A Multipole Magnetoactive Elastomer for Vibration-Driven Locomotion

Smart materials such as magnetoactive elastomers (MAEs) combine elastic and magnetic properties that can be significantly changed in response to a magnetic field and therefore offer enormous potential for applications in both scientific research and engineering. When such an elastomer contains microsized hard magnetic particles, it can become an elastic magnet once magnetized in a strong magnetic field. This article studies a multipole MAE with the aim of utilizing it as an actuation element of vibration-driven locomotion robots. The elastomer beam has three magnetic poles overall with the same poles at the ends and possesses silicone bristles protruding from its underside. The quasi-static bending of the multipole elastomer in a uniform magnetic field is investigated experimentally. The theoretical model exploits the magnetic torque to describe the field-induced bending shapes. The unidirectional locomotion of the elastomeric bristle-bot is realized in two prototype designs using magnetic actuation of either an external or an integrated source of an alternating magnetic field. The motion principle is based on cyclic interplay of asymmetric friction and inertia forces caused by field-induced bending vibrations of the elastomer. The locomotion behavior of both prototypes shows a strong resonant dependency of the advancing speed on the frequency of applied magnetic actuation.

Distinctive gut microbiomes of ankylosing spondylitis and inflammatory bowel disease patients suggest differing roles in pathogenesis and correlate with disease activity

BACKGROUND

Multiple studies have confirmed dysbiosis in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); however, due to methodological differences across studies, it has not been possible to determine if these diseases have similar or different gut microbiomes.

RESULTS

In this study, faecal and intestinal biopsies were obtained from 33 Australian AS patients (including 5 with concomitant IBD, 'AS-IBD'), 59 IBD patients and 105 healthy controls. Stool samples were also obtained from 16 Italian AS patients and 136 Swedish AS patients. Focusing on the Australian cohort, AS, AS-IBD and IBD patients differed from one another and from healthy controls in both alpha and beta diversity. AS patients with and without clinical IBD could be distinguished from one another with moderate accuracy using stool microbiome (AUC=0.754). Stool microbiome also accurately distinguished IBD patients from healthy controls (AUC=0.757). Microbiome composition was correlated with disease activity measured by BASDAI and faecal calprotectin (FCP) levels. Enrichment of potentially pathogenic Streptococcus was noted in AS, AS-IBD and IBD patients. Furthermore, enrichment of another potentially pathogenic genus, Haemophilus, was observed in AS, AS-IBD, IBD, AS patients with increased BASDAI, and IBD patients with faecal calprotectin >100 μg/mg. Apart from these genera, no other taxa were shared between AS and IBD patients.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, the distinct gut microbiome of AS and AS-IBD patients compared to IBD patients and healthy controls is consistent with immunological and genetic evidence suggesting that the gut plays a different role in driving AS compared with IBD. However, enrichment of two potentially pathogenic genera in both diseases suggests that the presence of a shared/common microbial trigger of disease cannot be discounted.

First Nationwide Monitoring Program for the Detection of Potentially Invasive Mosquito Species in Austria

Simple Summary

In the last years several alien mosquito species have been introduced into Austria. Those species pose a threat, as they—especially the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus)—can transmit many pathogens. The aim of this study is a nationwide overview on the situation of alien mosquitoes in Austria. Using traps representing ideal breeding sites for those mosquitoes, we collected, counted and identified the species of the mosquito eggs laid in the traps. The Asian tiger mosquito was found at two sites, once in Tyrol, where this species has been reported before, and for the first time in the province of Lower Austria. The Asian bush mosquito (Aedes japonicus) was widespread and abundant in Austria. Although it was found in all provinces, the Asian bush mosquito was more often found in the South than the North and more eggs were collected in urban/industrial/transport areas than in (mostly) natural areas. Further, more eggs from the Asian bush mosquito were found in samples collected at higher daily mean temperatures, and fewer eggs in samples collected at higher daily maximum wind speeds. The results of this study will help to better understand the risk from alien mosquitoes to human health in Austria and will be useful to show future changes in the distribution of those species.

