@inproceedings{WeissGrossmannLeiboldetal., author = {Weiß, Roman and Großmann, Benjamin and Leibold, Marion and Schlegl, Thomas and Wollherr, Dirk and Weiss, Roman and Grossmann, Benjamin}, title = {Modeling and nonlinear control of antagonistically actuating pneumatic artificial muscles}, series = {2017 IEEE International Conference on Advanced Intelligent Mechatronics (AIM), 3-7 July 2017, Munich, Germany}, booktitle = {2017 IEEE International Conference on Advanced Intelligent Mechatronics (AIM), 3-7 July 2017, Munich, Germany}, publisher = {IEEE}, doi = {10.1109/AIM.2017.8014001}, pages = {94 -- 99}, abstract = {This paper discusses modeling and nonlinear control of a joint antagonistically actuated by two pneumatic, artificial muscles. A single model of the whole system is obtained by a combined physical and phenomenological modeling approach. The combined model for the joint, the muscles and the proportional valves results in a nonlinear, affine-in-control system description. The model is used to derive control laws for an input/output linearization approach to linearize the plant. Modeling and parametrization errors are covered via an outer control loop consisting of a state-feedback which is extended by an additional feedback of error integral. Extensive experimental results show the quality of the model and the performance of the respective control laws.}, language = {en} } @article{WesselyHausleiterMichaelisetal., author = {Wessely, Rainer and Hausleiter, J{\"o}rg and Michaelis, Cornelia and Jaschke, Birgit and Vogeser, Michael and Milz, Stefan and Behnisch, Boris and Schratzenstaller, Thomas and Renke-Gluszko, Magdalena and St{\"o}ver, Michael and Wintermantel, Erich and Kastrati, Adnan and Sch{\"o}mig, Albert}, title = {Inhibition of neointima formation by a novel drug-eluting stent system that allows for dose-adjustable, multiple, and on-site stent coating}, series = {Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology}, volume = {25}, journal = {Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology}, number = {4}, issn = {1524-4636}, doi = {10.1161/01.ATV.0000157579.52566.ee}, pages = {748 -- 753}, abstract = {Objective The risk of in-stent restenosis can be considerably reduced by stents eluting cytostatic compounds. We created a novel drug-eluting stent system that includes several new features in the rapidly evolving field of stent-based drug delivery. Methods and Results The aim of the present study was the preclinical evaluation of a stent-coating system permitting individual, on-site coating of stents with a unique microporous surface allowing for individualizable, dose-adjustable, and multiple coatings with identical or various compounds, designated ISAR (individualizable drug-eluting stent system to abrogate restenosis). Stents were coated with 0.75\% rapamycin solution, and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-based determination of drug release profile indicated drug release for >21 days. Rapamycin-eluting microporous (REMP) stents implanted in porcine coronary arteries were safe. To determine the efficacy of REMP stents, this novel drug-eluting stent platform was compared with the standard sirolimus-eluting stent. At 30 days, in-stent neointima formation in porcine coronary arteries was similar in both groups, yielding a significant decrease of neointimal area and injury-dependent neointimal thickness compared with bare-metal stents. Conclusion The ISAR drug-eluting stent platform as a novel concept for stent coating allows for a safe, effective, on-site stent coating process, thus justifying further clinical evaluation to decrease in-stent restenosis in humans. In-stent neointima formation can be successfully attenuated by drug-eluting stents. We introduce a novel conceptual approach for stent-coating that allows for dose-adjustable, on-site stent coating process if desired with multiple compounds. Microporous stents coated with rapamycin proved safe and effective for the limitation of neointima formation in a porcine coronary stent model.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{WestnerFuhrmannWaasetal., author = {Westner, Markus and Fuhrmann, Thomas and Waas, Thomas and Skelton, David}, title = {Internationalization of a Computer Science Faculty}, series = {9th Annual International Conference on Computer Science Education: Innovation and Technology (CSEIT 2018), 2018, Singapore}, booktitle = {9th Annual International Conference on Computer Science Education: Innovation and Technology (CSEIT 2018), 2018, Singapore}, doi = {10.5176/2251-2195_CSEIT18.118}, pages = {33 -- 38}, abstract = {The paper at hand describes how a regional university of applied sciences tried to internationalize its learning and teaching environment. It describes the challenges encountered, the managerial approach taken, illustrates the implemented initiatives, and how effective they turned out. The results might be relevant to faculty staff in managerial positions at regional universities all over the world that face the challenge to internationalize their teaching and learning environment for the benefit of their domestic students.