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Data Set of Publication "IR Spectroscopy: from Experimental Spectra to High-Resolution Structural Analysis by Integrating Simulations and Machine Learning"
No full textStudents' performance and typical errors in filling empty probabilistic visualizations with probabilities or frequencies
Full text linkIt has been established that, in Bayesian tasks, performance and typical errors in reading information from filled visualizations depend both on the type of the provided visualization and information format. However, apart from reading visualizations, students should also be able to create visualizations on their own and successfully use them as heuristic tools in modeling tasks. In this paper, we first want to broaden the view on Bayesian reasoning to probabilistic tasks with two binary events in general and embed the whole process of solving these tasks using probabilistic visualizations in a modified modeling framework. Thereby, it becomes apparent that most of the steps remained untouched by existing research. Second, in the present empirical study, we focused on one part of the largely unexplored creation process and examined entering statistical information into empty visualizations as heuristic tools. N = 172 participants had to enter conditional and joint probabilities or the corresponding frequencies into empty visualizations in a paper-and-pencil~test. We analyze (a) students' performance when entering information in visualizations and (b) typical errors, both dependent on the information format (probabilities vs. natural frequencies), which empty visualization structure (2⨯2 table, double~tree, net diagram) was provided, and type of information (conditional vs. joint information). The well-known positive effect of natural frequencies on participants' performance was evident when entering conditional information into 2⨯2 tables and net diagrams. However, with respect to joint information, no superior effect of frequencies was observed. Furthermore, the theoretical implementation of our research in a modeling cycle allows~us to identify desiderata for future research
Erschwingliches Wohnen: Allenfalls langsame Besserung in Sicht
No full textDie Wohnungserschwinglichkeit in Deutschland hat sich seit 2021 regional unterschiedlich verschlechtert. Ursache sind langfristige Trends wie Urbanisierung, steigende Haushaltszahlen und begrenzte Bauflächen, die trotz politischer Maßnahmen wie Mietpreisbremse oder Bau-Turbo nur langsam abgemildert werden können. Diskutiert werden Zielkonflikte zwischen Angebots-, Nachfrage- und ordnungspolitischen Maßnahmen sowie die Notwendigkeit eines Instrumentenmixes statt einzelner Lösungen. Eine spürbare Verbesserung der Erschwinglichkeit ist erst mittelfristig zu erwarten
Optimal Effective Concentration Combinations and synergy evaluations for binary antimicrobial combinations in vitro
No full textBackground: This study provides a comparative analysis of Optimal Effective Concentration Combinations (OPECCs) and synergy evaluations derived from the Loewe additivity and Bliss independence models for binary antimicrobial combinations in vitro. The aim was to provide a comprehensive perspective on the utility of these strategies in analyzing binary antimicrobial combinations and their implications for effective therapeutic strategies. This study contributes to the understanding of methodological differences in evaluating antimicrobial combinations.
Methods: Binary combinations of Benzalkonium chloride, Chlorhexidine, Cetylpyridinium chloride, and Ciprofloxacin were tested against E. coli and S. aureus. OPECCs and synergy evaluations were derived from OD-measurements after 3 h of aerobic incubation at 37 °C in Mueller-Hinton medium.
Results: All OPECCs were determinable for each binary combination pair. For each binary concentration component, the OPECC lay below the respective minimum effective concentration in single application. The synergy scores obtained with both models ranged from −13.4 (antagonistic) to 11.2 (synergistic), with consistently higher scores for the Bliss model. However, the concentration pairs at maximum synergy, determined using the respective matrices, showed inconsistent antibacterial assessments. No pattern could be derived regarding the antibacterial effect of these concentrations in relation to the OPECCs, nor between the two synergy models. The general synergy score of a combination also does not inevitably reflect the results at effective concentrations.
