Association of uterine health in the first lactation with transition cow health and reproductive performance in the second lactation of Holstein dairy cows.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of puerperal metritis (PM) diagnosed and treated during the early postpartum period of the first lactation on transition cow health, milk production, reproduction, and culling of dairy cows in their second lactation. Diagnosis of PM was based on fetid watery red-brown uterine discharge and rectal temperature above 39.5°C. Two farms were enrolled in this retrospective observational cohort study (Farm A and B). In both farms, the following diseases were recorded during the first 30 DIM in lactation 1 and 2: clinical hypocalcemia (CH), retained fetal membrane (RFM), PM, hyperketonemia (KET), left displaced abomasum (LDA) and clinical mastitis (MAST). Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS for Windows separately for each farm. Linear and logistic regression models were used for continuous (e.g., milk yield) and binary (e.g., disease, pregnancy per AI, pregnancy loss) outcomes, respectively. Cox proportional hazard regression models were calculated to model the time to event outcomes for culling or death during the first 60 DIM and for pregnancy within 250 d of the second lactation. The initial models contained the following variables: year of calving, month of calving, calving ease, stillbirth, twins, days open in lactation 1, 305 d milk yield in lactation 1, PM in lactation 1, and PM in lactation 2 as explanatory variables. A total of 4,834 cows (Farm A) and 4,238 cows (Farm B) in the second lactation were considered for statistical analyses. On farm A, the incidence of PM in lactation 1 and 2 was 20.1% and 11.2%, respectively. On farm B, the incidence of PM in lactation 1 and 2 was 14.4% and 8.5%, respectively. On both farms, cows with PM in their first lactation had greater odds for RFM and PM in their second lactation, while there was no association of PM in the first lactation with any other non-uterine diseases (i.e., CH, KET, LDA, and MAST) in the second lactation. Cows with PM in lactation 2 had reduced milk yield. The reduction in milk yield in second lactation was greater for cows that already experienced PM in lactation 1. On Farm A, cows with PM in their first lactation had a greater hazard for culling within 60 DIM of the second lactation; however, the same association was not present on Farm B. Cows with PM in lactation 1 had reduced pregnancy per AI at first service in the second lactation only on farm B. Cows with PM in lactation 2 had reduced pregnancy per AI at first service in the second lactation on both farms. Pregnancy loss in lactation 2 was only associated with PM in lactation 2 but not with PM in lactation 1. On both farms, cows had a reduced hazard for pregnancy in their second lactation within 250 DIM when they experienced PM in either lactation. In conclusion, PM in the first lactation had long-lasting negative consequences (i.e., risk of uterine disease and lower reproductive performance) for cows in their next lactation.

In vivo dynamics of pro-inflammatory factors, mucins, and polymorph nuclear neutrophils in the bovine oviduct during the follicular and luteal phase.

Dynamic functional changes in the oviductal microenvironment are the prerequisite for the establishment of pregnancy. The objective of this study was to gain the first insights into oestrous cycle-dependent dynamics of polymorph nuclear neutrophils (PMN) and the mRNA abundance of selected genes and their correlations in the oviduct of living cows. Mini-cytobrush samples were taken from the oviducts of healthy heifers (n = 6) and cows (n = 7) during the follicular (FOL) and luteal phase (LUT) by transvaginal endoscopy. Total RNA was isolated from the samples and subjected to reverse transcription-quantitative PCR for selected pro-inflammatory factors, glycoproteins, and a metabolic marker. The percentage of PMN was determined by cytological examination. The mean PMN percentage was 2.8-fold greater during LUT than FOL. During LUT, significantly greater mRNA abundance of the pro-inflammatory factors IL1B, CXCL1, CXCL3, and CXCL8 was observed. The OVGP1 mRNA abundance was twice as high during FOL than in LUT. Pearson correlation, principal component analysis and heatmap analyses indicated characteristic functional patterns with strong correlations among investigated factors. Using this novel approach, we illustrate complex physiological dynamics and interactions of the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory factors, mucins, OVGP1, and PMN in the oviduct during the oestrous cycle.