}, subject = {Internationalisierung}, language = {en} } @article{WestnerKratzerDrechsleretal., author = {Westner, Markus and Kratzer, Simon and Drechsler, Andreas and Strahringer, Susanne}, title = {The Fractional CIO in SMEs: conceptualization and research agenda}, series = {Information Systems and e-Business Management}, volume = {20}, journal = {Information Systems and e-Business Management}, publisher = {Springer}, doi = {10.1007/s10257-022-00557-4}, pages = {581 -- 611}, abstract = {We conceptualize the new phenomenon of the Fractional Chief InformationOfficer (CIO) as a part-time executive who usually works for more than one pri-marily small- to medium-sized enterprise (SME) and develop promising avenuesfor future research on Fractional CIOs. We conduct an empirical study by drawingon semi-structured interviews with 40 individuals from 10 different countries whooccupy a Fractional CIO role. We derive a definition for the Fractional CIO, dis-tinguish it from other forms of employment, and compare it with existing researchon CIO roles. Further, we find four salient engagement types of Fractional CIOsoffering value for SMEs in various situations: Strategic IT management, Restruc-turing, Rapid scaling, and Hands-on support. The results reveal similarities withexisting CIO roles as well as novel insights concerning the different engagementtypes. Lastly, we propose a research agenda for the Fractional CIO field, based onfour research themes derived from existing CIO research and insights from theinterviews.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{WickLindnerZimmeretal., author = {Wick, Michael and Lindner, Gerhard and Zimmer, Katja and Schreiner, Rupert and Fuhrmann, Thomas and Seebauer, Gudrun and Xu, Boqing and Zheng, Jihong and Wang, Ning}, title = {German-Chinese cooperative Bachelor in engineering physics/optoelectronics}, series = {14th Conference on Education and Training in Optics and Photonics: ETOP 2017; Hangzhou, China 29.05.2017 - 31.05.2017}, booktitle = {14th Conference on Education and Training in Optics and Photonics: ETOP 2017; Hangzhou, China 29.05.2017 - 31.05.2017}, editor = {Liu, Xu and Zhang, Xi-Cheng}, publisher = {SPIE}, isbn = {9781510613812}, doi = {10.1117/12.2269943}, abstract = {The University of Shanghai for Science and Technology (USST), the Coburg University of Applied Sciences and Arts (CUASA) and the OTH Regensburg, University of Applied Sciences (OTHR) established an English taught international cooperative bachelor program in the area of Engineering Physics/Optoelectronics. Students from China study their first four semesters at USST. They continue their studies in Germany for the last three semesters, including an internship and a bachelor thesis, graduating with a Chinese and a German bachelor degree. Students from Germany study their third and fourth semester at USST to gain international experience. While the first cohort of Chinese students is currently in Germany, the second cohort of German students is in Shanghai. Up to now the feedback regarding this study program is completely positive, thus it is planned to develop it further.}, language = {en} } @article{WidbillerKeimSchlichtingetal., author = {Widbiller, Matthias and Keim, Lukas and Schlichting, Ralf and Striegl, Birgit and Hiller, Karl-Anton and Jungbauer, Rebecca and Buchalla, Wolfgang and Galler, Kerstin M.}, title = {Debris Removal by Activation of Endodontic Irrigants in Complex Root Canal Systems}, series = {Applied Sciences}, volume = {11}, journal = {Applied Sciences}, number = {16}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, doi = {10.3390/app11167331}, pages = {1 -- 14}, abstract = {Aim of the study was to develop a standardized model system to investigate endodontic irrigation techniques and assess the efficiency of different activation methods on the removal of hard tissue debris in complex root canal systems. Mesial roots of mandibular molars were firstly scanned by micro-computed tomography (µCT) and allocated to three groups of irrigant activation: sonic activation (EDDY, VDW, Munich, Germany), laser activation (AutoSWEEPS, FOTONA, Ljubljana, Slovenia) and