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Nolte S, Kneser U, Bigdeli AK, Aman M, Struebing F, Tisch M, Gazyakan E. [Interdisciplinary defect reconstruction of upper aerodigestive fistulas-case series and treatment algorithm]. HNO 2023; 71:795-801. [PMID: 37707515 DOI: 10.1007/s00106-023-01358-y] [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] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Persistent complex defects and dysfunctions of the upper aerodigestive tract after tumor surgery represent a major challenge. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an interdisciplinary approach using the free anterolateral thigh flap (ALT) as a reconstruction option in the upper aerodigestive tract. MATERIALS AND METHODS The retrospective study identified 5 patients with complex defects after laryngectomy/pharyngolaryngectomy (LE/PLE) and multiple revision surgeries between 2017 and 2023. The operations were performed by an interdisciplinary team from otolaryngology, plastic surgery, and visceral/thoracic surgery. The results of the microsurgical reconstruction were analyzed. RESULTS There was an average of six previous operations. The defects included tracheoesophageal fistulas, pharyngocutaneous fistulas, neopharyngeal stenosis, and combinations thereof. Successful reconstruction was achieved in 100% of patients using the ALT flap. In 2 patients, ALT flow-through flaps were used with an additional free jejunal interposition (JI) and in 3 patients split-ALT flaps were used. The major complication rate was 40% and the minor complication rate was 20%. CONCLUSION Complex defects of the upper aerodigestive tract with multiple previous operations can be successfully reconstructed. Because of its versatility, the ALT flap seems to be a very good option. Prerequisite for this is an interdisciplinary treatment approach with a critical assessment of patient- and disease-specific factors.
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de Ligt KM, Aaronson NK, Liegl G, Nolte S. Updated normative data for the EORTC QLQ-C30 in the general Dutch population by age and sex: a cross-sectional panel research study. Qual Life Res 2023:10.1007/s11136-023-03404-2. [PMID: 37031427 PMCID: PMC10393831 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-023-03404-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) quality of life core questionnaire (QLQ-C30) is a validated and widely-used Patient-Reported Outcome Measure for measuring the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of cancer patients. To facilitate interpretation of results obtained in studies using the EORTC QLQ-C30, we generated normative data for the Dutch general population, stratified by age and sex. METHODS Dutch participants were selected from a larger cross-sectional online panel research study collecting EORTC QLQ-C30 general population normative data across 15 countries. EORTC QLQ-C30 raw scores based on a 4-point response scale were transformed to linear scores ranging from 0 to 100. Transformed scores were weighted based on the United Nations population distribution statistics and presented by age and sex/age. Differences in scale scores of ≥ 10 points in HRQoL were applied to indicate clinical relevance. RESULTS One thousand respondents completed the online survey. Stratified by age, clinically meaningful differences were observed, with worse physical functioning scores and better emotional functioning scores with increased age. Symptom scores remained stable across age groups, except for small age differences observed for fatigue, nausea/vomiting, diarrhoea, and financial difficulties. Stratified by sex/age, men generally scored better for both functioning and symptoms. However, these differences were not clinically meaningful. CONCLUSIONS These updated normative EORTC QLQ-C30 for the Dutch general population can be used to better interpret HRQoL data obtained from Dutch cancer patients. Being part of a larger international study, these data can further be used for inter-country comparisons in multi-national studies.
