheim University, Stuttgart, Germany; Birner, Regina; Department of Social and Institutional Change in Agricultural Development, Hohenheim University, Stuttgart, Germany; Bosch, Christine; Department of Social and Institutional Change in Agricultural Development, Hohenheim University, Stuttgart, Germany; Muayahoto, Bho; HarvestPlus, International Food Policy Research Institute, Washington, DC, United StatesIntroduction: Biofortification initiatives can significantly help reduce micronutrient deficiencies in developing countries. However, when hidden hunger affects a large segment of the population, large-scale implementation is necessary to achieve the desired results. We aimed to identify governance challenges in biofortification, and potential remedies based on a conceptual framework that considers low demand and the invisible nature of micronutrient traits in crops. Methods: Using process net maps and quantitative methods, this paper explores how farmer training can address governance issues. Results: Results show that, in addition to common agricultural marketing issues, sweet potato vine multipliers struggle with vine supply, value chain actors adulterate iron beans, and consumers are hesitant to pay higher prices for biofortified crops. These problems may result from information asymmetry, merit goods, collective action issues, and free riding. Furthermore, training had little impact on reducing the governance challenge arising from information asymmetry. Discussion/conclusion: One of the key solutions was investing in subsidies to increase production and raise awareness of the importance of nutritious foods. With governance problems, there is a need to take them into consideration when planning and expanding biofortification programs.Publication Intestinal dysbiosis associated with non-nutritive sweeteners intake: an effect without a cause?(2025) Marongiu, Luigi; Brzozowska, Ewa; Hetjens, Svetlana; Hoelzle, Ludwig E.; Venturelli, Sascha; Brzozowska, Ewa; Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland; Hetjens, Svetlana; Department of Medical Statistics, Biomathematics and Information Processing, University Clinic Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany; Hoelzle, Ludwig E.; Department of Food Microbiology and Hygiene, Institute of Food Science and Biotechnology, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany; Venturelli, Sascha; Department of Nutritional Biochemistry, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, GermanyNon-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) are present in various commercial articles, from foodstuffs to oral hygiene products. Despite their alleged safety, mounting evidence indicates that NNS intake is associated with an alteration of intestinal bacterial populations (dysbiosis) in animals and humans. Since NNS are commercialized based on the assumption that they are not metabolized by human cells and negligible effect on bacterial, the insurgence of dysbiosis associated with NNS intake remains unexplained. The current review aims to assess the effect of selected NNS (acesulfame potassium, advantame, aspartame, neotame, saccharin, stevia, and sucralose) on the human intestinal microbiota. Findings from this review suggests that NNS intake is linked not only to alterations in human physiology but also to modifications of bacterial biochemistry, including the hindrance of quorum sensing pathways, in a species-specific manner. Moreover, there were suggestions that NNS could also affect the biology of phages, namely by binding to the active sites of proteins involved in the infection process and altering the induction rate of prophages. The studies gathered in the present review provide a framework for understanding how NNS might be connected to dysbiosis, both directly through alterations in bacterial biochemistry and indirectly through impaired phage activity.Publication Sucrose reduction with maintained sweetness level lowers glycemic fluctuations and energy intake in healthy males(2025) Gaider, Marlies; Kimmeswenger, Isabella; Schmidt, Jana; Thines, Cynthia; Wu, Anni; Stoffl, Teresa K.; Rust, Petra; Ley, Jakob P.; Krammer, Gerhard E.; Somoza, Veronika; Lieder, Barbara; Gaider, Marlies; Christian Doppler Laboratory for Taste Research, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Kimmeswenger, Isabella; Vienna Doctoral School of Chemistry (DoSChem), University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Schmidt, Jana; Department Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Institute of Clinical Nutrition, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany; Thines, Cynthia; Christian Doppler Laboratory for Taste Research, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Wu, Anni; Christian Doppler Laboratory for Taste Research, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Stoffl, Teresa K.; Christian Doppler Laboratory for Taste Research, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Rust, Petra; Department of Nutrional Science, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Ley, Jakob P.; Symrise AG, Holzminden, Germany; Krammer, Gerhard E.; Symrise AG, Holzminden, Germany; Somoza, Veronika; Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Vienna, AustriaIntroduction: The sole perception of sweet taste is discussed to interfere with postprandial blood glucose regulation and leading to enhanced cravings for sweet foods. This raises the question whether preserving sweetness while reducing sugar in a test solution can sustain beneficial effects on blood glucose regulation and subsequently decrease postprandial energy intake. Specifically, we hypothesized that reducing the caloric load of a sucrose solution while maintaining the perceived sweetness intensity by adding hesperetin as a taste modifier attenuates large fluctuations in postprandial blood glucose concentrations with beneficial effects on appetite and cravings for sweet foods. Methods: In a randomized crossover study with 32 healthy male participants, the effect of a 10% sucrose solution on blood glucose regulation and energy intake was compared to an equi-sweet 7% sucrose solution with 50 mg/L hesperetin. Data was analyzed using paired Student’s t-tests or Repeated-measures ANOVA. The study was approved by the ethical committee of the University of Vienna (approval number 00903) and registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05705596). Results: The results show that the decline in blood glucose concentrations was less pronounced after consumption of the 7% sucrose solution with hesperetin than after the isosweet 10% sucrose solution. Additionally, participants reported less desire for a sweet snack and had on average a 10 ± 7% (p < 0.05) lower energy intake after consumption of the 7% sucrose hesperetin-spiked solution. Conclusion: In conclusion, our results argue for a pronounced role of the carbohydrate content in postprandial appetite regulation.