conventional needle irrigation (control). Roots were fixed in individual 3D-printed holders to facilitate root canal enlargement under constant irrigation with NaOCl (5\%). To enable standardized quantification of remaining debris, BaSO4-enriched dentine powder was compacted into the canals, followed by another µCT-scan. The final irrigation was performed using 17\% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and 5\% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) with the respective activation method, and the volume of remaining artificial debris was quantified after a final µCT-scan. The newly developed model system allowed for reliable, reproducible and standardized assessment of irrigation methods. Activation of the irrigant proved to be significantly more effective than conventional needle irrigation regarding the removal of debris, which persisted particularly in the apical third of the root canal in the control group. The efficiency of irrigation was significantly enhanced with laser- and sonic-based activation, especially in the apical third.}, language = {en} } @article{WiesentSchultheissSchmidetal., author = {Wiesent, Lisa and Schultheiss, Ulrich and Schmid, Christof and Schratzenstaller, Thomas and Nonn, Aida}, title = {Experimentally validated simulation of coronary stents considering different dogboning ratios and asymmetric stent positioning}, series = {PlOS One}, volume = {14}, journal = {PlOS One}, number = {10}, publisher = {PLOS}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0224026}, pages = {1 -- 25}, abstract = {In-stent restenosis remains a major problem of arteriosclerosis treatment by stenting. Expansion-optimized stents could reduce this problem. With numerical simulations, stent designs/ expansion behaviours can be effectively analyzed. For reasons of efficiency, simplified models of balloon-expandable stents are often used, but their accuracy must be challenged due to insufficient experimental validation. In this work, a realistic stent life-cycle simulation has been performed including balloon folding, stent crimping and free expansion of the balloon-stent-system. The successful simulation and validation of two stent designs with homogenous and heterogeneous stent stiffness and an asymmetrically positioned stent on the balloon catheter confirm the universal applicability of the simulation approach. Dogboning ratio, as well as the final dimensions of the folded balloon, the crimped and expanded stent, correspond well to the experimental dimensions with only slight deviations. In contrast to the detailed stent life-cycle simulation, a displacement-controlled simulation can not predict the transient stent expansion, but is suitable to reproduce the final expanded stent shape and the associated stress states. The detailed stent life-cycle simulation is thus essential for stent expansion analysis/optimization, whereas for reasons of computational efficiency, the displacement-controlled approach can be considered in the context of pure stress analysis.}, subject = {Stent}, language = {en} } @article{WiesentSchultheissLullaetal., author = {Wiesent, Lisa and Schultheiß, Ulrich and Lulla, Philipp and Noster, Ulf and Schratzenstaller, Thomas and Schmid, Christof and Nonn, Aida and Spear, Ashley}, title = {Computational analysis of the effects of geometric irregularities and post-processing steps on the mechanical behavior of additively manufactured 316L stainless steel stents}, series = {PLoS ONE}, volume = {15}, journal = {PLoS ONE}, number = {12}, publisher = {PLOS}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0244463}, pages = {1 -- 30}, abstract = {Advances in additive manufacturing enable the production of tailored lattice structures and thus, in principle, coronary stents. This study investigates the effects of process-related irregularities, heat and surface treatment on the morphology, mechanical response, and expansion behavior of 316L stainless steel stents produced by laser powder bed fusion and provides a methodological approach for their numerical evaluation. A combined experimental and computational framework is used, based on both actual and computationally reconstructed laser powder bed fused stents. Process-related morphological deviations between the as-designed and actual laser powder bed fused stents were observed, resulting in a diameter increase by a factor of 2-2.6 for the stents without surface treatment and 1.3-2 for the electropolished stent compared to the as-designed stent. Thus, due to the increased geometrically induced stiffness, the laser powder bed fused stents in the as-built (7.11 ± 0.63 N) or