Modified toggle pin technique combined with prosthetic capsular reconstruction for surgical stabilization of coxofemoral luxation in a Shetland pony.

OBJECTIVE: To describe open reduction and surgical stabilization of a coxofemoral luxation in a pony using a modified toggle pin technique and prosthetic joint capsule reconstruction without osteotomy of the greater trochanter. ANIMAL: A 2-year-old Shetland pony with a bodyweight of 167 kg. STUDY DESIGN: Case report. METHODS: Radiographic examination confirmed craniodorsal luxation of the left coxofemoral joint. An open reduction with the aid of a pulley system was performed. A toggle pin was inserted through a bone tunnel extending from the level of the femoral shaft through the femoral head and the center of the acetabulum for the pin to be positioned on the medial wall of the acetabulum. FiberWire was subsequently passed through the cranial and caudal aspects of the acetabulum as well as a transverse tunnel in the femoral neck in a figure of 8 to facilitate capsular reconstruction. The pony was placed in a sling for 8 weeks and gradually returned to normal activity over 2 months. RESULTS: Postoperative radiographic examination confirmed the position of the femoral head in the acetabulum with the implants in place. On 2-year follow-up the pony was sound at walk and trot. CONCLUSION: A combined intra- and extra-articular stabilization technique for coxofemoral luxation in a pony resulted in successful long-term reduction and excellent outcome.

Findings consistent with equine proximal suspensory desmitis can be reliably detected using computed tomography and differ between affected horses and controls.

The objective of this retrospective, observational, controlled study was to evaluate bone and soft tissue window CT images of the proximoplantar metatarsus III region in twenty horses with pain localized to the proximal suspensory ligament (PSL) and 20 horses with findings nonrelated to tarsal pain. All horses underwent CT and radiographic examination. Images were reviewed by three independent observers who graded the severity and localization of findings. Bone-related categories as well as soft tissue-related categories were evaluated. For the comparison of imaging findings in horses with and without proximal suspensory desmitis (PSD), mixed linear regression was performed. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated to assess intraobserver agreement, and kappa statistics were employed to evaluate interobserver agreement. CT examination identified significantly more abnormalities in the diseased group. The scores for osseous exostosis (p = .015) and PSL enlargement (p = .004) were notably higher in PSD horses compared to controls. Intraobserver agreement was overall high (ICC .82-1.0), and interobserver agreement was substantial for the detection of mineralization (kappa = .61) and moderate for sclerosis (kappa = .43), exostosis (kappa = .43), and PSL enlargement (kappa = .48/.51). Measurements in the soft tissue window were significantly smaller than those in the bone window. Findings concurrent with PSD including osseous proliferation and sclerosis as well as soft tissue enlargement, mineralization, and avulsion can be reliably detected using CT. Findings from the current study supported the use of CT for evaluating horses with suspected PSD where high-field MRI is not available.

Design and Functional Analysis of Heterobifunctional Multivalent Phage Capsid Inhibitors Blocking the Entry of Influenza Virus.

Multiple conjugation of virus-binding ligands to multivalent carriers is a prominent strategy to construct highly affine virus binders for the inhibition of viral entry into host cells. In a previous study, we introduced rationally designed sialic acid conjugates of bacteriophages (Qß) that match the triangular binding site geometry on hemagglutinin spike proteins of influenza A virions, resulting in effective infection inhibition in vitro and in vivo. In this work, we demonstrate that even partially sialylated Qß conjugates retain the inhibitory effect despite reduced activity. These observations not only support the importance of trivalent binding events in preserving high affinity, as supported by computational modeling, but also allow us to construct heterobifunctional modalities. Capsids carrying two different sialic acid ligand-linker structures showed higher viral inhibition than their monofunctional counterparts. Furthermore, capsids carrying a fluorescent dye in addition to sialic acid ligands were used to track their interaction with cells. These findings support exploring broader applications as multivalent inhibitors in the future.

Ionic Liquids Based on the Concept of Melting Point Lowering Due to Ethoxylation.

