Suid alphaherpesvirus 1 of wild boar origin as a recent source of Aujeszky's disease in carnivores in Germany.

BACKGROUND: The high susceptibility of carnivores to Suid Alphaherpesvirus 1 [SuAHV1, synonymous pseudorabies virus (PrV)], renders them inadvertent sentinels for the possible occurrence of Aujeszky's disease (AD) in domestic and wild swine populations. The aim of this study was to epidemiologically analyse the occurrence of PrV infections in domestic and wild animals in Germany during the last three decades and to genetically characterise the causative PrV isolates. METHODS: PrV in dogs was detected using standard virological techniques including conventional and real time PCR, virus isolation or by immunohistochemistry. Available PrV isolates were characterized by partial sequencing of the open gC reading frame and the genetic traits were compared with those of archived PrV isolates from carnivores and domestic pigs from Germany before the elimination of AD in the domestic pig population. RESULTS: During 1995 and 2022, a total of 38 cases of AD in carnivores, e.g. dogs and red foxes, were laboratory confirmed. Sequencing and subsequent phylogenetic analysis of PrV isolates established a strong connection between AD cases in carnivores and the occurrence of PrV infections in European wild boars in the end phase of and after elimination of AD from the domestic pig population. While PrV infections occur at low numbers but regularly in hunting dogs, interestingly, PrV was not observed in grey wolves in Germany. In none of 682 dead-found grey wolves and wolf-dog hybrids tested from Germany during 2006-2022 could PrV infection be detected by molecular means. CONCLUSIONS: Although PrV has been eliminated from domestic pigs, spillover infections in domestic and wild carnivores should always be expected given the endemic presence of PrV in wild pig populations. Since detection of PrV DNA and virus in carnivores is sporadic even in areas with high seroprevalence of PrV in wild pigs, it may not reflect the full diversity of PrV.

The Relationship between Ergometric Treadmill or Bicycle Performance and Isokinetic Trunk Strength - A Retrospective Analysis.

The relationship between trunk strength and athletic performance is well known. In the past, trunk strength and athletic performance were measured in field tests. Previous studies encouraged sport-specific analyses. The goal of this study was to investigate whether there is a relation between ergometrically measured treadmill or bicycle endurance and isokinetic trunk strength. This retrospective analysis included 1334 bicycle and 1838 treadmill ergometry examinations in 1149 subjects. Bicycle and treadmill ergometer performance were analysed in relation to isokinetic trunk strength. Statistics were performed by Pearson correlation and mixed or generalised linear models. Higher treadmill and bicycle power correlated with higher isokinetic trunk strength, with highest absolute trunk strength in the treadmill group. For both running and cycling endurance, a positive correlation with trunk strength could be quantified in regression models. Increased ergometry endurance and lower flexion/extension ratios are connected weakly. Ergometry performance had the strongest correlation with extension trunk strength (r=0.312-0.398 for bicycle ergometry and r=0.168-0.229 for treadmill ergometry, p<0.001). We encourage prospective studies using both kinds of ergometry to evaluate the effect of trunk strengthening to enhance sport-specific endurance performance. Weight-adapted trunk strength values showed overall greater correlation to trunk strength and we recommend the use of weight-adapted values.

[Analysis of Sickness-Related Days of Absence among Soldiers of the German Armed Forces from 2008 to 2018 Part 1: Retrospective Analysis with Comparison to the Statutory Health Insurance System]. / Analyse der krankheitsbedingten Fehltage von Soldatinnen und Soldaten der Bundeswehr von 2008 bis 2018 Teil 1: Retrospektive Analyse mit Vergleich zur Gesetzlichen Krankenversicherung.

