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Wittmann FG, Pabst A, Zülke A, Luppa M, Blotenberg I, Cardona MI, Bauer A, Fuchs S, Zöllinger I, Sanftenberg L, Brettschneider C, Döhring J, Lunden L, Czock D, Wiese B, Thyrian JR, Hoffmann W, Frese T, Gensichen J, König HH, Kaduszkiewicz H, Riedel-Heller SG. Who Benefited the Most? Effectiveness of a Lifestyle Intervention Against Cognitive Decline in Older Women and Men - Secondary Analysis of the AgeWell.de-trial. J Prev Alzheimers Dis 2024; 11:348-355. [PMID: 38374741 DOI: 10.14283/jpad.2024.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Differences between women and men matter in the prevalence and risk factors of dementia. We aimed to examine potential sex differences regarding the effectiveness by running a secondary analysis of the AgeWell.de trial, a cluster-randomized multicenter multi-domain lifestyle intervention to reduce cognitive decline. METHODS Intention-to-treat analyses of women (n=433) and men (n=386) aged 60 to 77 years were used for models including interactions between intervention group allocation and sex followed by subgroup analysis stratified by sex on primary and secondary outcomes. Further, the same procedure was repeated for age groups (60-69 vs. 70-77) within sex-specific subgroups to assess the effectiveness in different age groups. TRIAL REGISTRATION German Clinical Trials Register (ref. number: DRKS00013555). RESULTS No differences were found between women and men in the effectiveness of the intervention on cognitive performance. However, women benefitted from the intervention regarding depressive symptoms while men did not. Health-related quality of life was enhanced for younger intervention participants (60-69 years) in both women and men. CONCLUSION The AgeWell.de intervention was able to improve depressive symptoms in women and health-related quality of life in younger participants. Female participants between 60 and 69 years benefited the most. Results support the need of better individually targeted lifestyle interventions for older adults.
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Schippers S, Hillenbrand PM, Perry-Sassmannshausen A, Buhr T, Fuchs S, Reinwardt S, Trinter F, Müller A, Martins M. Vibrationally Resolved Inner-Shell Photoexcitation of the Molecular Anion C 2. Chemphyschem 2023:e202300061. [PMID: 36815408 DOI: 10.1002/cphc.202300061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Carbon 1s core-hole excitation of the molecular anion C2 - has been experimentally studied at high resolution by employing the photon-ion merged-beams technique at a synchrotron light source. The experimental cross section for photo-double-detachment shows a pronounced vibrational structure associated with 1 σ u → 3 σ g ${1\sigma _u \to 3\sigma _g }$ and 1 σ g → 1 π u ${1\sigma _g \to 1\pi _u }$ core excitations of the C2 - ground level and first excited level, respectively. A detailed Franck-Condon analysis reveals a strong contraction of the C2 - molecular anion by 0.2 Å upon this core photoexcitation. The associated change of the molecule's moment of inertia leads to a noticeable rotational broadening of the observed vibrational spectral features. This broadening is accounted for in the present analysis which provides the spectroscopic parameters of the C2 - 1 σ u - 1 3 σ g 2 2 Σ u + ${1\sigma _u^{ - 1} \,3\sigma _g^2 \;^2 \Sigma _u^ + }$ and 1 σ g - 1 3 σ g 2 2 Σ g + ${1\sigma _g^{ - 1} \,3\sigma _g^2 \;^2 \Sigma _g^ + }$ core-excited levels.
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Schwartze B, Kühn A, Fuchs S, Höfer F, Keil A, Weiler G, Koppe T, Raddatz A. Opening up New University Learning Experiences with Virtual Reality. CHEM-ING-TECH 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/cite.202255098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Wenzel M, Schulz AP, Fuchs S, Frosch KH, Jürgens C. [Removal of a bent femoral nail : Case report: treatment strategy of a complex femoral deformity with a bent femoral nail in situ since 36 years]. UNFALLCHIRURGIE (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2022:10.1007/s00113-022-01219-3. [PMID: 35943548 DOI: 10.1007/s00113-022-01219-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
To remove a bent femoral nail is always a challenging task for a surgeon. In the last 20 years several case reports and descriptions of techniques are to be found in literature, the goal being to weaken the nail at the apex and then straightening it in situ in most cases. Those reports all have one parameter in common: the necessity to remove the nail relates to a refracture of the femur.We report the case of a patient who presented with the explicit wish to have a bent femoral nail removed and a femoral angulation corrected because of pain in the ipsilateral hip. A femoral fracture had been treated by a Küntscher nail in 1982. A refracture with severe bending of the nail had occurred a short time later, which was treated conservatively without a second surgical procedure.We can show that a planned removal of a bent and well-osseointegrated Küntscher nail can be achieved without complications and that thereby a multiplane angulation in the femur can be corrected, paving the way for a future arthroplasty in this specific case.
