39 results on '"Wolters M"'
Search Results
2. Compositional clusters in the nasal microbiome as predictors of SARS-CoV-2 infection - results from the German National Cohort (NAKO) study
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Kleine Bardenhorst, S, Six-Merker, J, Peters, A, Krist, L, Keil, T, Nimptsch, K, Pischon, T, Gastell, S, Schulze, MB, Wolters, M, Günther, K, Schikowski, T, Schmidt, B, Stang, A, Michels, KB, Klee, B, Mikolajczyk, R, Harth, V, Obi, N, Lange, B, Klett-Tammen, CJ, Lieb, W, Becher, H, Kaaks, R, Karch, A, Berger, K, Nauck, M, Khattak M, N, Baurecht, H, Leitzmann, M, Holleczek, B, Brenner, H, Kemmling, Y, Panreck, L, Vital, M, Rübsamen, N, Kleine Bardenhorst, S, Six-Merker, J, Peters, A, Krist, L, Keil, T, Nimptsch, K, Pischon, T, Gastell, S, Schulze, MB, Wolters, M, Günther, K, Schikowski, T, Schmidt, B, Stang, A, Michels, KB, Klee, B, Mikolajczyk, R, Harth, V, Obi, N, Lange, B, Klett-Tammen, CJ, Lieb, W, Becher, H, Kaaks, R, Karch, A, Berger, K, Nauck, M, Khattak M, N, Baurecht, H, Leitzmann, M, Holleczek, B, Brenner, H, Kemmling, Y, Panreck, L, Vital, M, and Rübsamen, N
- Published
- 2024
3. Strategies, processes, outcomes, and costs of implementing experience sampling-based monitoring in routine mental health care in four European countries: Study protocol for the IMMERSE effectiveness-implementation study
- Author
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Reininghaus, U., Schwannauer, M., Barne, I., Beames, J.R., Bonnier, R.A., Brenner, M., Breznoščáková, D., Dančík, D., De Allegri, M., Di Folco, S., Durstewitz, D., Gugel, Jessica, Hajdúk, Michal, Heretik, A., Izáková, Ľ., Katreniakova, Z., Kiekens, G., Koppe, G., Kurilla, A., Marelli, Luca, Nagyova, I., Nguyen, H., Pečeňák, J., Schulte-Strathaus, J.C.C., Sotomayor-Enriquez, K., Uyttebroek, L., Weermeijer, J., Wolters, M., Wensing, M., Boehnke, J.R., Myin-Germeys, I., Schick, A., Reininghaus, U., Schwannauer, M., Barne, I., Beames, J.R., Bonnier, R.A., Brenner, M., Breznoščáková, D., Dančík, D., De Allegri, M., Di Folco, S., Durstewitz, D., Gugel, Jessica, Hajdúk, Michal, Heretik, A., Izáková, Ľ., Katreniakova, Z., Kiekens, G., Koppe, G., Kurilla, A., Marelli, Luca, Nagyova, I., Nguyen, H., Pečeňák, J., Schulte-Strathaus, J.C.C., Sotomayor-Enriquez, K., Uyttebroek, L., Weermeijer, J., Wolters, M., Wensing, M., Boehnke, J.R., Myin-Germeys, I., and Schick, A.
- Abstract
Background Recent years have seen a growing interest in the use of digital tools for delivering person-centred mental health care. Experience Sampling Methodology (ESM), a structured diary technique for capturing moment-to-moment variation in experience and behaviour in service users’ daily life, reflects a particularly promising avenue for implementing a person-centred approach. While there is evidence on the effectiveness of ESM-based monitoring, uptake in routine mental health care remains limited. The overarching aim of this hybrid effectiveness-implementation study is to investigate, in detail, reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance as well as contextual factors, processes, and costs of implementing ESM-based monitoring, reporting, and feedback into routine mental health care in four European countries (i.e., Belgium, Germany, Scotland, Slovakia). Methods In this hybrid effectiveness-implementation study, a parallel-group, assessor-blind, multi-centre cluster randomized controlled trial (cRCT) will be conducted, combined with a process and economic evaluation. In the cRCT, 24 clinical units (as the cluster and unit of randomization) at eight sites in four European countries will be randomly allocated using an unbalanced 2:1 ratio to one of two conditions: (a) the experimental condition, in which participants receive a Digital Mobile Mental Health intervention (DMMH) and other implementation strategies in addition to treatment as usual (TAU) or (b) the control condition, in which service users are provided with TAU. Outcome data in service users and clinicians will be collected at four time points: at baseline (t0), 2-month post-baseline (t1), 6-month post-baseline (t2), and 12-month post-baseline (t3). The primary outcome will be patient-reported service engagement assessed with the service attachment questionnaire at 2-month post-baseline. The process and economic evaluation
- Published
- 2024
4. Full scale testing of fatigue resistant composite joints for offshore wind Jacket and Floating structures.
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Pavlovic, M, Koetsier, M, Yang, J, Mylonopoulos, V, Wolters, M, Segeren, M, Van Wittenberghe, J, Thibaux, P, and Vanderschueren, M
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- 2024
- Full Text
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5. EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION OF WRAPPED COMPOSITE X-JOINTS UNDER MONOTONIC UNIAXIAL AND MULTI-AXIAL LOAD CONDITIONS
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Koetsier, M., Yang, J., Wolters, M., and Pavlovic, M.
- Abstract
Wrapped composite joints excel as an alternative to welded joints, exhibiting superior static and fatigue performance. This paper presents an experimental investigation into the failure mechanisms and load-bearing capacity of wrapped composite joints under multi-axial monotonic loading. The study aims to explore the effectiveness of wrapped composite joints in resisting multi-axial loads and gain insight into failure modes. Results reveal exceptional resistance to uniaxial tension, bending, and multi-axial tension+bending. Failure modes include interfacial debonding, delamination, composite fracture, and steel yielding. Strain monitoring via Digital Image Correlation (DIC) and embedded optical fibers confirms these findings, highlighting significant multi-axial loading resistance., Paper 78
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- 2023
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6. Landsdekkend beeld van PFAS in Nederlands grondwater
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Wintersen, A, Claessens, J, Wit, M, van Helvoort, K, Wolters, M, Stoffelsen, B, van Wijnen, H, and van Breemen, P
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RIVM rapport 2021-0205 - Abstract
PFAS (per- en polyfluoralkylstoffen) is een groep stoffen die door mensen zijn gemaakt. Bij de productie en het gebruik van producten waar PFAS in zitten kunnen deze stoffen in het milieu terechtkomen. Uit onderzoek van het RIVM blijkt dat PFAS overal in Nederland in het grondwater kunnen zitten. Het gaat meestal om lage concentraties. De hoogste concentraties PFAS zijn gevonden in het grondwater dat net onder het bodemoppervlak zit, direct onder het maaiveld. Maar ook in dieper en ouder grondwater zijn PFAS gemeten. Het gaat dan vooral om PFAS die niet snel aan deeltjes in de bodem vast gaan zitten. Daardoor kunnen zij gemakkelijk met het grondwater meestromen en zich verspreiden. Uit eerder onderzoek van het RIVM bleek al dat PFAS overal in de bodem zitten. De metingen voor het onderzoek naar grondwater zijn voor een deel op dezelfde locaties gedaan als het bodemonderzoek. Het RIVM heeft daardoor kunnen onderzoeken of er een verband is tussen concentraties in de bodem en in het grondwater. Dat verband is niet gevonden. Het RIVM vermoedt dat bij de lage concentraties in het grondwater verschillende factoren invloed hebben op de verhouding tussen PFAS in bodem en grondwater. Bijvoorbeeld de hoeveelheid regen en de stroomsnelheid van het grondwater. In andere onderzoeken is dit verband wel aangetoond. Volgens het RIVM gaat het dan om plekken waar lokaal hoge concentraties PFAS in het grondwater zaten, bijvoorbeeld nadat een brand met blusschuim is geblust. Blusschuim bevat PFAS.
- Published
- 2021
7. Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy for multiple renal tumors – a multicenter analysis
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Harke, N.N., primary, Schiefelbein, F., additional, Schneller, A., additional, Schoen, G., additional, Wiesinger, C.G., additional, Pfuner, J., additional, Falkensammer, E., additional, Gilbert, N., additional, Eraky, A., additional, Zimmermanns, V., additional, Paramythelli, I., additional, Hadaschik, B.A., additional, Radtke, J.P., additional, Darr, C., additional, Kriegmair, M.C., additional, Flintrop, M., additional, Wolters, M., additional, Faraj Tabrizi, P., additional, Kuczyk, M.A., additional, and Osmonov, D., additional
- Published
- 2022
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8. The experience sampling methodology as a digital clinical tool for more person-centered mental health care: an implementation research agenda.
