Mental health-related communication in a virtual community: text mining analysis of a digital exchange platform during the Covid-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Virtual communities played an important role in mental health and well-being during the Covid-19 pandemic by providing access to others and thereby preventing loneliness. The pandemic has accelerated the urge for digital solutions for people with pre-existing mental health problems. So far, it remains unclear how the people concerned communicate with each other and benefit from peer-to-peer support on a moderated digital platform. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the project was to identify and describe the communication patterns and verbal expression of users on the inCLOUsiv platform during the first lockdown in 2020. METHODS: Discussions in forums and live chats on inCLOUsiv were analysed using text mining, which included frequency, correlation, n-gram and sentiment analyses. RESULTS: The communication behaviour of users on inCLOUsiv was benevolent and supportive; and 72% of the identified sentiments were positive. Users addressed the topics of 'corona', 'anxiety' and 'crisis' and shared coping strategies. CONCLUSIONS: The benevolent interaction between users on inCLOUsiv is in line with other virtual communities for Covid-19 and the potential for peer-to-peer support. Users can benefit from each other's experiences and support each other. Virtual communities can be used as an adjuvant to existing therapy, particularly in times of reduced access to local health services.

Yersinia pseudotuberculosis serotype O:1 infection in a captive Seba's short tailed-fruit bat (Carollia perspicillata) colony in Switzerland.

BACKGROUND: Between February and April 2016, a slight increase in mortality was observed in a colony consisting of 400 captive Seba's short-tailed bats (Carollia perspicillata). These animals cohabited with other nocturnal animal species in a dome of a private zoo in Switzerland. RESULTS: Gross and histological analysis of two (14.3%) out of the 13 animals submitted for necropsy within this period revealed a necrosuppurative pneumonia, hepatitis, splenitis, enterocolitis, and endometritis, with abundant intralesional colonies of Gram-negative rods. Yersinia (Y.) pseudotuberculosis serotype O:1 and biotype 1 belonging to the sequence type ST90 was isolated from the affected organs in both animals. Following this diagnosis, » of the colony (99 animals) was culled and submitted for gross and histopathological analysis, and a bacterial culture selective for Yersinia spp. of lung, liver, and spleen was performed. From these 99 animals, one gravid female was tested and found to be positive for Y. pseudotuberculosis in the absence of clinical symptoms and histopathological lesions. PCR analysis of altogether three bacterial isolates for virulence factors revealed the presence of the ail gene, and one isolate was also positive for the virF and yadA plasmid genes. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that Carollia perspicillata are susceptible to lethal yersiniosis but do not represent a regular reservoir for Y. pseudotuberculosis. Culling of » of the population was sufficient to limit the spread of this infection among the colony. Moreover, no infections were detected in cohabitant nocturnal animals and caretakers, indicating that the zoonotic risk in this case was low.

[Primary histiocytic sarcoma of the aortic valve as a trigger of heart failure in a crossbreed dog]. / Primäres histiozytäres Sarkom der Aortenklappe als Auslöser von Herz­versagen bei einem Mischlingshund.

INTRODUCTION: A case of a histiocytic sarcoma at the aortic valve with multiple metastases in the ventricular myocardium, ventricular endocardium and mitral valves in a male crossbreed dog is described. Neoplasia resulted in intermittent forward heart failure, thrombosis, myocardial infarction, and ventricular tachycardia.

INTRODUCTION: On décrit le cas, chez un chien croisé, d'un sarcome histiocytaire de la valvule aortique avec de multiples métastases dans le myocarde ventriculaire, l'endocarde ventriculaire et la valvule mitrale. Le néoplasie conduisait à une faiblesse, à des thromboses et des infarctus du myocarde ainsi qu'à une tachycardie ventriculaire.

[Bovine dilated cardiomyopathy: Almost forgotten but still present]. / Bovine dilatative Kardiomyopathie: Altbekannt und dennoch gegenwärtig.

