Production of nanocellulose by enzymatic hydrolysis: Trends and challenges.

There is a great interest in increasing the levels of production of nanocellulose, either by adjusting production systems or by improving the raw material. Despite all the advantages and applications, nanocellulose still has a high cost compared to common fibers and to reverse this scenario the development of new, cheaper, and more efficient means of production is required. The market trend is to have an increase in the mass production of nanocellulose; there is a great expectation of world trade.

The Comparison of Matching Methods Using Different Measures of Balance: Benefits and Risks Exemplified within a Study to Evaluate the Effects of German Disease Management Programs on Long-Term Outcomes of Patients with Type 2 Diabetes.

Objective: To present a case study on how to compare various matching methods applying different measures of balance and to point out some pitfalls involved in relying on such measures.

Data Sources: Administrative claims data from a German statutory health insurance fund covering the years 2004-2008.

Study Design: We applied three different covariance balance diagnostics to a choice of 12 different matching methods used to evaluate the effectiveness of the German disease management program for type 2 diabetes (DMPDM2).

[Transfer-time and -rates from inpatient to outpatient care of mental ill persons in Baden Wurttemberg].

Objective: The time of transfer between discharge from inpatient mental health care and first contact to the outpatient sector is considered to be an indicator for continuity of care.

Methods: This indicator is assessed using health care claims data of one of the mayor health insurances in Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany.

Results: About 80 % of cases with the diagnosis of a defined mental disorder sought outpatient care at general or mental health practitioners within six months from discharge.

Predictors of dropout in the German disease management program for type 2 diabetes.

Background: To improve and assess the effectiveness of disease management programs (DMPs), it is critical to understand how many people drop out of disease management programs and why.

Methods: We used routine data provided by a statutory health insurance fund from the regions North Rhine, North Wurttemberg and Hesse. As part of the German DMP for type 2 diabetes, the insurance fund received regular documentation of all members participating in the program.

[State-dependent motivational interviewing for people with schizophrenia and substance use: results of a randomised controlled trial].

Background: Comorbid substance use disorder in patients with schizophrenia is associated with poor clinical and social outcome and low compliance with integrated outpatient treatment programs. For the first time the present trial compares the efficacy of four sessions of motivational interviewing (MI) and four sessions of supportive therapy (ST). The primary outcome was compliance with integrated outpatient treatment post-intervention.