Finding the rhythm: Humans exploit nonlinear intrinsic dynamics of compliant systems in periodic interaction tasks.

Activities like ball bouncing and trampoline jumping showcase the human ability to intuitively tune to system dynamics and excite motions that the system prefers intrinsically. This human sensitivity to resonance has been experimentally supported for interactions with simple linear systems but remains a challenge to validate in more complex scenarios where nonlinear dynamics cannot be predicted analytically. However, it has been found that many nonlinear systems exhibit periodic orbits similar to the eigenmodes of linear systems. These nonlinear normal modes (NNM) are computable with a recently developed numerical mode tool. Using this tool, the present resarch compared the motions that humans excite in nonlinear systems with the predicted NNM of the energy-conservative systems. In a user study consisting of three experiment parts, participants commanded differently configured virtual double pendula with joint compliance through a haptic joystick. The task was to alternately hit two targets, which were either aligned with the NNM (Experiments 1 and 2) or purposefully arranged offset (Experiment 3). In all tested experiment variations, participants intuitively applied a control strategy that excited the resonance and stabilized an orbit close to the ideal NNM of the conservative systems. Even for increased task accuracy (Experiment 2) and targets located away from the NNM (Experiment 3), participants could successfully accomplish the task, likely by adjusting their arm stiffness to alter the system dynamics to better align the resonant motions to the task. Consequently, our experiments extend the existing research on human resonance sensitivity with data-based evidence to nonlinear systems. Our findings emphasize the human capabilities to apply control strategies to excite and exploit resonant motions in dynamic object interactions, including possibly shaping the dynamics through changes in muscle stiffness.

Human short-latency reflexes show precise short-term gain adaptation after prior motion.

The central nervous system adapts the gain of short-latency reflex loops to changing conditions. Experiments on biomimetic robots showed that reflex modulation could substantially increase energy efficiency and stability of periodic motions if, unlike known mechanisms, the reflex modulation both acted precisely on the muscles involved and lasted after the motion. This study tests the presence of such a mechanism by having participants repeatedly rotate either their right elbow or shoulder joint, before perturbing either joint. The results demonstrate a mechanism that modulates short-latency reflex gains after prior motion with joint-specific precision. Enhanced gains were observed hundreds of milliseconds after movement cessation, a time scale well-suited to quickly adapt overall periodic motion cycles. A serotonin antagonist significantly decreased these post-movement gains diffusely across joints. But blocking serotonin did not affect the joint-specificity of the gain scaling more than a placebo, suggesting that serotonin sets the overall reflex gain across joints after movement by an effect that is modulated in a joint-specific manner by an unidentified neural circuit. These results confirm the existence of a new, joint-specific, fast, persistent adaptation of short-latency reflex loops induced by motion in human arms.

Habitat modification by marram grass negatively affects recruitment of conspecifics.

Ecosystem engineers alter their environment often benefiting their own survival and growth yielding self-reinforcing feedbacks. Moreover, these habitat modifications have been found to facilitate recruitment of conspecifics for some species, while for others engineering inhibits recruitment. Whether dune grasses facilitate or inhibit recruitment of conspecifics is yet unknown. Here, we investigated how habitat modification by European marram grass (Ammophila arenaria) through embryonic dune development affects recruitment from seeds and marine dispersed rhizome fragments. Specifically, we tested at three locations with different dune morphologies how habitat modification affected natural seed and rhizome presence and shoot emergence from plots in which seeds or rhizome fragments were added. In addition, we investigated how sediment burial (i.e., the main effect of habitat modification by dune grasses) affected germination and emergence in a controlled experiment. Results show that regardless of habitat modification or beach width, seeds and rhizomes were absent in natural conditions. Habitat modification negatively affected shoot emergence from seeds (8 × less) and rhizomes (4 × less) and was negatively related to sediment dynamics. Furthermore, fewer seedlings were found with higher elevations. In controlled laboratory conditions, the highest seedling emergence was found with slight burial (0.5-3 cm); both germination and seedling emergence decreased as seeds were buried deeper or shallower. Overall, habitat modification by marram grass negatively affects recruitment of conspecifics through increased sediment dynamics and elevation. Consequently, storm events or eradication programs that include removal of adult vegetation-which leads to an unmodified system-might benefit new recruitment from seeds or clonal fragments.

