Southern Lower Saxony Research Articles

Public awareness of malignant melanoma risk factors in Germany.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of a German public education campaign which aimed to improve knowledge on risk factors for malignant melanoma. DESIGN: Comparison of data from two successive...

Plant remains from two cesspits (15th and 16th century) and a pond (13th century) from G�ttingen, Southern Lower Saxony, Germany

A variety of well-preserved plant remains was recovered from a pond and two cesspits from late medieval and post medieval Gottingen. Cultivated plants included cereals, oilseeds and fibre plants, vegetables, fruit, nuts and spices. Rice and spices were imported from India and Africa and point to the relative wealth of the users of one of the pits. Additionally, a number of wild fruit, includingSorbus torminalis (wild service), was gathered from woods, clearings or hedges. Gardens were situated in the town or around its walls. Hops and grapevines were grown in special gardens in favourable places out of town. Apart from human (and sometimes animal) faeces, mostly kitchen refuse and waste from cleaning grain and processing flax in the town were deposited in the pits. Thus weeds of arable land are well represented, some of them indicating mainly basic soil conditions on the cornfields. Short-lived as well as persistent ruderals found suitable growing conditions. Poor grasslands were grazed, those on more fertile soils were also used for haymaking. Swampy areas were exploited for litter. A number of the recorded plants, especially some arable weeds or ones needing damp conditions, are nowadays threatened or extinct in the region.

Emergence Trap Studies on Biting Midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) in Terrestrial Habitats in Southern Lower Saxony (Germany)

Emergence Trap Studies on Biting Midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) in Terrestrial Habitats in Southern Lower Saxony (Germany)

Dementia diagnosis in primary care: Results of a representative survey in Southern Lower Saxony, Germany : J. Staedt, G. Stoppe, H. Sandholzer ∗, S. Winter, J. Kiefer, M. Kochen ∗, E. Rüther. Depts. of Psychiatry and General Practice ∗, University of Goettingen, 37075 Goettingen, Germany

Dementia diagnosis in primary care: Results of a representative survey in Southern Lower Saxony, Germany : J. Staedt, G. Stoppe, H. Sandholzer ∗, S. Winter, J. Kiefer, M. Kochen ∗, E. Rüther. Depts. of Psychiatry and General Practice ∗, University of Goettingen, 37075 Goettingen, Germany

Epidemiology and Clinical Manifestations of Lyme Borreliosis in Childhood

Lyme borreliosis is a tick-borne infection caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi, whose discovery in 1982 solved an aetiological mystery involving a variety of dermatological and neurological disorders and explained their association with Lyme disease. Lyme borreliosis occurs frequently and is readily treatable with antibiotics. Along with its discovery, however, came the realization that it is difficult to diagnose accurately, especially antibody diagnosis. False-positive antibody results in particular led to gradual widening of the clinical spectrum, and differential diagnosis became increasingly difficult. This prospective, multicentre study presents a systematic description of Lyme borreliosis in childhood, emphasizing epidemiological and clinical issues. Because, predominantly, inpatients were examined, Lyme neuroborreliosis was the focus of the study, with the chief concern being to minimize false-positive results. To this end, we chose to narrow the diagnostic criteria, using the presence of specific antibodies in the cerebrospinal fluid as the determining factor. The epidemiological investigation was focused on the incidence of Lyme neuroborreliosis in childhood in southern Lower Saxony as well as on the prevalence of Lyme neuroborreliosis among acute-inflammatory neurological illnesses in children. The clinical part of the study aimed at establishing criteria for differential diagnosis in addition to the detection of specific antibodies. The detection of specific IgM antibodies using an IgM capture ELISA confirmed the presence of acute Lyme borreliosis. The study examined 208 children with Lyme borreliosis, of whom 169 had Lyme neuroborreliosis, from mid-1986 until the end of 1989. The yearly incidence of Lyme neuroborreliosis in Lower Saxony was 5.8 cases/100,000 children aged 1 to 13. The manifestation index was 0.16, or one case of Lyme neuroborreliosis per 620 infected children, compared with the presence of specific antibodies against B. burgdorferi for children in the same age group and region. Both the seasonal distribution of Lyme borreliosis, which peaked in summer and autumn, as well as the information about when the tick bites took place point to an incubation period of a few weeks. The most frequent manifestation of Lyme neuroborreliosis in childhood was acute peripheral facial palsy, found in 55% of all cases (n = 93). Lyme borreliosis proved to be the most frequently verifiable cause of acute peripheral facial palsy in children, causing every second case of this disorder in summer and autumn.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Cement stratigraphy in Triassic and Jurassic limestones of the Weserbergland (northwestern Germany)

