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OBJECTIVES: Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) has higher diagnostic accuracy than coronary artery calcium (CAC) score for detecting obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with stable chest pain, while the added diagnostic value of combining CCTA with CAC is unknown. We investigated whether combining coronary CCTA with CAC score can improve the diagnosis of obstructive CAD compared with CCTA alone. METHODS: A total of 2315 patients (858 women, 37%) aged 61.1 ± 10.2 from 29 original studies were included to build two CAD prediction models based on either CCTA alone or CCTA combined with the CAC score. CAD was defined as at least 50% coronary diameter stenosis on invasive coronary angiography. Models were built by using generalized linear mixed-effects models with a random intercept set for the original study. The two CAD prediction models were compared by the likelihood ratio test, while their diagnostic performance was compared using the area under the receiver-operating-characteristic curve (AUC). Net benefit (benefit of true positive versus harm of false positive) was assessed by decision curve analysis. RESULTS: CAD prevalence was 43.5% (1007/2315). Combining CCTA with CAC improved CAD diagnosis compared with CCTA alone (AUC: 87% [95% CI: 86 to 89%] vs. 80% [95% CI: 78 to 82%]; p

Abstract Aim To determine the effectiveness of functional stress testing and computed tomography angiography (CTA) for diagnosis of obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods and results Two-thousand nine-hundred twenty symptomatic stable chest pain patients were included in the international Collaborative Meta-Analysis of Cardiac CT consortium to compare CTA with exercise electrocardiography (exercise-ECG) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) for diagnosis of CAD defined as ≥ 50% diameter stenosis by invasive coronary angiography (ICA) as reference standard. Generalised linear mixed models were used for calculating the diagnostic accuracy of each diagnostic test including non-diagnostic results as dependent variables in a logistic regression model with random intercepts and slopes. Covariates were the reference standard ICA, the type of diagnostic method, and their interactions. CTA showed significantly better diagnostic performance (p

ObjectivesTo determine the functional outcome after facial nerve reconstruction surgery in patients with flaccid facial paralysis.MethodsA systematic review and meta-analysis was performed on studies reporting outcomes after direct facial nerve suture (DFS), facial nerve interpositional graft suture (FIGS), hypoglossal–facial nerve suture (HFS), masseteric–facial nerve suture (MFS), and cross-face nerve suture (CFS). These studies were identified from PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science databases. Two independent reviewers performed two-stage screening and data extraction. A favorable result was defined as a final House–Brackmann grade I–III and is presented as a ratio of all patients in percentage. Pooled proportions were calculated using random-effects models.ResultsFrom 4,932 screened records, 54 studies with 1,358 patients were included. A favorable result was achieved after DFS in 42.67% of the patients [confidence interval (CI): 26.05%–61.12%], after FIGS in 66.43% (CI: 55.99%–75.47%), after HFS in 63.89% (95% CI: 54.83%–72.05%), after MFS in 63.11% (CI: 38.53%–82.37%), and after CFS in 46.67% (CI: 24.09%–70.70%). There was no statistically significant difference between the techniques (Q = 6.56, degrees of freedom = 4, p = 0.1611).ConclusionsThe established facial nerve reconstruction techniques including the single nerve cross-transfer techniques produce satisfactory results in most of the patients with permanent flaccid facial paralysis. An international consensus on standardized outcome measures would improve the comparability of facial reanimation techniques.

Abstract Background Sepsis is associated with about 20% of deaths worldwide. It often presents with non-specific initial symptoms, making its emergency treatment an interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral challenge. Three in four sepsis survivors suffers from new cognitive, psychological, or physical sequelae for which specific treatment concepts are scarce. The AVENIR project aims to improve the understanding of patient pathways, and subjective care experiences and needs along the entire healthcare pathway before, with and after sepsis. Based on this, concrete recommendations for the organization of care and patient information materials will be developed with close patient participation. Methods Mixed-methods study including (1) analysis of anonymized nationwide health claims data from Germany, (2) linkage of health claims data with patient care reports (PCR) of emergency medical services from study regions in two federal states within Germany, and (3) qualitative exploration of the patient, relative, and care provider perspective on sepsis care. In (1), we analyze inpatient and outpatient health care utilization until 30 days pre-sepsis; clinical sepsis care including intra- and inter-hospital transfers; and rehabilitation, inpatient and outpatient aftercare of sepsis survivors as well as costs for health care utilization until 24 months post-sepsis. We attempt to identify survivor classes with similar health care utilization by Latent Class Analyses. In (2), PCR are linked with health claims data to establish a comprehensive database outlining care pathways for sepsis patients from pre-hospital to follow-up. We investigate e.g., whether correct initial assessment is associated with acute (e.g., same-day lethality) and long-term (e.g., new need for care, long-term mortality) outcomes of patients. We compare the performance of sepsis-specific screening tools such as qSOFA, NEWS-2 or PRESEP in the pre-clinical setting. In (3), semi-structured interviews as well as synchronous and asynchronous online focus groups are conducted and analyzed using qualitative content analyses techniques. Discussion The results of the AVENIR study will contribute to a deeper understanding of sepsis care pathways in Germany. They may serve as a base for improvements and innovations in sepsis care, that in the long-term can contribute to reduce the personal, medical, and societal burden of sepsis and its sepsis sequelae. Trial registration Registered at German Clinical Trial Register (ID: DRKS00031302, date of registration: 5th May 2023).

Introduction Sepsis remains the major cause of death among hospitalised patients in intensive care. While targeting sepsis-causing pathogens with source control or antimicrobials has had a dramatic impact on morbidity and mortality of sepsis patients, this strategy remains insufficient for about one-third of the affected individuals who succumb. Pharmacological targeting of mechanisms that reduce sepsis-defining organ dysfunction may be beneficial. When given at low doses, the anthracycline epirubicin promotes tissue damage control and lessens the severity of sepsis independently of the host–pathogen load by conferring disease tolerance to infection. Since epirubicin at higher doses can be myelotoxic, a first dose–response trial is necessary to assess the potential harm of this drug in this new indication.Methods and analysis Epirubicin for the Treatment of Sepsis and Septic Shock-1 is a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2 dose-escalation phase IIa clinical trial to assess the safety of epirubicin as an adjunctive in patients with sepsis. The primary endpoint is the 14-day myelotoxicity. Secondary and explorative outcomes include 30-day and 90-day mortality, organ dysfunction, pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) and cytokine release. Patients will be randomised in three consecutive phases. For each study phase, patients are randomised to one of the two study arms (epirubicin or placebo) in a 4:1 ratio. Approximately 45 patients will be recruited. Patients in the epirubicin group will receive a single dose of epirubicin (3.75, 7.5 or 15 mg/m2 depending on the study phase. After each study phase, a data and safety monitoring board will recommend continuation or premature stopping of the trial. The primary analyses for each dose level will report the proportion of myelotoxicity together with a 95% CI. A potential dose-toxicity association will be analysed using a logistic regression model with dose as a covariate. All further analyses will be descriptive.Ethics and dissemination The protocol is approved by the German Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices. The results will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals.Trial registration number NCT05033808.

