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A hallmark of acute myeloid leukaemias (AMLs) are chromosomal rearrangements that give rise to novel leukaemia-specific fusion genes. Most of these fusion genes are both initiating and driving events in AML and therefore constitute ideal therapeutic targets but are challenging to target by conventional drug development. siRNAs are frequently used for the specific suppression of fusion gene expression but require special formulations for efficient in vivo delivery. Here we describe the use of siRNA-loaded lipid nanoparticles for the specific therapeutic targeting of the leukaemic fusion gene RUNX1/ETO. Transient knockdown of RUNX1/ETO reduces its binding to its target genes and alters the binding of RUNX1 and its co-factor CBFβ. Transcriptomic changes in vivo were associated with substantially increased median survival of a t(8;21)-AML mouse model. Importantly, transient knockdown in vivo causes long-lasting inhibition of leukaemic proliferation and clonogenicity, induction of myeloid differentiation and a markedly impaired re-engraftment potential in vivo. These data strongly suggest that temporary inhibition of RUNX1/ETO results in long-term restriction of leukaemic self-renewal. Our results provide proof for the feasibility of targeting RUNX1/ETO in a pre-clinical setting and support the further development of siRNA-LNPs for the treatment of fusion gene-driven malignancies.

Background In their latest guidelines for infective endocarditis (IE) (2015), the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) introduced the implementation of the Endocarditis Team (ET) to facilitate the management of IE. This study presents our experiences and the diagnostic and therapeutic impact of the ET on the management of IE. Methods From 2016–2020, data of all patients with suspected IE referred to the ET were prospectively collected. The final diagnosis was defined by the ET as either rejected, possible or definite IE. Diagnostic impact was scored as any change in initial diagnosis, the frequency of additional diagnostic tests advised by the ET and any change in diagnosis after these tests. Therapeutic impact was scored as any change in antibiotic therapy or change from conservative to invasive therapy or vice versa. Results A total of 321 patients (median age 67 [55–77] years, 71% male) were enrolled. The final diagnosis was rejected IE in 47 (15%), possible IE in 34 (11%) and definite IE in 240 (75%) patients. A change of initial diagnosis was seen in 53/321(17%) patients. Additional microbiological tests were advised in 69/321 (21%) patients, and additional imaging tests in 136/321 (42%) patients, which resulted in subsequent change in diagnosis in 23/321 (7%) patients. Any change in antibiotic treatment was advised in 135/321 (42%) patients, and change from initial conservative to additional surgical treatment in 15/321 (5%) patients. Conclusion The ET had a clear impact on the therapeutic policy for patients with suspected IE and is useful in the management of this life-threatening disease. Broad implementation is warranted.

Introduction: Prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) is a serious disease affecting ~0.4% of prosthetic valve recipients per year. 18F-FDG-PET/CT has high sensitivity and specificity for PVE and is included as major criterion for the diagnosis in recent guidelines of the European Society of Cardiology. We addressed the question whether increased FDG-uptake in mediastinal lymph nodes could help to support the visual diagnostic assessment of PVE.Methods: In this sub-analysis of a previously published retrospective multicentre study, 160 unique patients were identified who underwent 18F-FDG-PET/CT for evaluation of suspected PVE. 18F-FDG-PET/CT was performed in adherence to the European Association of Nuclear Medicine guidelines of 2015 and scans were assessed for signs of mediastinal lymph node activity by 2 experienced nuclear medicine physicians who were blinded to clinical context. Clinical diagnosis of PVE had been established based on surgical findings or multidisciplinary consensus after a 1-year follow-up in 80 of 160 patients (50%).Results: In total, 52 patients showed increased mediastinal lymph node activity. Mediastinal lymph node activity on 18F-FDG-PET/CT did not increase diagnostic accuracy when added to the visual analysis of scans for signs of PVE: X2: 0.118, p = 0.731). After excluding patients with known confounders for 18F-FDG-PET/CT, namely use of Bioglue® during prosthetic valve implantation and C-reactive protein levels below 40 mg/L, mediastinal lymph node activity was still not of additional diagnostic value compared to visual analysis alone (X2:0.129, p = 0.723).Discussion: Assessment of mediastinal lymph node activity did not improve 18F-FDG-PET/CT diagnostic accuracy for suspected PVE compared to visual assessment of the valve alone, as it seems to be a rather a specific finding, that might be caused by sternal wound or mediastinal infections or even by subclinical respiratory infections. Future studies might elucidate whether increased FDG active lymph nodes indicate a high-risk patient group and whether more detailed assessment of mediastinal lymph nodes could improve their additional diagnostic benefit.