Relationship between periparturient diseases, metabolic markers and the dynamics of hair cortisol concentrations in dairy cows.

Hair cortisol concentration (HCC) might represent a promising marker for retrospective welfare assessment of dairy cows. The objective of the study was to explore the dynamics of HCC in diseased and healthy cows from eight-week ante partum (AP) to eight-week post partum (PP). Twenty-four pregnant cows were followed from drying off to week eight PP. Tail hair was used to measure cortisol at five different time points. The occurrence of peripartum diseases, lameness and the body condition score (BCS) were monitored on a weekly basis. Blood ß-hydroxybutyric acid, non-esterified fatty acids, calcium and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) concentrations were measured. The temperature-humidity index (THI) was continuously recorded. The median values of HCC in all cows were 0.4, 0.3, 0.6, 0.8 and 0.5 pg/mg at weeks eight, four AP, calving, weeks four, eight PP, respectively. There was no association between HCC and the occurrence of peripartum diseases (P ≥ 0.05). A positive correlation between HCC and BCS loss (P < 0.01) and THI (P < 0.05) was observed. The occurrence of peripartum diseases was associated with low IGF-1 during the study period but no relationship was found between cortisol and IGF-1 levels (P ≥ 0.05). Brown Swiss cows showed higher HCC (P < 0.01) at weeks eight, four AP, and week four PP and lower average milk yield (P < 0.05) than Holstein-Friesian cows. In conclusion, HCC was not a suitable marker for peripartum diseases but it could reflect a stress response, which is linked to BCS loss, heat stress and breed.

Different inflammatory responses of bovine oviductal epithelial cells in vitro to bacterial species with distinct pathogenicity characteristics and passage number.

The bovine oviduct provides the site for fertilization and early embryonic development. Modifications to this physiological environment, for instance the presence of pathogenic bacterial species, could diminish reproductive success at early stages of pregnancy. The aim of this study was to elucidate the inflammatory responses of bovine oviductal epithelial cells (BOEC) to a pathogenic bacterial species (Trueperella pyogenes) and a potentially pathogenic bacterium (Bacillus pumilus). BOEC from four healthy animals were isolated, cultured in passage 0 (P0) and passaged until P3. Trypan blue staining determined BOEC viability during 24 h co-culture with different multiplicities of infection (MOI) of T. pyogenes (MOI 0.01, 0.05, 0.1 and 1) or B. pumilus (MOI 1 and 10). BOEC remained viable when co-cultured with T. pyogenes at MOI 0.01 and with B. pumilus at MOI 1 and 10. Extracted total RNA from control and bacteria co-cultured samples was subjected to reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RTq-PCR) to determine mRNA expression of various studied genes. The rate of release of interleukin 8 (IL8) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) from BOEC was measured by ELISA after 24 h co-culture with bacteria. RT-qPCR of various selected pro-inflammatory factors revealed similar mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory factors in BOEC co-cultured with T. pyogenes and in the controls. Higher mRNA expression of IL 1A, -1B, tumor necrosis factor alpha and CXC ligand (CXCL) 1/2, -3, -5 and IL8 and PG synthesis enzymes in BOEC co-cultured with B. pumilus was observed. In the presence of B. pumilus a higher amount of IL8 and PGE2 was released from BOEC than from controls. The viability and pro-inflammatory response of P3 BOEC incubated with bacteria was lower than in P0 BOEC. These findings illustrate the pathogenicity of T. pyogenes towards BOEC in detail and the potential role of B. pumilus in generating inflammation in oviductal cells. Culturing conditions influenced the pro-inflammatory responses of BOEC towards bacteria. Therefore, researchers conducting epithelial-bacterial in vitro co-culture should not underestimate the effects of these parameters.

Short communication: Repeatability of ß-hydroxybutyrate measurements in capillary blood obtained from the external vulvar skin.

