Using the POD sampler for quantitative diffusive (passive) monitoring of volatile and very volatile organics in ambient air: Sampling rates and analytical performance.

POD diffusive samplers loaded with Carbopack X and Carbograph 5TD were exposed to certified calibration mixtures containing a total of 110 different ozone precursor and air toxic compounds. Constant sampling rates were identified for 39 ozone precursors and 33 air toxics. As 9 of these compounds were included in both mixtures, this meant a total of 63 different volatile and very volatile compounds were sampled using the POD with overall expanded uncertainties below 30 % for the sampling rate associated with the whole range of sampling times from 2 to 24 h. Carbograph 5TD exhibited superior performance for diffusive sampling of oxygenated and halogenated compounds in the air toxics mixture, while Carbopack X showed higher sampling efficiencies for aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons, as well as halogenated compounds derived from benzene and C2 carbon number hydrocarbons. A model has been developed and applied to estimate sampling rates, primarily for the more volatile and weakly adsorbed compounds, as a function of the collected amount of analyte and the exposure time. For an additional 9 ozone precursors on Carbopack X, and 11 air toxics on Carbograph 5TD, the expanded uncertainties of modelled sampling rates were reduced to below 30 % and have a significantly reduced uncertainty compared to those associated with an averaged sampling rate. The paper provides Freundlich's isotherm parameters for the estimated (modelled) sampling rates and defines a pragmatic approach to their application. It does so by identifying the best sampling time to use for the expected exposure concentrations and associated analyte masses. This allows for expansion of the sampling concentration range from hundreds ng m-3 to mg m-3, while avoiding saturation of the adsorbent. Finally, field measurement comparisons of POD samplers, pumped tube samplers and online gas chromatography (GC), for sampling periods of 3 and 7 days in a semi-rural background area, showed no significant differences between reported concentrations.

[Epidemiology of myasthenia gravis in the Iberian Peninsula and Latin America]. / Epidemiología de la miastenia grave en la península ibérica y Latinoamérica.

INTRODUCTION: Although today we live in a globalised world, the ties established between the Iberian Peninsula and the countries of Latin America are particularly strong, with important migratory flows. This connection may condition the development of diseases that involve a genetic influence, which may in turn be modulated by various environmental factors. The aim of this review is to determine the descriptive epidemiology of myasthenia gravis in the Iberian Peninsula and in Latin America. DEVELOPMENT: A literature search was conducted in Medline, LILACS and Google Scholar for the different countries of interest using the terms 'prevalence', 'incidence', 'epidemiology' and 'myasthenia gravis'. The methodology and quality were reviewed, and descriptive data about the study population as well as data on prevalence were extracted. CONCLUSIONS: Many countries lack epidemiological studies on myasthenia gravis and in others the data reported focus on one referral hospital, making it difficult to compare prevalence between countries. In the Iberian Peninsula, the prevalence is consistently above 100 cases x 106 inhabitants, the highest figures being found in the area of Osona (Barcelona) and in the province of Ourense. In Latin America, much lower prevalence figures are reported, generally below 100 x 106 inhabitants. There is a predominance of females in the early-onset forms (<50 years) and a clear increase in prevalence in the elderly population, especially in the very late onset forms (>65 years), where it is more frequent in men.

