Southern Germany Research Articles

Relationship between body condition of dairy cows in the peripartum period and selected metabolic parameters in consideration of different breeds

The results of this study describe the relationship between the body condition of dairy cows and selected metabolic parameters during the peri- and post-partum period with special consideration of 3 local dairy cow breed in Upper Bavaria and the Allgau. Three local dairy cattle breeds (Swiss Brown (BV), Simmental (FL), Holstein Friesian (HF)) were examined on 68 farms in southern Germany for 7 consecutive weeks. In dry cows as well as lactating cows (5.-65. day in milk), following blood parameters were investigated: beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyltransferase, glutamate dehydrogenase, total protein, albumin, creatine kinase. In addition, body condition (body condition score [BCS] and back fat thickness [BFT]) were recorded. Exploratory and descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. Concerning the difference in condition before and after calving, the FL showed the smallest difference in RFD. For FL and BV a trend towards higher BFT values could be seen in first lactating cows. For FL and HF, the NEFA values of the later lactating cows were below those of the first lactating cows. The higher lactating cows of BV and FL had higher BHB values. The correlation between BFT and BCS showed the highest R2 (0.53) in the HF cows. BV and FL were below at 0.42 and 0.37. BCS and BFT could not be predicted by the variables NEFA, BHB and liver enzymes. BHB levels of all 3 breeds increased at weeks 2-4 post-partum. The NEFA values for all 3 breeds increased primarily in the 1st-3rd week p.p. in parallel to when the BFT p.p. decreased. NEFA values were highest when body condition declined and therefore when fat mobilization peaked. In BV and HF, there was a constant increase in GLDH when the p.p. BCS difference was there. Body condition assessment (BCS at herd and animals` level, BFT at animal level) is an important tool for animal health monitoring. Due to the recognizable breed specificity, the dairy herds can be dealt with more explicitly. The aim is to optimally influence the energy balance of the cow during early lactation in order maintain the health of the animal and its organ systems.

Antimicrobial resistance of Streptococcus dysgalactiae, Streptococcus agalactiae, and Streptococcus canis in quarter milk samples from Bavaria, Southern Germany, between 2012 and 2022

The objective of this study was to analyze the in vitro antimicrobial resistance (AMR) of Streptococcus (Sc.) dysgalactiae, Sc. agalactiae, and Sc. canis over a 10-year period from 2012 to 2022 against the most commonly used antimicrobial agents. For this purpose, all quarter milk samples (QMS) submitted to the milk laboratory of the Bavarian Animal Health Service (TGD) were analyzed. Each QMS was tested using the California Mastitis Test (CMT) and categorized as negative (N), subclinical (S), or clinical (C) mastitis if the milk character was abnormal. Samples with Sc. dysgalactiae, Sc. agalactiae, or Sc. canis were included and a subset of isolates were further tested for in vitro antimicrobial resistance by breakpoint analysis with broth microdilution. Sc. dysgalactiae (61%, n = 65,750) was the most abundant pathogen among those 3 species, followed by Sc. agalactiae (28%, n = 30,486), and Sc. canis (11%, n = 11,336). All 3 species showed the highest resistance to the same 4 antimicrobial agents: erythromycin, marbofloxacin, pirlimycin, and cefalexin/kanamycin with varying degrees of resistance. Throughout the study period, Sc. dysgalactiae, Sc. agalactiae, and Sc. canis were largely susceptible to the remaining antimicrobial agents tested (penicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanate, oxacillin, cefazolin, cefoperazone, cefquinome). Only less than 14% of isolates of Sc. dysgalactiae and Sc. canis were resistant against any of the antimicrobials tested. Sc. agalactiae was the species with the highest percentage of resistant isolates. While the percentage of resistant isolates from Sc. canis and Sc. dysgalactiae decreased, the percentage of resistant Sc. agalactiae isolates increased since 2017. In summary, most isolates were not resistant to the most commonly used antimicrobial agents for mastitis therapy, including β-lactam antibiotics and penicillin should remain the first-choice therapy against streptococcal mastitis.

