Detection and phylogenetic analysis of blood-associated pathogens from spleen samples of wild raccoons (Procyon lotor) in Germany.

Raccoons (Procyon lotor) originated in North America and have been introduced to Europe. Due to their close contact with human settlements, they are important reservoirs for zoonotic pathogens, such as Baylisascaris procyonis. The relevance and prevalence of vector-borne pathogens have not yet been fully elucidated.

First detection and low prevalence of spp. in wild raccoons () from Central Europe.

The urinary bladder and lower urinary tract of domestic and wild carnivores can be parasitised by filamentous nematodes from the genus (syn. ). Infestations are often asymptomatic, but severe courses in dogs and cats have been described.

Molecular analysis of blood-associated pathogens in European wildcats () from Germany.

European wildcats () have not been investigated in large numbers for blood-associated pathogens in Germany, because wildcats, being a protected species, may not be hunted, and the collection of samples is therefore difficult. Thus, spleen tissue and whole blood from 96 wildcats from Germany found as roadkill or dead from other causes in the years 1998-2020 were examined for the prevalence of blood associated pathogens using molecular genetic tools. PCR was used to screen for haemotrophic spp.

Geographic Distribution of Raccoon Roundworm, Baylisascaris procyonis, Germany and Luxembourg.

Infestation with Baylisascaris procyonis, a gastrointestinal nematode of the raccoon, can cause fatal disease in humans. We found that the parasite is widespread in central Germany and can pose a public health risk. The spread of B.

ARR22 overexpression can suppress plant Two-Component Regulatory Systems.

In plants, several developmental processes are co-coordinated by cytokinins via phosphorylation dependent processes of the Two-Component System (TCS). An outstanding challenge is to track phosphorelay flow from cytokinin perception to its molecular outputs, of which gene activation plays a major role. To address this issue, a kinetic-based reporter system was expounded to track TCS phosphorelay activity in vivo that can distinguish between basal and cytokinin dependent effects of overexpressed TCS members.

Multiple impacts of the plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium Variovorax paradoxus 5C-2 on nutrient and ABA relations of Pisum sativum.

Resolving the physiological mechanisms by which rhizobacteria enhance plant growth is difficult, since many such bacteria contain multiple plant growth-promoting properties. To understand further how the 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase (ACCd)-containing rhizobacterium Variovorax paradoxus 5C-2 affects plant growth, the flows and partitioning of mineral nutrients and abscisic acid (ABA) and ABA metabolism were studied in pea (Pisum sativum) plants following rhizosphere bacterial inoculation. Although root architecture was not affected, inoculation increased root and shoot biomass, and stomatal conductance, by 20, 15, and 24%, respectively, and increased N, P, K, Ca, and Mg uptake by 16, 81, 50, 46, and 58%, respectively.

Age at first oral contraceptive use as a major determinant of vertebral bone mass in female endurance athletes.

It was the aim of this retrospective analysis to examine the influence of low-dose monophasic oral contraceptives (OCs) on bone mineral density (BMD) of the femoral neck and of the spine in young female endurance athletes. Data on training intensity, dietary intake, menarche, menstrual cycle disorders, years of OC use, and age at first OC use were determined by a self-report questionnaire. Only athletes performing regular endurance exercise for more than 3 years with more than 3 h of exercise per week were included in this study and underwent a clinical assessment including measurement of weight, height, spine, and hip BMD by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and collection of a blood sample.

Attenuation of blood parameters in smokers and non-smokers after intake of a complex food additive.

This report describes an intervention study with healthy volunteers (20 smokers, 28 non-smokers) taking a food additive mainly containing vitamin C (ascorbic acid), vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol), ubiquinone (Q10), vitamin A and zinkoxide for four weeks in a double blind, randomized and placebo controlled manner. Before and after the intervention blood was withdrawn and general blood parameters were analyzed. In addition, lipid soluble antioxidants were analyzed in blood plasma by HPLC and the water soluble antioxidative properties were tested with the enzymic xanthin/xanthinoxidase-reaction.

Proprioception and isometric muscular strength in haemophilic subjects.

Haemophilia is characterized by intra-articular bleeding, often requiring immobilization, which may result in muscle atrophy and impaired proprioception. The aim of the study was to investigate differences in proprioceptive performance and isometric muscular strength of the lower limbs in haemophilic subjects compared with control subjects. Twelve subjects with severe haemophilia (11 haemophilia A; one haemophilia B) vs.

Hereditary thrombophilia in elite athletes.

Purpose: Although under normal circumstances exercise prevents thrombosis, there are cases in the literature that indicate a connection between exercise and the onset of thrombosis. In the average population, hereditary thrombophilia is a major cause of thrombosis. However, nothing is known about the prevalence of hereditary thrombophilia in elite athletes.

Clinical sciences and orthopaedics: case report homozygous APC resistance in an elite athlete.

We report the case of a 31 year old female elite athlete. During a routine check-up including a search for hereditary hemostatic risk factors for thrombosis, resistance to activated protein C was detected. Molecular analysis of the factor V gene revealed homozygosity for the factor V Leiden mutation.

APC resistance in an elite female athlete.

In a routine checkup the family history of an elite female mogul skier was found to contain an unusually high number of thrombotic incidents. This prompted us to do diagnostic thrombophilia studies, which revealed a resistance to activated protein C, a heterozygous factor V Leiden disorder. This is the first documented case of APC resistance in an elite female athlete.

Effects on bone mineral density of low-dosed oral contraceptives compared to and combined with physical activity.

A cross-sectional study was designed to examine the influence of exercise compared to and in combination with low-dosed oral contraceptives (OCs) on bone mineral density (BMD). One hundred twenty-eight women (20 to 35 years of age) were assigned to four groups with respect to the years of exercise and OC intake. Influence factors were determined by a detailed questionnaire and interview.

[Hemodynamics and ergometric performance modified by low dosage oral contraceptives].

In this pilot study hemodynamic parameters under base-line and performance conditions during a cycle without (N) and with low-dosed oral contraceptives (OC) were of interest. A group of 6 women (age 23.2 +/- 2.

Cyclic ovarian function in recreational athletes.

In 17 female recreational athletes, ovarian function was monitored using daily hormone measurements and serial ultrasound determinations. Whereas 11 out of 13 women of a control group showed estradiol (E2) maxima beyond 470 pmol/l, progesterone (P4) maxima of 19 nmol/l or more, and a luteal phase length of 9 days or more, only 10 out of 17 athletes satisfied these criteria. Six athletes showed disturbed follicular development, and one athlete showed luteal phase disturbance.