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A study conducted in Bochum, Germany compared minimally invasive aortic root surgery via an upper J-shaped mini-sternotomy (MS) to conventional full sternotomy (FS) in an intermediate-volume center. The research found that MS offered a shorter recovery time and similar midterm results compared to FS. The study included 94 patients and evaluated outcomes such as mortality, major adverse cardiac and cerebral events, reoperation rates, and patient satisfaction with procedural results. Both surgical approaches were deemed safe alternatives, with MS showing lower postoperative bleeding and pneumonia rates. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at University Hospital in Bochum, Germany, explores the role of microglia activation and disturbances in the microbiome in schizophrenia. The research suggests that early disturbances in microglial cells and cytokines may weaken the immune system in the prodromal phase of schizophrenia. The findings open up new possibilities for therapeutic interventions that regulate immune processes in patients with schizophrenia. The study has been peer-reviewed and offers valuable insights into potential treatments for this complex disorder. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Ruhr-University Bochum in Germany focused on the incidence of emergence delirium in children undergoing ear, nose, and throat surgery under homeostasis-guided pediatric anesthesia. The study found that only 4.7% of children experienced emergence delirium, with pain intensity and lower blood glucose levels identified as risk factors for delirium. Preoperative ketone body levels were found to be protective against emergence delirium. This research provides valuable insights into the risk factors associated with emergence delirium in pediatric anesthesia. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Ruhr-University Bochum in Germany has found that optical coherence tomography (OCT) can be used to differentiate between multiple sclerosis (MS) and myelin-oligodendrocyte-glycoprotein IgG-associated disease (MOGAD) in patients with optic neuritis (ON). The study analyzed data from two independent cohorts of patients and developed a composite score using multivariate logistic regression to distinguish between the two diseases. The researchers found that MOGAD patients had more bilateral simultaneous ON and greater peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) atrophy compared to MS patients. The composite score achieved a sensitivity of 75% and specificity of 90% in the investigational cohort, and a sensitivity of 68% and specificity of 87% in the validation cohort. This research provides valuable insights into the differentiation of MOGAD and MS after a single episode of ON. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum in Germany explored the interaffective impairments in individuals with schizophrenia. The study aimed to investigate social deficits in schizophrenia by analyzing naturalistic social interactions. The findings revealed that individuals with schizophrenia exhibited reduced responsiveness to positive affective stimuli and impaired facial mimicry, particularly in relation to joyful expressions. These impairments in interaffective processes may contribute to social dysfunction in schizophrenia and provide new avenues for future research. [Extracted from the article]

A new report discusses research conducted at Ruhr-University Bochum in Germany on the psychosocial burden experienced by mothers with epilepsy and their caregivers. The study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of using a digital screening procedure to assess anxiety, depression, and impairments in psychosocial aspects such as social support and quality of life. The study found that there were no significant differences in psychosocial aspects between women with epilepsy and healthy controls, suggesting that specialized clinical care may counteract potential psychosocial impairment. The preliminary data suggest that digital assessment of psychosocial burden is reasonable and should be integrated into further research and clinical practice. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum in Germany have conducted a study on the AZ31 magnesium alloy for use as medical implants with bone contact. The alloy is advantageous due to its high strength and light weight, and it eventually dissolves in the body, eliminating the need for additional surgery to remove the implant. The researchers found that applying an inorganic protective layer using plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) with an electrolyte containing calcium glycerophosphate (CaGP) resulted in a composite layer consisting of magnesium oxide and calcium phosphate compounds. They also developed polymer coatings that further improved the system properties. The coated material showed superior adhesion strength, a tenfold increase in corrosion resistance, and high cell viability, making it a promising candidate for bio-absorbable bone implant material. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum in Germany explored the relationship between children's ego-resilience, irritability, and symptoms of anxiety and depression. The study analyzed data from 228 children and found that higher levels of ego-resilience were associated with lower levels of anxiety and depression symptoms, while increased irritability was linked to higher symptom levels. The researchers also discovered that irritability moderated the association between ego-resilience and depression, with the effects of ego-resilience being stronger among highly irritable children. The study suggests that further research is needed to better understand the impact of ego-resilience and irritability on children's mental health. [Extracted from the article]

