ABSTRACT Background Private Emergency Medical Services serve a vital role in the community, as such they are subject to job related stress. Currently, there is a limited amount of research related to the stressors related to the job. Objective The purpose of this study was to define the type of daily stressors faced by Private EMS personnel and investigate how they impact their Sense of Coherence. Study Design A mixed methods approach was used in this study to obtain the necessary data. Semi-structured one-on-one interviews were conducted with current employees of an EMS agency that provides 911 service in their area. After the interviews, the participants were administered a survey. Participants/setting Current EMS employees were invited to participate in an interview, in a location and time of their choosing. Both Paramedics and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) were invited to participate. Results Critical call incidents, while impacting the mental health of EMS provides, it does not impact them with the same magnitude of operational stress. Operational stress originates from the daily task, interactions and availability of resources. Operational stress was demonstrated to have a large impact on Sense of Coherence. Conclusion Operational stress can have a larger impact on Sense of Coherence of EMS personnel. Research is needed to determine which EMS model helps mitigate the impacts of operational stress on the EMS personnel.

Zusammenfassung: Effekte der L-Carnitinsupplementierung auf das metabolische Profil adipöser und insulinre- sistenter Ponys im Verlaufe einer mehrwöchigen Körpergewichtsreduktion Author: Uta Schmengler Institut für Tierernährung, Ernährungsschäden und Diätetik, Veterinärmedizinische Fakultät, Universität Leipzig Eingereicht im September 2012 76 S., 16 Abb., 23 Tab., 169 Lit., Anhang Einleitung: Das ”Equine Metabolische Syndrom” ist gekennzeichnet durch eine regionale oder generalisierte Adipositas, eine periphere Insulinresistenz sowie akute oder chronische Hufreheschübe. Die Ursache ist in einer bedarfsübersteigenden, hochkalorischen Fütterung und einem relativen Bewegungsmangel zu suchen, wobei auch der genetischen Prädisposition spezieller Rassen eine gewisse Bedeutung zukommt. Ziel dieser Studie war die Untersuchung der Effekte einer L-Carnitinsupplementierung in Kombination mit einer restriktiven Füt- terung und täglicher moderater Bewegung auf Körpermasseverlust, Insulinsensitivität und ausgewählte Parameter des Energiestoffwechsels adipöser und insulinresistenter Ponys. Material und Methoden: Für die placebokontrollierte Doppelblindstudie wurden 16 adipöse Ponys per Losverfahren in zwei Gruppen (N=8) eingeteilt. Zu Versuchsbeginn wiesen die Ponys einen mittleren Body Condition Score von 8,0±2,0 (Skala 1-9) und einen mittleren Cresty Neck Score von 4,0±1,0 (Skala 0-5) auf. Während des 14-wöchigen Körpermassere- duktionsprogramms wurden die Ponys restriktiv gefüttert mit 1 - 1,2 kg Heu/100 kg KM/d. Zusätzlich erhielten 8 Ponys eine L-Carnitin-Zulage (1,3 g/100 kg KM/2d) und 8 Tiere ein Placebo in Form einer Kieselsäureverbindung (1,3 g/100 kg KM/ 2d). Die Ergänzungen wur- den in einem Gemisch aus Grünmehl (50 g/2d) und Mineralfutter verabreicht. Über die 14-wöchige Versuchszeit wurde ein Bewegungsprogramm an sechs Tagen in der Woche durch- geführt, das 25 Minuten Schritt und 15 Minuten Trab beinhaltete. Zu Versuchsbeginn und nach Versuchsende wurde mit beiden Versuchsgruppen ein Frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test (FSIGTT) zur Überprüfung der Insulinsensitivität durchgeführt. Über die gesamte Versuchszeit