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Abstract Background The internet is a common source of health information for patients and caregivers. To date, content and information quality of YouTube videos on sarcoidosis has not been studied. The aim of our study was to investigate the content and quality of information on sarcoidosis provided by YouTube videos. Methods Of the first 200 results under the search term “sarcoidosis,” all English-language videos with content directed at patients were included. Two independent investigators assessed the content of the videos based on 25 predefined key features (content score with 0–25 points), as well as reliability and quality (HONCode score with 0–8 points, DISCERN score with 1–5 points). Misinformation contained in the videos was described qualitatively. Results The majority of the 85 included videos were from an academic or governmental source (n = 63, 74%), and median time since upload was 33 months (IQR 10–55). Median video duration was 8 min (IQR 3–13) and had a median of 2,044 views (IQR 504 − 13,203). Quality assessment suggested partially sufficient information: mean HONCode score was 4.4 (SD 0.9) with 91% of videos having a medium quality HONCode evaluation. Mean DISCERN score was 2.3 (SD 0.5). Video content was generally poor with a mean of 10.5 points (SD 0.6). Frequently absent key features included information on the course of disease (6%), presence of substantial geographical variation (7%), and importance of screening for extrapulmonary manifestations (11%). HONCode scores were higher in videos from academic or governmental sources (p = 0.003), particularly regarding “transparency of sponsorship” (p

Abstract Anemia is a common problem in South American camelids (SACs). Infections with Candidatus Mycoplasma haemolamae (CMh), a cell-wall free, hemotropic bacterium, are often suspected to be an important cause of anemia, as the pathogen infects the erythrocytes and is found in the blood of up to 30% of SACs. The information on the clinical signs of animals infected with this pathogen vary widely. Most infections are clinically inapparent. Treatment is usually carried out with oxytetracycline. A detailed overview of the clinical and hematological findings in 13 alpacas infected with Candidatus M. haemolamae (CMh+), based on patients from our university clinic and comparing those findings with the results of 22 negative alpacas (CMh−) is provided. Assignment to both groups was based on the PCR result. No relevant clinical or hematological differences between CMh+ and CMh− were found, the clinical signs in CMh+ were usually due to comorbidities. The examination of a blood smear alone proved to be insufficient; a PCR test should be carried out to confirm or rule out an infection. A critical review of the need for antibiotic treatment on the basis of a positive test result alone is recommended.

Abstract Background The nutritional status in alpacas is often masked by their dense fibre coat. Its assessment is commonly approached by different body condition scores (BCS) that rely on manual palpation of defined anatomical regions. However, BCS is an important diagnostic tool to aid recognition of diseased South American camelids (SACs) and low BCS has been associated with conditions like anaemia and neutrophilia. For dose-dependent veterinary treatment, body weight (BW), that should be as accurate as possible, is required. As on-site weighing with scales is often not possible, BW can mostly only be roughly estimated. To date, it remains unclear whether BCS in alpacas provides reliable information on BW or the ratios of BW to body length commonly known as Body Mass Index (BMI) or Ponderal Index (PI). Equations to estimate BW based on body measurements are available in the literature. Nonetheless, respective equations were developed in growing alpacas or adult llamas and BCS was not included. Results To compare six different BCS approaches and to examine the relationship between BCS and BW, body measurements and BCS scores were recorded in a herd of 105 alpacas. The examined BCS approaches showed significant (p

Abstract Alpacas, like all camelids, have elliptical red blood cells (RBCs) in contrast to other mammals. This particular shape is important for increased osmotic resistance and stability. Age-related changes in the RBC count are known in other species, with alterations in both red and white blood cells being described. In alpacas, there are few data on age-related changes, and only a comparison of crias with adult animals. We characterized age-related hematologic changes in a study of 21 female alpacas from a research herd. A total of 87 records of clinically healthy alpacas of different ages were statistically analyzed retrospectively from the hematologic records over a nine-year period. Significant positive correlations of age with hemoglobin (Hb), HCT, MCV, MCH, neutrophils, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were found as well as significant negative correlations of age with lymphocytes in addition to lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR). A paired comparison of eight older animals in the herd at three different ages also showed significant differences in the parameters Hb, HCT, MCV, MCH, MCHC, lymphocytes, eosinophils and neutrophils. Similar changes in hematologic parameters have been reported in other species and should be taken into account when interpreting hematologic results in alpacas.

