Free State Of Saxony Research Articles

60 Sustainable impact of an outdoor exercise program on health outcomes of older adults: a quasi-randomized controlled trial with a 3-month follow-up

Abstract Older people benefit in several health-promoting outcomes from needs-oriented exercise programs in their immediate living environment. For a low-threshold, and thus sustainable and cost-effective design of exercise programs a transfer to self-organisation is favourable. The aim of our study is to examine the health-promoting impacts of an outdoor exercise program developed for older persons, as well as its sustainability after 3 months. Ninety-five persons aged 60+ were randomized according to their residence (IG: n = 40, mean age = 72.35 years, 24 female; KG: n = 55, mean age = 75.05 years, 34 female). An age-adjusted exercise program was carried out over 12 weeks (2x/week á 45-60min; adherence: 90.9%) by professional exercise instructors in urban parks. During this instructor-led exercise phase, seven participants were trained as mentors, and thus, enabled to continue the exercise program for further 12 weeks (1-2x/week á 45-60min; adherence: 2-3x/month = 11.5%, 1-2x/week = 88.5%). Before (T1) and after the instructor-led exercise phase (T2) as well as after the mentor-led exercise phase (T3), health outcomes (e.g., walking distance/6MWT, neurocognitive performance/DSST) of IG and CG (no intervention) were assessed and analysed using paired t-Tests. 75.1% of IG participants completed both phases of the exercise program. Neurocognitive performance improved significantly for IG between T1 and T2 (+2.32 correct number-symbol matches; p = .003; d = -.509) and remained stable between T2 and T3 (+0.15 correct matches; p = .863; d = -.028) while for CG the opposite development was observed (T1-T2: -0.6 correct matches; p = .451; d = .102; T2-T3: +2.18 correct matches; p = .004; d = -.423). IG improved their walking distance for T1-T2 by 21.39m (p = .172; d = -.223), which could be maintained for T2-T3 (+5,1m; p = .648; d = -.074). Improvements in CG for walking distance were smaller (T1-T2: +2.8m; p = .690; d = -.055; T2-T3: +14.26m, p = .315; d = -.147). The mentoring of the exercise groups proved to be very successful, as evidenced by the maintained effects in the mentor-led phase, ensuring sustainability of health-promoting interventions. (Funded by the Free State of Saxony, “Demographics” #100535625)

Integrated Hydrological and Hydrochemical Analysis of Arsenic and Iron Behavior in Waters of a Decommissioned Tin Mine in Ehrenfriedersdorf, Germany

Arsenic contamination poses significant challenges to environmental and public health, with mining activities contributing to its wider distribution. This study investigates the fate of arsenic and iron in mine waters at a decommissioned tin mine, now a visitor mine, located in Ehrenfriedersdorf, Germany, situated in the Free State of Saxony. Despite the general shortage of data, which is common for old mining sites, we explored the complex interplay of climatic conditions, hydrological processes, and arsenic and iron behavior in the mine waters through a comprehensive approach encompassing general site characterization, mine water monitoring, and analysis of local weather data. Over a period of three years, we conducted 14 sampling campaigns, collecting a total of 95 water samples, each consisting of three filtration subsamples, resulting in the analysis of 285 water samples. These samples were collected both aboveground and underground. Aboveground samples included mine outflows, a tailing outflow, and an adjacent creek, while underground sampling points were scattered throughout the mine initially and later focused on the identified “main” mine water system. The chemical data from the analyses were correlated with local climatic water balances to reveal distinctive patterns in arsenic and iron concentrations at various locations within the mine system. Our findings shed light on the hydrological behavior of the mine, helping to elucidate the impact of precipitation and potential evapotranspiration on arsenic and iron concentrations in a tailing outflow, in the flooded mine body, and at the portal of the main dewatering gallery. Our findings emphasize the importance of sustained monitoring and the utilization of local weather data to comprehend metalloid and metal contamination risks in similar mining environments.