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Licht C, Fuchs S, Ruttmann A, Richter K, Hillemacher T. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for catatonia– a case report. Eur Psychiatry 2022. [PMCID: PMC9568246 DOI: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2022.1911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Catatonia is one of the most common severe motor syndromes, with an estimated prevalence among psychiatric inpatients of about 15 %. Benzodiazepines and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) are the most widely studied treatment methods recommended as first-line therapy. We present the case of a 55-year-old female patient with paranoid schizophrenia and severe life-threatening catatonia who remitted under a short series of rTMS. Objectives s. Introduction Methods The point of resting motor threshold (RMT) for the musculus rectus femoris was determined for the left hemisphere. A straight line 3 cm anterior and parasagittal from that point defined the SMA. A total of three sessions, each with 1000 pulses at intensity 66 % of the RMT, were performed within 24 and 120 hours apart. Stimulation protocol was set to 1Hz in the area of the left SMA with 25 series of 40 pulses, pulse width 25 ms, angle of attack 45°. Hardware: MagVenture, 8-coil “cool-B65 butterfly-shaped coil from Medtronic. Results Within 24 hours after the first session, a marked improvement of catatonic symptoms like independent locomotion and verbal communication was recognized. One week after the whole rTMS treatment, a food intake without a gastric tube was possible. Conclusions The present case demonstrates that pronounced catatonia may be successfully treated with inhibitory rTMS. Our results underline the importance of non-invasive brain stimulation as a valuable addition to the existing treatment spectrum for catatonia. Future research is empowered to path the way for a significant expansion of treatment. Disclosure No significant relationships.
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Licht C, Fuchs S, Axel R, Richter K, Hillemacher T. P 27 Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for treating catatonia – a case report. Clin Neurophysiol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2022.01.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Papathoma-Köhle M, Schlögl M, Garlichs C, Diakakis M, Mavroulis S, Fuchs S. A wildfire vulnerability index for buildings. Sci Rep 2022; 12:6378. [PMID: 35430626 PMCID: PMC9013349 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-10479-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent wildfire events (e.g. Mediterranean region, USA, and Australia) showed that this hazard poses a serious threat for wildland–urban interface (WUI) areas around the globe. Furthermore, recent events in regions where wildfire does not constitute a frequent hazard (e.g. Siberia, Scandinavia) indicated that the spatial pattern of wildfire risk might have significantly changed. To prepare for upcoming extreme events, it is critical for decision-makers to have a thorough understanding of the vulnerability of the built environment to wildfire. Building quality and design standards are important not only because building loss is costly but also because robust buildings may offer shelter when evacuation is not possible. However, studies aiming at the analysis of wildfire vulnerability for the built environment are limited. This paper presents an innovative solution for the vulnerability assessment to wildfires, making use of an all-relevant feature selection algorithm established on statistical relationships to develop a physical vulnerability index for buildings subject to wildfire. Data from a recent and systematically documented wildfire event in Greece (Mati, 2018) are used to select and weight the relevant indicators using a permutation-based automated feature selection based on random forests. Building characteristics including the structural type, the roof type, material and shape, the inclination of the ground, the surrounding vegetation, the material of the shutters and the ground covering were selected and formed into the index. The index may be used in other places in Europe and beyond, especially where no empirical data are available supporting decision-making and risk reduction of an emerging hazard amplified by climate change.