TITLE: Epidemiología de la miastenia grave en la península ibérica y Latinoamérica.Introducción. Aunque hoy en día vivimos en un mundo globalizado, los vínculos establecidos entre la península ibérica y los países de Latinoamérica son especialmente fuertes y con importantes flujos migratorios. Esta conexión puede condicionar la presentación de enfermedades que reconozcan una influencia genética, la cual puede ser modulada por diversos factores medioambientales. El objetivo de esta revisión es conocer la epidemiología descriptiva de la miastenia grave en la península ibérica y en Latinoamérica. Desarrollo. Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica en Medline, en LILACS y en Google Scholar para los diferentes países de interés con los términos 'prevalence', 'incidence', 'epidemiology' y 'myasthenia gravis'. Se revisó la metodología y la calidad, y se extrajeron datos descriptivos de la población estudiada, así como los datos de prevalencia. Conclusiones. Muchos países carecen de estudios epidemiológicos sobre la miastenia grave, y en otros, los datos comunicados se centran en un hospital de referencia, lo que hace difícil la comparación de la prevalencia entre los diferentes países. En la península ibérica, la prevalencia es constantemente superior a 100 casos × 106 habitantes, con las cifras más altas correspondientes a la comarca de Osona (Barcelona) y a la provincia de Ourense. En Latinoamérica se registran cifras mucho menores de prevalencia, generalmente inferiores a 100 × 106 habitantes. Se constata un predominio femenino en las formas de inicio precoz (<50 años) y un claro aumento de la prevalencia en la población anciana, sobre todo en las formas de inicio muy tardío (>65 años), en las que es más frecuente en los varones.

Epidemiología de la miastenia grave en la península ibérica y Latinoamérica / Epidemiology of myasthenia gravis in the Iberian Peninsula and Latin America

Introducción: Aunque hoy en día vivimos en un mundo globalizado, los vínculos establecidos entre la península ibérica y los países de Latinoamérica son especialmente fuertes y con importantes flujos migratorios. Esta conexión puede condicionar la presentación de enfermedades que reconozcan una influencia genética, la cual puede ser modulada por diversos factores medioambientales. El objetivo de esta revisión es conocer la epidemiología descriptiva de la miastenia grave en la península ibérica y en Latinoamérica. Desarrollo: Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica en Medline, en LILACS y en Google Scholar para los diferentes países de interés con los términos ‘prevalence’, ‘incidence’, ‘epidemiology’ y ‘myasthenia gravis’. Se revisó la metodología y la calidad, y se extrajeron datos descriptivos de la población estudiada, así como los datos de prevalencia. Conclusiones: Muchos países carecen de estudios epidemiológicos sobre la miastenia grave, y en otros, los datos comunicados se centran en un hospital de referencia, lo que hace difícil la comparación de la prevalencia entre los diferentes países. En la península ibérica, la prevalencia es constantemente superior a 100 casos × 106 habitantes, con las cifras más altas correspondientes a la comarca de Osona (Barcelona) y a la provincia de Ourense. En Latinoamérica se registran cifras mucho menores de prevalencia, generalmente inferiores a 100 × 106 habitantes. Se constata un predominio femenino en las formas de inicio precoz (<50 años) y un claro aumento de la prevalencia en la población anciana, sobre todo en las formas de inicio muy tardío (>65 años), en las que es más frecuente en los varones.(AU)

Introduction: Although today we live in a globalised world, the ties established between the Iberian Peninsula and the countries of Latin America are particularly strong, with important migratory flows. This connection may condition the development of diseases that involve a genetic influence, which may in turn be modulated by various environmental factors. The aim of this review is to determine the descriptive epidemiology of myasthenia gravis in the Iberian Peninsula and in Latin America. Development: A literature search was conducted in Medline, LILACS and Google Scholar for the different countries of interest using the terms ‘prevalence’, ‘incidence’, ‘epidemiology’ and ‘myasthenia gravis’. The methodology and quality were reviewed, and descriptive data about the study population as well as data on prevalence were extracted. Conclusions: Many countries lack epidemiological studies on myasthenia gravis and in others the data reported focus on one referral hospital, making it difficult to compare prevalence between countries. In the Iberian Peninsula, the prevalence is consistently above 100 cases × 106 inhabitants, the highest figures being found in the area of Osona (Barcelona) and in the province of Ourense. In Latin America, much lower prevalence figures are reported, generally below 100 × 106 inhabitants. There is a predominance of females in the early-onset forms (<50 years) and a clear increase in prevalence in the elderly population, especially in the very late onset forms (>65 years), where it is more frequent in men.(AU)

[Intermittent theta-burst transcranial magnetic stimulation for the treatment of spasticity in patients with recurring multiple sclerosis: the results of a double-blind randomised clinical trial]. / Estimulacion magnetica transcraneal theta-burst intermitente para el tratamiento de la espasticidad en pacientes con esclerosis multiple recurrente: resultados de un ensayo clinico aleatorizado doble ciego.