A report from Bochum University of Applied Sciences in Germany discusses the importance of social acceptance in the adoption of hydrogen technologies (HTs). The review analyzes various factors that influence acceptance, such as trust, environmental attitudes, subjective knowledge, and perceived risks. The study also highlights barriers to acceptance, including trust deficits, infrastructural challenges, and financial constraints. The authors recommend further research that considers both psychological and contextual factors and emphasizes the need for multi-level and institutional perspectives. The research was supported by the Digitalization and Technology Research Center of the Bundeswehr and the European Union-NextGenerationEU. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum have conducted a cross-cultural comparison of optimal cut points for the Positive Mental Health Scale (PMH). The study analyzed representative and student samples from Germany, Russia, the US, and China, using two different anchors to determine the cut points: a combined measure of PMH-related questionnaires and the Global Assessment of Functioning Scale (GAF). The research found that optimal cut points for the PMH scale varied systematically between countries and samples, suggesting that country and sample-specific cut points should be used to identify individuals with high versus low levels of PMH. The study provides specific cut points for Germany, Russia, the US, and China. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Ruhr-University Bochum in Germany examined the skills involved in everyday technical problem solving (TPS). The study aimed to validate a score interpretation of a developed TPS test and explore the relationship between item solution rates and device characteristics, as well as person-by-device characteristics. The findings showed that intransparency of devices affected the item solution rate, while complexity did not. Additionally, factors such as completeness of system exploration, use of operating manuals, and device-specific prior knowledge positively influenced item solution rates. The study also discussed the role of device features in knowledge acquisition. This research has been peer-reviewed and can be accessed through the European Journal of Psychological Assessment. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from Ruhr-University Bochum in Germany explores the predictive power of positive mental health (PMH) in relation to psychopathology and mental disorders. The study reviewed 85 articles published between 2007 and 2023 that assessed PMH using the PMH-Scale. The findings suggest that PMH is important for adaptive functioning and can predict the course of psychopathology, health-related behavior, and healthy development. However, the significance of these findings is limited due to a lack of experimental manipulation studies. The researchers emphasize the need to incorporate PMH into routine mental health assessments. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Ruhr-University Bochum in Germany explores the issue of catalyst poisoning in methanol synthesis when using industrial exhaust gases. The researchers focused on the poisoning mechanism and the different strengths of poisoning caused by sulfur-containing molecules. Due to the corrosive effects of sulfur compounds, studies on this topic are rare. The study provides a detailed description of a setup constructed for poisoning studies under industrially relevant conditions. This research has been peer-reviewed and offers valuable insights into methanol synthesis catalysts. [Extracted from the article]

A report from Ruhr-Universitat Bochum in Germany discusses the findings of a study on the effects of a mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program. The study suggests that participating in the MBSR program can lead to an increase in mindfulness, which in turn can reduce stress and foster a state of flow. The study also highlights the moderating role of emotional exhaustion in amplifying the effects of mindfulness. However, the researchers note that further research is needed to replicate these results and address the limitations of the study. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from Ruhr-University Bochum in Germany have conducted a study on the use of the robotic platform Hugo RAS in general surgery. The study reviewed the feasibility and safety of using Hugo for various surgical procedures. The results showed that a wide range of general surgical procedures, including colorectal surgery, cholecystectomy, and hernia repair, were successfully performed with Hugo RAS without any device-related complications. The researchers concluded that technical improvements and the introduction of robotic energy devices could make Hugo RAS a valuable alternative to established robotic systems. [Extracted from the article]

A new report discusses research findings on the topic of suicide risk and philosophy. The research suggests that the traditional understanding of high and low risk for suicide based on predictive factors may be questionable. Instead, the researchers propose a new understanding of suicide risk that is based on the normalcy of an event rather than predictive powers. The study concludes that while predicting suicide is currently beyond the scope of clinical psychology, there are still reasonable options for understanding the differences between individuals at high risk and those at low risk for suicide. The research has been peer-reviewed and more information can be obtained from the Ruhr-University Bochum. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study from Ruhr-University Bochum in Germany examined age-related differences and prognostic implications among patients with takotsubo syndrome (TTS), a condition that affects the heart. The study found that younger patients (<45 years) with TTS had a higher prevalence of male sex, non-apical ballooning patterns, and in-hospital complications. However, in-hospital and long-term mortality rates were significantly lower in younger patients compared to older patients. This research provides valuable insights into the impact of age on TTS prognosis. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Ruhr-University Bochum in Germany explores the relationship between metamemory and attitude formation. The researchers investigated whether individuals can predict their memory of stimulus pairings in Evaluative Conditioning (EC), which is the change in liking towards a neutral stimulus due to its association with a positive or negative unconditioned stimulus. The study found that judgments of learning (JOLs) predicted actual memory of stimulus pairings, and higher JOLs were associated with stronger EC effects. The researchers also identified several variables that contributed to the correlation between JOLs and the EC effect. This study provides important insights into both attitude formation and metamemory. [Extracted from the article]

