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Copyright of FinanzRundschau is the property of De Gruyter and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: The incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in children is on the increase worldwide. Growth disorders are common in pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease. The aim of this paper is to investigate anthropometric indicators, including height and weight in children with inflammatory bowel disease in Saxony, one of the German federal states, and to evaluate growth trends in patients by comparing their height and weight with that of healthy children in Germany. Methods: In Saxony, all children and adolescents with IBD were registered in the Saxon Pediatric IBD Registry from 2000 to 2014. The data used are therefore based on a total area-wide survey over 15 years. For this study, 421 datasets of children and adolescents aged 0–14 years with Crohn's disease (CD) (n = 291) or ulcerative colitis (UC) (n = 130) were analyzed. Z-score and percentile calculations were used to compare differences between IBD patients and the general population. Results: The children with CD or UC (both sexes) had a significant lower weight at diagnosis (the mean weight z-score had negative values) versus the general population. The weight values lay mostly below P50 (the 50th percentile, median), more precisely, mostly between P10 and P50 of the body weight child growth curve for corresponding sexes (KiGGS 2003–2006). The height values of both sexes at diagnosis lay also mostly below P50 (the 50th percentile, median) of the child body growth curve for corresponding sexes (KiGGS 2003–2006), i.e. the mean height z-score was negative. But only the children with CD had a significant lower height, more precisely, mostly between P25 and P50 versus the general population (KIGGS). For children with UC the difference was not significant. Conclusion: In pediatric patients with IBD the possibility of growth disturbance, mainly in the form of weight retardation, is very probable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In the process of the implementation of the eBologna program and the recent change of the university system, curricula at German universities have been redesigned; courses have been condensed and learning content has been re-structured into modules, each of which requires an evaluation. Simultaneously, skills required for working in research and development changed; knowledge of mathematical or numerical algorithms and programming skills play an increasingly important role in the daily job routine of the working engineer. The purpose of this paper is to describe, implement and test a new course on numerical simulations along with a new software infrastructure, addressing this predicament. Design/methodology/approach: To support learning by practical exercises, engineering faculties, the faculties of mathematics and physics, and the Computing Center of the University of Stuttgart setup a project for implementing an online programming lab for teaching the required skills. The focus of this project is to provide easy access to the necessary software tools, to avoid the overhead of installation and maintenance, and to seamlessly integrate these tools into the e-learning infrastructure of the university. Findings: Student evaluations showed a high acceptance of the project and the developed software is now well-accepted and taken as a self-evident part of the homework routine. Originality/value: An online programming lab that integrates seamlessly into the e-learning infrastructure of the university and is platform and system independent by following the established SCORM standard. (Contains 3 figures, 1 table and 2 notes.)

Objective: In Saxony, the incidence of Crohn's disease (CD) in children and adolescents increased significantly from 3.3 per 100,000 person-years in 2000 to 5.1 in 2014. The aim of this study was to describe the initial characteristics and the clinical course of CD in children and adolescents and to identify drug treatment options associated with an advantage for a mild course or remission. Methods: Clinical data were collected from patients who suffered from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and were recruited in the Saxon Pediatric IBD-Registry. All children newly diagnosed with CD in this registry in Saxony between 2000 and 2014 were included in this registry study. Characteristics such as age, disease location and extra-intestinal manifestations at diagnosis were accessed. The severity level of the disease at diagnosis as well as at follow-up were analysed by PCDAI index. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to length of follow-up: 1–3 years, 4–6 years and 7–9 years after diagnosis. A logistic regression model was conducted to examine which baseline parameters are associated with disease progression. Results: There were 338 children and adolescents with CD included in this registry study. At diagnosis, the median age of patients was 12.0 (0.7–14.9), 61.5% (n = 208) of the patients were male. The most common disease location observed in pediatric CD patients was the L3 (55%, n = 176). Patients aged 10–14 years were significantly more likely to present an L2 than patients aged 0–4 years (80.3%, n = 53 vs. 19.7%, n = 13, p = 0.01). During the follow-up, data from 71.3% (n = 241) othe patients were available. Disease activity measured by PCDAI decreased in 47.7% (n = 115) of the patients, 40.7% (n = 98) of the patients were stable and increased in 11.6% (n = 28) of the patients. Patients with intermediate/severe disease at onset were more likely to have an active disease at the end of follow up, too (p = 0.00). Logistic regression analysis of the initial characteristics showed that the age at diagnosis, gender, initial location and initial extra-intestinal manifestation are not associated with the progression of the disease (p>0.05). Furthermore, drug treatment options could be identified from our data, which are associated with benefits for a milder course or remission. Conclusion: From 2000 to 2014, the health status of most pediatric patients with CD had improved or remained stable. Initial characteristics including age at diagnosis, initial localization and initial extra-intestinal manifestation are not associated with the progression of the disease, only the initial activity by PCDAI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: An increasing number of children and adolescents worldwide suffer from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). The present work aims to investigate the incidence, prevalence and future trends of IBD in children and adolescents in Saxony, Germany. Methods: The Saxon Pediatric IBD Registry collected data on patients up to 15 years of age from all 31 pediatric hospitals and pediatric gastroenterologists in Saxony over a 15-year period (2000–2014). In 2019, an independent survey estimated a registry completeness of 95.7%. Age-standardized incidence rates (ASR) per 100,000 person-years (PY) and prevalence per 100,000 children and adolescents were calculated. Evaluation was also been performed in sex and age subgroups. Joinpoint and Poisson regression were used for trend analyses and projections. Results: 532 patients with confirmed IBD during 2000–2014 were included in the epidemiological evaluation. 63.5% (n = 338) patients had CD, 33.1% (n = 176) had UC and 3.4% (n = 18) had unclassified IBD (IBD-U). The 15-year IBD prevalence was 111.8 [95%-CI: 102.3–121.3] per 100,000. The incidence ASR of IBD per 100,000 PY over the whole observation period was 7.5 [6.9–8.1]. ASR for the subtypes were 4.8 [4.3–5.3] for CD, 2.5 [2.1–2.9] for UC and 0.3 [0.1–0.4] for IBD-U. The trend analysis of ASR using the joinpoint regression confirmed a significant increase for incidence of IBD as well as CD. For IBD, the ASR per 100,000 PY increased from 4.6 [2.8–6.3] in 2000 to 8.2 [7.5–13.6] in 2014; projected incidence rates for IBD in Germany are 12.9 [6.5–25.5] in the year 2025 and 14.9 [6.7–32.8] in 2030, respectively. Thus, the number of new IBD diagnoses in Germany would more than triple (325%) in 2030 compared to 2000. The increase is expected to be faster in CD than UC, and be more in males than in females. The expected number of newly diagnosed children with IBD in Germany is projected to rise to about 1,584 [1,512–1,655] in 2025, and to about 1,918 [1,807–2,29] in 2030. Conclusion: The incidence of IBD in children and adolescents in Saxony increased at a similar rate as in other developed countries during the observation period. Given this trend, the health care system must provide adequate resources for the care of these young patients in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: In developed countries, the incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) is increasing. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the incidence rates and trends over time in the population of children and adolescents in one of the federal states of Germany, in Saxony. Methods: Over the 10-year period 2000–2009 all 31 children's hospitals and pediatric gastroenterologists, respectively in Saxony reported all IBD patients up to 15 years of age to the Saxon Pediatric IBD Registry. The completeness of the registry was estimated as 96.7% by independent surveys in the years 2005–2009. Incidence rates were presented as age-standardized incidence rates (ASR) regarding New European Standard Population 1990 per 100,000 person-years (PY) with 95% confidence intervals [CI]. Joinpoint and linear regression was used for trend analyses. Results: 344 patients with confirmed IBD between 2000–2009 were included in the epidemiological evaluation: 212 (61.6%) patients with CD, 122 (35.6%) with UC and 10 (2.9%) with unclassified IBD (IBD-U). The ASR per 100,000 PY over the whole observation period was 7.2 [6.4–7.9] for IBD, 4.4 [3.8–5.0] for CD, 2.6 [2.1–3.0] for UC and 0.2 [0.1–0.3] for IBD-U. For IBD, the ASR per 100,000 PY increased from 4.6 [2.8–6.3] in 2000 to 10.5 [7.5–13.6] in 2009. The incidence trend analysis of ASRs using the joinpoint regression confirmed a significant increase of IBD as well as UC. The mean age at first diagnosis decreased significantly during the observation period from 11.5 (11.0–13.4) in 2000 to 9.6 (5.1–13.5) years in 2009. The median of the diagnostic latency among IBD patients was 3 months. Conclusion: The incidence of IBD in children and adolescents in Saxony was slightly higher than the average of other countries in the same time period and followed the trend towards a general increase of IBD. The age at diagnosis was subject to a very unfavorable downward trend. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The German parliament recently approved a new law regarding individual criminal liability of banking and insurance executives, which will take effect as of January 2014. Under the new so-called Ringfencing Act (Trennbankengesetz), specific duties and responsibilities for risk management will be imposed on these executives. Failure to comply with these duties will be punishable by a maximum of five years' imprisonment if it causes a threat to the viability as a going concern of a bank, or insolvency or over-indebtedness of an insurance company. This paper provides a description of the risk management duties and the corresponding criminal penalties. It also discusses the regulatory background and provides an initial assessment of the likely implications for risk management at German financial institutions [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Geotechnik is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

A unilateral gasless single-surgeon videoendoscopic thyroidectomy procedure using a dorsal cephalic approach from the scalp with the option for a bilateral approach was developed with human cadavers and a porcine model for access training. The final preclinical trials and the first three clinical cases are described in detail. Preclinical evaluation and training for the procedure were conducted with fresh human cadavers. The procedure was defined precisely by a sequence of nodal points initiating surgical steps. A quality score was developed by issuing each important anatomic structure a specific organ value and a factor for positive identification, inability to identify a given anatomic structure, spare it (meaning omit causing a lesion) or injure the structure. The quality of each operation was expressed as a single number or quality score value, calculated by summing the points achieved for the individual anatomic structures. The results of the procedures were controlled by prospective video documentation and autopsy. After conclusion of the preclinical training, the operation was performed for patients. The reported patients are part of a feasibility study approved by the institutional review board of the University of Munich. Nodal points were helpful in preparation for the operation by mental training. During the procedure, they helped to guide the preparation in the neck, where the working space must first be created on the way to the target organ. The surgical quality score improved over the first three cases and reached the maximum score, which was reproducible every time after that. It showed that the dorsal approach from the scalp to the thyroid gland is easily achievable without complications. The technical challenge is exposure of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) and the parathyroid glands. There was no difference between the results achieved by the resident and the senior surgeon. Preclinical training was good preparation for hemithyroidectomy in patients. All cases could be managed without postoperative hemorrhage or impairment of the parathyroid or the RLN. Videoendoscopic thyroidectomy by the dorsal approach is feasible in both human cadavers and patients . It leaves no visible scars. Nodal points are helpful for executing a new operation. The surgical quality score is a complex and objective measure of ability to deal with the procedure. Further clinical studies are required for evaluation of this new procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigates potential sources of Helicobacter (H.) pylori in the environment of young children in Leipzig, Germany in 1998. Use of the H. pylori colonization test; Relation of H. pylori colonization to risk factors such as contact with pet hamsters, travels to Asian countries and drinking water from non-municipal sources; Role of indirect fecal-oral transmission; Demographics and prevalence of the study population.

