Prior research indicates that engaging in physical activity during chemotherapy can positively influence both physical and psychological parameters in individuals with hematological neoplasms. However, the most effective type, level, intensity, and frequency of exercise remains unclear. We enrolled 53 patients to a clinical trial assessing a partly supervised hybrid training program including both strength and endurance components, commencing at onset of induction therapy (T0) for hematological malignancies, including AML (n = 29), ALL (n = 5), and NHL (n = 19). Endpoints to evaluate efficacy included muscle strength in kg, cardiovascular fitness in steps, balance in scores, quality of life (QoL), and fatigue. Data were compared at three time points: the beginning of treatment (T0), during consolidation (T1), and 12 ± 2 weeks later (T2). Average adherence to protocol specified activities was 63.2
In histology, immunostaining of biological samples is a gold standard for studying cellular processes, such as the expression of cell surface markers or the cellular uptake of proteins and drug molecules. Immuno-gold labeling is a commonly used technique to achieve nanometer spatial resolution, but simultaneous visualization of multiple antigens in parallel is an unresolved challenge. Herein, we demonstrate a DNA nanotechnology-based approach to label antigens in transmission electron microscopy images of tissue sections with high contrast patterns. For this, we attached gold nanoparticles to designated binding positions on DNA origami structures that act as visual "barcodes." These barcodes are then hybridized to complementary strands of DNA-modified antibodies that are bound to their respective antigens on ultrathin tissue resin sections. As a proof of concept, we demonstrate several types of barcodes and two different antibody labeling techniques that will expand the multiplexing abilities of immunostaining in a highly modular way.
Zusammenfassung Eine qualitätsgesicherte onkologische Sport- und Bewegungstherapie (qSBT) ist, trotz der nachweislich positiven Effekte auf die Nebenwirkungen einer Krebstherapie und auf die Lebensqualität, noch kein Bestandteil der derzeitigen Regelversorgung von onkologischen Patient*innen. Aus diesem Grund werden im Rahmen des multizentrischen IMPLEMENT Projektes Strategien entwickelt und geprüft, um die Zugangsstrukturen zu einer qSBT nachhaltig zu verbessern. Zu Beginn des IMPLEMENT Projektes werden Barrieren und Förderfaktoren für eine effektive Implementierung einer qSBT mithilfe eines Mixed-Methods-Designs ermittelt. Im darauffolgenden Schritt werden Implementationsstrategien in fünf Teilprojekten für spezifische Zielgruppen (Erwachsene oder pädiatrische Patient*innen) und Regionen (städtisch vs. ländlich) entwickelt und umgesetzt. Die Evaluierung (nach drei Jahren) und die Zwischenevaluierungen (jährlich) orientieren sich an dem RE-AIM-Framework und werden von Fragebögen, semi-strukturierten Interviews und Fokusgruppen ergänzt. Die Erkenntnisse aus den Zwischenevaluierungen werden genutzt, um die Implementierungsstrategien der einzelnen Teilprojekte zu überarbeiten und zu verbessern. Das primäre Ziel von IMPLEMENT ist es, die Anzahl der onkologischen Patient*innen, die an einer qSBT teilnehmen, zu erhöhen (Median 30%). Die sekundären Ziele umfassen unter anderem die Erweiterung des qSBT Angebots sowie die Zunahme an onkologischen Patient*innen, die von einer gesteigerten Lebensqualität berichten (patientenbezogene Effektivität). Die Zielparameter werden mittels eines Vorher-Nachher-Designs erfasst. Bei jeder Gruppe der Akteure (z. B. Ärzte/Ärztinnen, medizinisches Fachpersonal, Sport- und Physiotherapeut*innen) und onkologischen Patient*innen in den verschiedenen Settings müssen spezifische Barrieren und Förderfaktoren bei der Implementierung von qSBT berücksichtigt werden. Bestimmte Implementierungsstrategien können potenziell dazu beitragen, die identifizierten Barrieren zu überwinden und Förderfaktoren zu unterstützen. Somit könnten nachhaltige Zugangsstrukturen zu einer qSBT in Deutschland geschaffen werden. Der Einsatz von effektiven Implementierungsstrategien kann für die flächendeckende Etablierung von qSBT in Deutschland förderlich sein und könnte ein zentraler Bestandteil für die Implementierung von qSBT in die Regelversorgung von onkologischen Patient*innen darstellen.
