TY - RPRT A1 - Göll, Fabian A1 - Braunstein, Björn A1 - Albracht, Kirsten T1 - Lernende roboterassistierte Systeme für das neuromuskuläre Training - RoSylerNT; Teilvorhaben: Entwicklung eines neuromuskuloskelettalen Modells als Basis für die Interaktionsfähigkeiten autonomer Assistenzsysteme KW - Robotik KW - Rehabilitationsmedizin KW - Neuromuskuläres System KW - Rehabilitatives Training KW - Trainingsgerät Y1 - 2021 U6 - https://doi.org/10.2314/KXP:1855318741 N1 - Förderkennzeichen BMBF 16SV7853 Schlussbericht der Deutschen Sporthochschule Köln für das Vorhaben RoSylerNT Laufzeit: 01.08.2017-31.07.2021 PB - Deutsche Sporthochschule Köln CY - Köln ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Özsoylu, Dua A1 - Aliazizi, Fereshteh A1 - Wagner, Patrick A1 - Schöning, Michael Josef T1 - Template bacteria-free fabrication of surface imprinted polymer-based biosensor for E. coli detection using photolithographic mimics: Hacking bacterial adhesion JF - Biosensors and Bioelectronics N2 - As one class of molecular imprinted polymers (MIPs), surface imprinted polymer (SIP)-based biosensors show great potential in direct whole-bacteria detection. Micro-contact imprinting, that involves stamping the template bacteria immobilized on a substrate into a pre-polymerized polymer matrix, is the most straightforward and prominent method to obtain SIP-based biosensors. However, the major drawbacks of the method arise from the requirement for fresh template bacteria and often non-reproducible bacteria distribution on the stamp substrate. Herein, we developed a positive master stamp containing photolithographic mimics of the template bacteria (E. coli) enabling reproducible fabrication of biomimetic SIP-based biosensors without the need for the “real” bacteria cells. By using atomic force and scanning electron microscopy imaging techniques, respectively, the E. coli-capturing ability of the SIP samples was tested, and compared with non-imprinted polymer (NIP)-based samples and control SIP samples, in which the cavity geometry does not match with E. coli cells. It was revealed that the presence of the biomimetic E. coli imprints with a specifically designed geometry increases the sensor E. coli-capturing ability by an “imprinting factor” of about 3. These findings show the importance of geometry-guided physical recognition in bacterial detection using SIP-based biosensors. In addition, this imprinting strategy was employed to interdigitated electrodes and QCM (quartz crystal microbalance) chips. E. coli detection performance of the sensors was demonstrated with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and QCM measurements with dissipation monitoring technique (QCM-D). KW - Surface imprinted polymer KW - E. coli detection KW - Photolithographic mimics KW - Master stamp KW - Quartz crystal microbalance Y1 - 2024 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bios.2024.116491 SN - 1873-4235 (eISSN) SN - 0956-5663 N1 - Corresponding author: Michael J. Schöning VL - 261 PB - Elsevier CY - Amsterdam ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Ketelhut, Maike A1 - Brügge, G. M. A1 - Göll, Fabian A1 - Braunstein, Bjoern A1 - Albracht, Kirsten A1 - Abel, Dirk T1 - Adaptive iterative learning control of an industrial robot during neuromuscular training JF - IFAC PapersOnLine N2 - To prevent the reduction of muscle mass and loss of strength coming along with the human aging process, regular training with e.g. a leg press is suitable. However, the risk of training-induced injuries requires the continuous monitoring and controlling of the forces applied to the musculoskeletal system as well as the velocity along the motion trajectory and the range of motion. In this paper, an adaptive norm-optimal iterative learning control algorithm to minimize the knee joint loadings during the leg extension training with an industrial robot is proposed. The response of the algorithm is tested in simulation for patients with varus, normal and valgus alignment of the knee and compared to the results of a higher-order iterative learning control algorithm, a robust iterative learning control and a recently proposed conventional norm-optimal iterative learning control algorithm. Although significant improvements in performance are made compared to the conventional norm-optimal iterative learning control algorithm with a small learning factor, for the developed approach as well as the robust iterative learning control algorithm small steady state errors occur. KW - Iterative learning control KW - Robotic rehabilitation KW - Adaptive control Y1 - 2020 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ifacol.2020.12.741 SN - 2405-8963 VL - 53 IS - 2 SP - 16468 EP - 16475 PB - Elsevier CY - Amsterdam ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Ketelhut, Maike A1 - Kolditz, Melanie A1 - Göll, Fabian A1 - Braunstein, Bjoern A1 - Albracht, Kirsten A1 - Abel, Dirk T1 - Admittance control of an industrial robot during resistance training JF - IFAC-PapersOnLine N2 - Neuromuscular strength training of the leg extensor muscles plays an important role in the rehabilitation and prevention of age and wealth related diseases. In this paper, we focus on the design and implementation of a Cartesian admittance control scheme for isotonic training, i.e. leg extension and flexion against a predefined weight. For preliminary testing and validation of the designed algorithm an experimental research and development platform consisting of an industrial robot and a force plate mounted at its end-effector has been used. Linear, diagonal and arbitrary two-dimensional motion trajectories with different weights for the leg extension and flexion part are applied. The proposed algorithm is easily adaptable to trajectories consisting of arbitrary six-dimensional poses and allows the implementation of individualized trajectories. KW - Assistive technology KW - Rehabilitation engineering KW - Human-Computer interaction KW - Automatic control Y1 - 2019 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ifacol.2019.12.102 SN - 2405-8963 N1 - 14th IFAC Symposium on Analysis, Design, and Evaluation of Human Machine Systems HMS 2019 Tallinn, Estonia, 16–91 September 2019 VL - 52 IS - 19 SP - 223 EP - 228 PB - Elsevier CY - Amsterdam ER - TY - CHAP A1 - Ketelhut, Maike A1 - Göll, Fabian A1 - Braunstein, Bjoern A1 - Albracht, Kirsten A1 - Abel, Dirk T1 - Iterative learning control of an industrial robot for neuromuscular training T2 - 2019 IEEE Conference on Control Technology and Applications N2 - Effective training requires high muscle forces potentially leading to training-induced injuries. Thus, continuous monitoring and controlling of the loadings applied to the musculoskeletal system along the motion trajectory is required. In this paper, a norm-optimal iterative learning control algorithm for the robot-assisted training is developed. The algorithm aims at minimizing the external knee joint moment, which is commonly used to quantify the loading of the medial compartment. To estimate the external knee joint moment, a musculoskeletal lower extremity model is implemented in OpenSim and coupled with a model of an industrial robot and a force plate mounted at its end-effector. The algorithm is tested in simulation for patients with varus, normal and valgus alignment of the knee. The results show that the algorithm is able to minimize the external knee joint moment in all three cases and converges after less than seven iterations. KW - Knee KW - Training KW - Load modeling KW - Force KW - Iterative learning control Y1 - 2019 SN - 978-1-7281-2767-5 (ePub) SN - 978-1-7281-2766-8 (USB) SN - 978-1-7281-2768-2 (PoD) U6 - https://doi.org/10.1109/CCTA.2019.8920659 N1 - 2019 IEEE Conference on Control Technology and Applications (CCTA) Hong Kong, China, August 19-21, 2019 PB - IEEE CY - New York ER - TY - GEN A1 - Blottner, Dieter A1 - Hastermann, Maria A1 - Muckelt, Paul A1 - Albracht, Kirsten A1 - Schoenrock, Britt A1 - Salanova, Michele A1 - Warner, Martin A1 - Gunga, Hans-Christian A1 - Stokes, Maria T1 - MYOTONES - Inflight muscle health status monitoring during long-duration space missions onboard the International Space Station: a single case study T2 - IAC Papers Archive N2 - The MYOTONES experiment is the first to monitor changes in the basic biomechanical properties (tone, elasticity and stiffness) of the resting human myofascial system due to microgravity with a oninvasive, portable device on board the ISS. The MyotonPRO device applies several brief mechanical stimuli to the surface of the skin, and the natural oscillation signals of the tissue beneath are detected and computed by the MyotonPRO. Thus, an objective, quick and easy determination of the state of the underlying tissue is possible. Two preflight, four inflight and four post flight measurements were performed on a male astronaut using the same 10 measurement points (MP) for each session. MPs were located on the plantar fascia, Achilles tendon, M. soleus, M. gastrocnemius, M. multifidus, M. splenius capitis, M. deltoideus anterior, M. rectus femoris, infrapatellar tendon, M. tibialis anterior. Subcutaneous tissues thickness above the MPs was measured using ultrasound imaging. Magnetic resonance images (MRI) of lower limb muscles and functional tests were also performed pre- and postflight. Our first measurements on board the ISS confirmed increased tone and stiffness of the lumbar multifidus muscle, an important trunk stabilizer, dysfunction of which is known to be associated with back pain. Furthermore, reduced tone and stiffness of Achilles tendon and plantar fascia were observed inflight vs. preflight, confirming previous findings from terrestrial analog studies and parabolic flights. Unexpectedly, the deltoid showed negative inflight changes in tone and stiffness, and increased elasticity, suggesting a potential risk of muscle atrophy in longer spaceflight that should be addressed by adequate inflight countermeasure protocols. Most values from limb and back MPS showed deflected patterns (in either directions) from inflight shortly after the re-entry phase on the landing day and one week later. Most parameter values then normalized to baseline after 3 weeks likely due to 1G re-adaptation and possible outcome of the reconditioning protocol. No major changes in subcutaneous tissues thickness above the MPs were found inflight vs preflight, suggesting no bias (i.e., fluid shift, extreme tissue thickening or loss). Pre- and postflight MRI and functional tests showed negligible changes in calf muscle size, power and force, which is likely due to training effects from current inflight exercise protocols. The MYOTONES experiment is currently ongoing to collect data from further crew members. The potential impact of this research is to better understand the effects of microgravity and countermeasures over the time course of an ISS mission cycle. This will enable exercise countermeasures to be tailored Y1 - 2019 SN - 00741795 N1 - International Astronautical Congress: space: the power of the past, the promise of the future - Washington DC, USA/Vereinigte Staaten von Amerika Dauer: 21.10.2019 → 