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Myin-Germeys I, Schick A, Ganslandt T, Hajdúk M, Heretik A, Van Hoyweghen I, Kiekens G, Koppe G, Marelli L, Nagyova I, Weermeijer J, Wensing M, Wolters M, Beames J, de Allegri M, di Folco S, Durstewitz D, Katreniaková Z, Lievevrouw E, Nguyen H, Pecenak J, Barne I, Bonnier R, Brenner M, Čavojská N, Dancik D, Kurilla A, Niebauer E, Sotomayor-Enriquez K, Schulte-Strathaus J, de Thurah L, Uyttebroek L, Schwannauer M, and Reininghaus U
- Abstract
This position paper by the international IMMERSE consortium reviews the evidence of a digital mental health solution based on Experience Sampling Methodology (ESM) for advancing person-centered mental health care and outlines a research agenda for implementing innovative digital mental health tools into routine clinical practice. ESM is a structured diary technique recording real-time self-report data about the current mental state using a mobile application. We will review how ESM may contribute to (1) service user engagement and empowerment, (2) self-management and recovery, (3) goal direction in clinical assessment and management of care, and (4) shared decision-making. However, despite the evidence demonstrating the value of ESM-based approaches in enhancing person-centered mental health care, it is hardly integrated into clinical practice. Therefore, we propose a global research agenda for implementing ESM in routine mental health care addressing six key challenges: (1) the motivation and ability of service users to adhere to the ESM monitoring, reporting and feedback, (2) the motivation and competence of clinicians in routine healthcare delivery settings to integrate ESM in the workflow, (3) the technical requirements and (4) governance requirements for integrating these data in the clinical workflow, (5) the financial and competence related resources related to IT-infrastructure and clinician time, and (6) implementation studies that build the evidence-base. While focused on ESM, the research agenda holds broader implications for implementing digital innovations in mental health. This paper calls for a shift in focus from developing new digital interventions to overcoming implementation barriers, essential for achieving a true transformation toward person-centered care in mental health.
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- 2024
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9. Mapping the existing evidence of the effects of school food policies on health, acceptance and affordability of secondary school children in Europe: a scoping review protocol.
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Meuer J, Blecha N, Hübner W, Christianson L, Wolters M, Busse H, Hebestreit A, and Forberger S
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- Adolescent, Child, Humans, Europe, Food Services economics, Research Design, Review Literature as Topic, Child Health, Adolescent Health, Nutrition Policy, Schools
- Abstract
Introduction: Unhealthy diets pose a significant public health risk among European children, contributing to the increasing prevalence of overweight and non-communicable diseases. Children spend a substantial amount of time at school daily, including lunchtime, so the school setting becomes crucial for promoting healthy diets and lifestyle habits. While there is a large body of literature on the impact of school food policies on health and non-health outcomes, it is essential to identify which policies are effective and can be recommended for implementation to ensure the efficient use of resources. This article presents a protocol for a scoping review that aims to map the current published literature on the effects of school food policies on health outcomes, acceptance and affordability in secondary school children in Europe. Moreover, the scoping review will map the measurements used to assess health outcomes, acceptance and affordability., Methods and Analysis: The scoping review protocol and review follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Review. To identify eligible studies, we will search MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL and Web of Science. The reference lists of the included articles will be checked for additional studies. In addition, country-specific ministry reports from Member States of the European Union, the UK, Norway, Iceland and Switzerland will be identified. The WHO and European Commission websites will also be searched for relevant reports. The scoping review will include literature published until 20 September 2023. No restrictions to study design and language will be applied. Screening and data extraction will be carried out independently by three reviewers. Disagreements will be resolved by discussion. A pretested data charting table will be used to extract key information. Findings will be presented in tabular and visualised summaries and a narrative summary., Ethics and Dissemination: This scoping review does not require ethical approval. Our dissemination strategy comprises peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations and recommendations to policy-makers., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2024. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)
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- 2024
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10. Establish a noninvasive model to screen metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease in children aged 6-14 years in China and its applications in high-obesity-risk countries and regions.
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Liu Y, Wang Y, Xing Y, Wolters M, Shi D, Zhang P, Dang J, Chen Z, Cai S, Wang Y, Liu J, Wang X, Zhou H, Xu M, Guo L, Li Y, Song J, Li J, Dong Y, Cui Y, Hu P, Hebestreit A, Wang HJ, Li L, Ma J, Yeo YH, Wang H, and Song Y
- Abstract
Background: The prevalence of metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is rising precipitously among children, particularly in regions or countries burdened with high prevalence of obesity. However, identifying those at high risk remains a significant challenge, as the majority do not exhibit distinct symptoms of MASLD. There is an urgent need for a widely accepted non-invasive predictor to facilitate early disease diagnosis and management of the disease. Our study aims to 1) evaluate and compare existing predictors of MASLD, and 2) develop a practical screening strategy for children, tailored to local prevalence of obesity., Methods: We utilized a school-based cross-sectional survey in Beijing as the training dataset to establish predictive models for screening MASLD in children. An independent school-based study in Ningbo was used to validate the models. We selected the optimal non-invasive MASLD predictor by comparing logistic regression model, random forest model, decision tree model, and support vector machine model using both the Beijing and Ningbo datasets. This was followed by serial testing using the best performance index we identified and indices from previous studies. Finally, we calculated the potential MASLD screening recommendation categories and corresponding profits based on national and subnational obesity prevalence, and applied those three categories to 200 countries according to their obesity prevalence from 1990 to 2022., Findings: A total of 1018 children were included (N
Beijing = 596, NNingbo = 422). The logistic regression model demonstrated the best performance, identifying the waist-to-height ratio (WHtR, cutoff value ≥0.48) as the optimal noninvasive index for predicting MASLD, with strong performance in both training and validation set. Additionally, the combination of WHtR and lipid accumulation product (LAP) was selected as an optimal serial test to improve the positive predictive value, with a LAP cutoff value of ≥668.22 cm × mg/dL. Based on the obesity prevalence among 30 provinces, three MASLD screening recommendations were proposed: 1) "Population-screening-recommended": For regions with an obesity prevalence ≥12.0%, where MASLD prevalence ranged from 5.0% to 21.5%; 2) "Resources-permitted": For regions with an obesity prevalence between 8.4% and 12.0%, where MASLD prevalence ranged from 2.3% to 4.4%; 3) "Population-screening-not-recommended": For regions with an obesity prevalence <8.4%, where MASLD prevalence is difficult to detect using our tool. Using our proposed cutoff for screening MASLD, the number of countries classified into the "Population-screening-recommended" and "Resources-permitted" categories increased from one and 11 in 1990 to 95 and 28 in 2022, respectively., Interpretation: WHtR might serve as a practical and accessible index for predicting pediatric MASLD. A WHtR value ≥0.48 could facilitate early identification and management of MASLD in areas with obesity prevalence ≥12.0%. Furthermore, combining WHtR ≥0.48 with LAP ≥668.22 cm × mg/dL is recommended for individual MASLD screening. Moreover, linking these measures with population obesity prevalence not only helps estimate MASLD prevalence but also indicates potential screening profits in regions at varying levels of obesity risk., Funding: This study was supported by grants from Capital's Funds for Health Improvement and Research (Grant No. 2022-1G-4251), National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 82273654), Major Science and Technology Projects for Health of Zhejiang Province (Grant No. WKJ-ZJ-2216), Cyrus Tang Foundation for Young Scholar 2022 (2022-B126) and Sino-German Mobility Programme (M-0015)., Competing Interests: We declare no competing interests., (© 2024 The Author(s).)- Published
- 2024
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11. Strategies, processes, outcomes, and costs of implementing experience sampling-based monitoring in routine mental health care in four European countries: study protocol for the IMMERSE effectiveness-implementation study.