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Rocchi S, Scherer E, Mengoli C, Alanio A, Botterel F, Bougnoux ME, Bretagne S, Cogliati M, Cornu M, Dalle F, Damiani C, Denis J, Fuchs S, Gits-Muselli M, Hagen F, Halliday C, Hare R, Iriart X, Klaassen C, Lackner M, Lengerova M, Letscher-Bru V, Morio F, Nourrisson C, Posch W, Sendid B, Springer J, Willinger B, White PL, Barnes RA, Cruciani M, Donnelly JP, Loeffler J, Millon L. Interlaboratory evaluation of Mucorales PCR assays for testing serum specimens: A study by the fungal PCR Initiative and the Modimucor study group. Med Mycol 2021; 59:126-138. [PMID: 32534456 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myaa036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Interlaboratory evaluations of Mucorales qPCR assays were developed to assess the reproducibility and performance of methods currently used. The participants comprised 12 laboratories from French university hospitals (nine of them participating in the Modimucor study) and 11 laboratories participating in the Fungal PCR Initiative. For panel 1, three sera were each spiked with DNA from three different species (Rhizomucor pusillus, Lichtheimia corymbifera, Rhizopus oryzae). For panel 2, six sera with three concentrations of R. pusillus and L. corymbifera (1, 10, and 100 genomes/ml) were prepared. Each panel included a blind negative-control serum. A form was distributed with each panel to collect results and required technical information, including DNA extraction method, sample volume used, DNA elution volume, qPCR method, qPCR template input volume, qPCR total reaction volume, qPCR platform, and qPCR reagents used. For panel 1, assessing 18 different protocols, qualitative results (positive or negative) were correct in 97% of cases (70/72). A very low interlaboratory variability in Cq values (SD = 1.89 cycles) were observed. For panel 2 assessing 26 different protocols, the detection rates were high (77-100%) for 5/6 of spiked serum. There was a significant association between the qPCR platform and performance. However, certain technical steps and optimal combinations of factors may also impact performance. The good reproducibility and performance demonstrated in this study support the use of Mucorales qPCR as part of the diagnostic strategy for mucormycosis.
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Knabl L, Huber S, Lass-Flörl C, Fuchs S. Comparison of novel approaches for expedited pathogen identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing against routine blood culture diagnostics. Lett Appl Microbiol 2021; 73:2-8. [PMID: 33788299 PMCID: PMC8252793 DOI: 10.1111/lam.13481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Blood stream infections pose a major challenge for clinicians as the immediate application of an appropriate antibiotic treatment is the vital factor to safe the patients' lives. This preliminary study compares three different systems promising fast pathogen identification and susceptibility testing in comparison to conventional blood culture (BC): (i) the rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing protocol according to EUCAST in combination with the Sepsityper® kit (sRAST), (ii) the direct inoculation method on the VITEK®2 system (dVIT) and (iii) testing with the Accelerate Pheno® system (AccPh). All methods were assessed in terms of accuracy, time to result and usability. Twenty‐three BC samples obtained from patients suffering from proven sepsis were analysed in detail. Pathogen identification was successful in 95·6, 91·3 and 91·3% in sRAST, dVIT and AccPh, respectively. Categorical agreement in antimicrobial susceptibility testing was 89·5, 96 and 96·6%, respectively. Time to result from sample entry to reporting ranged from an average of 4·6 h for sRAST and 6·9 h for AccPh to 10·6 h for dVIT. These results imply a significant shortening of reporting times at considerably high agreement rates for these new diagnostic approaches.
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Melchior V, Fuchs S, Scantamburlo G. [Obesity and eating disorders]. REVUE MEDICALE DE LIEGE 2021; 76:134-139. [PMID: 33543861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Obesity is a chronic disease that is difficult to manage and is often punctuated by treatment failure. Screening for eating disorders, the prevalence of which is high in overweight patients, is essential in order to minimize the risk of relapse and the «yoyo» phenomenon. As the reason for consulting obese subjects is rare to be eating disorders from the outset, it is necessary to assess this behaviour from the first consultations, in order to propose a specific therapeutic approach aimed at stable weight loss in the long term.