25.10.2019 PB - Pergamon CY - Oxford ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Werkhausen, Amelie A1 - Cronin, Neil J. A1 - Albracht, Kirsten A1 - Paulsen, Gøran A1 - Larsen, Askild V. A1 - Bojsen-Møller, Jens A1 - Seynnes, Olivier R. T1 - Training-induced increase in Achilles tendon stiffness affects tendon strain pattern during running JF - PeerJ N2 - Background During the stance phase of running, the elasticity of the Achilles tendon enables the utilisation of elastic energy and allows beneficial contractile conditions for the triceps surae muscles. However, the effect of changes in tendon mechanical properties induced by chronic loading is still poorly understood. We tested the hypothesis that a training-induced increase in Achilles tendon stiffness would result in reduced tendon strain during the stance phase of running, which would reduce fascicle strains in the triceps surae muscles, particularly in the mono-articular soleus. Methods Eleven subjects were assigned to a training group performing isometric singleleg plantarflexion contractions three times per week for ten weeks, and another ten subjects formed a control group. Before and after the training period, Achilles tendon stiffness was estimated, and muscle-tendon mechanics were assessed during running at preferred speed using ultrasonography, kinematics and kinetics. Results Achilles tendon stiffness increased by 18% (P <0:01) in the training group, but the associated reduction in strain seen during isometric contractions was not statistically significant. Tendon elongation during the stance phase of running was similar after training, but tendon recoil was reduced by 30% (P <0:01), while estimated tendon force remained unchanged. Neither gastrocnemius medialis nor soleus fascicle shortening during stance was affected by training. Discussion These results show that a training-induced increase in Achilles tendon stiffness altered tendon behaviour during running. Despite training-induced changes in tendon mechanical properties and recoil behaviour, the data suggest that fascicle shortening patterns were preserved for the running speed that we examined. The asymmetrical changes in tendon strain patterns supports the notion that simple inseries models do not fully explain the mechanical output of the muscle-tendon unit during a complex task like running. KW - Achilles tendon KW - Stiffness KW - Running KW - Tendon properties KW - Architectural gear ratio Y1 - 2019 U6 - https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.6764 SN - 21678359 PB - Peer CY - London ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Ketelhut, Maike A1 - Göll, Fabian A1 - Braunstein, Björn A1 - Albracht, Kirsten A1 - Abel, Dirk T1 - Comparison of different training algorithms for the leg extension training with an industrial robot JF - Current Directions in Biomedical Engineering N2 - In the past, different training scenarios have been developed and implemented on robotic research platforms, but no systematic analysis and comparison have been done so far. This paper deals with the comparison of an isokinematic (motion with constant velocity) and an isotonic (motion against constant weight) training algorithm. Both algorithms are designed for a robotic research platform consisting of a 3D force plate and a high payload industrial robot, which allows leg extension training with arbitrary six-dimensional motion trajectories. In the isokinematic as well as the isotonic training algorithm, individual paths are defined i n C artesian s pace by sufficient s upport p oses. I n t he i sotonic t raining s cenario, the trajectory is adapted to the measured force as the robot should only move along the trajectory as long as the force applied by the user exceeds a minimum threshold. In the isotonic training scenario however, the robot’s acceleration is a function of the force applied by the user. To validate these findings, a simulative experiment with a simple linear trajectory is performed. For this purpose, the same force path is applied in both training scenarios. The results illustrate that the algorithms differ in the force dependent trajectory adaption. KW - Rehabilitation Technology and Prosthetics KW - Surgical Navigation and Robotics Y1 - 2018 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1515/cdbme-2018-0005 SN - 2364-5504 VL - 4 IS - 1 SP - 17 EP - 20 PB - De Gruyter CY - Berlin ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Stäudle, Benjamin A1 - Seynnes, Olivier A1 - Laps, Guido A1 - Brüggemann, Gert-Peter A1 - Albracht, Kirsten T1 - Altered gastrocnemius contractile behavior in former achilles tendon rupture patients during walking JF - Frontiers in Physiology N2 - Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) remains associated with functional limitations years after injury. Architectural remodeling of the gastrocnemius medialis (GM) muscle is typically observed in the affected leg and may compensate force deficits caused by a longer tendon. Yet patients seem to retain functional limitations during—low-force—walking gait. To explore the potential limits imposed by the remodeled GM muscle-tendon unit (MTU) on walking gait, we examined the contractile behavior of muscle fascicles during the stance phase. In a cross-sectional design, we studied nine former patients (males; age: 45 ± 9 years; height: 180 ± 7 cm; weight: 83 ± 6 kg) with a history of complete unilateral ATR, approximately 4 years post-surgery. Using ultrasonography, GM tendon morphology, muscle architecture at rest, and fascicular behavior were assessed during walking at 1.5 m⋅s–1 on a treadmill. Walking patterns were recorded with a motion capture system. The unaffected leg served as control. Lower limbs kinematics were largely similar between legs during walking. Typical features of ATR-related MTU remodeling were observed during the stance sub-phases corresponding to series elastic element (SEE) lengthening (energy storage) and SEE shortening (energy release), with shorter GM fascicles (36 and 36%, respectively) and greater pennation angles (8° and 12°, respectively). However, relative to the optimal fascicle length for force production, fascicles operated at comparable length in both legs. Similarly, when expressed relative to optimal fascicle length, fascicle contraction velocity was not different between sides, except at the time-point of peak series elastic element (SEE) length, where it was 39 ± 49% lower in the affected leg. Concomitantly, fascicles rotation during contraction was greater in the affected leg during the whole stance-phase, and architectural gear ratios (AGR) was larger during SEE lengthening. Under the present testing conditions, former ATR patients had recovered a relatively symmetrical walking gait pattern. Differences in seen AGR seem to accommodate the profound changes in MTU architecture, limiting the required fascicle shortening velocity. Overall, the contractile behavior of the GM fascicles does not restrict length- or velocity-dependent force potentials during this locomotor task. KW - tendon rupture KW - muscle fascicle behavior KW - walking gait KW - force generation KW - ultrasound imaging Y1 - 2022 U6 - https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2022.792576 SN - 1664-042X VL - 13 PB - Frontiers Research Foundation CY - Lausanne ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Quittmann, Oliver J. A1 - Abel, Thomas A1 - Albracht, Kirsten A1 - Strüder, Heiko K. T1 - Biomechanics of all-out handcycling exercise: kinetics, kinematics and muscular activity of a 15-s sprint test in able-bodied participants JF - Sports Biomechanics N2 - This study aims to quantify the kinematics, kinetics and muscular activity of all-out handcycling exercise and examine their alterations during the course of a 15-s sprint test. Twelve able-bodied competitive triathletes performed a 15-s all-out sprint test in a recumbent racing handcycle that was attached to an ergometer. During the sprint test, tangential crank kinetics, 3D joint kinematics and muscular activity of 10 muscles of the upper extremity and trunk were examined using a power metre, motion capturing and surface electromyography (sEMG), respectively. Parameters were compared between revolution one (R1), revolution two (R2), the average of revolution 3 to 13 (R3) and the average of the remaining revolutions (R4). Shoulder abduction and internal-rotation increased, whereas maximal shoulder retroversion decreased during the sprint. Except for the wrist angles, angular velocity increased for every joint of the upper extremity. Several muscles demonstrated an increase in muscular activation, an earlier onset of muscular activation in crank cycle and an increased range of activation. During the course of a 15-s all-out sprint test in handcycling, the shoulder muscles and the muscles associated to the push phase demonstrate indications for short-duration fatigue. These findings are helpful to prevent injuries and improve performance in all-out handcycling. KW - Handbike KW - sEMG KW - Paralympic sport KW - performance testing KW - high-intensity exercise Y1 - 2022 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1080/14763141.2020.1745266 SN - 1752-6116 (Onlineausgabe) SN - 1476-3141 (Druckausgabe) VL - 21 IS - 10 SP - 1200 EP - 1223 PB - Taylor & Francis CY - London ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Richter, Charlotte A1 - Braunstein, Björn A1 - Stäudle, Benjamin A1 - Attias, Julia A1 - Süss, Alexander A1 - Weber, Tobias A1 - Mileva, Katya N. A1 - Rittweger, Jörn A1 - Green, David A. A1 - Albracht, Kirsten T1 - Gastrocnemius medialis contractile behavior during running differs between simulated Lunar and Martian gravities JF - Scientific reports N2 - The international partnership of space agencies has agreed to proceed forward to the Moon sustainably. Activities on the Lunar surface (0.16 g) will allow crewmembers to advance the exploration skills needed when expanding human presence to Mars (0.38 g). Whilst data from actual hypogravity activities are limited to the Apollo missions, simulation studies have indicated that ground reaction forces, mechanical work, muscle activation, and joint angles decrease with declining gravity level. However, these alterations in locomotion biomechanics do not necessarily scale to the gravity level, the reduction in gastrocnemius medialis activation even appears to level off around 0.2 g, while muscle activation pattern remains similar. Thus, it is difficult to predict whether gastrocnemius medialis contractile behavior during running on Moon will basically be the same as on Mars. Therefore, this study investigated lower limb joint kinematics and gastrocnemius medialis behavior during running at 1 g, simulated Martian gravity, and simulated Lunar gravity on the vertical treadmill facility. The results indicate that hypogravity-induced alterations in joint kinematics and contractile behavior still persist between simulated running on the Moon and Mars. This contrasts with the concept of a ceiling effect and should be carefully considered when evaluating exercise prescriptions and the transferability of locomotion practiced in