Search

Many students and teachers have surprisingly little competence in creating a good presentation in PowerPoint or Canva, even though they need this in their everyday life. The article will use some negative examples to show how a good presentation should be created and what needs to be considered. First, the article focusses on planning and structuring. The basic principle of “Keep it simple” will be presented and basic arguments for the use of images and animations are pointed out. The article is intended to be an introduction and summary for students and teachers interested in the topic of presentation. One focus of the article is how to deal with copyright issues in presentations. Even experienced scholars and scientists may find some useful information.

The article presents the theoretical foundations, empirical experience and practically oriented didactic-methodological basis developed by the authors of the article for the preparation of classes in German as a foreign language using modern German literature in higher education. The research is based on the novel of the contemporary German writer Daniel Kelmann (Ruhm) (2009) and a screen adaptation of this novel by Isabel Kleefeld (2012). The lesson was conducted in classes with students of linguistic study of the Department of German language of the National Technical University of Ukraine “KPI” named after Igor Sikorsky (Kyiv, Ukraine) and with engineering students of the Kyrgyz-German Institute of Applied Informatics (Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan).

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a neuroendocrine tumor either induced by integration of the Merkel cell polyomavirus into the cell genome or by accumulation of UV-light-associated mutations (VP-MCC and UV-MCC). Whether VP- and UV-MCC have the same or different cellular origins is unclear; with mesenchymal or epidermal origins discussed. DNA-methylation patterns have a proven utility in determining cellular origins of cancers. Therefore, we used this approach to uncover evidence regarding the cell of origin of classical VP- and UV-MCC cell lines, i.e., cell lines with a neuroendocrine growth pattern (n = 9 and n = 4, respectively). Surprisingly, we observed high global similarities in the DNA-methylation of UV- and VP-MCC cell lines. CpGs of lower methylation in VP-MCC cell lines were associated with neuroendocrine marker genes such as SOX2 and INSM1, or linked to binding sites of EZH2 and SUZ12 of the polycomb repressive complex 2, i.e., genes with an impact on carcinogenesis and differentiation of neuroendocrine cancers. Thus, the observed differences appear to be rooted in viral compared to mutation-driven carcinogenesis rather than distinct cells of origin. To test this hypothesis, we used principal component analysis, to compare DNA-methylation data from different epithelial and non-epithelial neuroendocrine cancers and established a scoring model for epithelial and neuroendocrine characteristics. Subsequently, we applied this scoring model to the DNA-methylation data of the VP- and UV-MCC cell lines, revealing that both clearly scored as epithelial cancers. In summary, our comprehensive analysis of DNA-methylation suggests a common epithelial origin of UV- and VP-MCC cell lines.

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a highly invasive and metastatic skin cancer. While high expression of miR-375 is a characteristic of MCC, it seems not to contribute to the malignant phenotype of MCC cells. miR-375 enrichment in MCC-derived extracellular vesicles suggests its intercellular signaling function. Here, we demonstrate that horizontally transferred miR-375 causes fibroblast polarization toward cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). The polarization is evidenced by phenotypic changes and induction of α-SMA, CXCL2, and IL-1β. Fibroblast polarization is inhibited by specific antagomirs and mimicked by experimental miR-375 expression. Mechanistically, miR-375 downregulates RBPJ and p53, two key players regulating fibroblast polarization. In clinical MCC samples, in situ hybridization located miR-375 in CAFs, which correlated with high α-SMA protein and low RBPJ and TP53 expression; single-cell RNAseq revealed a disparate fibroblast polarization negatively correlating with p53 pathway-related gene expression. Thus, the functional role of miR-375 in MCC is to generate a pro-tumorigenic microenvironment by inducing fibroblast polarization.

Background Sequencing of marker genes amplified from environmental samples, known as amplicon sequencing, allows us to resolve some of the hidden diversity and elucidate evolutionary relationships and ecological processes among complex microbial communities. The analysis of large numbers of samples at high sequencing depths generated by high throughput sequencing technologies requires efficient, flexible, and reproducible bioinformatics pipelines. Only a few existing workflows can be run in a user-friendly, scalable, and reproducible manner on different computing devices using an efficient workflow management system. Results We present Natrix, an open-source bioinformatics workflow for preprocessing raw amplicon sequencing data. The workflow contains all analysis steps from quality assessment, read assembly, dereplication, chimera detection, split-sample merging, sequence representative assignment (OTUs or ASVs) to the taxonomic assignment of sequence representatives. The workflow is written using Snakemake, a workflow management engine for developing data analysis workflows. In addition, Conda is used for version control. Thus, Snakemake ensures reproducibility and Conda offers version control of the utilized programs. The encapsulation of rules and their dependencies support hassle-free sharing of rules between workflows and easy adaptation and extension of existing workflows. Natrix is freely available on GitHub (https://github.com/MW55/Natrix) or as a Docker container on DockerHub (https://hub.docker.com/r/mw55/natrix). Conclusion Natrix is a user-friendly and highly extensible workflow for processing Illumina amplicon data.