INTRODUCTION: Numerous cases of bovine dilatative cardiomyopathy (BDCMP) were registered in the nineteen-eighties, but the prevalence decreased steadily thanks to classical selection measures, i.e. excluding putative carrier animals from breeding. The cases described here show that the recessively inherited disease is still present in the Swiss cattle population. By use of a direct gene test developed a few years ago, a clinical tentative diagnosis can be confirmed. Since the end of the year 2016, carriers are officially labelled as such in Switzerland. Currently, about 2% of the insemination sires of the Holstein, Red Holstein and Swiss Fleckvieh breeds carry the causative mutation in the OPA3 gene. A combination of increased awareness of the disease and use of the gene test should allow for complete elimination of the disease from the Swiss cattle population.

INTRODUCTION: De nombreux cas de cardiomyopathie dilatative bovine (CMPDB) ont été rapportés dans les années 1980. Leur prévalence a ensuite fortement diminué grâce à des mesures classiques de sélection, à savoir l'exclusion de l'élevage des porteurs potentiels. Les cas décrits ici montrent que cette maladie héréditaire récessive, quoique rare, est toujours bien présente dans la population bovine suisse. Un test génétique direct développé il y a quelques années permet de confirmer définitivement un diagnostic de suspicion clinique. Depuis fin 2016, les porteurs de la mutation sont signalés officiellement en Suisse: environ 2% des taureaux d'insémination des races Holstein, Red Holstein et tachetée rouge sont porteurs de la mutation causative du gène OPA3. Une attention augmentée et un usage accru du test génétique rendent possible pour la première fois une éradication complète de la maladie du cheptel bovin suisse.

Reviving post-mortem diagnostics as a tool to increase porcine herd health and strengthen early detection of pig diseases - the PathoPig project 2014-2016.

INTRODUCTION: Post-mortem diagnostics are an important tool for disease diagnosis and therefore early detection of (re-)emerging animal diseases and zoonoses as well as nationwide disease surveillance programs. To counteract the decline of porcine necropsies in Switzerland over the last ten years, the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) launched a national project in 2014 called PathoPig. Post-mortem examinations of pigs from herds with health problems were financially supported by the FSVO. During the first 3 years of the project, the number of pig necropsies increased by 195% (mean). An underlying cause of disease was identified in 74% of the cases. These findings resulted in specific recommendations by the attending veterinarians or by the Swiss Porcine Health Service. A follow-up survey revealed that herd health had improved in 90% of the farms implementing the recommendations.

INTRODUCTION: Les diagnostics post-mortem constituent un outil important pour le diagnostic des maladies et, partant, la détection précoce des maladies animales et des zoonoses (ré)-émergentes ainsi que pour les programmes nationaux de surveillance des maladies. Pour contrer le déclin des nécropsies porcines en Suisse au cours des dix dernières années, l'Office fédéral de la sécurité alimentaire et vétérinaire (OSAV) a lancé en 2014 un projet national baptisé PathoPig. Les examens post-mortem des porcs provenant d'exploitations avec des problèmes de santé ont été soutenus financièrement par l'OSAV. Au cours des trois premières années du projet, le nombre de nécropsies porcines a augmenté de 195% (moyenne). Une cause sous-jacente de maladie a été identifiée dans 74% des cas. Ces constatations ont abouti à des recommandations spécifiques des vétérinaires participants ou du Service sanitaire porcin suisse. Une enquête de suivi a révélé que la santé des troupeaux s'était améliorée dans 90% des exploitations appliquant les recommandations.

Multicystic degeneration of the Cowper's gland in a Large White boar.