Most of the commonly used Ionic Liquids (ILs) contain bulky organic cations with suitable anions. With our COMPLET (Concept of Melting Point Lowering due to Ethoxylation), we follow a different approach. We use simple, low-toxic, cheap, and commercially available anions of the type Cx(EO)yCH2COO- to liquefy presumably any simple metal ion, independently of its charge. In the simplest case, the cation can be sodium or lithium, but synthesis of Ionic Liquids is also possible with cations of higher valences such as transition or rare earth metals. Anions with longer alkyl chains are surface active and form surface active ionic liquids (SAILs), which combine properties of ionic and nonionic surfactants at room temperature. They show significant structuring even in their pure state, i.e., in the absence of water or any other added solvent. This approach offers new application domains that go far beyond the common real or hypothetical use of classical Ionic Liquids. Possible applications include the separation of rare earth metals, the use as interesting media for metal catalysis, or the synthesis of completely new materials (for example, in analogy to metal organic frameworks).

Multiple extinction contexts modulate the neural correlates of context-dependent extinction learning and retrieval.

Exposure therapy is a successful treatment for patients with anxiety and fear-related disorders. Extinction of conditioned fear comprises one important mechanism underlying the effects of exposure therapy. Yet, relapses frequently occur in the long-term, probably related to difficulties in generalizing the extinction of conditioned fear to new contexts, leading to renewal of conditioned fear. Extinction training in multiple extinction contexts depicts a promising opportunity to reduce this renewal of conditioned fear. However, the underlying neural correlates are unknown yet. In this functional magnetic resonance imaging study, 49 healthy men participated in a fear conditioning paradigm with fear acquisition training in context A on a first day, extinction training in a single context (B1) or in four different contexts (B1-B4) one day later, and fear and extinction recall and reinstatement in context B1 and a novel context C on a third day one week later. Multiple extinction contexts led to a stronger differential activation decrease in the hippocampus during extinction learning compared to a single extinction context. One week later, the multiple context group compared with the single context group showed reduced differential amygdala activation during fear renewal in the novel context C compared with the extinction context B1. Furthermore, multiple extinction contexts diminished amygdala activation during a subsequent reinstatement test in context B1. However, there were no significant differences in differential conditioned SCRs. These results indicate that the use of multiple extinction contexts during extinction training leads to reduced conditioned responses in the amygdala-hippocampus complex.

Cystatin C serum levels in healthy children are related to age, gender, and pubertal stage.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to establish age- and gender-specific cystatin C (CysC) reference values for healthy infants, children, and adolescents and to relate them to pubertal stage, height, weight, and body mass index (BMI). METHODS: Serum CysC and creatinine levels of 6217 fasting, morning venous blood samples from 2803 healthy participants of the LIFE Child study (age 3 months to 18 years) were analyzed by an immunoassay. Recruitment started in 2011; 1636 participants provided at least one follow-up measurement. Percentiles for CysC were calculated. Age- and gender-related effects of height, weight, BMI, and puberty status were assessed through linear regression models. RESULTS: Over the first 2 years of life, median CysC levels decrease depending on height (ß = - 0.010 mg/l/cm, p < 0.001) and weight (ß = - 0.033 mg/l/kg, p < 0.001) from 1.06 to 0.88 mg/l for males and from 1.04 to 0.87 mg/l for females. Following the second year of age, the levels remain stable for eight years. From 11 to 14 years of age, there is an increase of median CysC levels in males to 0.98 mg/l and a decrease in females to 0.86 mg/l. The change is associated with puberty (ß = 0.105 mg/l/Tanner stage, p < 0.001 in males and ß = - 0.093 mg/l/Tanner stage, p < 0.01 in females) and in males with height (ß = 0.003 mg/l/cm, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: CysC levels depend on age, gender, and height, especially during infancy and puberty. We recommend the use of age- and gender-specific reference values for CysC serum levels for estimating kidney function in clinical practice.

[Benefit and Sustainability of Networks for workplace Health Promotion in SME Examined at the SME Networks "Bewegte Unternehmen" and "Vitale Unternehmen"]. / Nutzen und Nachhaltigkeit von Netzwerken zur betrieblichen Gesundheitsförderung in kleinen und mittleren Unternehmen ­ Am Beispiel der KMU-Netzwerke "Bewegte Unternehmen" und "Vitale Unternehmen".

