Background: This report describes a large international chocolate-associated Salmonella outbreak originating from Germany.

Dendritic cells play a major role in the generation of immunity against tumour cells. They can be grown under various culture conditions, which influence the phenotypical and functional properties of dendritic cells and thereby the consecutive immune response mainly executed by T cells. Here we discuss various conditions, which are important during generation and administration of dendritic cells to elicit a tumouricidal T cell-based immune response.

A nationwide outbreak of Salmonella Agona caused by aniseed-containing herbal tea occurred from October 2002 through July 2003 among infants in Germany. Consumers should adhere strictly to brewing instructions, although in exceptional cases this precaution may not be protective, particularly when preparing tea for vulnerable age groups.

Increasing 2-dose vaccination coverage has led to an interruption of endemic measles virus circulation in Germany. However, outbreaks after virus importation still occur and contribute to international transmission chains. Between 2003 and 2009, annual measles incidence ranged between 0.2 and 2.8 per 100,000 population. Immunization gaps have been identified especially in secondary-school students and young adults, which is also reflected by a shift in age distribution of reported measles cases toward older age groups. Stronger political commitment and standardized guidelines for outbreak containment were put in place in Germany in the past years, but the last step toward measles elimination cannot be made until the number of susceptible individuals has been further reduced. In addition to routine childhood vaccination, supplementary immunization activities are needed targeting school students and young adults to close critical immunization gaps. Intensification of public awareness and sound information on vaccinations are necessary to convince skeptics and remind the forgetful.

Resumo Este artigo aborda os desafios enfrentados pelas Instituições Financeiras de Desenvolvimento Regional (IFDRs) no Brasil, sugerindo algumas condições para a melhora no financiamento de longo prazo. O artigo destaca a importância do Sistema Nacional de Fomento, traça um breve histórico das instituições financeiras de desenvolvimento brasileiras, aponta limitações a serem superadas e condições para que as IFDR assumam um papel mais efetivo no desenvolvimento nacional. As proposições de política pública voltadas ao fortalecimento das instituições regionais expressam o conteúdo dos debates mantidos no âmbito da Associação Brasileira de Desenvolvimento, o principal fórum de representação das instituições de fomento.