ObjectivesThere is conflicting evidence about the comparative diagnostic accuracy of the Agatston score versus computed tomography angiography (CTA) in patients with suspected obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD).PurposeTo determine whether CTA is superior to the Agatston score in the diagnosis of CAD.MethodsIn total 2452 patients with stable chest pain and a clinical indication for invasive coronary angiography (ICA) for suspected CAD were included by the Collaborative Meta-analysis of Cardiac CT (COME-CCT) Consortium. An Agatston score of > 400 was considered positive, and obstructive CAD defined as at least 50% coronary diameter stenosis on ICA was used as the reference standard.ResultsObstructive CAD was diagnosed in 44.9% of patients (1100/2452). The median Agatston score was 74. Diagnostic accuracy of CTA for the detection of obstructive CAD (81.1%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 77.5 to 84.1%) was significantly higher than that of the Agatston score (68.8%, 95% CI: 64.2 to 73.1%, p < 0.001). Among patients with an Agatston score of zero, 17% (101/600) had obstructive CAD. Diagnostic accuracy of CTA was not significantly different in patients with low to intermediate (1 to < 100, 100-400) versus moderate to high Agatston scores (401-1000, > 1000).ConclusionsResults in our international cohort show CTA to have significantly higher diagnostic accuracy than the Agatston score in patients with stable chest pain, suspected CAD, and a clinical indication for ICA. Diagnostic performance of CTA is not affected by a higher Agatston score while an Agatston score of zero does not reliably exclude obstructive CAD.Key points• CTA showed significantly higher diagnostic accuracy (81.1%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 77.5 to 84.1%) for diagnosis of coronary artery disease when compared to the Agatston score (68.8%, 95% CI: 64.2 to 73.1%, p < 0.001). • Diagnostic performance of CTA was not affected by increased amount of calcium and was not significantly different in patients with low to intermediate (1 to 1000). • Seventeen percent of patients with an Agatston score of zero showed obstructive coronary artery disease by invasive angiography showing absence of coronary artery calcium cannot reliably exclude coronary artery disease.

Optimizing the bearing design is an essential step to maintain safe operation and extend the bearing life. Taguchi method is one of the powerful methods in this direction, which can be used to assess the geometrical design parameters under shaft deviation. Shaft deviation is unavoidable in the industrial applications of journal bearing. It results from installation and manufacturing errors, bearing deformation, asymmetric loading, and many other sources. This work investigates the use of three bearing profiles with a wide range of geometrical characteristics to minimize the deviation negative effects. These designs modified the inner bearing surface in a linear, parabolic, or cubic shape. A general 3D deviation representation is considered in the analysis where the deviations in the horizontal and vertical directions are taken into consideration. The analysis is performed for a finite-length journal bearing using the Taguchi method to determine the optimal design characteristics. This analysis is achieved in terms of the rotor critical speed and the film thickness of the lubricant. Furthermore, the system response to an impact load is analyzed. The finite difference method is used in the analysis to solve the governing equations of the hydrodynamic problem, and the 4th-order Range Kutta solution is considered to solve the motion equations of the rotor under the impact load. Results show that using the suggested designs enhances the system’s critical speed, elevates the thickness of the lubricant layer, and extends the safe operation limits under impact load. The parabolic profile gives the most effective outcome where the shaft trajectory under impact excitation is very close to the ideal journal-bearing case. The suggested design reduces the maximum pressure by 17.07%, increases the minimum film thickness by 175.04%, and increases the critical speed by 23.42%.

BackgroundSepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction due to a dysregulated host response to infection. Annually, sepsis leads to approx. 90.000 deaths in Germany. Risk factors include amongst others older age (>60), innate or acquired dysfunction of the immune system, and underlying chronic diseases of the lung, heart, liver, or kidneys. The manifestation of sepsis is a medical emergency, and patient outcomes depend on timely diagnosis and immediate treatment. In addition, vaccinations e.g., against pneumococci or influenza virus, are a highly effective public health tool to prevent the most common underlying infections that may lead to sepsis. However, a lack of public awareness for the relevance of vaccination and detecting sepsis as an emergency underlines the need for public health interventions that address these issues. SepWiss aims to evaluate the effects of a multimodal information campaign designed to address this lack of awareness among the risk population in Germany.MethodsSepWiss is an intervention at state level, consisting of a multimodal information campaign targeting risk groups in the German federal states of Berlin and Brandenburg (intervention region). Based on available evidence, various information formats were developed and implemented by outdoor advertising, social media, educational formats and through stakeholders' platforms, starting in August 2021. The control region comprises of the remaining 14 German federal states. We will analyze vaccination coverage (primary outcome), and sepsis knowledge, the ability to detect sepsis as an emergency, and attitude towards vaccination (secondary outcomes) amongst the risk population in a controlled before-after comparison. The implementation is accompanied by a mixed-method process evaluation.DiscussionSepWiss is the first project of its kind to evaluate a complex multi-faceted evidence-based information campaign with regards to the topics of vaccination coverage, and the importance of sepsis detection and prevention for the most vulnerable populations in Germany. Results will be valuable for informing further nationwide campaigns.Trial registrationGerman Registry for Clinical Trials: DRKS00024475. Registered February 24th, 2021.

Hypertriglyceridemia and diabetes mellitus type 2 are among the most important metabolic diseases globally. Diet plays a vital role in the development and progression of both clinical pictures. For the 10-week randomized, controlled, intervention study, 67 subjects with elevated plasma triglyceride (TG) concentrations (≥1.7 mmol/L) and 69 subjects with elevated fasting glucose concentrations (≥5.6 < 7.0 mmol/L) were recruited. The intervention groups received specially developed, individualized menu plans and regular counseling sessions to lower (A) TG or (B) fasting glucose and glycated hemoglobin A1c as well as other cardiovascular and diabetic risk factors. The hypertriglyceridemia intervention group was further supplemented with fish oil (3.5 g/d eicosapentaenoic acid + docosahexaenoic acid). The two control groups maintained a typical Western diet. Blood samples were taken every 2 weeks, and anthropometric data were collected. A follow-up examination was conducted after another 10 weeks. In both intervention groups, there were comparable significant reductions in blood lipids, glucose metabolism, and anthropometric parameters. These results were, with a few exceptions, significantly more pronounced in the intervention groups than in the corresponding control groups (comparison of percentage change from baseline). In particular, body weight was reduced by 7.4% (6.4 kg) and 7.5% (5.9 kg), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations by 19.8% (0.8 mmol/L) and 13.0% (0.5 mmol/L), TG concentrations by 18.2% (0.3 mmol/L) and 13.0% (0.2 mmol/L), and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance by 31.8% (1.1) and 26.4% (0.9) (p < 0.05) in the hypertriglyceridemia and prediabetes intervention groups, respectively. Some of these changes were maintained until follow-up. In patients with elevated TG or fasting glucose, implementing individualized menu plans in combination with regular counseling sessions over 10 weeks led to a significant improvement in cardiovascular and diabetic risk factors.