wurden wöchentlich Blutproben gewonnen zur Bestimmung der ba- salen Serum-Insulinaktivität und Plasma-Glucosekonzentration sowie der Konzentration der Freien Fettsäuren (FFS), Triacylglyceride (TAG), Harnstoff und Betahydroxybutyrat (BHB) im Serum. Die Körpermasseverluste wurden über wöchentliche Wägungen sowie Ermittlung von BCS und CNS kontrolliert. Die statistische Überprüfung wurde anhand parametrischer (ANOVA) und nicht-parametrischer Tests (Wilcoxon signed rank test) durchgeführt, die Kal- kulation der Insulinsensitivität erfolgte über das Minimalmodell anhand eines Computerpro- gramms (MINMOD). Ergebnisse: Im Mittel verloren die Ponys über den Versuchszeitraum von 14 Wochen 1- 3% ihrer Körpermasse pro Woche (Zeit: p < 0, 01, Behandlung: p=0,79), was einem totalen Körpermasseverlust von 14,3±% entsprach. Der BCS reduzierte sich in beiden Versuchs- gruppen um eine Differenz von 3 Einheiten, der CNS verringerte sich in der Carnitingrup- pe (GC ) um eine Differenz von 1,4 und in der Placebogruppe (GP ) um eine Differenz von 1,9 Einheiten. Der Körpermasseverlust war von einer signifikanten Verbesserung der Insu- linsensitivität (Zeit p < 0, 01, Behandlung: p=0,39) begleitet. Die Kalkulation der Insulin- sensitivität im Minimalmodell zeigte eine signifikante Erhöhung der SI-Werte am Versuch- sende in beiden Versuchsgruppen (Beginn Studie GC : 0,76±0,88 l/min/μU*10−4 und GP : 1,61±1,31 l/min/μU*10−4 ; Ende Studie GC : 5,45±0,81 l/min/μU*10−4 und GP : 6,08±2,98 l/min/μU*10−4 ). Signifikante, zeitabhängige Veränderungen wurden auch für die metabo- lischen Parameter beobachtet: Plasma-Glucose und Serum-Insulin reagierten mit einem si- gnifikanten Abfall (Glucose GC : 4,5±0,32 mmol/l vs. 4,21±0,61 mmol/l und Glucose GP : 4,34±0,62 mmol/l vs. 3,86±0,34 mmol/l; Insulin GC : 23,71±32,77 μU/ml vs. 3,67±3,94 μU/ml und GP : 13,55±12,67 μU/ml vs. 1,01±1,09 μU/ml). Dabei kam es zu einem signi- fikanten Anstieg des Serum-Harnstoffs (GC : 3,47±0,73 mmol/l vs. 4,31±1,06 mmol/l und GP : 3,71±0,79 mmol/l vs. 4,9±1,23 mmol/l) sowie der Serum-FFS (GC : 157±95 μmol/l vs. 731±138 μmol/l und GP : 113±63 μmol/l vs. 686±142 μmol/l) und Serum-TAG (GC : 0,53±0,28 mmol/l vs. 0,94±0,61 mmol/l und GP : 0,45±0,23 mmol/l vs. 0,64±0,25 mmol/l). Bezüglich der L-Carnitinsupplementierung wurden keine weiteren Effekte verzeichnet. Schlussfolgerungen: Die restriktive Energiezufuhr von 7 MJ DE/100 kg KM entspre- chend einer Heuzulage von 1 kg/100 kg KM führte zu KM-Verlusten von 1-3 %. Eine Kör- permassereduktion zeigte deutliche Auswirkungen auf den Glucose- und Lipidmetabolismus und führte zu einer signifikanten Verbesserung der Insulinsensitivität, wohingegen die L- Carnitinsupplementierung keine weiteren Effekte auf den Glucosestoffwechsel herbeiführte. Eine bedarfsdeckende Eigensynthese von L-Carnitin ist beim Pony offensichtlich auch im Zu- stand der Insulinresistenz gewährleistet und reicht aus um die obligatorischen Funktionen L-Carnitins im Energiestoffwechsel zu erfüllen. / Summary: The effects of L-carnitine supplementation on body weight losses and metabolic profile in obese and insulin resistant ponies during a several weeks lasting bodyweight reduction pro- gramme Author: Uta Schmengler Institute of Animal Nutrition, Nutrition Diseases and Dietetics, Faculty of Veterinary Medi- cine, University of Leipzig Submitted in September 2012 76 p., 16 fig., 23 tab., 169 ref., appendix Introduction: Insulin resistance, local or general adiposity and the predisposition towards acute or chronical laminitis are components of the equine metabolic syndrome. Contributing factors for this syndrome are the intake and the quality of a high caloric feed by a lack of physical exersice. Howewer, the genetically predisposition of so called ”easy keepers” seems to play a role in pathogenesis. