Fasting conditions: Influence of water intake on clinical chemistry analytes

Introduction: Currently available recommendations regarding fasting requirements before phlebotomy do not specify any maximum water intake volume permitted during the fasting period. The aim was to study the effects of 300 mL water intake 1 h before phlebotomy on specific analytes. Materials and methods: Blood was collected from 20 women (median age (min-max): 24 (22 - 50) years) in basal state (T0) and 1 h after 300 mL water intake (T1). Glucose, total proteins (TP), urea, creatinine, cystatin C, total bilirubin (BT), total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides (Tg), uric acid (UA), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), aspartate-aminotransferase (AST), alanine-aminotransferase and lactate-dehydrogenase (LD) were studied. Results were analyzed using Wilcoxon test. Mean difference (%) was calculated for each analyte and was further compared with reference change value (RCV). Only mean differences (%) higher than RCV were considered clinically significant. Results: Significant differences (median T0 vs median T1, P) were observed for TP (73 vs 74 g/L, 0.001); urea (4.08 vs 4.16 mmol/L, 0.010); BT (12 vs 13 μmol/L, 0.021); total cholesterol (4.9 vs 4.9 mmol/L, 0.042); Tg (1.05 vs 1.06 mmol/L, 0.002); UA (260 vs 270 μmol/L, 0.006); GGT (12 vs 12 U/L, 0.046); AST (22 vs 24 U/L, 0.001); and LD (364 vs 386 U/L, 0.001). Although the differences observed were statistically significant, they were not indicative of clinically significant changes. Conclusions: A water intake of 300 mL 1 h prior to phlebotomy does not interfere with the analytes studied in the present work

Avaliação do desempenho analítico do três métodos de quantificação de hemoglobina A1c

El laboratorio debe garantizar la exactitud de los resultados de HbA1c cumpliendo con los requisitos analíticos internacionales de calidad, cada vez más estrictos, y asegurar que una variación de HbA1c de 0,5 puntos porcentuales (%-NGSP) o más entre dos controles consecutivos de un paciente diabético se deba a una variación clínica y no a una variación analítica. En este trabajo se evaluó el desempeño analítico de tres métodos comerciales para HbA1c: Inmunoturbidimétrico, Enzimático y Cromatográfico de Intercambio Catiónico. Para tal fin, se procesaron por cada método distintos controles comerciales de HbA1c, con trazabilidad al método de referencia IFCC, determinándose en cada caso Coeficiente de Variación Total, Bias, Error Total, Valor de Referencia del Cambio y cambio clínico significativo de HbA1c en el punto crítico 7,0 %-NGSP. En las condiciones analíticas de este trabajo, solamente el método Inmunoturbidimétrico tuvo un desempeño analítico aceptable, permitiendo atribuir un cambio de 0,5 %-NGSP a una variación clínica significativa del paciente. Frente a las recomendaciones internacionales sobre el uso de HbA1c en el control y diagnóstico de diabetes, es indiscutible la importancia de elegir un método que satisfaga los requerimientos analíticos mínimos de calidad para asegurar la utilidad clínica del resultado de HbA1c.The laboratory must guarantee the accuracy of HbA1c results meeting the increasingly strict international analytical quality standards and assuring that an HbA1c variation of 0.5 percentage points (%-NGSP) or more between two consecutive controls of a diabetic patient is due to a clinical variation and not to an analytical variation. In this paper, the analytical performance of three commercial methods for HbA1c: Immunoturbidimetric, Chromatographic and Enzymatic Cation Exchange, were evaluated. For this purpose, commercial con- trols with assigned values traceable to the IFCC reference method for HbA1c were processed. For each methodology, total Coefficient of Variation (CV%), Bias%, Total Error (TE%), Change Reference Value and Clinically Significant Change (CSC) at the critical point of HbA1c 7.0%-NGSP were determined. Within the analytical conditions of this study, only the immunoturbidimetric method had an acceptable analytical performance, allowing attribute a change in 0.5%-NGSP to a significant clinical variation. Faced with international recommendations on the use of HbA1c on control and diagnosis of diabetes, the importance of choosing a method that meets the minimum analytical quality requirements to ensure the clinical utility of HbA1c result is undeniable.O laboratório deve garantir a precisão dos resultados da HbA1c cumprindo com os requisitos analíticos internacionais de qualidade cada vez mais exigentes e garantir que uma variação de HbA1c de 0,5 pontos percentuais (% - NGSP) ou mais entre duas verificações consecutivas de um doente diabético seja devido a uma variação clínica e não a uma variação analítica. Neste trabalho foi avaliado o desempenho analítico de três métodos comerciais para HbA1c: imunoturbidimétrico, enzimático e cromatográfico de intercâmbio catiônico. Para esse fim, foram processados diversos controles comerciais de HbA1c por cada método, com rastreabilidade ao método de referência IFCC, determinando em cada caso Quociente de Variação Total, Bias, Erro Total, Valor de Referência da Alteração e Alteração Clinicamente Significativa de HbA1c no ponto crítico 7,0%-NGSP. Nas condições de análise deste estudo, apenas o método imunoturbidimétrico teve um desempenho analítico aceitável, permitindo atribuir uma alteração de 0,5%-NGSP a uma variação clínica significativa do paciente. Perante as recomendações internacionais sobre o uso da HbA1c no controle e diagnóstico da diabetes, é inegável a importância de escolher um método que atenda os requisitos analíticos mínimos de qualidade de análise para garantir a utilidade clínica do resultado HbA1c.Fil: Unger, Gisela. Universidad Nacional del Sur; ArgentinaFil: Ruiz, Gustavo. Laboratorio Privado Dr. Ruiz; ArgentinaFil: Milano, Pablo Gustavo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientí­ficas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Bahí­a Blanca. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquí­micas Bahí­a Blanca (i); ArgentinaFil: Benozzi, Silvia. Universidad Nacional del Sur; ArgentinaFil: Pennacchiotti, Graciela Laura. Universidad Nacional del Sur; Argentina. Hospital Municipal Dr. Lucero de Bahía Blanca; Argentin