Introduction: Calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs), ciclosporin and tacrolimus, are utilized primarily in organ transplantation and the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Since patients depend on these drugs over long periods, they face a potential risk of intoxication. This risk increases substantially when patients are overdosed or inadvertently exposed to cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 inhibitors. Objectives: To analyze the utility of CYP inducers as a plausible treatment modality for acute CNI intoxication using real-world data from the WHO global pharmacovigilance database (VigiBase™) and supporting evidence from published data. Methodology: We explored all individual case safety reports (ICSRs) regarding CNI intoxications registered in VigiBase™. The queries “overdose” or “drug intoxication” were applied against the active ingredients “ciclosporin” and “tacrolimus”. Regarding the utility of CYP inducers, an extensive literature analysis was undertaken. We also report an index clinical case of a 60-year-old liver transplant patient that developed severe tacrolimus intoxication with multiple organ dysfunction at a peak concentration of 33.1 μg/L after a single dose of intravenous fluconazole. Results: Out of 143,710 documented ICSRs reported in VigiBase™ since 1992, 0.26% and 0.02% were registered as CNI overdoses and intoxications, respectively. The main etiological factor for CNI intoxication was the interaction with CYP 3A4 inhibitors (40.0% vs. case reports: 50.0%). The most commonly reported manifestation was acute kidney injury (36.7% vs. case reports: 46.3%). A total of 16.7% of intoxications led to fatal outcomes after drug withdrawal or dose reduction; however, in 43.0% of cases the exact actions undertaken were not reported. In peer-reviewed reports, 34 distinct clinical cases were treated with CYP inducers. Diverse pharmacoenhancement strategies with phenobarbital (5), phenytoin (23) and rifampicin (6) were described with a mean time of achieving the therapeutic target after 2.7 (±0.7), 3.1 (±0.5) and 4.6 (±1.0) days, respectively. In the index case, a therapeutic concentration of 4.9 [4–6 μg/L] was achieved after a 3-day regimen of rifampicin. Conclusion: In addition to general supportive treatment, the administration of phenobarbital, phenytoin, or rifampicin to reverse acute CNI intoxication is a viable treatment modality. The relatively long half-life of phenobarbital coupled with its exclusive renal elimination are potential pitfalls to reckon with. In spite of the favorable pharmacokinetic advantages of rifampicin, phenytoin offers a competitive pharmacodynamic advantage that is indisputable in patients with overt neurotoxicity.

Introduction: Despite high vulnerability to infection, hand disinfection compliance in emergencies is low. This is regularly justified as the disinfection procedure delays life support, and instead, wearing disposable gloves is preferred. Simulation studies showed higher achievable compliance than detected in real-life situations. This study aimed to explore healthcare providers’ attitudes toward hand disinfection and using gloves in emergencies. Methods: We conducted an anonymous online survey in Germany on the attitude and subjective behavior in the five moments of hand hygiene in a closed environment and an open convenience sampling survey. Statistics included paired student's t-tests corrected for multiple testing. For qualitative analysis, we employed a single-coder approach. Results: In 400 participants, we detected low priority of WHO-1 (before touching a patient) and WHO-2 (before clean/aseptic procedure) hand hygiene moments, despite knowing the risks of omission of hand disinfection. For all moments, self-assessment exceeded the assessment of colleagues (p < 0.001). For WHO-3, we detected a lower disinfection priority for wearing gloves compared to contaminated bare hands. Qualitative analyses revealed five themes: basic conditions, didactic implementations, cognitive load, and uncertainty about feasibility and efficacy. Discussion: Considering bias, the study's subjective nature, the unknown role of emergency-related infections contributing to hospital-acquired infections, and different experiences of healthcare providers, we conclude that hand disinfection before emergencies is de-prioritized and justified by the emergency situation regardless of the objective feasibility. Conclusion: This study reveals subjective and objective barriers to implementation of WHO-1 and WHO-2 moments of hand disinfection to be further evaluated and addressed in educational programs.