Lunar gravity to Martian gravity. KW - Bone quality and biomechanics KW - Environmental impact KW - Skeletal muscle KW - Tendons KW - Ultrasound Y1 - 2021 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-00527-9 SN - 2045-2322 N1 - Corresponding author: Charlotte Richter VL - 11 IS - Article number: 22555 PB - Springer Nature CY - London ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Werkhausen, Amelie A1 - Willwacher, Steffen A1 - Albracht, Kirsten T1 - Medial gastrocnemius muscle fascicles shorten throughout stance during sprint acceleration JF - Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports N2 - The compliant nature of distal limb muscle-tendon units is traditionally considered suboptimal in explosive movements when positive joint work is required. However, during accelerative running, ankle joint net mechanical work is positive. Therefore, this study aims to investigate how plantar flexor muscle-tendon behavior is modulated during fast accelerations. Eleven female sprinters performed maximum sprint accelerations from starting blocks, while gastrocnemius muscle fascicle lengths were estimated using ultrasonography. We combined motion analysis and ground reaction force measurements to assess lower limb joint kinematics and kinetics, and to estimate gastrocnemius muscle-tendon unit length during the first two acceleration steps. Outcome variables were resampled to the stance phase and averaged across three to five trials. Relevant scalars were extracted and analyzed using one-sample and two-sample t-tests, and vector trajectories were compared using statistical parametric mapping. We found that an uncoupling of muscle fascicle behavior from muscle-tendon unit behavior is effectively used to produce net positive mechanical work at the joint during maximum sprint acceleration. Muscle fascicles shortened throughout the first and second steps, while shortening occurred earlier during the first step, where negative joint work was lower compared with the second step. Elastic strain energy may be stored during dorsiflexion after touchdown since fascicles did not lengthen at the same time to dissipate energy. Thus, net positive work generation is accommodated by the reuse of elastic strain energy along with positive gastrocnemius fascicle work. Our results show a mechanism of how muscles with high in-series compliance can contribute to net positive joint work. KW - locomotion KW - muscle mechanics KW - running KW - sprint start KW - ultrasonography Y1 - 2021 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1111/sms.13956 SN - 0905-7188 (Druckausgabe) SN - 1600-0838 (Onlineausgabe) VL - 31 IS - 7 SP - 1471 EP - 1480 PB - Wiley-Blackwell CY - Oxford ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Monti, Elena A1 - Waldvogel, Janice A1 - Ritzmann, Ramona A1 - Freyler, Kathrin A1 - Albracht, Kirsten A1 - Helm, Michael A1 - De Cesare, Niccolò A1 - Pavan, Piero A1 - Reggiani, Carlo A1 - Gollhofer, Albert A1 - Narici, Marco Vincenzo T1 - Muscle in variable gravity: “I do not know where I am, but I know what to do” JF - Frontiers in Physiology N2 - Performing tasks, such as running and jumping, requires activation of the agonist and antagonist muscles before (motor unit pre-activation) and during movement performance (Santello and Mcdonagh, 1998). A well-timed and regulated muscle activation elicits a stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) response, naturally occurring in bouncing movements (Ishikawa and Komi, 2004; Taube et al., 2012). By definition, the SSC describes the stretching of a pre-activated muscle-tendon complex immediately followed by a muscle shortening in the concentric push-off phase (Komi, 1984). Given the importance of SSC actions for human movement, it is not surprising that many studies investigated the biomechanics of this phenomenon; in particular, drop jumps (DJs) represent a good paradigm to study muscle fascicle and tendon behavior in ballistic movements involving the SSC. Within a DJ, three main phases [pre-activation, braking, and push-off (PO; Komi, 2000)] have been recognized and extensively studied in common and challenging conditions, such as changes in load, falling height, or simulated hypo-gravity (Avela et al., 1994; Arampatzis et al., 2001; Fukashiro et al., 2005; Ishikawa et al., 2005; Sousa et al., 2007; Ritzmann et al., 2016; Helm et al., 2020). These studies show that the timing and amount of triceps-surae muscle-tendon unit pre-activation in DJs are differentially regulated based on the load applied to the muscle, being optimal in normal “Earth” gravity conditions (Avela et al., 1994), but decreased in simulated hypo-gravity, hyper-gravity (Avela et al., 1994; Ritzmann et al., 2016), or unknown conditions (i.e., unknown falling heights; Helm et al., 2020). Some authors indicated that, when falling from heights different from the optimal one [defined as the drop height giving a maximum DJ performance indicated as peak ground reaction force (GRF) or jump high], electromyographic (EMG) activity of the plantar flexors increases from lower than optimal to higher than optimal heights (Ishikawa and Komi, 2004; Sousa et al., 2007). These findings highlight the ability of the central nervous system to regulate the timing and amount of pre-activation according to different jumping conditions, thus regulating muscle fascicle length, tendon and joint stiffness as well as position, in order to safely land on the ground and quickly re-bounce. Similarly, to pre-activation, also in the braking phase, the plantar flexors are differentially regulated. In optimal height (i.e., load) jumping conditions, gastrocnemius medialis (GM) fascicles shorten at early ground contact (possibly due to the intervention of the stretch reflex; Gollhofer et al., 1992) and behave quasi-isometrically in the late braking phase, enabling tendon elongation, and storage of elastic energy (Gollhofer et al., 1992; Fukashiro et al., 2005; Sousa et al., 2007). When increasing the falling height (augmenting the impact GRF), the quasi-isometric behavior of fascicles disappears, and fast fascicle lengthening occurs (Ishikawa et al., 2005; Sousa et al., 2007). In the third and last PO phase, fascicles shorten and the tendon releases the elastic energy previously stored. Bobbert et al. (1987) reported no influence of jumping height on the work done and on the net vertical impulse assessed during PO; this observation suggests that, despite an optimal DJ performance might be achieved only in specific conditions (falling heights, loads), the central nervous system seems to be able to regulate muscle behavior in order to effectively perform the required task also in challenging situations. Although the regulation of triceps-surae muscle-tendon unit in DJs has been extensively investigated, very few studies focused on sarcomeres behavior during the performance of this SSC movement (Kurokawa et al., 2003; Fukashiro et al., 2005, 2006). Sarcomeres represent muscle contractile units and are known to express different amounts of force depending on their length (Gordon et al., 1966; Walker and Schrodt, 1974); thus, understanding the time course of their responses during DJs is fundamental to gain further insights into muscle force-generating capacity. In vivo measurement of sarcomere length in humans has been so far been performed only in static positions and under highly controlled experimental conditions (Llewellyn et al., 2008; Sanchez et al., 2015). Instead, human sarcomere length estimation (achieved by dividing GM measured fascicle length for a fixed sarcomere number) in dynamic contractions provided an indirect measure of sarcomere operating range during squat jump, countermovement jump, and DJ (Fukashiro et al., 2005, 2006; Kurokawa et al., 2003). The results of these studies showed that sarcomeres operate in the ascending limb of their length-tension (L-T) relationship in all types of jumps, and particularly so in DJ. However, most of the available observations on sarcomere and muscle fascicle behavior were made in condition of constant gravity. Thus, in order to understand how sarcomere and muscle fascicle length are regulated in variable gravity conditions, we performed experiments in a parabolic flight, involving variable gravity levels, ranging from about zero-g to about double the Earth’s gravity (1 g; Waldvogel et al., 2021). Specifically, the aims of the present study were as follows: 1. To investigate the ability of the neuromuscular system in regulating fascicle length in response to conditions of variable gravity. 2. To estimate sarcomere operative length in the different DJ phases, in order to calculate its theoretical force production and its possible modulation in conditions of variable gravity. We hypothesized that muscle fascicles would be differentially regulated in different gravity conditions compared to 1 g, particularly in anticipation of landing and re-bouncing in unknown gravity levels. In addition, we hypothesized that sarcomeres would operate in the upper part of the ascending limb of their L-T relationship, possibly lengthening during the braking phase (especially in hyper-gravity) while operating quasi-isometrically in 1 g. KW - parabolic flight KW - drop jump KW - hypo-gravity KW - hyper-gravity KW - sarcomere operating length Y1 - 2021 U6 - https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2021.714655 SN - 1664-042X VL - 12 PB - Frontiers Research Foundation CY - Lausanne ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Stäudle, Benjamin A1 - Seynnes, Olivier A1 - Laps, Guido A1 - Göll, Fabian A1 - Brüggemann, Gert-Peter A1 - Albracht, Kirsten T1 - Recovery from achilles tendon repair: a combination of Postsurgery Outcomes and Insufficient remodeling of muscle and tendon JF - Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise N2 - Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) patients have persistent functional deficits in the triceps surae muscle–tendon unit (MTU). The complex remodeling of the MTU accompanying these deficits remains poorly understood. The purpose of the present study was to associate in vivo and in silico data to investigate the relations between changes inMTU properties and strength deficits inATR patients. Methods: Elevenmale subjects who had undergone surgical repair of complete unilateral ATR were examined 4.6 ± 2.0 (mean ± SD) yr after rupture. Gastrocnemius medialis (GM) tendon stiffness, morphology, and muscle architecture were determined using ultrasonography. The force–length relation of the plantar flexor muscles was assessed at five ankle joint angles. In addition, simulations (OpenSim) of the GM MTU force–length properties were performed with various iterations of MTU properties found between the unaffected and the affected side. Results: The affected side of the patients displayed a longer, larger, and stiffer GM tendon (13% ± 10%, 105% ± 28%, and 54% ± 24%, respectively) compared with the unaffected side. The GM muscle fascicles of the affected side were shorter (32% ± 12%) and with greater pennation angles (31% ± 26%). A mean deficit in plantarflexion moment of 31% ± 10% was measured. Simulations indicate that pairing an intact muscle with a longer tendon shifts the optimal angular range of peak force outside physiological angular ranges, whereas the shorter muscle fascicles and tendon stiffening seen in the affected side decrease this shift, albeit incompletely. Conclusions: These results suggest that the substantial changes in MTU properties found in ATR patients may partly result from compensatory remodeling, although this process appears insufficient to fully restore muscle function. KW - Tendon Rupture KW - Stiffness KW - Simulation KW - Muscle Force KW - Muscle Fascicle Y1 - 2021 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0000000000002592 SN - 1530-0315 VL - 53 IS - 7 SP - 1356 EP - 1366 PB - American College of Sports Medicine CY - Philadelphia, Pa. ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Werkhausen, Amelie A1 - Albracht, Kirsten A1 - Cronin, Neil J A1 - Paulsen, Gøran A1 - Bojsen-Møller, Jens A1 - Seynnes, Olivier R T1 - Effect of training-induced changes in achilles tendon stiffness on muscle-tendon behavior during landing JF - Frontiers in physiology N2 - During rapid deceleration of the body, tendons buffer part of the elongation of the muscle-tendon unit (MTU), enabling safe energy dissipation via eccentric muscle contraction. Yet, the influence of changes in tendon stiffness within the physiological range upon these lengthening contractions is unknown. This study aimed to examine the effect of training-induced stiffening of the Achilles tendon on triceps surae muscle-tendon behavior during a landing task. Twenty-one male subjects were assigned to either a 10-week resistance-training program consisting of single-leg isometric plantarflexion (n = 11) or to a non-training control group (n = 10). Before and after the training period, plantarflexion force, peak Achilles tendon strain and stiffness were measured during isometric contractions, using a combination of dynamometry, ultrasound and kinematics data. Additionally, testing included a step-landing task, during which joint mechanics and lengths of gastrocnemius and soleus fascicles, Achilles tendon, and MTU were determined using synchronized ultrasound, kinematics and kinetics data collection. After training, plantarflexion strength and Achilles tendon stiffness increased (15 and 18%, respectively), and tendon strain during landing remained similar. Likewise, lengthening and negative work produced by the gastrocnemius MTU did not change detectably. However, in the training group, gastrocnemius fascicle length was offset (8%) to a longer length at touch down and, surprisingly, fascicle lengthening and velocity were reduced by 27 and 21%, respectively. These changes were not observed for soleus fascicles when accounting for variation in task execution between tests. These results indicate that a training-induced increase in tendon stiffness does not noticeably affect the buffering action of the tendon when the MTU is rapidly stretched. Reductions in gastrocnemius fascicle lengthening and lengthening velocity during landing occurred independently from tendon strain. Future studies are required to provide insight into the mechanisms underpinning these observations and their influence on energy dissipation. KW - achilles tendon KW - energy absorption KW - energy dissipation KW - mechanical buffer KW - stiffness Y1 - 2018 U6 - https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2018.00794 SN - 1664-042X IS - 9 PB - Frontiers Research Foundation CY - Lausanne ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Yang, Peng-Fei A1 - Kriechbaumer, Andreas A1 - Albracht, Kirsten A1 - Sanno, Maximilian A1 - Ganse, Bergita A1 - Koy, Timmo A1 - Shang, Peng A1 - brüggemann, Gert-Peter A1 - Müller, Lars Peter A1 - Rittweger, Jörn T1 - A novel optical approach for assessing in vivo bone segment deformation and its application in muscle-bone relationship studies in humans JF - Journal of Orthopaedic Translation Y1 - 2014 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jot.2014.07.078 SN - 2214-0328 SN - 2214-031X VL - 2 IS - 4 SP - 238 EP - 238 PB - Elsevier CY - Singapore ER - TY - CHAP A1 - Maurer, Florian A1 - Miskiw, Kim K. A1 - Acosta, Rebeca Ramirez A1 - Harder, Nick A1 - Sander, Volker A1 - Lehnhoff, Sebastian ED - Jorgensen, Bo Norregaard ED - Pereira da Silva, Luiz Carlos ED - Ma, Zheng T1 - Market abstraction of energy markets and policies - application in an agent-based modeling toolbox T2 - EI.A 2023: Energy Informatics N2 - In light of emerging challenges in energy systems, markets are prone to changing dynamics and market design. Simulation models are commonly used to understand the changing dynamics of future electricity markets. However, existing market models were often created with specific use cases in mind, which limits their flexibility and usability. This can impose challenges for using a single model to compare different market designs. This paper introduces a new method of defining market designs for energy market simulations. The proposed concept makes it easy to incorporate different market designs into electricity market models by using relevant parameters derived from analyzing existing simulation tools, morphological categorization and ontologies. These parameters are then used to derive a market abstraction and integrate it into an agent-based simulation framework, allowing for a unified analysis of diverse market designs. Furthermore, we showcase the usability of integrating new types of long-term contracts and over-the-counter trading. To validate this approach, two case studies are demonstrated: a pay-as-clear market and a pay-as-bid long-term market. These examples demonstrate the capabilities of the proposed framework. KW - Energy market design KW - Agent-based simulation KW - Market modeling Y1 - 2023 SN - 978-3-031-48651-7 (Print) SN - 978-3-031-48652-4 (eBook) U6 - https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-48652-4_10 N1 - Energy Informatics Academy Conference, 6-8 December 23, Campinas, Brazil. N1 - Part of the Lecture Notes in Computer Science book series (LNCS,volume 14468). SP - 139 EP - 157 PB - Springer CY - Cham ER - TY - RPRT A1 - Albracht, Kirsten A1 - Ritzmann, Ramona A1 - Kramer, Andreas A1 - Meskemper, Joshua A1 - Stäudle, Benjamin A1 - Kümmel, Jacob A1 - Freyler, Katrin A1 - Felsenberg, Dieter A1 - Gruber, Marksu A1 - Gollhofer, Albert A1 - Belavy, Daniel T1 - Vorhaben: Muskelkraftgenerierungsfähigkeit in Mikrogravitation KW - Elektromyographie KW - Bein KW - Extensor KW - Elektrostimulation KW - Raumfahrt Y1 - 2017 U6 - https://doi.org/10.2314/KXP:1670327353 N1 - Förderkennzeichen: BMWi 50WB1428 Öffentlicher Schlussbericht für die Technische Informationsbibliothek der Universität Hannover Berichtszeitraum: 01.09.2014 - 31.01.2017 PB - Deutsche Sporthochschule Köln CY - Klön ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Angermann, Susanne A1 - Günthner, Roman A1 - Hanssen, Henner A1 - Lorenz, Georg A1 - Braunisch, Matthias C. A1 - Steubl, Dominik A1 - Matschkal, Julia A1 - Kemmner, Stephan A1 - Hausinger, Renate A1 - Block, Zenonas A1 - Haller, Bernhard A1 - Heemann, Uwe A1 - Kotliar, Konstantin A1 - Grimmer, Timo A1 - Schmaderer, Christoph T1 - Cognitive impairment and microvascular function in end-stage renal disease JF - International Journal of Methods in Psychiatric Research (MPR) N2 - Objective Hemodialysis patients show an approximately threefold higher prevalence of cognitive impairment compared to the age-matched general population. Impaired microcirculatory function is one of the assumed causes. Dynamic retinal vessel analysis is a quantitative method for measuring neurovascular coupling and microvascular endothelial function. We hypothesize that cognitive impairment is associated with altered microcirculation of retinal vessels. Methods 152 chronic hemodialysis patients underwent cognitive testing using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Retinal microcirculation was assessed by Dynamic Retinal Vessel Analysis, which carries out an examination recording retinal vessels' reaction to a flicker light stimulus under standardized conditions. Results In unadjusted as well as in adjusted linear regression analyses a significant association between the visuospatial executive function domain score of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment and the maximum arteriolar dilation as response of retinal arterioles to the flicker light stimulation was obtained. Conclusion This is the first study determining retinal microvascular function as surrogate for cerebral microvascular function and cognition in hemodialysis patients. The relationship between impairment in executive function and reduced arteriolar reaction to flicker light stimulation supports the involvement of cerebral small vessel disease as contributing factor for the development of cognitive impairment in this patient population and might be a target for noninvasive disease monitoring and therapeutic intervention. KW - cerebral small vessel disease KW - cognitive impairment KW - dialysis KW - retinal vessels Y1 - 2022 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1002/mpr.1909 SN - 1049-8931 (Print) SN - 1557-0657 (Online) VL - 31 IS - 2 SP - 1 EP - 10 PB - Wiley ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Kotliar, Konstantin A1 - Ortner, Marion A1 - Conradi, Anna A1 - Hacker, Patricia A1 - Hauser, Christine A1 - Günthner, Roman A1 - Moser, Michaela A1 - Muggenthaler, Claudia A1 - Diehl-Schmid, Janine A1 - Priller, Josef A1 - Schmaderer, Christoph A1 - Grimmer, Timo T1 - Altered retinal cerebral vessel oscillation frequencies in Alzheimer's disease compatible with impaired amyloid clearance JF - Neurobiology of Aging N2 - Retinal vessels are similar to cerebral vessels in their structure and function. Moderately low oscillation frequencies of around 0.1 Hz have been reported as the driving force for paravascular drainage in gray matter in mice and are known as the frequencies of lymphatic vessels in humans. We aimed to elucidate whether retinal vessel oscillations are altered in Alzheimer's disease (AD) at the stage of dementia or mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Seventeen patients with mild-to-moderate dementia due to AD (ADD); 23 patients with MCI due to AD, and 18 cognitively healthy controls (HC) were examined using Dynamic Retinal Vessel Analyzer. Oscillatory temporal changes of retinal vessel diameters were evaluated using mathematical signal analysis. Especially at moderately low frequencies around 0.1 Hz, arterial oscillations in ADD and MCI significantly prevailed over HC oscillations and correlated with disease severity. The pronounced retinal arterial vasomotion at moderately low frequencies in the ADD and MCI groups would be compatible with the view of a compensatory upregulation of paravascular drainage in AD and strengthen the amyloid clearance hypothesis. KW - Alzheimer's disease KW - Retinal vessel analysis KW - Vasomotions KW - Pulsations KW - Mild cognitive impairment Y1 - 2022 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2022.08.012 SN - 0197-4580 VL - 120 SP - 117 EP - 127 PB - Elsevier CY - Amsterdam ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Neumaier, Felix A1 - Weiss, Miriam A1 - Veldeman, Michael A1 - Kotliar, Konstantin A1 - Wiesmann, Martin A1 - Schulze-Steinen, Henna A1 - Höllig, Anke A1 - Clusmann, Hans A1 - Schubert, Gerrit Alexander A1 - Albanna, Walid T1 - Changes in endogenous daytime melatonin levels after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage – preliminary findings from an observational cohort study JF - Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery N2 - Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is associated with early and delayed brain injury due to several underlying and interrelated processes, which include inflammation, oxidative stress, endothelial, and neuronal apoptosis. Treatment with melatonin, a cytoprotective neurohormone with anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-apoptotic effects, has been shown to attenuate early brain injury (EBI) and to prevent delayed cerebral vasospasm in experimental aSAH models. Less is known about the role of endogenous melatonin for aSAH outcome and how its production is altered by the pathophysiological cascades initiated during EBI. In the present observational study, we analyzed changes in melatonin levels during the first three weeks after aSAH. KW - constructive alignment KW - examination KW - long-term retention KW - multimodal KW - practical learning Y1 - 2021 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clineuro.2021.106870 SN - 0303-8467 VL - 208 IS - Article No.: 106870 PB - Elsevier CY - Amsterdam ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Alnemer, Momin Sami Mohammad A1 - Kotliar, Konstantin A1 - Neuhaus, Valentin A1 - Pape, Hans-Christoph A1 - Ciritsis, Bernhard D. T1 - Cost-effectiveness analysis of surgical proximal femur fracture prevention in elderly: a Markov cohort simulation model JF - Cost Effectiveness and Resource Allocation N2 - Background Hip fractures are a common and costly health problem, resulting in significant morbidity and mortality, as well as high costs for healthcare systems, especially for the elderly. Implementing surgical preventive strategies has the potential to improve the quality of life and reduce the burden on healthcare resources, particularly in the long term. However, there are currently limited guidelines for standardizing hip fracture prophylaxis practices. Methods This study used a cost-effectiveness analysis with a finite-state Markov model and cohort simulation to evaluate the primary and secondary surgical prevention of hip fractures in the elderly. Patients aged 60 to 90 years were simulated in two different models (A and B) to assess prevention at different levels. Model A assumed prophylaxis was performed during the fracture operation on the contralateral side, while Model B included individuals with high fracture risk factors. Costs were obtained from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and transition probabilities and health state utilities were derived from available literature. The baseline assumption was a 10% reduction in fracture risk after prophylaxis. A sensitivity analysis was also conducted to assess the reliability and variability of the results. Results With a 10% fracture risk reduction, model A costs between $8,850 and $46,940 per quality-adjusted life-year ($/QALY). Additionally, it proved most cost-effective in the age range between 61 and 81 years. The sensitivity analysis established that a reduction of ≥ 2.8% is needed for prophylaxis to be definitely cost-effective. The cost-effectiveness at the secondary prevention level was most sensitive to the cost of the contralateral side’s prophylaxis, the patient’s age, and fracture treatment cost. For high-risk patients with no fracture history, the cost-effectiveness of a preventive strategy depends on their risk profile. In the baseline analysis, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio at the primary prevention level varied between $11,000/QALY and $74,000/QALY, which is below the defined willingness to pay threshold. Conclusion Due to the high cost of hip fracture treatment and its increased morbidity, surgical prophylaxis strategies have demonstrated that they can significantly relieve the healthcare system. Various key assumptions facilitated the modeling, allowing for adequate room for uncertainty. Further research is needed to evaluate health-state-associated risks. KW - Hip fractures KW - Prevention KW - Geriatric KW - Cost-effectiveness KW - Prophylaxis Y1 - 2023 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1186/s12962-023-00482-4 SN - 1478-7547 N1 - Corresponding author: Momin S. Alnemer IS - 21, Article number: 77 PB - Springer Nature ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Kuchler, Timon A1 - Günthner, Roman A1 - Ribeiro, Andrea A1 - Hausinger, Renate A1 - Streese, Lukas A1 - Wöhnl, Anna A1 - Kesseler, Veronika A1 - Negele, Johanna A1 - Assali, Tarek A1 - Carbajo-Lozoya, Javier A1 - Lech, Maciej A1 - Adorjan, Kristina A1 - Stubbe, Hans Christian A1 - Hanssen, Henner A1 - Kotliar, Konstantin A1 - Haller, Berhard A1 - Heemann, Uwe A1 - Schmaderer, Christoph T1 - Persistent endothelial dysfunction in post-COVID-19 syndrome and its associations with symptom severity and chronic inflammation N2 - Background Post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS) is a lingering disease with ongoing symptoms such as fatigue and cognitive impairment resulting in a high impact on the daily life of patients. Understanding the pathophysiology of PCS is a public health priority, as it still poses a diagnostic and treatment challenge for physicians. Methods In this prospective observational cohort study, we analyzed the retinal microcirculation using Retinal Vessel Analysis (RVA) in a cohort of patients with PCS and compared it to an age- and gender-matched healthy cohort (n = 41, matched out of n = 204). Measurements and main results PCS patients exhibit persistent endothelial dysfunction (ED), as indicated by significantly lower venular flicker-induced dilation (vFID; 3.42% ± 1.77% vs. 4.64% ± 2.59%; p = 0.02), narrower central retinal artery equivalent (CRAE; 178.1 [167.5–190.2] vs. 189.1 [179.4–197.2], p = 0.01) and lower arteriolar-venular ratio (AVR; (0.84 [0.8–0.9] vs. 0.88 [0.8–0.9], p = 0.007). When combining AVR and vFID, predicted scores reached good ability to discriminate groups (area under the curve: 0.75). Higher PCS severity scores correlated with lower AVR (R = − 0.37 p = 0.017). The association of microvascular changes with PCS severity were amplified in PCS patients exhibiting higher levels of inflammatory parameters. Conclusion Our results demonstrate that prolonged endothelial dysfunction is a hallmark of PCS, and impairments of the microcirculation seem to explain ongoing symptoms in patients. As potential therapies for PCS emerge, RVA parameters may become relevant as clinical biomarkers for diagnosis and therapy management. KW - Endothelial dysfunction KW - Long COVID KW - Post-COVID-19 syndrome KW - retinal microvasculature Y1 - 2023 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1007/s10456-023-09885-6 N1 - Corresponding author: Christoph Schmaderer VL - 26 SP - 547 EP - 563 PB - Springer Nature CY - Dordrecht ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Kuerten, David A1 - Kotliar, Konstantin A1 - Fuest, Matthias A1 - Walter, Peter A1 - Hollstein, Muriel A1 - Plange, Niklas ED - Neri, Piergiorgio T1 - Does hemispheric vascular regulation differ significantly in glaucoma patients with altitudinal visual field asymmetry? A single-center, prospective study JF - International Ophthalmology N2 - Purpose Vascular risk factors and ocular perfusion are heatedly discussed in the pathogenesis of glaucoma. The retinal vessel analyzer (RVA, IMEDOS Systems, Germany) allows noninvasive measurement of retinal vessel regulation. Significant differences especially in the veins between healthy subjects and patients suffering from glaucoma were previously reported. In this pilot-study we investigated if localized vascular regulation is altered in glaucoma patients with altitudinal visual field defect asymmetry. Methods 15 eyes of 12 glaucoma patients with advanced altitudinal visual field defect asymmetry were included. The mean defect was calculated for each hemisphere separately (-20.99 ± 10.49 pro- found hemispheric visual field defect vs -7.36 ± 3.97 dB less profound hemisphere). After pupil dilation, RVA measurements of retinal arteries and veins were conducted using the standard protocol. The superior and inferior retinal vessel reactivity were measured consecutively in each eye. Results Significant differences were recorded in venous vessel constriction after flicker light stimulation and overall amplitude of the reaction (p \ 0.04 and p \ 0.02 respectively) in-between the hemispheres spheres. Vessel reaction was higher in the hemisphere corresponding to the more advanced visual field defect. Arterial diameters reacted similarly, failing to reach statistical significance. Conclusion Localized retinal vessel regulation is significantly altered in glaucoma patients with asymmetri altitudinal visual field defects. Veins supplying the hemisphere concordant to a less profound visual field defect show diminished diameter changes. Vascular dysregulation might be particularly important in early glaucoma stages prior to a significant visual field defect. KW - Glaucoma KW - Visual field asymmetry KW - Ocular blood flow KW - RVA KW - Vascular response Y1 - 2021 SN - 1573-2630 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1007/s10792-021-01876-0 VL - 41 IS - 41 SP - 3109 EP - 3119 PB - Springer CY - Berlin ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Albanna, Walid A1 - Conzen, Catharina A1 - Weiss, Miriam A1 - Seyfried, Katharina A1 - Kotliar, Konstantin A1 - Schmidt, Tobias Philip A1 - Kuerten, David A1 - Hescheler, Jürgen A1 - Bruecken, Anne A1 - Schmidt-Trucksäss, Arno A1 - Neumaier, Felix A1 - Wiesmann, Martin A1 - Clusmann, Hans A1 - Schubert, Gerrit Alexander T1 - Non-invasive assessment of neurovascular coupling after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a prospective observational trial using retinal vessel analysis JF - Frontiers in Neurology N2 - Delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) is a common complication after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) and can lead to infarction and poor clinical outcome. The underlying mechanisms are still incompletely understood, but animal models indicate that vasoactive metabolites and inflammatory cytokines produced within the subarachnoid space may progressively impair and partially invert neurovascular coupling (NVC) in the brain. Because cerebral and retinal microvasculature are governed by comparable regulatory mechanisms and may be connected by perivascular pathways, retinal vascular changes are increasingly recognized as a potential surrogate for altered NVC in the brain. Here, we used non-invasive retinal vessel analysis (RVA) to assess microvascular function in aSAH patients at different times after the ictus. Y1 - 2021 U6 - https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2021.690183 SN - 1664-2295 VL - 12 IS - 12 SP - 1 EP - 15 ER - TY - CHAP A1 - Kotliar, Konstantin ED - Pallikaris, I. ED - Tsilimbaris, M. K. ED - Dastiridou, A. I. T1 - Ocular rigidity: clinical approach T2 - Ocular Rigidity, Biomechanics and Hydrodynamics of the Eye N2 - The term ocular rigidity is widely used in clinical ophthalmology. Generally it is assumed as a resistance of the whole eyeball to mechanical deformation and relates to biomechanical properties of the eye and its tissues. Basic principles and formulas for clinical tonometry, tonography and pulsatile ocular blood flow measurements are based on the concept of ocular rigidity. There is evidence for altered ocular rigidity in aging, in several eye diseases and after eye surgery. Unfortunately, there is no consensual view on ocular rigidity: it used to make a quite different sense for different people but still the same name. Foremost there is no clear consent between biomechanical engineers and ophthalmologists on the concept. Moreover ocular rigidity is occasionally characterized using various parameters with their different physical dimensions. In contrast to engineering approach, clinical approach to ocular rigidity claims to characterize the total mechanical response of the eyeball to its deformation without any detailed considerations on eye morphology or material properties of its tissues. Further to the previous chapter this section aims to describe clinical approach to ocular rigidity from the perspective of an engineer in an attempt to straighten out this concept, to show its advantages, disadvantages and various applications. KW - Coefficient of ocular rigidity KW - Eyeball KW - Corneo-scleral shell KW - Pressure-volume relationship KW - Differential tonometry Y1 - 2021 SN - 978-3-030-64422-2 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-64422-2_2 SP - 15 EP - 43 PB - Springer CY - Cham ER - TY - CHAP A1 - Iomdina, Elena N. A1 - Kiseleva, Anna A. A1 - Kotliar, Konstantin A1 - Luzhnov, Petr V. T1 - Quantification of Choroidal Blood Flow Using the OCT-A System Based on Voxel Scan Processing T2 - Proceedings of the International Conference on Biomedical Innovations and Applications- BIA 2020 N2 - The paper presents a method for the quantitative assessment of choroidal blood flow using an OCT-A system. The developed technique for processing of OCT-A scans is divided into two stages. At the first stage, the identification of the boundaries in the selected portion was performed. At the second stage, each pixel mark on the selected layer was represented as a volume unit, a voxel, which characterizes the region of moving blood. Three geometric shapes were considered to represent the voxel. On the example of one OCT-A scan, this work presents a quantitative assessment of the blood flow index. A possible modification of two-stage algorithm based on voxel scan processing is presented. Y1 - 2020 SN - 978-1-7281-7073-2 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1109/BIA50171.2020.9244511 N1 - International Conference on Biomedical Innovations and Applications, Varna, Bulgaria, September 24 - 27, 2020 SP - 41 EP - 44 PB - IEEE CY - New York, NY ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Werfel, Stanislas A1 - Günthner, Roman A1 - Hapfelmeier, Alexander A1 - Hanssen, Henner A1 - Kotliar, Konstantin A1 - Heemann, Uwe A1 - Schmaderer, Christoph ED - Guzik, Tomasz J. T1 - Identification of cardiovascular high-risk groups from dynamic retinal vessel signals using untargeted machine learning JF - Cardiovascular Research N2 - Dynamic retinal vessel analysis (DVA) provides a non-invasive way to assess microvascular function in patients and potentially to improve predictions of individual cardiovascular (CV) risk. The aim of our study was to use untargeted machine learning on DVA in order to improve CV mortality prediction and identify corresponding response alterations. KW - Machine learning KW - Retinal vessels KW - Microcirculation KW - Haemodialysis KW - Myocardial infarction and cardiac death Y1 - 2022 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1093/cvr/cvab040 SN - 0008-6363 VL - 118 IS - 2 SP - 612 EP - 621 PB - Oxford University Press CY - Oxford ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Malan, Leone A1 - Hamer, Mark A1 - Känel, Roland von A1 - Kotliar, Konstantin A1 - Wyk, Roelof D. van A1 - Lambert, Gavin W. A1 - Vilser, Walthard A1 - Ziemssen, Tjalf A1 - Schlaich, Markus P. A1 - Smith, Wayne A1 - Magnusson, Martin A1 - Wentzel, Annemarie A1 - Myburgh, Carlien E. A1 - Steyn, Hendrik S. A1 - Malan, Nico T. T1 - Delayed retinal vein recovery responses indicate both non-adaptation to stress as well as increased risk for stroke: the SABPA study JF - Cardiovascular Journal of Africa Y1 - 2020 U6 - https://doi.org/10.5830/CVJA-2020-031 SN - 1680-0745 VL - 26 IS - 31 SP - 1 EP - 12 PB - Clinics Cardive Publishing CY - Durbanville ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Streese, Lukas A1 - Kotliar, Konstantin A1 - Deiseroth, Arne A1 - Infanger, Denis A1 - Gugleta, Konstantin A1 - Schmaderer, Christoph A1 - Hanssen, Henner T1 - Retinal endothelial function in cardiovascular risk patients: A randomized controlled exercise trial JF - Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports N2 - The aim of this study was to investigate, for the first time, the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on retinal microvascular endothelial function in cardiovascular (CV) risk patients. In the randomized controlled trial, middle-aged and previously sedentary patients with increased CV risk (aged 58 ± 6 years) with ≥ two CV risk factors were randomized into a 12-week HIIT (n = 33) or control group (CG, n = 36) with standard physical activity recommendations. A blinded examiner measured retinal endothelial function by flicker light-induced maximal arteriolar (ADmax) and venular (VDmax) dilatation as well as the area under the arteriolar (AFarea) and venular (VFarea) flicker curve using a retinal vessel analyzer. Standardized assessments of CV risk factors, cardiorespiratory fitness, and retinal endothelial function were performed before and after HIIT. HIIT reduced body mass index, fat mass, and low-density lipoprotein and increased muscle mass and peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak). Both ADmax (pre: 2.7 ± 2.1%, post: 3.0 ± 2.2%, P = .018) and AFarea (pre: 32.6 ± 28.4%*s, post: 37.7 ± 30.6%*s, P = .016) increased after HIIT compared with CG (ADmax, pre: 3.2 ± 1.8%, post: 2.9 ± 1.8%, P = .254; AFarea, pre: 41.6 ± 28.5%*s, post: 37.8 ± 27.0%*s, P = .186). Venular function remained unchanged after HIIT. There was a significant association between ∆-change VO2peak and ∆-changes ADmax and AFarea (P = .026, R² = 0.073; P = .019, R² = 0.081, respectively). 12-weeks of HIIT improved retinal endothelial function in middle-aged patients with increased CV risk independent of the reduction in classical CV risk factors. Exercise has the potential to reverse or at least postpone progression of small vessel disease in older adults with increased CV risk under standard medication. Dynamic retinal vessel analysis seems to be a sensitive tool to detect treatment effects of exercise interventions on retinal microvascular endothelial function in middle-aged individuals with increased CV risk. Y1 - 2020 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1111/sms.13560 SN - 1600-0838 VL - 30 IS - 2 SP - 272 EP - 280 PB - Wiley CY - Oxford ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Hamou, Hussam Aldin A1 - Kotliar, Konstantin A1 - Tan, Sonny Kian A1 - Weiß, Christel A1 - Blume, Christian A1 - Clusmann, Hans A1 - Schubert, Gerrit Alexander A1 - Albanna, Walid T1 - Surgical nuances and placement of subgaleal drains for supratentorial procedures—a prospective analysis of efficacy and outcome in 150 craniotomies JF - Acta Neurochirurgica N2 - Background For supratentorial craniotomy, surgical access, and closure technique, including placement of subgaleal drains, may vary considerably. The influence of surgical nuances on postoperative complications such as cerebrospinal fluid leakage or impaired wound healing overall remains largely unclear. With this study, we are reporting our experiences and the impact of our clinical routines on outcome in a prospectively collected data set. Method We prospectively observed 150 consecutive patients undergoing supratentorial craniotomy and recorded technical variables (type/length of incision, size of craniotomy, technique of dural and skin closure, type of dressing, and placement of subgaleal drains). Outcome variables (subgaleal hematoma/CSF collection, periorbital edema, impairment of wound healing, infection, and need for operative revision) were recorded at time of discharge and at late follow-up. Results Early subgaleal fluid collection was observed in 36.7% (2.8% at the late follow-up), and impaired wound healing was recorded in 3.3% of all cases, with an overall need for operative revision of 6.7%. Neither usage of dural sealants, lack of watertight dural closure, and presence of subgaleal drains, nor type of skin closure or dressing influenced outcome. Curved incisions, larger craniotomy, and tumor size, however, were associated with an increase in early CSF or hematoma collection (p < 0.0001, p = 0.001, p < 0.01 resp.), and larger craniotomy size was associated with longer persistence of subgaleal fluid collections (p < 0.05). Conclusions Based on our setting, individual surgical nuances such as the type of dural closure and the use of subgaleal drains resulted in a comparable complication rate and outcome. Subgaleal fluid collections were frequently observed after supratentorial procedures, irrespective of the closing technique employed, and resolve spontaneously in the majority of cases without significant sequelae. Our results are limited due to the observational nature in our single-center study and need to be validated by supportive prospective randomized design. Y1 - 2020 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1007/s00701-019-04196-6 SN - 0942-0940 VL - 2020 IS - 162 SP - 729 EP - 736 PB - Springer Nature CY - Cham ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Ramoshaba, Nthai E. A1 - Huisman, Hugo W. A1 - Lammertyn, Leandi A1 - Kotliar, Konstantin A1 - Schutte, Aletta E. A1 - Smith, Wayne T1 - Retinal microvasculature and masked hypertension in young adults: the African-PREDICT study JF - Hypertension Research N2 - Masked hypertension is known to induce microvascular complications. However, it is unclear whether early microvascular changes are already occurring in young, otherwise healthy adults. We therefore investigated whether retinal microvascular calibers and acute responses to a flicker stimulus are related to masked hypertension. We used the baseline data of 889 participants aged 20–30 years who were taking part in the African Prospective study on the Early Detection and Identification of Cardiovascular Disease and Hypertension. Clinic and 24-h ambulatory blood pressure were measured. The central retinal artery equivalent (CRAE) and central retinal vein equivalent