The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the repeatability of measurements of ß-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentrations in capillary blood obtained from minimal-invasive puncturing of different sites at the external vulva skin of dairy cows. A total of 240 multiparous cows sampled once within 21 d in milk were enrolled in the study. Capillary blood samples were obtained from the right and left labium of the external vulva skin and additionally from a site close to the first puncture. Samples were analyzed by using an electronic hand-held device [FreeStyle Precison Neo (FSP-Neo), Abbott GmbH & Co., Wiesbaden, Germany)]. Additionally, samples from a coccygeal vessel were analyzed as reference in a laboratory. Mean deviations (± standard deviation) between the 3 capillary sampling sites ranged from 0.01 ± 0.14 (left vs. right labium) to 0.02 ± 0.13 mmol/L (left or right labium vs. additional site). The BHB concentrations in capillary blood compared with the reference showed a mean deviation of 0.14 ± 0.18 mmol/L. The Spearman correlation coefficient between BHB concentrations in capillary blood and coccygeal blood was 85.4%. Mixed model analyses showed no significant effect of sampling site or squeezing the skin during sampling procedures on the differences toward the reference. Based on laboratory BHB concentrations of ≥1.2 and ≥1.4 mmol/L, respectively, the prevalence of hyperketonemia was 10.4 (n = 25) and 5.0% (n = 12). Thresholds to detect hyperketonemia with the FSP-Neo were optimized by receiver operating characteristic analyses. Based on a laboratory BHB concentration of ≥1.2 mmol/L thresholds were determined as 1.1 (left labium, 2nd puncture) and 1.0 mmol/L (right labium), with sensitivities between 94 and 99% and specificities between 89 and 97%. Based on a serum BHB concentration of 1.4 mmol/L, receiver operating characteristic analyses resulted in optimized cutoffs of 1.4 mmol/L for all sampling sites at the vulva, with sensitivities of 100% and specificities between 96 and 99%. In conclusion, vulvar capillary blood is suitable for accurate measuring of BHB concentrations by using the FSP-Neo. After adjusting the thresholds, the FSP-Neo provides very good test characteristics independent of the capillary sampling site or squeezing the skin and allows a practical and reliable screening tool for dairy cows.

Endometrial mRNA expression of selected pro-inflammatory factors and mucins in repeat breeder cows with and without subclinical endometritis.

Repeat breeder cows (RBC) are defined as cyclic cows without clinical abnormalities that fail to conceive after at least three subsequent inseminations. Previous studies have elucidated cellular defence mechanisms in the bovine uterus but detailed information on inflammatory events of endometrial cells in RBC is still lacking. Thus, the objective of this study was to analyse endometrial mRNA expression of selected transcripts associated with uterine inflammatory processes. Cytobrush samples from 91 RBC and 11 synchronised heifers with no history of gynaecological abnormalities (controls, CON) were collected. The proportion of polymorphonuclear neutrophils in these samples was used for the diagnosis of subclinical endometritis (SE). Ultrasonography and progesterone blood concentrations were used to determine ovarian activity and the stage of the oestrous cycle. Total RNA was isolated from the cytobrush samples and subjected to reverse transcription-quantitative PCR for interleukins (IL) 1A, IL1B, IL6, IL8, chemokine CXL ligand (CXCL) 3, CXCL5, prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2), tracheal antimicrobial peptide (TAP) and mucin (MUC) 4, MUC5, MUC6, MUC12 and MUC16. CXCL3 mRNA was higher (2-fold) and PTGS2 mRNA lower (6-fold) expressed in RBC compared with CON (P < 0.05). After subdivision of RBC in animals with (RBC-SE) and without SE (RBC-noSE), these differences remained significant between RBC-noSE and CON. Higher mRNA abundances of IL1A and IL1B were found in RBC-SE compared with RBC-noSE (3- and 4-fold; P < 0.05). No differences in the mRNA expression of IL6, IL8, CXCL5 and TAP were observed between RBC-SE, RBC-noSE and CON. MUC4 and MUC12 mRNA was more highly expressed in RBC than in CON (P < 0.05). In RBC-noSE, a 5- and 14-fold higher MUC4 and MUC12 mRNA expression was noticed compared with CON (P < 0.05). A significantly lower mRNA expression of MUC5 and MUC16 (7- and 4-fold) was detected in RBC in the luteal phase compared with RBC in the follicular phase, whereas such a down-regulation was not observed for MUC4 and MUC12. In conclusion, we demonstrated different PTGS2 and CXCL3 mRNA expression between RBC and control heifers, which might be related to subfertility in RBC. Further studies are required to confirm that an unregulated MUC4 and MUC12 mRNA expression may contribute to subfertility of RBC. These findings provide a valid basis for further research on regulatory mechanisms of mRNA expression in subfertile cows.