Coffee intake one hour prior to phlebotomy produces no clinically significant changes in routine biochemical test results

IntroductionAlthough current guidelines recommend not drinking coffee prior to phlebotomy, our hypothesis is that drinking coffee does not affect the clinical interpretation of biochemical and haematological test results. Materials and methodsTwenty-seven volunteers were studied in basal state (T0) and 1h after (T1) drinking coffee. Routine haematological (Sysmex-XN1000 analyser) and biochemistry parameters (Vitros 4600 analyser) were studied. Results were compared using the Wilcoxon test (P < 0.05). A clinical change was considered when mean percent difference (MD%) was higher than the reference change value (RCV). ResultsCoffee intake produced statistically, but not clinically, significant: i) increases in haemoglobin (P = 0.009), mean cell haemoglobin concentration (P = 0.044), neutrophils (P = 0.001), albumin (P = 0.001), total protein (P = 0.000), cholesterol (P = 0.025), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (P = 0.007), uric acid (P = 0.011), calcium (P = 0.001), potassium (P = 0.010), aspartate aminotransferase (P = 0.001), amylase (P = 0.026), and lactate dehydrogenase (P = 0.001), and ii) decreases in mean cell volume (P = 0.002), red cell distribution width (P = 0.001), eosinophils (P = 0.002), and lymphocytes (P = 0.001), creatinine (P = 0.001), total bilirubin (P = 0.012), phosphorus (P = 0.001), magnesium (P = 0.007), and chloride (P = 0.001). ConclusionDrinking a cup of coffee 1 hour prior to phlebotomy produces no clinically significant changes in routine biochemical and haematological test results

O jejum é necessário para a determinação do perfil lipidico?