Selected Aspects of Internationalization in the Liberec Region and the Free State of Saxony

Internationalization is a widely discussed topic analysed from various points of view. In our paper, we have decided to measure this trend in two border regions in former Eastern Germany and in Czechia, namely in Saxony and the Liberec region in the time period 2013-2020. Both areas belonged to the Eastern bloc before 1990. Saxony experienced a rapid reunification process within the early 1990s and Czechia a transformation process competed in 2004 by the EU accession.
 In our paper, we have decided to test three hypotheses. First, we tested if Saxony is more internationalized in terms of human resources (1) and secondly with regard to export output (2). Then, we conducted the same tests on the Liberec region. Our assumption was that, due to the rapid reunification and favourable geographic proximity of lucrative Western markets, the position of Saxony would be more advanced.
 Finally, we tested the hypothesis (3) that the rising number of foreign workers contribute to the rising export volumes. We correlated the indicators of employed foreigners and exports per head in both regions from 2013 to 2020.

Fasting indices of glucose-insulin-metabolism across life span and prediction of glycemic deterioration in children with obesity from new diagnostic cut-offs.

Fasting indices of glucose-insulin-metabolism are an easy and affordable tool to assess insulin resistance. We aimed to establish reference ranges for fasting insulin indices that reflect age-dependent variation over the entire life span and subsequently test their clinical application regarding the prediction of glycemic deterioration in children. We calculated age- and puberty-dependent reference values for HOMA-IR, HOMA2-IR, HOMA-β, McAuley index, fasting insulin, and fasting glucose from 6994 observations of 5512 non-obese healthy subjects aged 5-80 years. Applying those references, we determined the prevalence of insulin resistance among 2538 subjects with obesity. Furthermore, we investigated the intraindividual stability and the predictive values for future dysglycemia of these fasting indices in 516 children and adolescents with obesity up to 19 years of follow-up. We validated the results in three independent cohorts. There was a strong age-dependent variation of all indices throughout the life span, including prolonged recovery of pubertal insulin resistance and a subsequent continuous increase throughout adulthood. Already from age 5 years onwards, >40% of children with obesity presented with elevated parameters of insulin resistance. Applying newly developed reference ranges, insulin resistance among children with obesity doubled the risk for future glycemic deterioration (HOMA-IR HR 1.88 (95% CI 1.1-3.21)), fasting insulin HR 1.89 (95% CI 1.11-3.23). In contrast, fasting glucose alone was not predictive for emerging dysglycemia in children with obesity (HR 1.03 (95% CI 0.62-1.71)). The new insulin-based thresholds were superior to fasting glucose and HbA1c in detecting children eventually manifesting with dysglycemia in prospective analyses. The variation of fasting glucose-insulin-metabolism across the life span necessitates age-specific reference ranges. The improved prediction of future glycemic deterioration by indices based on fasting insulin beyond simple glucose measures alone could help to stratify risk characteristics of children with obesity in order to guide patient-tailored prevention and intervention approaches. German Research Foundation (DFG)-through SFB 1052, project number 209933838, subproject C5; Federal Ministry of Education and Research, Germany; European Union-European Regional Development Fund; Free State of Saxony. The German Diabetes Association, the CarbHealth consortium (01EA1908B). EU-IMI2-Consortium SOPHIA (grant agreement No 875534), German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), grant number 82DZD14E03.

Impact of social isolation on grey matter structure and cognitive functions: A population-based longitudinal neuroimaging study.