[Characteristics, advantages, and limits of matrix tests]. / Eigenschaften, Leistungen und Grenzen von Matrixtests.

BACKGROUND: Deterioration of communication abilities due to hearing problems is particularly relevant in listening situations with noise. Therefore, speech intelligibility tests in noise are required for audiological diagnostics and evaluation of hearing rehabilitation. OBJECTIVE: This study analyzed the characteristics of matrix tests assessing the 50 % speech recognition threshold in noise. What are their advantages and limitations? METHODS: Matrix tests are based on a matrix of 50 words (10 five-word sentences with same grammatical structure). In the standard setting, 20 sentences are presented using an adaptive procedure estimating the individual 50 % speech recognition threshold in noise. At present, matrix tests in 17 different languages are available. RESULTS: A high international comparability of matrix tests exists. The German language matrix test (OLSA, male speaker) has a reference 50 % speech recognition threshold of -7.1 (± 1.1) dB SNR. CONCLUSION: Before using a matrix test for the first time, the test person has to become familiar with the basic speech material using two training lists. Hereafter, matrix tests produce constant results even if repeated many times. Matrix tests are suitable for users of hearing aids and cochlear implants, particularly for assessment of benefit during the fitting process. Matrix tests can be performed in closed form and consequently with non-native listeners, even if the experimenter does not speak the test person's native language. Short versions of matrix tests are available for listeners with a shorter memory span, e.g., children.

Measurement of ß-hydroxybutyrate in capillary blood obtained from an ear to detect hyperketonemia in dairy cows by using an electronic handheld device.

The primary objective of the present study was to test whether capillary blood obtained by puncturing the skin of an ear with a minimal invasive lancet technique is able to detect hyperketonemia (HYK) in dairy cows. Furthermore, test characteristics of a new available handheld device, the FreeStyle Precision Neo (FSP-Neo, Abbott GmbH & Co. KG, Wiesbaden, Germany) for determination of ß-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentrations in bovine blood were evaluated by comparing the measurements with a laboratory reference. The BHB concentration was determined with the FSP-Neo device in 720 capillary blood samples from 3 different sampling sites (left, right ear, and repeated measurement) and in 240 samples from a coccygeal vessel. The concentration of BHB in serum harvested from the coccygeal blood samples was analyzed at the laboratory and was used as reference. The Spearman correlation coefficient (ρs) between the BHB concentrations in capillary blood measured with the handheld device and the reference test was between 0.76 and 0.81. Using capillary blood, the mean ± standard deviation BHB difference compared with the reference test was 0.20±0.47 mmol/L for all 3 sampling locations at the ears. The receiver operating characteristic analyses for the FSP-Neo device resulted in an optimized threshold for the detection of subclinical ketosis (SCK) in capillary blood of 1.3 mmol/L (left and right ear) and 1.2 mmol/L (repeated measurements). Applying these adjusted threshold sensitivities (Se) for all 3 capillary sampling sites at the ear were 100%, and specificities (Sp) ranged between 93 and 94%. Hence, we conclude that all sampling locations were suitable to identify cows suffering from SCK. The reference test compared with BHB measurements in coccygeal blood resulted in a ρs of 0.92 with a mean ± standard deviation of 0.02±0.21 mmol/L. The receiver operating characteristic analyses for the FSP-Neo device resulted in an optimized threshold for the detection of SCK in coccygeal blood of 1.1 mmol/L, with a corresponding Se and Sp of 100 and 95%, respectively. Because capillary blood is easily achievable from an ear, particularly if animals are fixed in headlocks for routine checkups, this technique is considered as an additional minimally invasive method for the identification of dairy cows suffering from HYK.

