Representation of skin carcinomas in public awareness - Awareness worldwide and in Germany

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

In recent years, there has been an increase in skin cancer. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate the representation of skin cancer in public awareness worldwide and in Germany, and to determine whether Skin Cancer Awareness Month is represented in the search interests of the Internet-using population in the same way as Breast Cancer Awareness Month worldwide.

DATA AND METHODS

In this study, Google Trends data were used to track levels of public awareness for different tumor entities and skin cancer types worldwide and for Germany.

RESULTS

The results of this analysis clearly showed a high level of relative public search interest in breast cancer worldwide in the awareness month of October. Worldwide and in Germany, there was a certain increase in search interest and a certain seasonal effect around the May awareness month for skin cancer. For example, the analysis showed a search interest in May and during the summer months in Germany.

CONCLUSIONS

It is likely that the population, for example in Germany, may benefit further from an even greater emphasis on the topic of skin cancer.

Maximum generable interest: A universal standard for Google Trends search queries

The coronavirus or COVID-19 pandemic represents a health event with far-reaching global consequences, triggering a strong search interest in related topics on the Internet worldwide. The use of search engine data has become commonplace in research, but a universal standard for comparing different works is desirable to simplify the comparison. The coronavirus pandemic's enormous impact and media coverage have triggered an exceptionally high search interest. Consequently, the maximum generable interest (MGI) on coronavirus is proposed as a universal reference for objectifying and comparing relative search interest in the future. This search interest can be explored with search engine data such as Google Trends data. Additional standards for medium and low search volumes can also be used to reflect the search interest of topics at different levels. Size standards, such as reference to MGI, may help make research more comparable and better evaluate relative search volumes. This study presents a framework for this purpose using the example of stroke.

Can Google Trends analysis confirm the public's need for information about the rare association of facial nerve paralysis with COVID-19 or the COVID-19 vaccination?

Facial nerve paralysis or Bell's palsy have been suggested as possible consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infections, as well as possible side effects of COVID-19 vaccinations. Google Trends data have been used to evaluate worldwide levels of public awareness for these topics for pre- and post-pandemic years. The results demonstrate a relatively low public interest in facial nerve paralysis in comparison to other more common COVID-19 related topics. Some peaks of interest in Bell's palsy can most likely be explained as triggered by the media. Therefore, Google Trends has shown public's relatively low awareness of this rare neurological phenomenon during the pandemic.

Public awareness for "classic" childhood diseases and inflammatory syndromes in children during the COVID-19 pandemic

OBJECTIVES

The objective was to analyze in silico public search interest during the COVID-19 pandemic for some classic infectious childhood diseases, e.g., measles, mumps, chickenpox, scarlet fever, and inflammatory diseases like Kawasaki disease and the pediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome (PIMS).

STUDY DESIGN

In this study, a comparison of five childhood diseases in public search trends with the pediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome was performed.

METHODS

Google Trends data for the period of five years for six childhood diseases were used. We used topics coverings all languages worldwide and all connected search queries.

RESULTS

Public search interest decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic for some classic infectious childhood diseases. Search interest for the pediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome, despite strong indication of a connection with COVID-19, remained relatively low compared to Kawasaki disease.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Better understanding of Google Trends can map public awareness of childhood diseases in terms of time course and search intensity.

CONCLUSIONS

Public interest during the pandemic was generated for diseases with suspected connection to COVID-19, presumably due to media triggers.

Influence of the COVID-19 pandemic measures on incidence and representation of other infectious diseases in Germany: a lesson to be learnt

Aim

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a wide range of serious health, social and economic consequences. To counteract the pandemic, various measures and restrictions such as lockdowns, closures, social distancing, hygiene, and protective measures such as wearing face masks have been enforced. Apart from the COVID-19 pandemic, these measures also had effects on other transmittable diseases. This study therefore determined the impact on case numbers and interest for other infectious diseases as well.

Subject and methods

Anonymized data on reported case numbers from the German Robert Koch Institute and data from Google Trends about the search interest have been used in this study to track courses of infectious diseases before and during the coronavirus pandemic in Germany.

Results

The results of this analysis clearly demonstrated that the case numbers of influenza, whooping cough, measles, mumps, scarlet fever and chicken pox decreased in the pandemic years, most probably due to anti-pandemic measures in Germany. Additionally, the Google Trends analysis demonstrated public awareness, documented by a corresponding search interest, for the new topic COVID-19 and for other infectious diseases.