In vitro antimicrobial resistance of Escherichia coli, Serratia marcescens, Klebsiella oxytoca, and Klebsiella pneumoniae on Bavarian dairy farms between 2014 and 2022

The objective of this study was to describe the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance of E. coli, K. oxytoca, K. pneumoniae, and S. marcescens from quarter milk samples submitted to the udder health laboratory of the Bavarian Animal Health Services (TGD) in Southern Germany between 2014 and 2022. All samples were tested with the California Mastitis Test and analyzed with a standard microbroth dilution to determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC). The antimicrobials tested were amoxicillin/clavulanate, cefazoline, kanamycin/cefalexin, cefoperazone, cefquinome, and marbofloxacin. Breakpoints were chosen in accordance with CLSI. Over the study period, E. coli, K. oxytoca, and K. pneumoniae showed only few resistances to all antimicrobials tested. For those pathogens MIC 50 and MIC 90 were below breakpoint for all antimicrobials except cefoperazone over the 9 years. A decrease in MIC could be seen for E. coli and K. oxytoca for all of the antimicrobials. While the MIC for K. pneumoniae stayed more stagnant, the prevalence of resistance still decreased overall. S. marcescens isolates were proven intrinsically resistant to amoxicillin/clavulanate and cefazolin and while in vitro resistances were low for all other antimicrobials tested, S. marcescens tended toward higher MIC for most of the antimicrobials over the years. Over time, there was also an overall increase in the number of isolates for all 4 pathogens per year. Starting 2018 there was steep increase in the number of isolates particularly from clinical cases. This jump in numbers coincided with a change of the regulation for veterinary drug prescriptions in Germany in 2018 that required, among other things, antimicrobial resistance testing before a change of antibiotics in the course of treatment and the use of critically important antimicrobials. Overall, while the pathogens increased in numbers, the prevalence of their antimicrobial resistance remained low.

#2838 Dialysis regret is associated with level of information about health status but not with frailty

Abstract Background and Aims Elderly patients (>75 years of age) are the fastest growing group on dialysis with a high burden of multi-morbidity, functional dependence and frailty. Treatment decisions about End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) in this group are complex and quality of life, development of functional status and independence are often given higher priority than prolongation of life. Studies from the U.S., Canada and the Netherlands have shown varying degrees of dialysis regret (7–61%) [1–3]. As frailty is common among patients on dialysis and associated with poor clinical outcomes, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of regret in having started dialysis and associated risk factors. Method This cross-sectional, multicenter, prospective study in southern Germany included 123 adult patients on maintenance dialysis. Dialysis regret was assessed by a single question as part of a 6-item questionnaire. Frailty status was assessed based on modified Fried criteria and by self-assessment using a 5-point visual analogue scale (VAS). Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher's exact test and Chi-square test. Results The median age was 68 years, 71% were male, 40% of the participants were considered frail using the Fried criteria. Only 7/123 (5.7%) patients reported regretting the decision to have started dialysis (Table 1). 85% of patients reported sufficient information about their own health status. We found a significant correlation between the level of information regarding own health status and dialysis regret. There was no correlation of dialysis regret with age, sex, frailty or dialysis vintage. Even though frailty status was not correlated with dialysis regret, frail patients were significantly less informed about their own health status. Of note, 82% of patients reported that the decision to initiate dialysis was driven mainly by the health care team or their family (Fig. 1). The main reasons for starting dialysis were prolongation of life and the feeling of having no other choice (Fig. 2). Conclusion Dialysis regret was uncommon in our cohort of elderly dialysis patients and was associated with the level of information about health status but not with age, sex, frailty status, comorbid conditions or dialysis vintage. This underscores the importance of patient-education and the process of shared-decision making.

The Patient Activation Measure-13 (PAM-13) in an oncology patient population: psychometric properties and dimensionality evaluation