Abstract Background Coronary computed tomography angiography has become the foremost noninvasive imaging modality of the coronary arteries and is used as an alternative to the reference standard, conventional coronary angiography, for direct visualization and detection of coronary artery stenoses in patients with suspected coronary artery disease. Nevertheless, there is considerable debate regarding the optimal target population to maximize clinical performance and patient benefit. The most obvious indication for noninvasive coronary computed tomography angiography in patients with suspected coronary artery disease would be to reliably exclude significant stenosis and, thus, avoid unnecessary invasive conventional coronary angiography. To do this, a test should have, at clinically appropriate pretest likelihoods, minimal false-negative outcomes resulting in a high negative predictive value. However, little is known about the influence of patient characteristics on the clinical predictive values of coronary computed tomography angiography. Previous regular systematic reviews and meta-analyses had to rely on limited summary patient cohort data offered by primary studies. Performing an individual patient data meta-analysis will enable a much more detailed and powerful analysis and thus increase representativeness and generalizability of the results. The individual patient data meta-analysis is registered with the PROSPERO database (CoMe-CCT, CRD42012002780). Methods/Design The analysis will include individual patient data from published and unpublished prospective diagnostic accuracy studies comparing coronary computed tomography angiography with conventional coronary angiography. These studies will be identified performing a systematic search in several electronic databases. Corresponding authors will be contacted and asked to provide obligatory and additional data. Risk factors, previous test results and symptoms of individual patients will be used to estimate the pretest likelihood of coronary artery disease. A bivariate random-effects model will be used to calculate pooled mean negative and positive predictive values as well as sensitivity and specificity. The primary outcome of interest will be positive and negative predictive values of coronary computed tomography angiography for the presence of coronary artery disease as a function of pretest likelihood of coronary artery disease, analyzed by meta-regression. As a secondary endpoint, factors that may influence the diagnostic performance and clinical value of computed tomography, such as heart rate and body mass index of patients, number of detector rows, and administration of beta blockade and nitroglycerin, will be investigated by integrating them as further covariates into the bivariate random-effects model. Discussion This collaborative individual patient data meta-analysis should provide answers to the pivotal question of which patients benefit most from noninvasive coronary computed tomography angiography and thus help to adequately select the right patients for this test.

Background: Hospital-acquired infections are a common source of sepsis. Hospital onset of sepsis was found to be associated with higher acute mortality and hospital costs, yet its impact on long-term patient-relevant outcomes and costs is unknown. Objective: We aimed to assess the association between sepsis origin and acute and long-term outcomes based on a nationwide population-based cohort of sepsis patients in Germany. Methods: This retrospective cohort study used nationwide health claims data from 23 million health insurance beneficiaries. Sepsis patients with hospital-acquired infections (HAI) were identified by ICD-10-codes in a cohort of adult patients with hospital-treated sepsis between 2013 and 2014. Cases without these ICD-10-codes were considered as sepsis cases with community-acquired infection (CAI) and were matched with HAI sepsis patients by propensity score matching. Outcomes included in-hospital/12-month mortality and costs, as well as readmissions and nursing care dependency until 12 months postsepsis. Results: We matched 33,110 HAI sepsis patients with 28,614 CAI sepsis patients and 22,234 HAI sepsis hospital survivors with 19,364 CAI sepsis hospital survivors. HAI sepsis patients had a higher hospital mortality than CAI sepsis patients (32.8% vs. 25.4%, RR 1.3, p

BackgroundLong-term impairments after sepsis can impede the return to work in survivors. We aimed to describe rates of return to work 6 and 12 months postsepsis.MethodsThis retrospective, population-based cohort study was based on health claims data of the German AOK health insurance of 23.0 million beneficiaries. We included 12-months survivors after hospital-treated sepsis in 2013/2014, who were ≤60 years at the time of the admission and were working in the year presepsis. We assessed the prevalence of return to work (RTW), persistent inability to work and early retirement.ResultsAmong 7,370 working age sepsis survivors, 69.2% returned to work at 6 months postsepsis, while 22.8% were on sick leave and 8.0% retired early. At 12 months postsepsis, the RTW rate increased to 76.9%, whereas 9.8% were still on sick leave and 13.3% retired early. Survivors who returned to work had a mean of 70 (SD 93) sick leave days in the 12 months presepsis (median 28 days, IQR 108 days).ConclusionOne out of four working age sepsis survivors does not resume work in the year postsepsis. Specific rehabilitation and targeted aftercare may be opportunities to reduce barriers to RTW after sepsis.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of influencing factors (sex, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) status at baseline, linoleic acid (LA) intake, milk fat intake) on the conversion of α-linolenic acid (ALA) obtained from linseed oil into its long-chain metabolites. In addition, the effect of ALA on cardiovascular risk markers was investigated. This study used a parallel design approach by randomly assigning the 134 subjects to one of four diets (high in LA (HLA); low in LA (LLA); high in milk fat (MF); control (Western diet)) each enriched with linseed oil (10 en%, 22–27 mL ≙ 13–16 g ALA). Blood samples were taken at baseline and after 4, 8, and 12 weeks of dietary intervention. The study was fully completed by 105 subjects (57.4 ± 12.1 years; 65.7% female). Results showed that ALA (296–465%), C-20:4n3 (54–140%), and EPA (37–73%) concentrations in erythrocytes increased in all groups (p < 0.01). In contrast, docosahexaenoic acid (19–35%, p < 0.01) and n-3 index (10–21%, p < 0.05) dropped in the HLA, LLA, and control groups. An increase in C-22:5n3 was only observed in the MF (36%) and control groups (11%) (p < 0.05). In addition, an increase in LA (7–27%) was found in the HLA, LLA, and control groups, whereas C-20:3n6 (16–22%), arachidonic acid (10–16%), C-22:4n6 (12–30%), and C-22:5n6 (32–47%) decreased (p < 0.01). The conversion into EPA was higher in men than in women (69 vs. 39%, p = 0.043) and in subjects with low EPA status compared to participants with high EPA status (79 vs. 29%, p < 0.001). A high LA status attenuates the conversion rate. In line with the literature, no clear effects on blood lipids and parameters of glucose metabolism were found in relation to ALA supplementation.