Conclusion

Online available data provided valuable sources for research purposes in infodemiology or infoveillance.

Representation of long COVID syndrome in the awareness of the population is revealed by Google Trends analysis

In some COVID-19 patients, symptoms persist for several weeks and sometimes, after the acute disease phase, these patients develop new symptoms, which then represents a transition into the so-called long COVID. The exact demarcation of the terms and generally applicable definitions are still discussed, but the phenomenon is most commonly referred to as long COVID.

In this study, Google Trends data have been used to track levels of public awareness for long COVID and some important symptoms during the course of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The results of this analysis clearly demonstrate the public interest in the new topic of long COVID, as documented by a corresponding search volume. This is related to the disease COVID-19, which is being spread by the corona pandemic. Relevant symptoms for COVID-19 or long COVID, for example ageusia and anosmia, only started to receive more public attention during the pandemic.

Therefore, Google Trends is a useful tool to demonstrate the population's awareness of certain infodemiological topics like long COVID.

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Long COVID plays a non-negligible role in the information needs, as evidenced by the growing search interest during the pandemic.

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Symptoms ageusia and anosmia became relatively well-known and relevant during the pandemic.

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Google Trends is a useful tool, well suited for demonstrating the population's awareness of certain infodemiological topics.

Individual and poly-substance use and condomless sex among HIV-uninfected adults reporting heterosexual sex in a multi-site cohort

BACKGROUND

We analyzed the association between substance use (SU) and condomless sex (CS) among HIV-negative adults reporting heterosexual sex in the Seek, Test, Treat, and Retain (STTR) consortium. We describe the impact of SU as well as person/partner and context-related factors on CS, identifying combinations of factors that indicate the highest likelihood of CS.

METHODS

We analyzed data from four US-based STTR studies to examine the effect of SU on CS using two SU exposures: 1) recent SU (within 3 months) and 2) SU before/during sex. Behavioral data were collected via 1:1 or self-administered computerized interviews. Adjusted individual-study, multivariable relative risk regression was used to examine the relationship between CS and SU. We also examined interactions with type of sex and partner HIV status. Pooled effect estimates were calculated using traditional fixed-effects meta-analysis. We analyzed data for recent SU (n = 6781; 82% men, median age = 33 years) and SU before/during sex (n = 2915; 69% men, median age = 40 years).

RESULTS

For both exposure classifications, any SU other than cannabis increased the likelihood of CS relative to non-SU (8-16%, p-values< 0.001). In the recent SU group, however, polysubstance use did not increase the likelihood of CS compared to single-substance use. Cannabis use did not increase the likelihood of CS, regardless of frequency of use. Type of sex was associated with CS; those reporting vaginal and anal sex had a higher likelihood of CS compared to vaginal sex only for both exposure classifications (18-21%, p < 0.001). Recent SU increased likelihood of CS among those reporting vaginal sex only (9-10%, p < 0.001); results were similar for those reporting vaginal and anal sex (5-8%, p < 0.01). SU before/during sex increased the likelihood of CS among those reporting vaginal sex only (20%; p < 0.001) and among those reporting vaginal and anal sex (7%; p = 0.002). Single- and poly-SU before/during sex increased the likelihood of CS for those with exclusively HIV-negative partners (7-8%, p ≤ 0.02), and for those reporting HIV-negative and HIV-status unknown partners (9-13%, p ≤ 0.03).

CONCLUSION

Except for cannabis, any SU increased the likelihood of CS. CS was associated with having perceived HIV-negative partners and with having had both anal/vaginal sex.

The rise of infodemiology and infoveillance during COVID-19 crisis

We noticed an increase in the relative number of published papers on topics such as infoveillance, infodemiology and Google Trends. Collected PubMed data are from the period of January 2020 to March 2021 and were searched with the use of five keywords: infoveillance, infodemiology, Google Trends, diabetes and in silico. We compared an increase in the number of papers from PubMed with search interest expressed in Google Trends. Collected Google Trends data is from the same period, covering fifteen months starting January 2020 and were searched with the use of three search topics: coronavirus, lockdown and social distancing. The geographic setting for search engine users was worldwide. We propose a hypothesis that after increased interest in searches during the pandemic's initial months came an increased number of published papers on topics such as infoveillance, infodemiology and Google Trends.

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Google Trends data underline the importance and duration of the COVID-19 effects.