Social isolation has been suggested to increase the risk to develop cognitive decline. However, our knowledge on causality and neurobiological underpinnings is still limited. In this preregistered analysis, we tested the impact of social isolation on central features of brain and cognitive ageing using a longitudinal population-based magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study. We assayed 1992 cognitively healthy participants (50-82years old, 921women) at baseline and 1409 participants after~6y follow-up. We found baseline social isolation and change in social isolation to be associated with smaller volumes of the hippocampus and clusters of reduced cortical thickness. Furthermore, poorer cognitive functions (memory, processing speed, executive functions) were linked to greater social isolation, too. Combining advanced neuroimaging outcomes with prevalent lifestyle characteristics from a well-characterized population of middle- to older aged adults, we provide evidence that social isolation contributes to human brain atrophy and cognitive decline. Within-subject effects of social isolation were similar to between-subject effects, indicating an opportunity to reduce dementia risk by promoting social networks. European Union, European Regional Development Fund, Free State of Saxony, LIFE-Leipzig Research Center for Civilization Diseases, University of Leipzig, German Research Foundation.

Ochrona kultury i języka Serbów łużyckich w Brandenburgii

Lusatian Serbs, also called Sorbs, are people living in Upper, Middle and Lower Lusatia. This small nation is a remnant of the Slavic settlement in East Germany (Brandenburg and Saxony). Lower Lusatia now lies in the state of Brandenburg, and Upper and Middle Lusatia in the Free State of Saxony. According to official data, in these areas there are approximately 50,000 – 60,000 Lusatian Serbs, of which it is assumed that two-thirds reside in Saxony and one-third in Brandenburg. The article draws attention to formal and legal issues aimed at protecting the culture and the Lower Sorbian language. The analyses carried out concern the general provisions of the European Union, Germany and more detailed guidelines adopted in Brandenburg. Legal acts are important formal means of protection, the effectiveness of which is expressed by the way of practice. Unfortunately, in Brandenburg, many of the existing regulations have no proper effect on everyday life or are distorted. The article is an attempt to identify the assumptions with the implementation, to recognize the limitations, but also to discuss the directions of improving the existing state.

The "Hilfsverein für Geisteskranke" in the Kingdom of Saxony, a Philantropic Organisation for the Mentally Ill

This article provides an overwiew of the history of the "Hilfsverein für Geisteskranke" in the Kingdom of Saxony (later Free State of Saxony) from its foundation in 1898 until its probable dissolution during World War II. The "Hilfsverein" was a philantropic organization that aimed to provide support for the mentally ill and their relatives through financial aid and education. It relied on a network of representatives spanning all of Saxony´s regions. Its work continued during the Weimar Republic after World War I, though by then it had lost influence due to economic loss and other structures of public welfare being established. In the context of the rise in eugenic and social darwinist tendencies during the 1920s, the implications of "racial hygiene" and hereditability came to be discussed among its members. After the takeover of the National Socialist Party in 1933, the "Hilfsverein" was forcibly assimilated into the Nazi welfare system and used to propagate racial ideology.

Innovative Vulnerability and Risk Assessment of Urban Areas against Flood Events: Prognosis of Structural Damage with a New Approach Considering Flow Velocity

The floods in 2002 and 2013, as well as the recent flood of 2021, caused billions Euros worth of property damage in Germany. The aim of the project Innovative Vulnerability and Risk Assessment of Urban Areas against Flood Events (INNOVARU) involved the development of a practicable flood damage model that enables realistic damage statements for the residential building stock. In addition to the determination of local flood risks, it also takes into account the vulnerability of individual buildings and allows for the prognosis of structural damage. In this paper, we discuss an improved method for the prognosis of structural damage due to flood impact. Detailed correlations between inundation level and flow velocities depending on the vulnerability of the building types, as well as the number of storeys, are considered. Because reliable damage data from events with high flow velocities were not available, an innovative approach was adopted to cover a wide range of flow velocities. The proposed approach combines comprehensive damage data collected after the 2002 flood in Germany with damage data of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake tsunami in Japan. The application of the developed methods enables a reliable reinterpretation of the structural damage caused by the August flood of 2002 in six study areas in the Free State of Saxony.