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Donovan HS, Sereika SM, Wenzel LB, Edwards RP, Knapp JE, Hughes SH, Roberge MC, Thomas TH, Klein SJ, Spring MB, Nolte S, Landrum LM, Casey AC, Mutch DG, DeBernardo RL, Muller CY, Sullivan SA, Ward SE. Effects of the WRITE Symptoms Interventions on Symptoms and Quality of Life Among Patients With Recurrent Ovarian Cancers: An NRG Oncology/GOG Study (GOG-0259). J Clin Oncol 2022; 40:1464-1473. [PMID: 35130043 PMCID: PMC9061156 DOI: 10.1200/jco.21.00656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE GOG-259 was a 3-arm randomized controlled trial of two web-based symptom management interventions for patients with recurrent ovarian cancer. Primary aims were to compare the efficacy of the nurse-guided (Nurse-WRITE) and self-directed (SD-WRITE) interventions to Enhanced Usual Care (EUC) in improving symptoms (burden and controllability) and quality of life (QOL). METHODS Patients with recurrent or persistent ovarian, fallopian, or primary peritoneal cancer with 3+ symptoms were eligible for the study. Participants completed baseline (BL) surveys (symptom burden and controllability and QOL) before random assignment. WRITE interventions lasted 8 weeks to develop symptom management plans for three target symptoms. All women received EUC: monthly online symptom assessment with provider reports; online resources; and every 2-week e-mails. Outcomes were evaluated at 8 and 12 weeks after BL. Repeated-measures modeling with linear contrasts evaluated group by time effects on symptom burden, controllability, and QOL, controlling for key covariates. RESULTS Participants (N = 497) reported mean age of 59.3 ± 9.2 years. At BL, 84% were receiving chemotherapy and reported a mean of 14.2 ± 4.9 concurrent symptoms, most commonly fatigue, constipation, and peripheral neuropathy. Symptom burden and QOL improved significantly over time (P < .001) for all three groups. A group by time interaction (P < .001) for symptom controllability was noted whereby both WRITE intervention groups had similar improvements from BL to 8 and 12 weeks, whereas EUC did not improve over time. CONCLUSION Both WRITE Intervention groups showed significantly greater improvements in symptom controllability from BL to 8 and BL to 12 weeks compared with EUC. There were no significant differences between Nurse-WRITE and SD-WRITE. SD-WRITE has potential as a scalable intervention for a future implementation study.
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Drixler K, Wiedemann R, Nolte S, Osborne RH, Kayser L, Bitzer EM. Die Vorbereitung auf das digitale Zeitalter in Deutschland: Adaption des eHealth Literacy Fragebogens (eHLQ). DAS GESUNDHEITSWESEN 2021. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1732101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Goebel TA, Nold J, Hupel C, Kuhn S, Haarlammert N, Schreiber T, Matzdorf C, Imogore TO, Krämer RG, Richter D, Tünnermann A, Nolte S. Ultrashort pulse written fiber Bragg gratings as narrowband filters in multicore fibers. APPLIED OPTICS 2021; 60:D43-D51. [PMID: 34263827 DOI: 10.1364/ao.421089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
We present the inscription of narrow-linewidth fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) into different types of multicore fibers (MCFs) using ultrashort laser pulses and the phase mask technique, which can act as notch filters. Such filters are required, e.g., to suppress light emitted by hydroxyl in the Earth's upper atmosphere, which disturbs ground-based observation of extraterrestrial objects in the near infrared. However, the inscription into a commercially available seven-core fiber showed a quite large core-to-core deviation of the resonance wavelength of up to 0.45 nm. Two options are presented to overcome this: first, we present the photo-treatment of the FBGs to tune the resonance wavelength, which allows for sufficient resonance shifts. Second, adapted MCFs containing 12 cores, arranged on a circle, are fabricated. For this, two different fabrication procedures were investigated, namely, the mechanical drilling of the preform for a rod-in-tube version as well as a stack-and-draw approach. Both adapted MCFs yielded significant improvements with core-to-core wavelength variations of the FBGs of only about 0.18 nm and 0.11 nm, respectively, sufficient to fulfill the requirements for astronomical filter applications as discussed above.
