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The Paleolithic site of Schöningen is famous for the earliest known, completely preserved wooden weapons. Here we present recent results of an ongoing analysis of the nine spears, one lance, a double pointed stick, and a burnt stick dating to the Holsteinian, c. 300 kyr. Macroscopic and microscopic analyses, as well as studies of thin sections, contribute to a better understanding of the manufacture of the wooden weapons. They were deposited in organic sediments at a former lakeshore among numerous bones of butchered horses. In general, the spears are extremely well-preserved and show no or little sign of taphonomic alteration, although some of the weapons are broken and parts were slightly moved, probably by water action. The excellent preservation conditions provide considerable information on the operational sequence of production. The hunters selected thin trunks of spruce or pine and initially stripped off the bark. Traces of cutting, scraping, and smoothing can be observed on the spear surfaces in detail. In the case of spear X, repeated use of the weapon is implied by re-sharpening of the tip. Analyses of wood anatomy provide information on climatic conditions and contribute to the better understanding of the development of the site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ground-level ozone (O3) has gained awareness as an agent of climate change. In this respect, key results are comprehended from a unique 8-year free-air O3-fumigation experiment, conducted on adult beech (Fagus sylvatica) at Kranzberg Forest (Germany). A novel canopy O3 exposure methodology was employed that allowed whole-tree assessment in situ under twice-ambient O3 levels. Elevated O3 significantly weakened the C sink strength of the tree–soil system as evidenced by lowered photosynthesis and 44% reduction in whole-stem growth, but increased soil respiration. Associated effects in leaves and roots at the gene, cell and organ level varied from year to year, with drought being a crucial determinant of O3 responsiveness. Regarding adult individuals of a late-successional tree species, empirical proof is provided first time in relation to recent modelling predictions that enhanced ground-level O3 can substantially mitigate the C sequestration of forests in view of climate change. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Scaling up community-based participatory research (CBPR) remains challenging. This case-study reports on how, and under which conditions, a CBPR project aiming at promoting exercise among socially disadvantaged women (BIG) scaled up at four project sites. As part of BIG, researchers support city administrations in implementing a participatory project to reach socially disadvantaged women for exercise. The case study was conducted in winter 2020 in southern Germany and is based on a co-creative process involving city administrators and researchers. Following Kohl and Cooley's scaling up dimensions, scaling up BIG was investigated at the four sites using a mixed-method approach. Course registrations and offers were analysed, and qualitative interviews ( n = 4) with administrative staff members were conducted and analysed using content analysis. The geographical coverage of exercise classes, the addressed groups, and the utilisation of participatory methods by city administrations are described. All four sites managed to scale-up project activities. Three of the four sites reported that further growth of the project was no longer possible due to limited resources. All sites attempted to reach a larger number of, and more diverse, women. One site managed to scale-up the use of participatory methods within the city administration. The following important facilitators for scaling up CBPR projects were reported: advertisements tailored to the needs of the addressed women, utilising participatory approaches, and equipping project coordinators with sufficient resources.

Plant use is an elusive issue in Paleolithic archaeology. Due to poor organic preservation in many sites, botanical material is not always present. The sediments in Schöningen, however, contain abundant botanical macro-remains like wood, fruits, seeds, and other parts of plants which offer the opportunity to reconstruct the local vegetation. Combined with palynological results, it is possible to reveal the full potential of this environment to hominins. Ethnobotanical studies of hunter-gatherer societies living in similar environments illustrate the importance of plants for subsistence purposes. The identified taxa from the archaeological horizons at Schöningen include a broad spectrum of potentially exploitable species that could be sources of food, raw material, and firewood., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The CNS immune response often leads to characteristic interrelated biochemical changes in cerebrospinal fluid. Multiple analytes, i.e. cell count, cell differential, evaluation of barrier function and intrathecal IgG, IgA and IgM synthesis should be included in basic diagnostic workup. We describe the scientific background, laboratory investigations and characteristic patterns found with basic CSF analysis, based on the recommendations of the German cerebrospinal fluid society. The concept is substantiated by retrospectively analyzing data of 4026 paired CSF/serum samples. 53% of our samples presented with at least one or several combined abnormal findings. An intrathecal IgG, IgA or IgM immunoglobulin response (37%, n=1481) and a blood-CSF barrier dysfunction (37%; n=1473) were most frequent; followed by an elevated leukocyte cell count (25%; n=992). The immunoglobulin response showed an intrathecal production of IgG in 49% (n=731/1481), which was only detectable in isoelectric focusing in 27% (n=200/731). Intrathecal IgM (n=389) and IgA (n=361) synthesis presented with nearly equal frequency of 25% in samples with intrathecal immunoglobulin response. The immunoglobulin pattern showed a solitary one class reaction of IgG, IgA or IgM in 67%, a combined two class reaction of IgG/IgA, IgG/IgM or IgA/IgM synthesis in 16% and a combined three-class reaction of IgG, IgA and IgM in 17%. This approach generates valuable but numerous complex and interrelated biochemical data. We therefore developed a knowledge-based system combined with visual oriented laboratory output to transfer the information more effectively. This often uncovers typical patterns specific for distinct neurological diseases, is well accepted by our medical community documented by a 37% increase in external ordering.