Background The health status of newborns is a major concern for parents and medical personnel. Recent studies have provided increasing evidence that factors from the foetal and perinatal periods of life influence health later in life. The “Follow‐up of the Survey of Neonates in Pomerania” (SNiP‐I‐Follow‐up) is the first follow‐up of the population‐based birth cohort study, SNiP‐I, established in north‐east Germany. Objectives The primary aim of SNiP‐I‐Follow‐up study was the collection of longitudinal data on children and adolescents. The associations will be analysed between risk factors in pregnancy and the perinatal period and health status in infancy and later childhood. Population The population‐based cohort study SNiP‐I was conducted in Pomerania in north‐east Germany between February 2002 and November 2008. All mothers from the SNiP‐I birth cohort were recontacted when their children were from 9 to 15 years of age. Design The SNiP‐I‐Follow‐up study was carried out between December 2016 and August 2017 and is a questionnaire‐based survey. Methods Physical development, health status, and social behaviour (school and leisure behaviour) of children were analysed using a questionnaire comprising medical, epidemiological, and socio‐economic data, associated health care risk factors, and life circumstances of newborns, children, and their parents. Preliminary results Out of 5725 children invited to participate in the SNiP‐I‐Follow‐up study between December 2016 and August 2017, 29% (n = 1665) children participated in the SNiP‐I‐Follow‐up study, providing data on 1665 mothers‐child dyads. Responders had higher socio‐economic status, especially in relation to maternal education status. Conclusion As a longitudinal birth cohort from rural Germany, the SNiP cohort will be a resource to address urgent research needs and contribute to overall population health.

Introduction: Breastfeeding is a recognized preferred method of infant feeding; however, for many women, difficulties in breastfeeding result in termination before the recommended period of time. Acupuncture is suggested to be a promising option to treat lactation insufficiency and enhance the production of maternal milk. Main Issue: We have reported the case of a woman with lactation insufficiency due to Caesarean section and congenital unilateral invaginated nipple. Milk production started on the 3rd day following delivery. The newborn was not provided with any food or fluids other than mother’s milk. At 5 days of life, the newborn required long feeding periods and lost 4% of his birth weight, with the participant reporting lactation insufficiency described by the perception of inadequate milk production. Management: Despite the implementation of conventional measures to improve lactation, the difficulties in breastfeeding persisted. Acupuncture was tried on Day 6 of life, and enhanced milk production was observed, which could be measured as the volume of residual milk extracted using the breast pump each time after the newborn achieved satiety. After acupuncture treatment there was an augmentation of maternal milk production from both breasts and successful lactation. Conclusion: This case study provides information that might be useful for prospective investigation of acupuncture’s efficacy in women with lactation insufficiency.

Aim This study analysed the comparative cost of feeding donor human milk to preterm infants compared to mother's own milk and formula. Methods A document and process analysis and a time measurement study were carried out at the milk bank of the Level 1 Perinatal Center of the University Hospital of Greifswald, Germany, from April to June 2017. The cost analysis data were provided by the University's financial department. Results The total cost per year was €92 085.02 for 300 litres of donor human milk: 27% of this was material costs, 51% was personnel costs, and 22% was other overheads. The average cost per litre was €306.95, and staff time was 492 minutes per litre. The total marginal cost for each additional litre of donor human milk, formula or unpasteurised mother´s milk was €82.88, €10.28 and €38.42, respectively. Pasteurising a litre of donor milk cost €3.51. Conclusion Providing preterm infants with donor milk was much more expensive than using formula or mother's own milk, but the cost of pasteurisation was minimal.