Abstract

In Austria, only fragmented information on the occurrence of alien and potentially invasive mosquito species exists. The aim of this study is a nationwide overview on the situation of those mosquitoes in Austria. Using a nationwide uniform protocol for the first time, mosquito eggs were sampled with ovitraps at 45 locations in Austria at weekly intervals from May to October 2020. The sampled eggs were counted and the species were identified by genetic analysis. The Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus was found at two sites, once in Tyrol, where this species has been reported before, and for the first time in the province of Lower Austria, at a motorway rest stop. The Asian bush mosquito Aedes japonicus was widespread in Austria. It was found in all provinces and was the most abundant species in the ovitraps by far. Aedes japonicus was more abundant in the South than in the North and more eggs were found in habitats with artificial surfaces than in (semi-) natural areas. Further, the number of Ae. japonicus eggs increased with higher ambient temperature and decreased with higher wind speed. The results of this study will contribute to a better estimation of the risk of mosquito-borne disease in Austria and will be a useful baseline for a future documentation of changes in the distribution of those species.

Depression, anxiety, fatigue, and quality of life in a large sample of patients suffering from head and neck cancer in comparison with the general population

BACKGROUND

Treatment of head and neck cancer (HNC) often leads to visible and severe functional impairments. In addition, patients often suffer from a variety of psychosocial problems, significantly associated with a decreased quality of life. We aimed to compare depression, anxiety, fatigue and quality of life (QoL) between HNC patients and a large sample of the general population in Germany and to examine the impact of sociodemographic, behavioral and clinical factors on these symptoms.

METHODS

We assessed data of HNC patients during the aftercare consultation at the Leipzig University Medical Center with a patient reported outcome (PRO) tool named "OncoFunction". Depression, anxiety, fatigue and QoL were assessed using validated outcome measures including the PHQ-9, the GAD-2, and the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire.

RESULTS

A total of 817 HNC patients were included in our study and compared to a sample of 5018 individuals of the general German population. HNC patients showed significantly higher levels of impairment in all dimensions assessed. Examination of association between depression, anxiety, fatigue and QoL and clinical as well as sociodemographic variables showed significant relationships between occupational status, ECOG-state, body mass index and time since diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

HNC patients suffer significantly from psychological distress. The used questionnaires are suitable for the use in daily routine practice and can be helpful to increase the detection of depression, anxiety and fatigue and therefore can improve HNC aftercare.

Actuators based on a controlled particle-matrix interaction in magnetic hybrid materials for applications in locomotion and manipulation systems

The paper deals with the investigation of magneto-sensitive elastomers (MSE) and their application in technical actuator systems. MSE consist of an elastic matrix containing suspended magnetically soft and/or hard particles. Additionally, they can also contain silicone oil, graphite particles, thermoplastic components, etc., in various concentrations in order to tune specific properties such as viscosity, conductivity and thermoelasticity, respectively. The focuses of investigations are the beneficial properties of MSE in prototypes for locomotion and manipulation purposes that possess an integrated sensor function. The research follows the principle of a model-based design, i.e. the working steps are ideation, mathematical modelling, material characterization as well as building first functional models (prototypes). The developed apedal (without legs) and non-wheeled locomotion systems use the interplay between material deformations and the mechanical motion in connection with the issues of control and stability. Non-linear friction phenomena lead to a monotonous forward motion of the systems. The aim of this study is the design of such mechanical structures, which reduce the control costs. The investigations deal with the movement and control of ‘intelligent’ mechanisms, for which the magnetically field-controlled particle-matrix interactions provide an appropriate approach. The presented grippers enclose partially gripped objects, which is an advantage for handling sensitive objects. Form-fit grippers with adaptable contour at the contact area enable a uniform pressure distribution on the surface of gripped objects. Furthermore, with the possibility of active shape adaptation, objects with significantly differing geometries can be gripped. To realise the desired active shape adaptation, the effect of field-induced plasticity of MSE is used. The first developed prototypes mainly confirm the functional principles as such without direct application. For this, besides the ability of locomotion and manipulation itself, further technological possibilities have to be added to the systems. The first steps are therefore being taken towards integrated MSE based adaptive sensor systems.