The hygiene hypothesis postulates that the increase in atopic diseases may in part be due to diminished exposure to microorganisms. But it is unknown which type of infection does render protection. An epidemiological study was conducted in Leipzig, Germany, and its rural county, involving 3347 school starters. Two types of infection were considered: (1) gastro-intestinal colonisation (Helicobacter pylori detection using in vivo [13C] urea breath test) and (2) respiratory infections (physician-diagnosed lower (bronchitis) and upper (common cold) respiratory infections). H pylori colonisation was selected because it is very common and plays an important role in gastrointestinal disorders. Atopic eczema was selected as the (allergic) target variable because of its high frequency in the age of the study participants. The results, adjusted for relevant confounders, showed a significant inverse association between H pylori infection and eczema (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) =0.31, p=0.006) in children not predisposed to atopy. In contrast, bronchitis increased the risk of eczema (aOR= 1.98, p<0.001). Bacterial digestive tract colonisation (infection) seems to protect against eczema in comparison with the effect of respiratory tract infections. The hygiene hypothesis may be better explained when gastrointestinal and respiratory infections are subtly differentiated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper presents an investigation into spatial risk differences over small distances for the Helicobacter pylori infection in the city of Leipzig, Germany and two rural districts. A model, using Bayesian inference, was developed that adjusts the risk for individual-specific factors, and for spatial or individual over-dispersion, respectively. Additionally, the model takes into account conditional spatial autocorrelation. We found a significant positive association to the H. pylori infection risk for: “more than three children live in the household” (OR=2.4, p =0.001), “more persons live per sq.m than average” (OR=1.4, p =0.03), “home situated at main road” (OR=1.4, p =0.04) and “using well water” (OR=2.3, p =0.05). A protective effect was identified for “travelled to low prevalence region” (OR=0.4, p <0.0001) and “born in Germany” (OR=0.2, p <0.0001). Three administrative areas with significantly increased spatial risk were identified: one in the rural district and two in the city of Leipzig. The model explained 24.9% of the total deviance. Contrary to expectations, the largest part of deviance of the data was not explained by the identified significant risk factors, but by individual-specific heterogeneities. We conclude that further – so far not discussed – factors influence the risk and the spatial variation of the H. pylori infection. Furthermore, from the results we speculate about a possible impact of long-time air pollution and surface water. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: Helicobacter pylori (H.p.) infections play a very important role in the development of ulcerations and malignancies of the gastrointestinal tract. It is assumed that the primary infection occurs during childhood, depending on numerous environmental factors among them hygiene and social status. Our aim was to determine whether treatment with antibiotics affects the persistence of H.p. infection., Methods: In 2006, we conducted an epidemiological study among all grade 8 students in the city of Leipzig (mean age 14.6 years). To determine the prevalence of H.p. infection, a voluntary H.p. test (13C-urea breath test) was performed in all participants., Results: The H.p. prevalence was 6.3% (N = 1,598). A significant difference was found between those students who had been treated with an antibiotic at least once prior to the test and those who had never received any antibiotics (4.0% and 11.1%, respectively, p < 0.001). H.p. prevalence decreased with increasing numbers of antibiotic treatments., Conclusion: In adolescence, treatment with "non-H.p. specific" antibiotics appears to significantly affect H.p. prevalence. Moreover, the actual persistence of H.p. in "chronic persistent" H.p. infections appears to fluctuate at least in younger years. Thus, any "non-H.p. specific" antibiotic treatment should be considered in the diagnosis and treatment of H.p. infections and should be taken into account as an important confounder in future epidemiological studies.

Background: Until the beginning of this decade the assumption was that the Helicobacter pylori prevalence increases with the age of the population under consideration. More and more epidemiological studies have been suggestive of constancy in Helicobacter pylori prevalence, but to date there has been no long-term follow-up study in a large group of children confirming this hypothesis., Methods: Following up our study of H. pylori among school starters and 2nd graders in 1998 and 2000, we conducted a third phase of this study in 2006 using the [13C]-Urea Breath Test and a detailed parent-completed epidemiological questionnaire to evaluate the development of prevalence among the overall population of 8th graders in the city of Leipzig (n = 1,905), and especially of the subgroup of participants who took part in all three study phases (n = 751)., Results: The overall H. pylori prevalence was 6.5% and had not significantly changed since 1998 and 2000 (6.1%, 5.7% respectively). However, we noticed a significant lower prevalence in the subgroup that participated in all study phases (2.7%). Moreover, we observed a dependence of prevalence on distribution of sociodemographic risk factors such as foreign nationality of at least one parent, birth outside of Germany, low parental education and unemployment, and > or = 2 older siblings., Conclusion: The variability in prevalence is most likely a result of unequal sociodemographic family backgrounds.