BackgroundAccurate assessment and enhancement of health-related skills among oncology patients are pivotal for optimizing cancer care. The Patient Activation Measure (PAM-13), a questionnaire designed to reflect an individual’s knowledge, skills, and confidence in self-healthcare management, has been validated across diverse countries and settings. Concerns have been raised regarding the cross-situational applicability, as patients with specific diseases and cultural backgrounds interpret questionnaire items differently. This study aimed to examine the structural validity and psychometric properties of the PAM-13 in an oncological patient cohort.MethodsBaseline data from a longitudinal non-randomized controlled study involving cancer out-patients (n = 1,125) from Comprehensive Cancer Centres in Southern Germany were analysed. The German version of the PAM-13 was employed. With classical test and item response theory methods data quality, reliability, convergent and structural validity, as well as psychometric properties were assessed. Exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) were employed to investigate the postulated unidimensionality of the underlying construct. With a partial credit model (PCM) we examined item fit, targeting, local independence and differential item functioning.ResultsParticipants were predominantly female (73.0%) with a breast cancer diagnosis (41.3%). While items were generally well-accepted, ceiling effects were observed and a high mean PAM-13 score (69.7, SD = 14.2) was noted, potentially compromising responsiveness to interventions. Reliability was adequate (Cronbach’s α = 0.81), person and item separation reliability were good to excellent (0.81 and 0.99, respectively). Explorations of the unidimensionality of the construct (EFA, CFA, PCM) yielded inconclusive results, hinting towards a two-factor solution. Item difficulty rankings deviated from the original. No differential item functioning was identified, and local independence was confirmed.ConclusionsWhile the PAM-13 serves as a valuable instrument for comprehending and promoting health-related skills in cancer patients, the identification of ceiling effects, disordered item-difficulty rankings, and inconclusive findings regarding unidimensionality contribute to the expanding body of evidence, emphasizing the dependency of PAM-13’s validity and reliability on distinctive characteristics within the population under investigation. Future research should prioritize refining or adding PAM-13 items to better capture the specific health-related challenges within diverse populations, paving the way for more effective patient engagement strategies in oncology.Trial registration numberDRKS00021779

Adoracja Matki Boskiej w asyście dwóch świętych Janów w zbiorach Katedry Wawelskiej

There is a canvas (98,5 x 222,5cm) in the Wawel Cathedral that is not connected with any existing or historically documented altars inside the church (il. 1-3). Owing to its shape it has so far been considered to have been a predella, which - taking into account its size and proportions - seems rather unlikely. It may have been the top of the middle part of a retable, possibly in an altar dedicated to the two St. Johns. The painting presents the Virgin Mary with the Child seated under a canopy, attended by the two Saints, adored by kneeling angels with censers in their hands. A graphic model of the scene has been found; it is an engraving by Jan Sadeler (1550-1600) based on a design by Hans von Aachen (1552-1615), released in Munich in 1589 (il. 4). In Albertina, in Vienna, a working copy of the graphic made by Hans von Aachen has been preserved (il. 5) as well as a composition sketch by the same artist at the Herzog Anton Ulrich-Museum in Braunschweig. An inscription on the drawing from 1589 reads: POENA ET PROEMIVM; there are also quotations from psalms and a dedication to Phillip Wilhelm (1576-1598), bishop of Regenzburg in 1589, later cardinal (1596), son of a Bavarian ruler Wilhelm V Wittelsbach (1548-1626). The young hierarch got it in the year of his consecration as a bishop. A pendant to it is the plate by Jan Sadeler of 1590, after Peter Candid (1548-1628), which was dedicated to Phillip Wilhelm’s younger brother - Ferdinand (1577-1650), later bishop of Cologne. The engraving also shows St. Mary with the Child in the company of St. Stephen and St. Laurence. Both works coincide with the artistic activity of Jan Sadeler and Hans von Achen in Munich, where they were summoned by Wilhelm V, and represent strictly planned art created for his court. Another painted version of Sadeler’s engraving was found in a Polish private collection. This is a small, good painting on panel, faithfully reproducing physiognomy and inscriptions known from the prototype. The picture in the Wawel Cathedral, probably painted in Cracow between 1600-1630 and based on the Munich model, is one of the examples of assimilating mannerist engravings from southern Germany in the Cracow environment. Their large influx into Little Poland at the end of the 16th and the beginning of the 17th century may be connected with animated contacts of Sigismund I ll’s court with Bavaria and its artistic centres such as Augsburg, the main purveyor of goldsmith’s work for the Polish king’s court.