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Reininghaus U, Schwannauer M, Barne I, Beames JR, Bonnier RA, Brenner M, Breznoščáková D, Dančík D, De Allegri M, Di Folco S, Durstewitz D, Gugel J, Hajdúk M, Heretik A, Izáková Ľ, Katreniakova Z, Kiekens G, Koppe G, Kurilla A, Marelli L, Nagyova I, Nguyen H, Pečeňák J, Schulte-Strathaus JCC, Sotomayor-Enriquez K, Uyttebroek L, Weermeijer J, Wolters M, Wensing M, Boehnke JR, Myin-Germeys I, and Schick A
- Subjects
- Humans, Germany, Belgium, Slovakia, Mental Disorders therapy, Mental Disorders economics, Ecological Momentary Assessment, Europe, Cost-Benefit Analysis methods, Mental Health Services economics
- Abstract
Background: Recent years have seen a growing interest in the use of digital tools for delivering person-centred mental health care. Experience Sampling Methodology (ESM), a structured diary technique for capturing moment-to-moment variation in experience and behaviour in service users' daily life, reflects a particularly promising avenue for implementing a person-centred approach. While there is evidence on the effectiveness of ESM-based monitoring, uptake in routine mental health care remains limited. The overarching aim of this hybrid effectiveness-implementation study is to investigate, in detail, reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance as well as contextual factors, processes, and costs of implementing ESM-based monitoring, reporting, and feedback into routine mental health care in four European countries (i.e., Belgium, Germany, Scotland, Slovakia)., Methods: In this hybrid effectiveness-implementation study, a parallel-group, assessor-blind, multi-centre cluster randomized controlled trial (cRCT) will be conducted, combined with a process and economic evaluation. In the cRCT, 24 clinical units (as the cluster and unit of randomization) at eight sites in four European countries will be randomly allocated using an unbalanced 2:1 ratio to one of two conditions: (a) the experimental condition, in which participants receive a Digital Mobile Mental Health intervention (DMMH) and other implementation strategies in addition to treatment as usual (TAU) or (b) the control condition, in which service users are provided with TAU. Outcome data in service users and clinicians will be collected at four time points: at baseline (t
0 ), 2-month post-baseline (t1 ), 6-month post-baseline (t2 ), and 12-month post-baseline (t3 ). The primary outcome will be patient-reported service engagement assessed with the service attachment questionnaire at 2-month post-baseline. The process and economic evaluation will provide in-depth insights into in-vivo context-mechanism-outcome configurations and economic costs of the DMMH and other implementation strategies in routine care, respectively., Discussion: If this trial provides evidence on reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation and maintenance of implementing ESM-based monitoring, reporting, and feedback, it will form the basis for establishing its public health impact and has significant potential to bridge the research-to-practice gap and contribute to swifter ecological translation of digital innovations to real-world delivery in routine mental health care., Trial Registration: ISRCTN15109760 (ISRCTN registry, date: 03/08/2022)., (© 2024. The Author(s).)- Published
- 2024
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12. Real-world experience of water vapour therapy (Rezum) in patients with benign prostatic enlargement: a retrospective single-center study.
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Wolters M, Krastel M, Winkler T, Idais H, Mazdak M, Tezval H, Kuczyk MA, and von Klot CJ
- Abstract
Background: Water vapor thermal therapy (Rezum) is a minimally invasive treatment for benign prostatic enlargement (BPE). Studies reporting urodynamic results regarding the procedure are rare. Our study aimed to assess the effectiveness of Rezum on urinary outcome parameters in a consecutive series of patients and compare urodynamic data before and after treatment., Methods: We retrospectively evaluated all the patients treated with Rezum between 07/2017 and 12/2023 at our institution. Patients who had more than one Rezum intervention, those who were unable to void (i.e., catheter-dependent patients), and those with insufficient data were excluded from the data analysis. Descriptive outcomes, such as symptom scores (IPSS, IPSS-QoL), peak flow in uroflowmetry (Qmax), post-micturition residual urine volume (PVR), and prostate volume (PVol), were analyzed. If available, preoperative and postoperative urodynamic results were evaluated., Results: In total, 250 Rezum procedures were performed during the observational period. After applying the exclusion criteria, the data from 193 patients were included in the analysis. Patients achieved significant symptom relief as measured using the IPSS (46% reduction) and IPSS-QoL scores (41% reduction). Qmax improved by 4.8 ml/s, as the mean PVR significantly decreased by 50%. PVol and PSA values decreased by 30% and 27.5%, respectively. In 19/193 patients with a urodynamic evaluation, pre- and postoperative data analysis showed a significant reduction in the bladder outlet obstruction index (BOOI) by approximately 70%., Conclusions: Rezum is effective and can improve urinary symptoms. In appropriate patients, Rezum can significantly reduce the bladder outlet obstruction (BOO)., (© 2024. The Author(s).)
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- 2024
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13. Super-resolution fluorescence microscopy for investigating bacterial cell biology.
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Carsten A, Wolters M, and Aepfelbacher M
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- Microscopy, Fluorescence methods, Bacteria, Nanotechnology methods
- Abstract
Super-resolution fluorescence microscopy technologies developed over the past two decades have pushed the resolution limit for fluorescently labeled molecules into the nanometer range. These technologies have the potential to study bacterial structures, for example, macromolecular assemblies such as secretion systems, with single-molecule resolution on a millisecond time scale. Here we review recent applications of super-resolution fluorescence microscopy with a focus on bacterial secretion systems. We also describe MINFLUX fluorescence nanoscopy, a relatively new technique that promises to one day produce molecular movies of molecular machines in action., (© 2023 The Authors. Molecular Microbiology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)
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- 2024
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14. Population of invasive group A streptococci isolates from a German tertiary care center is dominated by the hypertoxigenic virulent M1 UK genotype.
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Wolters M, Berinson B, Degel-Brossmann N, Hoffmann A, Bluszis R, Aepfelbacher M, Rohde H, and Christner M
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- Humans, Tertiary Care Centers, Genotype, Carrier Proteins, United Kingdom, Antigens, Bacterial genetics, Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins genetics, Streptococcus pyogenes genetics, Streptococcal Infections epidemiology
- Abstract
Purpose: Hypertoxigenic Streptococcus pyogenes emm1 lineage M1
UK has recently been associated with upsurges of invasive infections and scarlet fever in several countries, but whole-genome sequencing surveillance data of lineages circulating in Germany is lacking. In this study, we investigated recent iGAS isolates from our laboratory at a German tertiary care center for the presence of the M1UK lineage., Methods: Whole-genome sequencing was employed to characterize a collection of 47 consecutive non-copy isolates recovered from blood cultures (21) and tissue samples (26) in our laboratory between October 2022 and April 2023., Results: M protein gene (emm) typing distinguished 14 different emm types, with emm1 (17) being the dominant type. Single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis confirmed the presence of all 27 SNPs characteristic for the M1UK lineage in 14 of 17 emm1 isolates., Conclusion: This study has shown for the first time that M1UK is present in Germany and might constitute a driving force in the observed surge of GAS infections. This observation mirrors developments in the UK and other countries and underscores the importance of WGS surveillance to understand the epidemiology of GAS., (© 2023. The Author(s).)- Published
- 2024
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15. Population trajectories and age-dependent associations of obesity risk factors with body mass index from childhood to adolescence across European regions: A two-cohort study.
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Schreuder A, Börnhorst C, Wolters M, Veidebaum T, Tornaritis M, Sina E, Russo P, Moreno LA, Molnar D, Lissner L, De Henauw S, Ahrens W, and Vrijkotte T
- Subjects
- Child, Humans, Adolescent, Body Mass Index, Cohort Studies, Longitudinal Studies, Risk Factors, Obesity epidemiology, Obesity etiology
- Abstract
Objective: To investigate population trajectories of behavioural risk factors of obesity from childhood to adolescence and their associations with body mass index (BMI) in children across European regions., Methods: Data were harmonised between the European multi-centre IDEFICS/I.Family and the Amsterdam Born Children and their Development Cohort. Participants were aged 2.0-9.9 and 5.0-7.5 years at baseline, respectively, and were followed until age 18 years. Behavioural risk factors of interest included diet, physical activity, media use and sleep. Mixed effects models were used for statistical analyses to account for repeated measurements taken from the same child., Results: The study included a total of 14 328 individuals: 4114, 4582, 3220 and 2412 participants from Northern, Southern, Eastern Europe and Amsterdam, respectively. Risk factor means and prevalences changed with age, but the trajectories were mostly similar across regions. Almost no associations between behavioural factors and BMI were found at the age of 6 years. At 11 years, daily sugar-sweetened foods consumption, use of active transport, sports club membership and longer nocturnal sleep duration were negatively associated with BMI in most regions; positive associations were found with media use. Most associations at 11 years of age persisted to 15 years., Conclusions: Whilst population trajectories of media use and nocturnal sleep duration are similar across European regions, those of other behavioural risk factors like active transport and daily vegetable consumption differ. Also, associations between behavioural risk factors and BMI become stronger with age and show similar patterns across regions., (© 2023 The Authors. Pediatric Obesity published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of World Obesity Federation.)