A report from Ruhr-University Bochum in Germany discusses strategies used by relatives of individuals with serious mental health conditions to promote treatment compliance. The study found that relatives employ various approaches, including influencing decision-making, limiting choices, and altering the social or legal context of decision-making. These strategies go beyond the treatment pressures commonly described in the literature. The research suggests that mental healthcare professionals should recognize the efforts made by relatives in seeking treatment for their family members, while also acknowledging that a service user's consent to treatment may be influenced by these strategies. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from LWL University Hospital in Bochum, Germany, discusses the use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in forensic psychiatry for patients with severe and treatment-resistant psychotic disorders. The report found limited evidence suggesting that ECT may benefit patients in forensic hospitals, with symptom improvement, reduced aggressive behavior, and improved functioning observed in the majority of patients. However, the study emphasizes the need for more systematic and higher-quality evidence, including prospective, controlled observational studies and a qualitative perspective from patients. The research concludes that further research is necessary to fully understand the potential benefits of ECT in forensic psychiatry. [Extracted from the article]

New research conducted at Ruhr-University Bochum in Germany explores how pigeons make decisions and invest effort to obtain rewards. The study found that hungry pigeons preferred to peck for a reduction in delay before receiving food, rather than increasing the probability of food delivery or obtaining information about the trial. The researchers suggest that these results may be influenced by species-specific ecological conditions. The study provides insights into the decision-making processes of animals and their foraging behaviors. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at BG University Hospital Bergmannsheil Bochum in Germany analyzed compartment syndromes in lower extremity pediatric and adolescent trauma to identify predictors of a late onset. The study included 56 children and adolescents with 67 compartment syndromes, with an average age of 14.1 years. The research found that tibial shaft fractures and surgical treatment with intramedullary nailing were associated with a significant frequency of late onset compartment syndrome. The study suggests that special attention should be given to patients with these characteristics to detect and treat compartment syndrome early. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Ruhr-University Bochum in Germany explored the impact of hearing loss on social interaction and relationships. The researchers focused on nonverbal interaction between individuals with hearing impairment and their significant others. They found that after cochlear implantation, nonverbal synchrony decreased and became less distinct from pseudosynchrony. Higher synchrony was associated with worse hearing-related quality of life, shorter duration of hearing impairment, and less closeness in the relationship. The researchers suggest that assessing nonverbal synchrony could be a useful tool in auditory rehabilitation to identify imbalances in interpersonal relationships and guide therapeutic strategies. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Ruhr-University Bochum in Germany has examined the use of the Nimbus stent-retriever (NSR) in mechanical thrombectomy procedures. The NSR is designed to retrieve tough clots using a micro-clamping technique. The study found that the NSR was effective in recovering thrombi in 58% of cases, resulting in vessel recanalization in 6 of those cases. The researchers concluded that the NSR appeared to be a safe and effective second-line stent-retriever after unsuccessful attempts with conventional methods. No complications were reported in the study. [Extracted from the article]