A new method for satellite-based remote sensing analysis of plant-specific biomass yield patterns for precision farming applications

AbstractThis study describes a new method for satellite-based remote sensing analysis of plant-specific biomass yield patterns for precision farming applications. The relative biomass potential (rel. BMP) serves as an indicator for multiyear stable and homogeneous yield zones. The rel. BMP is derived from satellite data corresponding to specific growth stages and the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) to analyze crop-specific yield patterns. The development of this methodology is based on data from arable fields of two research farms; the validation was conducted on arable fields of commercial farms in southern Germany. Close relationships (up to r > 0.9) were found between the rel. BMP of different crop types and study years, indicating stable yield patterns in arable fields. The relative BMP showed moderate correlations (up to r = 0.64) with the yields determined by the combine harvester, strong correlations with the vegetation index red edge inflection point (REIP) (up to r = 0.88, determined by a tractor-mounted sensor system) and moderate correlations with the yield determined by biomass sampling (up to r = 0.57). The study investigated the relationship between the rel. BMP and key soil parameters. There was a consistently strong correlation between multiyear rel. BMP and soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN) contents (r = 0.62 to 0.73), demonstrating that the methodology effectively reflects the impact of these key soil properties on crop yield. The approach is well suited for deriving yield zones, with extensive application potential in agriculture.

Snow depth in high-resolution regional climate model simulations over southern Germany – suitable for extremes and impact-related research?

Abstract. Snow dynamics play a critical role in the climate system, as they affect the water cycle, ecosystems, and society. In climate modelling, the representation of the amount and extent of snow on the land surface is crucial for simulating the mass and energy balance of the climate system. Here, we evaluate simulations of daily snow depths against 83 station observations in southern Germany in an elevation range of 150 to 1000 m over the time period 1987–2018. Two simulations stem from high-resolution regional climate models – the Weather Research & Forecasting (WRF) model at 1.5 km resolution and the COnsortium for Small scale MOdelling model in CLimate Mode (COSMO-CLM; abbreviated to CCLM hereafter) at 3 km resolution. Additionally, the hydrometeorological snow model Alpine MUltiscale Numerical Distributed Simulation ENgine (AMUNDSEN) is run at point scale at the locations of the climate stations, based on the atmospheric output of CCLM. To complement the comparison, the ERA5-Land dataset (9 km), a state-of-the-art reanalysis land-surface product, is also compared. All four simulations are driven by the atmospheric boundary conditions of ERA5. Due to an overestimation of the snow albedo, the WRF simulation features a cold bias of 1.2 °C, leading to the slight overestimation of the snow depth in low-lying areas, whereas the snow depth is underestimated at snow-rich stations. The number of snow days (days with a snow depth above 1 cm) is reproduced well. The WRF simulation can recreate extreme snow depths, i.e. annual maxima of the snow depth, their timings, and inter-station differences, and thereby shows the best performance of all models. The CCLM reproduces the climatic conditions with very low bias and error metrics. However, all snow-related assessments show a strong systematic underestimation, which we relate to deficiencies in the snow module of the land-surface model. When driving AMUNDSEN with the atmospheric output of the CCLM, the results show a slight tendency to overestimate snow depth and number of snow days, especially in the northern parts of the study area. Snow depth extremes are reproduced well. For ERA5-Land (ERA5L), the coarser spatial resolution leads to larger differences between the model elevation and the station elevation, which contributes to a significant correlation of climatic biases with the elevation bias. In addition, the mean snow depth and number of snow days are strongly overestimated, with conditions that are too snowy in the late winter. Extreme snow depth conditions are reproduced well in the low-lying areas, whereas strong deviations occur with more complex topography. In sum, due to the high spatial resolution of convection-permitting climate models, they show the potential to reproduce the winter climate (temperature and precipitation) in southern Germany. However, different sources of uncertainties, i.e. the spatial resolution, the snow albedo parametrisation, and other parametrisations within the snow model, prevent their further use in a straightforward manner for impact research. Hence, careful evaluation is needed before any impact-related interpretation of the simulations, such as in the context of climate change research.

Identification of New Microfoci and Genetic Characterization of Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus Isolates from Eastern Germany and Western Poland.