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Ehring E, Frese T, Fuchs S, Dudo K, Pukas L, Stoevesandt D, Watzke S. Asking future doctors: what support options do medical students want to cope with medical school? J Public Health (Oxf) 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10389-020-01421-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Aim
Medical school is demanding, and research aimed at improving the mental health of medical students is scarce. No quantitative study about which specific measures students actually prefer to reinforce their health has been performed yet. The aim of this survey is to find out which types of support should be given to medical students according to students’ own perspectives.
Subject and methods
A classroom survey of medical students (N = 1108, years 1–5) was carried out regarding various support options and depressive symptoms. The statistical analysis was finalized using chi-square tests, t-tests, and the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test.
Results
The support options with the highest average scores were accessible sports classes, desire for free water/fruit during lectures, and a clear study structure. Groups to exchange experiences with, including social media groups, were favored less. Depressive symptoms in students correlated with a higher level of applicability of support options.
Conclusion
Medical students require supportive study conditions. Specific subgroups of medical students could not be correlated to a particular support program. Thus, we need a support program that addresses students’ wishes, not a program based on feasibility, staff interests or passions.
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Molema F, Haijes HA, Janssen MC, Bosch AM, van Spronsen FJ, Mulder MF, Verhoeven-Duif NM, Jans JJM, van der Ploeg AT, Wagenmakers MA, Rubio-Gozalbo ME, Brouwers MCGJ, de Vries MC, Fuchs S, Langendonk JG, Rizopoulos D, van Hasselt PM, Williams M. High protein prescription in methylmalonic and propionic acidemia patients and its negative association with long-term outcome. Clin Nutr 2020; 40:3622-3630. [PMID: 33451859 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2020.12.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Methylmalonic acidemia (MMA) and propionic acidemia (PA) are inborn errors of metabolism. While survival of MMA and PA patients has improved in recent decades, long-term outcome is still unsatisfactory. A protein restricted diet is the mainstay for treatment. Additional amino acid mixtures (AAM) can be prescribed if natural protein is insufficient. It is unknown if dietary treatment can have an impact on outcome. DESIGN We performed a nationwide retrospective cohort study and evaluated both longitudinal dietary treatment and clinical course of Dutch MMA and PA patients. Protein prescription was compared to the recommended daily allowances (RDA); the safe level of protein intake as provided by the World Health Organization. The association of longitudinal dietary treatment with long-term outcome was evaluated. RESULTS The cohort included 76 patients with a median retrospective follow-up period of 15 years (min-max: 0-48 years) and a total of 1063 patient years on a protein restricted diet. Natural protein prescription exceeded the RDA in 37% (470/1287) of all prescriptions and due to AAM prescription, the total protein prescription exceeded RDA in 84% (1070/1277). Higher protein prescriptions were associated with adverse outcomes in severely affected patients. In PA early onset patients a higher natural protein prescription was associated with more frequent AMD. In MMA vitamin B12 unresponsive patients, both a higher total protein prescription and AAM protein prescription were associated with more mitochondrial complications. A higher AAM protein prescription was associated with an increased frequency of cognitive impairment in the entire. CONCLUSION Protein intake in excess of recommendations is frequent and is associated with poor outcome.
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Knabl L, Mango M, Stögermüller B, Kirchmair L, Posch W, Lass-Flörl C, Fuchs S. Cluedo - Source identification in a case of septicemia fatality caused by Capnocytophaga canimorsus. EUROPEAN REVIEW FOR MEDICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL SCIENCES 2020; 24:7151-7154. [PMID: 32633411 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202006_21710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The Gram negative pathogen Capnocytophaga canimorsus is a frequent commensal in the oral cavity of cats and dogs. Although the bacterium is generally considered harmless, infections in humans can occur displaying a broad spectrum of clinical syndromes. This makes a clinical diagnosis difficult. The patient in the present case was 67 years old and presented to the emergency room (ER) with pain in the upper right abdomen and clinical signs of a feverish infection. The only noticeable record in the patient´s medical history was a splenectomy in childhood. The anamnesis revealed that the patient was the owner of two dogs. After a suspected diagnosis of sepsis the patient was transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU), where his medical condition deteriorated rapidly. Despite intensive care measures as well as the fast initialization of a broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy, the patient died 37 h after his presentation in the ER. The search for the causative pathogen turned out to be challenging. Eventually, molecular biological methods assisted in solving the puzzle. It could be demonstrated that the pathogen, found in the patient´s blood, was also present in one of his dogs' oral cavity.