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Goebel TA, Heusinger M, Krämer RG, Matzdorf C, Imogore TO, Richter D, Zeitner UD, Nolte S. Femtosecond inscription of semi-aperiodic multi-notch fiber Bragg gratings using a phase mask. OPTICS EXPRESS 2020; 28:35682-35694. [PMID: 33379679 DOI: 10.1364/oe.405498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
We present an innovative concept of a semi-aperiodic phase mask design that enables the realization of multi-notch fiber Bragg gratings (FBG). This design utilizes the overlap and interference of near-infrared ultrashort laser pulses diffracted by short sequenced phase mask sections, which not only allows for a highly stable and reproducible inscription of a large number of wavelength filters but also paves the way towards full aperiodic phase masks. The semi-aperiodic FBG inscribed by this phase mask enables versatile notch filters showing multiple non-equidistant resonances. Those filters target applications, for instance in ground-based telescopes, where a large number of hydroxyl emission lines emitted in the upper atmosphere at near-infrared wavelengths restrict the observation of faint extraterrestrial objects.
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Bharmal M, Nolte S, Lebbé C, Mortier L, Brohl A, Fazio N, Grob JJ, Prinzi N, Hanna G, Hassel J, Kiecker F, Ellers-Lenz B, Bajars M, Guezel G, Nghiem P, Hunger M, Schlichting M, Henry-Szatkowski M, D'Angelo S. 1092P Non-progression with avelumab treatment in patients with metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma (mMCC) is associated with a clinically meaningful better health-related quality of life compared with progressive disease. Ann Oncol 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.annonc.2020.08.1216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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Tang H, Nolte S, Jensen K, Yang Z, Wu J, Mueller P. Grazing mediates soil microbial activity and litter decomposition in salt marshes. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 720:137559. [PMID: 32325578 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.137559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Salt marshes contribute to climate change mitigation because of their great capacity to store organic matter (OM) in soils. Most of the research regarding OM turnover in salt marshes in times of global change focuses on effects of rising temperature and accelerated sea-level rise, while effects of land-use change have gained little attention. The present work investigates the mechanisms by which livestock grazing can affect OM decomposition in salt marsh soils. In a grazing exclusion experiment at the mouth of the Yangtze estuary, China, we assessed soil microbial exo-enzyme activity (EEA) to gain insight into the microbial carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) demand. Additionally, we studied the decomposition of plant litter in soil using the Tea Bag Index (TBI), a widely used standardized litter bag assay to fingerprint soil decomposition dynamics. Based on EEAs, grazing markedly reduced microbial C acquisition, whereas microbial N acquisition was strongly increased. These opposing grazing effects were also evident in the decomposition of standardized plant litter: The decomposition rate constant (k) and the stabilization (S) of litter were not inversely related, as would be expected, but instead both were reduced by livestock grazing. Our data suggest that gazing effects on EEAs and litter decomposition can just partly be explained by grazing-driven soil compaction and resulting lower oxygen availability, which has previously been hypothesized as a main pathway by which grazing can reduce microbial activity in wetland soils. Instead, grazing effects on microbial nutrient demand occurs to be an at least equally important control on soil decomposition processes.
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Carlson JW, Kauderer J, Hutson A, Carter J, Armer J, Lockwood S, Nolte S, Stewart BR, Wenzel L, Walker J, Fleury A, Bonebrake A, Soper J, Mathews C, Zivanovic O, Richards WE, Tan A, Alberts DS, Barakat RR. GOG 244-The lymphedema and gynecologic cancer (LEG) study: Incidence and risk factors in newly diagnosed patients. Gynecol Oncol 2019; 156:467-474. [PMID: 31837831 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2019.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Revised: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the incidence and risk factors for lymphedema associated with surgery for gynecologic malignancies on GOG study 244. METHODS Women undergoing a lymph node dissection for endometrial, cervical, or vulvar cancer were eligible for enrollment. Leg volume was calculated from measurements at 10-cm intervals starting 10 cm above the bottom of the heel to the inguinal crease. Measurements were obtained preoperatively and postoperatively at 4-6 weeks, and at 3-, 6-, 9-, 12-, 18-, and 24- months. Lymphedema was defined as a limb volume change (LVC) ≥10% from baseline and categorized as mild: 10-19% LVC; moderate: 20-40% LVC; or severe: >40% LVC. Risk factors associated with lymphedema were also analyzed. RESULTS Of 1054 women enrolled on study, 140 were inevaluable due to inadequate measurements or eligibility criteria. This left 734 endometrial, 138 cervical, and 42 vulvar patients evaluable for LVC assessment. Median age was 61 years (range, 28-91) in the endometrial, 44 years (range, 25-83) in the cervical, and 58 years (range, 35-88) in the vulvar group. The incidence of LVC ≥10% was 34% (n = 247), 35% (n = 48), and 43% (n = 18), respectively. The peak incidence of lymphedema was at the 4-6 week assessment. Logistic regression analysis showed a decreased risk with advanced age (p = 0.0467). An exploratory analysis in the endometrial cohort showed an increased risk with a node count >8 (p = 0.033). CONCLUSIONS For a gynecologic cancer, LVC decreased with age greater than 65, but increased with a lymph node count greater than 8 in the endometrial cohort. There was no association with radiation or other risk factors.