Epigenetic modifications play critical roles in regulating cell lineage differentiation, but the epigenetic mechanisms guiding specific differentiation steps within a cell lineage have rarely been investigated. To decipher such mechanisms, we used the defined transition from proliferating (PC) into hypertrophic chondrocytes (HC) during endochondral ossification as a model. We established a map of activating and repressive histone modifications for each cell type. ChromHMM state transition analysis and Pareto-based integration of differential levels of mRNA and epigenetic marks revealed that differentiation-associated gene repression is initiated by the addition of H3K27me3 to promoters still carrying substantial levels of activating marks. Moreover, the integrative analysis identified genes specifically expressed in cells undergoing the transition into hypertrophy. Investigation of enhancer profiles detected surprising differences in enhancer number, location, and transcription factor binding sites between the two closely related cell types. Furthermore, cell type-specific upregulation of gene expression was associated with increased numbers of H3K27ac peaks. Pathway analysis identified PC-specific enhancers associated with chondrogenic genes, whereas HC-specific enhancers mainly control metabolic pathways linking epigenetic signature to biological functions. Since HC-specific enhancers show a higher conservation in postnatal tissues, the switch to metabolic pathways seems to be a hallmark of differentiated tissues. Surprisingly, the analysis of H3K27ac levels at super-enhancers revealed a rapid adaption of H3K27ac occupancy to changes in gene expression, supporting the importance of enhancer modulation for acute alterations in gene expression. © 2021 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).

AIM The aim was to investigate socio-economic risk factors for maternal underweight before pregnancy and then associations of underweight with neonatal outcomes. METHODS Data of 3401 mother-child dyads from the population-based birth cohort Survey of Neonates in Pomerania (SNiP) were analysed. RESULTS Bivariate analysis showed that underweighted mothers were younger, smoked more often, had a lower equivalent income and lower socio-economic status (employment status and/or educational level) compared to women with normal weight. The final prediction model revealed that only younger maternal age (OR = 0.93; 95%-CI = 0.90-0.97) and maternal smoking during pregnancy (OR = 2.52; 95%-CI = 1.74-3.66) were associated with underweight. Compared to women with normal pre-pregnancy BMI, underweight women had an increased chance of premature labour (OR = 1.73; 95% CI: 1.29-2.31) and a reduced placental weight. The offspring of underweight women had an increased risk of late preterm birth (OR = 1.82; 95% CI: 1.21-2.74) and birthweight

Leukoencephalomyelopathy (LEM) is suggested to be an age-related degenerative condition in geriatric Eastern quolls (

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive neuroendocrine skin cancer characterized by high invasiveness, early metastases, and high mortality. Because of the lack of suitable animal models, most functional studies are performed using cell lines, some of which lack classical neuroendocrine growth characteristics. Here, we scrutinized the molecular characteristics of classical MCC and variant MCC cell lines by differential gene expression and the respective epigenetic regulation by microRNAs and DNA methylation. Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma cell lines were used for comparison. The most striking observation was a lower expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition–related genes in classical MCCs, which was accompanied by higher expression of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition–regulating microRNA clusters miR-200c-141 and miR-183-96-182 and hypomethylation of the respective microRNA loci. Experimental expression of the MCC lineage factor ATOH1 in variant MCCs resulted in an increased expression of miR-200c-141 paralleled by a reduction of genes associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition, thus demonstrating a connection between neuroendocrine characteristics and the lack of epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Together, our observations not only reinforce concerns about the use of variant MCCs as proper MCC representatives, but also suggest variant MCCs as cells locked in an intermediate state between neuroendocrine and epithelial differentiation.

Protists influence ecosystems by modulating microbial population size, diversity, metabolic outputs and gene flow. In this study we used eukaryotic ribosomal amplicon diversity from 218 European freshwater lakes sampled in August 2012 to assess the effect of mountain ranges as biogeographic barriers on spatial patterns and microbial community structure in European freshwaters. The diversity of microbial communities as reflected by amplicon clusters suggested that the eukaryotic microbial inventory of lakes was well-sampled at the European and at the local scale. Our pan-European diversity analysis indicated that biodiversity and richness of high mountain lakes differed from that of lowland lakes. Further, the taxon inventory of high-mountain lakes strongly contributed to beta-diversity despite a low taxon inventory. Even though ecological factors, in general, strongly affect protist community pattern, we show that geographic distance and geographic barriers significantly contribute to community composition particularly for high mountain regions which presumably act as biogeographic islands. However, community composition in lowland lakes was also affected by geographic distance but less pronounced as in high mountain regions. In consequence protist populations are locally structured into distinct biogeographic provinces and community analyses revealed biogeographic patterns also for lowland lakes whereby European mountain ranges act as dispersal barriers in particular for short to intermediate distances whereas the effect of mountain ranges levels off on larger scale. CA Boenigk