Conclusion: The comparison demonstrated that the assumptions like “additivity” or “independence” underlying these models can result in concentration pairs at maximum synergy that may not necessarily be effective. As a consequence, the synergy evaluation methods tested do not account for the effectiveness of the assessed concentration pairs. In contrast, the model-independent OPECC method identifies effective concentration combinations directly from experimental data, without reliance on interaction assumptions or further data processing. The separating curve is based on directly measured optical density (OD) values of the binary concentration combinations, thus representing the real situation. By offering an alternative or complementary approach to existing models, the OPECC method may support more accurate identification of effective antimicrobial combinations and provide valuable insights for the development of optimized treatment strategies in the context of rising antimicrobial resistance
Experts’ attitudes towards ‘targeted autopsies’ using qualitative interviews in a medical network in Germany
No full textObjectives The behaviour of tumour metastases and
the different responses to therapies are still not fully
understood. The project ‘targeted autopsies’ of the
Universities of Regensburg and Erlangen aimed to further
uncover the metastatic behaviour of malignant tumours
by scientifically processing different tumour samples. To
initiate such a programme, the concerns of all possible
stakeholders must be analysed so that the programme
can be set up accordingly and the highest possible level of
approval can be achieved.
Design This study investigated the basic attitude toward a
targeted autopsy programme for patients with tumours and
possible criteria for such a programme using qualitative
interviews. Focus group discussions were held to explore
the opinions and views regarding ethical aspects of various
professional groups (experts) involved in this project.
An interview guideline was prepared beforehand by the
supervising project group. Semistructured interviews were
conducted, transcribed and analysed through qualitative
content analysis according to Mayring.
Setting University of Regensburg, Germany and
cooperating medical partners.
Results Altogether, 15 experts were interviewed. The
experts described the project as interesting and feasible.
They assumed a sufficient participation rate in this
autopsy programme from the population; however, they
recommend giving importance to providing sufficient and
professional education to all persons involved. Preserving
the dignity of the donor and providing appropriate care
for relatives is of great importance. Good organisation is
considered imperative for the success of the project.
Conclusion Generally, experts favour the implementation
of a targeted autopsy programme. However, some hurdles
must be overcome. Challenges similar to those in general
or rapid autopsy and organ donation programmes exist,
such as donor recruitment, staffing shortages and financial
constraints. People involved must be well informed before
the project
Performance of Ultra-High-Frequency Ultrasound in the Evaluation of Skin Involvement in Systemic Sclerosis: A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study
Full text linkObjective: The aim of this study was to assess the performance and feasibility of ultra-high-frequency ultrasound (UHF-US) in clinical practice for measuring skin thickness in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) compared to age- and sex-matched controls. Materials and Methods: A total of 14 patients with SSc and 14 healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled in the study. All subjects underwent US evaluation of the epidermis, dermis and cutis by three experts in the 17 sites of the modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS). All the sonographers were blinded to the mRSS, which was assessed by an experienced rheumatologist who was not involved in, and blinded to, the US assessment. Results: In comparison to HCs, dermal thickness was significantly higher in patients at six sites: the right (p < 0.001) and left (p = 0.001) finger; right (p = 0.027) and left (p = 0.048) hand; left foot (p = 0.010) and face (p < 0.001). The epidermal layer did not differ significantly. At all mRSS sites except for the chest, there were moderate to strong positive correlations between US-assessed dermal thickness and local mRSS. The interobserver reliability for all sites of the mRSS, with the exception of the face, was good to excellent (with an intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] ranging from 0.724 to 0.939). Conclusions: These data support the use of UHF-US as an objective and reliable tool for the assessment of skin involvement in patients with SSc. Considering its feasibility in clinical practice, we suggest that US assessment of skin in patients with SSc should be restricted to the dermal layer of the fingers and hands, since they are the sites that skin fibrosis typically starts from
Left ventricular transthyretin amyloid load and apical sparing in patients with newly confirmed transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy
Full text linkAims
Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) is marked by deposition of transthyretin amyloid in the myocardium. Patients present with symptoms of heart failure, left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy, diastolic dysfunction, and arrhythmias. Echocardiographic apical sparing, quantified via the relative apical sparing (RELAPS) pattern, is a hallmark imaging feature but its histopathological and clinical implications remain uncertain. This study investigated the association between apical sparing, myocardial amyloid load, and clinical phenotypes in newly diagnosed ATTR-CM.
