Retrospective evaluation of vector-borne pathogens in cats living in Germany (2012-2020)

Background:Blood-feeding arthropods can transmit parasitic, bacterial, or viral pathogens to domestic animals and wildlife. Vector-borne infections are gaining significance because of increasing travel and import of pets from abroad as well as the changing climate in Europe. The main objective of this study was to assess the percentage of cats with positive test results for selected vector-borne pathogens in Germany and explore any possible association of such results with time spent abroad. Methods: This retrospective study included test results from cats included in the "Feline Travel Profile" established by the LABOKLIN laboratory at the request of veterinarians in Germany between April 2012 and March 2020. This diagnostic panel includes the direct detection of Hepatozoon spp. and Dirofilaria spp. via PCR as well as indirect detection assays (IFAT) for Ehrlichia spp. and Leishmania spp. The panel was expanded to include an IFAT for Rickettsia spp. from July 2015 onwards. Results: A total of 624 cats were tested using the "Feline Travel Profile." Serum for indirect detection assays was available for all 624 cats; EDTA samples for direct detection methods were available from 618 cats. Positive test results were as follows: Ehrlichia spp. IFAT 73 out of 624 (12%), Leishmania spp. IFAT 22 out of 624 (4%), Hepatozoon spp. PCR 53 out of 618 (9%), Dirofilaria spp. PCR 1 out of 618 cats (0.2%), and Rickettsia spp. IFAT 52 out of 467 cats (11%) tested from July 2015 onwards. Three cats had positive test results for more than one pathogen before 2015. After testing for Rickettsia spp. was included in 2015, 19 cats had positive test results for more than one pathogen (Rickettsia spp. were involved in 14 out of these 19 cats). Conclusions: At least one pathogen could be detected in 175 out of 624 cats (28%) via indirect and/or direct detection methods. Four percent had positive test results for more than one pathogen. These data emphasize the importance of considering the above-mentioned vector-borne infections as potential differential diagnoses in clinically symptomatic cats

Beteendeförändringsstadier hos individer som väljer att delta i samt fallerar internetbaserad hörselscreening. – En jämförelse av tre självskattningsformulär.

Bakgrund: En obehandlad hörselnedsättning kan skapa följdproblem så som försämrad livskvalité och depression. Individen genomgår en process mot att acceptera sin hörselnedsättning och det tar i snitt 10 år innan individen inser sitt problem och att han/hon behöver söka hjälp. Internetbaserad hörselscreening är ett enkelt sätt att nå ut till många individer med hörselnedsättning och få dem uppmärksamma på sina hörselproblem för att kunna söka hjälp tidigare. Staging algorithm, URICA och Linjen är tre självskattningsformulär som används för att skatta var i denna beteendeförändringsprocess mot acceptans av sin hörselnedsättning en individ befinner sig. För att kunna individanpassa rehabiliteringen behöver audionomen veta var i beteendeförändringsprocessen individen befinner sig. Syfte: Vår studie har som syfte att undersöka vilket beteendeförändringastadium de forskningspersoner som fallerat en internetbaserad hörselscreening befinner sig i. Syftet är vidare att se om de enklare och snabbare självskattningsformulären Staging algorithm och Linjen kan ersätta URICA för att uppskatta var i beteendeförändringsprocessen mot acceptans och hjälpsökande våra deltagare befinner sig i samt om självskattningsformulärens inbördes ordning påverkar hur deltagarna svarar. Metod: Vår studie består av 224 deltagare som fallerat en internetbaserad hörselscreening via horselscreening.se, uppfyllt våra inkluderingskrav samt valt att delta i vår studie. Deltagarna fick fylla i ett sammansatt frågeformulär via Internet bestående av de tre självskattningsformulären. Två versioner med olika ordningsföljd på självskattningsformulären användes för att se om det påverkade hur deltagarna svarade. Resultat: Självskattningsformulärens ordning visade sig inte påverka resultatet. URICA och Staging algorithm korrelerade med varandra och de båda korrelerade även med Linjen. Slutsats: Baserat på våra resultat anser vi att Staging algorithm bör kunna ersätta URICA i kliniken och med fördel i kombination med Linjen. Vidare studier behövs för att undersöka om det är en effektiv kombination som kan implementeras och vara till god hjälp för kliniken och underlätta individanpassad rehabilitering

Effects of collaboration scripts and heuristic worked examples on the acquisition of mathematical argumentation skills of teacher students with different levels of prior achievement