Zusammenfassung Hintergrund Im Rahmen des Medizinstudiums ist in Deutschland ein dreimonatiges Pflegepraktikum vorgeschrieben. Obwohl kontrovers diskutiert, fehlen bundesweite Daten zur studentischen Evaluation. Fragestellung Hier wurde erstmals untersucht, wie Medizinstudierende das Pflegepraktikum auf einer Station der Inneren Medizin (IM) beurteilen. Zusätzlich stellte sich die Frage, inwiefern die frühzeitigen Erfahrungen im Pflegepraktikum bereits die studentische Einstellung zum Fachgebiet beeinflussen. Material und Methoden In einer bundesweiten Online-Umfrage bewerteten 767 Studierende (mittleres Alter 22,8 Jahre; 58 % weiblich) ihr Pflegepraktikum auf einer Station der IM in Bezug auf Integration ins Team, Lehrende, die Struktur und Qualität der Lehre und Zufriedenheit. Anhand der Frage, ob sich Studierende infolge des Pflegepraktikums auch eine Famulatur in der IM vorstellen können, wurden multivariate Gruppenvergleiche durchgeführt. Ergebnisse 71 % der Studierenden fühlten sich gut ins Team integriert, am meisten wurde vom Pflegepersonal gelernt, wobei die Mehrheit angab, pflegerische Kompetenzen erworben zu haben. Nur 19 % bewerteten Aufbau und Struktur des Praktikums als gut, 40 % gaben an, die Lernziele erreicht zu haben. Studierende, die sich eine Famulatur in der IM vorstellen können (52 %), gaben in allen Bereichen die besten Bewertungen ab. Schlussfolgerungen Ein erfolgreiches Pflegepraktikum kann das Interesse für Innere Medizin fördern. Es besteht jedoch ein deutlicher struktureller und inhaltlicher Verbesserungsbedarf einschließlich einer bislang nicht vorliegenden, klaren Formulierung von Lernzielen für diese erste praktische Erfahrung im Medizinstudium.

Background:Newborn screening (NBS) is an established screening procedure in many countries worldwide, aiming at the early detection of inborn errors of metabolism. For decades, dried blood spots have been the standard specimen for NBS. The procedure of blood collection is well described and standardized and includes many critical pre-analytical steps. We examined the impact of contamination of some anticipated common substances on NBS results obtained from dry spot samples. This possible pre-analytical source of uncertainty has been poorly examined in the past.Methods:Capillary blood was obtained from 15 adult volunteers and applied to 10 screening filter papers per volunteer. Nine filter papers were contaminated without visible trace. The contaminants were baby diaper rash cream, baby wet wipes, disinfectant, liquid infant formula, liquid infant formula hypoallergenic (HA), ultrasonic gel, breast milk, feces, and urine. The differences between control and contaminated samples were evaluated for 45 NBS quantities. We estimated if the contaminations might lead to false-positive NBS results.Results:Eight of nine investigated contaminants significantly altered NBS analyte concentrations and potentially caused false-positive screening outcomes. A contamination with feces was most influential, affecting 24 of 45 tested analytes followed by liquid infant formula (HA) and urine, affecting 19 and 13 of 45 analytes, respectively.Conclusions:A contamination of filter paper samples can have a substantial effect on the NBS results. Our results underline the importance of good pre-analytical training to make the staff aware of the threat and ensure reliable screening results.

BackgroundNeonate immune cell functions lack full protection against pathogens. This could be either defect or protective mechanism against overshooting proinflammatory immune responses.We here analysed the function of classical, pro- and anti-inflammatory monocytes and granulocytes from neonates in comparison with adults to investigate if suppressed functions of subpopulations are causative for the unique neonatal immune status. Therefore, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and surface activation markers were quantified in subpopulations.MethodsIn a prospective, longitudinal study granulocyte and monocyte subpopulations were analysed in healthy term infants (> 37 week;n = 13) in comparison with healthy young adults (n = 11). Percentage (%) of cells expressing surface marker (HLA-DR, CD11b, CD62L, CD32, Toll-Like-Receptor-2) and expression per cell, determined by mean fluorescence intensity (MFI), were measured by flow cytometry. ROS production was induced by fMLP, PMA andE. coliin term neonates (> 37 week;n = 13).ResultsClassical granulocytes were down- and proinflammatory granulocytes upregulated in neonates compared with adults. Percentage of TLR-2 expressing granulocytes was increased in neonates. Granulocytic ROS production depended on stimulation. The percentage of anti-inflammatory monocytes was increased, while classical monocytes were reduced in neonates. HLA-DR (%, MFI) showed reduction for all monocyte subpopulations, while CD32, CD11b, CD62L and TLR-2 were differently regulated in comparison with adults.ConclusionsDifferentially regulated granulocyte and monocyte subpopulations indicate a unique state of neonatal immunity to fight infections and prevent dysregulation. Further studies are needed to investigate the role of reduced granulocytic ROS formation and reduced monocytic HLA-DR in active disease.