Magnetoactive elastomers for magnetically tunable vibrating sensor systems

Magnetoactive elastomers (MAEs) are a special type of smart materials consisting of an elastic matrix with embedded microsized particles that are made of ferromagnetic materials with high or low coercivity. Due to their composition, such elastomers possess unique magnetic field-dependent material properties. The present paper compiles the results of investigations on MAEs towards an approach of their potential application as vibrating sensor elements with adaptable sensitivity. Starting with the model-based and experimental studies of the free vibrational behavior displayed by cantilevers made of MAEs, it is shown that the first bending eigenfrequency of the cantilevers depends strongly on the strength of an applied uniform magnetic field. The investigations of the forced vibration response of MAE beams subjected to in-plane kinematic excitation confirm the possibility of active magnetic control of the amplitude-frequency characteristics. With change of the uniform field strength, the MAE beam reveals different steady-state responses for the same excitation, and the resonance may occur at various ranges of the excitation frequency. Nonlinear dependencies of the amplification ratio on the excitation frequency are obtained for different magnitudes of the applied field. Furthermore, it is shown that the steady-state vibrations of MAE beams can be detected based on the magnetic field distortion. The field difference, which is measured simultaneously on the sides of a vibrating MAE beam, provides a signal with the same frequency as the excitation and an amplitude proportional to the amplitude of resulting vibrations. The presented prototype of the MAE-based vibrating unit with the field-controlled “configuration” can be implemented for realization of acceleration sensor systems with adaptable sensitivity. The ongoing research on MAEs is oriented to the use of other geometrical forms along with beams, e.g. two-dimensional structures such as membranes.

How industrial bacterial cultures can be kept stable over time

The tremendous variation that exists between bacterial species illustrates the power of evolution, which is the continuous process of mutation and selection over time. Even within a bacterial species, individual members can harbour an impressive degree of genetic variation, depending on the species. The question then arises how similar the offspring of a given bacterial cell over time is, and how long it takes before differences are noticeable? Here we show that on the one hand one can expect random mutations to arise, as a result of various mechanisms. On the other hand, there are forces at play that keep the offspring of a cell genetically relatively constant, unless there is selection for a particular characteristic. The most common mechanisms behind mutations that can appear in a bacterial population are briefly introduced. Next, it is explained why nevertheless such mutations are rarely observed, as long as single colonies are randomly selected, unless selective pressures apply. Since quality control of industrial bacterial cultures is likely to depend heavily on genome sequencing in the near future, the accuracy of whole‐genomic sequencing technologies is also discussed. It can be concluded that the bacteriologists who started picking single colonies from agar plates more than hundred years ago were unknowingly ingeneous, as their practice maintains a bacterial culture stable over time.

Significance and Impact of Study

The questions addressed here are relevant for industries that depend on live bacteria for (manufacturing of) their products, as they have to guard their bacterial cultures that remain unchanged over time. The explanation why randomly selection of single colonies keeps a population stable can be of use in bacteriology courses. The limitations of whole‐genome sequencing are relevant to legislators to avoid overinterpretation of those data.