Short term outcome after left atrial appendage occlusion with the AMPLATZER Amulet and WATCHMAN device: results from the ORIGINAL registry (saxOnian RegIstry analyzinG and followINg left atrial Appendage cLosure)

BackgroundVarious randomized multicenter studies have shown that percutaneous left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) is not inferior in stroke prevention compared to vitamin K antagonists (VKA) and can be performed safely and effectively.AimsThe prospective multicenter ORIGINAL registry in the Free State of Saxony (saxOnian RegIstry analyzinG and followINg left atrial Appendage cLosure) investigated the efficiency and safety of LAAC with Watchman or Amulet device in a real word setting. A special focus was put on the influence of LAAC frequency on periprocedural efficiency and safety.Methods and resultsThe total of 482 consecutive patients (Abbott Amulet N = 93 and Boston Scientific Watchman N = 389) were included in the periinterventional analyses. After 6 weeks, 353 patients completed the first follow-up including transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE) (73.2%). Successful LAAC could be performed in more than 94%. The complication rate does not significantly differ between device types (p = 0.92) according to Fischer test and comprised 2.2% in the Amulet and 2.3% in the Watchman group. The kind of device and the frequency of LAAC per study center had no influence on the success and complication rates. Device related thrombus could be revealed more frequently in the Watchman group (4.5%) than in the Amulet group (1.4%) but this difference is still not significant in Fisher test (p = 0.14). Same conclusion can be made about residual leakage 1.1% versus 0% [not significant in Fisher test (p = 0.26)]. Dual antiplatelet therapy followed the intervention in 64% and 22% of patients were discharged under a combination of an anticoagulant (VKA/DOAC/Heparin) and one antiplatelet agent.ConclusionsThe ORIGINAL registry supports the thesis from large, randomized trials that LAAC can be performed with a very high procedural success rate in the everyday clinical routine irrespective of the used LAA device (Watchman or Amulet). The postprocedural antithrombotic strategy differs widely among the participating centers.Trial registration Name of the registry: "saxOnian RegIstry analyzinG and followINg left atrial Appendage cLosure", Trial registration number: DRKS00023803; Date of registration: 15/12/2020 'Retrospectively registered'; URL of trial registry record: https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00023803.

Screening for SARS-CoV-2 in non-symptomatic students and staff shows safe school openings under varying incidence with sufficient mandatory measures.

Screening for SARS-CoV-2 in non-symptomatic students and staff shows safe school openings under varying incidence with sufficient mandatory measures.

Bildungsarbeit zu NS-Verbrechen –Potenziale und Herausforderungen

Services of historical-political civic education on NS crimes are a challenge both for providers and for recipients and are subject to constant change. In the following, three complexes are going to be dealt with in somewhat more detail: firstly, the tension area of school and non-school learning places, and here this refers to memorial sites in particular; secondly, concrete support offers in the Free State of Saxony by the example of Landesservicestelle “Lernorte des Erinnerns und Gedenkens”, and thirdly changes and media possibilities of how to deal with witnesses.

Higher Taxes for Fiscal Consolidation? Expected and Unexpected Effects of Municipal Tax Policy

During episodes of fiscal consolidation in public budgets, there are different instruments to choose from. The literature shows broad consensus that expenditure cuts are preferred, whereas tax increases tend not to support the fiscal aim. The paper examines instruments for fiscal consolidation at the municipal level in Germany presenting theoretical and empirical findings in favor of revenue-based instruments, focusing on the case of municipalities in the Free State of Saxony. German municipalities can autonomously control several positions on both the expenditure side and the revenue side. Options for expenditure cuts are given both for voluntary and compulsory tasks. On the revenue side, municipalities have the opportunity to set assessment rates on both local trade taxes and property taxes. For this part of the consolidation process, the prevailing opinion is that higher taxes are offset by lower grants, which is not the case in reality. Nevertheless, there are cannibalization effects to consider that may induce primary effects in the short and medium term. Hence, the paper shows an updated view of the drawbacks and opportunities of revenue-based fiscal consolidation. The paper provides evidence for an economic and political discussion that predominantly focuses strongly on the harmful effects of tax increases on the economy.