The effect of free-air ozone fumigation and crown position on antioxidants were determined in old-growth spruce (Picea abies) trees in the seasonal course of two consecutive years (2003 and 2004). Levels of total ascorbate and its redox state in the apoplastic washing fluid (AWF) were increased under double ambient ozone concentrations (2xO3), whilst ascorbate concentrations in needle extracts were unchanged. Concentrations of apoplastic and symplastic ascorbate were significantly higher in 2003 compared to 2004 indicating a combined effect of the drought conditions in 2003 with enhanced ozone exposure. Elevated ozone had only weak effects on total glutathione levels in needle extracts, phloem exudates and xylem saps. Total and oxidised glutathione concentrations were higher in 2004 compared to 2003 and seemed to be more affected by enhanced ozone influx in the more humid year 2004 compared to the combined effect of elevated ozone and drought in 2003 as observed for ascorbate.

Background & Aims: Malnutrition is frequently observed in chronic and severe diseases and associated with impaired outcome. In Germany general data on prevalence and impact of hospital malnutrition are missing., Methods: Nutritional state was assessed by subjective global assessment (SGA) and by anthropometric measurements in 1,886 consecutively admitted patients in 13 hospitals (n=1,073, university hospitals; n=813, community or teaching hospitals). Risk factors for malnutrition and the impact of nutritional status on length of hospital stay were analyzed., Results: Malnutrition was diagnosed in 27.4% of patients according to SGA. A low arm muscle area and arm fat area were observed in 11.3% and 17.1%, respectively. Forty-three % of patients 70 years old were malnourished compared to only 7.8% of patients <30 years. The highest prevalence of malnutrition was observed in geriatric (56.2%), oncology (37.6%), and gastroenterology (32.6%) departments. Multivariate analysis revealed three independent risk factors: higher age, polypharmacy, and malignant disease (all P<0.01). Malnutrition was associated with an 43% increase of hospital stay (P<0.001)., Conclusions: In German hospitals every fourth patient is malnourished. Malnutrition is associated with increased length of hospital stay. Higher age, malignant disease and major comorbidity were found to be the main contributors to malnutrition. Adequate nutritional support should be initiated in order to optimize the clinical outcome of these patients.

The concept of malnutrition in the geriatric population describes a deficient state of energy and nutrient intake with harmful clinical consequences. Despite of having a significant effect on morbidity and mortality, there are no generally accepted criteria for diagnosing malnutrition in the elderly. With increasing age the general recognition of the nutritional status becomes more important for the diagnosis of malnutrition than isolated parameters. Recording a patient"s history must include any weight loss and changes in appetite. Reasons for a diminished nutritional intake must be explored systematically as well. As part of physical examination one has to pay attention to clinical signs of malnutrition (general muscular atrophy, loss of subcutaneous fat) and to signs of micronutrient deficiencies. The documentation of oral intake can supply important evidence for deficient intake of energy and nutrients. Of special relevance among anthropometric values are a BMI of less than 20 kg/m and calf circumference of less than 31 cm. Individual follow-up data are superior to isolated measurements Laboratory diagnostic tests (for example albumin) are of minor importance for the diagnosis of malnutrition because of their low specificity. As a consequence of unsolved methodical problems, bioelectrical impedance analysis can currently be recommended only to those who are experienced with this method and its limitations. Screening and assessment tools like Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) and Nutritional Risk Screening(NRS) are helpful for a quick and simple identification of malnourished patients and those who are at risk. The MNA is especially applicable for people who live independently and for cooperative residents of nursing homes. The NRS is a valuable alternative for hospital patients and those unable to cooperate. Screening for malnutrition should be routine practice in the elderly population, especially for those at high risk for it like in hospitals and in nursing homes.

The Children's Clinic in Giessen, Germany recently reported several severe infections with Klebsiella oxytoca resulting in deaths of two neonates. The putative source of the infections was a contaminated infusion solution. The resistance to disinfectant of the K. oxytoca isolates was investigated in three independent laboratories and was indeed found to be significantly increased. Comparative tests with standard strains of K. oxytoca and other recommended bacterial surrogates showed the disinfection procedures used were fully effective. The higher resistance of the nosocomial isolates may have developed due to improper handling and storage of the cleaning utensils. This report describes the events and draws conclusions concerning the use of disinfectants, the treatment of cleaning utensils, the reliability of procedures for testing disinfectants, and suggests additional measures., (Copyright 2002 The Hospital Infection Society.)