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Bioimpedance analysis is a label-free and easy approach to obtain information on cellular barrier integrity and cell viability more broadly. In this work, we introduce a small, low-cost, portable in vitro impedance measurement system for studies where a shadow-free exposure of the cells is a requirement. It can be controlled by a user-friendly web interface and can perform measurements automated and autonomously at short intervals. The system can be integrated into an existing IoT network for remote monitoring and indepth analyses. A single-board computer (SBC) serves as the central unit, to control, analyze, store and forward the measurement data from the single-chip impedance analyzer. Various materials and manufacturing methods were used to produce a purpose-built lid on top of a modified 24-well microtiter plate in a “do it yourself” fashion. Furthermore, three different sensor designs were developed utilizing anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) membranes and gold-plated electrodes. Preliminary tests with potassium chloride (KCl) showed first promising results.

Recording of heart rate variability (HRV) is a noninvasive and continuous measurement method that allows investigating the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and its reaction to environmental influences. For a precise measurement of HRV data, a carefully chosen study design and environment is required to minimize secondary influences. One major influence to be avoided is movement. However, in the daily routine and for some scientific questions, movement can often not be avoided. If so, a manual or automated method to differentiate between artifacts caused by body movement and the actual psychophysiological effect is needed to ensure the data quality. In this approach, a chest-worn sensor was developed, that measures the heart rate using a single lead ECG and filters the measured change of the HRV caused by movement. Data from an integrated accelerometer is used to detect upper body movements that affect the resting heart rate. The movementcorresponding time stamps are then used to filter the Interbeat Intervals (IBI) accordingly. Functionality and effectiveness of the sensor system have been tested against state-of-the art sports- or clinical devices in varying scenarios. As our test series showed, motion filtering has a decisive effect when motion occurs, two-thirds of all cases showed a significant effect of motion filtering, with small to medium effect sizes for the parameters SD2, SD2/SD1, and SDNN. Thereby, automatic filtering of motion artifacts can help to significantly reduce the need for costly post-processing of distorted data sets. The results show a better data quality of HRV measurement, a method that is commonly used for the investigation of physiological processes in the field of chronic pain, psychology, psychiatry, or sports medicine.

Light is an important factor for regulation of circadian, endocrine and metabolic processes in the human body. Through this light has a positive effect on cognition, on the stabilization of circadian rhythms and for general wellbeing. These effects are described as non-visual effects of light. Many dynamic lighting systems are already in use in workplaces and living spaces, aiming to address visual and also non-visual effects. In Europe and US the term “Human Centric Lighting” or abbreviated "HCL” was introduced, as a scientifically agreed concept on how to plan non-visual effects of artificial light in synergy with natural light. Older people, especially with neurological and psychological diseases can especially benefit from this lighting concept. However, in order to achieve the desired non-visual effects, certain conditions should be fulfilled. In Germany the DIN SPEC 67600 is a guideline for the design of biologically effective illumination, with examples for senior- and nursing homes. A goal of this evaluation was to check whether the recommendations of the specification DIN SPEC 67600 in three nursing homes were met and another goal was if effectiveness of the lighting on residents and nursing staff can be determined. Photometric measurements were taken and subjective perceived non-visual effects of light were surveyed using a questionnaire. Results: Although none of the three facilities met all the criteria of the DIN SPEC 67600 guidelines, non-visual lighting effects on residents and nursing staff could be detected. The results also indicate that careful attention should be paid on maintenance of HCL systems. The correct use of HCL solutions in homes for the elderly has opportunities to improve health status if the system is properly designed and maintained. Therefore next to the existing (non-visual) metrics and HCL design guidelines, guidelines for maintaining and regular inspections should be established.

Abstract Due to the socio-demographic change in most developed western countries, elderly populations have been continuously increasing. Therefore, preventive and assistive systems that allow elderly people to independently live in their own homes as long as possible will become an economical if not ethical necessity. These respective technologies are being developed under the term "Ambient Assistive Technologies" (AAT). The EU-funded AAT-project Ambient Lighting Assistance for an Ageing Population (ALADIN) has established the long-term goal to create an adaptive system capable of improving the residential lighting conditions of single living elderly persons also aiming at supporting the preservation of their independence. Results of an earlier survey revealed that the elderly perceived their current lighting situation as satisfactory, whereas interviewers assessed in-house lighting as too dark and risk-laden. The overall results of ALADIN showed a significant increase in well-being from the baseline final testing with the new adaptive lighting system. Positive results for wellbeing and life quality suggest that the outcome effects may be attributed to the introduction of technology as well as to social contacts arising from participating in the study. The technological guidance of the study supervisors, in particular, may have produced a strong social reactivity effect that was first observed in the famous Hawthorne experiments in the 1930s. As older adults seem to benefit both from meaningful social contacts as well as assistive technologies, the question arises how assistive technology can be socially embedded to be able to maximize positive health effects. Therefore ethical guidelines for development and use of new assistive technologies for handicapped/older persons have to be developed and should be discussed with regard to their applicability in the context of AAT.

Abstract Background and Objective Our objective was to report on the design and essentials of the Etoricoxib protocol- Preemptive and Postoperative Analgesia (EPPA) Trial, investigating whether preemptive analgesia with cox-2 inhibitors is more efficacious than placebo in patients who receive either laparotomy or thoracotomy. Design and Methods The study is a 2 × 2 factorial armed, double blinded, bicentric, randomised placebo-controlled trial comparing (a) etoricoxib and (b) placebo in a pre- and postoperative setting. The total observation period is 6 months. According to a power analysis, 120 patients scheduled for abdominal or thoracic surgery will randomly be allocated to either the preemptive or the postoperative treatment group. These two groups are each divided into two arms. Preemptive group patients receive etoricoxib prior to surgery and either etoricoxib again or placebo postoperatively. Postoperative group patients receive placebo prior to surgery and either placebo again or etoricoxib after surgery (2 × 2 factorial study design). The Main Outcome Measure is the cumulative use of morphine within the first 48 hours after surgery (measured by patient controlled analgesia PCA). Secondary outcome parameters include a broad range of tests including sensoric perception and genetic polymorphisms. Discussion The results of this study will provide information on the analgesic effectiveness of etoricoxib in preemptive analgesia and will give hints on possible preventive effects of persistent pain. Trial registration NCT00716833

The residential lighting conditions of elders are an important but frequently neglected aspect that may directly or indirectly infl uence important health and wellbeing parameters. Within the EU-funded project Ambient Lighting Assistance for an Ageing Population (ALADIN) a new adaptive lighting device that is capable to adapt to psycho-physiological parameters of an elderly person has been developed and pilot-tested under real life conditions. The main outcome criteria of this pilot study comprise wellbeing, life quality, mental and physical fi tness as well as sleep quality. The system was installed in the habitations of twelve subjects and evaluated for three months in a fi eld-test with technological support provided on demand. Results indicated a signifi - cant increase of wellbeing, life quality and mental fi tness. However, these results may not only be attributed to the infl uence of the lighting system. Social contacts due to participation in the study and the introduction of new technologies might also be responsible for the positive outcome concerning wellbeing and life quality. Therefore, the potential of ambient assisting technologies for improving the lives of the elderly could be further developed by embedding them into social settings and facilitating social contacts rather than understanding them as technological stand-alone solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]