Characterizing the long-term occurrence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and their driving forces in surface waters

As carcinogenic and ubiquitous pollutants, an in-depth understanding of the long-term environmental behaviors of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their driving forces is crucial for reducing human health risks. Based on long-term monitoring data from 2001 to 2016, this study systematically investigated the temporal and seasonal trends, periodic oscillation, source apportionment, and human health risks of PAHs in eight rivers in the Free State of Saxony, Germany. The results showed that the annual average ∑16PAHs (sum of 16 PAH concentrations) ranged from 28.2 ng L−1 to 202 ng L−1. Using the Mann–Kendall test, a trend of decreasing PAH concentrations was determined (slope range: −0.103 to −0.0159). Wavelet analysis indicated that the most significant periodic oscillation of PAHs was 10–30 months, with more pollution in winter. Source apportionment analysis suggested that vehicular emissions and coal combustion contributed the most to PAH concentrations (20.6–40.3% and 21.7–41.4%, respectively) and related health risks (54.1–80.1% and 5.61–37.9%, respectively). Furthermore, the risks (oral lifetime: 4.24×10−7–1.34×10−6; dermal lifetime: 2.86×10−5–9.05×10−5) were determined to be low. The data revealed that the substitution of petroleum and coal with cleaner energy would facilitate the mitigation of PAHs.

Pseudo-Spatially-Distributed Modeling of Water Balance Components in the Free State of Saxony

Highly-resolved data on water balance components (such as runoff or storage) are crucial to improve water management, for example, in drought or flood situations. As regional observations of these components cannot be acquired adequately, a feasible solution is to apply water balance models. We developed an innovative approach using the physically-based lumped-parameter water balance model BROOK90 (R version) integrated into a sensor network platform to derive daily water budget components for catchments in the Free State of Saxony. The model is not calibrated, but rather uses available information on soil, land use, and precipitation only. We applied the hydro response units (HRUs) approach for 6175 small and medium-sized catchments. For the evaluation, model output was cross-evaluated in ten selected head catchments in a low mountain range in Saxony. The mean values of Kling–Gupta efficiency (KGE) for the period 2005–2019 to these catchments are 0.63 and 0.75, for daily and monthly discharge simulations, respectively. The simulated evapotranspiration and soil wetness are in good agreement with the SMAP_L4_GPH product in April 2015–2018. The study can be enhanced by using different data platforms as well as available information on study sites.

Pseudo-spatially-distributed modeling of water balance components in the Free State of Saxony

Pseudo-spatially-distributed modeling of water balance components in the Free State of Saxony