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PubMed data reveal an increase in the number of papers in infoveillance, infodemiology and Google Trends

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Current restrictions such as lockdown and social distancing are reflected in the number of internet searches

Multi-wavelength, handheld laser speckle imaging for skin evaluation

OBJECTIVE

A handheld device was developed and qualified for in vivo human skin evaluation using laser speckle imaging technology.

METHODS

Each laser speckle device prototype allows the choice of up to three different laser wavelengths in the range of 400 nm to 800 nm in total. Speckle pattern analysis gives various speckle parameters, for example, speckle contrast, speckle size, speckle modulation or fractal dimension. The developed laser speckle device prototypes were evaluated investigating three skin issues.

RESULTS

We receive reproducible results from the speckle imaging device. For skin ageing, we found significant changes within three age groups. The effect of a methyl nicotinate treatment was clearly visible and quantifiable using a moorFLPI device as well as our speckle imaging device. In terms of basal cell carcinoma diagnosis, we found significant differences between normal and diseased skin, even though the number of samples was limited.

CONCLUSION

As shown with first application examples, it was possible to demonstrate the potential of the method for skin evaluation in vivo.

Thylacine and Tasmanian devil: between hope and reality – a lesson to be learnt from Google Trends search data

The two iconic Tasmanian species, the Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii) and the thylacine (Thylacinus cynocephalus), are of great interest to the general public and the media. The most likely extinct Tasmanian wolf or tiger, the thylacine, symbolises human responsibility for nature and species conservation and inspired the ‘National Threatened Species Day’, which commemorates the death of the last thylacine at Beaumaris Zoo in Hobart on 7 September 1936 to raise awareness of endangered plants and animals. Since the spread of the Devil Facial Tumour Disease critically endangered the survival of the largest remaining native carnivore (S. harrisii) today, this has generated both scientific interest and the interest of the general public. Google Trends has already been used as a tool for documenting and investigating the information needs and concerns of the population, as has been shown using the example of diseases. In this study, Google Trends data were used to examine the seasonality of the search term ‘thylacine sightings’ and the development of the frequency of different search terms in the period between 2004 and 2020. As a result, relative search intensities for ‘thylacine cloning’ and ‘cloning extinct species’ have shown a decrease over time. While Google Trends cannot clearly determine search motivation, search terms can be selected for the examinations that document more hope or a rational need for information or concern.

Alignment of diet prescription to genotype does not promote greater weight loss success in women with obesity participating in an exercise and weight loss program

OBJECTIVE

Genetics contribute to variability in individual response to weight-loss interventions. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of a commercially available exercise and weight-loss program and whether alignment of diet to genotype related to lipid metabolism promotes greater success.

DESIGN

Sedentary women with obesity (n = 63) had genotype (FABP2rs1799883, PPARG2rs1801282, ADRB3rs4994C3, ADRB2rs1042713, rs1042714) determined using a direct-to-consumer genetic screening kit purported to promote greater weight-loss success through dietary recommendations based on these genes. Participants were randomly assigned to follow a moderate carbohydrate (MC) or lower carbohydrate (LC) hypo-energetic diet that aligned (A) or did not align (NA) with genotype for 24 weeks while participating in a resistance training and walking program. Data were analysed by general linear model repeated measures adjusted for baseline variables and are presented as mean (95% confidence interval) changes from baseline.

RESULTS

Participants in the LC group experienced greater improvements (p = 0.051, ηp 2 = 0.025) in per cent changes in body composition (weight: MC -3.32 [-1.4, -5.2], LC -5.82 [-4.1, -7.6]; fat mass: MC -7.25 [-3.2, -11.2], LC -10.93 [-7.3, -14.5]; fat-free mass: MC -0.32 [1.4, -2.0], LC -1.48 [0.7, -3.0]; and body fat percentage: MC -4.19 [-1.6, -6.8], LC -5.60 [-3.3, -7.9] %). No significant differences were observed between genotype groups (weight: A -5.00 [-3.3, -6.7], NA -4.14 [-2.2, -6.1]; fat mass: A -10.15 [-7.0, -13.6], NA -8.02 [-4.0, -12.0]; fat-free mass: A -1.23 [0.3, -2.8], NA -0.56 [1.12, -2.3]; and body fat: A -5.28 [-3.0, -7.6], NA -4.51 [-1.9, -7.1] %).

CONCLUSIONS

Adherence to this exercise and weight-loss program promoted improvements in body composition and health outcomes. While individuals following the LC diet experienced greater benefits, alignment of these diets to this genetic profile did not promote greater health outcomes.