This paper presents a simulation-based optimization framework to find and evaluate optimal storage plans in a high-bay warehouse. The two objectives under consideration are reducing the total energy consumption and maximizing the recuperation of energy of stacker cranes. These cranes operating in different aisles are connected by an internal circuit. One part of the framework simulates the power flows both on a single stacker crane and in the internal circuit. Based on that, the optimization part computes energy optimal trajectories for prescribed movements using a variational approach. By dividing the trajectories into time intervals, a mixed-integer programming (MIP) model delivers double-cycle plans. For longer down movements the shape of optimal trajectories would be technically disadvantageous which requires alternatives to avoid the abrasion of the devices.
Introduction Children and adolescents move less than their peers during and after oncological treatment and have lower exercise capacity as well as health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Telemedicine is a promising approach for expanding the structure of care and reducing barriers such as distance, time and cost. This study investigates the feasibility and adherence of a digital exercise program in pediatric oncology as well as the impact on motor performance and HRQoL. Methods Children and adolescents aged 6-19 years during and after cancer treatment were included in the study. The intervention took place over a period of 8 weeks with a training recommendation of 2 sessions per week. The first three training sessions were carried out under direct supervision and then completed by the participants themselves under weekly telemedical supervision. The training plan was available in a digital program and could be accessed from any location. Adherence was assessed based on the completed number of training sessions. Motor performance and HRQoL were assessed at the beginning (t(0)) and after 8 weeks (t(1)). Results The study comprised ten participants, but only nine completed the intervention. The participants completed only 63% of the two training sessions per week. The most common reasons for non-participation or reduced participation (<2/week) were illness (43%) and medical procedures (29%). Improvements in motor performance were observed in single-leg stance and grip strength. HRQoL also improved in all therapy groups. Conclusion The results of this study suggest that a digital exercise program is feasible and safe in pediatric oncology. The implemented intervention seems promising in terms of reducing therapy-related inactivity and improving motor performance and HRQoL. The program offers the possibility of an individual training plan that is supervised by qualified professionals and can be carried out regardless of the distance to an oncological center of excellence. It can represent an additional component in sports and exercise therapy in pediatric oncology. However, a large-scale study is planned to confirm these assumptions.
Quality-assured oncological sports and exercise therapy (qSBT) has proven positive effects on the side effects of cancer therapy and on quality of life. However, this is not yet part and parcel of the current standard care for oncological patients. In this regard, strategies are being developed and tested as part of the multicentre IMPLEMENT project in order to sustainably improve access structures to qSBT. At the beginning of the IMPLEMENT project, a mixed-methods design is used to identify barriers and facilitators for the effective implementation of qSBT. In the subsequent step, implementation strategies are developed and implemented in five sub-projects for specific target groups (adults or paediatric patients) and regions (urban vs. rural). The evaluation (after three years) and the interim evaluations (annually) are based on the RE-AIM framework and are supplemented by questionnaires, semi-structured interviews and focus groups. The findings from the interim evaluations are then used to revise and improve the implementation strategies of the individual sub-projects. The main objective of IMPLEMENT is to increase the number of oncological patients participating in qSBT (mean 30%). The secondary objectives include among others; the expansion of qSBT services and an increase in the number of oncological patients who report an improved quality of life (patient-related effectiveness). The target parameters are recorded using a before-after design. Specific barriers and enabling factors must be taken into account when implementing qSBT for each group of stakeholders (e. g. doctors, medical professionals, sports and physiotherapists) and oncological patients in the different settings. Specific implementation strategies can potentially help to overcome the identified barriers and offer support to the enabling factors. It is in this respect that sustainable access structures to qSBT can be created in Germany. Moreover, the use of effective implementation strategies can be beneficial for the nationwide establishment of qSBT and also serve as a central component for the implementation of qSBT in the standard care of oncological patients in Germany.
