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The introduction of novel bioactive materials to manipulate living cell behavior is a crucial topic for biomedical research and tissue engineering. Biomaterials or surface patterns that boost specific cell functions can enable innovative new products in cell culture and diagnostics. This study investigates the influence of the intrinsically nano-patterned surface of nanoporous glass membranes on the behavior of mammalian cells. Three different cell lines and primary human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) proliferate readily on nanoporous glass membranes with mean pore sizes between 10 and 124 nm. In both proliferation and mRNA expression experiments, L929 fibroblasts show a distinct trend toward mean pore sizes >80 nm. For primary hMSCs, excellent proliferation is observed on all nanoporous surfaces. hMSCs on samples with 17 nm pore size display increased expression of COL10, COL2A1, and SOX9, especially during the first two weeks of culture. In the upside down culture, SK-MEL-28 cells on nanoporous glass resist the gravitational force and proliferate well in contrast to cells on flat references. The effect of paclitaxel treatment of MDA-MB-321 breast cancer cells is already visible after 48 h on nanoporous membranes and strongly pronounced in comparison to reference samples, underlining the material's potential for functional drug screening.

Hintergrund: In einem patientenzentrierten Gesundheitswesen gerät die Zufriedenheit von Patienten und Rehabilitanden zunehmend in den Blickpunkt. Erfahrungsberichte in den sozialen Medien über Aspekte der Versorgung in Rehabilitationskliniken können hierzu einen Beitrag leisten. [zum vollständigen Text gelangen Sie über die oben angegebene URL], 19. Deutscher Kongress für Versorgungsforschung (DKVF)

Hintergrund: Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) werden zunehmend für die Messung der Ergebnisqualität von Behandlungen genutzt. In der Endoprothetik werden sie in Großbritannien seit mehr als 10 Jahren eingesetzt. Dort konnte ihr Wert für die Identifikation von Kliniken mit[zum vollständigen Text gelangen Sie über die oben angegebene URL], 18. Deutscher Kongress für Versorgungsforschung (DKVF)

Background: Traditional surgical treatment for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) is performed via sternotomy and on cardiopulmonary bypass. It is very effective in regard to rhythm control, but remains unpopular due to its invasiveness. Truly endoscopic AF treatments have decreased the threshold for electrophysiologists (and cardiologists) to refer, and the reluctance of patients to accept a standalone surgical approach. Practice guidelines from around the world have recognized this as an acceptable therapeutic approach. Current guidelines recommend the HeartTeam approach in treating these complex AF cases. In this study we report our experience with AF HeartTeam approach for surgical stand-alone AF ablation. Methods: The AF HeartTeam Program began in 2013, patients qualified for inclusion if either of the following was present: failed catheter ablation and/or medication, not suitable for catheter ablation, contraindication to anticoagulation, or patients preferring such an approach. All patients with a complex AF history were assessed by the AF HeartTeam, from which 42 patients were deemed suitable for a totally endoscopic AF procedure (epicardial ablation and LAA closure). Endpoints were intraoperative bidirectional block of the pulmonary veins and closure of left atrial appendage confirmed by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). Post discharge rhythm follow-up was performed after 3 and 12, 24 and 36 months. Anticoagulation was discontinued 6 weeks after the procedure in patients after documented LAA closure. Results: In total 42 patients underwent the endoscopic procedure (Median CHA2DS2-VASC=3 (1-6), HAS-BLED=2 (1-6)) for paroxysmal (15/42) and non-paroxysmal AF (27/42) respectively. Bidirectional block was obtained in all patients and complete LAA closure was obtained in all but one Patient on TEE (41/42). In one patient the LAA was not addressed due to extensive adhesions. Two patients underwent median sternotomy because of bleeding during the endoscopic surgery early in the series. There were no deaths. Procedure duration was a median of 124min (Range 83-211) and duration of hospitalization was median of 5 days (Range 3-12). During 36 months follow-up survival free of mortality, thromboembolic events or strokes was 100%. Twelve month freedom from atrial arrhythmia off anti-arrhythmic medication was 93% and 89% for paroxysmal and non-paroxysmal patients respectively. 6/42 patients who had an AF recurrence during the follow-up underwent touch-up catheter ablation. Conclusions: Atrial fibrillation heart team approach provides excellent outcomes for patients with AF. This approach is beneficial for patients after failed catheter ablation or not candidates for such and offers a very effective mid-term outcome data. In addition to effective rhythm control the protective effect of epicardial LAA closure may play an important role in effectively reducing stroke. The creation of an AF HeartTeam as recommended by the guidelines insures unbiased therapies and provides access to this minimally invasive but effective therapeutic option for AF patients.

