83. Hartsee, south-western Germany

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Chronological and ecological information on Late-glacial and early Holocene reindeer from northwest Europe using radiocarbon ( 14C) and stable isotope ( 13C, 15N) analysis of bone collagen: Case study in southwestern Germany

BackgroundEuropean wildcats (Felis silvestris) are widely distributed in Europe and a strictly protected species in Germany. Lately, anthropogenic protective efforts lead to increasing numbers of wildcats in southwestern Germany. Moreover, in recent years the numbers of domestic cats are increasing. Thus, the contact between domestic and wildcats may lead to the spread of zoonotic pathogens in both animal species. As data on vector-borne pathogens (VBPs) in wildcats from Germany are limited to date, the objective of this study was to investigate the presence and current distribution of VBPs in wildcats from southwestern Germany.MethodsSkin and spleen samples from 117 European wildcats, originating from a regional carcass-monitoring program in southwestern Germany, were examined by real-time and conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the presence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Neoehrlichia mikurensis, Rickettsia spp., Bartonella spp., and Piroplasmida.ResultsIn total, 6.8% (n = 8) of the wildcats were Rickettsia-positive, specified as R. helvetica. Three wildcats were positive for A. phagocytophilum (2.6%), one for Bartonella spp., namely B. taylorii (0.8%), and 84 for Cytauxzoon spp. (71.8%). Out of these 84 samples, 23 were further sequenced revealing very high identity levels (99.84–100%) to C. europaeus, which is considered to be pathogenic for domestic cats. All wildcats were negative for the presence of N. mikurensis DNA.ConclusionsEuropean wildcats in southwestern Germany are hosting several VBPs. With the exception of Cytauxzoon spp., low prevalence rates of most examined pathogens suggest that wildcats are primarily incidental hosts for sylvatic pathogens associated with rodents, in contrast to domestic cats. However, the high prevalence of the cat-associated pathogen C. europaeus suggests that wildcats in southwestern Germany may serve as reservoirs for this pathogen.Graphical

Magdalenian material from northern Switzerland, southwestern and southeastern Germany, the middle Rhine, and central Germany is examined for differences among these geographical areas. Several regional features, including a broad range of archaeological data, can be identified and indicate two regional groupings, a southwestern and a northeastern. The first includes sites from central Germany and the middle Rhine, while the second includes northern Switzerland and southwestern Germany. The southeastern German sites cannot be firmly placed within this pattern because of the insecure data base. The main differences are in prey species, hunting and settlement patterns, and some characteristics of the mobile art. The comparison does not allow a finer separation, although the two regional groups could probably be subdivided into smaller geographical units. Alternative explanations are discussed and further avenues of research are proposed.

A new species of pill clam, Pisidium interstitialis n. sp. (Bivalvia: Sphaeriidae), is described from wet meadows bordering a small creek in the Odenwald, southwestern Germany, and from a similar habitat in the Thuringian Schistic Mountains, Central Germany. It can be differentiated from the known European Pisidium species on the basis of shell morphology and DNA sequence data for the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and 16S rRNA genes. Despite critical evaluation of a large number of potential names from the current synonymies of morphologically similar Pisidium species, no available name was found. Pisidium interstitialis n. sp. is most similar to P. personatum Malm, 1856, and P. casertanum (Poli, 1791), both of which occur syntopically with the new species. Typical specimens of the new species can be readily identified on the basis of shell morphology. However, P. personatum and P. casertanum are morphologically highly variable, so that occasional overlap in conchological characters between these two species and P. interstitialis n. sp. does occur. Although these three taxa co-occur, microhabitat analyses using a special sampling technique showed that P. interstitialis n. sp. exhibits an exclusively interstitial lifestyle, living outside open water bodies. While other Pisidium species may live in the interstitial water of semi-terrestrial habitats, this is the first time that an exclusively interstitial lifestyle has been observed for Pisidium and this may explain why P. interstitialis n. sp. has remained undiscovered for so long. To date, despite the examination of large quantities of Central European samples of Pisidium, the new species is only known from the two areas reported in our study. It seems likely that further surveys will show that P. interstitialis n. sp. has a wider and more continuous distribution.