BACKGROUND: Sickness-related absences are of particular importance both in the German armed forces and in the civilian sector. THE AIM OF THIS STUDY: was to analyze the incidence of sick leave among soldiers in comparison to the working population covered by the statutory health insurance (SHI) system. METHOD: According to the systematics of the SHI, the key figures on incapacity to work in the period 2008-2018 are calculated in an age- and gender-standardized manner. Likewise, a list of the TOP 20 ICD-10 diagnoses in relation to incapacity to work was determined, and their average annual rates of change were calculated for trend analysis. RESULTS: The annual rate of sick leave among soldiers was between 1.5 and 2.3%, which was lower than that of the SHI (3.1 to 5.0%). The duration of illness (sick days per case) among soldiers was between 9.0-15.6 days per year, compared with 10.9-14.4 days in the SHI system. The sickness frequency (cases per 100 persons) was lower among soldiers (48.2-75.0 cases) than in the SHI (96.8-131.0 cases). Most days of absence among soldiers were due to "respiratory infections (J06)" with 13.2%, "stress reactions (F43)" with 8.7%, "other infectious gastroenteritis and colitis (A09)" with 6.5%, "back pain (M54)" with 4.4% and "depressive episode (F32)" with 4.0% of all days of absence and were comparable to the values in SHI. "Depressive episode (F32)", "injuries (T14)", sreactions (F43)", "respiratory infections (J06)" and "pregnancy complaints (O26)" showed the highest rates of increase of+6.1% to+3.6% of days off work. CONCLUSION: For the first time, it was possible to compare the sickness rate of soldiers with that of the general population in Germany, which may also provide indications for further measures for primary, secondary and tertiary prevention. The lower sickness rate among soldiers compared with the general population is mainly due to a lower incidence of illness, with a similar duration and pattern of illness, but with an overall upward trend. The ICD-10 diagnoses "Depressive episode (F32)," "injuries (T14)," "stress reactions (F43)," "acute upper respiratory tract infections (J06)" and "pregnancy complaints (O26)," which are increasing at an above-average rate in relation to the number of days absent, require further analysis. This approach seems promising, for example, to generate hypotheses and ideas for further improvement of health care.

Subacromial impingement syndrome: association of multiple magnetic resonance imaging parameters with shoulder function and pain.

INTRODUCTION: Shoulder pain is one of the most common complaints in orthopaedics. This study focusses on the relationship between shoulder function in subacromial impingement syndrome and imaging criteria in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective clinical trial included 69 patients treated for subacromial impingement syndrome. Shoulder function (Constant Score, range of abduction, abduction force) and pain were correlated with the following MRI parameters: tendinosis of the rotator cuff, "halo-sign" around the biceps tendon, subacromial distance, critical shoulder angle, size of subacromial osteophytic spurs and maximum width of subacromial and subdeltoid bursa. Statistical analyses included Pearson's and Spearman's coefficients of correlation, multiple regression analysis and Student's t-test. RESULTS: The Constant Score was correlated positively with the critical shoulder angle (r = 0.313; p = 0.009) and inversely with a "halo-sign" around the biceps tendon (rho = -0.384; p = 0.001). There was no significant correlation between spur size and shoulder function, but the size of the subacromial and subdeltoid bursae was positively correlated with the subacromial spur's size (subacromial bursa: coronal plane: r = 0.327; p = 0.006; sagittal view: r = 0.305; p = 0.011; subdeltoid bursa coronal view: r = 0.333 p = 0.005). The width of the subdeltoid bursa in coronal plane was positively correlated with shoulder pain (r = 0.248; p = 0.004) and negatively with the range of abduction (r = -0.270; p = 0.025), as well as the mean (r = -0.332; p = 0.005) and maximum (r = -0.334; p = 0.005) abduction force. CONCLUSIONS: Shoulder function and pain in subacromial impingement are best predicted by the width of the subdeltoid bursa measured in the coronal MRI plane as an indicator of bursitis as well as the presence of a "halo-sign" around the biceps tendon indicating glenohumeral joint effusion. Presence of a subacromial spur could lead to subacromial and subdeltoid bursitis, which impairs shoulder function. Shoulder function seems not to be compromised by the presence of a subacromial spur in absence of bursitis. This study was registered at the German Clinical Trials Register on 08 February 2013 (ID: DRKS00011548).

[Cerebral fat embolism syndrome after polytrauma : Complication after fracture treatment of several long bones of the lower extremities]. / Zerebrales Fettemboliesyndrom nach Polytrauma : Komplikation bei Frakturversorgung mehrerer langer Röhrenknochen der unteren Extremität.

In consequence of a car accident a 20-year-old woman with bilateral fractures of the femur and an unilateral lower leg fracture was treated with external fixation. Afterwards she was soporific with signs of impaired consciousness and required intubation and intensive medical care surveillance. A cerebral fat embolism syndrome could be detected as the reason, which was characterized by acute respiratory insufficiency, neurological symptoms and petechiae. Subsequently, definitive treatment was performed by intramedullary nailing. After neurological and orthopedic rehabilitation no performance inhibiting limitations remained.

Investigation of fatal human Borna disease virus 1 encephalitis outside the previously known area for human cases, Brandenburg, Germany - a case report.