AIM: It has been suggested that the repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation could be useful as a non-pharmacological treatment for spasticity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and neurophysiological effects of high-frequency intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) on lower limb spasticity in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis in a randomized, double-blind placebo controlled trial. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seventeen patients in the remitting phase of the disease were randomly allocated to sham or magnetic therapy group and underwent iTBS over contralateral motor cortex of the most affected leg once a day for two weeks. Each session consisted of 10 bursts containing three pulses at 50 Hz repeated at 200 ms intervals (5 Hz) every 10 s for a total of 600 stimuli. The iTBS effect was assessed by using clinical (such as the Modified Ashworth Scale) and neuro-physiological (H/M amplitude ratio and cortical silent period duration) parameters. RESULTS: Two-week iTBS over motor cortex of the most affected leg did not produce any significant clinical effect on spasticity. However, it decreases the H/M amplitude ratio and increases duration of cortical silent period but not significantly, in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis. CONCLUSION: The stimulation protocol used in this study does not have significant therapeutic effect. Therefore, we do recommend further studies as neurophysiological changes were evident.

TITLE: Estimulacion magnetica transcraneal theta-burst intermitente para el tratamiento de la espasticidad en pacientes con esclerosis multiple recurrente: resultados de un ensayo clinico aleatorizado doble ciego.Objetivo. La estimulacion magnetica transcraneal repetitiva podria ser util como tratamiento no farmacologico para la espasticidad. El objetivo de este estudio es reevaluar el efecto clinico y los cambios neurofisiologicos que produce la estimulacion theta-burst intermitente (ETBi) sobre la espasticidad de las extremidades inferiores en pacientes con esclerosis multiple recurrente en un ensayo aleatorizado, doble ciego, controlado con placebo. Pacientes y metodos. Diecisiete pacientes en la fase remitente de la enfermedad fueron aleatoriamente asignados al grupo placebo o al grupo de tratamiento activo mediante estimulacion magnetica transcraneal repetitiva con protocolo ETBi sobre la corteza motora contralateral de la pierna mas afectada. El procedimiento consistio en 10 sesiones diarias durante dos semanas. Cada sesion consistio en 10 rafagas que contenian tres pulsos a 50 Hz repetidos a intervalos de 200 ms (5 Hz) cada 10 s para un total de 600 estimulos. El efecto de ETBi se evaluo mediante el uso de parametros clinicos (como la escala de Ashworth modificada) y neurofisiologicos (ratio de amplitud H/M y duracion del periodo cortical silente). Resultados. Dos semanas de ETBi sobre la corteza motora de la pierna mas afectada no produjeron ningun efecto clinico significativo sobre la espasticidad en pacientes con esclerosis multiple recurrente. Sin embargo, aunque de forma no significativa, se observo disminucion de la ratio de amplitud H/M y un aumento de la duracion del periodo cortical silente. Conclusion. El protocolo de estimulacion utilizado en este estudio no parece tener un efecto terapeutico significativo. Sin embargo, recomendamos estudios adicionales, ya que los cambios neurofisiologicos fueron evidentes.

A CMOS application-specified-integrated-circuit for 40 GHz high-electron-mobility-transistors automatic biasing.

