Insufficient Vitamin D Response to Solar Radiation in German Patients with Type 2 Diabetes or Gestational Diabetes.

Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in all forms of diabetes mellitus. Recently, we reported how ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation affected vitamin D [25(OH)D3] concentrations in patients with type 1 diabetes. Our aim was to analyze whether patients with non-autoimmune diabetes, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) also show the same vitamin D profile in relation to environmental factors including ambient temperature as an indirect parameter for outdoor activities.

Nitrogen deposition along differently exposed slopes in the Bavarian Alps.

The Alps are affected by high nitrogen deposition, particularly in the fringe of the Northern and Southern Alps. In the framework of a two-year monitoring study performed in 2010 and 2011, we investigated the ammonia and nitrogen dioxide air concentration and ammonium and nitrate deposition at different altitudes between 700 and 1,600 ma.s.

Time trend of UVB irradiation and the vitamin D concentration in German type 1 diabetes patients.

Background: Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease which is characterised by the destruction of insulin-producing beta cells in human pancreas leading consequently to a hyperglycaemic metabolism. Recent studies have shown that low cholecalciferol (25(OH)D3) concentrations may contribute to the development of T1D. The 25(OH)D3 status depends mostly on human skin production influenced by exposure to UVB radiation.

Platinum group elements (Pt, Pd, Rh) in airborne particulate matter in rural vs. urban areas of Germany: concentrations and spatial patterns of distribution.

This study examines platinum group element concentrations (PGE) (i.e. platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd) and rhodium (Rh)) and their spatial distribution in airborne particulate matter fractions (PM) of human health concern in urban and rural areas of Germany.