The prevalence of subclinical endometritis and intrauterine infections in repeat breeder cows.

The objectives of this study were to assess the prevalence of subclinical endometritis and the presence of common uterine pathogens in repeat breeder cows. A total of 121 cows with three or more consecutive artificial inseminations without conception and no clinical signs of disease were defined as repeat breeder cows and were enrolled in this trial. Intrauterine samples were collected with the cytobrush technique to determine the prevalence of subclinical endometritis and bacteriologic infections. Blood samples were analyzed for concentrations of progesterone and estradiol in plasma to assess ovarian activity. Furthermore, breed, parity, history of calving and postpartum uterine infection, clinical findings of transrectal palpation, and backfat thickness were analyzed as potential factors for the prevalence of subclinical endometritis in repeat breeder cows. The prevalence of subclinical endometritis in repeat breeder cows was 12.7%; but common uterine pathogens, Escherichia coli and Trueperella pyogenes, were found in only one and three cows, respectively. Ovarian activity was determined in 95.0% of all cows. Recorded variables had no effect on the prevalence of subclinical endometritis in repeat breeder cows. In conclusion, subclinical endometritis and uterine infections linked to common pathogens were playing a minor role as a cause for repeat breeder cows in this study. Alternative reasons for failure to conceive in these cows are discussed.

Diversity and health status specific fluctuations of intrauterine microbial communities in postpartum dairy cows.

For the interpretation of clinical findings of endometritis and the development of disease prevention and intervention strategies a better understanding of the dynamics and interactions within intrauterine bacterial communities in healthy and diseased cows is required. To gain deeper insights into fluctuations within the uterine microbiota, intrauterine samples were collected from 122 cows at the day of calving, days 3, 9, 15, 21 and 28 postpartum. A total of 2052 bacterial isolates were identified by Fourier-transform-infrared spectroscopy. This culturomics-based approach showed that the aerobic uterine microflora comprised a huge diversity of bacteria belonging to 202 different species, representing 76 genera, with members of the genus Staphylococcus (24.2%) being predominant. On species level the uterine microflora was dominated by Trueperella pyogenes (13.2%), Escherichia coli (11.2%), Staphylococcus xylosus (5.4%), Bacillus pumilus (5.2%) and Streptococcus uberis (4.9%). Comparative analysis of uterine bacteria from cows with different vaginal discharge scores (VDS) revealed health status specific temporal microbial diversifications. Although the intrauterine flora of all VDS groups was dominated by T. pyogenes, E. coli and Staphylococcus spp., the relative number of bacteria differed between VDS groups. The presence of T. pyogenes on days 15 and 21 significantly increased the risk of VDS 2 and 3 at day 21, whereas Staphylococci at day 9 reduced the likelihood of VDS 3 (P<0.05). This study demonstrates that intrauterine bacterial infections are highly dynamic processes and that bacterial species follow specific patterns of progression, which require further research to decipher their potential role in uterine disease development.

Dynamics of uterine infections with Escherichia coli, Streptococcus uberis and Trueperella pyogenes in post-partum dairy cows and their association with clinical endometritis.