BackgroundTo determine the normal perivalvular18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) uptake on positron emission tomography (PET) with computed tomography (CT) within one year after aortic prosthetic heart valve (PHV) implantation.MethodsPatients with uncomplicated aortic PHV implantation were prospectively included and underwent18F-FDG PET/CT at either 5 (± 1) weeks (group 1), 12 (± 2) weeks (group 2) or 52 (± 8) weeks (group 3) after implantation.18F-FDG uptake around the PHV was scored qualitatively (none/low/intermediate/high) and quantitatively by measuring the maximum Standardized Uptake Value (SUVmax) and target to background ratio (SUVratio).ResultsIn total, 37 patients (group 1: n = 12, group 2: n = 12, group 3: n = 13) (mean age 66 ± 8 years) were prospectively included. Perivalvular18F-FDG uptake was low (8/12 (67%)) and intermediate (4/12 (33%)) in group 1, low (7/12 (58%)) and intermediate (5/12 (42%)) in group 2, and low (8/13 (62%)) and intermediate (5/13 (38%)) in group 3 (P = 0.91). SUVmaxwas 4.1 ± 0.7, 4.6 ± 0.9 and 3.8 ± 0.7 (mean ± SD,P = 0.08), and SUVratiowas 2.0 [1.9 to 2.2], 2.0 [1.8 to 2.6], and 1.9 [1.7 to 2.0] (median [IQR],P = 0.81) for groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively.ConclusionNon-infected aortic PHV have similar low to intermediate perivalvular18F-FDG uptake with similar SUVmaxand SUVratioat 5, 12, and 52 weeks after implantation.

Backgrounds Transcatheter-implanted aortic valve infective endocarditis (TAVI-IE) is difficult to diagnose when relying on the Duke Criteria. Our aim was to assess the additional diagnostic value of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission/computed tomography (PET/CT) and cardiac computed tomography angiography (CTA) in suspected TAVI-IE. Methods A multicenter retrospective analysis was performed in all patients who underwent 18F-FDG-PET/CT and/or CTA with suspected TAVI-IE. Patients were first classified with Duke Criteria and after adding 18F-FDG-PET/CT and CTA, they were classified with European Society of Cardiology (ESC) criteria. The final diagnosis was determined by our Endocarditis Team based on ESC guideline recommendations. Results Thirty patients with suspected TAVI-IE were included. 18F-FDG-PET/CT was performed in all patients and Cardiac CTA in 14/30. Using the Modified Duke Criteria, patients were classified as 3% rejected (1/30), 73% possible (22/30), and 23% definite (7/30) TAVI-IE. Adding 18F-FDG-PET/CT and CTA supported the reclassification of 10 of the 22 possible cases as “definite TAVI-IE” (5/22) or “rejected TAVI-IE” (5/22). This changed the final diagnosis to 20% rejected (6/30), 40% possible (12/30), and 40% definite (12/30) TAVI-IE. Conclusions Addition of 18F-FDG-PET/CT and/or CTA changed the final diagnosis in 33% of patients and proved to be a valuable diagnostic tool in patients with suspected TAVI-IE.