BackgroundMethods for assessing long-term outcome quality of acute care for sepsis are lacking. We investigated a method for measuring long-term outcome quality based on health claims data in Germany.Materials and methodsAnalyses were based on data of the largest German health insurer, covering 32% of the population. Cases (aged 15 years and older) with ICD-10-codes for severe sepsis or septic shock according to sepsis-1-definitions hospitalized in 2014 were included. Short-term outcome was assessed by 90-day mortality; long-term outcome was assessed by a composite endpoint defined by 1-year mortality or increased dependency on chronic care. Risk factors were identified by logistic regressions with backward selection. Hierarchical generalized linear models were used to correct for clustering of cases in hospitals. Predictive validity of the models was assessed by internal validation using bootstrap-sampling. Risk-standardized mortality rates (RSMR) were calculated with and without reliability adjustment and their univariate and bivariate distributions were described.ResultsAmong 35,552 included patients, 53.2% died within 90 days after admission; 39.8% of 90-day survivors died within the first year or had an increased dependency on chronic care. Both risk-models showed a sufficient predictive validity regarding discrimination [AUC = 0.748 (95% CI: 0.742; 0.752) for 90-day mortality; AUC = 0.675 (95% CI: 0.665; 0.685) for the 1-year composite outcome, respectively], calibration (Brier Score of 0.203 and 0.220; calibration slope of 1.094 and 0.978), and explained variance (R2 = 0.242 and R2 = 0.111). Because of a small case-volume per hospital, applying reliability adjustment to the RSMR led to a great decrease in variability across hospitals [from median (1st quartile, 3rd quartile) 54.2% (44.3%, 65.5%) to 53.2% (50.7%, 55.9%) for 90-day mortality; from 39.2% (27.8%, 51.1%) to 39.9% (39.5%, 40.4%) for the 1-year composite endpoint]. There was no substantial correlation between the two endpoints at hospital level (observed rates: ρ = 0, p = 0.99; RSMR: ρ = 0.017, p = 0.56; reliability-adjusted RSMR: ρ = 0.067; p = 0.026).ConclusionQuality assurance and epidemiological surveillance of sepsis care should include indicators of long-term mortality and morbidity. Claims-based risk-adjustment models for quality indicators of acute sepsis care showed satisfactory predictive validity. To increase reliability of measurement, data sources should cover the full population and hospitals need to improve ICD-10-coding of sepsis.

Medical data sciences receive attention as digitalization and artificial intelligence (AI) pose new challenges and opportunities in health care. Specific methods and skills derived from the data sciences have been driving essential developments in almost if not all areas of health care and medical research over many years. For example, evidence-based medicine is now a pillar of medical practice, combined with a stronger focus on reproducible and valid research and an improved understanding of scientific methods. The increased role of the data sciences in medical research and practice is reflected in the revised national competency-based learning objectives catalog for medicine (NKLM 2.0). Digitalization, research skills, evidence medicine and health promotion and prevention are integral parts of the curriculum from start to end. They relate to all subjects and topics in an interprofessional manner. This increase in relevance of the data sciences clearly calls for improved competencies in the clinico-theoretical disciplines previously combined as interdisciplinary domain 1 (Q1). Epidemiology, medical biometry and medical informatics will now contribute expertise throughout the whole course of studying medicine. These disciplines deal with digitalization, medical research competence, evidence-based medicine, and prevention. In addition, disease-related learning and many aspects of therapy, diagnostics, communication, and management benefit from cooperation with dedicated instruction in the medical data sciences by didactically trained experts. This article aims to support faculties and subject representatives during the implementation period of the NKLM 2.0 and beyond regarding data science skills. Tables provide an overview of essential learning objectives in epidemiology, biometry, and medical informatics across the different phases of the curriculum. In addition, we give recommendations for cooperation with other subject representatives. By this we wish to contribute to improving the medical curriculum based on graduate profile-oriented interdisciplinary-integrative teaching.

Abstract Preoperative skin preparation is an effective method to prevent surgical site infections (SSI). Alcoholic chlorhexidine (CHG) and povidone iodine (PV-I) are the most widely used antiseptic agents. This meta-analysis aims to determine their efficacy in reducing natural bacterial skin flora in clean orthopedic surgery. A systematic search was conducted through current literature up to June 2021 to identify clinical randomized trials that compared the efficacy of alcoholic chlorhexidine and povidone iodine in reducing bacterial skin colonization after preoperative skin preparation. A meta-analysis was conducted. Of 235 screened articles, 8 randomized controlled trials were included. The results of the meta-analysis demonstrate a significantly lower positive culture rate in the chlorhexidine group than in the povidone iodine group (RR = 0.53, 95% Cl: 0.32–0.88). The present data show the superiority of chlorhexidine in reducing the normal bacterial flora compared to povidone iodine in clean orthopedic surgery.

Abstract Background Most spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhages (SAH) occur unexpectedly and independently of classical risk factors. In the light of increasing climate variability and change, we investigated weather and rapid weather changes as possible short-term risk factors for SAH. Methods Seven hundred ninety one patients admitted to three major hospitals in Germany for non-traumatic SAH with a determinable onset of SAH symptoms were included in this hospital-based, case-crossover study. The effects of atmospheric pressure, relative air humidity, and ambient temperature and their 24 h changes on the onset of SAH under temperate climate conditions were estimated. Results There was no association between the risk of SAH and 24 h weather changes, mean daily temperature or mean relative air humidity in the overall population. For every 11.5 hPa higher mean daily atmospheric pressure, the risk of SAH increased by 15% (OR 1.15, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01–1.30) in the entire study population with a lag time of three days. Conclusion Our results suggest no relevant association between 24 h-weather changes or absolute values of ambient temperature and relative humidity and the risk of SAH. The medical significance of the statistically weak increase in SAH risk three days after exposure to high atmospheric pressure is unclear. However, as the occurrence of stable high-pressure systems will increase with global warming and potentially affect SAH risk, we call for confirming studies in different geographical regions to verify our observations.

ObjectivesTo determine the decannulation rate (DR) and revision surgery rate after surgery for bilateral vocal fold paralysis (BVFP).Data SourcesFive databases (MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus) were searched for the period 1908–2020.MethodsThe systematic literature review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Data were pooled using a random-mixed-effects model. Randomized controlled trials and non-randomized studies (case-control, cohort, and case series) were included to assess DR and revision surgery rate after different surgical techniques for treatment of BVFP.ResultsThe search yielded 857 publications, of which 102 with 2802 patients were included. DR after different types of surgery was: arytenoid abduction (DR 0.93, 95%-confidence interval [CI], 0.86–0.97), endolaryngeal arytenoidectomy (DR 0.92, 95%-CI, 0.86–0.96), external arytenoidectomy (DR 0.94; 95%-CI, 0.71–0.99), external arytenoidectomy and lateralisation (DR 0.87; 95%-CI, 0.73–0.94), laterofixation (DR 0.95; 95%-CI, 0.91–0.97), posterior cordectomy (DR 0.97, 95%-CI, 0.94–0.99), posterior cordectomy and arytenoidectomy (DR 0.98, 95%-CI, 0.93–0.99), posterior cordectomy and subtotal arytenoidectomy (DR 0.98, 95%-CI, 0.88–1.00), posterior cordotomy (DR 0.96, 95%-CI, 0.84–0.99), reinnervation (0.69, 95%-CI, 0.12–0.97), subtotal arytenoidectomy (DR 1.00, 95%-CI, 0.00–1.00) and transverse cordotomy (DR 1.0, 95%-CI, 0.00–1.00). No significant difference between subgroups for DR could be found (Q = 15.67, df = 11, p = 0.1540). The between-study heterogeneity was low (τ2 = 2.2627; τ = 1.5042; I2 = 0.0%). Studies were at high risk of bias.ConclusionBLVP is a rare disease and the study quality is insufficient. The existing studies suggest a publication bias and the literature review revealed that there is a lack of prospective controlled studies. There is a lack of standardized measures that takes into account both speech quality and respiratory function and allows adequate comparison of surgical methods.