The diversity and dynamics of the uterine microbiota of dairy cows are poorly understood although it is becoming increasingly evident that they play a crucial role in the development of metritis and endometritis. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to monitor the bovine microbiota of 40 cows on the day of calving and days 3, 9, 15, and 21 after parturition, and to investigate the associations of selected species with clinical endometritis (CE). Trueperella pyogenes (43.5%), Escherichia coli (21.5%), Bacillus spp. (21.0%) and Streptococcus uberis (18.5%) were the most frequently isolated microbes. Analyses of different sampling time points revealed that the presence of S. uberis on day 3 increased the risk of subsequent T. pyogenes infection on day 9 (odds ratio [OR] = 5.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.2-22.6). T. pyogenes infection (OR = 36.0, 95% CI = 3.8-343.2) and retained fetal membranes (RFM) (OR = 12.4, 95%CI = 1.4-112.7) were significant risk factors for CE. Cows with S. uberis on day 3 tended to have greater odds of CE than S. uberis-negative cows (OR = 7.1, 95% CI = 0.9-55.6). Chemometric analysis revealed significant differences in the metabolic profile of S. uberis strains isolated from cows with different vaginal discharge scores. This is the first study showing the association of specific S. uberis subtypes with the uterine health status of post-partum dairy cows. The study demonstrates that uterine clearance is a highly dynamic process, during which time bacteria show distinct patterns of progression, and provides information about interactions between bacterial species involved in the occurrence of CE.

Falsiporphyromonas endometrii gen. nov., sp. nov., isolated from the post-partum bovine uterus, and emended description of the genus Porphyromonas Shah and Collins 1988.

Two black-pigmented, anaerobic bacterial strains, designated LMM 40(T) and LMM 41, were isolated from the bovine post-partum endometrium of two Holstein cows. The 16S rRNA gene sequences of the two strains were identical and showed the highest similarity to the 16S rRNA gene sequence of the type strain of Porphyromonas crevioricanis (90.2%) but only 85.1% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to the type strain of the type species of the genus Porphyromonas, Porphyromonas asaccharolytica. The major fatty acid profiles of the two strains were similar to those of species of the genus Porphyromonas, containing iso-C(15 : 0) as the major component and moderate amounts of anteiso-C(15 : 0), iso-C(13 : 0), C(15 : 0) and C(16 : 0). Hydroxylated fatty acids, such as iso-C(14 : 0) 3-OH, iso-C(16 : 0) 3-OH and iso-C(17 : 0) 3-OH, were also detected. The quinone profiles were dominated by the menaquinones MK-8 and MK-9, while spermidine was the major polyamine. The polar lipid profiles contained major amounts of phosphatidylethanolamine, an unidentified phospholipid, an unidentified aminophospholipid and two unidentified lipids and minor amounts of phosphatidylglycerol, an unidentified aminolipid, a second unidentified aminophospholipid and an unidentified glycolipid. The cell-wall peptidoglycan contained meso-diaminopimelic acid. The genomic DNA G+C contents of LMM 40(T) and LMM 41 were 40.7 and 41.3 mol%, respectively. Based on a polyphasic approach, including phylogenetic analysis, physiological and biochemical tests as well as metabolic fingerprinting, it is proposed that the two strains are members of a novel genus and species, for which the name Falsiporphyromonas endometrii gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Falsiporphyromonas endometrii is LMM 40(T) ( = DSM 27210(T) = CCUG 64267(T)). An emended description of the genus Porphyromonas is also presented.

[Application of new speech intelligibility tests in silence for the assessment of acquired hearing losses]. / Der Einsatz neuer Testverfahren zur Erfassung des Sprachverstehens in Ruhe bei der Begutachtung erworbener Schwerhörigkeiten.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies comparing the Freiburg speech tests (FST) currently used in Germany to assess the severity of hearing loss with two modern speech intelligibility tests [the Göttingen sentence test (GöSa) and the monosyllabic rhyme test devised by von Wallenberg and Kollmeier (WaKo)] have indicated that a replacement of the old procedure would be possible. The current study investigates the consequences of the modern test procedures for the estimation of reduction in earning capacity resulting from hearing loss, and considers the optimal presentation levels for the WaKo test. METHODS: The FST, GöSa, and WaKo speech intelligibility tests were performed on 29 volunteers with a hearing impairment. All tests were conducted in silence. The presentation levels for the Freiburg monosyllabic test were 60, 80, and for some participants also 100 dB SPL. The WaKo test was carried out once at 45, 65, and 85 dB SPL (a reduction of 15 dB relative to the FST) and again at 40, 60 and 80 dB SPL (reduction of 20 dB relative to the FST). RESULTS: A consideration across all presentation levels revealed that the best correlation match between the two monosyllabic tests was achieved at a 20-dB reduction in presentation level for the WaKo test relative to the FST. On average, the application of modern procedures and the different options for level reduction had only a minor effect on the quantitative assessment of reduction in earning capacity.