Enantioselective Synthesis of Phosphine Boranes via Crystallization-Induced Dynamic Resolution of Lithiated Intermediate by Understanding the Underlying Epimerization Process.

Described herein is the successful crystallization-induced dynamic resolution (CIDR) of an α-lithiated phosphine borane utilizing the easily accessible and inexpensive ligand (R,R)-TMCDA. Starting from the essential P-prochiral building block dimethyl phenyl phosphine borane we were able to obtain phosphine boranes in yields up to 80 % and e.r. up to 98 : 2 by crystallization of the lithiated intermediate prior to the trapping reaction. NMR-based deuterium labeling experiments indicate that the epimerization in solution is based on the intermolecular proton transfer between nonlithiated phosphine borane and the corresponding lithiated intermediate, rendering the presence of the remaining starting compound in an optimized solvent mixture the main factor for successful enantioselective synthesis. Quantum chemical calculations using different model systems based on solid state structures confirm these experimental results. By gaining insights into the epimerization mechanism, essential principles for CIDR of lithiated phosphine boranes are elucidated that may be expanded to other important P-stereogenic compounds and simple chiral amines.

Stereoselective Entry into α,α'-C-Oxepane Scaffolds through a Chalcogen Bonding Catalyzed Strain-Release C-Septanosylation Strategy.

The utility of unconventional noncovalent interactions (NCIs) such as chalcogen bonding has lately emerged as a robust platform to access synthetically difficult glycosides stereoselectively. Herein, we disclose the versatility of a phosphonochalcogenide (PCH) catalyst to facilitate access into the challenging, but biologically interesting 7-membered ring α,α'-C-disubstituted oxepane core through an α-selective strain-release C-glycosylation. Methodically, this strategy represents a switch from more common but entropically less desired macrocyclizations to a thermodynamically favored ring-expansion approach. In light of the general lack of stereoselective methods to access C-septanosides, a remarkable palette of silyl-based nucleophiles can be reliably employed in our method. This include a broad variety of useful synthons, such as easily available silyl-allyl, silyl-enol ether, silyl-ketene acetal, vinylogous silyl-ketene acetal, silyl-alkyne and silylazide reagents. Mechanistic investigations suggest that a mechanistic shift towards an intramolecular aglycone transposition involving a pentacoordinate silicon intermediate is likely responsible in steering the stereoselectivity.

[Home-care services in the first two waves of the COVID-19 pandemic: challenges for staff and care recipients]. / Ambulante Pflege in den ersten beiden Wellen der COVID-19-Pandemie: Herausforderungen für Personal und Pflegebedürftige.

INTRODUCTION: During the COVID-19 pandemic, people in need of long-term care were among the most vulnerable population groups. Home-care services were under exceptional strain, especially at the beginning of the pandemic. The aim of this study is to examine the situation and problems of care services and the people in need of care during the first two waves of the pandemic in Germany. METHODS: Two cross-sectional studies were conducted during the first two COVID-19 waves (first survey 28 April to 12 May 2020, second survey 12 January to 7 February 2021). In total, data from N = 1029 outpatient care services were included in the analysis. Descriptive measures were used for the analysis. RESULTS: The clients of home-care services were severely burdened in the first two waves of the pandemic. This can be seen on the one hand in an increased risk of illness and increased mortality, and on the other in the loss of various care and support services. The latter also has negative effects on the psychosocial condition of those in need of care, for example. Care services were affected by high staff absenteeism and additional work due to protective measures. DISCUSSION: The COVID-19 pandemic led to immense burdens for people in need of care and home-care services and to a reduction in care services. The deterioration of care provision met with an already tense situation. It has become clear that the provision of care for those in need of care by outpatient care services is not crisis-proof, and that additional challenges such as a pandemic can have dramatic consequences. For the future, reliable structures and readily available emergency plans should be established with concrete instructions for action.

[The situation of informal caregivers of working age in the COVID-19 pandemic-results of an online survey in Germany]. / Die Situation pflegender Angehöriger im erwerbsfähigen Alter in der COVID-19-Pandemie ­ Ergebnisse einer Onlinebefragung in Deutschland.