the heat treated condition (5.87 ± 0.49 N) showed increased radial forces when compressed between two plates. After electropolishing, the heat treated stents exhibited radial forces (2.38 ± 0.23 N) comparable to conventional metallic stents. The laser powder bed fused stents were further affected by the size effect, resulting in a reduced yield strength by 41\% in the as-built and by 59\% in the heat treated condition compared to the bulk material obtained from tensile tests. The presented numerical approach was successful in predicting the macroscopic mechanical response of the stents under compression. During deformation, increased stiffness and local stress concentration were observed within the laser powder bed fused stents. Subsequent numerical expansion analysis of the derived stent models within a previously verified numerical model of stent expansion showed that electropolished and heat treated laser powder bed fused stents can exhibit comparable expansion behavior to conventional stents. The findings from this work motivate future experimental/numerical studies to quantify threshold values of critical geometric irregularities, which could be used to establish design guidelines for laser powder bed fused stents/lattice structures.}, subject = {Koronarendoprothese}, language = {en} } @article{WiesentSpearNonn, author = {Wiesent, Lisa and Spear, Ashley and Nonn, Aida}, title = {Computational analysis of the effects of geometric irregularities on the interaction of an additively manufactured 316L stainless steel stent and a coronary artery}, series = {Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials}, volume = {125}, journal = {Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials}, publisher = {Elsevier}, issn = {1751-6161}, doi = {10.1016/j.jmbbm.2021.104878}, abstract = {Customized additively manufactured (laser powder bed fused (L-PBF)) stents could improve the treatment of complex lesions by enhancing stent-artery conformity. However, geometric irregularities inherent for L-PBF stents are expected to influence not only their mechanical behavior but also their interaction with the artery. In this study, the influence of geometrical irregularities on stent-artery interaction is evaluated within a numerical framework. Thus, computed arterial stresses induced by a reconstructed L-PBF stent model are compared to those induced by the intended stent model (also representing a stent geometry obtained from conventional manufacturing processes) and a modified CAD stent model that accounts for the increased strut thickness inherent for L-PBF stents. It was found that, similar to conventionally manufactured stents, arterial stresses are initially related to the basic stent design/topology, with the highest stresses occurring at the indentations of the stent struts. Compared to the stent CAD model, the L-PBF stent induces distinctly higher and more maximum volume stresses within the plaque and the arterial wall. In return, the modified CAD model overestimates the arterial stresses induced by the L-PBF stent due to its homogeneously increased strut thickness and thus its homogeneously increased geometric stiffness compared with the L-PBF stent. Therefore, the L-PBF-induced geometric irregularities must be explicitly considered when evaluating the L-PBF stent-induced stresses because the intended stent CAD model underestimates the arterial stresses, whereas the modified CAD model overestimates them. The arterial stresses induced by the L-PBF stent were still within the range of values reported for conventional stents in literature, suggesting that the use of L-PBF stents is conceivable in principle. However, because geometric irregularities, such as protruding features from the stent surface, could potentially damage the artery or lead to premature stent failure, further improvement of L-PBF stents is essential.}, language = {en} } @article{WinklerWestner, author = {Winkler, Fabian and Westner, Markus}, title = {A Systematic Literature Review of DevOps Success Factors and Adoption Models}, series = {SOICT '23: Proceedings of the 12th International Symposium on Information and Communication Technology. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, 7-8 December 2023}, journal = {SOICT '23: Proceedings of the 12th International Symposium on Information and Communication Technology. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, 7-8 December 2023}, publisher = {ACM}, isbn = {979-8-4007-0891-6}, doi = {10.1145/3628797.3628883}, pages = {525 -- 532}, abstract = {This paper investigates DevOps adoption, emphasizing its cultural dimensions in the context of the information systems domain. Utilizing a robust systematic literature review methodology, we discerned nine salient success factors and delineated three stage models instrumental for a smooth transition into DevOps-centric projects. Despite the increasing breadth of research in the DevOps area, the absence of a consolidated definition remains a challenge, underscoring the importance of a unified interpretative framework. This research notably extends the current body of knowledge by focusing on the cultural dynamics of DevOps adoption. As a result, it offers a refined lens through which both practitioners involved in the adoption process and academic researchers can comprehend the nuances and implications of cultural shifts in the evolving landscape of DevOps within information systems.}, language = {en} } @misc{WolterRaptisMiddeletal., author = {Wolter, Jennifer and Raptis, Georgios and Middel, Luise and Ritthaler, Markus and Loss, J. and Ludwig, Bernd}, title = {Requirements for Apps Providing Teleconsultation Services Between Nursing Homes, Home-Based Nursing Care, and Doctors}, series = {2021 IEEE EMBS International Conference on Biomedical and Health Informatics (BHI), 27-30 July 2021, virtual conference}, journal = {2021 IEEE EMBS International Conference on Biomedical and Health Informatics (BHI), 27-30 July 2021, virtual conference}, publisher = {IEEE}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{WoehlHuberLoibletal., author = {W{\"o}hl, Rebecca and Huber, Michaela and Loibl, Markus and Riebschl{\"a}ger, Birgit and Nerlich, Michael and Palm, Christoph}, title = {The Impact of Semi-Automated Segmentation and 3D Analysis on Testing New Osteosynthesis Material}, series = {Bildverarbeitung f{\"u}r die Medizin 2017; Algorithmen - Systeme - Anwendungen; Proceedings des Workshops vom 12. bis 14. M{\"a}rz 2017 in Heidelberg}, booktitle = {Bildverarbeitung f{\"u}r die Medizin 2017; Algorithmen - Systeme - Anwendungen; Proceedings des Workshops vom 12. bis 14. M{\"a}rz 2017 in Heidelberg}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Berlin}, doi = {10.1007/978-3-662-54345-0_30}, pages = {122 -- 127}, abstract = {A new protocol for testing osteosynthesis material postoperatively combining semi-automated segmentation and 3D analysis of surface meshes is proposed. By various steps of transformation and measuring, objective data can be collected. In this study the specifications of a locking plate used for mediocarpal arthrodesis of the wrist were examined. The results show, that union of the lunate, triquetrum, hamate and capitate was achieved and that the plate is comparable to coexisting arthrodesis systems. Additionally, it was shown, that the complications detected correlate to the clinical outcome. In synopsis, this protocol is considered beneficial and should be taken into account in further studies.}, subject = {Osteosynthese}, language = {en} } @article{WoehlMaierGehmertetal., author = {W{\"o}hl, Rebecca and Maier, Johannes and Gehmert, Sebastian and Palm, Christoph and Riebschl{\"a}ger, Birgit and Nerlich, Michael and Huber, Michaela}, title = {3D Analysis of Osteosyntheses Material using semi-automated CT Segmentation}, series = {BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders}, volume = {19}, journal = {BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders}, publisher = {Springer Nature}, doi = {10.1186/s12891-018-1975-0}, pages = {1 -- 8}, abstract = {Backround Scaphoidectomy and midcarpal fusion can be performed using traditional fixation methods like K-wires, staples, screws or different dorsal (non)locking arthrodesis systems. The aim of this study is to test the Aptus four corner locking plate and to compare the clinical findings to the data revealed by CT scans and semi-automated segmentation. Methods: This is a retrospective review of eleven patients suffering from scapholunate advanced collapse (SLAC) or scaphoid non-union advanced collapse (SNAC) wrist, who received a four corner fusion between August 2011 and July 2014. The clinical evaluation consisted of measuring the range of motion (ROM), strength and pain on a visual analogue scale (VAS). Additionally, the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) and the Mayo Wrist Score were assessed. A computerized tomography (CT) of the wrist was obtained six weeks postoperatively. After semi-automated segmentation of the CT scans, the models were post processed and surveyed. Results During the six-month follow-up mean range of motion (ROM) of the operated wrist was 60°, consisting of 30° extension and 30° flexion. While pain levels decreased significantly, 54\% of grip strength and 89\% of pinch strength were preserved compared to the contralateral healthy wrist. Union could be detected in all CT scans of the wrist. While X-ray pictures obtained postoperatively revealed no pathology, two user related technical complications were found through the 3D analysis, which correlated to the clinical outcome. Conclusion Due to semi-automated segmentation and 3D analysis it has been proved that the plate design can keep up to the manufacturers' promises. Over all, this case series confirmed that the plate can compete with the coexisting techniques concerning clinical outcome, union and complication rate.