The present report describes a case of multicystic degeneration of the Cowper's gland in a 1.3-year-old purebred Large White intact boar with reduced fertility in Switzerland. Based on the case history, a general physical examination, an andrological investigation and a transrectal ultrasonography combined with a subsequent thorough pathological examination including histology a multicystic degeneration of the Cowper's gland were diagnosed. The case indicates that cystic degeneration of the bulbourethral gland should be contemplated in the differential diagnoses of andrological disorders even though it has not been described in pigs so far. While selecting breeding boars, a morphological check of the bulbourethral gland can be performed, since degeneration of the gland would potentially have an impact on future fertility.

[Five case reports on granulosa cell tumors in cattle with practical information on diagnosis and possible progression]. / Fünf Fallberichte zum Granulosazelltumor beim Rind mit praktischen Hinweisen zur Diagnostik und zum möglichen Verlauf.

INTRODUCTION: Five cases of ovarian tumors (granulosa cell tumors) in cattle are presented from the patient load of the Vetsuisse University of Zurich and Bern. The aim of this work was to demonstrate the variable development of the illness and to indicate diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities to the practicing veterinarians. Case 1 shows bilateral appearance and the development of malignancy and metastases. The main symptoms in case 2 were the development of the mammary gland in a juvenile animal and the behavior modification due to a hormonal imbalance. The cases 3, 4 and 5 underwent surgery, case 4 restarted reproductive activity resulting in five subsequent pregnancies. The initial presumption is a result of a gynecological including ultrasonographic examination and can be verified by the analysis of Müllerian Inhibiting Hormone in serum. The decision to perform surgery should be done rapidly, as normal fertility can be achieved if the tumor is located unilaterally. Tumor growth and potential malignancy can provoke fatal health issues and also make it impossible to use meat of these animals for consumption.

INTRODUCTION: Cinq cas de tumeurs ovariennes (tumeurs des cellules de la granulosa) chez les bovins sont présentés à partir de la patientèle de l'Université Vetsuisse de Zurich et de Berne. Le but de ce travail était de montrer l'évolution variable de la maladie et d'indiquer les possibilités diagnostiques et thérapeutiques aux vétérinaires praticiens. Le cas 1 montre la possibilité d'une apparition bilatérale avec développement d'une tumeur maligne et de métastases. Les principaux symptômes du cas 2 étaient le développement de la glande mammaire chez un animal juvénile et la modification du comportement due à un déséquilibre hormonal. Les cas 3, 4 et 5 ont subi une intervention chirurgicale, le cas 4 a repris une activité de reproduction avec cinq gestations ultérieures. La présomption initiale résulte d'un examen gynécologique et peut être vérifiée par l'analyse de l'hormone anti-müllérienne dans le sérum. La décision d'opérer doit être prise rapidement, car une intervention chirurgicale pour enlever l'ovaire atteint peut, dans l'idéal, permettre une reprise de l'activité de reproduction. La croissance de la tumeur et la malignité potentielle peuvent provoquer des problèmes de santé fatals et rendre la viande de ces animaux impropre à la consommation.

[Ocular and non-ocular squamous cell carcinomas in the Haflinger: Eight cases at the Institut Suisse de Médecine Equine (2015-2022)]. / Okuläre und nicht-okuläre Platten­-epithel­karzinome beim Haflinger: Acht Fälle am Institut Suisse de Médecine Equine (2015­2022).

INTRODUCTION: This case series describes the clinical course of ocular and non-ocular squamous cell carinoma (SCC) in the Haflinger horse and is intended to raise awareness of the high recurrence rate and tendency to metastasize. Eight Haflingers with histologically confirmed SCC were included, five ocular and three non-ocular, who were presented at the Institut Suisse de Médecine Équine (ISME) Bern between July 2015 and January 2022. The ocular SCC cases were all presented because of an apparent mass, which in most cases was post-treatment recurrence. The occurrence of recurrences was observed between 3 weeks and 16 years after initial therapy. Four of five Haflingers with ocular SCC had an enucleation, three of which were clinically normal at the time of the completion of this study, one case was euthanized due to confirmed metastases and one due to lameness. The result of enucleations for therapy of ocular SCC was good if no metastases occurred. Of the three non-ocular SCC cases, only one case, a penile SCC, had an apparent mass. Therapy was initiated in this case, while the other two cases were euthanized shortly after diagnosis due to the poor prognosis of SCC in the appropriate locations (maxillary sinus, mandible). Metastases occurred three and two years after removal of the primary tumor in ocular SCC in the scapula, liver and lungs and in non-ocular SCC from the penis to the nostrils. Since a postmortem pathological examination was not carried out on all Haflingers, further metastases cannot be ruled out. Haflingers with SCC should be monitored by a veterinarian over the long term, as recurrences and/or metastases can still occur years later.