BACKGROUND: The consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic have posed major challenges to different groups. One of these are informal caregivers. This study investigates the changes the pandemic has caused for informal caregivers and the extent to which quality of life and burden of care have changed for specific subgroups. METHODS: Data for this cross-sectional study was gathered in the summer of 2020 in a convenient sample of informal caregivers (< 67 years of age, N = 1143). In addition to sociodemographic data, information on the care situation, compatibility of care and work, as well as stress and quality of life was collected in an online survey. The analysis of care situations and compatibility of care and work is done descriptively. Logistic regression models are used for a subgroup analysis of quality of life and care burden. RESULTS: The care situation has changed for 54.7% of participants and has become more time consuming. For 70.8% of respondents, the COVID-19 pandemic has made it even more difficult to balance care-giving and work. However, most respondents were satisfied with their employers' pandemic management (65.9%). A sharp decline in the quality of life and an increase in the burden of care for informal caregivers was ascertained. Both developments are stronger for young and female caregivers and for those caring for people with a greater need of support. DISCUSSION: The results indicate that living situations worsened for a substantial proportion of informal caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Policymakers should recognize additional challenges that informal caregivers have faced since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and how they vary by subgroups. It is important to include home-based informal care as well as other care settings in future pandemic concepts.

[Reasons for hospitalization of people with dementia-A scoping review]. / Krankenhauseinweisungsgründe für Menschen mit Demenz ­ ein Scoping-Review.

BACKGROUND: Hospitalization represents a high burden for people with dementia, which can accelerate the decline of cognitive and motor skills. Behavioral changes and orientation problems may be increased in people with dementia during hospitalization. Some hospitalizations are potentially preventable by improved outpatient care. OBJECTIVE: To provide an up to date overview of the most common reasons for hospitalization of people with dementia or mild cognitive impairment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted in the databases PubMed®, CINAHL and PsycINFO® in May 2020 to conduct the scoping review. Studies in German and English published between July 2010 and May 2020 were included. RESULTS: The most common reasons for hospitalization, which were named in the 14 included studies, were infectious diseases, especially respiratory infections and urinary tract infections, cardiovascular diseases (in general or specific, e.g. heart failure) and injuries, poisoning, fractures and falls, and gastrointestinal diseases. CONCLUSION: Most of the most common reasons for hospitalization are ambulatory care-sensitive hospital cases. Strengthening outpatient care for people with dementia may help prevent hospitalizations.

The heparan sulphate proteoglycan Syndecan-1 (CD138) regulates tumour progression in a 3D model of ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast.

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a form of breast cancer that is restricted to the lactiferous ducts and has not yet invaded the surrounding breast tissue. Dysregulation of the transmembrane heparan sulphate proteoglycan Syndecan-1 (Sdc-1) plays a role in tumour progression of invasive breast cancer (IBC). In DCIS, Sdc-1, c-Met and E-cadherin are part of a proangiogenic expression signature. In this study, we employed a siRNA knockdown approach in the DCIS model cell line MCF10A DCIS.com to investigate a potential connection between Sdc-1 and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), proteolysis and the Rho kinase pathway. Analysis of gene expression data of the TNMplot.com database revealed that Sdc-1 expression was higher in primary breast tumours compared to metastases. The impact of Sdc-1-depletion on the cellular phenotype was investigated in a Matrigel-based three-dimensional cell culture model. Sdc-1 depletion resulted in the formation of larger spheroids and the formation of invasive protrusions. Application of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) and Rho kinase inhibitors could block the Sdc-1-induced phenotype. qPCR analysis of Sdc-1-depleted cells in two-dimensional culture revealed upregulated expression of the EMT-markers CDH1, FN-1, CLDN1, the proteolysis markers MMP3, and MMP9, and HPSE, while MMP2, VIM and ROCK-2 were downregulated. Immunocytochemistry confirmed upregulation of MMP9 and fibronectin, the latter being particular prominent after ROCK inhibition. STRING analysis confirmed an interaction of the investigated gene products at the protein level. Our results suggest that diminished Sdc-1 expression plays a role in DCIS progression to IBC through deregulation of proteolytic factors and a partial EMT.

Contacts with general practitioners, dentists, and medical specialists among nursing home residents: a cross-sectional study in 44 German nursing homes.