A combination of LCPUFA ameliorates airway inflammation in asthmatic mice by promoting pro-resolving effects and reducing adverse effects of EPA

Lipid mediators derived from omega (n)-3 and n-6 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) play key roles in bronchoconstriction, airway inflammation, and resolution processes in asthma. This study compared the effects of dietary supplementation with either a combination of LCPUFAs or eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) alone to investigate whether the combination has superior beneficial effects on the outcome of asthmatic mice. Mice were sensitized with house dust mite (HDM) extract, and subsequently supplemented with either a combination of LCPUFAs or EPA alone in a recall asthma model. After the final HDM and LCPUFA administration, airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), bronchoalveolar lavages, and lung histochemistry were examined. Lipid mediator profiles were determined by liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS). The LCPUFA combination reduced AHR, eosinophilic inflammation, and inflammatory cytokines (IL-5, IFN-γ, and IL-6) in asthmatic mice, whereas EPA enhanced inflammation. The combination of LCPUFAs was more potent in downregulating EPA-derived LTB₅ and LTC₅ and in supporting DHA-derived RvD1 and RvD4 (2.22-fold and 2.58-fold higher levels) than EPA alone. Ex vivo experiments showed that LTB₅ contributes to granulocytes' migration and M1-polarization in monocytes. Consequently, the LCPUFA combination ameliorated airway inflammation by inhibiting adverse effects of EPA and promoting pro-resolving effects supporting the lipid mediator-dependent resolution program.

A specific combined long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation reverses fatty acid profile alterations in a mouse model of chronic asthma

Background

The immune-modulating potential of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) based on their conversion into lipid mediators in inflammatory situations has been proven by several studies. Respecting the immune-modulative role of lipid mediators in bronchoconstriction, airway inflammation and resolution of inflammatory processes, LCPUFAs play an important role in asthma. To design a disease-specific and most beneficial LCPUFA supplementation strategy, it is essential to understand how asthma alters LCPUFA profiles. Therefore, this study characterizes the alterations of LCPUFA profiles induced by allergic asthma. In addition, this study explores whether a simple eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) alone or a specific combined LCPUFA supplementation could restore imbalanced LCPUFA profiles.

Methods

Mice were sensitized with a daily dose of 40 μg house dust mite (HDM)-extract in a recall model and fed with either normal diet, EPA or a specific combined (sc)-LCPUFA supplementation containing EPA, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), γ -linolenic acid (GLA) and stearidonic acid (SDA) for 24 days. After recall with HDM, mice were sacrificed and blood and lung tissue were collected. Fatty acid profiles were determined in plasma, blood cells and lung cells of asthmatic mice by capillary gas-chromatography.

Results

In lung cells of asthmatic mice, arachidonic acid (AA, p < 0.001) and DHA (p < 0.01) were increased while dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DGLA, p < 0.05) was decreased. EPA supplementation increased only EPA (p < 0.001) and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA, p < 0.001), but neither DGLA nor DHA in lung cells of asthmatic mice. In contrast, a specific combined dietary supplementation containing n-3 and n-6 LCPUFAs could decrease AA (p < 0.001), increase EPA (p < 0.001), DPA (p < 0.001) and DHA (p < 0.01) and could reverse the lack of DGLA (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

In summary, allergic asthma alters LCPUFA profiles in blood and lung tissue. In contrast to the EPA supplementation, the distinct combination of n-3 and n-6 LCPUFAs restored the LCPUFA profiles in lung tissue of asthmatic mice completely. Subsequently, sc-LCPUFA supplementation is likely to be highly supportive in limiting and resolving the inflammatory process in asthma.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12944-018-0947-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Impact of antibiotic administration on blood culture positivity at the beginning of sepsis: a prospective clinical cohort study

OBJECTIVES

Sepsis guidelines recommend obtaining blood cultures before starting anti-infective therapy in patients with sepsis. However, little is known of how antibiotic treatment before sampling affects bacterial growth. The aim of this study was to compare the results of blood cultures drawn before and during antibiotic therapy.

METHODS

Prospective clinical cohort study of septic patients. Adult intensive care unit patients with two or three blood culture sets at the beginning of sepsis between 2010 and 2017 were included. Patients with blood culture samples obtained before antibiotic therapy were compared with patients with samples taken during antibiotic therapy. Blood culture positivity, defined as presence of a microbiological pathogen, was compared between the groups. Logistic regression was performed to adjust the impact of different factors with respect to blood culture positivity.

