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Das Wirkungsmonitoring 2021 bezieht sich auf im Jahr 2017 beendete Forschungsprojekte ab einer gewissen Mindestgröße, für die kein programmspezifisches Monitoring der FFG durchgeführt wird.1 In diesem Jahr wurden zudem die Einflussfaktoren auf die wirtschaftliche Verwertung von Projektergebnissen gesondert in der Befragung berücksichtigt. Es konnten 92 % der Unternehmen erreicht werden; der Netto-Rücklauf beträgt 61 % (372 Projektteilnahmen). In diesem Berichtsjahr ist erstmals der Anteil an Projektbeteiligungen an Thematischen Programmen im Wirkungsmonitoring größer als jener der Basisprogramme. Die Projektbeteiligungen verteilen sich auf 54 % Thematische Programme, 42 % Basisprogramme, 2 % Strukturprogramme sowie 2 % Luft- und Raumfahrtprojekte. Forschungseinrichtungen (FE) werden im Wirkungsmonitoring ebenfalls berücksichtigt, weisen im Vergleich zu Unternehmen jedoch typischerweise weniger Projektteilnahmen auf. Insgesamt wurden 502 Projektteilnahmen erreicht und 344 Fragebögen ausgewertet. Dies entspricht einem Netto-Rücklauf von rd. 69 %.

I was riding my bike on a late Sunday morning of Memorial Day weekend 2020, sensing that the world was coming back to life. The sun was burning through the overcast of the earlier morning, lighting...

This paper is a battle cry for our current moment. In it, we will return to The Two Analyses of Mr. Z and discuss it as a chronicle of self-emergence that implies Kohut’s simultaneous rebellion aga...