(1) Background: Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is the most important tick-borne viral disease in Eurasia, although effective vaccines are available. Caused by the tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV, syn. Orthoflavivirus encephalitidis), in Europe, it is transmitted by ticks like Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus. TBEV circulates in natural foci, making it endemic to specific regions, such as southern Germany and northeastern Poland. Our study aimed to identify new TBEV natural foci and genetically characterize strains in ticks in previously nonendemic areas in Eastern Germany and Western Poland. (2) Methods: Ticks were collected from vegetation in areas reported by TBE patients. After identification, ticks were tested for TBEV in pools of a maximum of 10 specimens using real-time RT-PCR. From the positive TBEV samples, E genes were sequenced. (3) Results: Among 8400 ticks from 19 sites, I. ricinus (n = 4784; 56.9%) was predominant, followed by D. reticulatus (n = 3506; 41.7%), Haemaphysalis concinna (n = 108; 1.3%), and I. frontalis (n = 2; <0.1%). TBEV was detected in 19 pools originating in six sites. The phylogenetic analyses revealed that TBEV strains from Germany and Poland clustered with other German strains, as well as those from Finland and Estonia. (4) Conclusions: Although there are still only a few cases are reported from these areas, people spending much time outdoors should consider TBE vaccination.

Local heat transitions—a comparative case study of five bioenergy villages in Northern and Southern Germany

Local heat transitions—a comparative case study of five bioenergy villages in Northern and Southern Germany

Detection of virus-specific T cells via ELISpot corroborates early diagnosis in human Borna disease virus 1 (BoDV-1) encephalitis

BackgroundWithin endemic regions in southern and eastern Germany, Borna disease virus 1 (BoDV-1) causes rare zoonotic spill-over infections in humans, leading to encephalitis with a high case-fatality risk. So far, intra-vitam diagnosis has mainly been based on RT-qPCR from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serology, both being associated with diagnostic challenges. Whilst low RNA copy numbers in CSF limit the sensitivity of RT-qPCR from this material, seroconversion often occurs late during the course of the disease.Case presentationHere, we report the new case of a 40 − 50 year-old patient in whom the detection of virus-specific T cells via ELISpot corroborated the diagnosis of BoDV-1 infection. The patient showed a typical course of the disease with prodromal symptoms like fever and headaches 2.5 weeks prior to hospital admission, required mechanical ventilation from day three after hospitalisation and remained in deep coma until death ten days after admission.ResultsInfection was first detected by positive RT-qPCR from a CSF sample drawn four days after admission (viral load 890 copies/mL). A positive ELISpot result was obtained from peripheral blood collected on day seven, when virus-specific IgG antibodies were not detectable in serum, possibly due to previous immune adsorption for suspected autoimmune-mediated encephalitis.ConclusionThis case demonstrates that BoDV-1 ELISpot serves as additional diagnostic tool even in the first week after hospitalisation of patients with BoDV-1 encephalitis.

Red deer responses to drive hunts are related to habitat and landscape characteristics

AbstractHunting triggers behavioral responses in wildlife that may have important consequences for conservation and wildlife management. We studied movement and habitat selection in 51 global positioning system‐collared red deer (Cervus elaphus) in response to 63 large‐scale (x̄ = 18.8 km2) drive hunts conducted in 2015‐2022 on a military training area in southern Germany. The drive hunts were characterized by a low density of beaters and dogs to avoid rapid and long‐distance displacement of red deer. We determined if red deer spatial responses to drive hunts differed in various forest covers, between sexes, and in relation to the individual position prior to the hunt. On the hunting days, red deer increased their hourly displacement rates and shifted their preference for forest versus open habitats from early morning to late morning hours. Individuals initially located within the boundaries of the hunted areas exhibited longer maximum net displacements, had a greater probability of leaving their home ranges, and spent longer times outside of their home ranges than individuals outside the hunted areas. All these parameters were greater in the more forested site than in the less forested site. Males displayed shorter net displacements than females. Red deer moved away (i.e., fled) from their initial positions for variable periods, either only during the hunt or until the next day. The probability of prolonged flight was greater in the more forested site and more likely if the individuals were deeper in the forest in the less forested site. The prolonged flight behavior was desired from the hunters' perspective because red deer displaying this type of response were less likely to leave the hunted area during the hunt. Prolonged flight was associated with greater costs for the red deer, such as greater movement distances after the hunt and longer times outside of home ranges. Wildlife managers should consider that drive hunts may cause prolonged behavioral responses in game that occur both inside and outside the hunted areas. These responses depend on habitat characteristics and may be stronger in more forested landscapes.