Cement stratigraphy of the Korallenoolith (Oxfordian) and Trochitenkalk (Upper Muschelkalk) Formations, southern Lower Saxony Hills of Germany, is based on investigation of 232 carbonate samples by cathodoluminescence (CL). This enables subdivision of cements into four main generations: Generation 1, consisting of fine columnar, equant and syntaxial cements with blotchy CL and/or microdolomite inclusions, that is interpreted as originally submarine Mg calcitic precipitate. Generation 2, found in Jurassic samples only. These cements show intrinsic to non-luminescent CL with thin bright orange subzones and they are interpreted as meteoric phreatic calcites. Generation 3.1, characterized by zoned calcites with variable CL colours. These cements precipitated under shallow burial conditions, in a phreatic environment during an incipient stage of late diagenesis. Generation 3.2, with relatively uniform orange CL, indicative of precipitation in a stable chemical environment. This cement generation is interpreted as late diagenetic deep burial calcites. Generation 3.3, partially strongly zoned and with a characteristically intense CL contrast. It has been identified in only 17 of the 82 Trochitenkalk samples. Deformation twins end within this generation, indicating a post-tectonic genesis for the subsequent younger cement zones. The cements were probably precipitated in a near-surface environment characterized by reducing or variable Eh conditions. Generation 4, consisting of calcites that show intrinsic CL with bright orange subzones comparable to generation 2, but lacking deformation twins. These cements are interpreted as post-tectonic late diagenetic products of a meteoric phreatic environment. Based on detailed CL petrography, fifteen diagenetic events (three calcite cements, three dolomite generations, three fissure generations, two stages of dedolomitization, aragonite dissolution, matrix recrystallization and two stages of HMC → LMC transformation) can be distinguished and timed relative to cement zonation. The progressively decreasing δ 18O values for cement generations 1 to 3.2 likely reflect increasing temperatures caused by burial. The low δ 18C values of cement generation 4 are probably a reflection of a meteoric diagenetic environment. A time—burial—cementation pathway can be modelled combining CL patterns, cement isotopic data and the subsidence history of the study area. The main features of this model are: 1. (1) Generation 1 cements are submarine precipitates and their age therefore coincides with sedimentation. 2. (2) Cement generation 3.1 of the Trochitenkalk commenced precipitation at a depth of about 120 m, reached during Late Triassic time. In case this minimum depth is also the formation depth of generation 3.1 in the Korallenoolith Formation, then precipitation of these cements started during Late Jurassic time. 3. (3) Cement generation 3.2 of both the Trochitenkalk and the Korallenoolith Formation, precipitated at assumed depths > 1000 m, reached during the Doggerian and at the time of Jurassic/Cretaceous transition, respectively. 4. (4) Cement generation 4 precipitated after the sediments had undergone telogenesis, and must thus be younger than the Intra-Senonian (Sub-Hercynian) tectonic phase and possibly even younger than the Paleocene tectonic pulse (Laramian Phase).