INTRODUCTION: Cette série de cas décrit l'évolution clinique des carcinomes épidermoïdes (CE) oculaires et non oculaires chez le cheval Haflinger et vise à faire prendre conscience du taux de récidive élevé et de la tendance à la formation de métastases. Huit Haflinger avec un CE confirmé histologiquement, cinq oculaires et trois non-oculaires, qui ont été présentés à l'Institut Suisse de Médecine Équine (ISME) Berne entre juillet 2015 et janvier 2022, ont été inclus. Les cas de CE oculaires ont tous été présentés en raison d'une masse apparente, qui dans la plupart des cas était une récidive post-traitement. La survenue des récidives a été observée entre 3 semaines et 16 ans après le traitement initial. Quatre des cinq Haflinger atteints de CE oculaire ont subi une énucléation, dont trois étaient cliniquement normaux au moment de l'achèvement de l'étude, un cas ayant été euthanasié en raison de métastases confirmées et un autre en raison d'une boiterie. Le résultat des énucléations pour la thérapie du CE oculaire était bon s'il n'y avait pas de métastases. Sur les trois cas de CE non oculaires, seul un cas, un CE pénien, présentait une masse apparente. Le traitement a été initié dans ce cas, tandis que les deux autres cas ont été euthanasiés peu de temps après le diagnostic en raison du mauvais pronostic des CE dans les localisations constatées (sinus maxillaire, mandibule). Des métastases sont apparues trois et deux ans après l'ablation de la tumeur primaire dans le cas du CE oculaire, au niveau de l'omoplate, du foie et des poumons et, dans un cas de CE non oculaire, celui du pénis, aux narines. Étant donné que tous les Haflinger n'ont pas fait l'objet d'un examen pathologique post-mortem, on ne peut exclure la possibilité d'autres métastases. Les Haflinger atteints de CE doivent être suivis à long terme par un vétérinaire, car des récidives et/ou des métastases peuvent encore survenir des années plus tard.

Characterization of an outbreak of equine coronavirus infection in adult horses in Switzerland.

INTRODUCTION: Outbreaks of equine coronavirus (ECoV) infections have been described in different parts of the world including Europe. The aim of this report was to describe clinical signs, diagnostic work-up and outcome of the first documented outbreak of ECoV in Switzerland in order to raise the awareness for the disease and its various clinical presentations. The outbreak occurred on a farm with 26 horses. Of these, seven horses developed clinical disease ranging from mild signs such as fever and anorexia to severe signs of acute colitis. One horse died due to severe endotoxemia and circulatory shock secondary to severe acute necrotizing enteritis and colitis. Out of the 26 horses, five horses tested positive for ECoV, including two ponies without any clinical signs of infection. The low number of positive cases should nevertheless be interpreted with caution as testing was only performed on one occasion, over a month after the onset of clinical signs in the first suspected case. This report highlights the importance of diagnostic testing and early implementation of biosecurity measures on a farm with an ECoV outbreak. It should furthermore raise the awareness for unspecific and mild clinical signs such as fever and anorexia in affected animals that are potentially able to spread the disease.