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of L- carnitine supplementation in combination with a body weight reduction programme (BWRP) on body weight (BW) losses, insulin sensitivity and selected metabolic parameters in obese and insulin resistant ponies. Material und methods: 16 obese ponies (mean BCS = 8.0±2.0, mean CNS = 4.0±1.0) were assigned to a randomized double blind, placebo-controlled study. The ponies werde di- vided into two equal groups (N=8). During a 14 weeks lasting BWRP the ponies were fed 1.0-1.2 kg hay/100 kg BW daily. Additionally, 8 ponies were supplemented with L-carnitine (1.3g/100 kg BW) and 8 ponies were supplemented with a placebo (1.3g/100 kg BW). The supplements were offered in a mixture of 50 g grass meal and 50 g of a commercial mineral mixture, twice a day. During BWRP ponies were exercised a low-intensity protocol 6 days a week (daily 25 min walk and 15 min trot across the countryside). A frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test (FSIGTT) was undertaken in order to assess insulin sen- sitivity at the beginning and the end of the study. Routine blood samples were collected for analysis of plasma glucose, serum insulin, free fatty acids (FFA), triglycerides (TG), urea and beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB). Ponies were weighed weekly after 12 h of feed restriction by using an electronic scale for large animals. BCS and CNS were recorded weekly by the same 2 observers throughout the study. The statistical analysis was performed by parametric and non-parametric tests (ANOVA and Wilcoxon ranked test). The minimal modell calcu- lation of insulin sensitivity (SI) from FSIGTT was calculated by the computer programme (MINMOD). Results: Ponies lost 1-3% BW per week over the BWRP (time P<0.01, L-carnitine supple- mentation P=0.79), meaning a total body weight loss of 14.3%. BCS decreased in both groups with a difference of three points and CNS was reduced with a difference of 1.4-1.9 points. BW losses were accompanied by a significant improvement in insulin sensitivity (Time: P<0.01, L-carnitine supplementation: P=0.39). The calculation for SI-values by the minimalmodell showed a significant increase in L-carnitine group (GC ) and placebo group (GP ) in the end of the study. (GC : 0.76±0.88 L/min/μU*10−4 to 5.45±0.81 L/min/μU*10−4 , GP : 1.61±1.31 L/min/μU*10−4 to 6.08±2.98 L/min/μU*10−4 ). Significant time related decreases were observed for plasma glucose (GC : 4.5±0.32 mmol/L to 4.21±0.61 mmol/L, GP : 4.34±0.62 mmol/L to 3.86±0.34 mmol/L) and serum insulin (GC : 23.71±32.77 μU/mL to 3.67±3.94 μU/mL, GP : 13.55±12.67 μU/mL to 1.01±1.09 μU/mL). A significant increase was observed for serum urea (GC : 3.47±0.73 mmol/L to 4.31±1.06 mmol/L, GP : 3.71±0.79 mmol/L to 4.9±1.23 mmol/L), FFA (GC : 157±95 μmol/L to 731±138 μmol/L und GP : 113±63 μmol/L to 686±142 μmol/L) and TG (GC : 0.53±0.28 mmol/L to 0.94±0.61 mmol/L, GP : 0.45±0.23 mmol/L to 0.64±0.25 mmol/L) during BWRP. There was no further improvement in metabolic responses by L-carnitine supplementation. Conclusions: Energy intake of 7 MJ DE/100 kg BW leads to bodyweight losses of 1- 3%, herby improving insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism. L-carnitine supplementation does not further improve glucose or fat metabolism, suggesting that endogenous L-carnitine synthesis was sufficient to facilitate energy metabolism in obese and insulin resistant ponies.