Background: Balixafortide (B) is a potent CXCR4 antagonist. High CXCR4 levels correlate with aggressive metastatic phenotypes and poor prognosis in breast cancer (BC). Encouraging safety and efficacy data were published from the Phase 1 trial investigating B + eribulin (E) in patients with HER2 negative metastatic BC1,2. The objective response rate (ORR), median progression free survival (PFS), median overall survival (OS), and 12, 18 and 24 month OS estimate in patients who received B + E as 2nd line or later therapy were respectively: 37.5%, 6.2 months, 18 months, 75%, 50%, and 33.3% for the Expanded Cohort (EC); 29.6%, 4.5 months, 16.8 months, 62%, 42.4%, and 25% for the Overall Efficacy Population. These OS data were observed regardless of line of study medication received and were numerically higher for patients who received study medication as 2nd line or later therapy. Inter-trial comparisons suggest that these survival rates, especially for EC, are higher than those reported for E monotherapy in similar populations. The following trial was designed and open to enrolment. Trial design: International, multicenter, open-label, randomized, parallel, 2 arm, Phase 3 Eligibility criteria: Age ≥18 years Histologically confirmed BC Metastatic BC (stage IV disease by AJCC criteria) or unresectable locoregionally recurrent BC HER2 negative Any estrogen or progesterone receptor (ER/PgR) status Previously received 1−4 chemotherapeutic regimens for locally recurrent or metastatic BC. Unless contra-indicated, prior therapy included an anthracycline and a taxane in either the adjuvant or metastatic setting. ER+ and/or PgR+ patients treated with at least 1 line of endocrine therapy and unsuitable for further endocrine therapy. At least 14 days from completion of previous cytotoxic chemotherapy, biological therapy, or other investigational agent Refractory to most recent chemotherapy (progression on ≤6 months of therapy) ECOG performance status 0−2 Life expectancy ≥3 months If CNS involvement, metastases must have been treated and stable for at least 4 weeks after completion of radiation therapy and/or surgery Patients with no concurrent malignancy or malignancy 2 years prior to randomization except for adequately treated basal and squamous cell carcinoma, non-melanomatous skin cancer or curatively resected cervical cancer. Aims: to investigate the comparative efficacy and safety of B + E versus E monotherapy in terms of: PFS in the Overall Study Population and in the 3rd Line or Later Therapy Study PopulationOSTumor responseSafety and tolerabilityQuality of lifeExploring the association between comparative efficacy and ER or PgR status, CXCR4 expression levels, circulating and tumor tissue biomarkersExploring immune response using iRECISTEvaluating pharmacokinetics of balixafortide and its metabolites. Statistical Methods: To provide efficacy and safety data in: Overall Study Population for regulatory submissions in the EU and jurisdictions in which the 2nd line + E label applies. 3rd line or Later Therapy Study Population for regulatory submissions in the US and jurisdictions in which the 3rd line + E label applies. The critical efficacy endpoints for both study populations are PFS and OS and additionally ORR for the 3rd line + Population. Alpha allocation and recycling will ensure control of the overall Type I error rate for the 2 study populations separately. Accrual: approx. 400 patients Contact information: Frank Weber MD Tel +41 61 567 1600 1. Pernas S et al. Lancet Oncol. 2018; 19: 812−24 2. Kaufman PA et al. J Clin Oncol. 2019; 37(Suppl 2606) Citation Format: Peter Kaufmann MD, Javier Cortes MD, PhD, Miguel Martin, MD, PhD, Ingrid Mayer MD, Linda Vahdat, MD, Sonia Pernas MD, PhD, Peter Schmid MD, PhD, Heather McArthur MD, Rebecca Dent MD, Hope Rugo MD, Carlos Barrios MD, Debra Barker MD, Barbara Romagnoli PhD and Alexandra Bobirca MD. International, phase 3 trial: Balixafortide (a CXCR4 antagonist) + eribulin versus eribulin alone in patients with HER2 negative, locally recurrent or metastatic breast cancer (FORTRESS) international, phase 3 trial: Balixafortide (a CXCR4 antagonist) + eribulin versus eribulin alone in patients with HER2 negative, locally recurrent or metastatic breast cancer (FORTRESS) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2019 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2019 Dec 10-14; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(4 Suppl):Abstract nr OT1-08-06.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVE: The safety of intensive blood pressure (BP) targets is controversial for persons with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We studied the effects of hypertension treatment on cerebral perfusion and structure in those with and without CKD. STUDY DESIGN: Neuroimaging substudy of a randomized trial. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS: A subset of participants in the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial who underwent brain MRI studies. Presence of baseline CKD was assessed by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urine albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR). INTERVENTION: Participants were randomly assigned to intensive (systolic BP 30 mg/g (N=151), the effects of intensive versus standard BP treatment on change in global cerebral blood flow, WMLs and total brain volume were 1.91 ml/100g/min (95% CI −3.01, 6.82), 0.003 cm(3) (asinh transformed, 95% CI −0.13, 0.13), and −7.0 cm(3) (95% CI −13.3, −0.3), respectively. The overall treatment effects on cerebral blood flow and total brain volume were not modified by baseline eGFR or UACR; however the effect on WMLs was attenuated in participants with albuminuria (interaction p-value 0.04). LIMITATIONS: Measurement variability due to multi-site design. CONCLUSIONS: Among hypertensive adults with primarily early kidney disease, intensive versus standard blood pressure treatment did not appear to have a detrimental effect on brain perfusion or structure. The findings support the safety of intensive blood pressure treatment targets on brain health in persons with early kidney disease. FUNDING: The Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial was funded by the National Institutes of Health (including the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, the National Institute on Aging, and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke), and this substudy was funded by the National Institutes of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. TRIAL REGISTRATION: SPRINT was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov with the study number NCT01206062.