Ozone episodes in southern lower saxony (FRG) and their impact on the susceptibility of cereals to fungal pathogens

Spring wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) and spring barley ( Hordeum vulgare L.) plants were exposed to simulated ozone (O 3) episodes (7 h day −1 for 7 days) at maximum concentrations of 120, 180 and 240 μg m −3 O 3, in comparison to a charcoal-filtered air control. Fumigations were conducted in four closed chambers placed in a climate room. Exposures took place prior to inoculation of the plants with six different facultative leaf pathogens. On wheat, significant enhancement of leaf attack by Septoria nodorum Berk. and S. tritici Rob. ex Desm. appeared, particularly on the older leaves and at the highest level of O 3. The same was true for Gerlachia nivalis W. Gams et E. Müll/ Fusarium culmorum (W.F.Sm.) Sacc. on wheat and net blotch ( Drechslera teres (Sacc.) Shoem.) or G. nivalis leaf spots on barley. Disease development was promoted both on leaves with and without visible injury following exposure to O 3. Sporulation of the two Septoria species increased at 120 and 180 μg m −3 O 3; however, it was reduced to the level of the control, if 240 μg m −3 were applied. No significant effects of predisposition were observed with Bipolaris sorokiniana (Sacc.) Shoem. (syn. Helminthosporium sativum Pamm., King et Bakke), the causal agent of spot blotch, neither on wheat nor on barley. Doses and peak concentrations applied in the experiments were in good agreement with measurements of ambient ozone in Southern Lower Saxony, FRG. Six years' ozone data (1984–1989) revealed the annual occurrence of between 3 and 11 ozone episodes with potentially harmful effects on cereals (three or more consecutive ‘ozone days’ with 8-h means above 80 μg m −3). The frequency of ozone episodes followed by weather periods favourable for infections by facultative pathogens was higher in years with low O 3 pollution than in ozone-rich years, and varied between one and five cases per season. The number of ozone days during the main growing season of cereals (1 April until 31 August) varied from 25 in 1984 to 98 in 1989. However, only 7·9% of ozone days during the 6 years examined were concurrent with weather conditions suitable for fungal infections. It is concluded that the majority of leaf infections in the field happens under low-level concentrations of photooxidants.

The soil fauna of a beech forest on limestone: trophic structure and energy budget.

The soil fauna of a mull beech forest on lime-stone in southern Lower Saxony (West Germany) was sampled quantitatively. Biomass estimates, trophic characteristics, and measurement and calculation of the energetic parameters of the constituent animal populations were used to construct an energy budget of the total heterotrophic subsystem of the forest. Mean annual zoomass amounted to about 15 g d wt m-2; earthworms (about 10 g d wt m-2) and other groups of the macrofauna were dominant. Protozoa constituted about 1.5 g d wt m-2. Relative distribution of zoomass among the trophic categories was 50% macrosaprophages, 30% microsaprophages, 12% microphytophages, and 4% zoophages. Total annual consumption rate of the saprophagous and microphytophagous soil fauna (6328 and 4096 kJ m-2 yr-1, respectively) was of the same order of magnitude as annual litter fall (canopy leaves 6124 kJ m-2 yr-1, flowers and fruits 944 kJ m-2 yr-1, herbs 1839 kJ m-2 yr-1, fine woody material 870 kJ m-2 yr-1, tree roots 3404 kJ m-2 yr-1, without coarse woody litter). Primary decomposers (macrosaprophages) were the key group for litter comminution and translocation onto and into the soil, thus contributing to the high decomposition rate (k=0.8) for leaf litter. Consumption rates of the other trophic groups were (values as kJ m-2 yr-1): bacteriophages 2954, micromycophages 416, zoophages 153. Grazing pressure of macrophytophages (including rhizophages) was low. Faeces input from the canopy layer was not significant. Grazing pressure on soil microflora almost equalled microbial biomass; hence, a large fraction of microbial production is channelled into the animal component. Predator pressure on soil animals is high, as a comparison between consumption rates by zoophages and production by potential prey - mainly microsaprophages, microphytophages and zoophages - demonstrated. Soil animals contributed only about 11% to heterotrophic respiration. However, there is evidence that animals are important driving variables for matter and energy transfer: key processes are the transformation of dead organic material and grazing on the microflora. It is hypothesized that the soil macrosaprophages are donor-limited.