RESULTS

In total, 559 patients with 1364 blood culture sets at the beginning of sepsis were analysed. Blood culture positivity was 50.6% (78/154) among patients with sepsis who did not receive antibiotics and only 27.7% (112/405) in those who were already receiving antibiotics (p <0.001). Logistic regression revealed antibiotic therapy as an independent factor for less pathogen identification (odds ratio 0.4; 95% CI 0.3-0.6). Gram-positive pathogens (28.3% (111/392) versus 11.9% (116/972); p <0.001) and also Gram-negative pathogens (16.3% (64/392) versus 9.3% (90/972); p <0.001) were more frequent in blood culture sets drawn before antibiotic therapy compared with sets obtained during antibiotic therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Obtaining blood cultures during antibiotic therapy is associated with a significant loss of pathogen detection. This strongly emphasizes the current recommendation to obtain blood cultures before antibiotic administration in patients with sepsis.

Fluorescent Labeling and 2-Photon Imaging of Mouse Tooth Pulp Nociceptors

Retrograde fluorescent labeling of dental primary afferent neurons (DPANs) has been described in rats through crystalline fluorescent DiI, while in the mouse, this technique was achieved with only Fluoro-Gold, a neurotoxic fluorescent dye with membrane penetration characteristics superior to the carbocyanine dyes. We reevaluated this technique in the rat with the aim to transfer it to the mouse because comprehensive physiologic studies require access to the mouse as a model organism. Using conventional immunohistochemistry, we assessed in rats and mice the speed of axonal dye transport from the application site to the trigeminal ganglion, the numbers of stained DPANs, and the fluorescence intensity via 1) conventional crystalline DiI and 2) a novel DiI formulation with improved penetration properties and staining efficiency. A 3-dimensional reconstruction of an entire trigeminal ganglion with 2-photon laser scanning fluorescence microscopy permitted visualization of DPANs in all 3 divisions of the trigeminal nerve. We quantified DPANs in mice expressing the farnesylated enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFPf) from the transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 8 (TRPM8^EGFPf/+) locus in the 3 branches. We also evaluated the viability of the labeled DPANs in dissociated trigeminal ganglion cultures using calcium microfluorometry, and we assessed the sensitivity to capsaicin, an agonist of the TRPV1 receptor. Reproducible DiI labeling of DPANs in the mouse is an important tool 1) to investigate the molecular and functional specialization of DPANs within the trigeminal nociceptive system and 2) to recognize exclusive molecular characteristics that differentiate nociception in the trigeminal system from that in the somatic system. A versatile tool to enhance our understanding of the molecular composition and characteristics of DPANs will be essential for the development of mechanism-based therapeutic approaches for dentine hypersensitivity and inflammatory tooth pain.

Microwave as an emerging technology for the treatment of biohazardous waste: A mini-review

Microwave is an emerging technology to treat biohazardous waste, including material from healthcare facilities. A screen of the peer-reviewed literature shows that only limited information may be found in this area of work and, furthermore, analysis of the references reveals that sometimes not all necessary aspects for the appropriate use of the technology are considered. Very often conventional microwave technology is applied for the inactivation of pathogens, which might make sense for certain applications but, on the other hand, may lead to the misbelief that microwave systems cannot be used for the inactivation of a solid "dry" waste. However, conventional microwave units have no means to control the inactivation process, and especially moisture content. But there are a few sophisticated microwave technologies with appropriate measurements allowing a validated inactivation of biohazardous materials. These technologies are an effective tool for inactivation and some of them are commercially available. It must also be considered that the waste should be preferably inactivated either directly at the place where it is generated or biohazardous waste should be transported only in closed systems. Moreover, microwave technology presents a possibility to save energy costs in comparison to the more widely used autoclaves. This mini-review will discuss important aspects for the use of microwave technology for the treatment of biohazardous waste.