BACKGROUND: Nursing home residents have high medical care needs. Their medical care utilization is, however, lower compared to community-dwelling elderly and varies widely among nursing homes. This study quantified the utilization of general practitioners (GPs), dentists, and medical specialists among nursing homes and residents, and investigated whether dentist utilization is associated with individual and nursing home characteristics. METHODS: Forty-four nursing homes invited 2124 residents to participate in a cross-sectional study. For 10 medical specialties, data on contacts in nursing homes, practices, and by telephone in the last 12 months were assessed at individual and nursing home level. The proportion of nursing homes and residents with any form of contact, and the median number and interquartile range (IQR) of contacts among individuals with contact were determined. Using multilevel logistic regression, associations between the probability of individual dental care utilization and sex, age, LTC grade, years of residence, sponsorship, number of nursing home beds, and transport and medical escort services for consultations at a practice were investigated. RESULTS: The proportion of nursing homes with any form of contact with physicians ranged from 100% for GPs, dentists, and urologists to 76.7% for gynecologists and orthopedists. Among the nursing homes, 442 residents participated (20.8% response). The proportion of residents with any contact varied from 97.8% for GPs, 38.5% for neurologists/psychiatrists, and 32.3% for dentists to 3.0% for gynecologists. Only for GPs, neurologists/psychiatrists, dentists, otorhinolaryngologists, urologists, and dermatologists, the proportion was higher for nursing home contacts than for practice and telephone contacts. Among residents with any contact, the median number of contacts was highest for GPs (11.0 [IQR 7.0-16.0]), urologists (4.0 [IQR 2.0-7.0]), and neurologists/psychiatrists (3.0 [IQR 2.0-5.0]). Dentist utilization varied widely among nursing homes (median odds ratio 2.5) and was associated with higher age. CONCLUSIONS: Almost all residents had regular contact to GPs, but only one third had contact with dentists. Lower proportions with contact were found for medical specialists, except for neurologists/psychiatrists. Reasons for the large variations in dental care utilization among nursing homes should be identified. TRIAL REGISTRATION: DRKS00012383 [2017/12/06].

Relationship between Lipoprotein(a) and cardiovascular risk factors-data from 4602 participants of the ELITE study.

Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is becoming increasingly important as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Since no effective therapy currently exists other than lipid apheresis, the recommendation remains to optimally adjust all other cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF). In a Northwest German population study, the frequency of elevated Lp(a) levels and all other CVRF was investigated. The aim was to investigate whether individuals with elevated Lp(a) levels were also more likely to have other CVRFs. To date, 4602 individuals have been enrolled in the study, and blood pressure, weight, lipids, diabetes, medications, and pre-existing conditions were recorded in addition to Lp(a). In addition, questionnaires assessed physical activity, psychological stress, depression, and brain dysfunction. All participants received detailed individual recommendation about their CVRF and its treatment. In the further follow-up of 5 years, it will be examined how persons with elevated Lp(a) implemented these recommendations in comparison with participants without elevated Lp(a). The first group Lp(a) <75 nmol/L consisted of 3550 (80.2%), the Lp(a) 75-120 nmol/L group of 341 (7.4%) and the Lp(a) >120 nmol/L of 538 (11.7%). 81.6% of all participants had one or more CVRF. Age, sex, and prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, smoking, obesity, and exercise did not differ among the 3 groups. As expected, LDL-Cholesterol was significantly elevated in the Lp(a) >120 nmol/L group despite significantly more frequent use of statins. Significantly more often hypertensive patients were found in the Lp(a) >120 nmol/L group who were inadequately controlled by medication and significantly less often persons without further CVRF. No differences existed in the frequency of psychological stress, depression, and mild cognitive impairment. CVRF occur with comparable frequency in individuals with elevated Lp(a) levels. However, individuals with Lp(a) above 120 nmol/L were more likely to have poorly controlled blood pressure, elevated LDL-C, and less likely to have no other risk factors. This underlines that in case of Lp(a) elevation all further CVRF should be intensively adjusted, especially in case of strongly elevated values >120 nmol/L. However, these recommendations have not been adequately implemented in clinical care in this population to date.

[Medical specialist undertreatment in nursing home residents-Prevalence and extrapolation]. / Fachärztliche Unterversorgung bei Heimbewohnern ­ Prävalenzstudie und Hochrechnung.