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Martinez-Navio J, Desrosiers R, Fuchs S, Mendes D, Rakasz E, Gao G, Lifson J. How long is long-term? Delivery of anti-HIV antibodies using AAV vector. J Virus Erad 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/s2055-6640(20)30202-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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Berger E, Fuchs S, Baier N, Peters H, Busse R. Benefits of non-drug interventions for people with suicidal crises in unipolar depression. Eur J Public Health 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckz186.591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Depression is one of the most common and serious diseases worldwide: According to WHO, more than 300 million people worldwide were affected by depression in 2015. In this group, the suicide rate is about 20 times higher than the population average. In Germany, around 10,000 people take their lives each year, many of them suffering from depression. The Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care commissioned the Department of Health Care Management at the Berlin University of Technology to conduct a Health Technology Assessment on whether non-drug interventions influence coping with suicidal crises in unipolar depression.
Methods
A systematic search of primary studies and systematic reviews (e.g., in MEDLINE, PSYCINFO) was performed to assess the benefit of ambulatory crisis intervention programmes or psychosocial interventions compared to another non-drug treatment, drug treatment, inpatient treatment or no treatment/waiting list in adult suicidal patients with unipolar depression regarding patient-relevant outcomes (e.g., suicide attempts, suicidal ideation, depression).
Results
The search yielded a total of 4,159 hits. After two rounds of screening for relevance and removing duplicates, 4 studies remained for inclusion in the qualitative and quantitative analysis. The studies present RCTs assessing the effects of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) of the 2. and 3. wave - all short-term programmes focussing on suicidality. Results indicate a benefit of CBT compared to standard treatment, depending on the outcome, on the “wave” and on the time of follow up assessment.
Conclusions
There is some evidence on benefits of CBT for adult patients with suicidal crises in unipolar depression. However, the quality of the included RCTs is weak and evidence on benefits of other non-drug interventions in outpatient care is missing. Further research is needed to identify effective interventions, especially for the vulnerable weeks immediately after suicide attempt.
Key messages
Short term cognitive behavioural therapy with suicidal prevention elements may influence coping with suicidal crises in unipolar depression positively. Further research is needed to identify effective interventions for the vulnerable weeks immediately after suicide attempt.
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Jans J, Willemsen M, Haijes H, Van Hasselt P, Van De Ham M, Gerrits J, Fuchs S, Van Gassen K, Prinsen B, Van Der Velden MDS, Verhoeven-Duif N. Untargeted crossomics in a diagnostic setting. Clin Chim Acta 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2019.03.1429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Fischer J, Fuchs S, Slenczka A, Karra M, Friedrich B. Microsolvation of porphine molecules in superfluid helium nanodroplets as revealed by optical line shape at the electronic origin. J Chem Phys 2018; 149:244306. [PMID: 30599728 DOI: 10.1063/1.5052615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigate the line shape at the electronic origin of single porphine molecules doped into superfluid helium droplets as a function of the droplet size. Helium droplets comprised of less than 105 atoms are generated from an expansion of gaseous helium, while droplets with more than 105 atoms originate from liquid helium. In contrast to our recent study on phthalocyanine, porphine is found to exhibit a solvent shift to the blue with respect to the gas-phase resonance frequency as well as a multiplet splitting. A comparison of the helium-induced features of phthalocyanine and porphine with those obtained in similar studies on tetracene and pentacene reveals that these occur chiefly as two kinds of excitations distinguished by their linewidths and their dependence on the droplet size. Moreover, at quasi-bulk conditions achieved with droplets in excess of 106 helium atoms, none of these four dopant species yields an optical spectrum that can be assigned to a plausible rotational band structure.