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Carter J, Huang HQ, Armer J, Carlson JW, Lockwood S, Nolte S, Stewart BR, Kauderer J, Hutson A, Walker JL, Fleury AC, Bonebrake A, Soper JT, Mathews C, Zivanovic O, Richards WE, Tan A, Alberts DS, Barakat RR, Wenzel L. GOG 244 - The LymphEdema and Gynecologic cancer (LEG) study: The association between the gynecologic cancer lymphedema questionnaire (GCLQ) and lymphedema of the lower extremity (LLE). Gynecol Oncol 2019; 155:452-460. [PMID: 31679787 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2019.09.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore whether patient-reported lymphedema-related symptoms, as measured by the Gynecologic Cancer Lymphedema Questionnaire (GCLQ), are associated with a patient-reported diagnosis of lymphedema of the lower extremity (LLE) and limb volume change (LVC) in patients who have undergone radical surgery, including lymphadenectomy, for endometrial, cervical, or vulvar cancer on Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG) study 244. METHODS Patients completed the baseline and at least one post-surgery GCLQ and LVC assessment. The 20-item GCLQ measures seven symptom clusters-aching, heaviness, infection-related, numbness, physical functioning, general swelling, and limb swelling. LLE was defined as a patient self-reported LLE diagnosis on the GCLQ. LVC was measured by volume calculations based on circumferential measurements. A linear mixed model was fitted for change in symptom cluster scores and GCLQ total score and adjusted for disease sites and assessment time. RESULTS Of 987 eligible patients, 894 were evaluable (endometrial, 719; cervical, 136; vulvar, 39). Of these, 14% reported an LLE diagnosis (endometrial, 11%; cervical, 18%; vulvar, 38%). Significantly more patients diagnosed versus not diagnosed with LLE reported ≥4-point increase from baseline on the GCLQ total score (p < 0.001). Changes from baseline were significantly larger on all GCLQ symptom cluster scores in patients with LLE compared to those without LLE. An LVC increment of >10% was significantly associated with reported general swelling (p < 0.001), heaviness (p = 0.005), infection-related symptoms (p = 0.002), and physical function (p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS Patient-reported symptoms, as measured by the GCLQ, discerned those with and without a patient-reported LLE diagnosis and demonstrated predictive value. The GCLQ combined with LVC may enhance our ability to identify LLE.