After the repeated demonstration of Dirofilaria repens infections in German dogs, D. repens and Dirofilaria immitis DNA was detected in mosquitoes trapped in 2011, 2012 and 2013 in northeastern and southwestern Germany within the framework of culicid monitoring projects. As temperature is the most important factor dictating the extrinsic development of dirofilarial larvae in the potential vector, data of the German Weather Service (DWD) were analysed for the regions where the positive mosquitoes had been collected. Based on the mean daily temperatures recorded by weather stations most closely to the collection sites of the mosquitoes, it can be concluded that the mosquitoes were trapped in time periods that allowed for the completion of the developmental cycle of the worms in the mosquitoes and a subsequent transmission to a vertebrate host. The results of this study confirm the principal climatic suitability of certain German regions for the establishment of natural dirofilarial transmission cycles. Moreover, the theoretical climatic considerations, together with findings of D. repens infections in German dogs and mosquitoes, strongly suggest that the continuing spread of at least D. repens from its traditional habitats in the Mediterranean has reached southwestern and northeastern Germany.

BackgroundType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has become a world-wide epidemic. This chronic metabolic disease has a major impact on life expectancy and on quality of life. The burden of this disease includes a number of co-morbidities. However, estimates of prevalence, incidence and associated diseases as well as the current temporal development and regional differences are largely missing for South Western Germany.MethodsLifetime diagnosis-based prevalence, incidence and presence of concomitant co-morbidities were examined between the years 2007 and 2010 in the claims data set of all insured persons of the AOK Baden-Wuerttemberg, a large statutory health insurance. The analysis was based on the respective WHO-ICD-10 codes. Data were standardized for age and sex on the residential population of about 10 million inhabitants of South Western Germany.ResultsThe total study cohort involved approximately 3.5 million persons each year. The standardized diagnosis-based prevalence (SDP) of T2DM rose from 6.6 %, 7.4 %, 8.0 %, up to 8.6 % in the years 2007 to 2010. Yearly SDP was between 14.0 % and 18.9 % at an age range of 60 to 64 years and between 26.7 % and 31.8 % at an age of 75 years or older. In the year 2010 the regional distributions of standardized diagnosis-based prevalence were between 7.6 % and 11.6 %, respectively. Incidence rates were 8.3 in 2008, 7.8 in 2009, and 8.7 in 2010 (all rates per 1000). The excess disease risk (odds ratio) of T2DM was for adiposity 2.8 to 3.0, hypertension 2.4 to 3.7, coronary heart disease 1.8 to 1.9, stroke 1.7 to 1.8, renal insufficiency 2.8 to 3.4, and retinopathy 2.8 to 2.9 in the years 2007 to 2010. These co-morbidities appeared several years earlier compared to the non-diabetic population.ConclusionsT2DM is common and increasing in South Western Germany. In particular a quarter of the population in higher ages was afflicted by T2DM. Interestingly a region-specific pattern was observed as well as an increase in numbers during earlier years in life. Our data underline the need for diabetes awareness programmes including early diagnosis measures as well as structured and timely health surveys for major diseases such as T2DM and its concomitant co-morbidities.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12889-015-2188-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

PurposeRooted in the social identity theory (SIT), the study analysed the effect of consumer ethnocentrism as well as other factors on the purchase of labelled regional agricultural products together with the readiness to purchase the labelled regional products at a premium price in Germany.Design/methodology/approachThe determinants of the consumption of labelled regional agricultural products and the readiness to pay a premium price for the same in Southwestern Germany were analysed via both probit and ordered probit regressions, respectively.FindingsConsumer ethnocentrism influences the purchase of labelled regional agricultural products as well as the readiness to purchase at a premium price. Also, consumer socioeconomic and product characteristics and knowledge and perceived benefits of regional products had a divergent influence on the purchase and readiness to purchase labelled regional agricultural products at a premium price.Research limitations/implicationsIn terms of limitation, even though the sample size was proper, it could be improved in other studies to validate the findings. Also, the study was limited to a limited number of counties in Southwestern Germany; hence future studies could explore a more extensive geographical space within the region.Practical implicationsThe results can serve as a good source of information for improving the marketing of regional agricultural products. This study recommends that regional producers and marketers brand regional products with the region's name to capitalise on consumers' ethnocentric tendencies in the region. Further, regional products have to be sold in places where consumers with a certain degree of ethnocentrism are present. Results provided by this study are commonly applicable for all products, regardless of the type and regional origin, so that product-specific studies are no longer necessary, which reduces redundancy and marketing research costs, which are difficult to bear for small producers.Originality/valueGermany has benefited immensely from the boom of regional marketing in Europe. Likewise, in Southwestern Germany, there is a growing interest in the production and marketing of regional products. As a result, several studies have investigated the factors influencing the purchasing of regional products in Germany. Nevertheless, literature and studies on the effect of ethnocentrism on the purchasing of regional agricultural products in Southwestern Germany are scanty.

The Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT) currently provides a safflower model based on CROPGRO. The model was calibrated with the field data of one cultivar grown in New Mexico in 2013 and 2014. As it is rather new and has not yet been tested with other field data, it is important to evaluate the model in different environments. This study evaluated the CROPGRO safflower model for two different cultivars grown under field conditions in southwestern Germany. In addition, a new approach was added, enabling it to predict the yield of florets, which is of special interest, as these are used as a food colorant in Europe. The default model was evaluated with data from 2017 and 2018, obtained in a field trial in southwestern Germany with two cultivars, with row spacing of 12 and 33 cm and sowing densities of 40 and 75 plants m−2. As the default model was not well adapted to European conditions, model modifications were implemented in the species, ecotype, and cultivar files. With these modifications, observed variables such as leaf appearance over time were well predicted (RMSE: 4.76; d-index: 0.88), and simulations of the specific leaf area and leaf area index were greatly improved (RMSE: 24.14 and 0.82; d-index: 0.78 and 0.73). Simulations of the original New Mexico data set were also improved. The newly-added approach to predict floret yield was successfully integrated into the model. Over two years and two cultivars, floret yield was simulated with a RMSE of 97.24 and a d-index of 0.79. Overall, the extended model proved to be useful for simulating growth, floret yield, and yield of safflower in southwestern Germany.

Five cases of vector-borne Francisella tularensis holarctica infections in south-western Germany and genetic diversity

Due to its highly nutritive compounds, the demand for quinoa, a small grain originating from the Andean region of South America, increased rapidly over the last years. However, the main producing countries Bolivia and Peru cannot cover the growing demand. Therefore, the interest of European farmers in cultivating quinoa as a profitable source of income rose very fast. Thanks to a broad genetic diversity an adaption to various climatic conditions is possible. The objective of this study was to evaluate the stability of agronomic performance in two consecutive growing periods (2015 and 2016) of four European quinoa cultivars (Puno, Titicaca, Jessie, Zeno), originating from different genepools to identify a suitable cultivar to grow in southwestern Germany. Measurements included grain yield, thousand kernel weight (TKW), saponin content, protein content, crude fat content, amino acid profile and fatty acid profile. This study demonstrated the possibility of an economic production of quinoa under the environmental conditions in southwestern Germany, combining competitive yields (1.73–2.43 Mg ha−1) with a high grain quality regarding protein content (11.9–16.1%), essential amino acid content (20.35–30.02 g 100 g−1 crude protein), fat content (5.5–7.5%) and fatty acid profile (consists of 60% linoleic acid). Depending on cultivar, the investigated yield (TKW and protein content)-and quality ((semi-)essential amino acids)-traits varied more or less sensitive, which was attributed to lower precipitation and higher temperatures in 2015. Furthermore, best yield- and quality-characteristics were not combined in one cultivar, wherefore the selection of a specific quinoa cultivar has to be aligned with the production aim.

Seroprevalence of Oestrus ovis infection in sheep in southwestern Germany.

The inhabitants of a rural community in southwestern Germany were examined for alveolar echinococcosis (AE). The study was prompted by the recent increase of the prevalence of the parasite in foxes and the increase of fox populations: in the study area, 75% of the foxes carried Echinococcus multilocularis. The human population was screened using hepatic ultrasound and serology. All participants were interviewed for demographic and potential risk factors. Of 2,560 participants, one was identified with active AE, while 3 others had suspicious liver lesions. Another 9 participants were seropositive for specific antibodies without detectable lesions. Demographic and behavioral factors were not correlated with active or suspected cases nor with seropositivity. If the prevalence of 40/100,000 (95% confidence interval = 15-295/100,000) for active cases would be representative for the rural population in high endemicity areas, the current number of AE cases in southwestern Germany is considerably higher than previously suspected.