Abstract Background Clogging is characterized by a progressive impairment of transmembrane patency in renal replacement devices and occurs due to obstruction of pores by unknown molecules. If citrate-based anti-coagulation is used, clogging can manifest as a metabolic alkalosis accompanied by hypernatremia and hypercalcemia, primarily a consequence of Na3Citrate infusion. An increased incidence of clogging has been observed during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, precise factors contributing to the formation remain uncertain. This investigation aimed to analyze its incidence and assessed time-varying trajectories of associated factors in critically ill patients on continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). Methods In this retrospective, single-center data analysis, we evaluated COVID-19 patients undergoing CRRT and admitted to critical care between March 2020 and December 2021. We assessed the proportional incidence of clogging surrogates in the overall population and subgroups based on the specific CRRT devices employed at our institution, including multiFiltrate (Fresenius Medical Care) and Prismaflex System (Baxter). Moderate and severe clogging were defined as Na > 145 or ≥ 150 mmol/l and HCO3 − > 28.0 or ≥ 30 mmol/l, respectively, with a total albumin-corrected calcium > 2.54 mmol/l. A mixed effect model was introduced to investigate factors associated with development of clogging. Results Fifty-three patients with 240 CRRT runs were analyzed. Moderate and severe clogging occurred in 15% (8/53) and 19% (10/53) of patients, respectively. Twenty-seven percent (37/136) of CRRTs conducted with a multiFiltrate device met the criteria for clogging, whereas no clogging could be observed in patients dialyzed with the Prismaflex System. Occurrence of clogging was associated with elevated triglyceride plasma levels at filter start (p = 0.013), amount of enteral nutrition (p = 0.002) and an increasing white blood cell count over time (p = 0.002). Conclusions Clogging seems to be a frequently observed phenomenon in critically ill COVID-19 patients. The presence of hypertriglyceridemia, combined with systemic inflammation, may facilitate the development of an impermeable secondary membrane within filters, thereby contributing to compromised membrane patency.

Fasciola hepatica infections lead to severe health problems and production losses in sheep farming, if not treated effectively. Triclabendazole has been used extensively over decades due to its unique efficacy range against all definitive hostfluke stages but published data about the susceptibility of F. hepatica to anthelmintics in Germany are lacking. This study aimed to identify current F. hepatica infections in German sheep flocks by coproscopic examinations and to evaluate the efficacy of anthelmintics with a focus on triclabendazole in a field study conducted from 2020 to 2022. Initial screening included 71 sheep farms, many of them with known history of fasciolosis. In this highly biased sample set, the frequency of F. hepatica infection at individual sheep and farm level were 12.8% and 35.2%, respectively. Additionally, eggs of Paramphistominae were found at frequencies of 4.8% and 15.5% at individual sheep and farm level, respectively. Due to low egg shedding intensity, faecal egg count reduction (FECR) tests could only be conducted on a few farms. The efficacy of triclabendazole was tested on 11 farms and albendazole on one farm, including 3–53 sheep/farm. Individual faecal samples were collected before and two weeks after treatment to evaluate the FECR using the sedimentation or FLUKEFINDER® or a modified FLUKEFINDER® method. On all farms a coproantigen reduction test was conducted in parallel. Lacking efficacy of triclabendazole even at double dosage was shown on one farm associated with a high number of animal losses due to acute fasciolosis. On this farm, the Fasciola miracidium development test was additionally performed, revealing a high in vitro ovicidal activity of albendazole while closantel was effective in vivo. On all other farms, sufficient efficacy of triclabendazole was observed. In conclusion, triclabendazole resistance appears not to be widespread on German sheep farms but, when present, can have serious effects on animal health.