were calculated from fundus images, and retinal vessel dilation was determined in response to flicker light-induced provocation. A smaller CRAE was observed in those with masked hypertension vs. those with normotension (157.1 vs. 161.2 measuring units, P < 0.001). In forward multivariable-adjusted regression analysis, only CRAE was negatively related to masked hypertension [adjusted R² = 0.267, β = −0.097 (95% CI = −0.165; −0.029), P = 0.005], but other retinal microvascular parameters were not associated with masked hypertension. In multivariable logistic regression analyses, masked hypertension [OR = 2.333, (95% CI = 1.316; 4.241), P = 0.004] was associated with a narrower CRAE. In young healthy adults, masked hypertension was associated with retinal arteriolar narrowing, thereby reflecting early microvascular alterations known to predict cardiovascular outcomes in later life. Y1 - 2020 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1038/s41440-020-0487-0 SN - 1348-4214 IS - 43 SP - 1231 EP - 1238 PB - Springer Nature CY - Osaka ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Neumaier, Felix A1 - Kotliar, Konstantin A1 - Haeren, Roel Hubert Louis A1 - Temel, Yasin A1 - Lüke, Jan Niklas A1 - Seyam, Osama A1 - Lindauer, Ute A1 - Clusmann, Hans A1 - Hescheler, Jürgen A1 - Schubert, Gerrit Alexander A1 - Schneider, Toni A1 - Albanna, Walid T1 - Retinal Vessel Responses to Flicker Stimulation Are Impaired in Ca v 2.3-Deficient Mice—An in- vivo Evaluation Using Retinal Vessel Analysis (RVA) JF - Frontiers in Neurology Y1 - 2021 U6 - https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2021.659890 VL - 12 SP - 1 EP - 11 PB - Frontiers ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Muschallik, Lukas A1 - Molinnus, Denise A1 - Bongaerts, Johannes A1 - Pohl, Martina A1 - Wagner, Torsten A1 - Schöning, Michael Josef A1 - Siegert, Petra A1 - Selmer, Thorsten T1 - (R,R)-Butane-2,3-diol Dehydrogenase from Bacillus clausii DSM 8716T: Cloning and Expression of the bdhA-Gene, and Initial Characterization of Enzyme JF - Journal of Biotechnology N2 - The gene encoding a putative (R,R)-butane-2,3-diol dehydrogenase (bdhA) from Bacillus clausii DSM 8716T was isolated, sequenced and expressed in Escherichia coli. The amino acid sequence of the encoded protein is only distantly related to previously studied enzymes (identity 33–43%) and exhibited some uncharted peculiarities. An N-terminally StrepII-tagged enzyme variant was purified and initially characterized. The isolated enzyme catalyzed the (R)-specific oxidation of (R,R)- and meso-butane-2,3-diol to (R)- and (S)-acetoin with specific activities of 12 U/mg and 23 U/mg, respectively. Likewise, racemic acetoin was reduced with a specific activity of up to 115 U/mg yielding a mixture of (R,R)- and meso-butane-2,3-diol, while the enzyme reduced butane-2,3-dione (Vmax 74 U/mg) solely to (R,R)-butane-2,3-diol via (R)-acetoin. For these reactions only activity with the co-substrates NADH/NAD+ was observed. The enzyme accepted a selection of vicinal diketones, α-hydroxy ketones and vicinal diols as alternative substrates. Although the physiological function of the enzyme in B. clausii remains elusive, the data presented herein clearly demonstrates that the encoded enzyme is a genuine (R,R)-butane-2,3-diol dehydrogenase with potential for applications in biocatalysis and sensor development. Y1 - 2017 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbiotec.2017.07.020 SN - 0168-1656 VL - 258 SP - 41 EP - 50 PB - Elsevier CY - Amsterdam ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Geier, Christian A1 - Lehnertz, Klaus A1 - Bialonski, Stephan T1 - Time-dependent degree-degree correlations in epileptic brain networks: from assortative to dissortative mixing JF - Frontiers in Human Neuroscience Y1 - 2015 U6 - https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2015.00462 SN - 1662-5161 PB - Frontiers Research Foundation CY - Lausanne ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Uysal, Karya A1 - Creutz, Till A1 - Firat, Ipek Seda A1 - Artmann, Gerhard A1 - Teusch, Nicole A1 - Temiz Artmann, Aysegül T1 - Bio-functionalized ultra-thin, large-area and waterproof silicone membranes for biomechanical cellular loading and compliance experiments JF - Polymers N2 - Biocompatibility, flexibility and durability make polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) membranes top candidates in biomedical applications. CellDrum technology uses large area, <10 µm thin membranes as mechanical stress sensors of thin cell layers. For this to be successful, the properties (thickness, temperature, dust, wrinkles, etc.) must be precisely controlled. The following parameters of membrane fabrication by means of the Floating-on-Water (FoW) method were investigated: (1) PDMS volume, (2) ambient temperature, (3) membrane deflection and (4) membrane mechanical compliance. Significant differences were found between all PDMS volumes and thicknesses tested (p < 0.01). They also differed from the calculated values. At room temperatures between 22 and 26 °C, significant differences in average thickness values were found, as well as a continuous decrease in thicknesses within a 4 °C temperature elevation. No correlation was found between the membrane thickness groups (between 3–4 µm) in terms of deflection and compliance. We successfully present a fabrication method for thin bio-functionalized membranes in conjunction with a four-step quality management system. The results highlight the importance of tight regulation of production parameters through quality control. The use of membranes described here could also become the basis for material testing on thin, viscous layers such as polymers, dyes and adhesives, which goes far beyond biological applications. Y1 - 2022 SN - 2073-4360 VL - 14 IS - 11 SP - 2213 PB - MDPI CY - Basel ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Temiz Artmann, Aysegül A1 - Kurulgan demirci, Eylem A1 - Fırat, Ipek Seda A1 - Oflaz, Hakan A1 - Artmann, Gerhard T1 - Recombinant activated protein C (rhAPC) affects lipopolysaccharide-induced mechanical compliance changes and beat frequency of mESC-derived cardiomyocyte monolayers JF - SHOCK KW - Septic cardiomyopathy KW - LPS KW - cardiomyocyte biomechanics KW - CellDrum KW - actin cytoskeleton Y1 - 2021 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1097/SHK.0000000000001845 SN - 1540-0514 PB - Wolters Kluwer CY - Köln ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Bialonski, Stephan A1 - Caron, David A. A1 - Schloen, Julia A1 - Feudel, Ulrike A1 - Kantz, Holger A1 - Moorthi, Stefanie D. T1 - Phytoplankton dynamics in the Southern California Bight indicate a complex mixture of transport and biology JF - Journal of Plankton Research N2 - The stimulation and dominance of potentially harmful phytoplankton taxa at a given locale and time are determined by local environmental conditions as well as by transport to or from neighboring regions. The present study investigated the occurrence of common harmful algal bloom (HAB) taxa within the Southern California Bight, using cross-correlation functions to determine potential dependencies between HAB taxa and environmental factors, and potential links to algal transport via local hydrography and currents. A simulation study, in which Lagrangian particles were released, was used to assess travel times due to advection by prevailing ocean currents in the bight. Our results indicate that transport of some taxa may be an important mechanism for the expansion of their distributions into other regions, which was supported by mean travel times derived from our simulation study and other literature on ocean currents in the Southern California Bight. In other cases, however, phytoplankton dynamics were rather linked to local environmental conditions, including coastal upwelling events. Overall, our study shows that complex current patterns in the Southern California Bight may contribute significantly to the formation and expansion of HABs in addition to local environmental factors determining the spatiotemporal dynamics of phytoplankton blooms. Y1 - 2016 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1093/plankt/fbv122 SN - 1464-3774 VL - 38 IS - 4 SP - 1077 EP - 1091 PB - Oxford University Press CY - Oxford ER - TY - CHAP A1 - Engelmann, Ulrich M. A1 - Baumann, Martin ED - Herbig, Nicola ED - Poppelreuter, Stefan T1 - Moderationsexpertise für QMBs – das Mindset T2 - Qualitätsmanagement im Gesundheitswesen N2 - Teamsitzungen, Arbeitsgruppentreffen, Kickoffs und Meetings – sie alle werden mit dem Ziel durchgeführt, innerhalb einer vorgegebenen Zeitspanne ein gemeinsames Arbeitsziel zu erreichen. Damit die Zielerreichung auch bei komplexeren Arbeitsaufträgen nicht vom Zufall abhängt, empfiehlt es sich, die Leitung des Ablaufs einem Moderator zu übertragen. In diesem Beitrag einer mehrteiligen Serie wird beschrieben, über welches Mindset der Moderator verfügen sollte, welche grundsätzlichen Methoden hilfreich sind und was bei der Onlinemoderation im Besonderen zu beachten ist. Y1 - 2022 SN - 978-3-8249-0714-4 SP - Kapitel 10814 PB - TÜV-Verlag CY - Köln ET - 59. Update ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Gaigall, Daniel ED - AitSahlia, Farid T1 - Allocating and forecasting changes in risk JF - Journal of risk N2 - We consider time-dependent portfolios and discuss the allocation of changes in the risk of a portfolio to changes in the portfolio’s components. For this purpose we adopt established allocation principles. We also use our approach to obtain forecasts for changes in the risk of the portfolio’s components. To put the approach into practice we present an implementation based on the output of a simulation. Allocation is illustrated with an example portfolio in the context of Solvency II. The quality of the forecasts is investigated with an empirical study. KW - portfolio risk KW - allocation KW - forecast KW - covariance principle KW - conditional expectation principle Y1 - 2023 U6 - https://doi.org/10.21314/JOR.2022.048 SN - 1755-2842 SN - 1465-1211 VL - 25 IS - 3 SP - 1 EP - 24 PB - Infopro Digital Risk CY - London ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Gaigall, Daniel T1 - On the applicability of several tests to models with not identically distributed random effects JF - Statistics : A Journal of Theoretical and Applied Statistics N2 - We consider Kolmogorov–Smirnov and Cramér–von-Mises type tests for testing central symmetry, exchangeability, and independence. In the standard case, the tests are intended for the application to independent and identically distributed data with unknown distribution. The tests are available for multivariate data and bootstrap procedures are suitable to obtain critical values. We discuss the applicability of the tests to random effects models, where the random effects are independent but not necessarily identically distributed and with possibly unknown distributions. Theoretical results show the adequacy of the tests in this situation. The quality of the tests in models with random effects is investigated by simulations. Empirical results obtained confirm the