Solid-State pH Sensors for Mine Water Monitoring

Introduction The monitoring of water quality parameters such as pH, redox potential, and conductivity is essential in order to investigate the variety of hydrochemical processes occurring in aqueous environments. For a better understanding of these processes, measurements with high temporal resolution are needed, which cannot be achieved with manual sampling procedures. Hence, alternative technical analysis methods, such as sensors, are used to monitor relevant parameters in-situ. Unfortunately conventional probes often experience harsh or detrimental conditions during on-site deployment. All-solid-state potentiometric sensors have been proposed as robust alternatives for demanding environments that deliver results with sufficient accuracy, at relatively low-cost, with experimental and instrumental simplicity [1].This work focuses on the development of a solid-state pH sensor for the monitoring of mine water and acid mine drainage (AMD). AMD is the consequence of uncontrolled sulfidic mineral oxidation, typically as a result of ore or coal mining practices. The resulting outflow of acidic water, which can contain high concentrations of metal ions, is potentially disastrous to aquatic life and also poses a great threat to water supplies [2]. Our aim is to develop a robust and cost-effective sensor that enables in-situ AMD monitoring in mines and surrounding waterways, as well as pit lakes formed as the result of flooded open-pit mines. With increased spatial and temporal resolution in comparison to manual sampling, these sensors will help to predict hazardous conditions and increase the understanding of the complex underlying geochemical mechanisms. Methods The proposed sensor consists of a pH sensitive iridium oxide (IrOx) layer in combination with a solid-state reference electrode. During sensor fabrication structured titanium and gold electrodes were deposited on oxidised silicon substrates using standard cleanroom techniques. IrOx was subsequently electrochemically coated on these electrodes via cyclic voltammetry. The deposition solution was prepared according to the protocol published by Marzouk [3]. In a three electrode configuration (reference: 3 M KCl Ag/AgCl, counter: platinum gauze) the prepared metal electrodes functioned as the working electrodes. Homogenous IrOx layers with a thickness around 80 nm were obtained after 100 cycles at 0.1 V/s between -0.5 V and 0.85 V or -0.7 V and 0.9 V for the gold and titanium electrodes respectively (see Figures 1 and 2).Several approaches for the construction of solid state reference electrodes (SSREs) have been presented in literature [4]. In this work, salt-saturated polymers were deposited on Ag/AgCl layers, similar to [5]. The selected polymers were either unsaturated polyester resins or UV-curing epoxy-based resins. These resins were mixed with up to 70 ma% of finely ground KCl. The resulting slurry was dropped on Ag/AgCl electrodes and cured to form the SSREs.Data collection was performed with EZO-circuits from Atlas Scientific in connection with a RaspberryPi or an ESP32-based microcontroller using I2C or serial protocols.The fabricated IrOx electrodes were characterised regarding their pH sensing performance. Their sensitivity was evaluated by recording the open circuit potential (OCP) vs. a commercial reference electrode (3 M KCl, Ag/AgCl) during a titration of a Briton-Robinson buffer with 0.5 M KOH at 25°C. Drift rates were measured in standard buffer solutions. In order to determine the SSRE’s electrochemical potential stability, OCP was recorded versus a conventional reference electrode in KCl solutions of varying concentration at 25°C. Results and Conclusions As shown in Figure 3, the IrOx electrodes exhibit a super-Nernstian pH sensitivity of around -73 mV/pH between pH 2 to 11.5. These values are comparable to published results [3]. Electrodes from several batches fabricated on different days show high reproducibility with respect to sensitivity and intercept, as indicated by the closely overlaying data points in Figure 3. These results suggest a high robustness of the coating process. The drift rate of the IrOx electrodes is less than 1 mV/h which is sufficient for the intended application. The functionality of the SSRE can be deducted from the data given in Figure 4: An uncoated Ag/AgCl electrode exhibits Nernstian behavior to changes in chloride ion concentration whereas the fabricated SSRE with a polymer coating shows a stable potential. The combination of SSRE and IrOx electrode results in a potentiometric pH sensor whose output changes with pH as shown in Figure 5. Outlook Future work will focus on improving the sensing characteristics as well as measurements in AMD samples. Eventually on-site deployment of the sensors is planned. Additionally, first experiments to transfer the electrodes to flexible and chemically inert substrates for ultimate robustness and potential applications in smart robotic skins have been conducted (see Figure 6). Acknowledgments This research has been funded by the European Social Fund (ESF) and the Free State of Saxony. (ARIDuA , project number 100310491).