Vorkommen und Bekämpfung des Clostridium-perfringens-Typ-A-assoziierten Durchfalls der Saugferkel unter besonderer Berücksichtigung der Immunprophylaxe

Gegenstand und Ziel: Clostridium perfringens Typ A wird häufig in Verbindung mit Durchfällen von Saugferkeln isoliert. Die Bedeutung des Alpha-(α-) und Beta(β)2-Toxins für die Pathogenese der Erkrankung ist nicht abschließend geklärt. Zur Bekämpfung der Erkrankung wurden in der Vergangenheit insbesondere stallspezifische Impfstoffe eingesetzt. Ziel der Untersuchungen war die Typisierung und quantitative Bestimmung des α- und β2-Toxins von C.-perfringens-Stämmen, die im Rahmen der Herstellung bestandsspezifischer Impfstoffe isoliert wurden. Mithilfe eines Intoxikationsmodells wurde weiterhin die Wirksamkeit eines kommerziell erhältlichen Impfstoffs gegen den C.-perfringens-Typ-A-assoziierten Durchfall der Saugferkel geprüft. Material und Methoden: Im ersten Teil der Untersuchungen wurden 1434 C.-perfringens-Stämme, die von an Durchfall erkrankten Ferkeln stammten, mithilfe einer Multiplex-PCR typisiert. Gleichzeitig wurde das α- und β2-Toxin-Bildungsvermögen der Stämme mittels ELISA-Tests untersucht. Zur Prüfung der α- und β2-toxoidhaltigen C.-perfringens-Typ-A-Vakzine für Schweine (Clostriporc A, IDT Biologika GmbH) wurden im zweiten Teil der Untersuchungen 18 Jungsauen im letzten Drittel der Trächtigkeit zweimal im Abstand von 3 Wochen immunisiert. Ergebnisse: 87,9% der Stämme gehörten zur Toxovar A (cpa, cpb2), 6,3% zur Toxovar A (cpa) und 5,8% zur Toxovar C (cpa, cpb, cpb2). Bei der quantitativen Untersuchung des Toxinbildungsvermögens der C.-perfringens-Typ-A-Stämme (cpa, cpb2) zeichneten sich Stämme, die geringe oder mittlere Gehalte des α-Toxins bildeten, häufig durch eine starke Expression des β2-Toxins aus. Die geimpften Sauen bildeten Antikörper gegen das α- und β2-Toxin, die über das Kolostrum auf die Nachzucht übertragen wurden und neugeborene Ferkel signifikant (p < 0,05) vor einer Intoxikation mit einem α- und β2-toxinhaltigen Überstand eines heterologen C.-perfringens-Typ-A-Stammes schützten. Schlussfolgerung und klinische Relevanz: Die Ergebnisse unterstreichen die Bedeutung von α- und β2-toxinbildenden C.-perfringens-Typ-A-Stämmen im Durchfallgeschehen der Saugferkel. Im Intoxikationsmodell ließ sich eine deutliche Schutzwirkung der eingesetzten Vakzine vor dem α- und β2-Toxin nachweisen.

[Breastfeeding Rates and Duration in Germany - A Systematic Review]

Aim: 20 years after establishment of the National Breastfeeding Committee, the present work, based on published data on breastfeeding, is aimed at providing insight into the development of breastfeeding behaviour in Germany. Methods: To identify relevant publications, a comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed and Web of Science using the search terms "breast feeding" or "breastfeeding" in combination with "Germany". The publication period was limited to the period 1995-2014. Results: A total of 35 studies with data on breastfeeding for the birth cohorts of 1990-2012 were identified. Most of the data had been collected in regional or local surveys, often retrospectively. About 60% of the studies had been conducted with the primary aim of collecting data on breastfeeding or infant nutrition. Over the past 2 decades, breastfeeding rates were always relatively high at the beginning (72-97%). However, they declined significantly within the first 2 months, and by the age of 6 months, only about 50% of infants were still breastfed. Conclusion: Breastfeeding support and early assistance should be offered to a greater extent in order to achieve sustainable improvement of breastfeeding frequency and duration in Germany. Regarding the quality of data collected on breastfeeding, it seems crucial to implement standardised approaches to monitor breastfeeding in Germany.

[On the seasonality of dermatoses: a retrospective analysis of search engine query data depending on the season]

BACKGROUND

The volume of search engine queries about disease-relevant items reflects public interest and correlates with disease prevalence as proven by the example of flu (influenza). Other influences include media attention or holidays.