Wrathful Rites: Performing Shefokh ḥamatkha in the Hileq and Bileq Haggadah

This essay explores a remarkable manuscript, the so-called Hileq and Bileq Haggadah (Paris, BnF Ms. Hébreu 1333), illuminated in southern Germany in the fifteenth century. Our focus, in particular, is on the image that accompanies the Shefokh ḥamatkha prayer, an invocation of God’s vengeance upon nonbelievers. Here, we posit the role of the Shefokh ḥamatkha folio within the context of the Hileq and Bileq Haggadah, suggesting that its prominent position and extravagant visual program involve the reader–viewer in a performative scenario that inflects the meaning of the other images in the book as well as the enactment of the Seder ritual itself. The messianic import of the folio is underscored by its enactive language, both visual and oral, and predicated on the emotional communities that coalesced around the Passover ritual in the later Middle Ages.

Convection‐Permitting Climate Models Can Support Observations to Generate Rainfall Return Levels

AbstractInformation about the frequency and intensity of extreme precipitation is generally derived from fitting extreme value models using point‐observations, but the regionalization of these models is challenging. Here we propose using high‐resolution convection‐permitting climate model output as covariates for the estimation of observation‐based spatial rainfall return levels. We apply the Weather and Forecasting Research (WRF) model at a 1.5 km resolution driven by ERA5 reanalysis data over southern Germany, where 1,132 rain gauges provide observations of daily rainfall. For this complex topography, we build three different smooth spatial Generalized Extreme Value (GEV) models: (a) a reference model using latitude, longitude and elevation as covariates; (b) a model adding mean annual precipitation from the WRF; (c) a model adding extreme value statistical model estimates using WRF output. We show that the additional information provided by the WRF model can improve the representation of 10‐year and 100‐year return levels of daily rainfall by lowering the percentage bias, mean absolute error, and root‐mean‐square error. Furthermore, we conduct an extensive cross‐validation, where only 5%, 10%, 20%, 50%, 80%, 90%, and 95% of all rain gauges are considered when building spatial GEV models. Again, the additional information provided by the WRF model can improve results here. This cross‐validation study also highlights the robustness of our approach, showing great potential for use in data‐scarce regions.

Effects of biochar in combination with cattle slurry and mineral nitrogen on crop yield and nitrogen use efficiency in a three-year field experiment

Applying biochar can improve soil characteristics and functions, resulting in significant increases in yield in tropical soils. However, whether biochar can boost soil yield in temperate climates with high soil fertility is mostly unknown. The optimal biochar application rates and combinations with organic and mineral nitrogen (N) fertilizers remain to be determined. To address this research gap, a factorial three-year field experiment in southern Germany was conducted using mineral N fertilizer (0, 60, 120, and 180 kg ha−1 a−1), and biochar (0, 500, and 1000 kg ha−1 a−1 biochar C) mixed with cattle slurry before application (0 and 100 kg ha−1 a−1 slurry N). The effects on crop (silage maize, winter wheat, and winter barley) yield, N uptake, and N use efficiency were studied. Spectral measurements were taken at selected growth stages, and the vegetation index REIP (Red-Edge Inflection Point) was calculated.The silage maize dry matter yield reached 27.2 t ha−1 while the winter wheat and winter barley grain yield reached 10.4 t ha−1, and 9.6 t ha−1, respectively. Biochar consistently, but mostly non-significantly, decreased crop yield (e.g., winter wheat, 5.09, 4.74, and 4.50 t ha−1) and N uptake (74.3, 70.8, and 67.4 kg ha−1) at biochar C rates of 0, 500, and 1000 kg ha−1 a−1 when biochar was mixed with cattle slurry before field application in treatments without mineral N input in all trial years. In the third trial year, the biochar-related yield reductions were significant. Consequently, N use efficiency decreased slightly but significantly. At high additional mineral N fertilizer rates no yield-reducing effects were observed. Biochar applied alone (without cattle slurry or mineral N fertilizer) did not affect crop yield. Positive yield effects of biochar were not observed in any of the trial years.The vegetation index REIP decreased non-significantly with increasing biochar addition to cattle slurry in all three years and correlated very closely (up to r = 0.97) with crop yield.The results show that the yield effect of biochar depends on the combination with organic and mineral fertilizers. The derivation of optimal ratios of biochar, cattle slurry and mineral fertilizer requires further investigation. Based on the yield effects, however, it can be deduced that the more biochar is used, the higher the compensation with nitrogen fertilizer must be to maintain the yield level.