A report from Ruhr University in Bochum, Germany discusses the prevalence of menstrual cycle symptoms and their association with mental health and sleep in German exercising women and athletes. The study found that menstrual cycle symptoms are common in female athletes and are related to mental health, sleep quality, and sleep behavior. The research emphasizes the importance of considering the menstrual cycle and symptoms in future studies with female athletes and in sports practice. The study included 322 women and used multiple regression models for statistical analysis. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum in Germany explores the use of nerve biopsies in the diagnosis and prognosis of immune neuropathies. The researchers analyzed 190 sural nerve biopsies and found that 51% of biopsied patients received a diagnosis of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP). They also found that patients who underwent biopsy responded less frequently to immunotherapies compared to non-biopsied patients. The study concludes that even with extinguished sural sensory nerve action potential amplitudes, nerve biopsies can still provide diagnostic value. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by investigators from Ruhr University in Bochum, Germany, explored the relationship between insomnia symptoms and suicide-related outcomes. The study found that insomnia symptoms were associated with suicide ideation and behavior, but positive mental health (PMH) could mitigate this association. The researchers concluded that therapeutic interventions targeting insomnia symptoms and promoting PMH could be useful in preventing suicide ideation and behavior. This research has been peer-reviewed and provides valuable insights into the connection between mental health and suicide. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at BG-University Hospital in Bochum, Germany, explored the relationship between microstructural differences in certain brain regions and extinction learning. The researchers used diffusion tensor imaging to examine the neural connectivity and structural correlates of extinction learning in a group of healthy participants. The results indicated that participants with better acquisition performance showed enhanced connectivity in white matter tracts, specifically the bilateral inferior longitudinal fasciculus and the right temporal part of the cingulum. These findings suggest that structural integrity in these brain regions may play a role in acquisition and extinction learning. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Marien Hospital Herne in Bochum, Germany, aimed to reduce same-day case cancellations for ambulatory otorhinolaryngology procedures. The study implemented a bundle intervention that included communication tools to improve patient engagement and new screening instruments to identify patients who needed pre-operative risk stratification. The results showed a decrease in the same-day case cancellation rate by 2.7% during the first month, followed by a monthly decrease of 0.2%. This intervention also resulted in cost savings of $150,200 or 35.3%. Patient engagement through electronic health record patient portals or text messaging increased from 75.9% to 90.8%. The primary reason for case cancellation, patients' missed appointments, decreased from 7.2% to 4.5%. The study concluded that this bundle intervention effectively reduced same-day case cancellations and associated costs for ambulatory otorhinolaryngology surgery. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum in Germany explored the role of interoceptive fear in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, the researchers found that patients with quiescent IBD exhibited altered engagement of key regions in the central fear network, such as the amygdala and hippocampus, during interoceptive fear learning. These findings suggest that recurring intestinal inflammation may have persisting effects on central fear network reactivity, potentially contributing to bodily symptom chronicity and psychiatric comorbidity. The researchers suggest that tailored treatment approaches targeting maladaptive interoceptive fear may benefit patients with inflammatory conditions of the gut-brain axis. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from Ruhr-University Bochum in Germany have conducted a study on intracellular calcium-sensing proteins and their role in the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). The researchers analyzed the alterations in the actin cytoskeleton during NET extrusion by neutrophil-like cells and human neutrophils. They found that the depolymerization of cortical F-actin at specific sites, supported by various actin-binding proteins, played a crucial role in NET formation. The study also revealed differences in the content of certain cytoskeletal proteins in isolated human neutrophils, which influenced the morphology of the NETs formed. This research provides valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying NET formation and could have implications for understanding immune responses. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum in Germany aimed to compare the response to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in patients with longstanding axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and controls with non-spondyloarthritis (non-SpA) back pain. The study included 233 patients, with 68 having axSpA and 165 having non-SpA back pain. The results showed that there were no major differences in the response to NSAIDs between patients with axSpA and those with non-SpA back pain. The researchers concluded that further study is needed to understand the classification criteria on the response to NSAIDs. [Extracted from the article]