Improved Hepatogenic Differentiation of Human Adipose Tissue‐derived MSCs Using a Silicone‐based Cell Culture System

Conventional two‐dimensional as well as established three‐dimensional cell culture systems exhibit a high modulus of elasticity, yet, without representing the stiffness of human organs. Previously, we established a protocol for the culture of primary rat hepatocytes on a silicone of low stiffness, which sustained their physiological functions. In terms of the development of human‐based tests to evaluate the potential risk of novel drugs, the method was adjusted for use of human adipose tissue‐derived mesenchymal stromal cells (hAT‐MSC). Aim of the study was to improve hepatogenic differentiation of hAT‐MSC on fibronectin‐coated 3D silicone scaffolds with low stiffness (E‐modulus approx. 250 kPA) mimicking the stiffness of human liver including surface modifications to increase hydrophilic properties.hAT‐MSCs were cultured on 3D silicone scaffolds. Hepatogenic differentiation was initiated by the 2 step protocol. The capability of the hepatocyte‐like cells to store glycogen, to synthesize urea and albumin as well as the enzyme activities of CYP1A1 and Cyp2B1/2 were analysed and compared to the conventional 2D cell culture and hepatogenic differentiation on polystyrene (E‐modulus 103 MPa).hAT‐MSC attached to the 3D silicone scaffolds and formed cell clusters. 10 days after starting the hepatogenic differentiation until the end of the culture on day 24, the cells on 3D silicone scaffolds displayed more intensive PAS staining for glycogen as compared to the cells on 2D cultures indicating improved glycogen storage. The urea synthesis rate [nmol/10.000 cells/24h] of these cells was significant higher as compared to cells on 2D culture throughout the culture period, though declining with ongoing culture; 10 d: 2D vs 3D 0.05±0.01 vs 1.68±0.05 and 24 d: 0.03±0.007 vs 0.4±0.04, respectively. The albumin synthesis rate [pg/10.000 cells/24h] was significant higher in cells differentiated for 24 d as compared to undifferentiated cells: 48.5±11 vs 7.4±1.9. Enzyme activity of CYP1A1 after 24 d was 3‐fold higher in cells differentiated on 3D silicone scaffolds as compared to cells cultivated on 2D and the enzyme activity of CYP2B1/2 was 12‐fold higher.With these results, medically approved silicone treated with plasma was identified to improve hepatogenic differentiation of hAT‐MSC, likely by providing the appropriate three‐dimensional growth conditions. Thus, the silicone scaffolds represent an important tool for the development of cell cultures featuring organ‐like stiffness and improving physiological functions of hepatogenic differentiated MSC.Support or Funding InformationThe study was supported by the European Regional Development Fund and the Free State of Saxony (SAB) 100282466 to J.H. and P.S.

284Outcomes after left atrial appendage occlusion with AMPLATZER Amulet and WATCHMAN device: Results from the ORIGINAL registry (saxOnian RegIstry analyzinG and followINg left atrial Appendage cLosure)

Abstract Aims Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) is a therapeutic option for patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) and high risk of bleeding. This study reports outcomes of patients enrolled in the prospective multicentre, investigator initiated real life registry in the Free State of Saxony (saxOnian RegIstry analyzinG and followINg left atrial Appendage cLosure). Methods and results Data of all consecutive 521 patients (64.7% adult males, 35.3% adult females, mean age: 75.1 (SD 7.9) years with non-valvular atrial fibrillation undergoing interventional left atrial appendage occlusion procedure in the ORIGINAL prospective registry were analysed. The CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scores were 4.3 (SD 1.5) and 3.7 (SD 1.1), respectively. 78.9% of the patients had a history of bleeding. 89.3% of the patients were considered as non-eligible for long term oral anticoagulation. A left atrial appendage occlusion device was successfully implanted in 97.5% of cases. A mean follow-up of 463 days could be reached in 386 patients. Among these, the distribution of the follow-up length reached was as follows: 1 year 205, 2 years 118, 3 years 65 and 4 years 17 patients. In the follow-up the annual frequency of stroke was very low (0.4%), which resulted in the 4.98% absolute risk reduction in the amount of thromboembolic strokes, which would have been expected according to the calculated CHA2DS2-VASc score in the hypothetic group not receiving any anticoagulant therapy. The occurrence of major and minor bleeding in the follow-up was 1.55% and 3.37% respectively. Conclusions In this prospective multicentre study we included the patients who are at high risk of stroke and bleeding. The annual ischemic stroke rate was 0.4%, the LAA could be sealed in 97.5%. Six months after the LAA closure only 3.63% of all patients were further on treated using oral anticoagulation. Considering the stroke reduction rates, the implantation of an LAAO device proves to be effective and safe in the clinical routine in the studied population. Acknowledgement/Funding None