INTRODUCTION: Des foyers d'infection à coronavirus équin (ECoV) ont été décrits dans différentes parties du monde, y compris en Europe. L'objectif de ce rapport est de décrire les signes cliniques, le diagnostic et les conséquences du premier foyer d'ECoV documenté en Suisse, afin de sensibiliser le public à cette maladie et à ses différents aspects cliniques. L'épidémie s'est produite dans une écurie comptant 26 chevaux. Parmi ceux-ci, sept chevaux ont développé une forme clinique allant de signes légers tels que la fièvre et l'anorexie à des signes sévères de colite aiguë. Un cheval est mort en raison d'une endotoxémie sévère et d>un choc circulatoire secondaire à une entérite nécrosante aiguë sévère et à une colite. Sur les 26 chevaux, cinq ont été testés positifs à l>ECoV, dont deux poneys sans aucun signe clinique d'infection. Le faible nombre de cas positifs doit néanmoins être interprété avec prudence car les tests n'ont été effectués qu'à une seule occasion, plus d'un mois après l'apparition des signes cliniques chez le premier cas suspect. Ce rapport souligne l'importance des tests de diagnostic et de la mise en œuvre rapide de mesures de biosécurité dans une exploitation où un foyer d'ECoV est détecté. Il devrait en outre sensibiliser à la présence de signes cliniques peu spécifiques et bénins tels que la fièvre et l'anorexie chez les animaux atteints qui sont potentiellement capables de propager la maladie.

Evaluation of a novel internally controlled real-time PCR assay targeting the 16S rRNA gene for confirmation of Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections.

A novel HybProbe real-time LightCycler PCR assay was developed for confirmation of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in samples positive according to the COBAS AMPLICOR Chlamydia trachomatis/Neisseria gonorrhoeae PCR assay. The new assay amplifies 375 bp of the N. gonorrhoeae 16S rRNA gene and includes an internal amplification control introduced during DNA purification. The assay had 100% specificity because of the high specificity of the HybProbes and primers. Other Neisseria spp. failed to generate positive crossing-point values and melting peaks. The analytical sensitivity for N. gonorrhoeae DNA was 0.5 fg/PCR, corresponding to 0.3 CFU/PCR. Sensitivity was not impaired in the presence of higher DNA concentrations (>or=1000-fold) from Neisseria spp. other than N. gonorrhoeae. The sensitivity was similar to that reported for the COBAS AMPLICOR assay with cervical swab samples. To assess its clinical applicability as a confirmatory test, 38 (2.9%) of 1313 swabs that were positive according to the COBAS AMPLICOR assay were tested using the new in-house assay and the commercially available GenFlow Neisseria test. Twenty-one samples negative according to COBAS AMPLICOR also underwent confirmatory testing. Both confirmatory tests yielded identical results; the 21 negative samples remained negative, and only 11 (28.9%) of the samples positive according to COBAS AMPLICOR were positive after retesting, suggesting a low prevalence (0.84%) of N. gonorrhoeae infection in the study population. These data suggest that the novel real-time PCR assay is an excellent and easy to interpret confirmatory test for the existing COBAS AMPLICOR assay for N. gonorrhoeae.

Evaluation of a protocol for molecular broad-range diagnosis of culture-negative bacterial infections in clinical routine diagnosis.

AIM: Introduction of a protocol for broad-range diagnosis of bacterial infections, which remain negative in culture. METHODS AND RESULTS: The new TaqMan real-time PCR assay amplifies part of the 16S rRNA gene. Species are identified by subsequent sequencing and phylogenetic blast analysis. The analytical sensitivity showed to be 50 fg DNA per PCR. The lowest detectable bacterial cell concentration in blood was 1000 CFU per 200 mul EDTA-blood. The utility in clinical routine diagnosis was evaluated by testing 136 clinical specimens. Bacterial pathogens were detected in 33 samples (24.3%) either by culture or molecular diagnosis. In 10 culture negative cases, pathogens such as Mycoplasma timone/orale, Ureaplasma parvum/urealyticum, Treponema pallidum, different streptococci and staphylococci were identified by molecular diagnosis only. CONCLUSIONS: The introduced broad-range real-time PCR protocol showed to be useful in the clinical routine in cases where bacterial infection was highly anticipated but culture remained negative. However, the obtained data have to be always interpreted with caution and in conjunction with the clinical data, crossing-point values and with the Blast result of both the sample and the controls. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This work introduces a new and well-evaluated broad-range real-time PCR protocol for diagnosis of bacterial infections.