Container-based lightweight buildings offer a high ecologic and economic potential when they are designed as nearly zero-energy container buildings (NZECBs). Thus, they are relevant to energy transition in achieving an almost climate-neutral building stock. This paper describes and applies design strategies for suitable building concepts and energy systems to be used in NZECBs for different climates. Therefore, different applications in representative climatic zones were selected. Initially, the global climate zones were characterized and analyzed with regard to their potential for self-sufficiency and renewable energies in buildings. The design strategies were further developed and demonstrated for three cases: a single-family house in Sweden, a multi-family house in Germany, and a small school building in rural Ethiopia. For each case, design guidelines were derived and building concepts were developed. On the basis of these input data, various energy concepts were developed in which solar and wind energy, as well as biomass, were integrated as renewable energy sources. All the concepts were simulated and analyzed with the Polysun® software. The various approaches were compared and evaluated, particularly with regard to energy self-sufficiency. Self-sufficiency rates up to 80% were achieved. Finally, the influence of different climate zones on the energy efficiency of the single-family house was studied as well as the influence of the size of battery storage and insulation.

Von der Politik wird zunehmend erwartet, dass sie aktiv zur Erreichung gesellschaftlich bzw. politisch festgelegter Umweltziele beiträgt. Vor diesem Hintergrund kann in den vergangenen Jahren auch eine verstärkte Berücksichtigung der Wirkungen der FTI-Politik auf die natürliche Umwelt beobachtet werden. Dies drückt sich sowohl in der Festlegung von Umweltkriterien sowie einer zunehmenden systemischen Orientierung von FTI-politischen Maßnahmen aus, um eine Transition hin zu einer klimaneutralen und ressourceneffizienten Gesellschaft zu unterstützen. Dieser Beitrag setzt sich mit den aus dieser „Ökologisierung“ der FTI-Politik entstehenden Herausforderungen für die Evaluierungspraxis auseinander und stellt bestehende Ansätze zu ihrer Adressierung vor.

BACKGROUND Early in the development of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was evident that health care workers, first responders, and other essential workers would face significant stress and workplace demands related to equipment shortages and rapidly growing infections in the general population. Although the effects of other sources of stress on health have been documented, the effects of these unique conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic on the long-term health and well-being of the health care workforce are not known. OBJECTIVE The COVID-19 Study of Healthcare and Support Personnel (CHAMPS) was designed to document early and longitudinal effects of the pandemic on the mental and physical health of essential workers engaged in health care. We will investigate mediators and moderators of these effects and evaluate the influence of exposure to stress, including morbidity and mortality, over time. We will also examine the effect of protective factors and resilience on health outcomes. METHODS The study cohort is a convenience sample recruited nationally through communities, professional organizations, networks, social media, and snowball sampling. Recruitment took place for 13 months to obtain an estimated sample of 2762 adults who provided self-reported information administered on the web through structured questionnaires about their work environment, mental and physical health, and psychosocial factors. Follow-up questionnaires will be administered after 6 months and annually thereafter to ascertain changes in health, well-being, and lifestyle. Participants who consented to be recontacted form the longitudinal cohort and the CHAMPS Registry may be contacted to ascertain their interest in ancillary studies for which they may be eligible. RESULTS The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board and launched in May 2020, with grants from Travere Therapeutics Inc, McKesson Corporation, anonymous donors, and internal funding from the M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing at Villanova University. Recruitment ended in June 2021 after enrolling 2762 participants, 1534 of whom agreed to participate in the longitudinal study and the registry as well as to be contacted about eligibility for future studies. CONCLUSIONS The CHAMPS Study and Registry will enable the acquisition of detailed data on the effects of extended psychosocial and workplace stress on morbidity and mortality and serve as a platform for ancillary studies related to the COVID-19 pandemic. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04370821; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04370821 INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT DERR1-10.2196/30757