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- 2024
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16. Cohort-Based Reference Values for Serum Ferritin and Transferrin and Longitudinal Determinants of Iron Status in European Children Aged 3-15 Years.
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Floegel A, Intemann T, Siani A, Moreno LA, Molnár D, Veidebaum T, Hadjigeorgiou C, De Henauw S, Hunsberger M, Eiben G, Ahrens W, and Wolters M
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- Adolescent, Child, Humans, Cross-Sectional Studies, Ferritins, Heme, Receptors, Transferrin, Reference Values, Transferrin, Child, Preschool, Anemia, Iron-Deficiency, Iron
- Abstract
Background: Reference values of ferritin and transferrin for European children do not exist., Objective: We aimed to provide sex-, age-, and body mass index (BMI)-specific serum ferritin and transferrin reference percentiles of 3-15-y-old children based on cohort data and to investigate determinants of iron status., Methods: A total of 3390 ferritin and 3416 transferrin measurements from children residing in 8 European countries participating in the IDEFICS/I.Family cohort (https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN62310987) at baseline (W0) and 6 y later (W3) were used to estimate percentiles using the generalized additive model for location, scale and shape. Associations of serum ferritin and transferrin concentrations with total iron intake, total iron intake additionally adjusted for vitamin C intake, and iron from heme sources were investigated separately with adjustment for sex, age, country of residence, parental education, usual energy intake and BMI z-score in regression models using cross-sectional and longitudinal data., Results: The age-specific ferritin and transferrin 5th and 95th reference percentiles ranged from 10.9 to 81.1 μg/L and 2.23 to 3.56 g/L, respectively. A deficient iron status was observed in 3% of children at W0 and 7% of children and adolescents at W3, respectively. At both waves, a higher iron intake from heme sources was positively associated with serum ferritin {W0: β = 3.21 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.71, 5.71]; W3: β = 4.48 [95% CI: 2.09, 6.87]}, that is, children consuming one mg more heme iron had a 3.21 and 4.48 μg/L higher ferritin concentration. Adherence to a mainly vegetarian diet was associated with a lower chance for sufficient serum ferritin cross-sectionally at W3 [odds ratio (OR) 0.40 (95% CI: 0.21, 0.81)] and longitudinally [OR 0.35 (95% CI: 0.15, 0.93)]., Conclusions: Age-, sex-, and BMI-specific reference percentiles of serum ferritin and transferrin concentrations based on cohort data are provided for European children aged 3-15 y and may be used in clinical practice., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2024
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17. A longitudinal multi-modal dataset for dementia monitoring and diagnosis.
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Gkoumas D, Wang B, Tsakalidis A, Wolters M, Purver M, Zubiaga A, and Liakata M
- Abstract
Dementia affects cognitive functions of adults, including memory, language, and behaviour. Standard diagnostic biomarkers such as MRI are costly, whilst neuropsychological tests suffer from sensitivity issues in detecting dementia onset. The analysis of speech and language has emerged as a promising and non-intrusive technology to diagnose and monitor dementia. Currently, most work in this direction ignores the multi-modal nature of human communication and interactive aspects of everyday conversational interaction. Moreover, most studies ignore changes in cognitive status over time due to the lack of consistent longitudinal data. Here we introduce a novel fine-grained longitudinal multi-modal corpus collected in a natural setting from healthy controls and people with dementia over two phases, each spanning 28 sessions. The corpus consists of spoken conversations, a subset of which are transcribed, as well as typed and written thoughts and associated extra-linguistic information such as pen strokes and keystrokes. We present the data collection process and describe the corpus in detail. Furthermore, we establish baselines for capturing longitudinal changes in language across different modalities for two cohorts, healthy controls and people with dementia, outlining future research directions enabled by the corpus., Competing Interests: Competing interestsThe authors declare no competing interests., (© The Author(s) 2024.)
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- 2024
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18. Dietary Diversity and Its Association with Diet Quality and Health Status of European Children, Adolescents, and Adults: Results from the I.Family Study.
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Dello Russo M, Formisano A, Lauria F, Ahrens W, Bogl LH, Eiben G, De Henauw S, Hebestreit A, Intemann T, Hunsberger M, Lissner L, Molnar D, Pala V, Papoutsou S, Santaliestra-Pasias AM, Veidebaum T, Wolters M, Siani A, and Russo P
- Abstract
Dietary diversity (DD) plays a crucial role in fostering high-quality diets, but its association with health outcomes, particularly body adiposity and non-communicable diseases (NCDs), is inconsistent. This may be due to a lack of a standardized method for estimating DD. Our study investigates the association between two DD indices, namely the dietary diversity score (DDS) and food variety score (FVS), and anthropometric measures, biochemical parameters, and diet quality in a large population sample from the I.Family study across research centers in eight European countries. In our cross-sectional analysis of 3035 participants, DDSs varied among countries, with a higher prevalence in the third DDS tertile among those with higher education. DDS showed a positive association with diet quality across all age groups. Higher DDS tertile individuals showed increased fiber, fruit, and vegetable intake, greater meal frequency, and lower ultra-processed food consumption. No relevant biochemical differences were observed across DDS tertiles, and a higher DDS was associated with lower overweight/obesity prevalence only in adults. No significant associations were found with FVS. Our findings emphasize the need to consider food groups for a more accurate estimation of diet quality. This aligns with studies suggesting DDS alone is not an independent risk factor for obesity in children and adolescents. Public health programs should prioritize food diversity to promote improved nutrition and overall well-being in communities.
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- 2023
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19. Longitudinal Associations Between Vitamin D Status and Cardiometabolic Risk Markers Among Children and Adolescents.
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Wolters M, Marron M, Foraita R, Hadjigeorgiou C, De Henauw S, Eiben G, Lauria F, Iglesia I, Moreno LA, Molnár D, Veidebaum T, Ahrens W, and Nagrani R
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- Humans, Child, Adolescent, Longitudinal Studies, Vitamin D, Vitamins, Triglycerides, Body Mass Index, Cardiovascular Diseases epidemiology, Cardiovascular Diseases etiology, Metabolic Syndrome epidemiology, Metabolic Syndrome complications, Vitamin D Deficiency complications, Vitamin D Deficiency epidemiology, Insulin Resistance
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Context: Vitamin D status has previously been associated with cardiometabolic risk markers in children and adolescents. In particular, it has been suggested that children with obesity are more prone to vitamin D deficiency and unfavorable metabolic outcomes compared with healthy-weight children., Objective: To conduct a longitudinal study assessing this association in children and stratify by body mass index (BMI) category., Methods: Children from the pan-European IDEFICS/I.Family cohort with at least one measurement of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] at cohort entry or follow-up (n = 2171) were included in this study. Linear mixed-effect models were used to assess the association between serum 25(OH)D as an independent variable and z-scores of cardiometabolic risk markers (waist circumference, systolic [SBP] and diastolic blood pressure [DBP], high- [HDL] and low-density lipoprotein, non-HDL, triglycerides [TRG], apolipoprotein A1 [ApoA1] and ApoB, fasting glucose [FG], homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance [HOMA-IR], and metabolic syndrome score) as dependent variables., Results: After adjustment for age, sex, study region, smoking and alcohol status, sports club membership, screen time, BMI, parental education, and month of blood collection, 25(OH)D levels were inversely associated with SBP, DBP, FG, HOMA-IR, and TRG. The HOMA-IR z-score decreased by 0.07 units per 5 ng/mL increase in 25(OH)D. The 25(OH)D level was consistently associated with HOMA-IR irrespective of sex or BMI category., Conclusion: Low serum 25(OH)D concentrations are associated with unfavorable levels of cardiometabolic markers in children and adolescents. Interventions to improve vitamin D levels in children with a poor status early in life may help to reduce cardiometabolic risk., (© The Author(s) 2023. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Endocrine Society. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)
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- 2023
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20. Age-Specific Quantification of Overweight/Obesity Risk Factors From Infancy to Adolescence and Differences by Educational Level of Parents.
