Unlocking Real-World Health Data from Non-University Locations Through Effective Provision of Tools and Knowledge.

Introduction: The Medical Informatics Initiative (MII) in Germany has pioneered platforms such as the National Portal for Medical Research Data (FDPG) to enhance the accessibility of data from clinical routine care for research across both university and non-university healthcare settings. This study explores the efficacy of the Medical Informatics Hub in Saxony (MiHUBx) services by integrating Klinikum Chemnitz gGmbH (KC) with the FDPG, leveraging the Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources Core Data Set of the MII to standardize and harmonize data from disparate source systems.

Methods: The employed procedures include deploying installation packages to convert data into FHIR format and utilizing the Research Data Repository for structured data storage and exchange within the clinical infrastructure of KC.

A Joint Saga: Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) B27 Ankylosing Spondylitis and Sacroiliitis Association with Henoch-Schönlein Purpura.

Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) or IgA vasculitis is a small-vessel vasculitis mediated by IgA deposition, often associated with upper respiratory tract infection and family history. However, there is a rare correlation to human leukocyte antigen (HLA) B27 arthropathy. We present a case of a young boy diagnosed with HSP suffering from arthritis, gait disturbance, and weakness throughout childhood, ultimately diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis and sacroiliitis clinically, with confirmation through X-ray and supporting HLA B27 testing.

Coping Strategies Influence Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Chronic Psychological Stress: A Post Hoc Analysis of A Randomized Pilot Study.

Chronic psychological stress can result in physiological and mental health risks via the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, sympathoadrenal activity and emotion-focused coping strategies. The impact of different stress loads on cardiometabolic risk is poorly understood. This post hoc analysis of a randomized pilot study was conducted on 61 participants (18-65 years of age) with perceived chronic stress.

A Specifically Tailored Multistrain Probiotic and Micronutrient Mixture Affects Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease-Related Markers in Patients with Obesity after Mini Gastric Bypass Surgery.

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is frequent among patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Beyond weight reduction, dietary supplements like micronutrients or probiotics that modify insulin resistance and lipotoxicity can be used to prevent or delay the progression of liver disease.

Objectives: We evaluated the effect of a dietary approach with a specifically tailored multistrain probiotic and micronutrient mixture compared with a basic care micronutrient supplement on serum alanine aminotransferase (ALAT) in obese patients after mini gastric bypass (MGB) surgery.

Home Use of a Percutaneous Wireless Intracortical Brain-Computer Interface by Individuals With Tetraplegia.

Objective: Individuals with neurological disease or injury such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, spinal cord injury or stroke may become tetraplegic, unable to speak or even locked-in. For people with these conditions, current assistive technologies are often ineffective. Brain-computer interfaces are being developed to enhance independence and restore communication in the absence of physical movement.

Dietary intervention with a specific micronutrient combination for the treatment of patients with cardiac arrhythmias: the impact on insulin resistance and left ventricular function.

Background: Cardiac arrhythmias (CA) are very common and may occur with or without heart disease. Causes of these disturbances can be components of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) or deficits of micronutrients especially magnesium, potassium, B vitamins and coenzyme Q10. Both causes may also influence each other.

Impact of a Specific Amino Acid Composition with Micronutrients on Well-Being in Subjects with Chronic Psychological Stress and Exhaustion Conditions: A Pilot Study.

Chronic work-life stress leads to dysfunction of the hypothalamus⁻pituitary⁻adrenal axis, the autonomic nervous system, and the serotonergic system, with resultant impairment of overall well-being. Aim of the study was to improve perceived stress by a specific amino acid composition with micronutrients in the verum versus placebo group. A total of 59 participants (18⁻65 years) with self-reported perceived chronic stress and exhaustion conditions participated in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Transcatheter treatment of severe tricuspid regurgitation using the edge-to-edge repair technique.

Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the procedural feasibility and short-term durability of the transcatheter tricuspid valve edge-to-edge repair technique in highly symptomatic patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR).

Methods And Results: Eighteen consecutive patients suffering from severe right-sided heart failure (NYHA Class III-IV), primarily due to moderate to severe tricuspid regurgitation, were included in the study. Applying a modified steering technique for the clip delivery system, six patients were treated for isolated severe TR, while 12 patients were treated for moderate to severe TR and concomitant severe mitral regurgitation.

Has a mixture of amino acids and micronutrients influence on glucose metabolism and dietary fatty acid pattern in chronic psychosocially stressed persons? A pilot study.

Brain food, e.g. L-tryptophan, antioxidative substances, B vitamins and magnesium are thought to be beneficial for obesity, inflammation and insulin resistance.

[Concentration enhancement for retaining daily living competence in dementia].

Background: Dementia is characterized by reduced memory and concentration abilities leading to a decrease in activities of daily living. Various studies have shown that various forms of physical exercise have a positive therapeutic effect at an early stage of dementia.