Patients operated for infective endocarditis (IE) are at high risk of developing an excessive systemic hyperinflammatory state, resulting in systemic inflammatory response syndrome and septic shock. Hemoadsorption (HA) by cytokine adsorbers has been successfully applied to remove inflammatory mediators. This randomized controlled trial investigates the effect of perioperative HA therapy on inflammatory parameters and hemodynamic status in patients operated for IE. A total of 20 patients were randomly assigned to either HA therapy or the control group. HA therapy was initiated intraoperatively and continued for 24 hours postoperatively. Cytokine levels (IL‐6, IL‐1b, TNF‐α), leukocytes, C‐reactive protein (CRP), and Procalcitonin (PCT) as well as catecholamine support, and volume requirement were compared between both groups. Operative procedures included aortic (n = 7), mitral (n = 6), and multiple valve surgery (n = 7). All patients survived to discharge. No significant differences concerning median cytokine levels (IL‐6 and TNF‐α) were observed between both groups. CRP and PCT baseline levels were significantly higher in the HA group (59.5 vs. 26.3 mg/dL, P = .029 and 0.17 vs. 0.05 µg/L, P = .015) equalizing after surgery. Patients in the HA group required significantly higher doses of vasopressors (0.093 vs. 0.025 µg/kg/min norepinephrine, P = .029) at 12 hours postoperatively as well as significantly more overall volume replacement (7217 vs. 4185 mL at 12 hours, P = .015; 12 021 vs. 4850 mL at 48 hours, P = .015). HA therapy did neither result in a reduction of inflammatory parameters nor result in an improvement of hemodynamic parameters in patients operated for IE. For a more targeted use of HA therapy, appropriate selection criteria are required.

Österreichischer Forschungs- und Technologiebericht 2021, Deutsch

Mit dem Nationalen Programm für Weltraum und Innovation - Forschungs- und Entwicklungsvorhaben (NPWI) stärkt das deutsche Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Energie (BMWi) die Innovations- und Wettbewerbsfähigkeit des deutschen Raumfahrtinnovationsökosystems aus Forschung und Industrie. Orientierungsrahmen des NPWI ist die Raumfahrtstrategie der Bundesregierung „Für eine zukunftsfähige deutsche Raumfahrt“. Umgesetzt wird das Programm durch das DLR Raumfahrtmanagement (DLR-RFM). Für die hier vorliegende Evaluation des NPWI für 2011 bis 2018 beauftragte das BMWi das Institut für Innovation und Technik und seine Partner Kerlen Evaluation und KMU Forschung Austria. Analysiert und bewertet wurde, inwieweit das NPWI seine Ziele erreichte, welche Wirkungen es zeitigte und wie es wirtschaftlich umgesetzt wurde. Angesichts identifizierter Anpassungsbedarfe wurden Handlungsempfehlungen an das BMWi sowie das DLR-Raumfahrtmanagement gerichtet.

Das Wirkungsmonitoring 2020 bezieht sich auf im Jahr 2016 beendete Forschungsprojekte ab einer gewissen Mindestgrose, fur die kein programmspezifisches Monitoring der FFG durchgefuhrt wird. In diesem Jahr wurden aufgrund aktueller Entwicklungen zwei zusatzliche Themenkomplexe in die Befragung aufgenommen: Auswirkungen von Covid-19 auf F&E-Aktivitaten von Unternehmen sowie eine Darstellung des Status quo forschender Unternehmen und Forschungseinrichtung zum Thema Kreislaufwirtschaft. Es konnten 98,5% der Unternehmen erreicht werden; der Netto-Rucklauf betragt, fur das FFG Wirkungsmonitoring typisch, sehr hohe 66% (376 Projektteilnahmen). Diese verteilen sich ahnlich wie im Vorjahr zu 48% auf den Bereich Basisprogramme, und zu 39% auf die Thematischen Programme. Der Anteil von Raumfahrprojekten ist mit 9% deutlich hoher, jener der Strukturprogramme mit 5% deutlich niedriger. Forschungseinrichtungen (FE) werden im Wirkungsmonitoring ebenfalls berucksichtigt, weisen im Vergleich zu Unternehmen jedoch typischerweise weniger Projektteilnahmen auf. Insgesamt wurden 346 Projektteilnahmen erreicht und 217 Fragebogen ausgewertet. Dies entspricht einem Netto-Rucklauf von rd. 63%.

