Search

The article focuses on the launch of three new digital initiatives by the German Society for Clinical Laboratory Science, including a redesigned website, a dedicated member area, and the MedLabPortal information platform, aimed at enhancing communication, and access to industry news for its members.

The human diet of the local population in the province Uíge, Angola mainly consists of carbohydrate rich plants originating from America or Asia. Acidic soils lead to various deficiency syndromes and low livestock yield. The aim of this study is to evaluate the nutritional potential of 14 native plants from Africa (Aframomum alboviolaceum, Aframomum angustifolium, Aframomum giganteum, Antidesma venosum, Clitandra cymulosa, Landolphia buchananii, Landolphia lanceolata, Landolphia owariensis, Oncoba welwitschii, Parinari capensis, Piper umbellatum, Pseudospondias microcarpa, Tristemma mauritianum, Vitex madiensis subsp. madiensis). The amino acid composition, beta-carotene, vitamin B1, B2, C and E content was determined for the respective edible plant part. Fruits of P. capensis were found to be rich in beta-carotene. The pulp of O. welwitschii shows a high nutritional value (high in vitamin B1, B2, C, E and in indispensable amino acids). Leaves of P. umbellatum are determined as convenient substitutes for the human nutrition containing beta-carotene, vitamin B1, B2, C and E. The integration and cultivation of studied plants indicate positive health effects, supplying different amounts of frequently lacking vitamins and beneficial ratios of indispensable amino acids. Studies examining dependencies between site location, ripeness, storage or transportation are urgently needed as they directly influence the micronutrient content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article announces that Jan Wolter has been appointed as the authorized representative of the presidency, while Markus Wolters has taken on responsibility for event and communication management at the DGKL (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Klinische Chemie und Laboratoriumsmedizin e.V), in Germany.

The article discusses the inaugural awarding of the "Digital Laboratory" grant by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Klinische Laboratoriumsmedizin e. V. in September 2024, sponsored by Limbach Gruppe, Germany to recognize scientific achievements in digitalization and AI applications in laboratory medicine. It highlights advancements in medical artificial intelligence, particularly in diagnostic imaging and pathology.

The culling of male day-old chicks from layer strains is an ethically questionable procedure and therefore requires the exploration of alternatives. We previously described a method for endocrine in ovo-sexing of domestic chicken via analysis of the allantoic fluid. In this respect sex identification takes place before the onset of embryonic pain perception. Aim of the present study was the evaluation of said technique on a larger scale in a commercial hatchery. To examine possible influences of the procedure on chicken health and production parameters, rearing and performance data of hatched female chicken were also analysed. The trial was performed with fertile eggs from the layer strains Lohmann Brown (LB) and Lohmann Selected Leghorn (LSL). Allantoic fluid was withdrawn on day 8 + 4 h or 9 + 4 h of incubation and analysed via a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay measuring the oestrone sulphate concentration. Subsequently, the embryonic gender was assigned using a statistically established cut off value. Sexing accuracy averaged at 84% (day 8 + 4 h) and increased to 98% (LB) and 100% (LSL) for day 9 4 h old embryos. Compared to an untreated control group, the hatching rate of the experimental group was reduced by 1.4 to 3.5 points of percentage (LB) and 12.7 points of percentage (LSL) due to sampling of allantoic fluid. Hatching weight of the day-old chicks did not differ between both groups. Monitoring of the post hatching performance showed that sampling of the allantoic fluid has only negligible effects on the hens. Although weight distinctions between control and experimental group were observed during the rearing period, the adult hens' laying performance, egg weight and body live weight did not differ significantly between the groups. These results demonstrate that the described method for in ovo-sexing is a potential and ethically justifiable alternative to the culling of day-old male layer chicks. The basic requirements for a practical implementation are fulfilled: The technique allows an accurate and reliable sexing and causes no reduction in the production performance of adult hens. The reduction of the hatching rate due to the sampling of allantoic fluid is an important factor for additional research. Further investigations are necessary to develop technical devices for a cost-effective implementation of this method in commercial hatcheries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Even though some Dracaena species are used as medicine, their utilization as food is rather unusual. In northern Angola, however, leaves and underground tubers of Dracaena camerooniana Baker are frequently consumed. In particular, the leaves are of increasing economic value in the region. But the anatomy and nutritional aspects of the plant have not been studied so far. Therefore, a detailed anatomic description of the plant was conducted. In a second step the nutritional value of the defined material was analysed, providing a basis for the discussion of a more intensive utilisation of this rainforest shrub. The leaf anatomy of Dracaena camerooniana differs from the species of the genus that have been examined so far, in showing adaptations to wet climatic conditions. The stems produce a secondary thickening meristem with amphivasal secondary vascular bundles. During tuber formation, the parenchyma of the pith in the vascular cylinder of the root markedly increases. From a nutritional point of view, leaves do not noteworthy contribute to vitamin intake. The nutritional composition of the tubers is comparable to that of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) and potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.). However, a high fructose value indicates inulin as a storage carbohydrate. Inspite of its rather moderate nutritional values, Dracaena camerooniana is an indigenous addition to the diet of the Angolan population that could also be cultivated in the future due to the easy vegetative propagation. [Display omitted] • Dracaena camerooniana is an underestimated unknown wild food from Northern Angola. • The leaf anatomy differs from other studied Dracaena species. • The root tuber formation, the parenchyma of the pith in the vascular cylinder of the root markedly increases. • The high fructose value of the tubers indicates inulin as a storage carbohydrate. • The nutritional composition of the tubers is comparable to cassava and potato. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Dresden Study on Parenting, Work, and Mental Health (" DR esdner Studie zu E lternschaft, A rbeit, und M entaler Gesundheit", DREAM ) aims to prospectively investigate the relationship between parental work participation, role distribution, stress factors, and their effects on perinatal outcomes and long-term family mental and somatic health in a community sample targeting N = 4,000 individuals, i.e., 2,000 couples, expecting a child and residing in Dresden, Germany (interim sample of N = 1,410 participants, recruitment ongoing). Various questionnaires are completed at four measurement points from pregnancy to 2 years postpartum (prolongation into middle childhood planned). Applying a multi-method approach, long-term endocrinological data (analyses of hair cortisol concentrations and other endogenous hormones, "DREAM HAIR ") and qualitative interview data (regarding gender role attitudes and distribution of domestic work, child care, and paid employment; "DREAM TALK ") are obtained. In this study protocol, the theoretical background, methods, and preliminary results considering sociodemographic characteristics during pregnancy and birth-related factors at 8 weeks postpartum are presented. Additionally, there is a focus on our endocrinological sub-study DREAM HAIR . In this sub-study currently comprising N = 152 participants, i.e., 88 families (recruitment ongoing), we want to gain knowledge on the transgenerational processes of stress regulation and psychopathology in the whole family by analyzing hair cortisol concentrations in both parents and children during the course from pregnancy (or after birth regarding children) to at least 2 years postpartum. By comparing data of the community sample to a clinical sample of mothers with postpartum mental disorders, their children, and their partners during the period between admission and discharge from a mother-baby unit and post-treatment ("DREAM MBU "), the course of mothers' psychopathology, parent-infant interaction, and infant regulation disorders with special regard to long-term endocrine correlates will be examined. With previous studies neglecting the fathers or partners involved, a major advantage of DREAM is the use of a multi-method and multi-level approach by examining the whole family in a longitudinal design. Therefore, the DREAM study will contribute to a better understanding of the role of social, work, and stress factors for mental and somatic health and its long-term endocrine correlates in the natural course of becoming a family.