CoordenaÃÃo de AperfeiÃoamento de Pessoal de NÃvel Superior / O feijÃo-de-corda tem grande importÃncia socioeconÃmica no Nordeste brasileiro. Entretanto, sua produÃÃo à baixa devido a diversos fatores biÃticos, como, por exemplo, o vÃrus do mosaico severo do caupà (CPSMV, gÃnero Comovirus), que apresenta grande destaque, por causar a virose que mais acomete essa cultura no paÃs. No estudo da interaÃÃo planta-vÃrus, diversos trabalhos mostram que o tratamento de sementes com o etil metanosulfonato (EMS, mutagÃnico quÃmico) resulta no fenÃtipo de resistÃncia em plantas que, anteriormente, apresentavam susceptibilidade à infecÃÃo por vÃrus do gÃnero Potyvirus. Por essa razÃo, o presente estudo teve como objetivo investigar as respostas de defesa bioquÃmicas e fisiolÃgicas das plantas de feijÃo-de-corda do genÃtipo (CE-31) susceptÃvel ao CPSMV (CPI) a partir de sementes tratadas com EMS (0,04% v/v), e avaliar se as plantas mutagenizadas (MCPI), produzidas a partir dessas sementes se tornaram resistentes ao CPSMV. Duas diferentes abordagens foram utilizadas neste trabalho: 1) anÃlises bioquÃmicas (enzimas antioxidantes e conteÃdo de H2O2, PR-proteÃnas e compostos secundÃrios) e fisiolÃgicas (parÃmetros fotossintÃticos e teor de clorofila); 2) abordagem proteÃmica quantitativa (LC-ESI-MS/MS), livre de marcaÃÃo, para identificar proteÃnas responsivas à infecÃÃo viral. Os resultados obtidos demonstram que as plantas MCPI sÃo capazes de induzir respostas bioquÃmicas (aumento de H2O2, induÃÃo de PR-proteÃnas e aumento no conteÃdo de compostos secundÃrios) e alteraÃÃes nos parÃmetros fisiolÃgicos (alta taxa fotossintÃtica e teor de clorofila) que, aparentemente, tÃm relaÃÃo com o fenÃtipo de resistÃncia das plantas mutagenizadas ao CPSMV. Na anÃlise proteÃmica, 99 proteÃnas foram identificadas como sendo diferenciais, das quais 68 aumentaram e 31 diminuÃram em abundÃncia nas plantas MCPI em relaÃÃo as plantas CPI. A anÃlise proteÃmica, mostrou diversas vias metabÃlicas (Metabolismo Redox, Energia e Metabolismo, FotossÃntese, Metabolismo de RNA e Defesa) envolvidas nas respostas de defesa das plantas MCPI frente a infecÃÃo viral. O tratamento das sementes com o EMS, resultou em plantas de feijÃo-de-corda com fenÃtipo de resistÃncia capazes de acionar mecanismos de defesa para impedir a infeÃÃo viral / Cowpea is an important crop that makes major nutritional contributions as a source of proteins and carbohydrates in the diet of many people worldwide. However, its production is impaired due to various stresses including those of biotic origins. Cowpea Severe Mosaic Virus (CPSMV) infects cowpeas leading to severe symptoms and low productivity. Several studies of plant-virus interaction show that seed treatment with Ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS, chemical mutagen), results in a resistant phenotype in plants, which was previously susceptibility, to virus infection of the Potyvirus genus. The aim of this study was to investigate some physiological and biochemical parameters of a susceptible cowpea cultivar (CPI) (CE-31, sin. Pitiuba) in comparison with its derived resistant mutagenized (MCPI), both infected with CPSMV. MCPI plantlets were obtained after treatment of CE-31 seeds with 0.04% EMS. Two different approaches were used in this study: 1) biochemical (antioxidant enzymes and H2O2 content, PR-proteins and secondary metabolites) and physiological analysis (photosynthetic parameters and chlorophyll content); and 2) Label free quantitative proteomic approach (LC-ESI-MS / MS) to identify proteins responsive to viral infection. Our results showed that MCPI had no symptoms of CPSMV infection and biochemical (high H2O2, PR-proteins and secondary compounds [phenolic and lignin]) and physiological responses (High photosynthesis index and chlorophyll content) is activated in MCPI plantlets after CPSMV inoculation. With regard to proteomic analysis, 99 proteins were differentially represented, where these 68 are up- and 31 down represented in MCPI compared to CPI. Regardless whether to CPI (susceptible) or MCPI (mutagenized resistant) plantlets, CPSMV induce changes in proteome profile that involve several biological process (energy and metabolism, photosynthesis, response to stress, oxidative burst, and scavenging). Moreover, these results suggest that the CPSMV responsive proteins in the MCPI represent a complex network involving in resistant mechanisms to CPSMV. Treatment of the susceptible CE-31 genotype seeds with the mutagenic agent EMS induced genomic alterations generating a cowpea mutagenized resistant to CPSMV by apparently inducing classical biochemical and physiological responses against infection