Surface defects on metal strips can be generated during hot rolling from surface cavities and indents. The size and aspect ratio of the initial surface cavities present before rolling are critical parameters that determine the final configuration of the defect. The propagation of these defect through the full rolling process is detrimental to the surface quality of the end product, in particular for electrical steel where these type of defects may directly affect the magnetic properties of the final product. A finite element model was developed in the present research to simulate the evolution of surface defects in a high-silicon electrical steel subjected to a single pass hot-rolling operation. The surface defects were modelled as predefined cavities with various aspect ratios and a multi-scale approach was used to capture the large local deformation gradients at the vicinity of the initial cavities. A user-defined subroutine was developed to describe the material constitutive behaviour at different strain rates and temperatures based on the Sellars-Tegart model in ABAQUS/standard finite element package. The modelling results were validated by laboratory scale hot rolling experiments with respect to the measured rolling forces and the plastic deformation of the initial cavities. This study shows that buckling of the lateral sides and bulging of the floor of the initial cavities are the main mechanisms involved in the formation of sub-surface defects. The developed model can be used to predict the evolution of surface cavities and to optimise the rolling parameters in order to minimise the detrimental effect of these defects in the final stages of the hot rolling process.

This study compared the effects of different dietary energy contents (11.3, 12.0 and 12.7 MJ ME/ kg feed) fed ad libitum in a feedlot on the carcass quality characteristics (carcass yield, commercial yield, 3-rib cut) of goats introduced to feedlot at 22.2 ± 3.5 kg (18 weeks of age), and slaughtered at five week intervals. The energy content of the finisher diets had no effect (P > 0.05) on any of the traits measured. However, the time spent in the feedlot influenced (P

Targeted delivery of nucleic acids is gaining momentum due to improved efficacy, selectivity, increased circulation time and enhanced tissue retention in target cells. Using nucleic acid-based therapies previously undruggable targets have proven now to be amenable for treatment. Currently, several methods for preparing targeted or labelled delivery vehicles for nucleic acids are based on liposomal formulations. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are structurally different from liposomes and these methods should therefore be evaluated before being translated to siRNA LNPs preparation protocols. Here, we describe a robust and facile method for the preparation of targeted or fluorescently labelled siRNA LNPs. Using a copper free strain-promoted azide-alkyne cycloaddition (SPAAC) we demonstrate that post-insertion of ligand-lipid conjugates into preformed LNPs is superior to direct-surface modification because it preserves the physicochemical parameters of the LNPs. We found that the time point of solvent removal by dialysis is critical and affects the hydrodynamic diameter of the LNPs; post-insertion after dialysis shows the smallest increase in hydrodynamic diameter and polydispersity index (PDI). The post-insertion of ligand-lipid conjugates also proceeded with rapid kinetics and high efficacy over a wide temperature range. Using this optimised protocol, we generated siRNA LNPs containing both targeting and fluorescent tracking ligands allowing us to monitor siRNA LNP uptake kinetics in dependence of the targeting ligand. In aggregate, we describe a robust approach for the generation of targeted and labelled siRNA LNPs that allows their controlled and facile decoration with ligand combinations.

Integrated care aims at reorganizing and/or continuously enhancing care structures and processes to improve patient-related outcomes and economic results in standard every-day care. It also aims to boost patients’ and care providers’ satisfaction with and acceptance of medical care. The question is therefore to what extent we may use data generated in standard care when it comes to evaluating integrated care.

Highlights • A RUNX1/RUNX1T1-associated gene expression network drives acute myeloid leukemia. • RUNX1/RUNX1T1 dysregulates gene expression at multiple levels. • Interrogation of the RUNX1/RUNX1T1 network by RNA interference or CRISPR screens identifies novel therapeutic targets. • RUNX1/RUNX1T1 drives cell cycle progression in G1 by promoting CCND2 and CDK6 expression. • RUNX11/RUNX1T1-positive AMLs are sensitive toward CDK4/6 inhibitors., RUNX1/RUNX1T1 is the most common fusion gene found in acute myeloid leukemia. Seminal contributions by many different research groups have revealed a complex regulatory network promoting leukemic self-renewal and propagation. Perturbation of RUNX1/RUNX1T1 levels and its DNA binding affects chromatin accessibility and transcription factor occupation at multiple gene loci associated with changes in gene expression levels. Exploration of this transcriptional program by targeted RNAi screens uncovered a crucial role of RUNX1/RUNX1T1 in cell cycle progression by regulating CCND2. This dependency results in a high vulnerability toward inhibitors of CDK4 and CDK6 and suggests new avenues for therapeutic intervention against acute myeloid leukemia.