16S rDNA-based identification of bacteria from conjunctival swabs by PCR and DGGE fingerprinting.

PURPOSE: Establishment of a new molecular biology technique for the identification of multiple bacteria from the ocular environment, which can be applied supplementarily to cultivation in cases of severe bacterial infections. METHODS: From 60 human conjunctivae (29 with purulent and 31 with nonpurulent conjunctivitis), swabs were taken and DNA was extracted. Fragments of 200 bp, spanning the V3 region of the eubacterial 16S rDNA, were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and separated by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). For phylogenetic identification, DGGE bands were excised and directly sequenced, or 16S rDNA clone libraries were constructed and clones were screened by DGGE. Sequences were compared with sequences of known bacteria listed in the EMBL database. Furthermore, the results were compared with results obtained from conventional cultivation. RESULTS: 16S rDNA could be amplified from 25 of 29 investigated swabs taken from purulent conjunctivitis eyes and from 2 of 31 investigated swabs taken from nonpurulent conjunctivitis eyes. Sixteen samples showed monomicrobial and 11 samples showed polymicrobial infections. The following genera (n is number of samples) were detected: Staphylococcus (n = 8), Corynebacterium (n = 7), Propionibacterium (n = 7), Streptococcus (n = 6), Bacillus (n = 2), Acinetobacter (n = 3), Pseudomonas (n = 3), Proteus (n = 1), and Brevundimonas (n = 1). Four sequences could not be identified to the genus level. They had highest sequence similarities both to sequences of Pantoea and Enterobacter (n = 1), Kingella and Neisseria (n = 1), Serratia and Aranicola (n = 1), and Leuconostoc and Weissella (n = 2), respectively. Culture was only positive for coagulase-negative staphylococci (n = 9), Corynebacteria (n = 3), Staphylococcus aureus (n = 1), Streptococcus sp. (n = 1), Proteus sp. (n = 1), Klebsiella oxytoca (n = 1), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 1). In total, 45% of the 60 analyzed conjunctival swabs were PCR positive, whereas only 22% were culture positive. No sample positive by culture gave negative results by PCR. CONCLUSIONS: 16S rDNA sequence analyses and DGGE fingerprinting are appropriate methods for the detection and identification of monomicrobial as well as polymicrobial ocular infections of bacteria that might not be detected by conventional cultivation.

Assessment of changes in body water by bioimpedance in acutely ill surgical patients.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between changes in body bioelectrical impedance (BI) at 0.5, 50 and kHz and the changes in body weight, as an index of total body water changes, in acutely ill surgical patients during the rapid infusion of isotonic saline solution. DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. SETTING: Multidisciplinary surgical ICU in a university hospital. PATIENTS: Twelve male patients treated for acute surgical illness (multiple trauma n = 5, major surgery n = 7). SELECTION CRITERIA: stable cardiovascular parameters, normal cardiac function, signs of hypovolemia (CVP < or = 5 mmHg, urine output < 1 ml/kg x h). INTERVENTIONS: After baseline measurements, a 60 min fluid challenge test was performed with normal saline solution, 0.25 ml/kg/min [corrected]. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Body weight (platform digital scale), total body impedance (four-surface electrode technique; measurements at 0.5, 50 and 100 kHz) and urine output. Fluid retention induced a progressive decrease in BI at 0.5, 50 and 100 kHz, but the changes were significant for BI 0.5 and BI 100 only, from 40 min after the beginning of the fluid therapy onwards. There was a significant negative correlation between changes in water retention and BI 0.5, with individual correlation coefficients ranging from -0.72 to 0.95 (p < 0.01-0.0001). The slopes of the regression lines indicated that for each kg of water change, there was a mean decrease in BI of 18 ohm, but a substantial inter-individual variability was noted. CONCLUSION: BI measured at low frequency can represent a valuable index of acute changes in body water in a group of surgical patients but not in a given individual.