STUDY GOAL

The present work investigates if the seasonality of prevalence or symptom severity of dermatoses correlates with search engine query data.

METHODS

The relative weekly volume of dermatological relevant search terms was assessed by the online tool Google Trends for the years 2009-2013. For each item, the degree of seasonality was calculated via frequency analysis and a geometric approach.

RESULTS

Many dermatoses show a marked seasonality, reflected by search engine query volumes. Unexpected seasonal variations of these queries suggest a previously unknown variability of the respective disease prevalence. Furthermore, using the example of allergic rhinitis, a close correlation of search engine query data with actual pollen count can be demonstrated.

DISCUSSION

In many cases, search engine query data are appropriate to estimate seasonal variability in prevalence of common dermatoses. This finding may be useful for real-time analysis and formation of hypotheses concerning pathogenetic or symptom aggravating mechanisms and may thus contribute to improvement of diagnostics and prevention of skin diseases.

[Childhood craniopharyngioma with hypothalamic obesity - no long-term weight reduction due to rehabilitation programs]

BACKGROUND

Severe obesity due to hypothalamic involvement has major impact on prognosis in long-term survivors of childhood craniopharyngioma. The long-term effects of rehabilitation efforts on weight development and obesity in these patients are not analyzed up to now.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

108 patients with childhood craniopharyngioma recruited in HIT Endo before 2001 were included in the study. Long-term weight development (BMI SDS after >10 yrs follow-up) was analyzed in regard to rehabilitation, which was performed in 31 of 108 (29%) patients (one rehabilitation in 4 patients (13%), more than one in 21 patients (68%), 6 patients unknown) in 13 German rehabilitation -clinics.

RESULTS

84% of patients underwent rehabilitation in order to reduce hypothalamic obesity (BMI>+ 2 SD), whereas 12% of patients were normal weight. Childhood craniopharyngioma pa-tients with rehabilitation presented with higher BMI at diagnosis (median BMI: +1.32 SD; range: -1.08 to + 7.00 SD) and at last evaluation (median BMI: +4.93 SD; range: -0.20 to + 13.13 SD) when compared with patients without rehabilitation (median BMI at diagnosis: +0.24 SD; range: -2.67 to + 6.98 SD; BMI at evaluation: +2.09 SD; range: -1.48 to + 10.23 SD). A long-term weight reducing effect of rehabilitation was no detectable regardless of degree of obesity, frequency of rehabilitation, and hospital of rehabilitation.

CONCLUSION

Treatment options for hypothalamic obesity in terms of rehabilitation are limited. Accordingly, strategies for prevention of hypothalamic lesions and psychosocial effects of rehabilitation are currently in focus for improvement of prognosis in childhood craniopharyngioma patients.

Vehicle and positive control values from the in vivo rodent comet assay and biomonitoring studies using human lymphocytes: historical database and influence of technical aspects

There is increased interest in the in vivo comet assay in rodents as a follow-up approach for determining the biological relevance of chemicals that are genotoxic in in vitro assays. This is partly because, unlike other assays, DNA damage can be assessed in this assay in virtually any tissue. Since background levels of DNA damage can vary with the species, tissue, and cell processing method, a robust historical control database covering multiple tissues is essential. We describe extensive vehicle and positive control data for multiple tissues from rats and mice. In addition, we report historical data from control and genotoxin-treated human blood. Technical issues impacting comet results are described, including the method of cell preparation and freezing. Cell preparation by scraping (stomach and other GI tract organs) resulted in higher % tail DNA than mincing (liver, spleen, kidney etc) or direct collection (blood or bone marrow). Treatment with the positive control genotoxicant, ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) in rats and methyl methanesulfonate in mice, resulted in statistically significant increases in % tail DNA. Background DNA damage was not markedly increased when cell suspensions were stored frozen prior to preparing slides, and the outcome of the assay was unchanged (EMS was always positive). In conclusion, historical data from our laboratory for the in vivo comet assay for multiple tissues from rats and mice, as well as human blood show very good reproducibility. These data and recommendations provided are aimed at contributing to the design and proper interpretation of results from comet assays.