Im aktuellen Wandel der Arbeitswelt findet das Thema arbeitsbezogene erweiterte Erreichbarkeit zunehmend Beachtung. Die bisherige Studienlage zeigt, dass insbesondere Beschaftigte aus dem Gesundheits- und Sozialsektor sowie Fuhrungskrafte von einer Erreichbarkeit auserhalb der regularen Arbeitszeit betroffen sind. Die vorrangige Forschungsfrage lautete, unter welchen Bedingungen die erweiterte Erreichbarkeit von den Fuhrungskraften eines Unternehmens der Sozial- und Gesundheitsbranche in Sachsen-Anhalt als Belastung erlebt wird und sie negativ beansprucht. Hypothesen zu diesem Zusammenhang werden generiert. Im Rahmen von 8 problemzentrierten Interviews mit Fuhrungskraften des Unternehmens und einem Interview mit dem Geschaftsfuhrer konnten vertiefende Angaben zu dem Ausmas und den Auswirkungen der Erreichbarkeit auf die Gesundheit ermittelt werden. Bedingungen, unter denen die Fuhrungskrafte die Erreichbarkeit als besonders beanspruchend empfanden, waren u. a. eine geringe fachliche und soziale Unterstutzung durch das berufliche und private Umfeld, keine (ausreichenden) Vertretungsregelungen fur Abwesenheitszeiten der Fuhrungskrafte, eine hohe Arbeitsmenge und erlebter Zeitdruck sowie eine hohe Erwartungshaltung der Fuhrungskrafte an sich selbst. Aufbauend auf den Ergebnissen sollten verhaltens- und verhaltnispraventive Masnahmen fur die Fuhrungskrafte des Unternehmens ergriffen werden, um die negative Beanspruchung, die durch die arbeitsbezogene erweiterte Erreichbarkeit entsteht, zu verringern. In Folgeuntersuchungen sollten die in dieser Arbeit formulierten Hypothesen uberpruft werden. Weiterhin mussen zur Ermittlung von Ursache-Wirkungs-Beziehungen Langsschnittstudien durchgefuhrt werden.

Item does not contain fulltext The timely diagnosis of prosthetic heart valve endocarditis remains challenging yet of utmost importance. 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18 F-FDG) positron emission/computed tomography (PET/CT) and cardiac computed tomography angiography (CTA) were recently introduced as additional diagnostic tools in the most recent ESC guidelines on infective endocarditis. However, how to interpret PET/CT findings with regard to what is to be considered abnormal, what the potential confounders may be, as well as which patients benefit most from these additional imaging techniques and how to best perform them in these often-complex patients, remains unclear. This review focusses on factors regarding patient selection and image acquisition that need to be taken into account when employing 18F-FDG PET/CT and CTA in daily clinical practice, and the importance of a multidisciplinary Endocarditis Team herein. Furthermore, it emphasizes the need for standardized acquisition protocols and image interpretation, especially now that these techniques are starting to be widely embraced by the cardiovascular society.