Zusammenfassung Einleitung Kinder und Jugendliche bewegen sich während und nach einer onkologischen Behandlung weniger als Gleichaltrige und weisen eine geringere Leistungsfähigkeit und gesundheitsbezogene Lebensqualität (HRQoL) auf. Das Konzept der Telemedizin ist ein vielversprechender Ansatz, um die Versorgungsstruktur zu erweitern und Barrieren wie Entfernung, Zeit und Kosten zu verringern. Diese Studie untersucht die Machbarkeit und Adhärenz eines digitalen Übungsprogramms in der pädiatrischen Onkologie sowie den Einfluss auf die motorische Leistungsfähigkeit und HRQoL. Methoden Eingeschlossen wurden Kinder und Jugendliche im Alter von 6–19 Jahren während und nach einer Krebsbehandlung. Die Intervention erstreckte sich über einen Zeitraum von 8 Wochen mit einer Trainingsempfehlung von 2 Einheiten/Woche. Die ersten drei Trainingseinheiten wurden unter direkter Aufsicht durchgeführt und dann von den Teilnehmenden selbst, unter wöchentlicher telemedizinischer Aufsicht, absolviert. Der Trainingsplan stand in einem digitalen Programm zur Verfügung und war ortsunabhängig zugänglich. Die Adhärenz wurde anhand der Anzahl der absolvierten Trainingseinheiten beurteilt. Die motorische Leistungsfähigkeit und die HRQoL wurden zu Beginn (t0) und nach 8 Wochen (t1) bewertet. Ergebnisse Zehn Studienteilnehmende wurden rekrutiert, neun beendeten die Intervention. Von den zwei Trainingseinheiten pro Woche wurden 63% absolviert. Die häufigsten Gründe für eine Nichtteilnahme oder reduzierte Teilnahme (< 2/Woche) waren Krankheit (43%) und medizinische Eingriffe (29%). Verbesserungen der motorischen Leistungsfähigkeit traten beim Einbeinstand und bei der Griffkraft auf. Auch die HRQoL verbesserte sich in allen Therapiegruppen. Schlussfolgerung Die Ergebnisse dieser Studie legen nahe, dass ein digitales Übungsprogramm in der pädiatrischen Onkologie durchführbar und sicher ist. Die durchgeführte Intervention scheint vielversprechend in Bezug auf die Verringerung der therapiebedingten Inaktivität und die Verbesserung der motorischen Leistung und der HRQoL. Das untersuchte Programm bietet die Möglichkeit eines individuellen Trainingsplans, der von qualifiziertem Fachpersonal überwacht wird und unabhängig von der Entfernung zu einem onkologischen Spitzenzentrum durchgeführt werden kann. Es kann einen zusätzlichen Baustein in der Sport- und Bewegungstherapie in der pädiatrischen Onkologie darstellen. Zur Bestätigung dieser Annahmen ist eine groß angelegte Studie geplant.
In all biological systems, DNA is under high mechanical stress from bending and twisting. For example, DNA is tightly bent in nucleosome complexes, virus capsids, bacterial chromosomes, or complexes with transcription factors that regulate gene expression. A structurally and mechanically accurate model of DNA is therefore necessary to understand some of the most fundamental molecular mechanisms in biology including DNA packaging, replication, transcription and gene regulation. An iconic feature of DNA is its double helical nature with an average repeat h 0 of ~10.45 base pairs per turn, which is commonly believed to be independent of curvature. We developed a ligation assay on nicked DNA circles of variable curvature that reveals a strong unwinding of DNA to over 11 bp/turn for radii around 3-4 nm. Our work constitutes a major modification of the standard mechanical model of DNA and requires reassessing the molecular mechanisms and energetics of all processes involving tightly bent DNA.
Designing electrocatalysts with optimal activity and selectivity relies on a thorough understanding of the surface structure under reaction conditions. In this study, experimental and computational approaches are combined to elucidate reconstruction processes on low-index Pd surfaces during H-insertion following proton electroreduction. While electrochemical scanning tunneling microscopy clearly reveals pronounced surface roughening and morphological changes on Pd(111), Pd(110), and Pd(100) surfaces during cyclic voltammetry, a complementary analysis using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry excludes Pd dissolution as the primary cause of the observed restructuring. Large-scale molecular dynamics simulations further show that these surface alterations are related to the creation and propagation of structural defects as well as phase transformations that take place during hydride formation.