Improved ankle and knee control with a dual-channel functional electrical stimulation system in chronic hemiplegia. A case report

The aim of tis report is to describe the effects of a dual-channel functional electrical stimulation (FES) system applied daily as an orthotic device to the dorsiflexors and hamstrings muscles in a subject with chronic hemiparesis. Prior to the application of FES, the patient's gait was characterized by a footdrop and knee hyperextension during stance. measurements of gait performance were collected before FES application, after a conditioning period of six weeks, and following ten months of daily use. Outcomes included lower limb kinematics and temporal gait measures. The kinematic assessments indicated significant benefits for gait with the dorsiflexors and hamstrings FES, as compared to no stimulation and peroneal FES alone. In addition ot improved ankle control, knee hyperextension was reduced during stance, and the self-selected comfortable gait velocity increased following ten months of daily use. The results of this report suggest that dual-channel FES for the dorsiflexors and hamstrings muscles may affect ankle and knee control beyond that witch can be attributed to peroneal stimulation alone. The positive effects observed in this case study point to the potential of dual-channel FES as a viable treatment options in the rehabilitation of patients with similar impairments.

Prenatal microarray analysis as second-tier diagnostic test: single-center prospective study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the usefulness of chromosome microarrays as a second-tier test in prenatal genetic testing.

METHODS

We prospectively analyzed 75 high-risk pregnancies undergoing invasive prenatal genetic testing in which the karyotype either was normal or had findings other than a common non-mosaic autosomal aneuploidy.

RESULTS

Chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) was performed successfully in all cases. Pathological copy-number variations (CNVs) explaining the phenotypes were found in 11 cases (14.7%). Four cases were detected with an unbalanced translocation. In three of these cases, subsequent genetic analysis demonstrated that a parent was an unknown carrier of a balanced translocation. Among the 67 cases with normal karyo-types, submicroscopic rearrangements with pathological significance were detected in five (7.5%) and CNVs of unclear significance were detected in one (1.5%). CMA was able to discriminate correctly between true mosaicism and confined or pseudomosaicism in all six mosaic cases.

CONCLUSION

CMA is a valuable second-tier test in high-risk pregnancies for which identification or further delineation of genetic aberrations is important. Its higher resolution results in a higher detection rate of aberrant cases, with a clear clinical benefit for estimation of risk of recurrence.

[Occurrence and control of the Clostridium perfringens type A associated diarrhea of the suckling pigs with special consideration of the immunoprophylaxis]

OBJECTIVE

Clostridium (C.) perfringens type A is often associated with diarrhoea in suckling piglets. The impact of the alpha (α) and beta (β)2 toxins on the pathogenesis of the disease has not been conclusively answered. Previously, autologous vaccines were used to control this disease. The aim of our investigation was the classification of C. perfringens strains and the quantitative determination of the α and β2 toxins during the production of autologous vaccines. The efficacy of a commercial vaccine against the C. perfringens type A associated diarrhoea was tested using an animal intoxication model.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 1,434 C. perfringens strains from piglets with diarrhoea were classified using a multiplex PCR in the first part of the examination. In parallel, the α and β2 toxin content was determined quantitatively using ELISA tests. In the second part of the study 18 gilts were vaccinated twice in the last third of gestation to evaluate the α and β2 toxoid containing C.perfringens type A vaccine (Clostriporc A, IDT Biologika GmbH).

RESULTS

Of the C. perfringens strains which were found, 87.9% were type A ( cpa , cpb2 ), 6.3% type A ( cpa ), and 5.8% type C ( cpa , cpb , cpb2 ). Low to middle a toxin-producing strains often strongly expressed the β2 toxin. The vaccination led to the production of antibodies against the α and β2 toxins, which were transferred to the offspring by colostrum. Piglets were significantly protected (p<0.05) by the antibodies after having been challenged with an α and β2-containing supernatant of a heterologous C. perfringens type A strain.

CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

These results underline the importance of α and β2 toxin producing C.perfringens type A strains in diarrhoea in suckling piglets. Using the intoxication model, this vaccine showed significant protective effects against the α and β2 toxins.

Changes in quality of life of patients with lymphedema after lymphatic vessel transplantation

There are multiple treatment options for patients with chronic lymphedema, and one successful approach is lymph vessel transplantation. As quality of life assessments are frequently not utilized in standard treatment regimes, we investigated the change in quality of life for patients with chronic lymphedema (total = 212) who had undergone lymphatic vessel transplantation and conservative therapy for at least 6 months prior to operation. Quality of life was assessed by a modified standard questionnaire examining the physiological and psychological status of the patients. Results document a significant improvement in quality of life and underscore success of autologous lymphatic vessel transplantation as a therapy for lymphedema.