Multidetector CT (MDCT) is a valuable tool for functional prosthetic heart valve (PHV) assessment. However, radiation exposure remains a concern. We assessed a novel CT-acquisition protocol for comprehensive PHV evaluation at limited dose. Patients with a PHV were scanned using a third-generation dual-source CT scanner (DSCT) and iterative reconstruction technique (IR). Three acquisitions were obtained: a non-enhanced scan; a contrast-enhanced, ECG-triggered, arterial CT angiography (CTA) scan with reconstructions at each 5 % of the R-R interval; and a delayed high-pitch CTA of the entire chest. Image quality was scored on a five-point scale. Radiation dose was obtained from the reported CT dose index (CTDI) and dose length product (DLP). We analysed 43 CT examinations. Mean image quality score was 4.1±1.4, 4.7±0.5 and 4.2±0.6 for the non-contrast-enhanced, arterial and delayed acquisitions, respectively, with a total mean image quality of 4.3±0.7. Mean image quality for leaflet motion was 3.9±1.4. Mean DLP was 28.2±17.1, 457.3±168.6 and 68.5±47.2 mGy.cm for the non-contrast-enhanced (n=40), arterial (n=43) and delayed acquisition (n=43), respectively. The mean total DLP was 569±208 mGy.cm and mean total radiation dose was 8.3±3.0 mSv (n=43). Comprehensive assessment of PHVs is possible using DSCT and IR at moderate radiation dose. • Prosthetic heart valve dysfunction is a potentially life-threatening condition. • Dual-source CT can adequately assess valve leaflet motion and anatomy. • We assessed a comprehensive protocol with three acquisitions for PHV evaluation. • This protocol is associated with good image quality and limited dose.

The effects of three dietary energy treatments on the feedlot production characteristics of Boer goats were investigated, along with the time spent under feedlot conditions. A total of 66 goat kids with an average weight of 22.2 ± 3.51 kg were housed in individual pens at Elsenburg research farm. At the start of the trial, the goats were randomly allocated to one of three finisher diets that vary in energy content; low, medium and high energy (11.3, 12.0, and 12.7 MJ ME/kg feed, respectively). The goats were divided further into groups of about 15 goats that were slaughtered at a registered abattoir after 40, 76, 112 and 146 days in the feedlot. During the trial period, goats were supplied their respective trial diets ad libitum. Orts were weighed back once a week in order to determine feed intake. Growth was monitored by weighing the goats weekly. The live weights of the goats increased linearly (20.939 + 0.191x, where x represents days in feedlot) throughout the trial period. Overall, goats on the high energy diet had the lowest growth rate (202.0 g/day versus 221.9 and 234.9 g/day for goats on the low and medium diets, respectively; P

Surface defects on metal strip products can have their root cause created in the hot rolling process by cavities and indents entrapped scale. The initial size and aspect ratio of surface features are critical parameters that determine whether they will be eliminated by the rolling process. The present research investigates the effects of the initial cavity geometry and the evolution mechanisms in a single hot rolling pass for a high-silicon electrical steel substrate. Laboratory hot-rolling experiments were carried out on blocks with open cavities of different geometries machined into the surface. The final geometry of the longitudinal and transversal profiles of the deformed cavities was analysed from metallurgical cross-sections. For a given initial cavity width, the width of the resulting oxide-filled defect is inversely related to the initial depth of the machined cavity. It has also been observed that the depth of defects increases linearly with the original depth to width aspect ratio of the initial cavities. Cavities with a depth of less than 1 mm essentially disappeared after the rolling. The final length is only dependent on its initial length in the rolling direction. The percentage reduction of cross-sectional area of the defects is found to increase with the initial depth and width of the cavities.

BACKGROUND: Pazopanib is an angiogenesis inhibitor approved for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma and soft tissue sarcoma. Post hoc analysis of a clinical trial demonstrated a relationship between pazopanib trough concentrations (Cmin) and treatment efficacy. The aim of this study was to explore the pharmacokinetics and exposure-survival relationships of pazopanib in a real-world patient cohort. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Renal cell cancer and soft tissue sarcoma patients who had at least one pazopanib plasma concentration available were included. Using calculated Cmin values and a threshold of > 20 mg/L, univariate and multivariate exposure-survival analyses were performed. RESULTS: Sixty-one patients were included, of which 16.4% were underexposed (mean Cmin 20 mg/L was related to longer progression free survival in renal cell cancer patients (34.1 vs. 12.5 weeks, n = 35, p = 0.027) and the overall population (25.0 vs. 8.8 weeks, n = 61, p = 0.012), but not in the sarcoma subgroup (18.7 vs. 8.8 weeks, n = 26, p = 0.142). In multivariate analysis Cmin > 20 mg/L was associated with hazard ratios of 0.25 (p = 0.021) in renal cancer, 0.12 (p = 0.011) in sarcoma and 0.38 (p = 0.017) in a pooled analysis. CONCLUSION: This study confirms that pazopanib Cmin > 20 mg/L relates to better progression free survival in renal cancer and points towards a similar trend in sarcoma patients. Cmin monitoring of pazopanib can help identify patients with low Cmin for whom individualized treatment at a higher dose may be appropriate.