The electrical double layer (EDL) plays a central role in electrochemical energy systems, impacting charge transfer mechanisms and reaction rates. The fundamental importance of the EDL in interfacial electrochemistry has motivated researchers to develop theoretical and experimental approaches to assess EDL properties. In this contribution, we review recent progress in evaluating EDL characteristics such as the double-layer capacitance, highlighting some discrepancies between theory and experiment and discussing strategies for their reconciliation. We further discuss the merits and challenges of various experimental techniques and theoretical approaches having important implications for aqueous electrocatalysis. A strong emphasis is placed on the substantial impact of the electrode composition and structure and the electrolyte chemistry on the double-layer properties. In addition, we review the effects of temperature and pressure and compare solid-liquid interfaces to solid-solid interfaces.
Background: During the corona pandemic, all courses on physical activity for cancer patients were canceled. The aim of our study was to evaluate the feasibility of switching dancing classes for patients and their partners to online classes. Methods: Patients and partners from courses at four different locations who consented to the online course offer were asked to fill in a pseudonymous questionnaire on access to the training, technical challenges, acceptance and well-being (1-item visual analog scale from 1 to 10) before and after the training. Results: Sixty-five participants returned the questionnaire (39 patients and 23 partners). Fifty-eight (89.2%) had danced before, and forty-eight (73.8%) had visited at least one course of ballroom dancing for cancer patients before. The first access to the online platform was difficult for 39 participants (60%). Most participants (57; 87.7%) enjoyed the online classes, but 53 (81.5%) rated them as less fun than the real classes as direct contact was missing. Well-being increased significantly after the lesson and remained improved for several days. Conclusion: Transforming a dancing class is feasible for participants with digital experience and goes along with technical difficulties. It is a substitute for real classes if mandatory and improves well-being.
To advance meaningful guidelines in the design of electrocatalytically active catalysts, a knowledge of the nature of active sites is the starting point. However, multiple factors such as material composition, site coordination, electrolyte effects, the support material, surface strain, and others influence catalytic behavior. Therefore, the identification of active sites can be complex. A substantial contributor can be in-situ experiments, which are able to identify active centers in a specific system while the reaction takes place. An example of such a technique is electrochemical scanning tunneling microscopy (EC-STM), which relates locally confined noise features to local electrocatalytic activity. In this work, we spotlight recent achievements of this technique with respect to palladium (Pd) surfaces for the hydrogen reduction reaction, where strain due to hydride formation comes into play in addition to surface coordination. Secondly, we demonstrate the high resolution of the technique on graphite-based surfaces. Here, edge sites are particularly active. Thus, with the EC-STM technique, we take strain effects (like on Pd) or effects of coordination (like on carbon) into account. Therefore, we can determine active sites with great accuracy under reaction conditions.
Due to the increasing digitalization in manufacturing logistics, devices to integrate the worker into the digital manufacturing system are necessary. A voice user interface (VUI) can be considered suitable for this purpose due to its flexibility and intuitive operability. Despite the popularity and acceptance of VUIs in everyday life, their use in industrial applications, especially in manufacturing logistics, is still rare. While VUIs have been successfully used in order picking for decades, hardly any other industrial fields of application exist. In this paper, we have identified various barriers to the use of VUI in industrial applications. We categorized them and identified four key barriers. We then conducted a systematic literature review to determine and compare already investigated application areas of VUIs, their characteristics, advantages and disadvantages. We found that in particular the operation of machines and industrial robots, as well as general data and information output on machine and system status, maintenance and employee training are frequently investigated. It is noticeable that VUIs are often used in combination with other user interfaces (UIs). Some challenges to VUI usage, such as high ambient noise levels, have already been solved through various approaches, while other challenges remain. Based on the results of the literature review, we put forward a research agenda regarding further suitable industrial application areas as well as general challenges for the use of VUIs in industrial environments.