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Börnhorst C, Ahrens W, De Henauw S, Hunsberger M, Molnár D, Moreno LA, Russo P, Schreuder A, Sina E, Tornaritis M, Vandevijvere S, Veidebaum T, Vrijkotte T, Wijnant K, and Wolters M
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- Child, Pregnancy, Female, Humans, Infant, Adolescent, Body Mass Index, Obesity complications, Risk Factors, Parents, Educational Status, Age Factors, Overweight epidemiology, Overweight complications, Pediatric Obesity epidemiology, Pediatric Obesity etiology
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Objectives: To explore the age-dependent associations between 26 risk factors and BMI in early life, and differences by parental educational level. Methods: Data of 10,310 children (24,155 measurements) aged 2-16 years participating in a multi-centre European cohort from 2007 to 2014 were utilized. Trajectories of overweight/obesity risk factors and their age-specific associations with BMI were estimated using polynomial mixed-effects models. Results: Exposure to most unfavourable factors was higher in the low/medium compared to the high education group, e.g., for PC/TV time (12.6 vs. 10.6 h/week). Trajectories of various risk factors markedly changed at an age of 9-11 years. Having a family history of obesity, maternal BMI, pregnancy weight gain and birth weight were positively associated with BMI trajectories throughout childhood/adolescence in both education groups; associations of behavioural factors with BMI were small. Parental unemployment and migrant background were positively associated with BMI in the low/medium education group. Conclusion: Associations of risk factors with BMI trajectories did not essentially differ by parental education except for social vulnerabilities. The age period of 9-11 years may be a sensitive period for adopting unfavourable behaviours., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they do not have any conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Börnhorst, Ahrens, De Henauw, Hunsberger, Molnár, Moreno, Russo, Schreuder, Sina, Tornaritis, Vandevijvere, Veidebaum, Vrijkotte, Wijnant and Wolters.)
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- 2023
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21. Complete genome sequence of a Staphylococcus condimenti isolated from a port catheter-associated bloodstream infection.
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Berneking L, Büttner H, Qi M, Günther T, Lehnhoff D, Both A, Christner M, Wolters M, Alawi M, Aepfelbacher M, and Rohde H
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Here, we describe the complete genome sequence of a Staphylococcus condimenti blood culture isolate from a catheter-related bloodstream infection in a male patient., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.
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- 2023
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22. Acid-base homeostasis orchestrated by NHE1 defines the pancreatic stellate cell phenotype in pancreatic cancer.
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Pethő Z, Najder K, Beel S, Fels B, Neumann I, Schimmelpfennig S, Sargin S, Wolters M, Grantins K, Wardelmann E, Mitkovski M, Oeckinghaus A, and Schwab A
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- Mice, Animals, Pancreatic Stellate Cells pathology, Cell Line, Tumor, Phenotype, Homeostasis, Fibrosis, Pancreatic Neoplasms pathology, Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal pathology
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Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) progresses in an organ with a unique pH landscape, where the stroma acidifies after each meal. We hypothesized that disrupting this pH landscape during PDAC progression triggers pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) to induce PDAC fibrosis. We revealed that alkaline environmental pH was sufficient to induce PSC differentiation to a myofibroblastic phenotype. We then mechanistically dissected this finding, focusing on the involvement of the Na+/H+ exchanger NHE1. Perturbing cellular pH homeostasis by inhibiting NHE1 with cariporide partially altered the myofibroblastic PSC phenotype. To show the relevance of this finding in vivo, we targeted NHE1 in murine PDAC (KPfC). Indeed, tumor fibrosis decreased when mice received the NHE1-inhibitor cariporide in addition to gemcitabine treatment. Moreover, the tumor immune infiltrate shifted from granulocyte rich to more lymphocytic. Taken together, our study provides mechanistic evidence on how the pancreatic pH landscape shapes pancreatic cancer through tuning PSC differentiation.
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- 2023
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23. ShinyLUTS-A Shiny web application for structured data management and analysis for patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).
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von Klot CJ, Köpp C, Kuczyk MA, and Wolters M
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- Humans, Software, Programming Languages, Information Storage and Retrieval, Data Management, Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms diagnosis, Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms therapy
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Objectives: Clinical, time-dependent, therapeutic and diagnostic data of patients with LUTS are highly complex. To better manage these data for therapists' and researchers' we developed the application ShinyLUTS., Material and Methods: The statistical programming language R and the framework Shiny were used to develop a platform for data entry, monitoring of therapy and scientific data analysis. As part of a use case, ShinyLUTS was evaluated for patients with non-neurogenic LUTS who were receiving Rezum™ therapy., Results: The final database on patients with LUTS comprised a total of 8.118 time-dependent parameters in 11 data tables. Data entry, monitoring of therapy as well as data retrieval for scientific use, was deemed feasible, intuitive and well accepted., Conclusion: The ShinyLUTs application presented here is suitable for collecting, archiving, and managing complex data on patients with LUTS. Aside from the implementation in a scientific workflow, it is suited for monitoring treatment of patients and functional results over time., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright: © 2023 von Klot et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)
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- 2023
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24. Improving mental ill-health with psycho-social group interventions in South Asia-A scoping review using a realist lens.
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Mathias K, Jain S, Fraser R, Davis M, Kimijima-Dennemeyer R, Pillai P, Deshpande SN, and Wolters M
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This scoping review aimed to synthesise current evidence related to psycho-social groups as part of community-based mental health interventions in South Asia. We used a realist lens to pay attention to the contexts and mechanisms supporting positive outcomes. We included studies published from January 2007 to February 2022 that: were based in communities in South Asia, included a group component, reported on interventions with a clear psychosocial component, targeted adults and were implemented by lay community health workers. Two reviewers extracted data on intervention components, groups and facilitators, participant demographics and enabling contexts, mechanisms and outcomes. Expert reference panels including people with lived experience of psycho-social disability, mental health professionals and policy makers confirmed the validity and relevance of initial review findings. The review examined 15 interventions represented by 42 papers. Only four interventions were solely psycho-social and nearly all included psychoeducation and economic support. Only 8 of the 46 quantitative outcome measures used were developed in South Asia. In a context of social exclusion and limited autonomy for people with psychosocial disability, psychosocial support groups triggered five key mechanisms. Trusted relationships undergirded all mechanisms, and provided a sense of inclusion, social support and of being able to manage mental distress due to improved skills and knowledge. Over time group members felt a sense of belonging and collective strength meaning they were better able to advocate for their own well-being and address upstream social health determinants. This led to outcomes of improved mental health and social participation across the realms of intrapersonal, interpersonal and community. Psychosocial groups merit greater attention as an active ingredient in community interventions and also as an effective, relevant, acceptable and scalable platform that can promote and increase mental health in communities, through facilitation by lay community health workers., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright: © 2023 Mathias et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)
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- 2023
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25. Smokers' user experience of smoking cessation apps: A systematic review.
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Zhang M, Wolters M, O'Connor S, Wang Y, and Doi L
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- Humans, Smokers, Qualitative Research, Smoking Cessation methods, Mobile Applications, Text Messaging
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Objectives: To explore how smokers view common functions and characteristics of smoking cessation apps., Design: Systematic review., Search Sources: CINAHL PLUS, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE, IEEE Xplore, ACM Digital Library, and Google Scholar., Review Methods: Seven digital databases were searched separately using relevant search terms. Search results were uploaded to Covidence. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were identified with the expert team in advance. Titles, abstracts, and full texts were screened by two reviewers independently. Any disagreements were discussed in research meetings. Pertinent data were extracted and analysed using qualitative content analysis. Findings were presented in a narrative approach., Results: 28 studies were included in this review. The overarching themes were app functionality and app characteristics. Under app "functionality", six subthemes emerged: 1) education; 2) tracking; 3) social support; 4) compensation; 5) distraction, and 6) reminding. Under "app characteristics", five subthemes emerged: 1) simplification, 2) personalisation, 3) diverse content forms, 4) interactivity, and 5) privacy and security., Conclusion: Understanding user needs and expectations is crucial for developing a programme theory for smoking cessation app interventions. Relevant needs identified in this review should be linked to broader theories of smoking cessation and app-based intervention., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)
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- 2023
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26. Facilitating pharmacy staff's conversations about non-medical medication switches: Development and testing of a communication training.