Objective Transient neonatal diabetes mellitus (TNDM) is caused by activating mutations in ABCC8 and KCNJ11 genes (KATP/TNDM) or by chromosome 6q24 abnormalities (6q24/TNDM). We wanted to assess whether these different genetic aetiologies result in distinct clinical features. Design Retrospective analysis of the Italian data set of patients with TNDM. Methods Clinical features and treatment of 22 KATP/TNDM patients and 12 6q24/TNDM patients were compared. Results Fourteen KATP/TNDM probands had a carrier parent with abnormal glucose values, four patients with 6q24 showed macroglossia and/or umbilical hernia. Median age at diabetes onset and birth weight were lower in patients with 6q24 (1 week; −2.27 SD) than those with KATP mutations (4.0 weeks; −1.04 SD) (P = 0.009 and P = 0.007, respectively). Median time to remission was longer in KATP/TNDM than 6q24/TNDM (21.5 weeks vs 12 weeks) (P = 0.002). Two KATP/TNDM patients entered diabetes remission without pharmacological therapy. A proband with the ABCC8/L225P variant previously associated with permanent neonatal diabetes entered 7-year long remission after 1 year of sulfonylurea therapy. Seven diabetic individuals with KATP mutations were successfully treated with sulfonylurea monotherapy; four cases with relapsing 6q24/TNDM were treated with insulin, metformin or combination therapy. Conclusions If TNDM is suspected, KATP genes should be analyzed first with the exception of patients with macroglossia and/or umbilical hernia. Remission of diabetes without pharmacological therapy should not preclude genetic analysis. Early treatment with sulfonylurea may induce long-lasting remission of diabetes in patients with KATP mutations associated with PNDM. Adult patients carrying KATP/TNDM mutations respond favourably to sulfonylurea monotherapy.

New therapeutic approaches are required to decelerate the progression of COPD and severe asthma with non-type2 inflammation. Alveolar macrophages (AM) might be suitable targets because of their key role in the pathophysiologies. Pre-clinical studies and clinical trials currently investigate the potential of ectopic olfactory receptors (OR), the largest subgroup of G-protein coupled receptors, as therapeutic targets in several non-respiratory diseases. Pre-clinical data about their potential in obstructive lung diseases are lacking. Method: OR2AT4 and OR1A1/OR1A2 are suitable candidates and their synthetic agonists Sandalore or (‑)Citronellal, respectively, might repair dysregulated molecular processes in COPD or asthma like calcium signaling and phagocytosis of alveolar macrophages. AM were isolated from the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) of patients with (suspected) COPD or asthma. Both, OR2AT4 and OR1A2 proteins were detected by western blot and in the membrane of the AM by immunocytochemical staining. Their mRNAs were not detected by well controlled RT-PCR. Sandalore and Citronellal, both induced a concentration-dependent and transient increase of intracellular calcium. For Sandalore this was blocked by Oxyphenylon (OR2AT4 blocker), MDL12330A (adenylate cyclase blocker) and withdrawal of extracellular calcium with EGTA suggesting the involvement of the cAMP-dependent pathway. The phagocytotic activity was reduced by both agonists. AM functionally express OR2AT4 and OR1A2 but do not perform de-novo synthesis. Both ORs interfere with the calcium balance of the cells and inhibit phagocytosis. This is first indication for OR2AT4 and OR1A2 as therapeutic targets in obstructive lung diseases.