Background: The shortage of skilled personnel is ubiquitous, basic and further training is a key aspect in the recruitment of new medical colleagues. The significance of the nursing practicum in its function as gateway to the gynaecology and obstetrics discipline is practically unexplored. Methods: In an online questionnaire, medical students in all German faculties were questioned about the practica in their courses. The questionnaire reached 9079 medical students. 149 participants in nursing practica were selectively asked to answer 140 questions. We analysed those students who could, on the basis of their experiences in nursing practica, imagine undertaking an internship (clinical elective) in gynaecology (internship yes “Iy”) separately from those who could not or were still undecided (internship no “In” or, respectively, internship perhaps “Ip”). Results: Altogether 149 medical students who participated in a nursing practicum in the gynaecology discipline were selected, of these 94.9 % were female. 92 (61.7 %) of the students replied that, after their gynaecological nursing practicum, they wanted to undertake an internship in gynaecology (Iy); 39 (26.2 %) answered negatively (In) and 18 (12.1 %) were still undecided (Ip). With regard to the parameters gender, age and duration of study, there were no significant differences among the 3 groups (χ 2 0.83). Besides the didactic and professional quality of the training, Iy also mentioned having had a higher practical orientation. They attained their aims more frequently, were better integrated in the health-care team and acquired more practical competences. Satisfaction with the practicum was evaluated as highest among the Iy. Discussion: Those students who could imagine taking an internship in gynaecology were seen to be more satisfied with their practica than those participants who declined or were undecided. The high proportion of females is an early indicator for a feminisation of the specialty. If necessary this could be countered with the help of nursing management.

Background Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is the most frequent complication during pregnancy. Untreated GDM is a severe threat to maternal and neonatal health. Based on recent evidence, up to 15% of all pregnancies may be affected by GDM. We hypothesized that in a rural birth cohort, higher maternal BMI and adverse socioeconomic conditions would promote GDM, which in turn would lead to adverse effects on pregnancy outcomes. Methods The current study is a part of a population-based cohort study examining the health and socioeconomic information from 5801 mothers and their children. The study, titled the Survey of Neonates in Pomerania (SNiP), was based in northeastern Pomerania, Germany (2002–2008). Results The cumulative incidence of GDM was 5.1%. Multiple logistic regression revealed prepregnancy overweight (OR 1.84 (95% CI 1.27–2.68)), prepregnancy obesity (OR 3.67 (2.48–5.44)) and maternal age (OR 1.06 (1.03–1.08)) as risk factors for GDM (p = 0.001). Alcohol use during pregnancy (OR 0.61 (0.41–0.90), a higher monthly income (OR 0.62 (0.46–0.83)), and the highest level of education (OR 0.44 (0.46–0.83)) decreased the risk of GDM. Newborns of GDM mothers had an increased risk of hypoglycaemia (OR 11.71 (7.49–18.30)) or macrosomia (OR 2.43 (1.41–4.18)) and were more often delivered by primary (OR 1.76 (1.21–2.60)) or secondary C-section (OR 2.00 (1.35–2.97)). Moreover, they were born 0.78 weeks (95% CI -1.09 – -0.48 weeks) earlier than infants of mothers without diabetes, resulting in higher percentage of late preterm infants with a gestational age of 32–36 weeks (11.1% vs. 6.96%). Conclusions Age and BMI before pregnancy were the predominant mediators of the increased risk of GDM, whereas a higher income and educational level were protective. GDM affected relevant perinatal and neonatal outcomes based on its association with an increased risk of delivery by C-section, preterm birth, macrosomia at birth and neonatal hypoglycaemia.