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Schackmann L, Heringa M, Wolters M, Faber A, van Dijk L, Koster ES, and Vervloet M
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- Humans, Communication, Pharmacists, Pharmacies, Pharmaceutical Services, Pharmacy, Community Pharmacy Services
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Background: Non-medical medication switches, a change to another medicine or medication label not motivated by medical reasons, occur frequently. Switches often lead to negative patient emotions, such as confusion and anger. Pharmacy staff's communication, i.e. delivering the message and addressing patients' emotions is crucial, but experienced as difficult., Objective: To develop and test a communication training for the pharmacy team to facilitate medication switch conversations., Methods: A communication training was developed based on the 'breaking bad news model' and 'positive message framing' strategies, and incorporating needs and preferences from practice. The training consisted of an e-learning with theory and reflective exercises, a half-day live training session, and an online reflection session. The Kirkpatrick training evaluation model (levels one 'reaction' and two 'learning') was used to evaluate the training. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and interview data was transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically., Results: Twelve pharmacists and 27 pharmacy technicians from 15 Dutch pharmacies participated in the training. According to Kirkpatrick's model level one, the major learning outcome was to give space to patients to express their emotions and/or concerns (e.g. more silences in the conversations). For level two, most participants valued practicing the conversations, role-playing, and receiving feedback. The majority of the participants indicated that they had sufficient tools and practice during the live training to apply the strategies in daily practice. A few participants still needed time and practice, or missed examples to apply the strategies., Conclusion: The communication training based on the two strategies was well-received and participants felt well-equipped post-training. The take-away for participants was to give space to patients to express their emotions. Using these strategies and skills, pharmacy teams can tailor their medication counseling to patients' emotions and concerns during non-medical medication switches to better support patients in proper medication use., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)
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- 2023
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27. Systems and processes for regulation of investigational medical devices in Uganda.
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Mpaata CN, Matovu B, Takuwa M, Kiwanuka N, Lewis S, Norrie J, Ononge S, Tuck S, Wolters M, Demulliez M, and Ssekitoleko RT
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Background: In many parts of the world, medical devices and the processes of their development are tightly regulated. However, the current regulatory landscape in Uganda like other developing countries is weak and poorly defined, which creates significant barriers to innovation, clinical evaluation, and translation of medical devices., Aim: To evaluate current knowledge, systems and infrastructure for medical devices regulation and innovation in Uganda., Methods: A mixed methods study design using the methods triangulation strategy was employed in this study. Data of equal weight were collected sequentially. First, a digital structured questionnaire was sent out to innovators to establish individual knowledge and experience with medical device innovation and regulation. Then, a single focus group discussion involving both medical device innovators and regulators to collect data about the current regulatory practices for medical devices in Uganda. Univariate and bivariate analysis was done for the quantitative data to summarize results in graphs and tables. Qualitative data was analyzed using thematic analysis. Ethical review and approval were obtained from the Makerere University School of Biomedical Sciences, Research and Ethics Committee, and the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology., Results: A total of 47 innovators responded to the questionnaire. 14 respondents were excluded since they were not medical device innovators. Majority (76%) of individuals had been innovators for more than a year, held a bachelor's degree with a background in Engineering and applied sciences, and worked in an academic research institute. 22 of the 33 medical device innovators had stopped working on their innovations and had stalled at the proof-of-concept stage. Insufficient funding, inadequate technical expertise and confusing regulatory landscape were major challenges to innovation. The two themes that emerged from the discussion were "developing standards for medical devices regulation" and "implementation of regulations in practical processes". Legal limitations, lengthy processes, and low demand were identified as challenges to developing medical device regulations., Conclusions: Efforts have been taken by government to create a pathway for medical device innovations to be translated to the market. More work needs to be done to coordinate efforts among stakeholders to build effective medical device regulations in Uganda., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (© 2023 Mpaata, Matovu, Takuwa, Kiwanuka, Lewis, Norrie, Ononge, Tuck, Wolters, Desmulliez and Ssekitoleko.)
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- 2023
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28. Rezum water vapor thermal therapy for treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms: A retrospective single-centre analysis from a German high-volume centre.
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Winkler T, von Klot CAJ, Madersbacher S, Kuczyk MA, and Wolters M
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- Male, Humans, Retrospective Studies, Steam, Treatment Outcome, Quality of Life, Prostatic Hyperplasia complications, Prostatic Hyperplasia therapy, Prostatic Hyperplasia diagnosis, Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms diagnosis
- Abstract
Objective: Rezum is a minimal invasive surgical treatment for patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) related to benign prostatic enlargement (BPE). The aim of our study was to assess safety and efficacy of the Rezum procedure in a consecutive series of patients., Material and Methods: A retrospective study was performed in a single tertiary care hospital in patients undergoing Rezum procedure between 2018 and 2020. All patients that underwent intervention because of drug-refractory moderate to severe LUTS were assessed. Descriptive outcomes such as symptoms scores (IPSS, IPSS-QoL), peak flow in uroflowmetry (Qmax), post-micturition residual urine volume (PVR) and prostate volume (PVol) were analysed., Results: In total, 92 Rezum procedures were performed in the observational period. All interventions were competed without device- or procedure relates adverse events. Patients achieved a significant symptom relief as measured in IPSS (50% reduction, p<0.001, n = 35) and IPSS-QoL score (53% reduction, p<0.001, n = 35). Qmax improved by 7.3 ml/s from 10.6 ± 4.2 ml/s to 17.9 ± 9.3 ml/s (p = 0.003, n = 20) were as mean PVR significantly decreased by 136 ml from 175 ± 194.1 to 39 ± 62 ml (p = 0.007, n = 20). PVol significantly decreased by 40.3% from 73.9 ± 41.2 to 44.9 ± 29 ccm (p = 0.024, n = 17). All pre-interventional catheter-depending patients (28.3% of all patient) were catheter independent after six weeks., Conclusion: Rezum therapy is safe and effective and can be considered a viable treatment option for BPH related LUTS., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright: © 2023 Winkler et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)
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- 2023
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29. MINFLUX imaging of a bacterial molecular machine at nanometer resolution.
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Carsten A, Rudolph M, Weihs T, Schmidt R, Jansen I, Wurm CA, Diepold A, Failla AV, Wolters M, and Aepfelbacher M
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- Microscopy, Fluorescence methods, Bacteria
- Abstract
The resolution achievable with the established super-resolution fluorescence nanoscopy methods, such as STORM or STED, is in general not sufficient to resolve protein complexes or even individual proteins. Recently, minimal photon flux (MINFLUX) nanoscopy has been introduced that combines the strengths of STED and STORM nanoscopy and can achieve a localization precision of less than 5 nm. We established a generally applicable workflow for MINFLUX imaging and applied it for the first time to a bacterial molecular machine in situ , i.e., the injectisome of the enteropathogen Y. enterocolitica . We demonstrate with a pore protein of the injectisome that MINFLUX can achieve a resolution down to the single molecule level in situ . By imaging a sorting platform protein using 3D-MINFLUX, insights into the precise localization and distribution of an injectisome component in a bacterial cell could be accomplished. MINFLUX nanoscopy has the potential to revolutionize super-resolution imaging of dynamic molecular processes in bacteria and eukaryotes., (© 2022 IOP Publishing Ltd.)
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- 2022
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30. Family structure in relation to body mass index and metabolic score in European children and adolescents.
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Stahlmann K, Lissner L, Bogl LH, Mehlig K, Kaprio J, Klosowska JC, Moreno LA, Veidebaum T, Solea A, Molnár D, Lauria F, Börnhorst C, Wolters M, Hebestreit A, and Hunsberger M
- Subjects
- Adolescent, Humans, Body Mass Index, Cross-Sectional Studies, Family Characteristics, Obesity, Parents
- Abstract
Background: Living in single parent and blended families or as an only child-compared to living in two-parent biological families or with siblings, respectively-is associated with a higher body mass index (BMI) in cross-sectional studies. However, longitudinal research addressing the children's BMI in this context is scarce. Further, little is known about the association between family structure and metabolic health., Objectives: This study aimed at investigating the association between both aspects of family structure with BMI and a metabolic score (MetS)., Methods: Cross-sectional data from 7804 children participating in the European multi-center I.Family study (2013/2014) and longitudinal data from 5621 children who also participated previously in the IDEFICS study (2007-2010) were used. Family structure was assessed by a detailed interview. BMI z-score and the MetS were based on measured anthropometry, blood pressure, high-density lipoprotein, blood glucose, and triglycerides. Linear regressions were performed to model associations between family structure with BMI and MetS., Results: Children from single-parent families had higher BMI z-scores in the cross-sectional (β = 0.09, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.001 to 0.18) and longitudinal analyses compared to those from two-parent families. Cross-sectionally, the number of siblings was associated with lower BMI z-scores (β = -0.07, 95% CI: -0.10 to -0.03) and lower MetS (β = -0.14, 95% CI: -0.26 to -0.01). Longitudinally, only children between baseline and follow-up had higher BMI z-scores at follow-up (β = 0.07, 95% CI: 0.01 to 0.14) compared to stable siblings., Conclusion: Obesity prevention measures should focus on single-parent households and families with an only child., (© 2022 The Authors. Pediatric Obesity published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of World Obesity Federation.)