Prevention of Allograft Rejection by Use of Regulatory T Cells With an MHC-Specific Chimeric Antigen Receptor

CD4⁺ CD25^high FOXP3⁺ regulatory T cells (Tregs) are involved in graft-specific tolerance after solid organ transplantation. However, adoptive transfer of polyspecific Tregs alone is insufficient to prevent graft rejection even in rodent models, indicating that graft-specific Tregs are required. We developed a highly specific chimeric antigen receptor that recognizes the HLA molecule A*02 (referred to as A2-CAR). Transduction into natural regulatory T cells (nTregs) changes the specificity of the nTregs without alteration of their regulatory phenotype and epigenetic stability. Activation of nTregs via the A2-CAR induced proliferation and enhanced the suppressor function of modified nTregs. Compared with nTregs, A2-CAR Tregs exhibited superior control of strong allospecific immune responses in vitro and in humanized mouse models. A2-CAR Tregs completely prevented rejection of allogeneic target cells and tissues in immune reconstituted humanized mice in the absence of any immunosuppression. Therefore, these modified cells have great potential for incorporation into clinical trials of Treg-supported weaning after allogeneic transplantation.

Kinematic response in limb and body posture to sensory feedback from carpal sinus hairs in the rat (Rattus norvegicus)

One of the most challenging adaptations within the therians has been to ensure dynamic stability of the trunk during rapid locomotion in highly structured environments. A reorganization of limb mechanics and development of new sensors has taken place within their stem lineage. Rats, which have a similar lifestyle to the first therians, possess sinus hairs specialized for tactile sensing. It is supposed that carpal sinus hairs have a role in sensing substrate properties and can thus induce adjustments in limb kinematics and body posture according to the different surface diameters and structures detected. This implies a shared sensorimotor control loop of sinus hairs and body posture. To investigate the role of the carpal sinus hairs during locomotion and to explore a possible interaction between limb and spine motion, spatiotemporal and kinematic parameters as well as the contact mechanics of the hairs with regard to the surface were quantified. Locomotion on a treadmill with continuous and discontinuous substrates was compared in the presence/absence of the carpal sinus hairs across a speed range from 0.2m/s to 0.6m/s. Recordings were taken synchronously using x-ray fluoroscopy and normal-light high-speed cameras. Our investigation revealed that the three tactile hairs made a triangle-like contact with the ground approximately 30ms before touchdown of the forelimb. Within that time, it is likely that both the body posture and its oscillation are adjusted according to the different surface textures. The sensory input of the carpal sinus hairs induces a stabilization of the trajectory of the center of mass and, therefore, improves the dynamic stability of the trunk; conversely, the absence of the sensors results in a more crouched frontal body posture, similar to that seen in rats when they are moving in an unknown terrain. The carpal sinus hairs also sense the animal's speed during surface contact. This implicates an adjustment of the limb and spine kinematics, by increasing the speed-dependent effect or by increasing the distance between the trunk and the ground when the rat is walking faster.

Application of Lectin Array Technology for Biobetter Characterization: Its Correlation with FcγRIII Binding and ADCC

Lectin microarray technology was applied to compare the glycosylation pattern of the monoclonal antibody MB311 expressed in SP2.0 cells to an antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxic effector function (ADCC)-optimized variant (MB314). MB314 was generated by a plant expression system that uses genetically modified moss protoplasts (Physcomitrella patens) to generate a de-fucosylated version of MB311. In contrast to MB311, no or very low interactions of MB314 with lectins Aspergillus oryzae l-fucose (AOL), Pisum sativum agglutinin (PSA), Lens culinaris agglutinin (LCA), and Aleuria aurantia lectin (AAL) were observed. These lectins are specific for mono-/biantennary N-glycans containing a core fucose residue. Importantly, this fucose indicative lectin-binding pattern correlated with increased MB314 binding to CD16 (FcγRIII; receptor for the constant region of an antibody)—whose affinity is mediated through core fucosylation—and stronger ADCC. In summary, these results demonstrate that lectin microarrays are useful orthogonal methods during antibody development and for characterization.