BACKGROUND: The true burden and geographical distribution of human Borna disease virus 1 (BoDV-1) encephalitis is unknown. All detected cases so far have been recorded in Bavaria, southern Germany. CASE PRESENTATION: A retrospective laboratory and epidemiological investigation of a 2017 case of fatal encephalitis in a farmer in Brandenburg, northeast Germany, demonstrated BoDV-1 as causative agent by polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. Next-generation sequencing showed that the virus belonged to a cluster not known to be endemic in Brandenburg. The investigation was triggered by a recent outbreak of animal Borna disease in the region. Multiple possible exposures were identified. The next-of-kin were seronegative. CONCLUSIONS: The investigation highlights clinical awareness for human BoDV-1 encephalitis which should be extended to all areas endemic for animal Borna disease. All previously diagnosed human cases had occurred > 350 km further south. Further testing of shrews and livestock with Borna disease may show whether this BoDV-1 cluster is additionally endemic in the northwest of Brandenburg.

[Continuous Passive Motion in Orthopaedic Rehabilitation of the Shoulder Girdle - A Literature Survey]. / Kontinuierliche passive Bewegungstherapie (CPM-Therapie) in der orthopädischen Rehabilitation am Schultergelenk ­ eine Literaturübersicht.

BACKGROUND: Continuous passive motion (CPM) of the shoulder is predominantly used during postoperative rehabilitation of the shoulder girdle. It is often used after rotator cuff repair (RM suture). Incapacity to work and therapy of shoulder diseases cause significant costs for the healthcare system in Germany. METHODS: In a literature analysis, studies and reviews of the CPM treatment in scientific databases were therefore identified and analysed with regard to the functional outcome particular after shoulder joint surgery. The quality of the studies was evaluated using the Cochrane Collaboration's Risk of Bias Tool. RESULTS: After rotator cuff suturing, clinical studies have predominantly shown a faster improvement in pain level and shoulder mobility when using CPM treatment compared to other forms of treatment. In the case of frozen shoulder, only studies with the scope of CPM in conservative treatment could be identified. Here predominantly faster pain reduction could be observed. Studies addressing CPM in the therapy of Impingement of the shoulder, fracture of the humeral head or arthroplasty of the glenohumeral joint could not be identified. The health economic effects of CPM use are controversially discussed. In the available studies, equipment and other costs are assessed differently. CONCLUSION: The analysed clinical studies showed overall positive effects, e. g. a faster improvement of pain level and shoulder mobility, in the postoperative therapy of the shoulder after rotator cuff repair as well as in the conservative therapy of shoulder stiffness for the CPM treatment compared to other forms of treatment. For other entities no meaningful studies are available in the literature to date. Since the health economic effects of the use of CPM have been discussed controversial so far, potential health economic benefits of the use of CPM treatment should be evaluated in future studies.

Beyond the landscape: Resistance modelling infers physical and behavioural gene flow barriers to a mobile carnivore across a metropolitan area.

Urbanization affects key aspects of wildlife ecology. Dispersal in urban wildlife species may be impacted by geographical barriers but also by a species' inherent behavioural variability. There are no functional connectivity analyses using continuous individual-based sampling across an urban-rural continuum that would allow a thorough assessment of the relative importance of physical and behavioural dispersal barriers. We used 16 microsatellite loci to genotype 374 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from the city of Berlin and surrounding rural regions in Brandenburg in order to study genetic structure and dispersal behaviour of a mobile carnivore across the urban-rural landscape. We assessed functional connectivity by applying an individual-based landscape genetic optimization procedure. Three commonly used genetic distance measures yielded different model selection results, with only the results of an eigenvector-based multivariate analysis reasonably explaining genetic differentiation patterns. Genetic clustering methods and landscape resistance modelling supported the presence of an urban population with reduced dispersal across the city border. Artificial structures (railways, motorways) served as main dispersal corridors within the cityscape, yet urban foxes avoided densely built-up areas. We show that despite their ubiquitous presence in urban areas, their mobility and behavioural plasticity, foxes were affected in their dispersal by anthropogenic presence. Distinguishing between man-made structures and sites of human activity, rather than between natural and artificial structures, is thus essential for better understanding urban fox dispersal. This differentiation may also help to understand dispersal of other urban wildlife and to predict how behaviour can shape population genetic structure beyond physical barriers.