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to analyze if 2 regional networks of small and medium enterprises (SME) for workplace health promotion are sustainable, and to find out the motivation of the enterprises to join the network. It was also examined if there is a stable culture of cooperation 6 -10 years after the founding of the network. Additionally, the study checked the current work and suggestions for improvement to the network structure, so that in the future, promotion of workplace health can be further improved. METHOD: 2 regional networks, founded in 2005 and 2009, were studied. Standardized telephone interviews carried out between September 2013 and January 2014 enabled data collection for this cross-sectional study. 42 interviews with 6 open questions were organized with the managers of the companies or the person responsible for workplace health promotion. RESULTS: The results of the study show that 88.1% (n=37) of the network company members profited from the exchange of experiences. 50.0% (n=21) benefited from shared activities and 28.6% (n=12) from making new contacts. 9.5% (n=4) of the respondents expressed concerns about excessive bureaucracy resulting in too much effort for too little benefit and 7.1% (n=3) were also missing comprehensive structural measures. Suggestions for improvement were enhancement of practical work (26.2%, n=11) and the wish for stronger commitment (11.9%, n=5). 90.5% (n=38) considered their expectations as fulfilled and 66.7% (n=28) evaluated the current work as being quite positive. CONCLUSION: The networks have turned out to be sustainable, proven by the fact that the companies still are members of the networks for 6 and 10 years, respectively and are still satisfied with the network. The study shows that the majority of the members profits from the membership of these regional networks. Networks can help them to implement permanent workplace health promotion. To further improve the work of the network, a systematic and scientific workplace health promotion scheme is recommended.

The E3 ubiquitin ligase MID1 catalyzes ubiquitination and cleavage of Fu.

SHH (Sonic Hedgehog)-GLI signaling plays an important role during embryogenesis and in tumorigenesis. The survival and growth of several types of cancer depend on autonomously activated SHH-GLI signaling. A protein complex containing the ubiquitin ligase MID1 and protein phosphatase 2A regulates the nuclear localization and transcriptional activity of GLI3, a transcriptional effector molecule of SHH, in cancer cell lines with autonomously activated SHH signaling. However, the exact molecular mechanisms that mediate the interaction between MID1 and GLI3 remained unknown. Here, we show that MID1 catalyzes the ubiquitination and proteasomal cleavage of the GLI3 regulator Fu. Our data suggest that Fu ubiquitination and cleavage is one of the key elements connecting the MID1-PP2A protein complex with GLI3 activity control.

Microemulsion and microsuspension polymerization of methyl methacrylate in surfactant-free microemulsions (SFME).

HYPOTHESIS: This article presents a free-radical polymerization method in a mesostructured system - free of any surfactants, protective colloids, or other auxiliary agents. It is applicable for a large variety of industrially relevant vinylic monomers. The aim of this work is to study the impact of surfactant-free mesostructuring on the polymerization kinetics and the polymer derived. EXPERIMENTS: So-called surfactant-free microemulsions (SFME) were investigated as reaction media with a simple composition comprising water, a hydrotrope (ethanol, n-propanol, isopropanol, tert-butyl alcohol), and the monomer as the reactive oil phase (methyl methacrylate). Polymerization reactions were performed using oil-soluble, thermal- and UV-active initiators (surfactant-free microsuspension polymerization) and water-soluble, redox-active initiators (surfactant-free microemulsion polymerization). Structural analysis of the SFMEs used and the polymerization kinetics were followed by dynamic light scattering (DLS). Dried polymers were analyzed with regard to their conversion yield by mass balance, the corresponding molar masses were determined using gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and the morphology was investigated by light microscopy. FINDINGS: All alcohols are suitable hydrotropes to form SFMEs, except for ethanol, which forms a molecularly disperse system. We observe significant differences in the polymerization kinetics and the molar masses of the polymers obtained. Ethanol leads to significantly higher molar masses. Within a system, higher concentrations of the other alcohols investigated give rise to less pronounced mesostructuring, lower conversions, and lower average molar masses. It could be demonstrated that the effective concentration of alcohol in the oil-rich pseudophases as well as the repulsive effect of the surfactant-free, alcohol-rich interphases constitute the relevant factors influencing polymerization. Concerning the morphology, the polymers derived range from powder-like polymers in the so-called "pre-Ouzo region" over porous-solid polymers in the bicontinuous region to dense, almost compacted, transparent polymers in unstructured regions, comparable to the findings for surfactant-based systems reported in the literature. Polymerizations in SFME comprise a new intermediate between well-known solution (i.e., molecularly dispersed) and microemulsion respectively microsuspension polymerization processes.