Survival in multiple sclerosis

Survival from onset of symptoms was calculated for two series of MS patients, a population-based epidemiologic series from southern Lower Saxony of 224 cases, and a revised hospital series of 1429 cases from II neurologic centers throughout the Federal Republic of Germany. Median survival for the epidemiologic series was 35–42 years, with no finer estimate possible. Observed survival was 3 5 expected survival after 35 years of illness. Survival in this series was similar to that from two other population-based reports. No significant difference was found between the sexes, though patients with onset at age 35+ had a significantly shorter survival than those with onset at age under 35 years. The much larger hospital series, where median survival was 30 years, demonstrated significant differences separately favoring females and young onsets. However, the ratios of observed to expected survival from population life tables were strikingly similar among all four subgroups defined by sex and age at onset. While overall there is a substantial reduction in the expectation of life in MS, the differential survival by sex and age appears to be a reflection of the expected survival by sex and age per se, and not that of the disease.

Palynostratigraphic data from an evaporite-solution breccia at the eastern margin of the Leinetal Graben near Northeim (Southern Lower Saxony, F. R.).

Palynostratigraphic data from an evaporite-solution breccia at the eastern margin of the Leinetal Graben near Northeim (Southern Lower Saxony, F. R.).

Relationships between EUF-N fractions, N uptake and quality of sugar beet in deep loess soils of Southern Lower Saxony

In field experiments conducted in 1981 on deep loess soils a significant correlation was obtained between ΦEUF-N content in the topsoil and N in sugar beet roots as well as in whole plants. A very close correlation was found to exist between ΦEUF-N values in June 1981 and α-amino N in sugar beet roots at harvest. Also other quality criteria such as the contents of sugar, K and Na in roots and yield parameters correlated with ΦEUF-N contents in topsoils. The inorganic and organic EUF-N fractions changed during the vegetation period due to both N uptake by the crop and mineralization. Therefore it appears to be expedient to use both fractions when calculating N fertilizer requirements. The correlation between ΦEUF-N (topsoil samples drawn in the year preceding sugar beet) and sugar yield increases obtained by N fertilization that was found in Austria12 was confirmed in our experiments with soils from Southern Lower Saxony.

Relationship between EUF-K contents, K uptake and sugar yield of sugar beet in deep loess soils

In field experiments with varying K fertilization (1981 and 1982) changes in EUF-K contents were studied in deep loess soils of Southern Lower Saxony under sugar beet. A significant positive linear relationship was found between EUF-K contents at 20°C and 200 V (≤15 mA) of the topsoils and quantities of K absorbed by sugar beet in both years. The corresponding regression lines for 1981 and 1982 are almost parallel, the only difference being the yield level which was higher in 1982.

Die ziegeltechnische Eignung bestimmter Schichtglieder des Unteren Buntsandsteins in Süd-Niedersachsen

Die ziegeltechnische Eignung bestimmter Schichtglieder des Unteren Buntsandsteins in Süd-Niedersachsen

Optimized N-mineralization parameters of loess soils from incubation experiments

Nitrogen mineralization from long term incubation experiments with dried loess soils from southern Lower Saxony has been split by an optimization procedure into three contributing fractions: one from the resistant organic material (index rpm), another from decomposable plant residues (index dpm), and a third one from autolyzing microbial biomass (index bom). The nitrogen contents at the end of February averages 650 kg nitrogen per hectare and the 30 cm arable layer for the rpm, 30 to 50 kg N/ha for the dpm and about 65 kg N/ha for microbial biomass. The corresponding mean reaction coefficients at 35°C are .0058, .16 and about .35 per day, respectively. A rough approximation of the temperature dependence of the reaction coefficients has also been estimated.