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D’Angelo S, Nolte S, Schlichting M, Henry-Szatkowski M, Hennessy M, Bharmal M. Health-related quality of life in patients with metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma receiving second-line or later avelumab treatment: 36-month follow-up data. Ann Oncol 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdz255.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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Nolte S, Liegl G, Petersen MA, Aaronson NK, Costantini A, Fayers PM, Groenvold M, Holzner B, Johnson CD, Kemmler G, Tomaszewski KA, Waldmann A, Young TE, Rose M. General population normative data for the EORTC QLQ-C30 health-related quality of life questionnaire based on 15,386 persons across 13 European countries, Canada and the Unites States. Eur J Cancer 2018; 107:153-163. [PMID: 30576971 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2018.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 248] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-C30 health-related quality of life questionnaire is one of the most widely used cancer-specific health-related quality of life questionnaires worldwide. General population norm data can facilitate the interpretation of QLQ-C30 data obtained from cancer patients. This study aimed at systematically collecting norm data from the general population to develop European QLQ-C30 norm scores and to generate comparable norm data for individual countries in Europe and North America. METHODS We collected QLQ-C30 data from the general population across 11 European Union (EU) countries, Russia, Turkey, Canada and United States (n ≥ 1000/country). Representative samples were stratified by sex and age groups (18-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69 and ≥ 70 years). After applying weights based on the United Nations population distribution statistics, we calculated QLQ-C30 domain scores to generate a 'European QLQ-C30 Norm' based on the EU countries. Further, we calculated QLQ-C30 norm scores for all 15 individual countries. RESULTS A total of 15,386 respondents completed the online survey. For the EU sample, most QLQ-C30 domains showed differences by sex/age, with men scoring somewhat better health than women, while age effects varied across domains. Substantially larger differences were seen in inter-country comparisons, with Austrian and Dutch respondents reporting consistently better health compared with British and Polish respondents. CONCLUSIONS This study is the first to systematically collect EORTC QLQ-C30 general population norm data across Europe and North America applying a consistent data collection method across 15 countries. These new norm data facilitate valid intra-country as well as inter-country comparisons and QLQ-C30 score interpretation.
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Chambonneau M, Richter D, Nolte S, Grojo D. Inscribing diffraction gratings in bulk silicon with nanosecond laser pulses. OPTICS LETTERS 2018; 43:6069-6072. [PMID: 30548006 DOI: 10.1364/ol.43.006069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Diffraction gratings are transversally inscribed in the bulk of monolithic crystalline silicon with infrared nanosecond laser pulses. Nanoscale material analyses of the modifications composing the gratings show that they rely on laser-induced stress associated with a positive refractive index change as confirmed with phase-shift interferometry. Characterizations of the optical properties of the gratings, including the diffraction angles and the efficiency of the different orders, are carried out. The refractive index change obtained from these measurements is in good agreement with the phase-shift measurements. Finally, we show that the grating diffraction efficiency depends strongly on the laser writing speed.
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Matthäus G, Kämmer H, Lammers KA, Vetter C, Watanabe W, Nolte S. Inscription of silicon waveguides using picosecond pulses. OPTICS EXPRESS 2018; 26:24089-24097. [PMID: 30184901 DOI: 10.1364/oe.26.024089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/11/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Direct writing of single-mode waveguides into crystalline silicon using ps laser pulses is presented. The embedded structures were fabricated by moving the focal position along the beam axis with the help of a long distance microscope objective. In situ monitoring during inscription was performed to analyze the processing dynamics. The waveguide generation is based on pronounced multi-pulse interaction at moderate pulse energies around 100 nJ. All samples were characterized in terms of mode field distribution and damping losses. Calculations indicate an induced refractive index change in the range of 10-3 to 10-2. Moreover, a Y-splitter was realized to demonstrate the potential of this process.
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Carter J, Huang H, Armer J, Carlson J, Lockwood S, Nolte S, Stewart B, Wenzel L, Kauderer J, Hutson A, Walker J, Fleury A, Soper J, Mathews C, Zivanovic O, Richards W, Alberts D, Barakat R. GOG 244, The lymphedema and gynecologic cancer (LEG) study: The association between the gynecologic cancer lymphedema questionnaire (GCLQ) and lower extremity lymphedema. Gynecol Oncol 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2018.04.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Bergner K, Seyfarth B, Lammers KA, Ullsperger T, Döring S, Heinrich M, Kumkar M, Flamm D, Tünnermann A, Nolte S. Spatio-temporal analysis of glass volume processing using ultrashort laser pulses. APPLIED OPTICS 2018; 57:4618-4632. [PMID: 29877371 DOI: 10.1364/ao.57.004618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Ultrashort laser pulses allow for the in-volume processing of glass through non-linear absorption, resulting in permanent material changes and the generation of internal stress. Across the manifold potential applications of this technology, process optimization requires a detailed understanding of the laser-matter interaction. Of particular relevance are the deposition of energy inside the material and the subsequent relaxation processes. In this paper, we investigate the spatio-temporal evolution of free carriers, energy transfer, and the resulting permanent modifications in the volume of glass during and after exposure to femtosecond and picosecond pulses. For this purpose, we employ time-resolved microscopy in order to obtain shadowgraphic and interferometric images that allow relating the transient distributions to the refractive index change profile. Whereas the plasma generation time is given by the pulse duration, the thermal dynamics occur over several microseconds. Among the most notable features is the emergence of a pressure wave due to the sudden increase of temperature and pressure within the interaction volume. We show how the structure of the modifications, including material disruptions as well as local defects, can be directly influenced by a judicious choice of pulse duration, pulse energy, and focus geometry.