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- 2022
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31. Towards a harmonized European surveillance for dietary and physical activity indicators in young and adult populations.
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Hebestreit A, Do S, Wolters M, Mensink GBM, Garnica-Rosas L, Abu-Omar K, Messing S, Neumann-Podczaska A, Wieczorowska-Tobis K, Lien N, Stanley I, Ahrens W, and Murrin C
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- Adult, Humans, Reproducibility of Results, Policy, Diet, Exercise
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Background: The Policy Evaluation Network proposes a consolidated approach to measure comparable health indicators across European health surveillance systems to evaluate effectiveness of policy action., Methods: In a stepwise approach, questionnaire items used by the systems for measuring diet and physical activity data to describe health indicators were identified based on their validity, reliability, and suitability to monitor achievement of health recommendations. They were collated to unified questionnaire modules and discussed bilaterally with representatives of these systems to explore barriers and facilitators for implementation. Also, establishment of a methodological competence platform was proposed, in which the surveillance and monitoring systems agree on the priorities and common quality standards for the harmonization process and to coordinate the integration of questionnaire modules into existing systems., Results: In total, seven questionnaire modules were developed, of which two diet and two physical activity modules were proposed for implementation. Each module allows measurement of data reflecting only partial aspects of national and WHO recommendations related to diet and physical activity. Main barriers were the requirements of systems to monitor temporal trends and to minimize costs. Main facilitator for implementation was the systems' use of questionnaire items that were comparable to the unified modules. Representatives agreed to participate in a methodological competence platform., Conclusion: We successfully took first steps in the realization of the roadmap towards a harmonization of European surveillance by introducing unified questionnaire modules allowing the collection of comparable health indicators and by initiating the establishment of a competence platform to guide this process., (© The Author(s) 2022. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Public Health Association.)
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- 2022
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32. Disruption of the MICOS complex leads to an aberrant cristae structure and an unexpected, pronounced lifespan extension in Podospora anserina.
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Warnsmann V, Marschall LM, Meeßen AC, Wolters M, Schürmanns L, Basoglu M, Eimer S, and Osiewacz HD
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- Adenosine Triphosphate metabolism, Longevity, Mitochondrial Proteins genetics, Phospholipids metabolism, Saccharomyces cerevisiae genetics, Mitochondrial Membranes metabolism, Podospora genetics, Podospora metabolism
- Abstract
Mitochondria are dynamic eukaryotic organelles involved in a variety of essential cellular processes including the generation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and reactive oxygen species as well as in the control of apoptosis and autophagy. Impairments of mitochondrial functions lead to aging and disease. Previous work with the ascomycete Podospora anserina demonstrated that mitochondrial morphotype as well as mitochondrial ultrastructure change during aging. The latter goes along with an age-dependent reorganization of the inner mitochondrial membrane leading to a change from lamellar cristae to vesicular structures. Particularly from studies with yeast, it is known that besides the F
1 Fo -ATP-synthase and the phospholipid cardiolipin also the "mitochondrial contact site and cristae organizing system" (MICOS) complex, existing of the Mic60- and Mic10-subcomplex, is essential for proper cristae formation. In the present study, we aimed to understand the mechanistic basis of age-related changes in the mitochondrial ultrastructure. We observed that MICOS subunits are coregulated at the posttranscriptional level. This regulation partially depends on the mitochondrial iAAA-protease PaIAP. Most surprisingly, we made the counterintuitive observation that, despite the loss of lamellar cristae and of mitochondrial impairments, the ablation of MICOS subunits (except for PaMIC12) leads to a pronounced lifespan extension. Moreover, simultaneous ablation of subunits of both MICOS subcomplexes synergistically increases lifespan, providing formal genetic evidence that both subcomplexes affect lifespan by different and at least partially independent pathways. At the molecular level, we found that ablation of Mic10-subcomplex components leads to a mitohormesis-induced lifespan extension, while lifespan extension of Mic60-subcomplex mutants seems to be controlled by pathways involved in the control of phospholipid homeostasis. Overall, our data demonstrate that both MICOS subcomplexes have different functions and play distinct roles in the aging process of P. anserina., (© 2022 The Authors. Journal of Cellular Biochemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)- Published
- 2022
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33. Sensory testing and topical capsaicin can characterize patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
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Anders B, Anders M, Kreuzer M, Zinn S, Fricker L, Maier C, Wolters M, Köhm M, Behrens F, and Walter C
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- Capsaicin adverse effects, Humans, Inflammation chemically induced, Middle Aged, Sensory System Agents adverse effects, Arthritis, Rheumatoid chemically induced, Arthritis, Rheumatoid drug therapy, Neuralgia
- Abstract
Background and Objectives: Our study aimed at examining the long-time inflammatory effects of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) as chronic immune-mediated disease on pain sensation and neuropathy development compared to healthy subjects (HS)., Methods: We used the quantitative sensory testing (QST) protocol of the German Research Network on Neuropathic Pain and Electroencephalography (EEG)-based contact heat evoked potentials (CHEPs) before and after topical capsaicin application. We recruited 16 RA patients in remission or low disease activity state (mean age: 59.38 years [± 10.18]) and 16 healthy subjects (mean age: 56.69 years [± 8.92])., Results: The application of capsaicin cream on the thigh provoked a stronger effect in HS for both mechanical and heat pain thresholds (MPT and HPT, resp.), according to the area under the receiver operation characteristic (AUROC) (HS: HPT: 0.8965, MPT: 0.7402; RA: HPT: 0.7012, MPT: 0.6113). We observed contrary effects regarding changes in CHEPs (HS: g*max = - 0.65; RA patients: g*max = 0.72)., Conclusion: As the overall effect of topical capsaicin application was higher in HS for QST, we suggest the existence of a sensitization of TRPV1 channels in RA patients caused by long-time chronical inflammation, despite a lack of clinical signs of inflammation due to adequate treatment. The effect in CHEPs probably uncovers neuropathic symptoms. The effect of topical capsaicin on HPTs and CHEPs can act as a marker for the extent of sensitization and the development of neuropathic symptoms. Further studies are needed to prove if our proposed method can act as a marker for the success of anti-inflammatory treatment. Key Points • The effect of topical capsaicin may represent the extent of TRPV1 sensitization in rheumatoid arthritis. • The effect of topical capsaicin on the amplitude level of CHEPs can unmask neuropathic symptoms. • The effect of topical capsaicin on CHEPs and HPTs can show the long-term consequences and the treatment success of RA patients in remission., (© 2022. The Author(s).)
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- 2022
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34. Live imaging of Yersinia translocon formation and immune recognition in host cells.
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Rudolph M, Carsten A, Kulnik S, Aepfelbacher M, and Wolters M
- Subjects
- Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins metabolism, Bacterial Proteins metabolism, Galectin 3, Type III Secretion Systems metabolism, Yersinia metabolism, Yersinia pseudotuberculosis metabolism
- Abstract
Yersinia enterocolitica employs a type three secretion system (T3SS) to translocate immunosuppressive effector proteins into host cells. To this end, the T3SS assembles a translocon/pore complex composed of the translocator proteins YopB and YopD in host cell membranes serving as an entry port for the effectors. The translocon is formed in a Yersinia-containing pre-phagosomal compartment that is connected to the extracellular space. As the phagosome matures, the translocon and the membrane damage it causes are recognized by the cell-autonomous immune system. We infected cells in the presence of fluorophore-labeled ALFA-tag-binding nanobodies with a Y. enterocolitica strain expressing YopD labeled with an ALFA-tag. Thereby we could record the integration of YopD into translocons and its intracellular fate in living host cells. YopD was integrated into translocons around 2 min after uptake of the bacteria into a phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate enriched pre-phagosomal compartment and remained there for 27 min on average. Damaging of the phagosomal membrane as visualized with recruitment of GFP-tagged galectin-3 occurred in the mean around 14 min after translocon formation. Shortly after recruitment of galectin-3, guanylate-binding protein 1 (GBP-1) was recruited to phagosomes, which was accompanied by a decrease in the signal intensity of translocons, suggesting their degradation or disassembly. In sum, we were able for the first time to film the spatiotemporal dynamics of Yersinia T3SS translocon formation and degradation and its sensing by components of the cell-autonomous immune system., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.