BACKGROUND: Nursing home residents tend to have lower medical specialist utilization than other groups of older people; however, as yet there is little evidence whether nursing home residents obtain adequate medical specialist care. This study investigated whether nursing home residents receive adequate oral health care, ophthalmological care, otorhinolaryngologist care and neurological care. The unmet needs of the nursing home population in Germany was extrapolated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Audiometry, eye examinations and oral visual inspection were performed in 409 residents from 44 nursing homes. Medical care in the previous 12 months as well as existing diagnoses were retrieved from the nursing documentation. Teams of physicians evaluated for each resident based on all collected data if the resident obtained specialist care that was adequate to the needs. RESULTS: Between 15% and 45% of the residents with need for medical specialist care did not receive adequate specialist care. Of all residents 27% had unmet need of specialist care in at least one of the investigated medical specialties. It is projected that up to 205,000 nursing home residents in Germany do not receive adequate medical specialist care. CONCLUSION: Given a considerable proportion of nursing home residents with unmet need of specialist care, interventions should be developed that help reduce the level of unmet needs.

Identification of Drug Resistance Determinants in a Clinical Isolate of Pseudomonas aeruginosa by High-Density Transposon Mutagenesis.

With the aim to identify potential new targets to restore antimicrobial susceptibility of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates, we generated a high-density transposon (Tn) insertion mutant library in an MDR P. aeruginosa bloodstream isolate (isolate ID40). The depletion of Tn insertion mutants upon exposure to cefepime or meropenem was measured in order to determine the common resistome for these clinically important antipseudomonal ß-lactam antibiotics. The approach was validated by clean deletions of genes involved in peptidoglycan synthesis/recycling, such as the genes for the lytic transglycosylase MltG, the murein (Mur) endopeptidase MepM1, the MurNAc/GlcNAc kinase AmgK, and the uncharacterized protein YgfB, all of which were identified in our screen as playing a decisive role in survival after treatment with cefepime or meropenem. We found that the antibiotic resistance of P. aeruginosa can be overcome by targeting usually nonessential genes that turn essential in the presence of therapeutic concentrations of antibiotics. For all validated genes, we demonstrated that their deletion leads to the reduction of ampC expression, resulting in a significant decrease in ß-lactamase activity, and consequently, these mutants partly or completely lost resistance against cephalosporins, carbapenems, and acylaminopenicillins. In summary, the determined resistome may comprise promising targets for the development of drugs that may be used to restore sensitivity to existing antibiotics, specifically in MDR strains of P. aeruginosa.

Differences in medical specialist utilization among older people in need of long-term care - results from German health claims data.

BACKGROUND: Elderly in need of long-term care tend to have worse health and have higher need of medical care than elderly without need for long-term care. Yet, characteristics associated with long-term care need can impede health care access: Higher levels of long-term care need come with physical and cognitive decline such as frailty and memory loss. Yet, it has not been investigated whether level of long-term care need is related to medical care utilization. METHODS: We investigated the association between the level of long-term care and medical specialist utilization among nursing home residents and home care recipients. We applied zero-inflated Poisson regression with robust standard errors based on a sample of statutory health insurance members. The sample consisted of 100.000 elderly over age 60. We controlled for age, gender, morbidity and mortality, residential density, and general practitioner utilization. RESULTS: We found a strong gradient effect of the level of long-term care for 9 out of 12 medical specialties: A higher level of long-term care need was associated with a lower probability of having a medical specialist visit. Yet, we did not find clear effects of the level of long-term care need on the intensity of medical specialist care. These findings were similar for both the nursing home and home care setting. CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that inequalities in medical specialist utilization exist between elderly with differing levels of long-term care need because differences in morbidity were controlled for. Elderly with higher need of long-term care might face more access barriers to specialist medical care.

Claims data analysis of medical specialist utilization among nursing home residents and community-dwelling older people.