L’acide ascorbique (AsA) est un antioxydant essentiel à la fois pour l’homme et les végétaux. L’AsA provenant des plantes représente la source principale de vitamine C dans l’alimentation quotidienne. Au-delà de son impact nutritionnel, augmenter la teneur en AsA dans le fruit de tomate serait susceptible d’influencer la qualité des fruits après la récolte, en termes de conservation mais également de résistance à des pathogènes. Bien que le métabolisme de l’AsA soit bien caractérisé, les mécanismes impliqués dans sa régulation restent jusqu'à présent peu compris. Des études récentes menées sur des feuilles d’Arabisdopsis thaliana montrent que certaines protéines seraient capables de réguler la teneur en AsA, en agissant au niveau transcriptionnel ou post-transcriptionnel. A ce jour, ce type de régulation n’a pas été encore décrit chez les fruits. Dans ce but, une approche de génétique directe a été développée afin d’étudier les mécanismes impliqués dans la régulation de la teneur en AsA et ceci dans le fruit de tomate (Solanum lycopersicum). L’analyse d’une population de mutants EMS de tomate Micro-Tom a permis l’identification de lignées de mutants présentant des teneurs en AsA de 2,5 à 4 fois plus importantes que celles observées dans les fruits de tomate sauvage. La caractérisation de ces lignées a conduit à des résultats prometteurs pour l’étude de la qualité des fruits après la récolte. Une stratégie de NGS-mapping a permis l’identification des mutations causales responsables du phénotype AsA observé. Ainsi, le criblage de mutants EMS a permis la découverte de nouvelles protéines inattendues, permettant de confirmer au niveau moléculaire l’existence d’une interaction directe en la signalisation lumineuse et la régulation de la voie de biosynthèse de l’AsA. / The ascorbic acid (AsA) is an essential antioxidant in both plants and humans. Plant-derived AsA is the major source of vitamin C in the human diet. In addition to its effect on tomato nutritional value, increasing tomato AsA content would likely affect postharvest storage and resistance to pathogens of the fruit. While AsA metabolism is well characterized, the mechanisms involved in its regulation remain poorly understood. Recent studies in Arabidopsis leaves indicate that few regulatory proteins can regulate this pathway at transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. Still nothing equivalent has been described in fruits. In that aim, a forward genetic approach has been carried out to investigate the regulation of AsA in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) fruit. The screening of an EMS tomato mutant population in the miniature cultivar Micro-Tom for identifying mutant lines with AsA-enriched fruits was done. Among the 500 M2 mutant families screened, four mutant lines with higher AsA content ranging from 2.5 to 4 fold were selected. These mutant lines have been characterized for postharvest traits quality and showed promising results. A method based on NGS-mapping allowed the identification of the putative AsA-enriched related gene. Thus, the screening of EMS mutants led to original findings such as the discovery of new unexpected proteins regulating AsA in plants, and particularly in fruits. Our work confirms at the molecular level the direct interaction between light signaling component and the regulation of the AsA biosynthesis pathway.

The diploma thesis focuses on the management of the environmental system in a selected company. The thesis specifies the theoretical requirements concerning the environmental management system and the ČSN ISO 14 001 standard. It contains an established system in the company, it´s use and environmental management within the company. The conclusion of the thesis is to detect the shortcomings of the established system and to propose remedial measures reparation the environmental deficiencies.

The diploma thesis is focused on the management of the environmental system in the company Fosfa a.s. The first part of the diploma thesis contains theoretical information and definition of the terms environmental management and standards ČSN ISO 14 001. The second part is an analysis and evaluation of the economic situation of the company. Finally, the results and proposals of a standard that improves the current situation and eliminates shortcomings related to the environment are summarized.

The goal of this thesis is consumption of ISO norms within OK Mont Inc. company, specifically the EMS as one of the optional activities of an organization to the environmental protection. The theoretical part defines and compares approaches to the implementation of the EMS – the norm of ISO 14001 and the EMAS program. The practical part describes the implementation process and the EMS functioning within the company. The attention is mainly drawn to reasons, draft, costs and benefits connected with the implementation and the maintenance of the system.