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- 2022
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35. First experiences and results after cryoablation of prostate cancer with histopathological evaluation and imaging-based follow-up.
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Peters I, Derlin K, Peperhove MJ, Hensen B, Pertschy S, Wolters M, von Klot CJ, Wacker F, and Hellms S
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- Follow-Up Studies, Humans, Image-Guided Biopsy methods, Magnetic Resonance Imaging methods, Male, Prostate-Specific Antigen, Quality of Life, Retrospective Studies, Cryosurgery adverse effects, Prostatic Neoplasms diagnostic imaging, Prostatic Neoplasms pathology, Prostatic Neoplasms surgery
- Abstract
Aim: To share our experience after 28 cryoablation treatments for prostate cancer (PCa) with histopathology, clinical data and MRI as the follow-up methods. Methods: Clinical follow-up comprised prostate-specific antigen (PSA)-measurements, PSA-density and quality of life-parameters. multi-parametric (mp)MRI pre- and post-cryoablation were retrospectively re-analyzed in 23 cases using Likert scores. Follow-up-histopathology was performed via MRI/ultrasound fusion-guided and/or systematic biopsy. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed. Results: 17 PCa (61%) were diagnosed within 12-month post-cryotherapy (infield and out-of-field disease). PSA levels and PSA density were not significantly different between patients with or without PCa recurrence. mpMRI can characterize the decrease in prostate volume and necrosis. Area under the curve for the detection of PCa was 81% (global Likert scores), 74-87% (T2), 78% (diffusion weighted imaging) and 57-78% (dynamic contrast enhanced imaging; Youden-selected cutoff ≥3). Conclusion: Besides histopathological evaluation and control biopsy, MRI might have the potential to accurately detect PCa after cryotherapy. Clinical data and interdisciplinary communication are required for efficient monitoring after cryoablation treatments for PCa.
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- 2022
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36. 25-Hydroxyvitamin D reference percentiles and the role of their determinants among European children and adolescents.
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Wolters M, Intemann T, Russo P, Moreno LA, Molnár D, Veidebaum T, Tornaritis M, De Henauw S, Eiben G, Ahrens W, and Floegel A
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- Adolescent, Calcifediol, Child, Female, Humans, Male, Seasons, Vitamin D analogs & derivatives, Vitamin D Deficiency epidemiology
- Abstract
Background/objectives: To provide age- and sex-specific percentile curves of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) by determinants from 3-<15 year-old European children, and to analyse how modifiable determinants influence 25(OH)D., Subjects/methods: Serum samples were collected from children of eight European countries participating in the multicenter IDEFICS/I.Family cohort studies. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations were analysed in a central lab by a chemiluminescence assay and the values from 2171 children (N = 3606 measurements) were used to estimate percentile curves using the generalized additive model for location, scale and shape. The association of 25(OH)D with time spent outdoors was investigated considering sex, age, country, parental education, BMI z score, UV radiation, and dietary vitamin D in regressions models., Results: The age- and sex-specific 5th and 95th percentiles of 25(OH)D ranged from 16.5 to 73.3 and 20.8 to 79.3 nmol/l in girls and boys, respectively. A total of 63% had deficient (<50 nmol/l), 33% insufficient (50-<75 nmol/l) and 3% sufficient (≥75 nmol/l) levels. 25(OH)D increased with increasing UV radiation, time spent outdoors, and vitamin D intake and slightly decreased with increasing BMI z score and age. The odds ratio (OR) for a non-deficient 25(OH)D status (reference category: deficient status) by one additional hour spent outdoors was 1.21, 95% CI [1.12-1.31], i.e., children who spent one more hour per day outdoors than other children had a 21% higher chance of a non-deficient than a deficient status., Conclusion: A majority of children suffer from deficient 25(OH)D. UV radiation, outdoor time, and dietary vitamin D are important determinants of 25(OH)D., (© 2021. The Author(s).)
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- 2022
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37. Longitudinal association of inflammatory markers with markers of glycaemia and insulin resistance in European children.
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Nagrani R, Foraita R, Wolters M, De Henauw S, Marild S, Molnár D, Moreno LA, Russo P, Tornaritis M, Veidebaum T, Ahrens W, and Marron M
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- Blood Glucose analysis, Body Mass Index, Child, Cohort Studies, Humans, Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 epidemiology, Insulin Resistance, Prediabetic State diagnosis, Prediabetic State epidemiology
- Abstract
Purpose: Subclinical systemic inflammation may lead to development of type 2 diabetes, but there has been no investigation into its relationship with early progression of glycaemic deterioration and insulin resistance, especially in younger population. In this study we assessed longitudinal associations of pro- and anti-inflammatory markers with markers that evaluate glycaemia and insulin resistance., Methods: This study includes 6537 initially nondiabetic children (mean age at baseline = 6.2 years) with repeated measurements from the IDEFICS/I.Family cohort study (mean follow-up = 5.3 years) from eight European countries. Markers of inflammation were used as independent variables and markers of glycaemia/insulin resistance as dependent variables. Associations were examined using two-level growth model. Models were adjusted for sex, age, major lifestyle, metabolic risk factors, early life markers, and other inflammatory markers in final model., Results: Children with 6 years of follow-up showed that a one-unit increase in z-score of leptin level was associated with 0.38 (95% CI = 0.32 to 0.44) unit increase in HOMA-IR z-scores. Leptin continued to be associated with HOMA-IR even when analysis was limited to children with no overall obesity, no abdominal obesity, and low to normal triglyceride levels. An inverse association was observed between IL-15 and HOMA-IR (β = -0.11, 95% CI = -0.15 to -0.07)., Conclusions: IL-15 should be evaluated further in the prevention or treatment of prediabetes whereas leptin may prove to be useful in early detection of prediabetes via their association with markers of insulin resistance in European children., (© 2021 The Authors. Diabetes/Metabolism Research and Reviews published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)
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- 2022
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38. Correction to: Associations of whole blood polyunsaturated fatty acids and insulin resistance among European children and adolescents.
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Marth S, Börnhorst C, Mehlig K, Russo P, Moreno LA, De Henauw S, Veidebaum T, Molnár D, Tornaritis M, Risé P, and Wolters M
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- 2022
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39. Impaired metabolic health over-time and high abdominal fat are prospectively associated with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in children: The IDEFICS study.
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González-Gil EM, Moreno LA, Nappo A, Santabárbara J, Wolters M, Russo P, De Henauw S, Veidebaum T, Molnar D, Hunsberger M, Fraterman A, Iacoviello L, Tornaritis M, Ahrens W, and Bel-Serrat S
- Subjects
- Child, Cross-Sectional Studies, Humans, Receptors, Immunologic, Abdominal Fat, C-Reactive Protein
- Abstract
Background: Metabolic risk and inflammatory state have an early life onset and are associated with future diseases., Objectives: To assess the association between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and metabolic health with high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP), cross-sectionally and longitudinally, in children., Methods: 2913 European children (2-10 years) from eight countries from the IDEFICS study were investigated. Data were collected at baseline and 2 years later (follow-up). A MetS z-score was computed with waist circumference (WC), insulin resistance index, blood pressure, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides. Metabolically unhealthy (MU) status was assessed. Multi-level linear and logistic regressions were performed., Results: Among the MetS markers, WC was more consistently associated with hsCRP cross-sectional and prospectively. Baseline MetS score was significantly associated with greater risk of high hsCRP at follow-up and with prevalence and incidence of hsCRP. Those children who became MU overtime were significantly (P < .05) associated with future higher levels of hsCRP, independently of weight status at baseline., Conclusions: Transition over time to a MU state was associated with higher levels of hsCRP at follow-up, independent of weight status at baseline. Screening of metabolic factors and routine measurement of WC are needed to prevent inflammatory status and related chronic diseases in children., (© 2021 The Authors. Pediatric Obesity published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of World Obesity Federation.)
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- 2021
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