Methods and results
We prospectively enrolled 61 patients undergoing LV endomyocardial biopsy for suspected amyloidosis between May 2022 and May 2024. After histological confirmation, 56 patients with wild-type ATTR-CM were included. LV amyloid load was quantified from Congo red-stained endomyocardial biopsies. Echocardiographic parameters including global longitudinal strain (GLS) and RELAPS were assessed peri-interventionally. Clinical, laboratory, and imaging features were compared between patients with and without RELAPS. Patients with RELAPS had significantly higher LV amyloid load than those without. RELAPS was associated with elevated N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide levels, higher Perugini scores, lower GLS and atrial strain. No differences between patients with and without RELAPS were found regarding age or wall thickness. RELAPS correlated with markers of disease severity and atrial remodelling. The Perugini scores failed to distinguish intermediate levels of myocardial amyloid content in 71.1% of cases.
Conclusions
Apical sparing reflects advanced myocardial involvement in ATTR-CM and correlates with increased amyloid load and biomarkers in a large endomyocardial biopsy collective. RELAPS, together with histological amyloid quantification, offers valuable insights for risk stratification and may guide therapeutic intervention in this progressive disease
Comparison of survival in ovarian cancer patients following treatment in certified gynecologic oncology centers and non-certified hospitals: a German retrospective cohort study (WiZen)
Full text linkBackground
Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecologic cancer. This study explores differences in observed survival rates among ovarian cancer patients treated in certified versus non-certified hospitals in Germany.
Methods
The study used data from German statutory health insurance (SHI) funds and clinical cancer registries (CCRs), including 20,794 insured and 4,493 registry patients diagnosed with a malignant ovarian neoplasm (ICD-10-GM code C56) from 2009 to 2017. Patients were categorized based on whether they received primary treatment at hospitals certified as ovarian cancer centers by the German Cancer Society (DKG) or at non-certified hospitals. Survival analyses were conducted using Kaplan–Meier and multivariable Cox regression methods. Adjustments were performed for age, year of diagnosis, International Union Against Cancer (UICC) stage, grade, lymphatic and venous invasion, year of index treatment, distant metastasis, Elixhauser comorbidities, and hospital criteria where available in the data source used.
Results
After adjustment for various confounders, treatment in certified centers was associated with a lower mortality risk, corresponding to a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.883 (95% CI 0.824–0.948; p = 0.001) in the SHI data. In the CCR data a non-significant HR of 0.964 was observed (95% CI 0.867–1.071; p = 0.490). Among patients in the CCR cohort diagnosed with UICC stage I–III disease, receiving treatment at certified centers was associated with improved survival outcomes (HR 0.825, 95% CI 0.708–0.961; p = 0.014).
Conclusion
Treatment in DKG-certified centers is associated with better survival in ovarian cancer patients, especially in earlier stages. Certification status may be a relevant factor when choosing a treatment facility
Die Demokratie zwischen normativem Postulat und empirischer Realität: Martin Sebaldt und die Demokratiewissenschaft
No full textSimon Bein und Alexander Straßner würdigen in diesem Kapitel die akademische Vita Martin Sebaldts, dem dieses Buch gewidmet sein soll. Herausforderungen, Krisen und die Zukunftsfestigkeit der Demokratie als politische Ordnungsform markieren den Wesenskern des weiten Betätigungsfeldes eines Wissenschaftlers und leidenschaftlichen Hochschullehrers, dem die Herausgeber als ihrem akademischen Lehrer, Doktorvater und Habilitationsmentor, Chef und Freund viel zu verdanken haben