theoretical findings. A real data example illustrates the application. KW - central symmetry test KW - exchangeability test KW - independence test KW - random effects KW - not identically distributed Y1 - 2023 SN - 0323-3944 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1080/02331888.2023.2193748 SN - 1029-4910 VL - 57 PB - Taylor & Francis CY - London ER - TY - CHAP A1 - Maurer, Florian T1 - Framework to provide a simulative comparison of different energy market designs T2 - Energy Informatics N2 - Useful market simulations are key to the evaluation of diferent market designs existing of multiple market mechanisms or rules. Yet a simulation framework which has a comparison of diferent market mechanisms in mind was not found. The need to create an objective view on different sets of market rules while investigating meaningful agent strategies concludes that such a simulation framework is needed to advance the research on this subject. An overview of diferent existing market simulation models is given which also shows the research gap and the missing capabilities of those systems. Finally, a methodology is outlined how a novel market simulation which can answer the research questions can be developed. Y1 - 2022 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1186/s42162-022-00215-6 SN - 2520-8942 N1 - 11th DACH+ Conference on Energy Informatics, 15-16 September 2022, Freiburg, Germany VL - 5 IS - 2, Article number: 12 SP - 18 EP - 20 PB - Springer Nature ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Gaigall, Daniel A1 - Gerstenberg, Julian T1 - Cramér-von-Mises tests for the distribution of the excess over a confidence level JF - Journal of Nonparametric Statistics N2 - The Cramér-von-Mises distance is applied to the distribution of the excess over a confidence level. Asymptotics of related statistics are investigated, and it is seen that the obtained limit distributions differ from the classical ones. For that reason, quantiles of the new limit distributions are given and new bootstrap techniques for approximation purposes are introduced and justified. The results motivate new one-sample goodness-of-fit tests for the distribution of the excess over a confidence level and a new confidence interval for the related fitting error. Simulation studies investigate size and power of the tests as well as coverage probabilities of the confidence interval in the finite sample case. A practice-oriented application of the Cramér-von-Mises tests is the determination of an appropriate confidence level for the fitting approach. The adoption of the idea to the well-known problem of threshold detection in the context of peaks over threshold modelling is sketched and illustrated by data examples. KW - Cramér-von-Mises test KW - conditional excess distribution KW - confidence interval KW - goodness-of-fit test Y1 - 2023 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1080/10485252.2023.2173958 SN - 1048-5252 (Print) SN - 1029-0311 (Online) PB - Taylor & Francis ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Liphardt, Anna-Maria A1 - Fernandez-Gonzalo, Rodrigo A1 - Albracht, Kirsten A1 - Rittweger, Jörn A1 - Vico, Laurence T1 - Musculoskeletal research in human space flight – unmet needs for the success of crewed deep space exploration JF - npj Microgravity N2 - Based on the European Space Agency (ESA) Science in Space Environment (SciSpacE) community White Paper “Human Physiology – Musculoskeletal system”, this perspective highlights unmet needs and suggests new avenues for future studies in musculoskeletal research to enable crewed exploration missions. The musculoskeletal system is essential for sustaining physical function and energy metabolism, and the maintenance of health during exploration missions, and consequently mission success, will be tightly linked to musculoskeletal function. Data collection from current space missions from pre-, during-, and post-flight periods would provide important information to understand and ultimately offset musculoskeletal alterations during long-term spaceflight. In addition, understanding the kinetics of the different components of the musculoskeletal system in parallel with a detailed description of the molecular mechanisms driving these alterations appears to be the best approach to address potential musculoskeletal problems that future exploratory-mission crew will face. These research efforts should be accompanied by technical advances in molecular and phenotypic monitoring tools to provide in-flight real-time feedback. Y1 - 2023 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1038/s41526-023-00258-3 SN - 2373-8065 VL - 9 IS - Article number: 9 SP - 1 EP - 9 PB - Springer Nature ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Bayer, Robin A1 - Temiz Artmann, Aysegül A1 - Digel, Ilya A1 - Falkenstein, Julia A1 - Artmann, Gerhard A1 - Creutz, Till A1 - Hescheler, Jürgen T1 - Mechano-pharmacological testing of L-Type Ca²⁺ channel modulators via human vascular celldrum model JF - Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry N2 - Background/Aims: This study aimed to establish a precise and well-defined working model, assessing pharmaceutical effects on vascular smooth muscle cell monolayer in-vitro. It describes various analysis techniques to determine the most suitable to measure the biomechanical impact of vasoactive agents by using CellDrum technology. Methods: The so-called CellDrum technology was applied to analyse the biomechanical properties of confluent human aorta muscle cells (haSMC) in monolayer. The cell generated tensions deviations in the range of a few N/m² are evaluated by the CellDrum technology. This study focuses on the dilative and contractive effects of L-type Ca²⁺ channel agonists and antagonists, respectively. We analyzed the effects of Bay K8644, nifedipine and verapamil. Three different measurement modes were developed and applied to determine the most appropriate analysis technique for the study purpose. These three operation modes are called, particular time mode" (PTM), "long term mode" (LTM) and "real-time mode" (RTM). Results: It was possible to quantify the biomechanical response of haSMCs to the addition of vasoactive agents using CellDrum technology. Due to the supplementation of 100nM Bay K8644, the tension increased approximately 10.6% from initial tension maximum, whereas, the treatment with nifedipine and verapamil caused a significant decrease in cellular tension: 10nM nifedipine decreased the biomechanical stress around 6,5% and 50nM verapamil by 2,8%, compared to the initial tension maximum. Additionally, all tested measurement modes provide similar results while focusing on different analysis parameters. Conclusion: The CellDrum technology allows highly sensitive biomechanical stress measurements of cultured haSMC monolayers. The mechanical stress responses evoked by the application of vasoactive calcium channel modulators were quantified functionally (N/m²). All tested operation modes resulted in equal findings, whereas each mode features operation-related data analysis. Y1 - 2020 U6 - https://doi.org/10.33594/000000225 SN - 1421-9778 VL - 54 SP - 371 EP - 383 PB - Cell Physiol Biochem Press CY - Düsseldorf ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Kaulen, Lars A1 - Schwabedal, Justus T. C. A1 - Schneider, Jules A1 - Ritter, Philipp A1 - Bialonski, Stephan T1 - Advanced sleep spindle identification with neural networks JF - Scientific Reports N2 - Sleep spindles are neurophysiological phenomena that appear to be linked to memory formation and other functions of the central nervous system, and that can be observed in electroencephalographic recordings (EEG) during sleep. Manually identified spindle annotations in EEG recordings suffer from substantial intra- and inter-rater variability, even if raters have been highly trained, which reduces the reliability of spindle measures as a research and diagnostic tool. The Massive Online Data Annotation (MODA) project has recently addressed this problem by forming a consensus from multiple such rating experts, thus providing a corpus of spindle annotations of enhanced quality. Based on this dataset, we present a U-Net-type deep neural network model to automatically detect sleep spindles. Our model’s performance exceeds that of the state-of-the-art detector and of most experts in the MODA dataset. We observed improved detection accuracy in subjects of all ages, including older individuals whose spindles are particularly challenging to detect reliably. Our results underline the potential of automated methods to do repetitive cumbersome tasks with super-human performance. Y1 - 2022 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-11210-y SN - 2045-2322 N1 - Corresponding author: Stephan Bialonski VL - 12 IS - Article number: 7686 SP - 1 EP - 10 PB - Springer Nature CY - London ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Digel, Ilya A1 - Temiz Artmann, Aysegül A1 - Nishikawa, K. A1 - Artmann, Gerhard T1 - Cluster air-ion effects on bacteria and moulds JF - Biomedizinische Technik. 49 (2004), H. Erg.-Bd. 2 Y1 - 2004 SN - 0932-4666 SP - 1040 EP - 1041 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Digel, Ilya A1 - Temiz Artmann, Aysegül A1 - Nishikawa, K. A1 - Cook, M. T1 - Bactericidal effects of plasma-generated cluster ions JF - Medical and Biological Engineering and Computing. 43 (2005), H. 6 Y1 - 2005 SN - 1741-0444 SP - 800 EP - 807 ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Digel, Ilya A1 - Kern, Inna A1 - Geenen, Eva-Maria A1 - Akimbekov, Nuraly S. T1 - Dental plaque removal by ultrasonic toothbrushes JF - dentistry journal N2 - With the variety of toothbrushes on the market, the question arises, which toothbrush is best suited to maintain oral health? This thematic review focuses first on plaque formation mechanisms and then on the plaque removal effectiveness of ultrasonic toothbrushes and their potential in preventing oral diseases like periodontitis, gingivitis, and caries. We overviewed the physical effects that occurred during brushing and tried to address the question of whether ultrasonic toothbrushes effectively reduced the microbial burden by increasing the hydrodynamic forces. The results of published studies show that electric toothbrushes, which combine ultrasonic and sonic (or acoustic and mechanic) actions, may have the most promising effect on good oral health. Existing ultrasonic/sonic toothbrush models do not significantly differ regarding the removal of dental biofilm and the reduction of gingival inflammation compared with other electrically powered toothbrushes, whereas the manual toothbrushes show a lower effectiveness. Y1 - 2020 U6 - https://doi.org/10.3390/dj8010028 SN - 2304-6767 VL - 8 IS - 28 SP - 1 EP - 13 PB - MDPI CY - Basel ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Digel, Ilya A1 - Akimbekov, Nuraly S. A1 - Turalieva, M. A1 - Mansurov, Z. A1 - Temiz Artmann, Aysegül A1 - Eshibaev, A. A1 - Zhubanova, A. T1 - Usage of Carbonized Plant Wastes for Purification of Aqueous Solutions JF - Journal of Industrial Technology and Engineering Y1 - 2013 VL - 2 IS - 07 SP - 47 EP - 54 ER -