An overview of the phenological observation network and the phenological database of Germany's national meteorological service (Deutscher Wetterdienst)

Abstract. First phenological observations have been performed in Germany already in the 18th century. The onset dates of characteristic phases of plant development (phenological phases) are observed and recorded. Today, Germany's national meteorological service (Deutscher Wetterdienst, DWD) maintains a dense phenological observation network and a database with phenological observations. The data are used in many applications, esp. for advisory activities to agriculture or pollen dispersion information.

Voluntarily exposure to a single, high dose of probiotic Escherichia coli results in prolonged colonisation

The ability of probiotic Escherichia coli to colonise the human gut was determined in a volunteer study following national (German) regulations. Five persons voluntarily took a single, high dose of Symbioflor®2, which contains 6 different probiotic E. coli genotypes, to assess tolerance of the product, after which presence of E. coli in their faeces was tested for a follow-up period of 30 weeks. Intake of the product did not result in severe side effect in any of the individuals, though mild side effects were observed. Stool analysis showed that the probiotic E. coli had colonised all five persons for a period of 10 to 30 weeks (mean: 18.7 weeks, median: 25.7 weeks). In two individuals there was evidence of competition between host E. coli and probiotic E. coli, while in two others total E. coli levels increased persistently with at least a factor of 10 as a result of the received dose. In one individual, who had lacked detectable levels of faecal E. coli at the start of the post-authorisation safety study, long-term colonisation was established, first by probiotic E. coli exclusively, which were later replaced by host E. coli strains. In four out of five individuals, total E. coli faecal counts were higher on average than at the start of the experiment, while in none total levels exceeded 5×107 cfu/g. When the specific genotypes of the 6 probiotic E. coli were analysed, it was found that one and the same common genotype was responsible for prolonged colonisation in all five individuals.

Interaction effects on dynamical localization in driven helium

Dynamical localization prevents driven atomic systems from fast fragmentation by hampering the excitation process. We present numerical simulations within a collinear model of microwave-driven helium Rydberg atoms and prove that dynamical localization survives the impact of electron-electron interaction, even for doubly excited states in the presence of fast autoionization. We conclude that the effect of electron-electron repulsion on localization can be described by an appropriate rescaling of the atomic level density and of the external field with the strength of the interaction.

Polymorphie von Cs3Tl2Br9

Cs3Tl2Br9, which has been synthesized either by heating a 3:2 mixture of CsBr/TlBr with bromine in a closed system or by reaction of these components in aqueous solutions, shows dimorphism. The phase transition (170 °C) was characterized by thermal analysis and X-ray diffraction. The low temperature modification α-Cs3TlBr9 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/m (a = 964.98(9), b = 779.49(7), c = 1382.16(13) pm, β = 92.68(1)°, Z = 2). The structure is built up from TlBr6 octahedra linked by sharing vertices to chains and isolated TlBr4 tetrahedra. The high tem perature modification β-Cs3Tl2Br9 represents the undistorted trigonal Cs3Bi2Br9-type structure (a = 796.80(8), c - 982.98(15) pm).

Die Kristallstruktur des wasserfreien CsTlI4 / The Crystal Structure of Dehydrated CsTlI4

CsTlI4, which has been synthesized either by heating of a 1:1 mixture of CsI/TlI with iodine in a closed system or by dehydration of CsTlI4 · 2H2O, crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/c with a = 731.10(24) pm. b = 1870.42(126) pm. c = 847.70(43) pm. β = 105.14(4)°. Z = 4.

In the crystal structure the Cs cations are coordinated by 11 iodine atoms which belong to seven TlI4 anions.

[Quality of life in primary and adjuvant veterinary radiation therapy. An owner survey]

OBJECTIVE

External radiation therapy has been available since 2011 for small animals at the University of Munich. The aim of the study was to evaluate the quality of life of treated pets and the satisfaction of their owners.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The questionnaire was sent to the owners of all the pets (n = 91) that had undergone primary or adjuvant radiotherapy at the Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, University of Munich, since April 2011.