Analysis of bacterial communities on historical glass by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis of PCR-amplified gene fragments coding for 16S rRNA.

The present study describes the analysis of bacterial communities on historical window glass by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis of PCR-amplified 16S rDNA fragments. So far, only a few studies have been published in which the microflora and the corrosion mechanisms of glass surfaces have been investigated. Some microorganisms, especially fungi, have been isolated from different glass samples in the past. However, our results demonstrate that bacterial communities on biodeteriorated glass surfaces are much more complex than previously believed. In addition, bacteria were identified, which have never been isolated from glass samples before.

Analysis of fungal communities on historical church window glass by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and phylogenetic 18S rDNA sequence analysis.

Besides lichens and bacteria, fungi play a crucial role in the biodeterioration of historical glass. In the present paper, the fungal diversity on the surface of two historical church window glasses was investigated by 18S rDNA-based denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis. 566-bp 18S rDNA-specific clone libraries were constructed with primer set NS1/NS2+10. Positive clones were reamplified with primer sets EF4/518rGC (426-bp fragments) and NS26/518rGC (316-bp fragments), amplicons were screened by DGGE and clustered according to their position in DGGE. Results indicated that fungal 18S rDNA clone libraries should be screened with at least two different primer sets to obtain the maximum number of different clones. For phylogenetic sequence analyses, clone inserts were sequenced and compared with 18S rDNA sequences listed in the EMBL database. Similarity values ranged from 93.7% to 99.81% to known fungi. Analyses revealed complex fungal communities consisting of members and relatives of the genera Aspergillus, Aureobasidium, Coniosporum, Capnobotryella, Engyodontium, Geomyces, Kirschsteiniothelia, Leptosphaeria, Rhodotorula, Stanjemonium, Ustilago, and Verticillium. The genera Geomyces and Aureobasidium were present on both glass surfaces. Some genera had not been detected on historical glass so far.

An advanced molecular strategy to identify bacterial communities on art objects.

The application of culture-independent techniques based on molecular biological methods, especially on the PCR amplification of 16S rRNA genes, attempts to overcome some shortcomings of conventional cultivation methods and reveals far more complex bacterial communities on art objects than can be shown by cultivation methods. One of the major challenges of investigating microbial growth on art objects by molecular means is the extraction of DNA, due to small sample amounts and PCR inhibitors. In the present study, we introduce a DNA extraction protocol, which allowed the extraction of PCR-amplifiable DNA from samples derived from lime wall paintings and loamy soil underground. The DNA extracts were used to amplify 16S ribosomal fragments, which were subsequently analyzed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). In parallel with the DGGE analysis, clone libraries containing PCR fragments of the ribosomal gene were constructed and clones were screened by DGGE. Clone libraries allow the inclusion of the entire 16S rDNA sequence in the phylogenetic analyses of microorganisms, providing a more reliable phylogenetic identification of microorganisms than is obtained from sequence analyses of excised and directly sequenced DGGE bands.

[Evaluation of the sympathetic nervous system in silent ischemia with 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG)]. / Untersuchungen des sympathischen Nervensystems bei stummer Ischämie mit 123J-Metajodbenzylguanidin (MIBG).