A challenging demand for mathematics teacher students is to produce acceptable scientific mathematical argumentations. We investigated to what extent mathematics teacher students with different levels of prior achievement who collaborated in dyads can be supported in their development of mathematical argumentation skills by two different instructional approaches that were systematically varied in a 2 × 2-factorial design: collaboration scripts (with vs. without) and heuristic worked examples vs. problem solving. An experimental study was run in the context of a two-weeks preparatory course for beginning mathematics teacher students (N = 101). Mathematical argumentation skills were conceptualized as consisting of an individual-mathematical and a social-discursive component. Results indicated positive effects of both scaffolds on the social-discursive component. Moreover, the effects of both scaffolds on both components were dependent on learners' prior achievement (high-school GPA). Heuristic worked examples and collaboration scripts were particularly effective in the facilitation of mathematical argumentation skills for teacher students with higher general learning prerequisites. Possible process-based explanations for this pattern of results as well as ways to more specifically address the needs of teacher students with lower prior achievement are discussed

Detection of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in horses from Germany by molecular and serological testing (2008–2021)

Background Equine granulocytic anaplasmosis (EGA) is a tick-borne disease caused by Anaplasma (A.) phagocytophilum. In Germany, this pathogen is transmitted primarily by Ixodes ricinus. There is limited knowledge about its prevalence in horses in Germany. The aim of this retrospective study was to analyze the results of serological and molecular testing for A. phagocytophilum in horses which were done in a commercial laboratory in Germany over fourteen years. Additionally, risk factors were evaluated, and hematological abnormalities were addressed in horses with positive PCR results. Methods This retrospective study examined results of direct (Polymerase chain reaction [PCR]) and indirect (immunofluorescence antibody test [IFAT]) detection methods for A. phagocytophilum in horses on samples provided by German veterinarians and processed by the commercial laboratory LABOKLIN from 2008 to 2021. In horses with positive test results, a Complete Blood Count (CBC) and Serum Amyloid A (SAA) were also analyzed where possible. Results In total, 1217/4834 horses tested positive (PCR: 190/1246 horses, 15.2%; IFAT: 1036/3849 horses, 26.9%). Seasonality and location, as classified by federal state, had a statistically significant impact on PCR results (P < 0.001 for both). In horses with positive PCR results, hematological abnormalities were detected in 112/118 horses (95%), with thrombocytopenia (86%) and anemia (52%) representing the most common findings. The remaining 6/118 horses (5%) showed no hematological abnormalities on CBC. SAA was measured in 35 horses with positive PCR results, which exclusively showed marked elevation. Conclusions The seasonality of A. phagocytophilum infections confirmed by PCR testing was consistent with known peaks in vector activity in Germany. The high rate of horses with positive PCR results when compared to dogs and cats may be due to a lack of ectoparasite prophylaxis. Infections with A. phagocytophilum should be considered as a differential diagnosis in horses with cytopenia on CBC and SAA elevation, especially in the summer and after any possible tick exposure

Molecular and Serological Detection of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Dogs from Germany (2008–2020)

Anaplasma phagocytophilum is an obligate intracellular bacterium that causes granulocytic anaplasmosis in domestic animals, wildlife, and humans and is primarily transmitted by ticks of the Ixodes persulcatus complex. This retrospective study aims to determine the percentages of dogs that tested positive for A. phagocytophilum in Germany. It included the results of direct (polymerase chain reaction [PCR]) and indirect (immunofluorescence antibody test [IFAT], antibody-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA]) detection methods performed in the laboratory LABOKLIN on canine samples provided by German veterinarians from 2008 to 2020. Out of a total of 27,368 dogs tested by PCR, 1332 (4.9%) tested positive, while 24,720 (27.4%) of the 90,376 dogs tested by IFAT/ELISA had positive serology. High rates of positive PCR results were observed in months with known peaks in vector activity, showing that the dynamics of A. phagocytophilum infections in dogs in Germany are consistent with vector activity. In dogs with a positive PCR result, peaks in serology could be observed four weeks after initial testing. Male and senior dogs had higher rates of positive serology. A possible impact of environmental factors such as changes in climate should be investigated further. Overall, the upward trend in positive test results over the years indicates that canine granulocytic anaplasmosis will continue to become increasingly important for veterinary medicine

Using natural language processing to support peer‐feedback in the age of artificial intelligence: a cross‐disciplinary framework and a research agenda

Advancements in artificial intelligence are rapidly increasing. The new-generation large language models, such as ChatGPT and GPT-4, bear the potential to transform educational approaches, such as peer-feedback. To investigate peer-feedback at the intersection of natural language processing (NLP) and educational research, this paper suggests a cross-disciplinary framework that aims to facilitate the development of NLP-based adaptive measures for supporting peer-feedback processes in digital learning environments. To conceptualize this process, we introduce a peer-feedback process model, which describes learners' activities and textual products. Further, we introduce a terminological and procedural scheme that facilitates systematically deriving measures to foster the peer-feedback process and how NLP may enhance the adaptivity of such learning support. Building on prior research on education and NLP, we apply this scheme to all learner activities of the peer-feedback process model to exemplify a range of NLP-based adaptive support measures. We also discuss the current challenges and suggest directions for future cross-disciplinary research on the effectiveness and other dimensions of NLP-based adaptive support for peer-feedback. Building on our suggested framework, future research and collaborations at the intersection of education and NLP can innovate peer-feedback in digital learning environments