Zum Anspruch öffentlicher Sachherrn auf Herausgabe entzogener öffentlicher Sachen kraft öffentlichen Sachenrechts

In case the civil claim for return doesn’t help the public archive to recover dispossessed public archive material, it’s in question if the archive versus the material’s possessor has got a public-law claim for return by virtue of the public law of things. That’s generally not the case, contrary to a now as ever held opinion: If the archive - precisely: the public subject of the archive - has lost not only the possession but also the property right of the archive material, the archive is able to realize the recovery of the archive material neither by administrative action nor by action for performance through the administrative court. The same applies in case the archive hasn‘t lost its property right of the archive material but isn‘t able to realize the civil claim for return because of its statutory limitation. Here, too, a public-law request for return based only on the presumed public law of things is unsuccessful. Something different applies to the Free State of Saxony and the Free State of Thuringia: Recently the state legislator has conceded a public-law claim for return to the public archives versus the possessor of dispossessed public archive material - a novelty in the entire public law of things. However, because of the constitutional property guarantee (Article 14, section 1 of the German Basic Law) the relevant state law (Section 8, paragraph 2, sentence 3 Saxon Archives Act; Section 2, paragraph 1, sentence 4 Thuringian Archives Act) has to be interpreted in conformity with the constitution: The state law grants the archives a public-law claim for return which is cognizable by action for performance through the administrative court. But only, although at least, versus the archive material’s possessor who isn’t the material’s proprietor. This applies mutatis mutandis to other (i. e. non-archival) public things. In so far, however, because of the property guarantee (Article 14, section 1 of the German Basic Law) legislative amendments can be taken into consideration at most and only concerning unique specimens which are irreplaceable for public purposes: cultural assets with a unique character.

Dynamic Alterations in Linear Growth and Endocrine Parameters in Children with Obesity Compared to Normal-Weight Children from Infancy to Adolescence

Background: Obesity can affect growth and development of children but there is uncertainty regarding the dynamics and potential causes. We assessed the growth dynamics of children with obesity from infancy to adolescence and evaluated associated endocrine and metabolic changes. Methods: In the population-based LIFE Child and the obesity-enriched Leipzig Obesity Childhood Cohorts encompassing 7,961 children (35,134 measurements), we compared (parental-height-corrected) height, growth velocities and serum hormone levels between normal-weight and children with obesity aged 0 to 20 years. Findings: Children with obesity were significantly taller than normal-weight children, independently of parental height, reaching a maximum difference of 7·6 cm at age 6-7 years. Already at birth, children with obesity were up to 0·5 cm taller and had slightly increased growth velocities of up to 0·9 cm/y (+1·1 SDS) in early childhood. During puberty, children with obesity showed a catch-down in height, with an almost blunted growth spurt particularly in boys. The reduction in pubertal growth velocity by 30% coincided with a decrease in levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) (by 17%) and testosterone (by 61%) in boys, as well as with reductions in estradiol (by 44%) in girls with obesity. Interpretation: Children with obesity are taller in early childhood with catch-down growth in puberty. The blunted pubertal growth spurt is paralleled by reduced serum levels of IGF-1 and sex hormones. Funding: German Research Foundation, European Union, European Regional Development Fund, Free State of Saxony, German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, and European Society for Pediatric Endocrinology. Declaration of Interest: The authors have nothing to declare. Ethical Approval: The study was approved by the ethics committee of the University of Leipzig (NCT02550236, NCT02208141, NCT01605123).