Cross Nucleation in Polyethylene with Precisely Spaced Ethyl Branches.

In cross nucleation, an early nucleating crystalline polymorph (A) nucleates another crystalline polymorph (B) of higher or lower thermodynamic stability without undergoing a polymorphic transformation. Although this phenomenon was recently observed in the crystallization process of several small molecules, there has been insufficient evidence for cross nucleation in a crystalline polymer. In this paper, we report cross nucleation behavior during an isothermal crystallization of a crystalline polymer with precisely spaced branches. Polyethylene with ethyl branches on every 21st carbon exhibited growth of new spherulites at the growth front of an initially formed spherulite. The radial growth rate of the initially formed spherulite and the newly grown spherulite calculated from polarized optical microscope data were 0.76 µm/min and 1.01 µm/min, respectively. The growth rate of the newly grown spherulite is faster than that of the initially formed spherulite, which meets a required condition for cross nucleation. Scanning microbeam wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) confirmed that the crystalline polymorphs of the two kinds of spherulites are not the same.

[Hearing loss determination and assessment of the reduction in earning capacity taking speech discrimination tests in noise into account]. / Hörverlustbestimmung und MdE-Abschätzung unter Einbezug von Sprachverständlichkeitsmessungen im Störgeräusch.

BACKGROUND: In Germany the guideline for the hearing loss quantification and the resulting assessment of the reduction in earning capacity is the Königsteiner Merkblatt (KM). The quantification depends on the results of the tone and speech audiogram in silence. However, speech discrimination tests in noise may provide additional information about the impairment of the ENT patients. Especially, the impairment of persons with a slight hearing loss, characterized by high-frequency hearing loss, in noisy environment can not be indicated by the measurement in silence, which is proposed in the KM. METHODS UND PATIENTS: The Göttingen sentence test in noise was applied as a supplement to the routine ENT procedures of the medical estimate in 135 test persons. Based on these measurement results a table for the percentage hearing loss in noise is defined. Furthermore, an integration of the hearing loss in noise in the assessment of the reduction in earning capacity is proposed in addition to the hearing loss in silence. RESULTS: Using the newly introduced hearing loss for speech in noise, a suitable assessment for persons with a slight hearing loss is achieved. By integrating it into the assessment procedure additionally to the hearing loss in silence, the hearing impairment of all patients can be rated depending on their speech test results in silence and in noise. In comparison to the results obtained by the KM, the new procedure does not lead to higher values for the proposed reduction in earning capacity in general, but instead seems to be equally suitable for all groups of patients.

[Indication for and verification of hearing aid benefit using modern methods of speech audiometry in German]. / Hörgeräteindikation und -überprüfung nach modernen Verfahren der Sprachaudiometrie im Deutschen.

The current guidelines for hearing aid supply in Germany employ the often criticised Freiburg monosyllabic speech test (FBE) in quiet. This test can be replaced with the monosyllabic rhyme test by von Wallenberg and Kollmeier (WaKo) in quiet and by the measurement of a speech reception threshold in an interfering noise at a moderate level (45 dB SPL) using either the Göttingen or the Oldenburg sentence test (criterion: 2 dB improvement in SNR, "signal-to-noise ratio"). This procedure was investigated in a group of 38 participants with a sensorineural hearing impairment (mild, moderate or severe hearing loss) and 11 volunteers with normal hearing. On average, comparable indications were achieved. Participants with a mild hearing loss and a selective problem with listening in interfering noise were assessed more fairly.