Abstract Introduction In the treatment of patients with chronic pain, whole-body electrostatic therapy using the Elosan Cabin C1 has been proposed as an adjunctive therapy. So far, data on the use of this cabin are limited. Promising results with a significant reduction in pain scores have been obtained in a small group of patients. However, treatment with Elosan Cabin C1 has not been the subject of evaluation in a larger patient population. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and adverse effects of electrostatic treatment in such a population. Methods Prospective, multi-center, observational clinical trial conducted in daily practice in a large adult ambulatory population with chronic pain. Each patient received eight weekly Elosan C1 treatment sessions for up to 9 weeks. Treatment was added to an established conservative pain management. Pain scores (visual analog scale (VAS) 0–100, primary outcome) and sleep quality (seven-point Likert scale, secondary outcome) were assessed before, during, and at the end of the treatment period; quality of life (SF-12: Physical Component Summary = PCS, Mental Component Summary = MCS; secondary outcome) was assessed before and at the end of the treatment period. Subgroup analyses were performed for sex, age, duration of pain, initial pain location, pain entity, and pain medication at the start of treatment. Results A total of 192 patients were enrolled, 143 patients (74.5%) had a complete set of 8 treatment sessions. A reduction in pain scores from 68 ± 14 points to 47 ± 22 points was observed (p 15 points. Female patients had a significantly better response than male patients with a higher number of responders (76% vs. 38%; p 1 year. The Physical Component Summary (PCS) increased from 36 ± 11 to 41 ± 11 (+ 18%, p

Haleakalā National Park and montane areas on east Maui, Hawaiian Archipelago, support critical nesting habitat for endangered ‘ua‘u Hawaiian petrel Pterodroma sandwichensis. Habitat loss, non-native predators, and damage by feral ungulates are limiting factors for ground-nesting petrels at Haleakalā and throughout Hawai‘i. Because nesting habitats differ among the Hawaiian Islands, habitat distribution modeling for Hawaiian petrel has been island specific. Based on 2453 known nest site locations, we provide the first landscape-scale predictive model describing relative abundance and habitat available for nesting petrels throughout upper Haleakalā (1830 to 3055 m). We evaluated (principal components analyses and Pearson’s correlation) 13 spatial landscape and climate predictor variables associated with nest sites and the background landscape followed by random forest modeling to predict nest site density. Six variables (elevation, slope, topographic position index at 2 scales, heat load index, presence-absence ash/cinder, and presence-absence vegetation) indicated nest sites occurred non-randomly throughout the central part of the summit and crater; greatest concentrations were predicted along the crater rim and a ridgeline extending southwest from the summit. Moderately high predicted density occurred in the northeastern and northern crater. Lower elevations to the north, west, and south flanks of Haleakalā had relatively fewer predicted nest sites. Although we focused on higher elevations on Haleakalā, there is no reason to suspect that conservation efforts would not be successful at lower elevations, provided nesting petrels were protected from invasive predators, grazing ungulates, and significant land alteration.

Background: Since 2021, international guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation recommend the implementation of so-called “life-saving systems”. These systems include smartphone alerting systems (SAS), which enable dispatch centres to alert first responders via smartphone applications, who are in proximity of a suspected out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). However, the effect of SAS on survival remains unknown. Aim: The aim is to assess the rate of survival to hospital discharge in adult patients with OHCA not witnessed by emergency medical services (EMS): before and after SAS implementation. Design: Multicentre, prospective, observational, intention-to-treat, pre–post design clinical trial. Population: Adults (aged ≥ 18 years), OHCA not witnessed by EMS, no traumatic cause for cardiac arrest, cardiopulmonary resuscitation initiated or continued by EMS. Setting: Dispatch-centre-based. Outcomes: Primary: survival to hospital discharge. Secondary: time to first compression, rate of basic life support measures before EMS arrival, rate of patients with shockable rhythm at EMS arrival, Cerebral Performance Category at hospital discharge, and duration of hospital stay. Sample size: Assuming an absolute difference in survival rates to hospital discharge of 4% in the two groups (11% before implementation of the SAS versus 15% after) and 80% power, and a type 1 error rate of 0.05, the required sample size is N = 1,109 patients per group (at least N = 2,218 evaluated patients in total). Conclusions: The HEROES trial will investigate the effects of a SAS on the survival rate after OHCA. Trial registration: German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS, ID: DRKS00032920)