A 50-kb deletion disrupting the RSPO2 gene is associated with tetradysmelia in Holstein Friesian cattle.

BACKGROUND: Tetradysmelia is a rare genetic disorder that is characterized by an extremely severe reduction of all limb parts distal of the scapula and pelvic girdle. We studied a Holstein Friesian backcross family with 24 offspring, among which six calves displayed autosomal recessive tetradysmelia. In order to identify the genetic basis of the disorder, we genotyped three affected calves, five dams and nine unaffected siblings using a Bovine Illumina 50 k BeadChip and sequenced the whole genome of the sire. RESULTS: Pathological examination of four tetradysmelia cases revealed a uniform and severe dysmelia of all limbs. Applying a homozygosity mapping approach, we identified a homozygous region of 10.54 Mb on chromosome 14 (Bos taurus BTA14). Only calves that were diagnosed with tetradysmelia shared a distinct homozygous haplotype for this region. We sequenced the whole genome of the cases' sire and searched for heterozygous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and small variants on BTA14 that were uniquely present in the sire and absent from 3102 control whole-genome sequences of the 1000 Bull Genomes Project, but none were identified in the 10.54-Mb candidate region on BTA14. Therefore, we subsequently performed a more comprehensive analysis by also considering structural variants and detected a 50-kb deletion in the targeted chromosomal region that was in the heterozygous state in the cases' sire. Using PCR, we confirmed that this detected deletion segregated perfectly within the family with tetradysmelia. The deletion spanned three exons of the bovine R-spondin 2 (RSPO2) gene, which encode three domains of the respective protein. R-spondin 2 is a secreted ligand of leucine-rich repeats containing G protein-coupled receptors that enhance Wnt signalling and is involved in a broad range of developmental processes during embryogenesis. CONCLUSIONS: We identified a 50-kb deletion on BTA14 that disrupts the coding sequence of the RSPO2 gene and is associated with bovine tetradysmelia. To our knowledge, this is the first reported candidate causal mutation for tetradysmelia in a large animal model. Since signalling pathways involved in limb development are conserved across species, the observed inherited defect may serve as a model to further elucidate fundamental pathways of limb development.

[Influence of Patients' Profession on Therapeutical Outcome of Patients with Primary Extrinsic Shoulder Impingement]. / Einfluss der beruflichen Tätigkeit auf den Therapieerfolg von Patienten mit primär extrinsischem Impingement der Schulter.

PURPOSE: Shoulder complaints are an important reason for inability to work. There are few considerations that link the effect of kind of therapy with ability to work in connection with kind of employment. This prospective, comparative clinical follow-up study examines the influence of occupational activity with conservative and operative therapy on the outcome of therapy in terms of function, pain and ability to work. METHODS: In this study, 97 patients (women: n=22, men: n=75, mean age: 43.1±10.1 years) with a primary extrinsic shoulder impingement syndrome were included. Patients were divided into blue and white collar workers. Further on the subgroups of conservative and operative therapy were considered. Either a sole conservative therapy or an operative therapy with physiotherapeutic follow-up treatment took place. The conservative therapy was carried out as a structured re-coordination of muscles of the shoulder girdle under supervision of a physiotherapist. In the surgical cohorts an arthroscopic subacromial decompression was performed. Follow-up examinations were passed 3, 6 and 12 months after starting the intervention. Function (Constant Score), pain (NRS) and the duration of inability to work were assessed. The statistical analysis was performed using mixed-design ANOVA to calculate main effect and interactions (therapy*kind of employment*time) adjusted with age, sex and body mass index. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in terms of function and pain between blue and white collar workers. Office workers showed a significantly longer inability to work 3 months after surgical treatment compared with conservative treatment (7.3±0.8 weeks vs. 0.5±7.3 weeks; p<0.001). Further the group of white collars with operative therapy was significantly longer inable to work than the group of blue collar workers after operative therapy 3 months after surgical treatment (3.0±1.1 weeks vs. 7.3±0.8 weeks; p=0.002). CONCLUSION: On the one hand, working in an office could be seen as a negative predictor for durance of inability to work. On the other hand, surgical treatment itself was a negative predictor for the durance of inability to work. Furthermore, no difference between conservative and surgical therapy could be observed in function and pain one year after starting the treatment.

A novel alphaherpesvirus associated with fatal diseases in banded Penguins.