Objective: In the present study the effects of an exercise-based Brain-Gym concept on the concentration and routine daily competences were evaluated in dementia patients.

Wireless neurosensor for full-spectrum electrophysiology recordings during free behavior.

Brain recordings in large animal models and humans typically rely on a tethered connection, which has restricted the spectrum of accessible experimental and clinical applications. To overcome this limitation, we have engineered a compact, lightweight, high data rate wireless neurosensor capable of recording the full spectrum of electrophysiological signals from the cortex of mobile subjects. The wireless communication system exploits a spatially distributed network of synchronized receivers that is scalable to hundreds of channels and vast environments.

[Reduction of influenza-like infections by a phytoextract-vitamin-combination: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study].

Background: Recurrent infections are signs of a weakened immune system, and can be traced to a lack of vitamins and minerals. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of a nutriological combination of vitamins, trace elements and phytochemicals on the incidence and duration of influenza-like infections.

Methods: Healthy subjects at risk of increased infection exposure took part in a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled study, each involving a supplementation period of 12 weeks.

[Stress symptoms and health-related quality of life in patients after orthotopic liver transplantation].

Objectives: The study explored the presence of stress symptoms among orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) recipients and investigated how stress symptoms are linked to health-related quality of life (HRQOL). A new concept of adjustment disorder as a stress response syndrome according to Maercker was considered.

Methods: We recruited 76 OLT recipients, all of whom had been treated in the Department of Surgery, Division of Transplantation Surgery, University of Medicine of Graz, Austria.

[The effects of depressive symptoms on quality of life, sexual satisfaction and cognitive performance after orthotopic liver transplantation].

Background: Our cross-sectional study aimed to explore the existence of depressive symptoms among orthotopic liver transplantation recipients and to investigate how depressive symptoms are linked to health-related quality of life, sexual satisfaction and cognitive performance.

Methods: We recruited 76 liver transplantation recipients. All patients were treated at the Department of Surgery, Division of Transplantation Surgery, University of Medicine of Graz, Graz, Austria.

Biomechanical evaluation of the Total Facet Arthroplasty System® (TFAS®): loading as compared to a rigid posterior instrumentation system.

Purpose: To gain insight into a new technology, a novel facet arthroplasty device (TFAS) was compared to a rigid posterior fixation system (UCR). The axial and bending loads through the implants and at the bone-implant interfaces were evaluated using an ex vivo biomechanical study and matched finite element analysis. Kinematic behaviour has been reported for TFAS, but implant loads have not.

Kinematics of total facet replacement (TFAS-TL) with total disc replacement.

Background: Total disc replacement (TDR) and total facet replacement (TFR) have been the focus of recent kinematics evaluations. Yet their concurrent function as a total joint replacement of the lumbar spine's 3-joint complex has not been comprehensively reported. This study evaluated the effect of a TFR specifically designed to replace the natural facets and supplement the function with the natural disc and with TDR.

L5 - s1 segmental kinematics after facet arthroplasty.

Background: Facet arthroplasty is a motion restoring procedure. It is normally suggested as an alternative to rigid fixation after destabilizing decompression procedures in the posterior lumbar spine. While previous studies have reported successful results in reproducing normal spine kinematics after facet replacement at L4-5 and L3-4, there are no data on the viability of facet replacement at the lumbosacral joint.

Effect of the Total Facet Arthroplasty System after complete laminectomy-facetectomy on the biomechanics of implanted and adjacent segments.

Background Context: Lumbar fusion is traditionally used to restore stability after wide surgical decompression for spinal stenosis. The Total Facet Arthroplasty System (TFAS) is a motion-restoring implant suggested as an alternative to rigid fixation after complete facetectomy.

Purpose: To investigate the effect of TFAS on the kinematics of the implanted and adjacent lumbar segments.

Evaluation of six night vision enhancement systems: qualitative and quantitative support for intelligent image processing.

Objective: An evaluation study was conducted to answer the question of which system properties of night vision enhancement systems (NVESs) provide a benefit for drivers without increasing their workload.

Background: Different infrared sensor, image processing, and display technologies can be integrated into an NVES to support nighttime driving. Because each of these components has its specific strengths and weaknesses, careful testing is required to determine their best combination.

Biomechanical evaluation of the Total Facet Arthroplasty System: 3-dimensional kinematics.

Study Design: An in vitro biomechanical study to quantify 3-dimensional kinematics of the lumbar spine following facet arthroplasty.

Objectives: To compare the multidirectional flexibility properties and helical axis of motion of the Total Facet Arthroplasty System (TFAS) (Archus Orthopedics, Redmond, WA) to the intact condition and to posterior pedicle screw fixation.

Summary Of Background Data: Facet arthroplasty in the lumbar spine is a new concept in the field of spinal surgery.