This paper presents the design and the experimental results of a CMOS Automatic Control System (ACS) for the biasing of High-Electron-Mobility-Transistors (HEMT). The ACS is the first low-power mixed-signal Application-Specified-Integrated-Circuit (ASIC) able to automatically set and regulate the operating point of an off-chip 6 HEMT Low-Noise-Amplifiers (LNAs), hence it composes a two-chip system (the ACS+LNAs) to be used in the Large Scale Polarization Explorer (LSPE) stratospheric balloon for Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) signal observation. The hereby presented ACS ASIC provides a reliable instrumentation for gradual and very stable LNAs characterization, switching-on, and operating point (<4 mV accuracy). Moreover, it simplifies the electronic instrumentation needed for biasing the LNAs, since it replaces several off-the-shelf and digital programmable device components. The ASIC prototype has been implemented in a CMOS 0.35 µm technology (12 mm2 area occupancy). It operates at 4 kHz clock frequency. The power consumption of one-channel ASIC (biasing one LNA) is 3.6 mW, whereas 30 mW are consumed by a single LNA device.

Espacios de Virchow-Robin: ¿una causa de parkinsonismo? / Virchow-Robin spaces: A cause of parkinsonism?

No disponible

Very low noise AC/DC power supply systems for large detector arrays.

In this work, we present the first part of the power supply system for the CUORE and LUCIFER arrays of bolometric detectors. For CUORE, it consists of AC/DC commercial power supplies (0-60 V output) followed by custom DC/DC modules (48 V input, ±5 V to ±13.5 V outputs). Each module has 3 floating and independently configurable output voltages. In LUCIFER, the AC/DC + DC/DC stages are combined into a commercial medium-power AC/DC source. At the outputs of both setups, we introduced filters with the aim of lowering the noise and to protect the following stages from high voltage spikes that can be generated by the energy stored in the cables after the release of accidental short circuits. Output noise is very low, as required: in the 100 MHz bandwidth the RMS level is about 37 µV(RMS) (CUORE setup) and 90 µV(RMS) (LUCIFER setup) at a load of 7 A, with a negligible dependence on the load current. Even more importantly, high frequency switching disturbances are almost completely suppressed. The efficiency of both systems is above 85%. Both systems are completely programmable and monitored via CAN bus (optically coupled).

[Which Factors Affect Weight Maintenance? A Qualitative Study with Adolescents and their Parents who have Completed a Ten-months Intervention]. / Welche Faktoren beeinflussen die Gewichtsstabilisierung nachhaltig? Eine qualitative Befragung von Kindern und Jugendlichen sowie deren Eltern, nach Teilnahme an einem Gewichtsreduktionsprogramm.

BACKGROUND: The alarming increase in the prevalence of childhood obesity is recognised as a major public health concern. Currently, structured multi-modal therapy programmes present the gold standard of therapy strategies for obese children and adolescents. However, effects of these treatments are still a matter of discussion. Failure to isolate and understand the external and internal factors contributing to successful, long-term weight reduction may well be contributing to the ineffectiveness of current treatment interventions. OBJECTIVE: A qualitative approach was chosen in order to identify subjectively perceived resources and barriers to weight maintenance after previous weight reduction. The research question focused on how these resources and barriers affect success of participants. Additionally the question arose as to how and to what extent parents should and could be involved in the therapy process. The results can deliver important starting points for the development of therapy programmes and future research. METHOD: 7 participants of a weight reduction and maintenance programme and 7 of their parents were interviewed on their personal experiences during and after the treatment. The interviews were analysed based on the qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: Continuous motivation, especially after the initial weight reduction phase, was identified as the strongest predictor of successful weight maintenance. Successful weight maintainers generally showed characteristics of higher self-efficacy, internal motivation concerning physical activity and flexible self-control concerning food intake. Unsuccessful weight gainers stated a lack of motivation concerning physical activity and lost control over their eating habits. Concerning the role of parents in the therapy process, the results show that higher parental involvement does not predict greater success. The general relationship between parents and their children seems to be more significant, especially concerning the issues of responsibility. CONCLUSION: It is disputable to what extent the post treatment intervention contributed to the development of intrinsic motivation. More attention should be paid to the age (children or adolescents) of participants of therapy programmes, especially concerning the involvement of parents. It is assumed that general aspects of education should be discussed with parents.