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Donovan H, Sereika S, Edwards R, Bender C, Given B, Hughes S, Klein S, Knapp J, Nolte S, Roberge M, Spring M, Wenzel L, Ward S. Effects of the WRITE Symptoms interventions on symptom and quality-of-life outcomes for women with recurrent ovarian cancer. GOG-259: An NRG Oncology/Gynecologic Oncology Group study. Gynecol Oncol 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2017.03.073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Weimann S, Kremer M, Plotnik Y, Lumer Y, Nolte S, Makris KG, Segev M, Rechtsman MC, Szameit A. Topologically protected bound states in photonic parity-time-symmetric crystals. NATURE MATERIALS 2017; 16:433-438. [PMID: 27918567 DOI: 10.1038/nmat4811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 159] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2015] [Accepted: 10/28/2016] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Parity-time (PT)-symmetric crystals are a class of non-Hermitian systems that allow, for example, the existence of modes with real propagation constants, for self-orthogonality of propagating modes, and for uni-directional invisibility at defects. Photonic PT-symmetric systems that also support topological states could be useful for shaping and routing light waves. However, it is currently debated whether topological interface states can exist at all in PT-symmetric systems. Here, we show theoretically and demonstrate experimentally the existence of such states: states that are localized at the interface between two topologically distinct PT-symmetric photonic lattices. We find analytical closed form solutions of topological PT-symmetric interface states, and observe them through fluorescence microscopy in a passive PT-symmetric dimerized photonic lattice. Our results are relevant towards approaches to localize light on the interface between non-Hermitian crystals.
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Hübner J, Waldmann A, Geller AC, Weinstock MA, Eisemann N, Noftz M, Bertram S, Nolte S, Volkmer B, Greinert R, Breitbart E, Katalinic A. Interval cancers after skin cancer screening: incidence, tumour characteristics and risk factors for cutaneous melanoma. Br J Cancer 2017; 116:253-259. [PMID: 27898656 PMCID: PMC5243984 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2016.390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2016] [Revised: 11/01/2016] [Accepted: 11/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The rate of interval cancers is an established indicator for the performance of a cancer-screening programme. METHODS We examined the incidence, tumour characteristics and risk factors of melanoma interval cancers that occurred in participants of the SCREEN project, which was carried out 2003/2004 in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. Data from 350 306 SCREEN participants, who had been screened negative for melanoma, were linked to data of the state cancer registry. Melanoma interval cancers were defined as melanomas diagnosed within 4-24 months after SCREEN examination. Results were compared with melanomas of the pre-SCREEN era (1999-2002), extracted from the cancer registry. RESULTS The overall relative incidence of melanoma interval cancers in terms of observed/expected ratio was 0.93 (95% CI: 0.82-1.05; in situ: 1.61 (1.32-1.95), invasive: 0.71 (0.60-0.84)). Compared with melanomas of the pre-SCREEN era, the interval melanomas were thinner and had a slightly greater proportion of lentigo maligna melanomas whereas nodular melanomas were less frequent. INTERPRETATION The results indicate a moderate performance of the SCREEN intervention with an excess of in situ melanomas. In part, the findings might be due to specifics of the SCREEN project, in particular a short-term follow-up of patients at high risk for melanoma.