In vivo corrosion on retrieved hip endoprostheses and in vitro effects of corrosion products on bone mineralization.

In vivo corrosion of modular endoprostheses remains a great concern, as the release of heavy metal ions can impair the implant's service life and the wellbeing of the patient. The detailed corrosion mechanisms that occur in vivo are so far not completely understood. In this context, the effects of implant released cobalt (Co) and chromium (Cr) ions on osteoblast mineralization and gene expression have not been investigated extensively. This comprehensive study aimed at furthering the understanding of in vivo implant corrosion from the clinical signs via prosthesis retrievals and histology of the synovial membranes down to the molecular processes instigated by corrosion products and its effects on bone mineralization. A detailed in vivo failure analysis was performed investigating 22 retrieved hip endoprostheses from different manufacturers and taper material combinations. The aim was to find a correlation of taper damage and especially corrosion to susceptible biomedical alloys and its effect on periprosthetic tissue as well as the clinical implant performance with regard to revision diagnosis and presence of radiolucent lines (RLL). A second part investigated the effects of Co and Cr ions on the in vitro mineralization process of osteoblasts. Cell cultures were exposed to relevant concentrations of CoCl2 and CrCl3 (0 µM, 100 µM, 200 µM) with and without addition of phosphate. Mineralization behavior was analyzed with Alizarin Red assay and Von Kossa staining of calcium depots, alkaline phosphatase activity of osteoblasts and gene expression was analyzed with real time quantitative PCR. The retrieval study provides evidence of in vivo fretting and crevice corrosion on all metallic tapers combined with either ceramic or metal femoral heads. Within the modular taper junctions, selective dissolution of the α phase occurred in wrought TiAl6V4 alloys, and etching of the fine-grained wrought CoCr28Mo6 alloy implants was observed in formed crevices. In addition, significant amounts of wear particles and corrosion products were detected in retrieved synovial membranes. An increased risk for the occurrence of a RLL in the proximal zones was determined for patients with a corroded mixed metal taper. Whereas Co ions have hardly any effects on mineralization, Cr ions cause a significant concentration dependent decrease in mineralization rate of osteoblasts. However, this effect is alleviated by addition of a phosphate source. Our data reveal that Cr ions depleted dissolved phosphates by forming an insoluble complex (CrPO4), which inhibits the phosphate dependent mineralization process. No significant effect of the heavy metal ions on osteoblast activity by means of alkaline phosphate activity as well as on gene expression is determined. This study broadens the understanding of in vivo corrosion of metallic modular implants and its clinically relevant effects on mineralization. Based on these findings, in vivo corrosion of CoCr28Mo6 endoprostheses should be limited to avoid inhibitory effects of Cr3+ on bone mineralization which can contribute to premature implant failure.

Probing Embryonic Development Enables the Discovery of Unique Small-Molecule Bone Morphogenetic Protein Potentiators.

We report on the feasibility to harness embryonic development in vitro for the identification of small-molecule cytokine mimetics and signaling activators. Here, a phenotypic, target-agnostic, high-throughput assay is presented that probes bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling during mesodermal patterning of embryonic stem cells. The temporal discrimination of BMP- and transforming growth factor-ß (TGFß)-driven stages of cardiomyogenesis underpins a selective, authentic orchestration of BMP cues that can be recapitulated for the discovery of BMP activator chemotypes. Proof of concept is shown from a chemical screen of 7000 compounds, provides a robust hit validation workflow, and afforded 2,3-disubstituted 4H-chromen-4-ones as potent BMP potentiators with osteogenic efficacy. Mechanistic studies suggest that Chromenone 1 enhances canonical BMP outputs at the expense of TGFß-Smads in an unprecedented manner. Pharmacophoric features were defined, providing a set of novel chemical probes for various applications in (stem) cell biology, regenerative medicine, and basic research on the BMP pathway.

Phenotypic Discovery of Triazolo[1,5-c]quinazolines as a First-In-Class Bone Morphogenetic Protein Amplifier Chemotype.