[Dietary interventions and social care for treating obesity in children]. / Therapie der Adipositas aus sozialpädiatrischer, ernährungstherapeutischer und gesundheitswissenschaftlicher Sicht.

The prevalence of obesity and associated comorbidities among children and adolescents has risen worldwide throughout the past 3 decades. To break this trend, population-based activities in health promotion/prevention and health care are necessary. Studies showed that long-term eating behavior improvement with the cooperation of the patient's family together with child-friendly organization support both individual therapeutic improvements as well as a relevant reduction of obesity prevalence. A significant BMI reduction can be achieved with a normal varied diet, whose energetic value is 300-400 kcal/day below the patient's daily energetic needs, due to the lower consumption of fat and sugar. This requires, however, that the entire family be willing to change their unhealthy eating behaviors (e.g., soft drinks and fast food) and to introduce regular meals into their daily routine. Sensibly, most therapies combine diet therapy with increased physical activity and parental training. Controlled media consumption, active leisure-time behavior, and a structured daily routine are further conditions for successful weight reduction. The high-risk groups for pediatric obesity, i.e., families with migration background and/or low socioeconomic status, have been poorly reached by established programs.

Ethnicity and comorbidities in an overweight and obese multiethnic childhood cohort in Berlin.

AIM: This study aims to analyse the association between ethnicity, elevated metabolic parameters and metabolic syndrome (MS) in a multiethnic cohort of overweight to obese children and adolescents. METHODS: For 1053 patients, standard deviation of body mass index (BMI-SDS) was calculated and metabolic parameters (fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, homeostasis model assessment-IR, lipids, blood pressure) were measured. MS was defined by WHO criteria. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Adjusted differences in BMI-SDS and metabolic parameters between different migration groups were assessed with linear regression models. The risk for MS was calculated with multiple logistic regression models. RESULTS: Forty-eight per cent of the children were German, 25% Turkish and 27% had another ethnicity. Concerning weight status, 23% are overweight, 31% obese and 46% extremely obese with higher rates among the immigrant population. Multivariable models indicate significant associations between elevated metabolic parameters and higher BMI-SDS values. Overall prevalence of MS was 32.3%. MS was detected significantly more often among Turkish patients (40.4%) compared to Germans (27.3%; p=0.02). Logistic regression analysis showed a greater risk for MS with older age (OR=1.09; p=0.003) and Turkish ethnicity (OR=1.62; p=0.02). CONCLUSION: Nearly all patients had symptoms of MS, and 40% had MS showing that this highly health-threatening condition is quite common. Therefore, effective therapy and prevention efforts must be developed for this high risk group. More migration-specific research regarding insulin resistance, MS and Type 2 DM is needed.

[Association between health-related quality of life and selected indicators for 10- to 15-year-old girls in Berlin]. / Einflussfaktoren auf die gesundheitsbezogene Lebensqualität von 10- bis 15-jährigen Mädchen in Berlin.

OBJECTIVE: The state of knowledge on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is incomplete. The influence of social and behavioural factors on HRQOL of 10- to 15-year-old girls was investigated. METHOD: The Berlin School Children's Cohort (BSCOC-cross-sectional study 2006-2007) included 1 842 girls and their parents (n=1 683) in Berlin. Height and body weight were measured. A standardised questionnaire to capture the HRQOL of the girls (KINDL(®) questionnaire) and possible influencing factors was used. The association of the variables age, social situation, migration background, family situation, weight status, menarche status, eating behaviour and illness in the last weeks with the HRQOL and its partial scales were controlled for using the Kruskal-Wallis test. Variables which showed a statistically significant relationship with HRQOL were included as independent variables in a linear regression model with the outcome variable HRQOL to test their influence and quantify it. RESULTS: In comparison to the KINDL reference values (KiGGS), the HRQOL values of the assessed girls are lower. Quality of life is unfavourably swayed by age, low social status, two-sided migration background, sickness in the last few weeks, little physical activity, unfavourable eating behaviour, overweight and obesity and when post-menarche. With the exception of migration background and menarche status, all results were confirmed in the multivariate model. CONCLUSION: The results of the linear regression model demonstrate a higher importance of body and behaviour-related factors and places and confirm the relevance of past prevention and health promotion in the named areas also for the HRQOL of the girls.