BACKGROUND: Most older people, and especially those in need of long-term care, suffer from one or more chronic diseases. Consequently, older people have an increased need of medical care, including specialist care. There is little evidence as yet whether older people with greater medical care needs obtain adequate medical care because existing studies do not sufficiently control for differences in morbidity. In this study we investigate whether differences in medical specialist utilization exist between older people with and without assessed long-term care need in line with Book XI of the German Social Code, while at the same time controlling for individual differences in morbidity. METHODS: We used data from the 11 German AOK Statutory Health and Long-term Care Insurance funds of 100,000 members aged 60 years or over. Zero-inflated Poisson regression analyses were applied to investigate whether the need for long-term care and the long-term care setting are associated with the probability and number of specialist visits. We controlled for age, gender, morbidity and mortality, residential density, and general practitioner (GP) utilization. RESULTS: Older people in need of long-term care are more likely to have no specialist visit than people without the need for long-term care. This applies to nearly all medical specialties and for both care settings. Yet, despite these differences in utilization probability the number of specialist medical care visits between older people with and without the need for long-term care is similar. CONCLUSION: Older people in need of long-term care might face access barriers to specialist care. Once a contact is established, however, utilization does not differ considerably between those who need long-term care and those who don't; this indicates the importance of securing an initial contact.

[Needs of long-term nursing in the COVID-19 pandemic]. / Bedarfe der Langzeitpflege in der COVID-19-Pandemie.

The SARS-CoV­2 virus and the associated disease COVID-19 pose major challenges to healthcare systems worldwide. Especially the vulnerable group of people in need of long-term care is at risk of suffering a severe course of the disease or of dying from the infection.In a nationwide cross-sectional study the situation and needs of inpatient and outpatient long-term care facilities during the SARS-CoV­2 pandemic were assessed and analyzed using an online survey.Participants from 531 institutions postulated the need for uniform recommendations for action on SARS-CoV­2, adequate and affordable protective and hygiene materials, serial tests in the institutions, well-founded advice on the implementation of interventions, a specific pandemic plan and supporting public relations work by the media. This calls for higher nursing remuneration, better staffing levels and greater appreciation of the nursing profession.In order to protect the vulnerable group of people in need of nursing care from a SARS-CoV­2 infection, long-term care must be given a stronger focus in health policy measures during the pandemic.

Pflege in Zeiten von Corona: Zentrale Ergebnisse einer deutschlandweiten Querschnittsbefragung vollstationärer Pflegeheime.

Long-term care during the Corona pandemic - Main results from a nationwide online survey in nursing homes in Germany Abstract. Background: As a highly vulnerable group, people in need of long-term care are particularly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to their care-dependency, measures of social distancing can only be carried out to a very limited extent. In addition, the social and health consequences of reduced contacts are particularly high for nursing home residents. AIM: The study aims to describe the extent to which nursing homes are affected, the human and material resources of nursing homes, the organizational handling of the situation, and their requests for public support. METHODS: More than 7,000 nursing homes were invited to participate in an online survey with quantitative and qualitative elements. Data analysis applies descriptive statistics. RESULTS: 824 nursing homes participated in the survey. One in five nursing homes has at least one confirmed case of SARS-CoV-2 among its residents and / or employees. The initial lack of protective equipment has now decreased, but the facilities still have to cope with additional corona-related care needs with reduced staff. Nursing homes have banned contacts between residents and relative to an extent that now has to be reduced again. Nursing homes demand the provision and external financing of protective equipment as well as the systematic and regular testing of nursing staff and the provision of uniform guidelines for action throughout Germany. CONCLUSIONS: As about half of all deceased people with COVID-19 have been living in nursing homes, the support of nursing homes in their attempt to restrict the pandemic requires highest attention.

Pflege in Zeiten von Corona: Ergebnisse einer deutschlandweiten Querschnittbefragung von ambulanten Pflegediensten und teilstationären Einrichtungen.

Care in times of Corona: Results of a cross-sectional study in German home care services Abstract. Background: People in need of care are particularly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic due to their age and previous illnesses. At the same time, a large number of daily contacts between nursing staff and those in need of care increase the risk of transmission of the disease. AIM: The study aims to illustrate (I) to what extent home care services and semi-residential care facilities are affected by COVID-19, (II) human and material resources, (III) the care situation of those in need of care and (IV) the organizational handling of the situation and outline support requests to politicians. METHODS: More than 12,000 home-care nursing services and semi-residential care facilities were invited to participate in an online survey with quantitative and qualitative elements, 701 nursing services (response rate 7,3 %) and 96 semi-residential facilities (response rate 3,5 %) took part. RESULTS: Almost a third (30,1 %, 189 / 627) of the nursing services surveyed are affected by confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19 among clients. About half of the services report a reduced use of SGB V (47,6 %, 288 / 605) or SGB XI services (59,7 %, 375 / 628). Two thirds of the semi-residential facilities (65,6 %, 63 / 96) say they are currently closed due to the pandemic. Likewise, half of the nursing services (45,8 %, 253 / 552) reported that care with reduced use of services was at risk / unstable or even not ensured. CONCLUSIONS: The results show that the situation of care-dependent people served by home-care services in the present pandemic - and also with a view to a possible second wave - should receive increased attention particularly with regard to unstable / risky care arrangements.