Zusammenfassung: Effekte der L-Carnitinsupplementierung auf das metabolische Profil adipöser und insulinre- sistenter Ponys im Verlaufe einer mehrwöchigen Körpergewichtsreduktion Author: Uta Schmengler Institut für Tierernährung, Ernährungsschäden und Diätetik, Veterinärmedizinische Fakultät, Universität Leipzig Eingereicht im September 2012 76 S., 16 Abb., 23 Tab., 169 Lit., Anhang Einleitung: Das ”Equine Metabolische Syndrom” ist gekennzeichnet durch eine regionale oder generalisierte Adipositas, eine periphere Insulinresistenz sowie akute oder chronische Hufreheschübe. Die Ursache ist in einer bedarfsübersteigenden, hochkalorischen Fütterung und einem relativen Bewegungsmangel zu suchen, wobei auch der genetischen Prädisposition spezieller Rassen eine gewisse Bedeutung zukommt. Ziel dieser Studie war die Untersuchung der Effekte einer L-Carnitinsupplementierung in Kombination mit einer restriktiven Füt- terung und täglicher moderater Bewegung auf Körpermasseverlust, Insulinsensitivität und ausgewählte Parameter des Energiestoffwechsels adipöser und insulinresistenter Ponys. Material und Methoden: Für die placebokontrollierte Doppelblindstudie wurden 16 adipöse Ponys per Losverfahren in zwei Gruppen (N=8) eingeteilt. Zu Versuchsbeginn wiesen die Ponys einen mittleren Body Condition Score von 8,0±2,0 (Skala 1-9) und einen mittleren Cresty Neck Score von 4,0±1,0 (Skala 0-5) auf. Während des 14-wöchigen Körpermassere- duktionsprogramms wurden die Ponys restriktiv gefüttert mit 1 - 1,2 kg Heu/100 kg KM/d. Zusätzlich erhielten 8 Ponys eine L-Carnitin-Zulage (1,3 g/100 kg KM/2d) und 8 Tiere ein Placebo in Form einer Kieselsäureverbindung (1,3 g/100 kg KM/ 2d). Die Ergänzungen wur- den in einem Gemisch aus Grünmehl (50 g/2d) und Mineralfutter verabreicht. Über die 14-wöchige Versuchszeit wurde ein Bewegungsprogramm an sechs Tagen in der Woche durch- geführt, das 25 Minuten Schritt und 15 Minuten Trab beinhaltete. Zu Versuchsbeginn und nach Versuchsende wurde mit beiden Versuchsgruppen ein Frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test (FSIGTT) zur Überprüfung der Insulinsensitivität durchgeführt. Über die gesamte Versuchszeit wurden wöchentlich Blutproben gewonnen zur Bestimmung der ba- salen Serum-Insulinaktivität und Plasma-Glucosekonzentration sowie der Konzentration der Freien Fettsäuren (FFS), Triacylglyceride (TAG), Harnstoff und Betahydroxybutyrat (BHB) im Serum. Die Körpermasseverluste wurden über wöchentliche Wägungen sowie Ermittlung von BCS und CNS kontrolliert. Die statistische Überprüfung wurde anhand parametrischer (ANOVA) und nicht-parametrischer Tests (Wilcoxon signed rank test) durchgeführt, die Kal- kulation der Insulinsensitivität erfolgte über das Minimalmodell anhand eines Computerpro- gramms (MINMOD). Ergebnisse: Im Mittel verloren die Ponys über den Versuchszeitraum von 14 Wochen 1- 3% ihrer Körpermasse pro Woche (Zeit: p < 0, 01, Behandlung: p=0,79), was einem totalen Körpermasseverlust von 14,3±% entsprach. Der BCS reduzierte sich in beiden Versuchs- gruppen um eine Differenz von 3 Einheiten, der CNS verringerte sich in der Carnitingrup- pe (GC ) um eine Differenz von 1,4 und in der Placebogruppe (GP ) um eine Differenz von 1,9 Einheiten. Der Körpermasseverlust war von einer signifikanten Verbesserung der Insu- linsensitivität (Zeit p < 0, 01, Behandlung: p=0,39) begleitet. Die Kalkulation der Insulin- sensitivität im Minimalmodell zeigte eine signifikante Erhöhung der SI-Werte am Versuch- sende in beiden Versuchsgruppen (Beginn Studie GC : 0,76±0,88 l/min/μU*10−4 und GP : 1,61±1,31 l/min/μU*10−4 ; Ende Studie GC : 5,45±0,81 l/min/μU*10−4 und GP : 6,08±2,98 l/min/μU*10−4 ). Signifikante, zeitabhängige Veränderungen wurden auch für die metabo- lischen Parameter beobachtet: Plasma-Glucose und Serum-Insulin reagierten mit einem