Due to lack of detailed information on the suitability of short rotation coppice (SRC) species for different climatic regions, over four years this study investigated tree growth and susceptibility to pests and diseases of willow (Salix spp.) and poplar (Populus spp.) clones and other tree species like Alnus spp. and Robinia pseudoacacia at four sites located in southwestern Germany. The study was undertaken in order to deduce the kind of tree species recommended for the various site conditions. In 2009, field trials were established at four sites which differ in climate and soil characteristics (Forchheim, Kupferzell, Marbach and Aulendorf). At all tested locations, a high survival rate (>90 %) was observed for almost all willow and poplar clones and little infestations with leaf rust (Melampsora) and minor leaf damages caused by the poplar leaf beetle (Chrysomela populi) had occurred. The survival of the other tree species varied from 22 to 97 % depending on the site and species. Across all tree species and locations, results indicated that willow clones can be recommended for cold sites and poplars generally seem to require higher temperatures. The Alnus spp. seems to be favorable for both cold and warm conditions while Robinia pseudoacacia can be recommended for warm sites. Due to its chilling sensitivity, Paulownia tomentosa seems to be rather unsuitable for cultivation in southwestern Germany. For all tested sites, it appears that those with heavy soils and dry conditions are inappropriate for establishing SRC species.

Abstract. Surface denudation rates, a composite of physical erosion and chemical weathering, are governed by the tectonic, lithologic, climatic, and biotic conditions of a landscape and anthropogenic disturbances. Quantifying rates and disentangling their causes is challenging but important for understanding and predicting landscape evolution over space and time. In this study, we focus on a low-relief and mixed-lithology mountain range (Swabian Alb, southwestern Germany), whose 200–400 m high escarpment and foreland drain to the Neckar River to the north and whose plateau drains into the Danube River to the southeast. These two drainage systems are subjected to similar uplift rates and climate and biotic conditions but contain different lithologies, base levels, and topography. We calculate decadal-timescale chemical weathering and physical erosion rates based on 43 locations with suspended and dissolved river load measurements and compare them to published longer-term rates (e.g., denudation, incision, uplift). Chemical weathering rates (based on the dissolved river load and discharge and corrected for atmospheric and anthropogenic input) range from 0.003–0.070 mm yr−1, while physical erosion rates (calculated from suspended river load and discharge) range from 0.001–0.072 mm yr−1. The catchment-wide denudation rates range from 0.005–0.119 mm yr−1, resulting in ratios of chemical weathering over total denudation rate (W/D) between 0.40 and 0.99. These high values indicate that chemical weathering is generally the dominant denudation process in this cool to temperate humid setting dominated by sedimentary rocks. Both physical erosion and chemical weathering rates are higher in tributaries draining towards the north/Neckar River than in rivers draining towards the southeast/Danube River, resulting in southeastern escarpment retreat rates of 1.0–8.1 mm yr−1. The anthropogenic effects on denudation rates were evaluated using the Human Footprint and Connectivity Status indices (HFI and CSI, respectively) and the area of artificial constructions for each catchment. After a simplified correction for either index, the natural (non-anthropogenic) denudation rates are estimated to be lower than the values reported above, although it is unclear how to accurately correct rates with either index. Regardless of how the correction of anthropogenic impact is applied, we find denudation rates are consistently higher for the Neckar Swabian Alb tributaries. Comparison of W/D values from the Swabian Alb to other study areas in different tectonic, lithologic, and climatic settings with W/D values ranging from 0.1–1.0 suggests the W/D values in the Swabian Alb (>0.4) result from high and lithology-dependent chemical weathering rates. The high W/D ratio likely results from late Cenozoic base-level lowering of the Neckar River that resulted in south-to-southeast-directed escarpment retreat across southwestern Germany. Differences in chemical weathering and physical erosion rates across the escarpment divide may arise from either the contrast in topographic relief or the exposure of lithologies in the Neckar catchment that are more susceptible to chemical weathering and physical erosion.