Hintergrund: Patientenerfahrungen gewinnen zur Beurteilung der medizinischen Versorgung zunehmend an Bedeutung. Die Erhebungen solcher Erfahrungen von Patienten geschieht üblicherweise durch a) Patientenbefragungen (durch Krankenhäusern oder Krankenkassen), b) Patient Reported Outcomes (PROs[zum vollständigen Text gelangen Sie über die oben angegebene URL], 16. Deutscher Kongress für Versorgungsforschung (DKVF)

Background Indications, efficacy, and safety of plasma products are highly debated. We compared the concentrations of haemostatic proteins and cytokines in solvent/detergent-treated plasma (SDP) and fresh-frozen plasma (FFP). Methods Concentrations of the following parameters were measured in 25 SDP and FFP samples: fibrinogen (FBG), factor (F) II, F V, F VII, F VIII, F IX, F X, F XIII, von Willebrand factor (vWF), D-Dimers, ADAMTS-13 protease, tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10. Results Mean FBG concentrations in SDP and FFP were similar, but in FFP, the range was larger than in SDP (P

Hintergrund: Die Veröffentlichung von Qualitätsinformationen (Public Reporting) soll interessierten Anspruchsgruppen eine Hilfestellung bei der Auswahl medizinischer Leistungserbringer geben. Unklar ist bislang allerdings die Bedeutung von Public Reporting aus der Perspektive niedergelassener[zum vollständigen Text gelangen Sie über die oben angegebene URL], 15. Deutscher Kongress für Versorgungsforschung

Hintergrund: Mit zunehmende Internetnutzung suchen viele Patienten für elektive (planbare) Behandlungen ihre Wunschklinik online über Krankenhausbewertungsportale. Jedes Portal nutzt unterschiedliche Bewertungsverfahren, und auch die Internetpräsentation und Darstellung der Bewertungsergebnisse[zum vollständigen Text gelangen Sie über die oben angegebene URL], 15. Deutscher Kongress für Versorgungsforschung

Background: Healthcare IT (HIT) gains more and more public attention as well as clinical relevance. A growing number of patients and physicians increasingly relies on IT services to monitor and support wellbeing and recovery both in their private as well as in professional environment. Objectives: In this study, we investigated the current status of HIT use and penetration among physicians in hospitals and private practices as well as future expectations and demands regarding HIT. Material and methods: Using clinical networks all over Germany, Austria and Switzerland, mainly in the cities of Nuremberg, Vienna and Munich, we addressed physicians to answer a standardized internet-based questionnaire consisting of 15 multiple choice and two open questions sent out via email. Parameters were evaluated in 5 categories: general use, frequency, acceptance, needs and future. An overall of 234 physicians (response rate 83.6%) have answered the online questionnaire. Results: Physicians with a median age of 45 (range 25 > 60) responded and filled out the entire questionnaire. A significant correlation between parameters gender, age and level of training (resident, specialist, consultant etc.) can be proven. Whereas male physicians tend to use HIT significantly more in their professional life than their female colleagues, it is clear that this is not the case when it comes to private use of equivalent applications. Furthermore, the use of technology varies widely across age as well as level of training. Whereas increasing age among physicians is associated with a decreasing level of application of HIT, a higher training level is notably accompanied by an increasing level when it comes to a professional application of these tools. Use of data, gained with HIT is regarded as a necessary and positive standard. Most users assume the importance of HIT to grow in the future in parallel to their current use. A clear lack of trust in terms of medical data storage is recognized on both patient and physician side. In the majority of cases, physicians tend to use their own IT over the hospitals’, showing a clear need for improvement and technological innovation within the hospitals. Conclusion: The results show a clear gap between private and professional use of IT for medical purposes. HIT growth is by the majority regarded as key development driver, the future healthcare development will head towards. We conclude that the use of IT application generally depends strongly on age, gender as well as role within the hospital and type of hospital.