Nährstoffgehalte Von Lössboden-Toposequenzen In Südniedersachsen Und Franken Unter Dem Einfluss Der Bodenerosion

This paper deals with the effects of soil erosion on the horizontal and vertical distribution of nutrients in loess soil topo-sequences in southern Lower Saxony and Frankonia (W. Germany). Each topo-sequence consists of three parts: an upper plateau (or edge of a piedmont plain) with little soil erosion up to now, a slope which as a whole has been eroded very much, and a slope foot which is covered with colluvial sediments. Compared to the pure loess the soils contain more K, Na, and P, and less Ca. The distribution of the nutrients within the investigated topo-sequences is caracterized by high contents of potassium on the slopes, provided that the A l -horizon is eroded, so that the B t -horizon has come to the surface. Finally it is considered whether the erosion-made differentiation of nutrients has negative or positive consequences on the productiveness of the arable soils. An Beispielen aus Südniedersachsen und Franken werden die Auswirkungen der Bodenerosion auf die horizontale und vertikale Verteilung von Nährstoffen in Lößboden-Toposequenzen untersucht. Jede dieser Toposequenzen besteht aus drei Teilen: einem oberen plateauartigen, bisher nur geringfügig durch Bodenerosion beeinträchtigten Teil (z.B. dem distalen Teil einer Fußfläche), einem daran anschließenden stark erodierten Hang und dem zugehörigen, kolluvial aufgehöhten Hangfuß. Im Verhältnis zum reinen Löß enthalten die Böden mehr K, Na, P und weniger Ca. Die Nährstoffverteilung ist innerhalb der untersuchten Toposequenzen durch hohe Kaliumgehalte an den Hängen gekennzeichnet, sofern der A h -Horizont erodiert und der B t -Horizont an die Oberfläche gerücktist. Abschließend wird die Frage diskutiert, inwieweit sich die bodenerosionsbedingten Nährstoffverteilungen in Ackerböden ertragsmindernd oder ertragsfördernd auswirken.

HLA-antigens and the prognosis of multiple sclerosis.

The histocompatibility pattern of 160 patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) living in the epidemiological area of Southern Lower Saxony was determined and compared to a control population. The only significant difference was the more frequent occurrence of DW2 in the patient group (44% vs. 21%). Taking a progression index (grade of disability divided by the duration of the disease) as a measure for prognosis no difference could be found between the DW2 positive and the DW2 negative patients. The reason why we could not confirm the worse prognosis for DW2 positive patients found by Jersild et al. (1973) and Raun et al. (1980) remains to be investigated.

Rehabilitation for patients with multiple sclerosis?

In the epidemiological area of Southern Lower Saxony 92 patients with clinically definite or probable diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) were interviewed and examined. This group contained a remarkably high percentage of benign cases (52%) in comparison with a sample of hospitalized patients. Neurological examination revealed spasticity and pareses to be the most important disturbances followed by ataxia and bladder/bowel problems. After a mean duration of 18.4 years, 52% received a pension and about 30% were still working full time. The pension was granted too early to 11 patients and vocational rehabilitation services would be required for 13 men. Although only half of the patients had an acceptable income, the socioeconomic situation of the families was adequate in 71%; 80% lived with their own families and could stay there in case more ambulant services were offered. Psychotherapeutic measures are required among these to relieve the stress within the families (present in 42%)and to improve the coping behavior (unsatisfactory in 60%).

Beiträge zum Verhalten und zur Soziologie des Bisams (Ondatra zibethicus L.)

This description of the behaviour of the muskrat is the result of observations made in open-air pens and during the rearing of young animals in direct contact with man. The approximately 100 muskrats observed came from southern Lower Saxony (population immigrated down the river Elbe). As the same facilities of observation had been used to study brown rats, it was possible to compare the behaviour of both species which showed fundamental differences.

Die Erarbeitung von Gesetzmäßigkeiten der Bodenverbreitung Südniedersachsens, unter Verwendung der Bodenschätzung sowie geologischer und morphologischer Karten

Die Erarbeitung von Gesetzmäßigkeiten der Bodenverbreitung Südniedersachsens, unter Verwendung der Bodenschätzung sowie geologischer und morphologischer Karten

Känozoische Sedimente in tektonischen Fallen und Subrosionssenken in Süd-Niedersachsen

Känozoische Sedimente in tektonischen Fallen und Subrosionssenken in Süd-Niedersachsen