Water is becoming an increasingly contested resource. Today, the sustainability of water use is assessed with different indicator frameworks that usually refer to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) or other norms. Classifying international norms and the subsequent indicators for assessment according to their legitimacy will increase the practical relevance of assessment results. The classification will enable addressees to differentiate between mandatory obligations in water management and additional more ambitious targets for decisions on sustainable water distribution. This study presents 11 standards for sustainable water distribution which have been classified based on legitimacy and specificity. A literature review identified relevant international norms that were subsequently classified. Suggestions for the implementation of the standards and priorities in assessment methods are discussed. Through the new set of standards, assessment results can transparently be communicated to policymakers, NGOs and business and support them to identify their obligations for sustainable water use. Highlights Compiled standards can be used by decision-makers for the spatial assessment of the sustainability of water use.; Classification of norms according to legitimacy and specificity points to governmental actors where further operationalization is needed to implement and monitor sustainable water use.; In competing situations, water allocation between environment and food production remains unsolved.;

Investigations on the association between patient’s age and head and neck cancer (HNC) treatment decision are sparse. Nationwide diagnoses-related group-based data of 1,226,357 cases hospitalized with primary HNC in Germany from 2005 to 2018 were included. Negative binomial regression was performed to study the development of the treatment rates over time. For all treatment options, i.e., biopsies, surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy/biologicals, increases in the treatment rates were seen in patients >80 years (surgery: oral cavity: relative risk [RR]: 1.2, CI: 1.13–1.20; oropharynx: RR: 1.2, CI: 1.15–1.34; hypopharynx: RR: 1.1, CI: 1.02–1.17; larynx: RR: 1.1, CI: 1.04–1.12; radiotherapy: oral cavity: RR: 1.1, CI: 1.07–1.23; oropharynx: RR: 1.3, CI: 1.16–1.49; hypopharynx: RR: 1.3, CI: 1.21–1.46; larynx: RR 1.2, CI: 1.03–1.29; chemotherapy: oral cavity: RR: 1.2, CI: 1.06–1.31; salivary glands: RR: 1.3, CI: 1.09–1.50; oropharynx: RR: 1.4, CI: 1.12–1.83; hypopharynx: RR: 1.3, CI: 1.06–1.48; larynx: RR: 1.3, CI: 1.08–1.52, all p < 0.05). Older age cohorts (≥80 years) need more awareness as they are mainly responsible for the increase in the rates of surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy/biologics in HNC patients.

Abstract Aims Exposure to high levels of air pollution in industrialized urban areas is associated with an increased risk of heart failure (HF). On most days, the majority of European cities are only moderately affected by air pollution. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between short‐term exposure to moderate levels of air pollution with the risk of HF in a city with good air quality. Methods and results We recruited 576 patients (median age 82 years; 58.2% men) admitted to a large university hospital in Central Germany for HF to participate in a hospital‐based, bidirectional, case‐crossover study. Diagnosis of HF and symptom onset were verified individually. The effect of short‐term exposure to nitrogen dioxide (NO2), particulate matter (PM10), and ozone (O3) on the risk of HF was estimated using linear and non‐linear (categorized) multivariate analyses for three different lag times (1, 2, and 3 days before HF onset). Air pollution variables were adjusted to the date of HF symptom onset. During the study period, the average daily concentration of air pollutants was only moderate and reflects the average European background air pollution. In particular, the concentration of air pollutants ranged from 2 to 63.39 μg/m3 (median = 17.46 μg/m3) for NO2, from 2 to 125.88 μg/m3 (median = 44.61 μg/m3) for O3, and from 2.21 to 166.79 μg/m3 (median = 18.67 μg/m3) for PM10. We did not find a linear or non‐linear association between short‐term exposure to NO2, O3, or PM10 and risk for HF at all lag times in the overall population and subgroups. Conclusions In an area with only moderate air pollution, short‐term exposure to major air pollutants does not increase the risk for HF. Future studies should focus on a potential threshold effect of air pollution on HF risk as a basis for evidence‐based development of statutory limits in highly polluted areas.

During adolescence both sexes experience a loss of body satisfaction, whereby the effect is greater among girls. Coming to terms with gender roles is an important step in the development of a person’s identity. Traditional gender roles tend to emphasise certain physical attributes: attractiveness in women, and strength and dominance in men. This article analyses associations between a traditional gender role orientation and body satisfaction during adolescence based on logistic regression models and using data taken from the 2017/18 Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study (n=1,912 girls, n=1,689 boys). The results show an overall high degree of body satisfaction, with girls scoring lower than boys. Role preconceptions were mostly not traditional, with boys being slightly more traditional than girls. In both sexes, a more traditional role orientation was accompanied by lower levels of body satisfaction; in boys, this effect was seen to decrease with age. The stereotypical features of role preconceptions are examined as a possible explanation for these differences. An alternative explanation posits that an egalitarian role orientation (i.e. one based on the principle of equality) creates a more tolerant environment with greater social support, which could foster a greater sense of self-acceptance. These results indicate that questioning traditional preconceptions of gender roles during adolescence may help prevent problems related to body image in both sexes.

The Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study is an international research project in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) for over 35 years. HBSC is the largest study on child and adolescent health and one of the most important sources of data for the WHO’s international comparative health monitoring. Every four years, data on the health and health behaviour of students aged 11, 13 and 15, as well as the social contexts and conditions for growing up healthy, are collected. A total of 50 countries belong to the HBSC network, with 45 countries taking part in the 2017/18 survey. Germany has contributed to the HBSC surveys since 1993/94. For the most recent 2017/18 cycle, students at 146 schools in Germany were interviewed (response rate of schools: 15.6%). A net sample of n = 4,347 girls and boys was achieved for Germany (response rate: 52.7%). Participation was voluntary and the survey was conducted in German school years five, seven and nine (corresponding to ages 11, 13 and 15). A weighting procedure was applied to allow for representative findings on the health of children and adolescents in Germany. HBSC offers a valuable contribution to health monitoring and provides numerous starting points to identify needs, risk groups and fields of action to initiate targeted and actual needs-based measures of prevention and health promotion in the school setting.

Abstract Background Evidence-based psychological interventions for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are available in specialized settings, but adequate care in primary care is often lacking. The aim of this systematic review was to determine the effectiveness of psychological interventions for PTSD involving primary care physicians (PCPs) and to characterize these interventions as well as their providers. Method A systematic review and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Primary outcome were symptoms of PTSD. Results Four RCTs with a total of 774 patients suffering from PTSD symptoms were included, all applying cognitive behavioural based interventions. Three studies with psychological interventions being conducted by case managers were pooled in a meta-analysis. Interventions were not effective in the short term (0–6 months; SMD, − 0.1; 95% CI, − 0.24-0.04; I2 = 0%). Only two studies contributed to the meta-analysis for long term (12–18 months) outcomes yielding a small effect (SMD, − 0.23; 95% CI, − 0.38- -0.08; I2 = 0%). Conclusions Psychological interventions for PTSD in primary care settings may be effective in the long term but number and quality of included studies was limited so the results should be interpreted with caution.

