RNA-based stable isotope probing provides no indication for rapid α-synuclein assimilation by murine gut bacteria.

In Parkinson's disease (PD), α-synuclein is a key protein in the process of neurodegeneration. Besides motor symptoms, most PD patients additionally suffer from gastrointestinal tract (GIT) dysfunctions, even several years before the onset of motor disabilities. Studies have reported a dysbiosis of gut bacteria in PD patients compared to healthy controls and have suggested that the enteric nervous system (ENS) can be involved in the development of the disease.

Minority report: small-scale metagenomic analysis of the non-bacterial kitchen sponge microbiota.

Kitchen sponges are particularly well known to harbor a high number and diversity of bacteria, including pathogens. Viruses, archaea, and eukaryotes in kitchen sponges, however, have not been examined in detail so far. To increase knowledge on the non-bacterial kitchen sponge microbiota and its potential hygienic relevance, we investigated five used kitchen sponges by means of metagenomic shot-gun sequencing.

Using autofluorescence for microplastic detection - Heat treatment increases the autofluorescence of microplastics1.

Introduction: More and more researchers are studying the effects of microplastics on the environment and the organisms living in it. Existing detection methods still require a heavy workload, complex sample preparation and high costs. In this study, autofluorescence of plastic was used as a new method for microplastic detection.

[Medicolegal aspects of child abuse].

Clinical Issue: The prevention and clinical diagnostics of maltreatment of children and adolescents represents a great challenge to all medical disciplines concerned; therefore, an interdisciplinary collaboration is indispensable.

Diagnostics: Medicolegal experts require specific radiological examination methods for the differentiation between accidental and non-accidental injuries, depending on the corresponding point in question. In addition, a clear and structured radiological appraisal of the findings is necessary.

[Bilirubin level and estrogen elimination in newborns (author's transl)].

Free estradiol and estriol was determined radioimmunologically in cord blood and in peripheral venous blood during the third, fifth and seventh day of life. The steroid level of a group of children with icterus neonatorum simplex were compared with an anicteric control group. In spite of the higher level of estriol in cord blood during the first week of life, estriol was eliminated much more rapidly than estradiol and independent of the bilirubin level.