Der vorliegende Beitrag analysiert das Innosuisse Start-up-Trainingsprogramm in einem empirisch gut erprobten sozialpsychologischen Modell, der Theorie des geplanten Verhaltens (TPB). Ziel ist es, die Frage zu beantworten, ob die Ausbildungsmodule (die auf Hightech-Grundungen abzielen) die Grundungsabsicht der TeilnehmerInnen fordern und welche Determinanten zu einer Veranderung dieser Absicht beitragen. Die Daten wurden in drei aufeinanderfolgenden Erhebungen fur alle in den Jahren 2016 und 2017 angebotenen Kurse erhoben. Die Schatzungsergebnisse zeigen, dass diejenigen, die sich befahigt fuhlen, eine hohere Absicht zeigen, wahrend andere wahrend des Kurses erkennen, dass eine Unternehmensgrundung nicht das ist, was sie (zu diesem Zeitpunkt) wirklich wollen. Die groste Auswirkung auf die Veranderung der Grundungsabsichten kommt von der wahrgenommenen Verhaltenskontrolle der TeilnehmerInnen, d.h. dem Wissen uber die Fuhrung eines Unternehmens; in etwas geringerem Mase, aber immer noch deutlich positiv, ist die wahrgenommene soziale Unterstutzung. Insgesamt hilft das Innosuisse-GrunderInnentraining den Studierenden und Hochschulangehorigen, sich fundierter fur oder gegen eine mogliche Unternehmensgrundung zu entscheiden und ihre Fahigkeiten und Kenntnisse zu entwickeln.

The deployment of containers as building modules has grown in popularity over the past years due to their inherent strength, modular construction, and relatively low cost. The upcycled container architecture is being accepted since it is more eco-friendly than using the traditional building materials with intensive carbon footprint. Moreover, owing to the unquestionable urgency of climate change, existing climate-adaptive design strategies may no longer respond effectively as they are supposed to work in the previous passive design. Therefore, this paper explores the conceptual design for an upcycled shipping container building, which is designed as a carbon-smart modular living solution to a single family house under three design scenarios, related to cold, temperate, and hot&ndash, humid climatic zones, respectively. The extra feature of future climate adaption has been added by assessing the projected future climate data with the ASHRAE Standard 55 and Current Handbook of Fundamentals Comfort Model. Compared with the conventional design, Rome would gradually face more failures in conventional climate-adaptive design measures in the coming 60 years, as the growing trends in both cooling and dehumidification demand. Consequently, the appropriate utilization of internal heat gains are proposed to be the most promising measure, followed by the measure of windows sun shading and passive solar direct gain by using low mass, in the upcoming future in Rome. Future climate projection further shows different results in Berlin and Stockholm, where the special attention is around the occasional overheating risk towards the design goal of future thermal comfort.

Die Familie der Prachtfinken gehort zoologisch in die Ordnung der Sperlingsvogel (Passeriformes). Ihre unmittelbaren Nachbarn im zoologischen System sind einerseits die Familie der Webervogel (Ploceidae) und andererseits die Familie der Witwen (Viduidae).

Diese Arbeit untersucht zum einen den Zusammenhang zwi - schen F&E-Aktivitaten und Unternehmenswachstum. Zum an - deren wird analysiert ob und inwiefern sich die Unternehmen - scharakteristika von schnell wachsenden Unternehmen im Vergleich zu Unternehmen mit moderatem bzw. niedrigem Wachstum unterscheiden. Die Ergebnisse zeigen einen eindeutigen positiven Zusammenhang zwi - schen F&E-Aktivitaten und Unternehmensentwicklung (Schaffung von Ar - beitsplatzen bzw. Umsatz und Investitionsdynamik). Daruber hinaus sind schnell wachsende Unternehmen (HGF) innovativer, weisen eine hohere Arbeitsproduktivitat auf, haben einen hoheren Anteil von Unternehmen mit F&E-Aktivitaten, hohere Exportbeteiligung, und hoheren Umsatzanteil von Marktneuheiten als nicht schnell wachsende Unternehmen. Zur Finanzierung ihrer F&E-Aktivitaten greifen HGF unter anderem auch auf die Forschungsforderung zuruck. Von den im Zeitraum 2011- 2015 im FFG Basisprogramm sowie BRIDGE geforderten Unternehmen entsprachen entweder wahrend oder nach dem Forderzeitraum rd. 27% der high-growth Definition von Eurostat.