Period of hospitalization and mortality in transferred versus non-transferred COVID-19 patients: results from Germany

COVID-19 was a challenge for health-care systems worldwide, causing large numbers of hospitalizations and inter-hospital transfers. We studied whether transfer, as well as its reason, was associated with the duration of hospitalization in non-ICU and ICU patients. For this purpose, all patients hospitalized due to COVID-19 between August 1st and December 31st, 2021, in a network of hospitals in Southern Germany were comprehensively characterized regarding their clinical course, therapy, complications, transfers, reasons for transfer, involved levels of care, total period of hospitalization and in-hospital mortality, using univariate and multiple regression analyses. While mortality was not significantly associated with transfer, the period of hospitalization was. In non-ICU patients (n = 545), median (quartiles) time was 7.0 (4.0–11.0) in non-transferred (n = 458) and 18.0 (11.0–29.0) days in transferred (n = 87) patients (p < 0.001). In ICU patients (n = 100 transferred, n = 115 non-transferred) it was 12.0 (8.3–18.0) and 22.0 (15.0–34.0) days (p < 0.001). Beyond ECMO therapy (4.5%), reasons for transfer were medical (33.2%) or capacity (61.9%) reasons, with medical/capacity reasons in 32/49 of non-ICU and 21/74 of ICU patients. Thus, the transfer of COVID-19 patients between hospitals was associated with longer periods of hospitalization, corresponding to greater health care utilization, for which specific patient characteristics and clinical decisions played a role.

Clusters of longitudinal risk profile trajectories are associated with cardiometabolic diseases: Results from the population-based KORA cohort.

Multiple risk factors contribute jointly to the development and progression of cardiometabolic diseases. Therefore, joint longitudinal trajectories of multiple risk factors might represent different degrees of cardiometabolic risk. We analyzed population-based data comprising three examinations (Exam 1: 1999-2001, Exam 2: 2006-2008, Exam 3: 2013-2014) of 976 male and 1004 female participants of the KORA cohort (Southern Germany). Participants were followed up for cardiometabolic diseases, including cardiovascular mortality, myocardial infarction and stroke, or a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, until 2016. Longitudinal multivariate k-means clustering identified sex-specific trajectory clusters based on nine cardiometabolic risk factors (age, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, body-mass-index, waist circumference, Hemoglobin-A1c, total cholesterol, high- and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol). Associations between clusters and cardiometabolic events were assessed by logistic regression models. We identified three trajectory clusters for men and women, respectively. Trajectory clusters reflected a distinct distribution of cardiometabolic risk burden and were associated with prevalent cardiometabolic disease at Exam 3 (men: odds ratio (OR)ClusterII = 2.0, 95% confidence interval: (0.9-4.5); ORClusterIII = 10.5 (4.8-22.9); women: ORClusterII = 1.7 (0.6-4.7); ORClusterIII = 5.8 (2.6-12.9)). Trajectory clusters were furthermore associated with incident cardiometabolic cases after Exam 3 (men: ORClusterII = 3.5 (1.1-15.6); ORClusterIII = 7.5 (2.4-32.7); women: ORClusterII = 5.0 (1.1-34.1); ORClusterIII = 8.0 (2.2-51.7)). Associations remained significant after adjusting for a single time point cardiovascular risk score (Framingham). On a population-based level, distinct longitudinal risk profiles over a 14-year time period are differentially associated with cardiometabolic events. Our results suggest that longitudinal data may provide additional information beyond single time-point measures. Their inclusion in cardiometabolic risk assessment might improve early identification of individuals at risk.

Frost matters: incorporating late-spring frost into a dynamic vegetation model regulates regional productivity dynamics in European beech forests