A novel avian alphaherpesvirus, preliminarily designated sphenicid alphaherpesvirus 1 (SpAHV-1), has been independently isolated from juvenile Humboldt and African penguins (Spheniscus humboldti and Spheniscus demersus) kept in German zoos suffering from diphtheroid oropharyngitis/laryngotracheitis and necrotizing enteritis (collectively designated as penguin-diphtheria-like disease). High-throughput sequencing was used to determine the complete genome sequences of the first two SpAHV-1 isolates. SpAHV-1 comprises a class D genome with a length of about 164 kbp, a G+C content of 45.6 mol% and encodes 86 predicted ORFs. Taxonomic association of SpAHV-1 to the genus Mardivirus was supported by gene content clustering and phylogenetic analysis of herpesvirus core genes. The presented results imply that SpAHV-1 could be the primary causative agent of penguin-diphtheria-like fatal diseases in banded penguins. These results may serve as a basis for the development of diagnostic tools in order to investigate similar cases of penguin diphtheria in wild and captive penguins.

No evidence of Dirofilaria repens infection in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) from Brandenburg, Germany.

Dirofilaria (D.) repens is a nematode causing dirofilariasis in dogs, cats and in humans. Red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) are well-known wildlife reservoirs for zoonotic diseases. These two species are highly abundant in Germany, frequently exposed to vector mosquitoes and potentially susceptible to Dirofilaria infections. To obtain data about D. repens infections in these animals, red fox and raccoon dog carcasses (hunted or found dead) were collected from January to September 2009 in the Federal State of Brandenburg, Germany. Lung tissue samples were subjected to DNA extraction and examined for the presence of Dirofilaria DNA by means of D. repens-specific PCR. D. repens-specific DNA could not be amplified from the lungs of red foxes (n = 122; 0%) nor from the lungs of raccoon dogs (n = 13; 0%), suggesting a limited role if a role at all in the natural transmission cycle of D. repens in Brandenburg.

An Evaluation of the Significance of Work-Related Influence Factors on Fitness and the Development of Medical and Orthopaedic Conditions in Military Executives.

Occupational health promotion is an effective tool to improve the state of health of employees. As part of occupational health promotion in the German Bundeswehr, top-ranking military executives are offered a medical examination and training programme. Health-related data is collected as a basis for training and lifestyle counselling. This data was subjected to a retrospective evaluation in order to identify occupational risk factors and their correlation with cardiovascular resilience, trunk strength, and the development of orthopaedic and internal disorders. A total of 122 military executives (all male, age 54.6 ± 4.2 years) answered a questionnaire aimed at evaluating private and occupational stress factors. The medical history was followed by a medical and orthopaedic examination involving a lactate performance test (treadmill or bicycle ergometry) and an isometric trunk strength measurement. The data obtained was then statistically evaluated. For military executives, work-related travelling and commuting involve a high risk of medical and orthopaedic conditions. Regular exercise leads to improved fitness levels. In order to prevent medical problems, military executives working long hours should regularly take part in fitness and weight training under professional instructions.

Detection of Angiostrongylus vasorum in Red Foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from Brandenburg, Germany.

Angiostrongylus (A.) vasorum is a nematode that causes angiostrongylosis in domestic and wild canids. Red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) are suspected of providing a wildlife reservoir for A. vasorum infections in pet dogs. To obtain data on the occurrence of A. vasorum in wildlife, red fox and raccoon dog carcasses (hunted or found dead) were collected from January to September 2009 in the Federal State of Brandenburg, Germany. Lung tissue samples were subjected to DNA extraction and examined for the presence of A. vasorum DNA by means of real-time PCR. A. vasorum DNA was detected in 11 out of 122 (9.0 %) lungs of red foxes and in none of the lung samples of raccoon dogs. These data suggest that red foxes are a reservoir of A. vasorum infections for pet dogs in this area.