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Rivadeneira M, Bassanesi S, Fuchs S. Health inequalities in vaccination: A challenge for measles elimination (the case of outbreak in Ecuador, 2011–2012). Rev Epidemiol Sante Publique 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.respe.2018.05.360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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Fuchs S, Dey T, Aslan-Cansever G, Maljuk A, Wurmehl S, Büchner B, Kataev V. Unraveling the Nature of Magnetism of the 5d^{4} Double Perovskite Ba_{2}YIrO_{6}. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2018; 120:237204. [PMID: 29932685 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.120.237204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
We report electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy results on the double perovskite Ba_{2}YIrO_{6}. On general grounds, this material is expected to be nonmagnetic due to the strong coupling of the spin and orbital momenta of Ir^{5+} (5d^{4}) ions. However, controversial experimental reports on either strong antiferromagnetism with static order at low temperatures or just a weakly paramagnetic behavior have triggered a discussion on the breakdown of the generally accepted scenario of the strongly spin-orbit coupled ground states in the 5d^{4} iridates and the emergence of a novel exotic magnetic state. Our data evidence that the magnetism of the studied material is solely due to a few percent of Ir^{4+} and Ir^{6+} magnetic defects while the regular Ir^{5+} sites remain nonmagnetic. Remarkably, the defect Ir^{6+} species manifest magnetic correlations in the ESR spectra at T≲20 K, suggesting a long-range character of superexchange in the double perovskites as proposed by recent theories.
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Fuchs S, Fischer J, Slenczka A, Karra M, Friedrich B. Microsolvation of phthalocyanine molecules in superfluid helium nanodroplets as revealed by the optical line shape at electronic origin. J Chem Phys 2018; 148:144301. [PMID: 29655329 DOI: 10.1063/1.5022006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
We investigate the solvent shift of phthalocyanine (Pc) doped into superfluid helium droplets and probed by optical spectroscopy at the electronic origin. Our present work complements extant studies and provides results that in part contradict previous conclusions. In particular, the solvent shift does not increase monotonously with droplet radius all the way up to the bulk limit, but exhibits just the reverse dependence instead. Moreover, a substructure is resolved, whose characteristics depend on the droplet size. This behavior can hardly be reconciled with that of a freely rotating Pc-helium complex.
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Driever R, Bugenhagen R, Fuchs S, Minale C, Vetter H. Cardiomyoplasty: Long-term results in ischemic cardiomyopathy. Int J Artif Organs 2018. [DOI: 10.1177/039139880102400307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Cardiomyoplasty was introduced into clinical practice in 1985 by Alain Carpentier. Since then, the procedure has been performed on more than 400 patients worldwide. The latissimus dorsi muscle is prepared maintaining the vascular supply, then the muscle flap is wrapped around the heart and connected to a cardiomyostimulator. The muscle is later stimulated synchronously with ventricular systole to augment the cardiac contractility. Methods To evaluate the long-term outcome of cardiomyoplasty, we investigated 3 patients electively undergoing this procedure in our hospital. All of these patients (2 male, 1 female) had severe chronic heart failure which did not respond to optimal medical treatment. The mean follow-up time was 42 months (range 24 - 60). All patients showed symptoms corresponding to NYHA class III, and one patient intermittently showed class IV despite conventional medical therapy. Patients were evaluated at 6-month intervals for 2 years with right heart catheterization, radionuclide scans, echocardiography, as well as questionnaires for assessing quality of life. Results There was no operative mortality. One patient experienced sudden death 2 years after operation. There were no significant changes in hemodynamic variables at 6, 12 or 24 months after surgery, respectively. Left ventricular ejection fraction increased from 20.0 (9.2 to 40.0 ± 7.1 % (p = 0.05) 1 year after operation. Considerable improvement of symptoms was seen in all, and 1 patient returned to work. NYHA-class decreased from 3.1 to 2.0 (p = 0.02). Conclusions Following cardiomyoplasty, patients may exhibit impressive clinical improvement with less striking changes of objective hemodynamic parameters. Thus, in our patients, dynamic cardiomyoplasty improves quality of life. We do not consider this treatment to be an alternative to heart transplantation. It does, however, provide a therapeutic option for patients for whom transplantation is contraindicated.