Aim: Smartphone alerting systems (SAS) alert volunteers in close vicinity of suspected out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Some systems use sophisticated algorithms to select those who will probably arrive first. Precise estimation of departing times and travel times may help to further improve algorithms. We developed a global positioning system (GPS) based method for automatic measurements of departing times. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate feasibility and precision of the method. Methods: Region of Lifesavers alerting app (iOS/ Android, version 3.0, FirstAED ApS, Denmark) was used in this study. 27 experiments were performed with 9 students, who were instructed to stay in their flats during the study days. A geofence was set for each alarm in the alerting system with a radius of 10 m (8 cases), 15 m (10 cases), and 20 m (9 cases) around the GPS position at which the alarm was accepted in the app. The system logged responders as being departed when the smartphone position was registered outside the geofence. The students were instructed to manually start a stopwatch at the time of the alert and to stop the stopwatch once they had entered the street in front of their flat. Results: The median difference between automatically and manually retrieved times were −16 seconds [interquartile range IQR 50 seconds] (geofence 10 m), 30 seconds [IQR 25 seconds] (15 m), and 20 seconds [IQR 13 seconds] (20 m), respectively. The 20 m geofence was associated with the smallest interquartile range. Conclusion: Departing times of volunteer responders in SAS can be retrieved automatically using GPS and a geofence.

BackgroundSimultaneous positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a novel hybrid imaging method integrating the advances of morphological tissue characterization of MRI with the pathophysiological insights of PET applications.AimThis study evaluated the use of simultaneous 18-FDG PET/MR imaging for characterizing atherosclerotic lesions in lower extremity arterial disease (LEAD).MethodsEight patients with symptomatic stenoses of the superficial femoral artery (SFA) under simultaneous acquisition of 18-FDG PET and contrast-enhanced MRI using an integrated whole-body PET/MRI scanner. Invasive plaque characterization of the SFA was performed by intravascular imaging using optical coherence tomography. Histological analysis of plaque specimens was performed after directional atherectomy.ResultsMRI showed contrast enhancement at the site of arterial stenosis, as assessed on T2-w and T1-w images, compared to a control area of the contralateral SFA (0.38 ± 0.15 cm vs. 0.23 ± 0.11 cm; 1.77 ± 0.19 vs. 1.57 ± 0.15; p-value 1) at the level of symptomatic stenosis was observed in all but one patient. Contrast medium-induced MR signal enhancement was detected in all plaques, whereas FDG uptake in PET imaging was increased in lesions with active fibroatheroma and reduced in fibrocalcified lesions.ConclusionIn this multimodal imaging study, we report the feasibility and challenges of simultaneous PET/MR imaging of LEAD, which might offer new perspectives for risk estimation.

Could gaming enhance brain plasticity and executive functions (EFs) by fostering creativity? We identify vital benefits from further research exploring the relationship between games, brain plasticity, and creativity. The ongoing progress in neuroscience research in these three disciplines offers many possibilities and prospects for impactful therapy. Therefore, we emphasize the significance of investigating the untapped potentials of using games in creative therapy—our perspective on the often-overlooked neuroscientific aspect of creativity concerning health and wellbeing. One of these potentials is examining games as a therapeutic tool, focusing on their capacity to inspire and engage the imagination and other mental operators shared with creativity. Using a game as a therapeutic approach may boost brain plasticity, which may help them reduce their cognitive impairments by improving their EFs. This review offers a comprehensive outline of the latest advancements in the literature on games that tie to creativity through enhancing brain plasticity and EFs. Communicating this knowledge can furnish countless possibilities to improve our overall health and wellbeing and foster a positive perspective in individuals affected by anxiety.