Outcome Reporting in Interventional Necrotizing Enterocolitis Studies:A Systematic Review

Background: Despite an increasing necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) incidence, treatment strategies have failed to make major advancements towards improved NEC outcomes. Heterogeneity in outcome reporting and a lack of treatment efficacy studies potentially hamper these advancements. We aimed to analyze outcome reporting in recent interventional NEC studies.Methods: We performed a systematic review identifying interventional studies on NEC between 1st of January 2016 and 1st of June 2023 in MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL and Cochrane reviews. Systematic reviews, clinical trials and change-in-practice cohort studies reporting any therapeutic intervention for NEC patients (Bell's stage ≥ IIa) were eligible. We excluded studies on NEC diagnostics or prevention and non-English publications. Outcomes were categorized into five core areas and presented descriptively. The review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022302712).Results: Out of 1.642 screened records, 65 were eligible for full-text review and 15 were finally included for data extraction. Median number of reported outcomes per article was six (range 1–19). We identified 66 unique outcomes, which were mapped to 53 outcome terms. Thirty-four out of the 53 of the outcome terms (64%) were only reported in a single article. Mortality was the most reported outcome (11/15 articles, 73%). Core area ‘Adverse outcomes’ contained the most outcome terms (n = 19), whereas ‘Life impact’ contained the least outcome terms (n = 4) and was represented in 3 articles (20%).Conclusions: Considerable heterogeneity in outcome reporting and a paucity of outcomes concerning ‘Life impact’ exist in interventional NEC studies. Development of a NEC core outcome set may improve consistency and patient-relevance in outcome reporting.Study Type: Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses.Level of Evidence: III.</p

First evidence of vertical Hepatozoon canis transmission in dogs in Europe

Background Hepatozoon canis is a protozoal agent that is known to be transmitted by oral uptake of H. canis-infected Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato ticks in dogs. Vertical transmission of H. canis has only been described once in a study evaluating dogs from Japan. The aim of this study was to investigate the parasitological status of puppies from a bitch that had tested positive for Hepatozoon spp. prior to giving birth. Findings A 4-year-old, female, pregnant dog imported from Italy (Sardinia) to Germany showed clinical signs of lethargy and tachypnoea and tested positive for H. canis by PCR. The dog gave birth to eight puppies, one of which was stillborn and another that had to be reanimated. Haematology, buffy coat analysis and a biochemistry profile were performed for each dog. EDTA-blood of the surviving seven puppies and bone marrow, liver, spleen, amniotic fluid, and umbilical cord of the stillborn puppy was tested for the presence of Hepatozoon spp. by PCR. The mother and the seven surviving puppies tested positive for H. canis by PCR at day 62 post-partum. Gamonts were detected in all dogs by buffy coat evaluation. Haematological and biochemistry results revealed mild abnormalities. In the stillborn puppy, spleen, umbilical cord, and amniotic fluid were positive for H. canis. Conclusion The results confirm that vertical transmission is a possible route of H. canis infection in dogs, demonstrated by molecular detection of the pathogen in the stillborn puppy. In the seven surviving puppies, vertical transmission was the most likely transmission route. A potential impact of the level of parasitaemia on the health of puppies, as well as its pathogenesis, should be investigated further

Outcome Reporting in Interventional Necrotizing Enterocolitis Studies:A Systematic Review

Background: Despite an increasing necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) incidence, treatment strategies have failed to make major advancements towards improved NEC outcomes. Heterogeneity in outcome reporting and a lack of treatment efficacy studies potentially hamper these advancements. We aimed to analyze outcome reporting in recent interventional NEC studies.Methods: We performed a systematic review identifying interventional studies on NEC between 1st of January 2016 and 1st of June 2023 in MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL and Cochrane reviews. Systematic reviews, clinical trials and change-in-practice cohort studies reporting any therapeutic intervention for NEC patients (Bell's stage ≥ IIa) were eligible. We excluded studies on NEC diagnostics or prevention and non-English publications. Outcomes were categorized into five core areas and presented descriptively. The review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022302712).Results: Out of 1.642 screened records, 65 were eligible for full-text review and 15 were finally included for data extraction. Median number of reported outcomes per article was six (range 1–19). We identified 66 unique outcomes, which were mapped to 53 outcome terms. Thirty-four out of the 53 of the outcome terms (64%) were only reported in a single article. Mortality was the most reported outcome (11/15 articles, 73%). Core area ‘Adverse outcomes’ contained the most outcome terms (n = 19), whereas ‘Life impact’ contained the least outcome terms (n = 4) and was represented in 3 articles (20%).Conclusions: Considerable heterogeneity in outcome reporting and a paucity of outcomes concerning ‘Life impact’ exist in interventional NEC studies. Development of a NEC core outcome set may improve consistency and patient-relevance in outcome reporting.Study Type: Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses.Level of Evidence: III.</p