Dieser Beitrag legt am Beispiel des von Prof. Dr. Dorothee M. Meister initiierten Projektes «E-Assessment NRW» dar, welche weitreichenden Herausforderungen es bei der Einführung von E-Assessments gibt. Dabei werden drei Handlungsfelder – Technik, Didaktik und Recht – bei der Einführung, Implementierung und Umsetzung von E-Assessments betrachtet und herausgestellt, welche Chancen eine kooperative Zusammenarbeit unter Berücksichtigung hochschulinterner Prozesse bietet und welche Konsequenzen sich daraus für die Medienpraxis an Hochschulen ergeben. Der Fokus des Beitrags liegt auf der kooperativen Zusammenarbeit im Bereich von Weiterbildungs- und Vernetzungsformaten.

The phenomenon of vehicle braking is very complex, because during the braking process, the heat will be generated on the braking disc and the braking pads. This will cause the penetration in the contacting surfaces. In this research paper, three-dimensional model is developed and validated using finite element technique. It was used ANSYS/Workbench 14.5 software, Transient Structural module to achieve the numerical analysis. During the stopping process, the high temperatures appeared on the braking pads, where the temperature exceeded 150 °C when applied pressure is 0.9 MPa. While, when the applied pressure is 1.1 MPa the temperature on the contact surface is exceeded 180 °C, after just 1.3 s. The important conclusion based on the results is the most significant factors on the distribution and magnitude of temperature that appear on the contact surfaces are applied pressure and the penetration. Besides that, it was found, that the penetration in high measure depends on the temperature, which proves the value of the coherence, which is almost equal to 1.

Objective: The aim of this meta-analysis was to investigate the impact of intravenous iloprost therapy on pain, function, edema changes, and follow-up surgery in bone marrow edema syndrome of the proximal femur. Methods: A systematic literature search up to May 2022 was performed to find relevant papers that made a statement about the outcome of intravenous iloprost therapy alone. Factors such as the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Harris Hip Score (HHS), edema reduction, and follow-up interventions were considered. These were compared using Forest plots. Results: In 11 studies, 190 proximal femora with bone marrow edema syndrome that received intravenous iloprost therapy without further therapeutic intravenous or surgical intervention such as core decompression were studied. There was a significant mean improvement in VAS by 3.3 cm (2.07–4.5 cm) (p < 0.001) and HHS by 24.36 points (18.23–30.49) (p < 0.001) 3–6 months after receiving iloprost therapy. Only in 9.3% of cases (1.1–24.3%) did no clinical or radiological improvement occur. Conclusions: It could be shown that the existing publications support intravenous therapy with iloprost in patients with bone marrow edema syndrome and result in good clinical outcomes.

The phase transition behavior of differently crosslinked poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)/N,N’-methylenebisacrylamide (PNiPAM/BIS) microgels with varying crosslinker content is investigated in presence of aromatic additives. The influence of meta-hydroxybenzaldehyde (m-HBA) and 2,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde (2,4-DHBA), chosen as model drugs, on the volume phase transition temperature (VPTT) is analyzed by dynamic light scattering (DLS), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and 1H-NMR, monitoring and comparing the structural, calorimetric, and dynamic phase transition, respectively. Generally, the VPTT is found to increase with crosslinker content, accompanied by a drastic decrease of transition enthalpy. The presence of an additive generally decreases the VPTT, but with distinct differences concerning the crosslinker content. While the structural transition is most affected at lowest crosslinker content, the calorimetric and dynamic transitions are most affected for an intermediate crosslinker content. Additive uptake of the collapsed gel is largest for low crosslinked microgels and in case of large additive-induced temperature shifts. Furthermore, as temperature is successively raised, 1H NMR data, aided by spin relaxation rates, reveal an interesting uptake behavior, as the microgels act in a sponge-like fashion including a large initial uptake and a squeeze-out phase above VPTT.

Importance: Changes in dietary habits and lifestyle can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease which is the leading cause of death worldwide. Objectives of the MoKaRi study The MoKaRi (modulation of cardiovascular risk factors) intervention study is designed to evaluate the effectiveness and potential of the developed MoKaRi concept. The MoKaRi concept comprises three components, each designed to improve dietary behavior. The first component entails using daily menu plans to implement a defined “cardioprotective diet”. This diet consists of seasonal menu plans which are characterized by:(i) a personalized energy supply depending on his or her age, gender, level of physical activity.(ii) an adequate intake of carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamins, minerals, and trace elements according to the guidelines of the German Society of Nutrition (DGE).(iii) a recommended intake of saturated fatty acids (SFA; < 7% of caloric intake (En%)), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA; > 10 En%), polyunsaturated fatty acids.(PUFA; approx. 10 En%), and long-chain n-3 PUFA (≥500 mg per day).(iv) measures to encourage consumption of vegetables and fruits, and.(v) eating more than 40 g dietary fiber every day.Half of the participants will be scheduled to consume an additional 3 g of long-chain n- 3 PUFA every day in the form of fish oil.The second component consists of regular one-on-one nutritional counseling, while a variety of further incentives make up the third component of the MoKaRi concept.The MoKaRi study will provide essential insights into the relationship between defined nutrient intake, markers of food intake and health status. Our specific aim is to investigate the influence of dietary and lifestyle choices have on cardiovascular health.The information and practical tools suitable for daily use, such as the personalized menu plans, could help to transfer knowledge on nutritional facts to the general population. In this way, the validated MoKaRi concept may contribute to the prevention and therapy of cardiovascular diseases. Methods: In line with our power calculation, we will enroll 60 participants and randomly assign them to one of two parallel arms. Each participant will receive personalized menu plans for each day of the study and will be provided with one-on-one nutritional counseling sessions every two weeks for a study period of 20 weeks (140 days). During this period, blood samples will be taken every 14 days (11 time points) and twice during a 20-weeks follow-up period. Incentives such as a supply of foods approved according t the standards of the study, a sports program, individual feedback on study parameters reflecting health status, and group activities round off the MoKaRi concept.Low-density cholesterol is the primary outcome measure of the MoKaRi study, and the secondary endpoints comprise markers of nutrient status (e.g. fatty acid distribution in plasma and erythrocyte lipids), a metabolomic profiling, diabetes risk markers, clotting markers, and further cardiovascular risk factors, such as blood lipids, homocysteine and high-sensitive c-reactive protein.The MoKaRi study was registered before launch at ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier NCT02637778; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02637778).