AIM: Examination of the integrity of the sympathetic nervous system in patients with angiographically proven coronary artery disease and ECG documented asymptomatic ST-segment depression. METHOD: Stress and rest myocardial perfusion scintigraphy using either Thallium-201 or 99mTc-isonitrile was performed in SPECT technique in order to localize ischemia or scar associated perfusion defects. 15 min and 4 h p.i. static anterior 123I-MIBG uptake was acquired. In order to localize norepinephrine depletion 4 h p.i. additional 123I-MIBG SPECT acquisition was performed. Incidence of arrhythmias was investigated by Holter ECG. Patients with diabetes mellitus were excluded. RESULTS: SPECT images showed in all patients regional 123I-MIBG depletion which corresponded with scintigraphically infarcted or ischemic regions. Well perfused myocardial regions matched with regular 123I-MIBG uptake. There was no evidence of increased arrhythmias in long-term ECG. CONCLUSION: The finding of regular 123I-MIBG uptake in well-perfused myocardium and infarction- or ischemia-associated regional 123I-MIBG depletion confirms that silent ischemia is not caused by a global sympathetic nervous dysfunction in a sense of cardiac polyneuropathy.

[Sympathetic reinnervation following heart transplantation--a double-tracer study with 123I-MIBG and 201Tl]. / Sympathische Reinnervation nach Herztransplantation--Doppelnuklidstudie mit 123J-MIBG und 201Tl.

Sympathetic reinnervation was evaluated in 15 patients 2-69 months after heart transplantation using a double-tracer technique with 123I-MIBG and 201Tl. Since MIBG is accumulated in the same manner as norepinephrine it may serve as a tracer of the integrity and function of the sympathetic nervous system. 201Tl was used for landmarking. Planar anterior imaging was performed 15 min and 4 h after i.v. injection of 220 MBq 123I-MIBG and 37 MBq 201Tl. Image quantitation was based on the ratio of myocardial to mediastinal MIBG-uptake. Cardiac regions of interest were defined according to the 201Tl uptake. There was no evidence of sympathetic reinnervation in 8 patients 2-34 months after transplantation. Increased MIBG-uptake could be observed in the anterior basal region in 6 long-term cardiac transplants (37-69 months). One patient with a 59-month-old transplanted heart did not reinnervate. Increased MIBG-uptake in the anterior basal region indicating partial sympathetic reinnervation could be shown in 40% of the investigated patients with an average organ age of 51 months.

Early diagnosis of cardiac involvement in systemic sclerosis by 123I-MIBG neurotransmitter scintigraphy.

Cardiac involvement of systemic sclerosis (SSc) is associated with a poor prognosis. Arrhythmias and conduction disturbances are a known feature of SSc. From histopathological examinations, it is known that the conducting system is secondarily involved as a result of focal fibrosis of the myocardium. Fibrotic changes are believed to be related to vasospasms, such as Raynaud's phenomenon. The sympathetic nervous system is very sensitive to ischaemia, impairing the energy-dependent uptake of intraneuronal norepinephrine. 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (123I-MIBG) is a metabolic analogue of norepinephrine and can therefore be used as a marker of norepinephrine depletion. The aim of the study was to evaluate the incidence and extent of SSc-associated ischaemic damage due to primary cardiac involvement by assessing intraneuronal 123I-MIBG uptake and distribution. Supplementary myocardial stress and rest perfusion scintigraphy, together with cardiological examinations (including an exercise stress test, Holter ECG and echocardiography), were performed in 18 patients. None of the patients showed evidence of ischaemia upon myocardial perfusion stress SPET or exercise stress. ECG at rest detected pathological conductance disturbances in one patient (6%). Holter ECG evoked pathological arrhythmias in three patients (17%). The echocardiograms of four patients (22%) showed a slight impairment of left ventricular diastolic function. 123I-MIBG scintigraphy revealed an inhomogeneous reduction of norepinephrine content in 15 patients (83%). It would appear that 123I-MIBG scintigraphy is able to detect cardiac SSc involvement prior to cardiological investigations.