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To determine the most relevant pathogens for CAP in Germany, patients with radiologically confirmed pulmonary infiltrates and at least one clinical sign of lung infection were prospectively recruited within the CAPNETZ cohort from 2004 until 2016. In 990 out of 4.672 patients (21%) receiving complete diagnostics the most prominent change of pathogens was a decrease of S. pneumoniae (58% in 2004 to 37.5% in 2016; p ≤ 0.001, ρ = − 0.148) and an increase of H. influenzae (12.2% to 20.8%; p = 0.001, ρ = 0.104). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The first SARS-CoV-2 cases in Europe were reported in January 2020. Recently, concern arose on unrecognized infections before this date. For a better understanding of the pandemic, we retrospectively analyzed patient samples for SARS-CoV-2 from the prospective CAPNETZ study cohort. Methods: We used nasopharyngeal swab samples from a cohort of well characterized patients with community acquired pneumonia of the CAPNETZ study group, recruited from different geographic regions across Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, and Switzerland between 02nd December 2019 and 28th April 2020. Multiplex real-time RT-PCR for a broad range of respiratory pathogens and SARS-CoV-2 real-time RT-PCR were performed on all samples. Results: In our cohort, respiratory pathogens other than SARS-CoV-2 were detected in 21.5% (42/195) of patients with rhinovirus as the most frequently detected pathogen. The detection rate increased to 29.7% (58/195) when SARS-CoV-2 was included. No SARS-CoV-2 positive sample was detected before end of March 2020. Conclusions: Respiratory viral pathogens accounted for a considerable number of positive results but no SARS-CoV-2 case was identified before the end of March 2020. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

O bjectives To investigate possible interactions visible on electroencephalogram recordings caused by concomitant administration of marbofloxacin and carprofen or cimicoxib in dogs without central nervous system disease. M ethods Totally 21 client-owned dogs undergoing different surgeries were included in a randomised, blinded, clinical study. Each dog was assigned to one of two groups treated with either carprofen or cimicoxib pre- and postoperatively. After anaesthetic induction both groups received marbofloxacin intravenously while recording an electroencephalogram. Offline electroencephalogram analysis included qualitative evaluation and Fast Fourier Transformation. Postoperative analgesia was evaluated for 24 hours and after 10 days with the short-form Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale. Statistical analysis included Wilcoxon signed rank test, Mann-Whitney U test and Student's t-test with α set at 5%. R esults Marbofloxacin injection caused no effects on quantitative and qualitative electroencephalogram parameters in both groups. No differences in postoperative pain scoring were found between treatment groups. C linical S ignificance Concurrent use of marbofloxacin with either cimicoxib or carprofen did not induce neuroexcitatory activities in dogs without CNS disease directly after administration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This randomized controlled trial tested the effects of a specially designed strength and endurance training on the independence and quality of life in lung cancer patients in stages IIIA/IIIB/IV during palliative chemotherapy. Methods: Between August 2010 and December 2011, 46 patients were randomized into two groups receiving either conventional physiotherapy or special physiotherapeutic training. The Barthel Index served as primary endpoint. The secondary endpoints were the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core-30 (EORTC QLQ C-30/LC-13) questionnaire, the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), stair walking, the Modified Borg Scale, and muscle strength. Nonparametrical data were analyzed with the Wilcoxon and Mann–Whitney U test. For parametric, data student t tests were used. A p value of ≤.05 was accepted. Results: Twenty-nine patients completed the trial (Intervention group (IG), n = 18; control group (CG), n = 11). Significant differences were detectable in the Barthel Index (IGmean = 92.08; CGmean = 81.67; p = .041), in single scores of the EORTC QLQ C-30/LC-13 questionnaire (physical functioning, p = .025; hemoptysis, p = .019; pain in arms or shoulder, p = .048; peripheral neuropathy, p = .050; cognitive functioning, p = .050), in the 6MWT, stair walking, strength capacity, and in the patient’s dyspnoea perception during submaximal walking activities (IG > CG). Conclusion: According to these findings, lung cancer patients should receive enhanced physical activity intervention during palliative chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Mycorrhizas of six spruces of a stand were collected over two years and were analysed for soluble carbohydrates (sucrose, raffinose, glucose, trehalose and mannitol). The level of these carbohydrates was high during winter and low during summer. Upon exposure of excised mycorrhizas to frost or desiccation, the content of trehalose roughly doubled. A positive correlation was found between the trehalose content of mycorrhizas and their ability to survive frost or desiccation as determined by the electrolyte leaching method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On the basis of the reviews presented in this issue, the ecological significance of mycorrhizal symbioses is discussed. Mycorrhizas may have some importance in the acquisition of mineral nutrients during the productive phase of ecosystems in early stages of succession, but their main role is played during the protective phase of ecosystems in the final stages of succession when most resources are incorporated into biomass. In these successional stages, mycorrhizas short-circuit nutrient cycles by directly reacquiring nutrients in organic form from plant (and fungal) litter, and they may reallocate resources between different plant individuals, preventing loss of resources from the entire ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]