Is there a further acceleration in the age at onset of menarche? A cross-sectional study in 1840 school children focusing on age and bodyweight at the onset of menarche.

OBJECTIVE: More than 30 years ago Frisch and Revelle proposed a body weight threshold for the onset of menarche. Based on this hypothesis, a further acceleration of age at menarche can be expected in times of childhood obesity. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study of 1840 healthy school girls (Berlin school children's cohort, BSCOC) within the age groups 10-15 years was conducted in 2006-2007. METHODS: Median age of menarche was calculated by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Bi- and multivariate analyses were performed to analyze the associations between menarche age and weight status. A locally weighted regression was used to analyze the relationship respectively between height, weight, and body mass index (BMI)-SDS and age stratified by menarche status. RESULTS: Nine hundred and thirty six (50.9%) girls had already experienced menarche at a median age of 12.8 years. Two hundred and thirty six of these girls reached their menarche recently. Obese/overweight girls reached menarche significantly earlier (12.5 years), than normal weight (12.9 years), and underweight girls (13.7 years). The mean total body weight was similar in all girls at menarche irrespective of age (mean 51.1 kg, s.d. 8.1) and height. BMI-SDS remained the only significant factor for onset of menarche within a multiple regression model for early menarche (OR 2.1, 95% confidence interval 1.3-3.3, P=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Age at onset of menarche did not accelerate even in a childhood population with more than 10% obesity prevalence. Nevertheless, a negative correlation of BMI-SDS with age at onset of menarche exists.

[A basic set of indicators for mapping migrant status. Recommendations for epidemiological practice]. / Mindestindikatorensatz zur Erfassung des Migrationsstatus. Empfehlungen für die epidemiologische Praxis.

Data on the health status of migrants are still scarce. One of the reasons for this is that migration status has not been well recorded in official statistics and epidemiological studies. In order to obtain an adequate and standardised operationalisation of migrant status, we first need an exact definition of the terms "migrant" and "migration background". We discuss approaches to the definition of terms and the surveying of ethnic minorities and migrants, and then develop a basic set of migration status indicators for use in epidemiological research. This set of indicators includes country of birth of the father and mother, year of immigration, mother tongue, German language skills and status of residence. The key indicator for the identification of migrants is the country of birth of the parents and not the nationality as was previously often the case. Thus, the classification based on the judicial category of nationality is replaced by a classification based on the biographical event "migration". Migration brings with it specific life conditions and challenges that can impact health across several generations. An instrument for surveying migrant status must be further developed both to reflect the special conditions of the life situation resulting from the migration experience and to take as full account as possible of all aspects of a migrant's history.

Effectiveness of virosomal subunit influenza vaccine in preventing influenza-related illnesses and its social and economic consequences in children aged 3-14 years: a prospective cohort study.