A report from Ruhr-University Bochum in Germany discusses the mathematics of epidemics and the development of compartment models to understand the effects of vaccination campaigns and time-dependent fatality rates on epidemic outbreaks. The researchers investigate exact solutions and analytical approximations for these models, which are important for understanding the critical behavior of epidemics and the role of certain parameters. The study also applies an analytical approximation to calculate epidemic quantities in the context of COVID-19 data. The research provides valuable insights for public health and epidemiology. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from the University of Bochum in Germany explores the relationship between obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and feelings of guilt and shame. The study found that individuals with OCD often experience maladaptive guilt and shame, characterized by increased self-criticism, perfectionism, and concern for the suffering of others. The researchers suggest that a better understanding of guilt and shame in OCD could lead to more personalized psychotherapy approaches. However, it is important to note that the study had a small sample size and further research is needed. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Ruhr-University Bochum in Germany explored the willingness of individuals to offload attentionally demanding tasks to algorithms. The researchers investigated whether the availability of a bonus task and knowledge about the algorithm's capacity influenced people's willingness to offload tasks. Participants were more likely to completely offload tasks when they were informed that the algorithm's accuracy was flawless. The presence of a bonus task also significantly increased participants' willingness to offload tasks, even if the task was not incentivized. These findings suggest that the availability of a bonus task can boost people's willingness to rely on algorithms for cognitive tasks. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Ruhr-University Bochum in Germany compared the clinical and laboratory data of adult patients with cutaneous IgA vasculitis (aIgA-SVV) and non-IgA vasculitis. The study found several differences between the two conditions, suggesting that they are not the same entity. Patients with non-IgA vasculitis had a higher platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio and lower serum C3 levels and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration compared to patients with aIgA-SVV. Proteinuria and hematuria were more common in patients with aIgA-SVV and were correlated with systemic immune-inflammation biomarkers. The study concluded that aIgA-SVV and non-IgA-SVV are similar conditions but not the same. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum in Germany examined the use of PCR technology for detecting microorganisms and antibiotic resistance in intraabdominal infections (IAI). The study found that the PCR system was able to identify more microorganisms, including Bacteroides species, Escherichia coli, and Enterococcus spp., compared to routine microbiology. The PCR system also showed a high level of concordance with routine microbiology in detecting bacterial resistance. The researchers concluded that PCR systems can enable physicians to quickly adjust antibiotic treatment for IAI. However, they noted that conventional microbiological culture and testing are still necessary for determining the minimal growth inhibition concentrations for antibiotic therapy. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum in Germany has developed a new questionnaire to assess positive mental health in children and adolescents between the ages of 6 and 18. The questionnaire, called the Positive Mental Health Scale for Children and Adolescents (Pmh-kids), showed good internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and construct validity. It is comparable to its adult counterpart, allowing researchers to assess positive mental health across the lifespan. This research provides valuable insights into the development of mental health and may contribute to better understanding prevention, remission, and relapse in the context of mental disorders. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by Ruhr-University Bochum in Germany examined the long-term effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in treating youth with anxiety disorders. The study included 210 children with primary anxiety disorders who received evidence-based CBT. The results showed that 61.38% of the participants achieved total remission of their anxiety disorders after therapy, and this remission rate increased to 63.64% at the long-term follow-up assessment. The study also found significant improvements in severity of symptoms, anxiety levels, impairment/burden, and quality of life after CBT. The researchers concluded that CBT had stable long-term effects in treating youth with anxiety disorders, even in a routine practice setting. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Ruhr-University Bochum in Germany examined the impact of preoperative chemotherapy (PCT) on surgical results in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC). The study included 139 patients who underwent surgery after receiving PCT with various regimens. The results showed that PCT allowed for resectability in initially unresectable patients without increasing perioperative mortality and morbidity. Additionally, patients who underwent resection after PCT had significantly longer median postoperative survival and overall survival compared to those who did not undergo resection. This study suggests that PCT may lead to a significant prolongation of recurrence-free and overall survival in resected patients with LAPC. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from Ruhr-University Bochum in Germany have published a report on the effects of electrolyte composition and mass transport on electrochemical hydrogenations. The study explores the electrochemical hydrogenation of a vitamin E and A synthon in a scalable zero-gap electrolyzer and highlights the importance of electrolyte composition and convection parameters for optimization. The researchers achieved high Faraday efficiencies with low to moderate concentrations of neutral or alkaline electrolytes and found that flow rate, electrode compression, and cell orientation can be used for fine-tuning. The study provides insights into the role of electrolyte composition and transport parameters in electrolysis performance. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Ruhr-University Bochum in Germany aimed to assess the prevalence of suicidal ideation in a large sample of psychotherapy outpatients. The study included 10,357 adult outpatients starting cognitive-behavioral therapy at 27 outpatient clinics in Germany. The results showed that 36.7% of participants reported suicidal ideation. Borderline Personality Disorder, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, and recurrent Major Depression were the diagnoses most strongly associated with the presence and severity of suicidal ideation. The researchers emphasized the importance of understanding risk assessment and suicide-specific treatment options for patients experiencing suicidal ideation. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum in Germany explored the effect of a visuospatial interference intervention on posttraumatic intrusions in individuals with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The study included 38 PTSD patients who had at least 3 distinct intrusive memories of trauma. The participants were randomly assigned to receive either a visuospatial-based intervention, a verbal condition, or a control condition. The results showed that neither intervention significantly reduced intrusion frequency compared to each other or the control condition. The study discusses design shortcomings and implications for future research. [Extracted from the article]

A recent clinical trial conducted at LWL University Hospital in Bochum, Germany, explored the effects of acute systemic inflammation on empathy. The study involved 52 healthy female volunteers who received either a low-dose lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection or a placebo. The results showed that participants who received the LPS injection displayed significantly less empathy for others' psychological pain compared to those who received the placebo. The researchers suggest that this reduction in empathy may be an adaptive strategy to conserve energy when one is sick. [Extracted from the article]