Purpose FDG PET/CT has been of increasing interest in the diagnostic workup of prosthetic heart valve endocarditis (PVE). Some reports advocate later imaging time points to improve the diagnostic accuracy for PVE. In this study, we compared standard and late FDG PET/CT images in patients with a clinical suspicion of PVE. Materials and Methods Fourteen scans in 13 patients referred for FDG PET/CT for suspicion of PVE performed at standard (60 min post injection) and late (150 min post injection) time points were scored based on visual interpretation and semi-quantitatively with SUVmax and target-to-background ratio (TBR, defined as [SUVmax valve/SUVmean blood pool]). Final diagnosis was based on surgical findings in all cases of infection (n = 6) and unremarkable follow-up in all others (n = 8). Results Late images were more prone to false positive interpretation for both visual and semi-quantitative analyses. Visual analysis of the standard images yielded 1 false negative and 1 false positive result. On the late images, no scans were false negative but 5 scans were false positive. Conclusion Late FDG PET/CT imaging for PVE seems prone to false positive results. Therefore, late imaging should be interpreted with caution. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s12350-017-0902-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Purpose Although 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) Positron Emission Tomography (PET) with computed tomography (CT) and cardiac computed tomography angiography (CTA) are essential tools in diagnosing prosthetic heart valve (PHV) endocarditis, the normal imaging findings in the first year after PHV implantation on 18F-FDG-PET/CT and CTA have not been studied prospectively. We prospectively assessed the perivalvular FDG uptake at different time points after aortic PHV implantation and assessed the normal imaging findings on CTA. Materials and methods Patients who had undergone uncomplicated aortic PHV implantation were included and underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT and CTA at 5(±1) weeks (group 1), 12(±2) weeks (group 2) or 52(±8) weeks (group 3) after implantation. After a preparatory diet to suppress normal myocardial glucose uptake, FDG uptake in the myocardium as well as around the PHV was scored using the Qualification Visual Score for Hypermetabolism (QVSH) as "none" (< mediastinum), "low" (> mediastinum but < liver), "intermediate" (> liver), or "high" (intense uptake) and quantitative analysis was performed with maximum Standardized Uptake Value (SUVmax) and target to background ratio (SUVratio) on standardized European Association of Nuclear Medicine Research Ltd. (EARL) reconstructions by an experienced nuclear medicine physician. CTA was analysed for image quality, artefacts and stranding of the peri-aortic fat by a cardiac radiologist. Results In total 37 patients (group 1: n = 12, group 2: n = 12, group 3: n = 13) (age 66 ± 8 years) were included. Myocardial FDG uptake was intermediate or less in 29/37 scans (78%). QVSH around the PHV was 8/12(67%) low and 4/12(33%) intermediate in group 1, 7/12(58%) low and 5/12(42%) intermediate in group 2 and 8/13(62%) low and 5/13(38%) intermediate in group 3 (p = 0.91). No scan was scored as "none" or "high". EARL SUVmax was 3.48 ± 0.57, 3.50 ± 0.59 and 3.34 ± 0.55 (mean ± SD, p = 0.77) and EARL SUVratio was 2.00 ± 0.29, 1.96 ± 0.41 and 1.71 ± 0.26 (mean ± SD, p = 0.07) for groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. One patient in group 3 refused to undergo the additional CTA and one CTA in group 3 could not be analysed for image quality and artefacts due to techniqual difficulties. Overall CTA image quality was "good" or "excellent" with an artefact score of "virtually none" or "mild" in most cases (n = 33, 94%). Stranding of peri-aortic fat was seen in 27/35 (77%) of these patients (group 1: n = 11; group 2: n = 9; group 3: n = 7) with no signs of FDG uptake on PET/CT scan. Conclusion Baseline FDG uptake around aortic PHV at 5, 12 and 52 weeks after implantation is similar and mild in the majority of cases with an overall mean SUVmax and SUVratio of 3.44 ± 0.56 and 1.89 ± 0.34 respectively. CTA revealed baseline post-surgical findings in the first year after PHV implantation.