Data from recent adult studies suggest a decline of median urinary iodine concentrations (UIC) in Germany, but since 1996 no German study investigated UIC in neonates. The aim of our study was to investigate UIC and serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels in neonates from Germany. We used data from 399 neonates, which were born between April 2005 and November 2006 in the Northeast of Germany. UIC were evaluated by a photometric procedure with Sandell and Kolthoff reaction and afterwards corrected to be comparable with an ICP-MS method. TSH was determined from capillary blood, which was taken within 5 days after birth, by DELFIA. Median UIC were 150 µg/L (25th percentile: 104 µg/L; 75th percentile: 196 µg/L) and differed between boys (153.3 µg/L) and girls (131.5 µg/L; p = 0.012). The prevalence of serum TSH levels > 5 mIU/L was 14%. Neonates from mothers with intake of iodine supplementation (150 µg/L) had significantly higher median UIC than neonates from mothers without iodine supplementation (132 µg/L; p = 0.011). Multivariable linear regression adjusted for sex and iodine supplementation of the mother revealed a significant association between UIC and log-transformed serum TSH levels (β = 0.003: 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.0001–0.005; p = 0.028). Neonates in Northeast Germany did show a sufficient supply of iodine. This points towards the possibility of a sufficient iodine supply of neonates also in other regions of Germany, even though recent studies in adults may indicate mild iodine deficiency.

In this study, Illumina sequencing was used for the identification of bulking and foaming bacteria in industrial wastewater treatment plants. The reliable identification of bulking and foaming bacteria represents the first step in developing effective and specific control strategies to avoid disturbances in activated sludge systems. Illumina sequencing revealed 432 16S rRNA operational taxonomic units, representing phylotypes and including 21 bulking and foaming bacteria in the two investigated industrial wastewater treatment plants. Foaming represents the most severe problem in the cascade biology system. Up to 22.5% of all sequencing reads are bulking and foaming bacteria, including Chryseobacterium, Candidatus Microthrix parvicella and Gordonia sp. as the dominant bulking and foaming bacteria which are known for foam formation. Moreover, Illumina sequencing revealed an increase in Candidatus Microthrix parvicella and Gordonia sp. reads from activated sludge to foam and scum samples, indicating a preferred flotation and/or growth advantages in the foam and scum layers. Analyses of the taxonomic assignment and distribution showed that the phylum Actinobacteria is the most dominant phylum, underlining the key role of Actinobacteria in bulking and foaming. Multivariate data analysis was applied, revealing that the dominant bulking and foaming bacteria are positively correlated with the sludge age and influent flow and negatively correlated with the dissolved oxygen level and the temperature. In terms of developing a specific control strategy, the positive linear relationships to the fatty acid and surfactant sludge loadings are highlighted and the removal of lipid compounds from the wastewater influent could avoid an overgrowth of bulking and foaming bacteria.

Stream ecosystems are affected by multiple anthropogenic stressors worldwide. Even though effects of many single stressors are comparatively well studied, the effects of multiple stressors are difficult to predict. In particular bacteria and protists, which are responsible for the majority of ecosystem respiration and element flows, are infrequently studied with respect to multiple stressors responses. We conducted a stream mesocosm experiment to characterize the responses of single and multiple stressors on microbiota. Two functionally important stream habitats, leaf litter and benthic phototrophic rock biofilms, were exposed to three stressors in a full factorial design: fine sediment deposition, increased chloride concentration (salinization) and reduced flow velocity. We analyzed the microbial composition in the two habitat types of the mesocosms using an amplicon sequencing approach. Community analysis on different taxonomic levels as well as principle component analyses (PCoAs) based on realtive abundances of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) showed treatment specific shifts in the eukaryotic biofilm community. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that Bacillariophyta responded positively salinity and sediment increase, while the relative read abundance of chlorophyte taxa decreased. The combined effects of multiple stressors were mainly antagonistic. Therefore, the community composition in multiply stressed environments resembled the composition of the unstressed control community in terms of OTU occurrence and relative abundances.