Clinical, anatomical, and technical risk factors for postoperative pacemaker or defibrillator lead perforation with particular focus on myocardial thickness.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative lead perforation is a life-threatening complication of cardiac pacing. Identification of precipitating factors for this serious complication may help to anticipate a specific risk profile and to minimize the incidence. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective tertiary referral center analysis to clarify clinical, anatomical, and technical characteristics related to pacemaker (PM) and cardioverter/defibrillator lead perforation. We examined the baseline characteristics and the symptoms. In a subgroup, we investigated the myocardial thickness on contrast-enhanced cardiac computed tomography. RESULTS: We enrolled 26 patients. Female gender appears to put patients at slightly increased risk for lead perforation. In a majority active fixation leads were used. Symptoms occurred in 72%. Pericardial effusion and tamponade were present in 38% and 19%, respectively. Sensing was compromised in 65%. A high pacing threshold or exit block occurred in 92%. Myocardial thickness did not differ between patients with or without perforation. In 96%, the perforation was treated by transvenous withdrawal. CONCLUSION: Chest pain, phrenic stimulation, bad sensing, or exit block early after PM implantation must prompt radiological and echocardiographic evaluation. A missing pericardial effusion particularly late after implantation does not rule out a perforation. Especially active fixating leads have a higher risk of perforation. With cardiac surgery in standby transvenous withdrawal is a safe way to treat lead perforation.

Treatment of medial tibial stress syndrome according to the fascial distortion model: a prospective case control study.

Medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) is a common problem among athletes and soldiers. There is no proven theory that could explain the pathophysiology of shin splints. The therapies described so far are time-consuming and involve a high risk of relapse. The method according to the fascial distortion model (FDM) addresses local changes in the area of the lower leg fascia. It is suited to reduce pain and functional impairments associated with this symptom complex by applying targeted manual techniques. 32 patients (male: 30; female: 2) participated in this study. Visual analogue scale (VAS) was used for the quantification of pain. Scores were also given to rate the maximum painless exercise tolerance of the patients. Subsequently treatment of the crural fascia was performed. Patients retested ability of running and jumping. Therapy was continued until full exercise tolerance or painlessness was reached. A significant reduction of the VAS pain score from 5.2 to 1.1 could be achieved (P < 0.001). The impairment of exercise tolerance could be reduced from 7 to 2 points (P < 0.001). The duration of treatment was 6.3 (SD: 4.3) days on average. The FDM therapy is a potential effective method for acute treatment of MTSS.

Host weight, seasonality and anthropogenic factors contribute to parasite community differences between urban and rural foxes.

Pathogens often occur at different prevalence along environmental gradients. This is of particular importance for gradients of anthropogenic impact such as rural-urban transitions presenting a changing interface between humans and wildlife. The assembly of parasite communities is affected by both the external environmental conditions and individual host characteristics. Hosts with low body weight (smaller individuals or animals with poor body condition) might be more susceptible to infection. Furthermore, parasites' mode of transmission might affect their occurrence: rural environments with better availability of intermediate hosts might favour trophic transmission, while urban environments, typically with dense definitive host populations, might favour direct transmission. We here study helminth communities (141 intestinal samples) within the red fox (Vulpes vulpes), a synanthropic host, using DNA metabarcoding of multiple marker genes. We analysed the effect of urbanisation, seasonality and host-intrinsic (weight, sex) variables on helminth communities. Helminth species richness increased in foxes with lower body weight and in winter and spring. Season and urbanisation, however, had strong effects on the community composition, i.e., on the identity of the detected species. Surprisingly, transmission in two-host life cycles (trophic transmission) was more pronounced in urban Berlin than in rural Brandenburg. This disagrees with the prevailing hypothesis that trophically transmitted helminths are less prevalent in urban areas than in rural areas. Generally, co-infestations with multiple helminths and high infection intensity are associated with lighter (younger, smaller or low body condition) animals. Both host-intrinsic traits and environmental drivers together shape parasite community composition and turnover along urban-rural gradients.

Effects of wearing different personal equipment on force distribution at the plantar surface of the foot.

BACKGROUND: The wearing of personal equipment can cause specific changes in muscle activity and posture. In the present study, we investigated the influence of differences in equipment related weight loading and load distribution on plantar pressure. In addition, we studied functional effects of wearing different equipment with a particular focus on relevant changes in foot shape. METHODS: Static and dynamic pedobarography were performed on 31 male soldiers carrying increasing weights consisting of different items of equipment. RESULTS: The pressure acting on the plantar surface of the foot increased with higher loading, both under static and dynamic conditions (p < 0.05). We observed an increase in the contact area (p < 0.05) and an influence of load distribution through different ways to carry the rifle. CONCLUSIONS: The wearing of heavier weights leads to an increase in plantar pressure and contact area. This may be caused by flattening of the transverse and longitudinal arches. The effects are more evident in subjects with flat feet deformities which seem to flatten at an earlier load condition with a greater amount compared to subjects with normal arches. Improving load distribution should be a main goal in the development of military equipment in order to prevent injuries or functional disorders of the lower extremity.