Danube University Krems

About: Danube University Krems is a education organization based out in Krems, Niederösterreich, Austria. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Stroke & Population. The organization has 498 authors who have published 1572 publications receiving 68797 citations.

The effects of a strength and neuromuscular exercise programme for the lower extremity on knee load, pain and function in obese children and adolescents: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Abstract: Childhood obesity is one of the most critical and accelerating health challenges throughout the world. It is a major risk factor for developing varus/valgus misalignments of the knee joint. The combination of misalignment at the knee and excess body mass may result in increased joint stresses and damage to articular cartilage. A training programme, which aims at developing a more neutral alignment of the trunk and lower limbs during movement tasks may be able to reduce knee loading during locomotion. Despite the large number of guidelines for muscle strength training and neuromuscular exercises that exist, most are not specifically designed to target the obese children and adolescent demographic. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate a training programme which combines strength and neuromuscular exercises specifically designed to the needs and limitations of obese children and adolescents and analyse the effects of the training programme from a biomechanical and clinical point of view. A single assessor-blinded, pre-test and post-test randomised controlled trial, with one control and one intervention group will be conducted with 48 boys and girls aged between 10 and 18 years. Intervention group participants will receive a 12-week neuromuscular and quadriceps/hip strength training programme. Three-dimensional (3D) gait analyses during level walking and stair climbing will be performed at baseline and follow-up sessions. The primary outcome parameters for this study will be the overall peak external frontal knee moment and impulse during walking. Secondary outcomes include the subscales of the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), frontal and sagittal kinematics and kinetics for the lower extremities during walking and stair climbing, ratings of change in knee-related well-being, pain and function and adherence to the training programme. In addition, the training programme will be evaulated from a clinical and health status perspective by including the following analyses: cardiopulmonary testing to quantify aerobic fitness effects, anthropometric measures, nutritional status and psychological status to characterise the study sample. The findings will help to determine whether a neuromuscular and strength training exercise programme for the obese children population can reduce joint loading during locomotion, and thereby decrease the possible risk of developing degenerative joint diseases later in adulthood. ClinicalTrials NCT02545764 , Date of registration: 24 September 2015.

An exploratory investigation of food choice behavior of teenagers with and without food allergies.

Abstract: Background Understanding food choice behavior in adolescence is important because many core eating habits may be tracked into adulthood. The food choices of at least 2.3% of teenagers living in the United Kingdom are determined by food allergies. However, the effect of food allergies on eating habits in teenagers has not yet been studied. Objective To provide an understanding of how teenagers with food allergies make food choice decisions and how these differ from those of non–food-allergic teenagers. Methods One focus group discussion with non–food-allergic teenagers (n = 11) and 14 semistructured interviewers (7 with food-allergic and 7 with non–food-allergic teenagers) were performed (age range, 12-18 years). The focus group discussion and interviews were audiorecorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic content analysis. Results Teenagers from both groups (food-allergic and non–food-allergic) named sensory characteristics of foods as the main reason for choosing them. Some food-allergic teenagers downplayed their allergy and frequently engaged in risk-taking behavior in terms of their food choices. However, they reported difficulties in trying new foods, especially when away from home. Parental control was experienced as protective by those with food allergies, whereas non–food-allergic teenagers felt the opposite. Most teenagers, including food-allergic ones, expressed the wish to eat similar foods to their friends. Other themes did not vary between the 2 groups. Conclusion Food-allergic teenagers strive to be able to make similar food choices to their friends, although differences to non–food-allergic teenagers exist. It is important to address these differences to improve their dietary management.

The Effect of Blood-Derived Products on the Chondrogenic and Osteogenic Differentiation Potential of Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Originated from Three Different Locations.

Abstract: Background. Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs) from fat tissue considered “surgical waste” during joint surgery may provide a potent source for regenerative medicine. Intra-articular, homologous fat tissue (Hoffa’s fat pad, pouch fat) might possess a superior chondrogenic and osteogenic differentiation potential in comparison to extra-articular, nonhomologous fat. Blood products might further enhance this potential. Methods. AD-MSCs were isolated from fat tissue of 3 donors from 3 locations each, during total knee replacement. Isolated cells were analyzed via flow cytometry. Cells were supplemented with blood products: two types of platelet-rich plasma (EPRP—PRP prepared in the presence of EDTA; CPRP—PRP prepared in the presence of citrate), hyperacute serum (hypACT), and standard fetal calf serum (FCS) as a positive control. The viability of the cells was determined by XTT assay, and the progress of differentiation was tested via histological staining and monitoring of specific gene expression. Results. Blood products enhance ex vivo cell metabolism. Chondrogenesis is enhanced by EDTA-PRP and osteogenesis by citrate PRP, whereas hyperacute serum enhances both differentiations comparably. This finding was consistent in histological analysis as well as in gene expression. Lower blood product concentrations and shorter differentiation periods lead to superior histological results for chondrogenesis. Both PRP types had a different biological effect depending upon concentration, whereas hyperacute serum seemed to have a more consistent effect, independent of the used concentration. Conclusion. (i) Blood product preparation method, (ii) type of anticoagulant, (iii) differentiation time, and (iv) blood product concentration have a significant influence on stem cell viability and the differentiation potential, favouring no use of anticoagulation, shorter differentiation time, and lower blood product concentrations. Cell-free blood products like hyperacute serum may be considered as an alternative supplementation in regenerative medicine, especially for stem cell therapies.

How Do You Connect Moving Dots? Insights from User Studies on Dynamic Network Visualizations

Abstract: In recent years, the analysis of dynamic network data has become an increasingly prominent research issue. While several visual analytics techniques with the focus on the examination of temporal evolving networks have been proposed in recent years, their effectiveness and utility for end users need to be further analyzed. When dealing with techniques for dynamic network analysis, which integrate visual, computational, and interactive components, users become easily overwhelmed by the amount of information displayed—even in case of small sized networks. Therefore we evaluated visual analytics techniques for dynamic networks during their development, performing intermediate evaluations by means of mock-up and eye-tracking studies and a final evaluation of the running interactive prototype, traceing three pathways of development in detail: The first one focused on the maintenance of the user’s mental map throughout changes of network structure over time, changes caused by user interactions, and changes of analytical perspectives. The second one addresses the avoidance of visual clutter, or at least its moderation. The third pathway of development follows the implications of unexpected user behaviour and multiple problem solving processes. Aside from presenting solutions based on the outcomes of our evaluation, we discuss open and upcoming problems and set out new research questions.