Phenotypic drug discovery (PDD) continues to fuel the research and development pipelines with first-in-class therapeutic modalities, but success rates critically depend on the quality of the underlying model system. Here, we employed a stem cell-based approach for the target-agnostic, yet pathway-centric discovery of small-molecule cytokine signaling activators to act as morphogens during development and regeneration. Unbiased screening identified triazolo[1,5-c]quinazolines as a new-in-class in vitro and in vivo active amplifier of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) pathway. Cellular BMP outputs were stimulated via enhanced and sustained availability of BMP-Smad proteins, strictly dependent on a minimal BMP input. Holistic target deconvolution unveiled a unique mechanism of dual targeting of casein kinase 1 and phosphatidyl inositol 3-kinase isoforms as key effectors for efficient amplification of osteogenic BMP signaling. This work underscores the asset of PDD to discover unrecognized polypharmacology signatures, in this case significantly expanding the chemical and druggable space of BMP modulators.

Crystal structure of hexokinase KlHxk1 of Kluyveromyces lactis: a molecular basis for understanding the control of yeast hexokinase functions via covalent modification and oligomerization.

Crystal structures of the unique hexokinase KlHxk1 of the yeast Kluyveromyces lactis were determined using eight independent crystal forms. In five crystal forms, a symmetrical ring-shaped homodimer was observed, corresponding to the physiological dimer existing in solution as shown by small-angle x-ray scattering. The dimer has a head-to-tail arrangement such that the small domain of one subunit interacts with the large domain of the other subunit. Dimer formation requires favorable interactions of the 15 N-terminal amino acids that are part of the large domain with amino acids of the small domain of the opposite subunit, respectively. The head-to-tail arrangement involving both domains of the two KlHxk1 subunits is appropriate to explain the reduced activity of the homodimer as compared with the monomeric enzyme and the influence of substrates and products on dimer formation and dissociation. In particular, the structure of the symmetrical KlHxk1 dimer serves to explain why phosphorylation of conserved residue Ser-15 may cause electrostatic repulsions with nearby negatively charged residues of the adjacent subunit, thereby inducing a dissociation of the homologous dimeric hexokinases KlHxk1 and ScHxk2. Two complex structures of KlHxk1 with bound glucose provide a molecular model of substrate binding to the open conformation and the subsequent classical domain closure motion of yeast hexokinases. The entirety of the novel data extends the current concept of glucose signaling in yeast and complements the induced-fit model by integrating the events of N-terminal phosphorylation and dissociation of homodimeric yeast hexokinases.

Role of EBAG9 protein in coat protein complex I-dependent glycoprotein maturation and secretion processes in tumor cells.

Many proteins mature within the secretory pathway by the acquisition of glycans. Failure to maintain the proper distribution of the glycosylation machinery might lead to disease. High expression levels of the ubiquitous Golgi protein estrogen receptor-binding fragment-associated gene 9 (EBAG9) in human tumors correlate with poor clinical prognosis, and EBAG9 overexpression in epithelial cell lines induces truncated glycans, typical of many carcinomas. Here, we addressed the pathogenetic link between EBAG9 expression and the alteration of the cellular glycome. We applied confocal microscopy, live imaging, pulse-chase labeling in conjunction with immunoprecipitation, and enzymatic activity assays in a variety of EBAG9-overexpressing or depleted epithelial tumor cell lines. EBAG9 shuttles between the ER-Golgi intermediate compartment and the cis-Golgi, and we demonstrate association of EBAG9 with coat protein complex I (COPI)-coated transport vesicles. EBAG9 overexpression imposes delay of endoplasmic reticulum-to-Golgi transport and mislocalizes components of the ER quality control and glycosylation machinery. Conversely, EBAG9 down-regulation accelerates glycoprotein transport through the Golgi and enhances mannosidase activity. Thus, EBAG9 acts as a negative regulator of a COPI-dependent ER-to-Golgi transport pathway in epithelial cells and represents a novel pathogenetic principle in which interference with intracellular membrane trafficking results in the emergence of a tumor-associated glycome.

Antimicrobial Susceptibility and Genomic Analysis of Aliarcobacter cibarius and Aliarcobacter thereius, Two Rarely Detected Aliarcobacter Species.