Zusammenfassung Zielsetzung Die lidA-Studie verknüpft Befragungsdaten mit individuellen Krankenkassendaten (KK-Daten). Es wird analysiert, zu welchen sozialen und gesundheitlichen Selektionseffekten es kommt, wenn nicht allen Befragten individuelle KK-Daten zugespielt werden können. Ein individuelles Datenlinkage setzt das Probandeneinverständnis und die Teilnahme seiner Kasse voraus. Methodik Die realisierte Zuspielung individueller KK-Daten wurde als abhängige Variable einer multivariaten binären logistischen Regression definiert. Insgesamt wurden 21 (1. Befragung) bzw. 22 Faktoren (2. Befragung) analysiert, die mutmaßlich Einfluss auf die Zuspielungschancen haben. Ergebnisse Die Prävalenzen sozialer und gesundheitlicher Merkmale waren fast identisch in den Gruppen mit und ohne zugespielte Krankenkassendaten. Die logistische Regression fand signifikante Einflussgrößen in der ersten Befragung bezogen auf eine räumliche Kategorisierung (BIK), die Einkommensgruppe „1000 bis unter 2000 Euro“ und die Teilzeitarbeit. Nur die Fach-/Hochschulreife zeigte in beiden Wellen gegenüber der niedrigsten Bildungsstufe signifikante Assoziationen (OR W1: 1,63; OR W2: 1,83). Bildung sowie Beruf (Blossfeld) zeigten als Merkmalskomplex in beiden Wellen einen signifikanten Einfluss. Schlussfolgerung Ein Linkage von KK- mit Befragungsdaten ist in der lidA-Studie fast selektionsfrei realisiert, trotz einer Datenlieferung für nur 21 % bzw. 24 % der Probanden. Alle Datenlinkage-Studien mit KK-Daten sollten deren Selektivität prüfen.

Objectives: In this study, we evaluated a cloud-based platform for cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) four-dimensional (4D) flow imaging, with fully integrated correction for eddy currents, Maxwell phase effects, and gradient field non-linearity, to quantify forward flow, regurgitation, and peak systolic velocity over the pulmonary artery. Methods: We prospectively recruited 52 adult patients during one-year period from July 2014. The 4D flow and planar (2D) phase-contrast (PC) were acquired during same scanning session, but 4D flow was scanned after injection of a gadolinium-based contrast agent. Eddy-currents were semi-automatically corrected using the web-based software. Flow over pulmonary valve was measured and the 4D flow values were compared against the 2D PC ones. Results: The mean forward flow was 92 (+/- 30) ml/cycle measured with 4D flow and 86 (+/- 29) ml/cycle measured with 2D PC, with a correlation of 0.82 and a mean difference of -6 ml/cycle (-41-29). For the regurgitant fraction the correlation was 0.85 with a mean difference of -0.95% (-17-15). Mean peak systolic velocity measured with 4D flow was 92 (+/- 49) cm/s and 108 (+/- 56) cm/s with 2D PC, having a correlation of 0.93 and a mean difference of 16 cm/s (-24-55). Conclusion: 4D flow imaging post-processed with an integrated cloud-based application accurately quantifies pulmonary flow. However, it may underestimate the peak systolic velocity. (C) 2016 Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.