Abstract Background Colchicine has been used as anti-inflammatory agent in pericardial effusion (PE). We sought to perform a meta-analysis of randomized trials assessing the efficacy and safety of colchicine in patients with pericarditis or postpericardiotomy syndrome (PPS). Methods In the systematic literature search following the PRISMA statement, 10 prospective randomized controlled studies with 1981 patients with an average follow-up duration of 13.6 months were identified. Results Colchicine reduced the recurrence rate of pericarditis in patients with acute and recurrent pericarditis and reduced the incidence of PPS (RR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.44–0.74). Additionally, the rate of rehospitalizations as well as the symptom duration after 72 h was significantly decreased in pericarditis (RR 0.33; 95% CI 0.18–0.60; and RR 0.43; 95% CI 0.34–0.54; respectively), but not in PPS. Treatment with colchicine was associated with significantly higher adverse event (AE) rates (RR 1.42; 95% CI 1.05–1.92), with gastrointestinal intolerance being the leading AE. The reported number needed to treat (NNT) for the prevention of recurrent pericarditis ranged between 3 and 5. The reported NNT for PPS prevention was 10, and the number needed to harm (NNH) was 12, respectively. Late colchicine administration ≥ 7 days after heart surgery did not reduce postoperative PE. Conclusions Our meta-analysis confirms that colchicine is efficacious and safe for prevention of recurrent pericarditis and PPS, while it reduces rehospitalizations and symptom duration in pericarditis. The clinical use of colchicine for the setting of PPS and postoperative PE after heart surgery should be investigated in further multicenter RCT.

Abstract Background Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection with a hospital mortality in excess of 40%. Along with insufficient and delayed empirical antimicrobial therapy, inappropriate antimicrobial exposure has been identified to negatively affect patient outcomes. Receipt of prolonged infusion (i.e. extended or continuous infusion) of piperacillin/tazobactam (TZP) improves antimicrobial exposure and is associated with reduced mortality in patients with sepsis. Using therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) with dosing tailored to the altered pharmacokinetics of the individual patient to avoid under- and overdosing may be a further strategy to improve patient outcomes. This current trial will address the question whether a TDM-guided therapy with TZP administered by continuous infusion will result in a greater resolution of organ dysfunction and hence better clinical outcome compared to continuous infusion of the total daily dose of TZP without TDM. Methods The study is an investigator-initiated, multi-centre, parallel-group, single-blinded, randomised controlled trial. The trial will be conducted in several centres across Germany. Adult patients (aged ≥ 18 years) with severe sepsis or septic shock will be eligible for study participation. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either TZP by continuous infusion guided by daily TDM of piperacillin (experimental group) or by continuous infusion without TDM guidance (total daily dose in normal renal function 13.5 g TZP) (control group). The pharmacokinetic (PK)/pharmacodynamic (PD) target will be 100% f T>4MIC (percentage of time during a dosing interval that the free [f] drug concentration exceeds 4 times the minimum inhibitory concentration). The primary efficacy endpoint is the change in mean total Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score from day 1 after randomisation until day 10 or discharge from the intensive care unit or death, whichever comes first. Secondary outcomes include mortality, clinical cure, microbiological cure, overall antibiotic use, individual components of the primary outcome, adverse events and analysis of PK and (PD) indices. Discussion This trial will assess for the first time whether continuous infusion of TZP guided by daily TDM in patients with sepsis will result in a greater resolution of organ dysfunction and hence better clinical outcome compared to continuous infusion without TDM. Trial registration German Clinical Trials Register (GermanCTR), DRKS00011159. Registered on 10 October 2016.

This research paper presents a new numerical model of the single disc clutch that works under the dry conditions, whereas this model simulates the actual model in terms of geometry. It was overcome the difficulties that which faced the researchers in the previous literatures to build the three dimensional model of friction clutch. It was investigated deeply the thermal problem that occurred during the sliding period when the friction clutch starts to transfer the torque. In this paper, the finite element technique was applied to implement the thermal analysis. The developed finite element model was verified by comparing the obtained results with results of the other researchers that used different approaches. Moreover, the influence of the sliding speed on the thermal behaviour of the clutch disc has been studied.

This population-based study investigated the prognostic role of intraparotid (PAR) and cervical lymph node (LN) metastasis on overall survival (OS) of primary parotid cancer. All 345 patients (median age: 66 years; 43% female, 49% N+, 31% stage IV) of the Thuringian cancer registries with parotid cancer from 1996 to 2016 were included. OS was assessed in relation to the total number of removed PAR and cervical LN, number of positive intraparotid (PAR+), positive cervical LN, LN ratio, log odds of positive LN (LODDS), as well as including the PAR as LODDS-PAR. PAR was assessed in 42% of the patients (22% of these PAR+). T and N classification were not independent predictors of OS. When combining T with LODDS instead of N, higher T (T3/T4) became a prognosticator (hazard ratio (HR) = 2.588; CI = 1.329–5.040; p = 0.005) but not LODDS (p > 0.05). When combining T classification with LODDS-PAR, both higher T classification (HR = 2.256; CI = 1.288–3.950; p = 0.004) and the alternative classification with LODDS-PAR (≥median −1.11; HR 2.078; CI = 1.155–3.739; p = 0.015) became independent predictors of worse OS. LODDS-PAR was the only independent prognosticator out of the LN assessment for primary parotid cancer.

Aims: Metabolic and structural perturbations in skeletal muscle have been found in patients with heart failure (HF) both with preserved (HFpEF) and reduced (HFrEF) ejection fraction in association with reduced muscle endurance (RME). We aimed in the current study to create phenotypes for patients with RME and HFpEF compared to RME HFrEF according to their metabolomic profiles and to test the potential of Kynurenine (Kyn) as a marker for RME. Methods: Altogether, 18 HFrEF, 17 HFpEF, and 20 healthy controls (HC) were prospectively included in the current study. The following tests were performed on all participants: isokinetic muscle function tests, echocardiography, spiroergometry, and varied blood tests. Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry was used to quantify metabolites in serum. Results: Except for aromatic and branched amino acids (AA), patients with HF showed reduced AAs compared to HC. Further perturbations were elevated concentrations of Kyn and acylcarnitines (ACs) in HFpEF and HFrEF patients (p < 0.05). While patients with HFpEF and RME presented with reduced concentrations of ACs (long- and medium-chains), those with HFrEF and RME had distorted AAs metabolism (p < 0.05). With an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.83, Kyn shows potential as a marker in HF and RME (specificity 70%, sensitivity 83%). In a multiple regression model consisting of short-chain-ACs, spermine, ornithine, glutamate, and Kyn, the latest was an independent predictor for RME (95% CI: −13.01, −3.30, B: −8.2 per 1 µM increase, p = 0.001). Conclusions: RME in patients with HFpEF vs. HFrEF proved to have different metabolomic profiles suggesting varied pathophysiology. Kyn might be a promising biomarker for patients with HF and RME.