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Barthel D, Otto C, Nolte S, Meyrose AK, Fischer F, Devine J, Walter O, Mierke A, Fischer KI, Thyen U, Klein M, Ankermann T, Rose M, Ravens-Sieberer U. The validation of a computer-adaptive test (CAT) for assessing health-related quality of life in children and adolescents in a clinical sample: study design, methods and first results of the Kids-CAT study. Qual Life Res 2016; 26:1105-1117. [PMID: 27830512 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-016-1437-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Recently, we developed a computer-adaptive test (CAT) for assessing health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in children and adolescents: the Kids-CAT. It measures five generic HRQoL dimensions. The aims of this article were (1) to present the study design and (2) to investigate its psychometric properties in a clinical setting. METHODS The Kids-CAT study is a longitudinal prospective study with eight measurements over one year at two University Medical Centers in Germany. For validating the Kids-CAT, 270 consecutive 7- to 17-year-old patients with asthma (n = 52), diabetes (n = 182) or juvenile arthritis (n = 36) answered well-established HRQoL instruments (Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ (PedsQL), KIDSCREEN-27) and scales measuring related constructs (e.g., social support, self-efficacy). Measurement precision, test-retest reliability, convergent and discriminant validity were investigated. RESULTS The mean standard error of measurement ranged between .38 and .49 for the five dimensions, which equals a reliability between .86 and .76, respectively. The Kids-CAT measured most reliably in the lower HRQoL range. Convergent validity was supported by moderate to high correlations of the Kids-CAT dimensions with corresponding PedsQL dimensions ranging between .52 and .72. A lower correlation was found between the social dimensions of both instruments. Discriminant validity was confirmed by lower correlations with non-corresponding subscales of the PedsQL. CONCLUSIONS The Kids-CAT measures pediatric HRQoL reliably, particularly in lower areas of HRQoL. Its test-retest reliability should be re-investigated in future studies. The validity of the instrument was demonstrated. Overall, results suggest that the Kids-CAT is a promising candidate for detecting psychosocial needs in chronically ill children.
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Nolte S, Erdur L, Fischer HF, Rose M, Palmowski B. Course of self-reported symptoms of 342 outpatients receiving medium- versus long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy. Biopsychosoc Med 2016; 10:23. [PMID: 27478497 PMCID: PMC4966565 DOI: 10.1186/s13030-016-0074-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2016] [Accepted: 07/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The course of self-reported symptoms during medium- versus long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy has rarely been documented for outpatient settings. This observational study describes routine practice of ambulatory treatment in Germany and explores self-reported symptoms of a broad patient sample undergoing one (medium-term) versus two years (long-term) of psychodynamic psychotherapy. Methods Over four and a half years, longitudinal self-report symptom data were collected from 342 outpatients as part of a standardized documentation system. Self-report data were compared between patients receiving either medium-term or long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy. Results Routine care significantly decreased disease burden as reported by patients by small to medium effect sizes (ES) for depression (ES = 0.58), anxiety (ES = 0.49), obsessive-compulsive disorder (ES = 0.54), somatoform disorder (ES = 0.32), eating disorder (ES = 0.38). The majority of patients completed treatment after one year and showed medium-size changes. For a subgroup of patients with depressive and/or obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms for whom two years of therapy were deemed necessary, additional benefits were reported during the second year of treatment (ES = 0.61 and ES 0.47, respectively). Conclusions Our findings suggest that both medium- and long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy decrease self-reported disease burden of patients with depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive, somatoform and/or eating disorders. For a subgroup of patients, additional benefits were gained in the second year of treatment.