Aliarcobacter cibarius and Aliarcobacter thereius are two rarely detected Aliarcobacter species. In the study, we analyzed the antimicrobial susceptibility and provide detailed insights into the genotype and phylogeny of both species using whole-genome sequencing. Thermophilic Campylobacter species are the most common bacterial foodborne pathogens causing gastroenteritis in humans worldwide. The genus Aliarcobacter is part of the Campylobacteraceae family and includes the species Aliarcobacter butzleri, Aliarcobacter cryaerophilus, Aliarcobacter skirrowii, and the rarely described Aliarcobacter cibarius, Aliarcobacter faecis, Aliarcobacter lanthieri, Aliarcobacter thereius, and Acrobarter trophiarum. Aliarcobacter are emergent enteropathogens and potential zoonotic agents. Here, we generated, analyzed, and characterized whole-genome sequences of Aliarcobacter cibarius and Aliarcobacter thereius. They were isolated from water poultry farms in Germany, cultured and identified by MALDI-TOF MS. With PCR the identity was verified. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was carried out with erythromycin, ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, tetracycline, gentamicin, streptomycin, ampicillin, and cefotaxime using the gradient strip method (E-test). Whole-genome sequences were generated including those of reference strains. Complete genomes for six selected strains are reported. These provide detailed insights into the genotype. With these, we predicted in silico known AMR genes, virulence-associated genes, and plasmid replicons. Phenotypic analysis of resistance showed differences between the presence of resistance genes and the prediction of phenotypic resistance profiles. In Aliarcobacter butzleri, the nucleotide sequence of the gyrA gene (DQ464331) can show a signature mutation resulting in an amino acid change T85>I. Acrobarter cibarius and Acrobarter thereius showed the same gene as assessed by similarity annotation of the mutations 254C>G. Most of the isolates were found to be sensitive to ciprofloxacin. The ciprofloxacin-resistant Aliarcobacter thereius isolate was associated with the amino acid change T85>I. But this was not predicted with antibiotic resistance databases, before. Ultimately, a phylogenetic analysis was done to facilitate in future outbreak analysis.

Muscle damage in response to a single bout of high intensity concentric exercise in patients with Pompe disease.

BACKGROUND: In Pompe disease, resistance exercise could be an effective treatment to delay motor function impairment, however, the acute effects of this exercise modality are unclear. METHODS: In a prospective cohort study, we compared responses to a single bout of resistance exercise by serum markers of muscle damage and quantitative muscle magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients (n=12) and age- and gender-matched healthy controls (n=12). Participants performed 50 maximal effort concentric knee flexions on a dynamometer. RESULTS: Twenty-four hours after exercise, levels of serum creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase and myoglobin increased in controls. In contrast, only myoglobin level increased in patients. All elevated serum markers declined by 48 hours after exercise in both groups. Mild soreness developed at 24 hours, which disappeared at 48 hours in both groups. In controls, MRI R2* relaxation rate reduced immediately and 24 hours after exercise, indicating increased water content and muscle perfusion. In patients, exercise had no effect on R2* values. The resistance exercise did not induce acute strength deficit in patients, rather, patients increased their strength by 24 hours. When serum marker changes were normalized to the magnitude of knee flexor tension developed during exercise, lactate dehydrogenase response was greater in patients. CONCLUSIONS: Late-onset Pompe disease did not exacerbate exercise-induced muscle damage, however, lactate dehydrogenase may be monitored to screen high responders during high intensity resistance exercise interventions.

Antimicrobial Resistance and in silico Virulence Profiling of Aliarcobacter butzleri Strains From German Water Poultry.

Aliarcobacter butzleri is an emerging foodborne and zoonotic pathogen that is usually transmitted via contaminated food or water. A. butzleri is not only the most prevalent Aliarcobacter species, it is also closely related to thermophilic Campylobacter, which have shown increasing resistance in recent years. Therefore, it is important to assess its resistance and virulence profiles. In this study, 45 Aliarcobacter butzleri strains from water poultry farms in Thuringia, Germany, were subjected to an antimicrobial susceptibility test using the gradient strip diffusion method and whole-genome sequencing. In the phylogenetic analysis, the genomes of the German strains showed high genetic diversity. Thirty-three isolates formed 11 subgroups containing two to six strains. The antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed that 32 strains were resistant to erythromycin, 26 to doxycycline, and 20 to tetracycline, respectively. Only two strains were resistant to ciprofloxacin, while 39 strains were resistant to streptomycin. The in silico prediction of the antimicrobial resistance profiles identified a large repertoire of potential resistance mechanisms. A strong correlation between a gyrA point mutation (Thr-85-Ile) and ciprofloxacin resistance was found in 11 strains. A partial correlation was observed between the presence of the bla3 gene and ampicillin resistance. In silico virulence profiling revealed a broad spectrum of putative virulence factors, including a complete lipid A cluster in all studied genomes.