We report the core features of ‘Rothia nasisuis’ strain 1a5R-CH16 sp. nov., ‘Dermabacter porcinasus’ strain 2a1I-BL09 sp. nov., ‘Propionibacterium westphaliense’ strain 1a7I-CH12an sp. nov. and ‘Tessaracoccus nasisuum’ strain 1a6R-CH11an sp. nov. In 2016, these isolates were cultured from porcine nasal swabs taken from healthy pigs from farms in the region around Münster, Germany. Keywords: Dermabacter, microbiota, pig, Propionibacterium, Rothia, Tessaracoccus

Objective To summarise existing data on the relation between the time from symptom onset until revascularisation (time to reperfusion) and the myocardial salvage index (MSI) calculated as proportion of non-necrotic myocardium inside oedematous myocardium on T2-weighted and T1-weighted late gadolinium enhancement MRI after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).Methods Studies including patients with revascularised STEMI and stating both the time to reperfusion and the MSI measured by T2-weighted and T1-weighted late gadolinium enhancement MRI were searched in MEDLINE, EMBASE and ISI Web of Science until 16 May 2020. A mixed effects model was used to evaluate the relation between the time to reperfusion and the MSI. The gender distribution and mean age in included patient groups, the timing of MRI, used MRI sequences and image interpretation methodology were included in the mixed effects model to explore between-study heterogeneity.Results We included 38 studies with 5106 patients. The pooled MSI was 42.6% (95% CI: 38.1 to 47.1). The pooled time to reperfusion was 3.8 hours (95% CI: 3.5 to 4.0). Every hour of delay in reperfusion was associated with an absolute decrease of 13.1% (95% CI: 11.5 to 14.6; p

This paper presents an approach to control the position of a gecko-inspired soft robot in Cartesian space. By formulating constraints under the assumption of constant curvature, the joint space of the robot is reduced in its dimension from nine to two. The remaining two generalized coordinates describe respectively the walking speed and the rotational speed of the robot and define the so-called velocity space. By means of simulations and experimental validation, the direct kinematics of the entire velocity space (mapping in Cartesian task space) is approximated by a bivariate polynomial. Based on this, an optimization problem is formulated that recursively generates the optimal references to reach a given target position in task space. Finally, we show in simulation and experiment that the robot can master arbitrary obstacle courses by making use of this gait pattern generator.

Differentiation of Streptococcus pneumoniae from other Streptococcus mitis group streptococci (SMGS) remains challenging despite the introduction of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). While the bile solubility test (BST) provides most reliable discrimination of pneumococci, its practical implementation is limited by subjective visual interpretation and frequent inconclusive results. We aimed to develop a rapid confirmation BST based on direct-on-target MALDI-TOF MS assay. After establishment of optimal test conditions, test performance was evaluated on 36 consecutive clinical SMGS isolates. Colony material was suspended and pipetted onto a MALDI target. After drying, sodium deoxycholate in different concentrations (2%, 5%, and 10 %) was added. Incubation for 30 min (at room temperature or 35 °C) was followed by liquid removal and spot washing. After adding 70 % formic acid, spots were overlaid with matrix and measured (MALDI Biotyper smart, Bruker). The absence of microbial spectra (Biotyper score

Veränderungsprozesse an Hochschulen werden mit klassischen Change-Management-Ansätzen nur unzureichend erfasst, da diese die organisationalen Strukturen im deutschen Hochschulwesen nicht genügend berücksichtigen. In dem Beitrag wird das theoretisch und empirisch fundierte Modell der Kollektiven Veränderungsbereitschaft vorgestellt, das auf dem wechselseitigen Zusammenspiel von sechs Handlungsvariablen basiert. Dieses Modell als zentraler Erfolgsfaktor wurde im Zuge des Projekts QuaSiD herausgearbeitet und stellt einen organisationssensiblen Ansatz zur Beschreibung der digitalen Transformation an Hochschulen dar.

Abstract Background The time to diagnosis of invasive Candida infection (ICI) is often too long to initiate timely antifungal therapy in patients with sepsis. Elevated serum (1,3)-β-D-glucan (BDG) concentrations have a high diagnostic sensitivity for detecting ICI. However, the clinical significance of elevated BDG concentrations is unclear in critically ill patients. The goal of this study is to investigate whether measurement of BDG in patients with sepsis and a high risk for ICI can be used to decrease the time to empiric antifungal therapy and thus, increase survival. Methods/design This prospective multicenter open randomized controlled trial is being conducted in 19 German intensive care units. All adult patients with severe sepsis or septic shock and an increased risk for ICI are eligible for enrolment. Risk factors are total parenteral nutrition, previous abdominal surgery, previous antimicrobial therapy, and renal replacement therapy. Patients with proven ICI or those already treated with systemic antifungal substances are excluded. Patients are allocated to a BDG or standard care group. The standard care group receives targeted antifungal therapy as necessary. In the BDG group, BDG serum samples are taken after randomization and 24 h later. Antifungal therapy is initiated if BDG is ≥80 pg/ml in at least one sample. We plan to enroll 312 patients. The primary outcome is 28-day mortality. Other outcomes include antifungal-free survival within 28 days after enrolment, time to antifungal therapy, and the diagnostic performance of BDG compared to other laboratory tests for early ICI diagnosis. The statistical analysis will be performed according to the intent-to-treat principle. Discussion Because of the high risk of death, American guidelines recommend empiric antifungal therapy in sepsis patients with a high risk of ICI despite the limited evidence for such a recommendation. In contrast, empiric antifungal therapy is not recommended by European guidelines. BDG may offer a way out of this dilemma since BDG potentially identifies patients in need of early antifungals. However, the evidence for such an approach is inconclusive. This clinical study will generate solid evidence for health-care providers and authors of guidelines for the use of BDG in critically ill patients. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02734550. Registered 12 April 2016.

An accurate estimation of temperature distribution is considered necessary to avoid the premature failure of friction clutches. In this work, different approaches were used to compute the surface temperatures of the friction clutch disc. The results presented the maximum surface temperature when the contact occurs between the rubbing surfaces during a single engagement and repeated engagements. Two approaches were used to simulate the thermal models of the automotive clutches to obtain the temperature field are heat partitioning approach and total heat generated approach. The analysis was conducted using developed axisymmetric finite element models to study the thermal behavior of the friction clutches during multi-engagements. The comparison was made between the temperature distributions based on the proposed approaches to show the accuracy of each approach. It was found that the heat partitioning approach was not accurate to investigate the thermal problem of the friction clutch during the multi-engagements.

Advances in head and neck cancer (HNC) treatment might have changed treatment strategies. This study determined, with focus on gender disparity, whether treatment rates have changed for inpatients in Germany between 2005 and 2018. Nation-wide population-based diagnosis-related groups (DRG) data of virtually all HNC cases (1,226,856 procedures; 78% men) were evaluated. Poisson regression analyses were used to study changes of annual treatment rates per German population. For surgery, the highest increase was seen for women with cancer of the oral cavity (relative risk (RR) 1.14, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11–1.18, p < 0.0001) and the highest decrease for men with laryngeal cancer (RR 0.90, CI 0.87–0.93). In women with oropharyngeal cancer, the highest increase of radiotherapy rates was seen (RR 1.18, CI 1.10–1.27, p < 0.0001). A decrease was seen in men for hypopharyngeal cancer (RR 0.93, CI 0.87–0.98, p = 0.0093). The highest increase for chemotherapy/immunotherapy was seen for women with oropharyngeal cancer (RR 1.16, CI 1.08–1.24, p < 0.0001), and a decrease in men with hypopharyngeal cancer (RR 0.93, CI 0.88–0.97, p = 0.0014). Treatment patterns had changed for nearly all subsites and therapy types. There were relevant gender disparities, which cannot be explained by the DRG data.