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Barthel D, Fischer KI, Nolte S, Otto C, Meyrose AK, Reisinger S, Dabs M, Thyen U, Klein M, Muehlan H, Ankermann T, Walter O, Rose M, Ravens-Sieberer U. Implementation of the Kids-CAT in clinical settings: a newly developed computer-adaptive test to facilitate the assessment of patient-reported outcomes of children and adolescents in clinical practice in Germany. Qual Life Res 2016; 25:585-94. [PMID: 26790429 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-015-1219-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To describe the implementation process of a computer-adaptive test (CAT) for measuring health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of children and adolescents in two pediatric clinics in Germany. The study focuses on the feasibility and user experience with the Kids-CAT, particularly the patients' experience with the tool and the pediatricians' experience with the Kids-CAT Report. METHODS The Kids-CAT was completed by 312 children and adolescents with asthma, diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis. The test was applied during four clinical visits over a 1-year period. A feedback report with the test results was made available to the pediatricians. To assess both feasibility and acceptability, a multimethod research design was used. To assess the patients' experience with the tool, the children and adolescents completed a questionnaire. To assess the clinicians' experience, two focus groups were conducted with eight pediatricians. RESULTS The children and adolescents indicated that the Kids-CAT was easy to complete. All pediatricians reported that the Kids-CAT was straightforward and easy to understand and integrate into clinical practice; they also expressed that routine implementation of the tool would be desirable and that the report was a valuable source of information, facilitating the assessment of self-reported HRQoL of their patients. CONCLUSIONS The Kids-CAT was considered an efficient and valuable tool for assessing HRQoL in children and adolescents. The Kids-CAT Report promises to be a useful adjunct to standard clinical care with the potential to improve patient-physician communication, enabling pediatricians to evaluate and monitor their young patients' self-reported HRQoL.
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Nolte S, Osborne RH, Dwinger S, Härter M, Rose M, Elsworth GR, Zill JM. The Health Literacy Questionnaire: Translation and construct replication in 1,058 persons in Germany. Eur J Public Health 2015. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckv172.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Nolte S, Mierke A, Fischer HF, Rose M. On the validity of measuring change over time in routine clinical assessment: a close examination of item-level response shifts in psychosomatic inpatients. Qual Life Res 2015; 25:1339-47. [PMID: 26353906 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-015-1123-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Significant life events such as severe health status changes or intensive medical treatment often trigger response shifts in individuals that may hamper the comparison of measurements over time. Drawing from the Oort model, this study aims at detecting response shift at the item level in psychosomatic inpatients and evaluating its impact on the validity of comparing repeated measurements. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING Complete pretest and posttest data were available from 1188 patients who had filled out the ICD-10 Symptom Rating (ISR) scale at admission and discharge, on average 24 days after intake. Reconceptualization, reprioritization, and recalibration response shifts were explored applying tests of measurement invariance. In the item-level approach, all model parameters were constrained to be equal between pretest and posttest. If non-invariance was detected, these were linked to the different types of response shift. RESULTS When constraining across-occasion model parameters, model fit worsened as indicated by a significant Satorra-Bentler Chi-square difference test suggesting potential presence of response shifts. A close examination revealed presence of two types of response shift, i.e., (non)uniform recalibration and both higher- and lower-level reconceptualization response shifts leading to four model adjustments. CONCLUSIONS Our analyses suggest that psychosomatic inpatients experienced some response shifts during their hospital stay. According to the hierarchy of measurement invariance, however, only one of the detected non-invariances is critical for unbiased mean comparisons over time, which did not have a substantial impact on estimating change. Hence, the use of the ISR can be recommended for outcomes assessment in clinical routine, as change score estimates do not seem hampered by response shift effects.
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Douglass G, Dreisow F, Gross S, Nolte S, Withford MJ. Towards femtosecond laser written arrayed waveguide gratings. OPTICS EXPRESS 2015; 23:21392-21402. [PMID: 26367987 DOI: 10.1364/oe.23.021392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The fabrication of arrayed waveguide gratings (AWGs) using the femtosecond laser direct-write technique is investigated. We successfully demonstrate the fabrication of large planar waveguides that act as 2D free propagation zones. These slabs were found to have a highly uniform refractive index with a standard deviation of 1.97% relative to the total index contrast. The incorporation of low loss linear adiabatic tapers resulted in an increase of transmission by 90%. Strategies for manufacturing integrated laser written AWGs using continuous contouring to avoid lossy defects are discussed and demonstrated.
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