}, subject = {Handchirurgie}, language = {en} } @misc{ZellmerRauberProbstetal., author = {Zellmer, Stephan and Rauber, David and Probst, Andreas and Weber, Tobias and Braun, Georg and R{\"o}mmele, Christoph and Nagl, Sandra and Schnoy, Elisabeth and Messmann, Helmut and Ebigbo, Alanna and Palm, Christoph}, title = {Artificial intelligence as a tool in the detection of the papillary ostium during ERCP}, series = {Endoscopy}, volume = {56}, journal = {Endoscopy}, number = {S 02}, publisher = {Thieme}, address = {Stuttgart}, doi = {10.1055/s-0044-1783138}, pages = {S198}, abstract = {Aims Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography (ERCP) is the gold standard in the diagnosis as well as treatment of diseases of the pancreatobiliary tract. However, it is technically complex and has a relatively high complication rate. In particular, cannulation of the papillary ostium remains challenging. The aim of this study is to examine whether a deep-learning algorithm can be used to detect the major duodenal papilla and in particular the papillary ostium reliably and could therefore be a valuable tool for inexperienced endoscopists, particularly in training situation. Methods We analyzed a total of 654 retrospectively collected images of 85 patients. Both the major duodenal papilla and the ostium were then segmented. Afterwards, a neural network was trained using a deep-learning algorithm. A 5-fold cross-validation was performed. Subsequently, we ran the algorithm on 5 prospectively collected videos of ERCPs. Results 5-fold cross-validation on the 654 labeled data resulted in an F1 value of 0.8007, a sensitivity of 0.8409 and a specificity of 0.9757 for the class papilla, and an F1 value of 0.5724, a sensitivity of 0.5456 and a specificity of 0.9966 for the class ostium. Regardless of the class, the average F1 value (class papilla and class ostium) was 0.6866, the sensitivity 0.6933 and the specificity 0.9861. In 100\% of cases the AI-detected localization of the papillary ostium in the prospectively collected videos corresponded to the localization of the cannulation performed by the endoscopist. Conclusions In the present study, the neural network was able to identify the major duodenal papilla with a high sensitivity and high specificity. In detecting the papillary ostium, the sensitivity was notably lower. However, when used on videos, the AI was able to identify the location of the subsequent cannulation with 100\% accuracy. In the future, the neural network will be trained with more data. Thus, a suitable tool for ERCP could be established, especially in the training situation.}, language = {en} } @article{ZellnerHierlMuelleretal., author = {Zellner, Johannes and Hierl, Katja and Mueller, Michael and Pfeifer, Christian and Berner, Arne and Dienstknecht, Thomas and Krutsch, Werner and Geis, Sebastian and Gehmert, Sebastian and Kujat, Richard and Dendorfer, Sebastian and Prantl, Lukas and Nerlich, Michael and Angele, Peter}, title = {Stem cell-based tissue-engineering for treatment of meniscal tears in the avascular zone}, series = {Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part B Applied Biomaterials}, volume = {101}, journal = {Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part B Applied Biomaterials}, number = {7}, editor = {Gilbert, Jeremy}, doi = {10.1002/jbm.b.32922}, pages = {1133 -- 1142}, abstract = {Meniscal tears in the avascular zone have a poor self-healing potential, however partial meniscectomy predisposes the knee for early osteoarthritis. Tissue engineering with mesenchymal stem cells and a hyaluronan collagen based scaffold is a promising approach to repair meniscal tears in the avascular zone. 4 mm longitudinal meniscal tears in the avascular zone of lateral menisci of New Zealand White Rabbits were performed. The defect was left empty, sutured with a 5-0 suture or filled with a hyaluronan/collagen composite matrix without cells, with platelet rich plasma or with autologous mesenchymal stem cells. Matrices with stem cells