Aliarcobacter butzleri from Water Poultry: Insights into Antimicrobial Resistance, Virulence and Heavy Metal Resistance.

Aliarcobacter butzleri is the most prevalent Aliarcobacter species and has been isolated from a wide variety of sources. This species is an emerging foodborne and zoonotic pathogen because the bacteria can be transmitted by contaminated food or water and can cause acute enteritis in humans. Currently, there is no database to identify antimicrobial/heavy metal resistance and virulence-associated genes specific for A. butzleri. The aim of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial susceptibility and resistance profile of two A. butzleri isolates from Muscovy ducks (Cairina moschata) reared on a water poultry farm in Thuringia, Germany, and to create a database to fill this capability gap. The taxonomic classification revealed that the isolates belong to the Aliarcobacter gen. nov. as A. butzleri comb. nov. The antibiotic susceptibility was determined using the gradient strip method. While one of the isolates was resistant to five antibiotics, the other isolate was resistant to only two antibiotics. The presence of antimicrobial/heavy metal resistance genes and virulence determinants was determined using two custom-made databases. The custom-made databases identified a large repertoire of potential resistance and virulence-associated genes. This study provides the first resistance and virulence determinants database for A. butzleri.

Genomic Analysis and Antimicrobial Resistance of Aliarcobacter cryaerophilus Strains From German Water Poultry.

Aliarcobacter cryaerophilus (formerly Arcobacter cryaerophilus) is a globally emerging foodborne and zoonotic pathogen. However, little is known about the species' genomic features and diversity, antibiotic resistance and virulence. In this study, 27 A. cryaerophilus strains from water poultry in Thuringia, Germany, were investigated using whole-genome sequencing. Four of these strains were sequenced using long- and short-read sequencing methods to obtain circularized genomes. The German strains belong to the A. cryaerophilus cluster I. Cluster I genomes exhibited a high degree of genetic diversity in which variable sites comprised 9.1% of the core genome. The German strains formed three subgroups that contained 2, 6, and 9 strains, respectively. The genomic analysis of cluster I revealed variable presence of mobile elements and that 65% of the strains lack CRISPR systems. The four circularized genomes carried a ∼2 Mbp chromosome and a single megaplasmid (size 98.1-154.5 Kbp). The chromosome was densely packed with coding sequences (∼92%) and showed inversions and shifts in the gene blocks between different strains. Antimicrobial resistance was assessed using a gradient strip diffusion method and showed that all 27 strains were resistant to cefotaxime and susceptible to erythromycin, gentamicin, and ampicillin. Sixteen strains were also resistant to ciprofloxacin, whereas 23 were resistant to streptomycin. The genetic prediction of antibiotic resistance identified numerous efflux pumps similar to those found in A. butzleri. All strains harbored two beta-lactamase genes which may explain the cefotaxime resistance. A correlation between the gyrA point mutation (Thr-85-Ile) and ciprofloxacin resistance was partially discovered in 15 out of 16 strains. In silico virulence profiling showed a wide range of virulence factors including a full chemotaxis system and most of the flagellar genes. In contrast to A. butzleri, no urease cluster was found. This study provides new insights into the genomic variability of A. cryaerophilus strains of cluster I. The different genetic makeup of these strains may contribute to the virulence of strains and the severity of the infections in humans.

Rudolf Hess - The Doppelgänger conspiracy theory disproved.

The Deputy Führer of the Third Reich Rudolf Hess was captured after a controversial flight to Scotland in 1941. Hess was sentenced to life imprisonment during the Nuremberg War Crimes Trials. He was detained in Berlin's Spandau Prison under the official security designation 'Spandau #7.' Early doubts arose about the true identity of prisoner 'Spandau #7.' This evolved to a frequently espoused conspiracy theory that prisoner 'Spandau #7' was an imposter and not Rudolf Hess. After Hess's reputed 1987 suicide, the family grave became a Neo-Nazi pilgrimage site. In 2011, the grave was abandoned and the family remains cremated. Here we report the forensic DNA analysis of the only known extant DNA sample from prisoner 'Spandau #7' and a match to the Hess male line, thereby refuting the Doppelgänger Theory.