[Comparison of the Göttingen sentence test and the monosyllabic rhyme test by von Wallenberg and Kollmeier with the Freiburg speech test : Investigation in a clinically representative group of listeners]. / Vergleich des Göttinger Satztests und des Einsilber-Reimtests nach von Wallenberg und Kollmeier mit dem Freiburger Sprachtest : Untersuchung bei einem klinisch repräsentativen Probandenkollektiv.

BACKGROUND: In a previous study [12] we compared the Freiburg speech test (number test and monosyllabic test) with the Göttingen sentence test and the monosyllabic rhyme test developed by von Wallenberg and Kollmeier. For a small group of participants we were able to demonstrate that the often criticized Freiburg speech test could be replaced by more modern test procedures. In the current study we verified this for a larger and more heterogeneous group of participants. METHOD: A total of 145 participants with hearing impairments were tested with the Freiburg speech test and the modern procedures. Both monosyllabic tests were carried out at three different presentation levels. Based on the findings of the previous study the monosyllabic rhyme test was performed in each case with a presentation level reduced by 15 dB relative to the Freiburg monosyllabic test levels. RESULTS: The feasibility to replace both parts of the Freiburg speech test by more modern test procedures could be confirmed. The comparison of both monosyllabic tests showed that a reduction in the presentation level by 20 dB for the monosyllabic rhyme test would be most appropriate to achieve on average the same results with both procedures.

[Comparison of different speech intelligibility tests in German language (Freiburg speech test vs. Göttingen sentence test and monosyllabic rhyme test)]. / Untersuchung zur Vergleichbarkeit des Freiburger Sprachtests mit dem Göttinger Satztest und dem Einsilber-Reimtest nach von Wallenberg und Kollmeier.

BACKGROUND: For assessing a noise-induced hearing loss, the Freiburg speech test (Freiburger Sprachtest) is traditionally used to examine speech recognition in silence. However, for many years this test has been shown to have serious shortcomings. Various modern procedures in German language are available as alternatives. METHODS: The aim of the current study was to compare the Freiburg number test (FBZ) with the Göttingen sentence test (GöSa) and the Freiburg monosyllabic test (FBE) with the monosyllabic rhyme test developed by von Wallenberg and Kollmeier (WaKo), all applied in silence. Overall, 31 participants with various degrees of hearing loss were tested in this study. Speech intelligibility was determined with both monosyllabic tests at presentation levels of 60 and 80 dB SPL and for some listeners also at 100 dB SPL. The maximum intelligibility was also determined. In addition, for the combination FBZ and FBE and for the combination FBZ and WaKo, the percentage of hearing loss based on speech audiometry was calculated. RESULTS: The results show that both of the modern speech tests can be used as an alternative to the Freiburg speech test. Altogether the monosyllabic rhyme test leads to higher speech intelligibility than the Freiburg monosyllabic test. Therefore, a reduction of the presentation level by 15 dB is recommended if it is intended to retain the existing tables for calculating the percentage of hearing loss. Reducing the presentation level also has the advantage that measurements at 100 dB SPL are not required anymore. A level of 100 dB SPL is assessed as unpleasant by many listeners.

[Evaluation of the Oldenburg children's rhyme test in silence and in noise]. / Evaluation des Oldenburger Kinder-Reimtests in Ruhe und im Störgeräusch.

BACKGROUND: The Oldenburg children's rhyme test (OlKi) was designed and optimized for speech intelligibility measurements for primary school pupils in silence [8, 3]. In the optimization, the intelligibility of the particular test words was equalized. METHODS: The evaluation of the test with 147 primary school pupils with normal hearing in silence and 107 pupils in noise is presented in this article. The comparability between test lists for speech intelligibility was investigated and age dependent reference functions were determined. RESULTS: The evaluation showed that intelligibility differences are larger across children within one grade than across different test lists. The reference functions of first grade pupils are shifted to slightly higher presentation levels and signal-to-noise ratios both in silence and noise. CONCLUSIONS: The 12 optimized test lists of the OlKi test are equally intelligible both in silence and noise. No list effects are expected. The degree of difficulty of the Oldenburg children's rhyme test can be compared with the Göttingen children's test II and the Mainz children's test III.