Abstract Background Anaemia is a common condition in alpacas and attributable to a variety of causes. Severe anaemia with a packed cell volume (PCV) less than 10% is frequently diagnosed, usually due to blood loss resulting from haemonchosis. Many South American camelids (SACs) also suffer from gastric ulcers, which are often associated with anaemia in other species. However, in alpacas and llamas, gastric ulcers usually do not lead to anaemia due to blood loss according to the current literature. There are no detailed clinical and laboratory data on this condition in the scientific literature so far. Case presentation We report on the case of a nine-year-old male alpaca that was presented to the clinic with suspected forestomach acidosis. The animal showed clinical signs of colic, hypothermia, tachypnea, tachycardia, pale mucous membranes, and died shortly after admission to the clinic. Laboratory diagnosis revealed a markedly decreased haematocrit (0.13 l/l), leucopaenia with band neutrophils, azotaemia, hypocalcaemia, hyperphosphataemia and vitamin D deficiency. Post-mortem examination revealed multiple ulcers in the first and third compartment with perforation of one ulcer in the first compartment, resulting in intraluminal blood loss and purulent peritonitis. Conclusions To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first detailed description of clinical and laboratory data of severe anaemia due to a perforated gastric ulcer in a SAC. Although the current literature suggests that severe blood loss due to gastric ulcers does not occur in SACs, this condition should be considered as a possible differential diagnosis in anaemic animals. Clinical indicators can be colic and pale mucous membranes.

Abstract X-ray free-electron lasers (FELs) are state-of-the-art scientific tools capable to study matter on the scale of atomic processes. Since the initial operation of X-ray FELs more than a decade ago, several facilities with upgraded performance have been put in operation. Here we present the first lasing results of Athos, the soft X-ray FEL beamline of SwissFEL at the Paul Scherrer Institute in Switzerland. Athos features an undulator layout based on short APPLE-X modules providing full polarisation control, interleaved with small magnetic chicanes. This versatile configuration allows for many operational modes, giving control over many FEL properties. We show, for example, a 35% reduction of the required undulator length to achieve FEL saturation with respect to standard undulator configurations. We also demonstrate the generation of more powerful pulses than the ones obtained in typical undulators. Athos represents a fundamental step forward in the design of FEL facilities, creating opportunities in FEL-based sciences.

In Europe, Leishmania infantum is the most prevalent Leishmania species, and this protozoan is transmitted by phlebotomine sandflies. A recent publication has shown that sheep harbor L. infantum antibodies. This raises questions about the epidemiological role of small ruminants. Therefore, sera from small ruminants located in two southern German federal states, Baden-Wuerttemberg (BW) and Bavaria (BAV), were analyzed with an ELISA to determine the presence of L. infantum antibodies. The species, sex and age (gimmer vs. ewe) were recorded, and a univariate analysis was conducted to determine possible associations. In total, seven sheep flocks (274 sheep/10 goats) from BW and seven sheep flocks (277 sheep/78 goats) from BAV were examined. In BW, four sheep from three flocks tested positive for L. infantum antibodies. In BAV, the same number of positive sheep were detected but in four flocks. The total seropositivity rate in sheep was 1.45%. All goats tested negative. No significant association (p > 0.05) was detected between Leishmania seropositivity and the variables evaluated. Our study reveals the exposure of sheep to L. infantum in a non-endemic area. Further investigation is needed to determine whether sheep can be used as sentinels to identify new phlebotomine habitats and Leishmania risk areas.

Abstract Patient monitoring is the foundation of intensive care medicine. High workload and information overload can impair situation awareness of staff, thus leading to loss of important information about patients’ conditions. To facilitate mental processing of patient monitoring data, we developed the Visual-Patient-avatar Intensive Care Unit (ICU), a virtual patient model animated from vital signs and patient installation data. It incorporates user-centred design principles to foster situation awareness. This study investigated the avatar’s effects on information transfer measured by performance, diagnostic confidence and perceived workload. This computer-based study compared Visual-Patient-avatar ICU and conventional monitor modality for the first time. We recruited 25 nurses and 25 physicians from five centres. The participants completed an equal number of scenarios in both modalities. Information transfer, as the primary outcome, was defined as correctly assessing vital signs and installations. Secondary outcomes included diagnostic confidence and perceived workload. For analysis, we used mixed models and matched odds ratios. Comparing 250 within-subject cases revealed that Visual-Patient-avatar ICU led to a higher rate of correctly assessed vital signs and installations [rate ratio (RR) 1.25; 95% CI 1.19–1.31; P