were in part precultured in chondrogenic medium for 14 days prior to the implantation. Menisci were harvested at 6 and 12 weeks. The developed repair tissue was analyzed macroscopically, histologically and biomechanically. Untreated defects, defects treated with suture alone, with cell-free or with platelet rich plasma seeded implants showed a muted fibrous healing response. The implantation of stem cell-matrix constructs initiated fibrocartilage-like repair tissue, with better integration and biomechanical properties in the precultured stem cell-matrix group. A hyaluronan-collagen based composite scaffold seeded with mesenchymal stem cells is more effective in the repair avascular meniscal tear with stable meniscus-like tissue and to restore the native meniscus.}, subject = {Meniskusschaden}, language = {en} } @article{ZucchiFrancoSchrecketal., author = {Zucchi, Jose William and Franco, Estefania Aparecida Thome and Schreck, Thomas and Castro Silva, Maria Helena and Migliorini, Sandro Rog{\´e}rio dos Santos and Garcia, T. and Mota, G. A. F. and de Morais, Bruna Evelyn Bueno and Machado, L. H. S. and Batista, A. N. R. and de Pavia, Sergio and de Godoy, I. and Tanni, Suzana}, title = {Different Clusters in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)}, series = {International Journal of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease}, volume = {15}, journal = {International Journal of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease}, publisher = {Dove Medical Press}, doi = {10.2147/COPD.S268332}, pages = {2847 -- 2856}, abstract = {Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has a functional definition. However, differences in clinical characteristics and systemic manifestations make COPD a heterogeneous disease and some manifestations have been associated with different risks of acute exacerbations, hospitalizations, and death. Objective: Therefore, the objective of the study was to evaluate possible clinical clusters in COPD at two study centers in Brazil and identify the associated exacerbation and mortality rate during 1 year of follow-up. Methods: We included patients with COPD and all underwent an evaluation composed of the Charlson Index, body mass index (BMI), current pharmacological treatment, smoking history (packs-year), history of exacerbations/hospitalizations in the last year, spirometry, six-minute walking test (6MWT), quality of life questionnaires, dyspnea, and hospital anxiety and depression scale. Blood samples were also collected for measurements of C-reactive protein (CRP), blood gases, laboratory analysis, and blood count. For the construction of the clusters, 13 continuous variables of clinical importance were considered: hematocrit, CRP, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein, absolute number of peripheral eosinophils, age, pulse oximetry, BMI, forced expiratory volume in the first second, dyspnea, 6MWD, total score of the Saint George Respiratory Questionnaire and packs-year of smoking. We used the Ward and K-means methods and determined the best silhouette value to identify similarities of individuals within the cluster (cohesion) in relation to the other clusters (separation). The number of clusters was determined by the heterogeneity values of the cluster, which in this case was determined as four clusters. Results: We evaluated 301 COPD patients and identified four different groups of COPD patients. The first cluster (203 patients) was characterized by fewer symptoms and lower functional severity of the disease, the second cluster by higher values of peripheral eosinophils, the third cluster by more systemic inflammation and the fourth cluster by greater obstructive severity and worse gas exchange. Cluster 2 had an average of 959 3 peripheral eosinophils, cluster 3 had a higher prevalence of nutritional depletion (46.1\%), and cluster 4 had a higher BODE index. Regarding the associated comorbidities, we found that only obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and pulmonary thromboembolism were more prevalent in cluster 4. Almost 50\% of all patients presented an exacerbation during 1 year of follow-up. However, it was higher in cluster 4, with 65\% of all patients having at least one exacerbation. The mortality rate was statistically higher in cluster 4, with 26.9\%, vs 9.6\% in cluster 1. Conclusion: We could identify four clinical different clusters in these COPD populations, that were related to different clinical manifestations, comorbidities, exacerbation, and mortality rate. We also identified a specific cluster with higher values of peripheral eosinophils.}, language = {en} }