Digital technology and nursing care: a scoping review on acceptance, effectiveness and efficiency studies of informal and formal care technologies.

BACKGROUND: The existence, usage and benefits of digital technologies in nursing care are relevant topics in the light of the current discussion on technologies as possible solutions to problems such as the shortage of skilled workers and the increasing demand for long-term care. A lack of good empirical overviews of existing technologies in the present literature prompted us to conduct this review. Its purpose was to map the field of digital technologies for informal and formal care that have already been explored in terms of acceptance, effectiveness and efficiency (AEE), and to show the scope of the used methods, target settings, target groups and fields of support. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted using Medline, Scopus, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, ACM Digital Library, IEEE Xplore, the Collection of Computer Science Bibliographies, GeroLit and CareLit. In addition, project websites were manually screened for relevant publications. RESULTS: Seven hundred fifteen papers were included in the review. Effectiveness studies have been most frequently performed for ICT, robots and sensors. Acceptance studies often focussed on ICT, robots and EHR/EMR. Efficiency studies were generally rare. Many studies were found to have a low level of evidence. Experimental designs with small numbers and without control groups were the most common methods used to evaluate acceptance and effectiveness. Study designs with high evidence levels were most commonly found for ICT, robots and e-learning. Technologies evaluated for informal caregivers and children or indicated for formal care at home or in cross-sectoral care were rare. CONCLUSION: We recommend producing high-quality evaluations on existing digital technologies for AEE in real-life settings rather than systematic reviews with low-quality studies. More focus should be placed on research into efficiency. Future research should be devoted to a closer examination of the applied AEE evaluation methods. Policymakers should provide funding to enable large-scale, long-term evaluations of technologies in the practice of care, filling the research gaps for technologies, target settings and target groups identified in this review.

Quality of life in persons with dementia using regional dementia care network services in Germany: a one-year follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: The majority of individuals with dementia live in the community; thus, regional dementia care networks are becoming increasingly more important for the provision of care. To date, four different types of dementia care networks have been identified in Germany (stakeholder, organisation, hybrid, mission); however, the effect on the quality of life of persons with dementia using such network services has not yet been examined. Moreover, the possible differences in the effect on the quality of life among the four types of dementia care networks have not been investigated. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to describe the changes over time in the quality of life of persons with dementia, assessing the association with the different types of dementia care networks. METHODS: Within the DemNet-D study, face-to-face interviews with persons with dementia and their primary caregivers were conducted to collect data of typical outcome parameters, such as quality of life (Quality of Life Alzheimers Disease: QoL-AD), sociodemographic data, social index (Scheuch-Winkler), depression (Geriatric Depression Scale: GDS), challenging behaviour (Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory: CMAI), capacities of daily living (Instrumental Activity of Daily Living: IADL), impairment due to dementia (FAST), and caregiver burden. In addition to these parameters, the differences in quality of life scores among the four types of dementia care networks were analysed using multi-level analysis. RESULTS: In total, 407 persons with dementia (79.1 years; 60.1% female) and their caregivers were included in the analysis. Over 75% of the persons with dementia showed moderate to (very) severe impairments of dementia and at least one challenging behaviour. At baseline, 60.6% had a low social index. Quality of life was stable over one-year on a level slightly above average (baseline 29.1; follow-up 28.7). Multi-level analyses (p <  0.001; R2 = 0.183) show that persons with dementia with higher QoL-AD scores at baseline were associated with a decline at follow-up. No significant differences among the types of dementia care networks were found. CONCLUSION: Users of dementia care network services showed a stable QoL-AD score over time at a level slightly above average, indicating no decrease or worsening over time as expected. Therefore, dementia care network services can be considered as a beneficial model of care in terms of the quality of life of persons with dementia, regardless of their special organisational type.