Abstract. Late-spring frost (LSF) is a critical factor influencing the functioning of temperate forest ecosystems. Frost damage in the form of canopy defoliation impedes the ability of trees to effectively photosynthesize, thereby reducing tree productivity. In recent decades, LSF frequency has increased across Europe, likely intensified by the effects of climate change. With increasing warming, many deciduous tree species have shifted towards earlier budburst and leaf development. The earlier start of the growing season not only facilitates forest productivity but also lengthens the period during which trees are most susceptible to LSF. Moreover, recent forest transformation efforts in Europe intended to increase forest resilience to climate change have focused on increasing the share of deciduous species in forests. To assess the ability of forests to remain productive under climate change, dynamic vegetation models (DVMs) have proven to be useful tools. Currently, however, most state-of-the-art DVMs do not model processes related to LSF and the associated impacts. Here, we present a novel LSF module for integration with the dynamic vegetation model Lund–Potsdam–Jena General Ecosystem Simulator (LPJ-GUESS). This new model implementation, termed LPJ-GUESS-FROST, provides the ability to directly attribute simulated impacts on forest productivity dynamics to LSF. We use the example of European beech, one of the dominant deciduous species in central Europe, to demonstrate the functioning of our novel LSF module. Using a network of tree-ring observations from past frost events, we show that LPJ-GUESS-FROST can reproduce productivity reductions caused by LSF. Further, to exemplify the effects of including LSF dynamics in DVMs, we run LPJ-GUESS-FROST for a study region in southern Germany for which high-resolution climate observations are available. Here, we show that modeled LSF plays a substantial role in regulating regional net primary production (NPP) and biomass dynamics, emphasizing the need for LSF to be more widely accounted for in DVMs.

Effects of different nitrogen fertilization systems on crop yield and nitrogen use efficiency – Results of a field experiment in southern Germany

The effects of the German Fertilizer Application Ordinance (GFO) on crop yield, nitrogen use efficiency and economical performance are highly controversial in science and practice in Germany. This study presents the results of a multi-year field experiment conducted at an experimental farm in southern Germany, in which the effects of different fertilizer systems on crop yield, protein concentration and nitrogen balance were analyzed.At this study site, relatively low N mineralization from the soil N pool was detected. Wheat (triticum aestivum L.) and barley (hordeum vulgare L.) showed strong yield declines from annual to multi-annual unfertilized plots, for maize (zea mays L.), this yield decrease was not observed. The recommendations according to GFO meets the fertilizer requirement at the trial site well. A 20% reduction of fertilization compared to GFO resulted in a 5% yield reduction and a decrease in protein concentration of wheat and barley.According to the quadratic N response function, the GFO treatment was slightly below the economic optimum nitrogen rate (Nopt) for wheat, and close to Nopt for winter barley on average over the trial years. For maize, a relatively high yield variability has been observed in the trial period so far. Sensor-based fertilization resulted in very high yields with high N use efficiency (up to 85%). This fertilization system can help to reduce nitrogen input and minimize nitrogen surplus.For wheat and barley, N fertilization and N uptake were well balanced, for maize clearly negative N surpluses were calculated. Despite all the discussion and criticism of GFO, the results of the plot trial show that high yields with high N use efficiency can be achieved with fertilization according to GFO.

Model-based analysis of erosion-induced microplastic delivery from arable land to the stream network of a mesoscale catchment

Abstract. Soils are generally accepted as sinks for microplastics (MPs) but at the same time might be an MP source for inland waters. However, little is known regarding the potential MP delivery from soils to aquatic systems via surface runoff and erosion. This study provides, for the first time, an estimate of the extent of soil-erosion-induced MP delivery from an arable-dominated mesoscale catchment (390 km2) to its river network within a typical arable region of southern Germany. To do this, a soil erosion model was used and combined with the potential particular MP load of arable land from different sources (sewage sludge, compost, atmospheric deposition, and tyre wear) from 1950 onwards. The modelling resulted in an annual mean MP flux into the stream network of 6.33 kg MP a−1 in 2020, which was dominated by tyre wear (80 %). Overall, 0.11 %–0.17 % of the MPs applied to arable soils between 1950 and 2020 were transported into the stream network. In terms of mass, this small proportion was in the same range as the MP inputs from wastewater treatment plants within the test catchment. More MP (0.5 %–1 % of input between 1950 and 2020) was deposited in the grassland areas along the stream network, and this could be an additional source of MP during flood events. Most (5 % of the MP applied between 1950 and 2020) of the MP translocated by tillage and water erosion was buried under the plough layer. Thus, the main part of the MP added to arable land remained in the topsoil and is available for long-term soil erosion. This can be illustrated based on a “stop MP input in 2020” scenario, indicating that MP delivery to the stream network until 2100 would only be reduced by 14 %. Overall, arable land at risk of soil erosion represents a long-term MP sink but also a long-term MP source for inland waters.