BACKGROUND Preterm infants are at risk of oxidative stress from neonatal intensive care interventions. 8-Oxo-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG), generated by oxygen radical attack on DNA, is a potential marker of oxidative stress. The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of quality and source of enteral nutrition (EN) on renal excretion of 8-oxodG in preterm infants. METHODS Spontaneous urine samples were collected on postnatal days 26-31 in 33 preterm infants. Infants were fed either breast milk (BM), formula (FM), or BM/FM mixtures. Daily iron (Fe) supplementation was started day 28 ± 1 postnatally. 8-oxodG was determined by highperformance liquid chromatography-electrochemical detection (HPLC-EC). RESULTS The 8-oxodG/creatinine ratio was significantly higher in infants fed FM vs FM/BM (38.7 ± 28.7 vs 16.7 ± 12.2 nmol 8-oxodG/mmol creatinine, P < 0.0001) or BM (11.6 ± 10.4 nmol 8-oxodG/mmol creatinine, P < 0.0001). There was no significant effect of Fe supplementation (P = 0.547). 8-OxodG excretion showed significant interindividual variation but was similar within pairs of twins. CONCLUSION Quality and source of EN seem to influence oxidative stress in preterm infants. The underlying pathophysiological mechanism is unclear and needs further investigation. It may be speculated that other mechanisms than Fe supplementation contribute to oxidative stress, such as cow's milk protein-mediated up-regulation of the intestinal inflammatory cascade.

Background Some etiological factors involved in developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) occur in the last trimester of pregnancy, which could result in a decreased incidence of DDH in preterm infants. The aim of this study was to compare the incidence of DDH between preterm and term infants. Methods Ultrasound of the hip joint was performed in 2,534 term infants and 376 preterm infants within the population-based Survey of Neonates in Pomerania (SNiP) study. Results A total of 42 (1.66%) term infants had DDH (Graf type II c, 0.8%; type D, 0.3% left and 0.4% right; type III a, 0.2% left). Eighteen infants had bilateral findings. Hip dysplasia occurred more frequently in female neonates (32/1,182 vs. 10/1,302, p

Background: Newborns are prone to infections, which are independent predictors of neonatal mortality and morbidity. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are structures composed of chromatin and antimicrobial molecules that capture and kill pathogens. NETs may play an important role in the innate immune system and, thus, might be associated with impaired neonatal immune function. Objectives: This study aimed to compare NET formation between term neonates and healthy adults. We additionally investigated the effects of gestational age, birth weight, mode of delivery, gender, and perinatal infections. Methods: We collected cord blood from 57 term infants (mean gestational age, 39.1 weeks) and 9 late preterm infants (35 weeks), and peripheral blood from 18 healthy adult donors. Neutrophils were isolated, and then NET formation was induced using three different stimulants: N-formylmethionine-leucyl-phenylalanine, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), or lipopolysaccharide. NETs were immunohistochemically stained and analyzed with regard to NET percentage and NET area. Results: With all three stimuli, healthy term infants showed a lower NET percentage than the adult control group (p < 0.0001 each). The groups also differed in NET area, but the significance level was lower. Following PMA stimulation, we observed greater reductions in NET percentage and NET area in preterm than term infants. Conclusions: The lower NET formation observed in term infants compared to adults likely contributes to the reduced neonatal immune response. NET formation appeared to be even further decreased in late preterm neonates. There remains a need for further investigations of NET formation in more immature preterm infants.

Neonatal health is of major concern to parents, midwives, physicians and society as a whole, yet a prospective population-based birth cohort to collect comprehensive data on multiple issues including medical, social, environmental and genetic aspects remains to be established in Germany. The survey of newborns in Pomerania (SNiP) described in this paper attempts to take up this goal. The objectives of SNiP are to establish (a) a population-based birth cohort providing detailed information about neonatal health, morbidity and mortality, (b) a biobank with newborn DNA and serum from cord blood, placenta tissue samples and DNA obtained from oral mucosal swabs of the mothers, (c) a prospective study design by re-examination of the SNiP population prior to attendance at primary school. From March 2003 until November 2008 all childbearing mothers in a well-defined region in North-Eastern Germany were asked to participate with their newborns. Detailed data on health status of the newborn, pregnancy, medical and family history, socio-economic status and maternal life style were obtained via face-to-face interview, standardised questionnaires and medical records. Placental tissue samples, cord blood plasma and DNA were continuously collected; sampling of maternal DNA from mouth swabs started in 2007. As a result, during the study period n = 6747 births and n = 6828 babies were enrolled. A population coverage of 95% was achieved. The active participation rate was 75%. A non-responder analysis revealed no meaningful selection bias. Thus, SNiP is a population-based, representative study in Germany that is able to describe the health and living conditions of newborns and their families comprehensively. It can contribute to existing knowledge and to similar cohort studies since data are accessible by researchers.