si- gnifikanten Abfall (Glucose GC : 4,5±0,32 mmol/l vs. 4,21±0,61 mmol/l und Glucose GP : 4,34±0,62 mmol/l vs. 3,86±0,34 mmol/l; Insulin GC : 23,71±32,77 μU/ml vs. 3,67±3,94 μU/ml und GP : 13,55±12,67 μU/ml vs. 1,01±1,09 μU/ml). Dabei kam es zu einem signi- fikanten Anstieg des Serum-Harnstoffs (GC : 3,47±0,73 mmol/l vs. 4,31±1,06 mmol/l und GP : 3,71±0,79 mmol/l vs. 4,9±1,23 mmol/l) sowie der Serum-FFS (GC : 157±95 μmol/l vs. 731±138 μmol/l und GP : 113±63 μmol/l vs. 686±142 μmol/l) und Serum-TAG (GC : 0,53±0,28 mmol/l vs. 0,94±0,61 mmol/l und GP : 0,45±0,23 mmol/l vs. 0,64±0,25 mmol/l). Bezüglich der L-Carnitinsupplementierung wurden keine weiteren Effekte verzeichnet. Schlussfolgerungen: Die restriktive Energiezufuhr von 7 MJ DE/100 kg KM entspre- chend einer Heuzulage von 1 kg/100 kg KM führte zu KM-Verlusten von 1-3 %. Eine Kör- permassereduktion zeigte deutliche Auswirkungen auf den Glucose- und Lipidmetabolismus und führte zu einer signifikanten Verbesserung der Insulinsensitivität, wohingegen die L- Carnitinsupplementierung keine weiteren Effekte auf den Glucosestoffwechsel herbeiführte. Eine bedarfsdeckende Eigensynthese von L-Carnitin ist beim Pony offensichtlich auch im Zu- stand der Insulinresistenz gewährleistet und reicht aus um die obligatorischen Funktionen L-Carnitins im Energiestoffwechsel zu erfüllen. / Summary: The effects of L-carnitine supplementation on body weight losses and metabolic profile in obese and insulin resistant ponies during a several weeks lasting bodyweight reduction pro- gramme Author: Uta Schmengler Institute of Animal Nutrition, Nutrition Diseases and Dietetics, Faculty of Veterinary Medi- cine, University of Leipzig Submitted in September 2012 76 p., 16 fig., 23 tab., 169 ref., appendix Introduction: Insulin resistance, local or general adiposity and the predisposition towards acute or chronical laminitis are components of the equine metabolic syndrome. Contributing factors for this syndrome are the intake and the quality of a high caloric feed by a lack of physical exersice. Howewer, the genetically predisposition of so called ”easy keepers” seems to play a role in pathogenesis. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of L- carnitine supplementation in combination with a body weight reduction programme (BWRP) on body weight (BW) losses, insulin sensitivity and selected metabolic parameters in obese and insulin resistant ponies. Material und methods: 16 obese ponies (mean BCS = 8.0±2.0, mean CNS = 4.0±1.0) were assigned to a randomized double blind, placebo-controlled study. The ponies werde di- vided into two equal groups (N=8). During a 14 weeks lasting BWRP the ponies were fed 1.0-1.2 kg hay/100 kg BW daily. Additionally, 8 ponies were supplemented with L-carnitine (1.3g/100 kg BW) and 8 ponies were supplemented with a placebo (1.3g/100 kg BW). The supplements were offered in a mixture of 50 g grass meal and 50 g of a commercial mineral mixture, twice a day. During BWRP ponies were exercised a low-intensity protocol 6 days a week (daily 25 min walk and 15 min trot across the countryside). A frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test (FSIGTT) was undertaken in order to assess insulin sen- sitivity at the beginning and the end of the study. Routine blood samples were collected for analysis of plasma glucose, serum insulin, free fatty acids (FFA), triglycerides (TG), urea and beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB). Ponies were weighed weekly after 12 h of feed restriction by using an electronic scale for large animals. BCS and CNS were recorded weekly by the same 2 observers throughout the study. The statistical analysis was performed by parametric and non-parametric tests (ANOVA and Wilcoxon ranked test). The minimal modell calcu- lation of insulin sensitivity (SI) from FSIGTT was calculated by the computer programme (MINMOD). Results: Ponies lost 1-3% BW per week over the BWRP (time P<0.01, L-carnitine supple- mentation P=0.79), meaning a total body weight loss of 14.3%. BCS decreased in both groups with a difference of three points and CNS was reduced with a difference of 1.4-1.9 points. BW losses were accompanied by a significant improvement in insulin sensitivity (Time: P<0.01, L-carnitine supplementation: P=0.39). The calculation for SI-values by the minimalmodell showed a significant increase in L-carnitine group (GC ) and placebo group (GP ) in the end of the study. (GC : 0.76±0.88 L/min/μU*10−4 to 5.45±0.81 L/min/μU*10−4 , GP : 1.61±1.31 L/min/μU*10−4 to 6.08±2.98 L/min/μU*10−4 ). Significant time related decreases were observed for plasma glucose (GC : 4.5±0.32 mmol/L to 4.21±0.61 mmol/L, GP : 4.34±0.62 mmol/L to 3.86±0.34 mmol/L) and serum insulin (GC : 23.71±32.77 μU/mL to 3.67±3.94 μU/mL, GP : 13.55±12.67 μU/mL to 1.01±1.09 μU/mL). A significant increase was observed for serum urea (GC : 3.47±0.73 mmol/L to 4.31±1.06 mmol/L, GP : 3.71±0.79 mmol/L to 4.9±1.23 mmol/L), FFA (GC : 157±95 μmol/L to 731±138 μmol/L und GP : 113±63 μmol/L to 686±142 μmol/L) and TG (GC : 0.53±0.28 mmol/L to 0.94±0.61 mmol/L, GP : 0.45±0.23 mmol/L to 0.64±0.25 mmol/L) during BWRP. There was no further improvement in metabolic responses by L-carnitine supplementation. Conclusions: Energy intake of 7 MJ DE/100 kg BW leads to bodyweight losses of 1- 3%, herby improving insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism. L-carnitine supplementation does not further improve glucose or fat metabolism, suggesting that endogenous L-carnitine synthesis was sufficient to facilitate energy metabolism in obese and insulin resistant ponies.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the preparedness at the prehospital emergency care unit in north-western Skåne. Measuring preparedness is important to ensure that the ability to respond on emergency calls is satisfactory. To do this for north-western Skåne historical data from 2015 was extracted from SOS Alarm’s database. It was used to calculate preparedness using workload and coverage as measurements. The workload was calculated by taking the busy periods and comparing them to the ambulances working times. The coverage was calculated by defining neighbouring stations to cover for each station and then finding the amount of hours when there was no ambulance at either station. These calculations show that two of the six stations in north-western Skåne are in need of improvement. To increase the preparedness to a good level resources will have to be added at the liable stations. These resources would be new ambulances. There is a possibility to relocate ambulances from stations within the district but that would lead to a worsened preparedness for the stations which these ambulances belonged to in the first place.

Besides the braking system the steering system is one of the most important systems on vehicles. The reliability and the performance of a steering system decides on the controllability of the vehicle under normal conditions as well as emergency situations. In everyday use the characteristics, the connectivity to assistance systems and the energy efficiency of the steering system become more and more important to fulfill the increasing demands regarding fuel consumption, carbon dioxide emissions and comfort. To meet these demands, new steering systems must be implemented and new technologies have to be developed. This contribution compares different approaches regarding functionality and energy efficiency to give an indication which system is the most promising solution for future front axle steering systems as well as rear steered axles (tag- or pusher axle) on trucks.