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Riemenschneider H, Voigt K, Schübel J, Balogh E, Terebessy A, Vajda C, Schelling J, Fuchs S, Bergmann A. STI-testing among German, Hungarian and Austrian medical students: a multicenter study. Eur J Public Health 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckx189.112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Wille I, Mayr A, Kreidl P, Brühwasser C, Hinterberger G, Fritz A, Posch W, Fuchs S, Obwegeser A, Orth-Höller D, Lass-Flörl C. Cross-sectional point prevalence survey to study the environmental contamination of nosocomial pathogens in intensive care units under real-life conditions. J Hosp Infect 2017; 98:90-95. [PMID: 28964884 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2017.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In intensive care units (ICUs), inanimate surfaces and equipment may be contaminated by nosocomial pathogens, including multi-drug-resistant micro-organisms. AIMS To assess the degree of environmental contamination close to and distant from patients, and contamination of healthcare workers' (HCWs) hands with nosocomial pathogens under real-life conditions and to investigate potential transmission events. METHODS Over the course of three weeks, agar contact samples were taken close to and distant from patient areas and from HCWs' hands in eight ICUs of a tertiary care hospital in Innsbruck, Austria. Each ICU was visited once without announcement. Species identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were performed according to standard methods, and corresponding strains from patient, environment and hand samples were genotyped using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. FINDINGS Among 523 samples, HCWs' hands were most frequently contaminated with potentially pathogenic bacteria (15.2%), followed by areas close to patients (10.9%) and areas distant from patients (9.1%). Gram-positive bacteria were identified most often (67.8%), with Enterococcus spp. being the most prevalent species (70% vancomycin sensitive and 30% vancomycin resistant) followed by Staphylococcus aureus, of which 64% were classified as meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Molecular typing documented identical strains among patient, environment and hand isolates. CONCLUSION This study found widespread contamination of the ICU environment with clinically relevant pathogens, including multi-drug-resistant micro-organisms, despite cleaning and disinfection. The bioburden might not be restricted to areas close to patients. The role of extended environmental disinfection of areas distant from patients in order to improve infection prevention needs further discussion.
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Voortman MM, Pekar T, Bachmayer D, Archelos JJ, Stojakovic T, Scharnagl H, Ropele S, Pichler A, Enzinger C, Fuchs S, Fazekas F, Seifert-Held T, Khalil M. Serum netrin-1 in relation to gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging in early multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler J Exp Transl Clin 2017; 3:2055217317727294. [PMID: 28856010 PMCID: PMC5571769 DOI: 10.1177/2055217317727294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 07/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Netrin-1, a secreted laminin-related protein, is known to regulate not only axonal guidance and neuronal cell migration, but also blood–brain barrier integrity and inflammation. Two preliminary studies reported altered serum netrin-1 levels in multiple sclerosis; however, associations with longitudinal clinical and magnetic resonance imaging activity have not been investigated. Objectives We aimed to assess serum netrin-1 in multiple sclerosis and controls with respect to disease activity and its temporal dynamics. Methods Serum netrin-1 was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 79 patients with clinically isolated syndrome or multiple sclerosis, and 30 non-inflammatory neurological disease controls. In patients, serum samples were collected immediately prior to gadolinium-enhanced 3 T magnetic resonance imaging at two time points (initial contrast-enhancing gadolinium+ n = 47, non-enhancing gadolinium– n = 32; reference gadolinium– n = 70; median time-lag 1.4, interquartile range 1.0–2.3 years). Results Serum netrin-1 levels were similar in clinically isolated syndrome, multiple sclerosis and controls, and gadolinium+ and gadolinium– patients. Among gadolinium+ patients, serum netrin-1 was decreased in clinically active (n = 8) vs non-active patients (n = 39; p = 0.041). Serum netrin-1 showed no temporal dynamics in multiple sclerosis and was unrelated to clinical data. Conclusions Serum netrin-1 levels show no multiple sclerosis specific changes and are not sensitive for detection of subclinical disease activity. Netrin-1 changes during relapses may deserve further examination.
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Malachias M, Plavnik FL, Machado CA, Malta D, Scala LCN, Fuchs S. 7th Brazilian Guideline of Arterial Hypertension: Chapter 1 - Concept, Epidemiology and Primary Prevention. Arq Bras Cardiol 2017; 107:1-6. [PMID: 27819380 PMCID: PMC5319472 DOI: 10.5935/abc.20160151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
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