Centrins are small calcium-binding proteins that have a variety of roles and are universally associated with eukaryotic centrosomes. Rapid proliferation of the malaria-causing parasite Plasmodium falciparum in the human blood depends on a particularly divergent and acentriolar centrosome, which incorporates several essential centrins. Their precise mode of action, however, remains unclear. In this study calcium-inducible liquid-liquid phase separation is revealed as an evolutionarily conserved principle of assembly for multiple centrins from P. falciparum and other species. Furthermore, the disordered N-terminus and calcium-binding motifs are defined as essential features for reversible biomolecular condensation, and we demonstrate that certain centrins can form co-condensates. In vivo analysis using live cell STED microscopy shows liquid-like dynamics of centrosomal centrin. Additionally, implementation of an inducible protein overexpression system reveals concentration-dependent formation of extra-centrosomal centrin assemblies with condensate-like properties. The timing of foci formation and dissolution suggests that centrin assembly is regulated. This study thereby provides a new model for centrin accumulation at eukaryotic centrosomes.

The Q-GAPS (Q fever GermAn interdisciplinary Program for reSearch) consortium was launched in 2017 as a German consortium of more than 20 scientists with exceptional expertise, competence, and substantial knowledge in the field of the Q fever pathogen Coxiella (C.) burnetii. C. burnetii exemplifies as a zoonotic pathogen the challenges of zoonotic disease control and prophylaxis in human, animal, and environmental settings in a One Health approach. An interdisciplinary approach to studying the pathogen is essential to address unresolved questions about the epidemiology, immunology, pathogenesis, surveillance, and control of C. burnetii. In more than five years, Q-GAPS has provided new insights into pathogenicity and interaction with host defense mechanisms. The consortium has also investigated vaccine efficacy and application in animal reservoirs and identified expanded phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of C. burnetii and their epidemiological significance. In addition, conceptual principles for controlling, surveilling, and preventing zoonotic Q fever infections were developed and prepared for specific target groups. All findings have been continuously integrated into a Web-based, interactive, freely accessible knowledge and information platform (www.q-gaps.de), which also contains Q fever guidelines to support public health institutions in controlling and preventing Q fever. In this review, we will summarize our results and show an example of how an interdisciplinary consortium provides knowledge and better tools to control a zoonotic pathogen at the national level.

Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is a tick-transmitted flavivirus, which can infect humans and animals, sometimes even with a fatal outcome. Since many decades, TBEV is endemic in southern Germany, while only sporadic occurrence has been noted in northern parts of the country so far. Nevertheless, autochthonous human clinical cases are increasing in the federal state of Lower Saxony in north-western Germany, and several natural foci of TBEV transmission have recently been detected in this federal state. In order to shed more light on the current distribution of TBEV in Lower Saxony, the present study examined blood samples from wild and domestic animals for antibodies against TBEV. Overall, samples from 4,085 animals were tested by ELISA, including wild boar (N = 1,208), roe deer (N = 149), red deer (N = 61), fallow deer (N = 18), red foxes (N = 9), nutria (N = 9), raccoon dogs (N = 3), raccoons (N = 3), badgers (N = 1), European pine martens (N = 1), horses (N = 574), sheep (N = 266), goats (N = 67), dogs (N = 1,317) and cats (N = 399). Samples with an ELISA result of ≥60 Vienna units (VIEU)/ml were subjected to confirmatory serum neutralization tests (SNT). In total, 343 of 4,085 (8.4%) animals tested positive for anti-TBEV-IgG by ELISA, of which 60 samples were confirmed by SNT. Samples of 89 animals showed a cytotoxic effect in the SNT and were excluded from seroprevalence calculation, resulting in an overall seroprevalence of 1.5% (60/3,996). Seroprevalence was higher among wild animals (wild boar: 2.9% [34/1,190], roe deer: 2.7% [4/149], red deer: 1.7% [1/60], fallow deer: 5.6% [1/18]) than among domestic animals (dogs: 1.1% [15/1,317], horses: 0.8% [4/505], sheep: 0.4% [1/266]). No anti-TBEV-antibodies were detected in the other wild animal species as well as goats and cats. A notable clustering of positive samples was observed in districts where TBEV transmission foci have been described. Further clusters in other districts suggest the existence of so far undetected transmission foci, underlining the fact that both wild and domestic animals are useful sentinels for monitoring the spread of TBEV.