To evaluate the effectiveness of a virosomal subunit influenza vaccine in preventing influenza-related illnesses and its social and economic consequences in children aged 3-14 years, a prospective cohort study was carried out during the 2004-2005 influenza season in 11 private pediatric clinics in the Barcelona metropolitan area. One dose of a virosomal subunit inactivated influenza vaccine (Inflexal V Berna) was given during September and October 2004 to healthy children aged 3-14 years attended in 5 of the 11 clinics. Who comprised the vaccinated cohort (n=966). The non-vaccinated cohort (n=985) was comprised of children attended in the other six clinics. Informed consent was obtained from all parents. The follow up was performed between 1 November 2004 and 31 March 2005. Using a self-administered questionnaire, information was collected from parents or guardians on any type of acute, febrile respiratory illness suffered by their children during the study period, including antibiotic use, and absence from school or work-loss of parents as a result of the illness. RT-PCR (influenza A+B+C) was carried out on pharyngeal and nasal samples obtained from children attended by pediatricians during this period in these clinics with the following symptoms: fever> or =38.5 degrees lasting at least 72h, cough or sore throat (influenza-like illness). Adjusted vaccination effectiveness was 58.6% (95% CI 49.2-66.3) in preventing acute febrile respiratory illnesses, 75.1% (95% CI 61.0-84.1) in preventing cases of influenza-like illnesses and 88.4% (95% CI 49.2-97.3) in preventing laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza A. The adjusted vaccination effectiveness in reducing antibiotic use (18.6%, 95% CI -4.2 to 3.64), absence from school (57.8%, 95% CI 47.9-65.9) and work-loss of parents (33.3%, 95% CI 8.9-51.2) in children affected by an acute febrile respiratory illness was somewhat lower. Vaccination of children aged 3-14 years in pediatric practices with one dose of virosomal subunit inactivated influenza vaccine has the potential to considerably reduce the health and social burdens caused by influenza-related illnesses.

Inter-laboratory validation study of five commercial ELISA test kits for the determination of peanut proteins in biscuits and dark chocolate.

The results of an inter-laboratory study with five commercially available peanut ELISA test kits to detect and quantify peanut residues in two food matrices (biscuit and dark chocolate) at four different concentrations (0-10 mg peanut kg(-1) matrix corresponding to about 0-2.5 mg peanut protein kg(-1) matrix) are reported. In general the five ELISA test kits evaluated could detect peanut protein in the two food matrices. In three cases, the study challenged the test kits beyond their intended use for quantification below the manufacturers' defined cut-off limits. Generally, all five ELISA test kits performed well in the concentration range 5-10 mg kg(-1) rather than in the low concentration range (2.0 or 2.5 mg kg(-1)). The variation in the found recoveries of peanut between the different test kits had a spread of 44-191% across all concentrations. The quantification characteristics between test kits differed significantly at the very low mg kg(-1) level. Two test kits performed well even at concentrations below 5 mg kg(-1) with reproducibilities of 27-36% for biscuits and 45-57% for chocolate.

[Interdisciplinary Network for Epidemiological Research in Berlin--EpiBerlin]. / Interdisziplinärer Forschungsverbund Epidemiologie--EpiBerlin.

The Interdisciplinary Network for Epidemiological Research in Berlin (EpiBerlin) has the goal of bringing together epidemiologists and experts in epidemiology and public health in Germany's capital city of Berlin and to offer them opportunities for knowledge transfer and networking. In that way, existing resources may be strengthened and additional potential in Berlin as a science center may be developed. EpiBerlin was founded by an initiative of the Berlin Center of Public Health (BZPH) and is closely affiliated with the three universities in Berlin (Free University, Technical University, and Humboldt University) as well as the Robert Koch Institute, Germany's national center for health research. EpiBerlin is evenly funded by the state of Berlin, through the Senatsverwaltung für Wissenschaft, Forschung und Kultur (Senate Administration for Science, Research, and Culture), and the Bund-Länder-Kommission (Commission of the Federation and States). The development of a databank of the epidemiological databases in the region of Berlin (EpiDB) aims to show the variety of epidemiological work in the area. The aim of EpiDB is to provide transparency and an overview of existing and current research in Berlin, which may also benefit external users. Cooperation, networking, and division of labor for joint venture research may be promoted, also beyond the region of Berlin.