RESULTS

The questionnaire was returned by 68 (74.7%) owners. According to their assessment, the quality of life improved in 41 cases (60.3%) after treatment where- as in 13 patients (19.1%) a decline was described. The majority of owners (88.2%) would have decided for repeated radiation therapy.

CONCLUSION

Improvement of the animals' quality of life is related to a high satisfaction (83.8%) of the owners (p = 0.003) and their positive attitude towards radiotherapy (p = 0.027).

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Analyses showed that for these owners, the treatment was a worthwhile therapy despite it requiring much time and money.

Towards a consensus on a hearing preservation classification system

CONCLUSION

The comprehensive Hearing Preservation classification system presented in this paper is suitable for use for all cochlear implant users with measurable pre-operative residual hearing. If adopted as a universal reporting standard, as it was designed to be, it should prove highly beneficial by enabling future studies to quickly and easily compare the results of previous studies and meta-analyze their data.

OBJECTIVES

To develop a comprehensive Hearing Preservation classification system suitable for use for all cochlear implant users with measurable pre-operative residual hearing.

METHODS

The HEARRING group discussed and reviewed a number of different propositions of a HP classification systems and reviewed critical appraisals to develop a qualitative system in accordance with the prerequisites.

RESULTS

The Hearing Preservation Classification System proposed herein fulfills the following necessary criteria: 1) classification is independent from users' initial hearing, 2) it is appropriate for all cochlear implant users with measurable pre-operative residual hearing, 3) it covers the whole range of pure tone average from 0 to 120 dB; 4) it is easy to use and easy to understand.

Monitoring of climate change in Germany – data, products and services of Germany's National Climate Data Centre

Abstract. Germany's national meteorological service (Deutscher Wetterdienst, DWD) is the responsible authority for monitoring climate change in Germany. To fulfill this task it operates the National Climate Data Centre ("Nationales KlimaDatenZentrum, NKDZ"). The historical and current instrumental measurements and visual observations of DWD's station network are archived, quality-controlled and used to provide aggregated products, as for example daily and monthly means or climate normals. Gridded data are generated and used to derive time series of national and regional averages. Phenological observations and radiosonde data are also part of the data base. In recent years, additional historical data have been digitized to expand the data base. The products are used for informing the public, e.g. as an element of the German climate atlas (http://www.deutscher-klimaatlas.de). One major recent activity was the provision of information for the new climatological reference interval 1981–2010 and an updated climatological analysis based on the newly digitized data.

Occurrence of livestock-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Turkey and broiler barns and contamination of air and soil surfaces in their vicinity

The emission of microorganisms, especially resistant bacteria such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), from poultry farms is of public interest, and its occurrence and relevance are controversially discussed. So far, there are limited data on this issue. In this study, we investigated the occurrence of livestock-associated (LA)-MRSA inside and outside previously tested MRSA-positive poultry barns in Germany. In total, five turkey and two broiler fattening farms were investigated four and three times, respectively. In a longitudinal study during one fattening period, samples were collected from animals, the animals' environment inside the barn, including the air, and the barns' surroundings, such as ambient air and boot swabs of ground surfaces at different distances from the barn. Moreover, a cross-sectional study was carried out once inside the barns on five turkey and four broiler farms during the last third of the fatting period. In the cross-sectional study, LA-MRSA was detected in the air of most barns (7 of 9, 77.8%), as well as in many samples originating from animals, with detections levels of 50 to 54% in broiler and 62 to 77% in turkey farms. In the longitudinal study, LA-MRSA was found in the ambient air outside two turkey barns and on the ground surface on the downwind side of many (44.4%) turkey and broiler farms. The same spa types of isolates were observed inside and outside the barns. Transmission of MRSA within poultry farms, as well as emission via the airborne route, seems to be possible.