El propósito de este estudio fue analizar los cambios post prandiales en el perfil lipídico en respuesta a una comida típica argentina. Se extrajo sangre a 33 mujeres voluntarias después de 12 h de ayuno (T0), 1 h después de un desayuno estandarizado (T1) y 1 h después de un almuerzo estandarizado (T2). Se midieron los niveles de: colesterol total, colesterol de lipoproteínas de alta densidad (C-HDL), colesterol de lipoproteínas de baja densidad (C-LDL) y triglicéridos. Los datos se analizaron utilizando la prueba t de Student pareada. Para cada analito se calculó la diferencia porcentual media (DM%) en T1 y T2 respecto de T0 y se comparó con el valor de referencia del cambio (VRC). Las DM% mayores al VRC se consideraron clínicamente significativas. En T1 y T2, los valores de C-HDL fueron más bajos que en T0, mientras que los valores de C-LDL en T1 fueron más bajos que en T0. Los niveles de triglicéridos fueron significativamente más altos en T1 que en T0. En todos los casos, la variabilidad fue estadísticamente significativa, aunque no clínicamente. En este estudio puede observarse que el perfil de lípidos en T1 y T2 no mostró diferencias clínicamente significativas con respecto a los valores basales.The purpose of the present study was to analyze postprandial lipid profile changes in response to a typical Argentine meal. Blood was collected from 33 female volunteers after a 12 h fasting period (T0), 1 h after a standardized breakfast (T1) and 1 h after a standardized lunch (T2). The levels of total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglycerides were measured. Data were analyzed using paired Student’s t-test. Mean difference % (MD %) was calculated for each analyte at T1 and T2 and was further compared with reference change value (RCV). MDs % higher than RCV were considered clinically significant. At T1 and T2, HDL-C values were lower than at T0, whereas LDL-C values at T1 were lower than at T0. Triglycerides levels were significantly higher at T1 than baseline values. In all cases, variability was statistically, though not clinically, significant. This study demonstrates that at T1 and T2 lipid profile showed no clinically significant differences with respect to basal values.O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar as alterações do perfil lipídico pós-prandial em resposta a uma refeição típica argentina. O sangue foi coletado de 33 mulheres voluntárias após um período de jejum de 12 horas (T0),1 h após um café da manhã padronizado (T1) e 1 h após um almoço padronizado (T2). Foram medidos os níveis de: colesterol total (CT), colesterol HDL (C-HDL), colesterol LDL (C-LDL) e triglicérides. Os dados foram analisados utilizando o teste t de Student pareado. A diferença média% (DM%) foi calculada para cada analito em T1 e T2 e foi comparada com o valor de mudança de referência (VRC). Os MDs% maiores que o VRC foram considerados clinicamente significativos. Em T1 e T2, os valores de C-HDL foram menores que em T0, enquanto os valores de C-LDL em T1 foram menores que em T0. Os níveis de triglicérides foram significativamente maiores em T1 do que os valores basais. Em todos os casos, a variabilidade foi estatisticamente, embora não clinicamente, significativa. Este estudo demonstra que no perfil lipídico em T1 e T2 não houve diferenças clinicamente significativas em relação aos valores basais.Fil: Benozzi, Silvia. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia; ArgentinaFil: Unger, Gisela. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia; ArgentinaFil: Milano, Pablo Gustavo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca; ArgentinaFil: Campión, Amparo. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia; ArgentinaFil: Pennacchiotti, Graciela Laura. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia; Argentin

The intake of a standardized breakfast does not affect the clinical interpretation of routine biochemical tests

Introducción: La necesidad de ayuno para las pruebas bioquímicas es controvertida. Objetivo: evaluar el impacto clínico de un desayuno estandarizado en las pruebas bioquímicas de rutina. Materiales y métodos: se obtuvieron dos muestras sanguíneas de 33 voluntarios, una con 12 h de ayuno y la segunda, una hora después de la ingesta de un desayuno estandarizado. Los resultados de las pruebas bioquímicas, antes y después del desayuno, se compararon empleando estadística paramétrica y no paramétrica para datos pareados, según correspondiera. Se consideró una diferencia estadísticamente significativa: p < 0,05. La relevancia clínica de los cambios observados se determinó por la comparación entre la diferencia media porcentual (DM%) de cada analito y su respectivo valor de referencia del cambio (VRC). Resultados: se presentaron cambios estadísticamente significativos, aunque sin relevancia clínica en: hemoglobina corpuscular media (DM%; VRC%: 0,5; 2,9), leucocitos (-6,2; 30,4), neutrófilos (16,4; 42,3), eosinófilos (-22,1; 46,7), basófilos (-15,0; 36,5), linfocitos (-29,1; 31,5), monocitos (-9,4; 44,7), glucosa (7,5; 14,5), albúmina (1,6; 8,4), proteínas totales (2,8; 8,9), creatinina (-1,9; 13,3), bilirrubina total (-31,4; 61,0), colesterol de lipoproteínas de alta densidad (-4,5; 23,9), colesterol de lipoproteínas de baja densidad (-1,4; 24,0), triglicéridos (22,0; 56,0), ácido úrico (1,6; 23,1), gamma-glutamil transferasa (-1,9; 26,0), fosfatasa alcalina (-4,7; 25,3) aspartato aminotransferasa (3,1; 34,3), alanina aminotransferasa (-6,8; 32,6), creatina- cinasa (4,9; 43,7), fosfato (-20,8; 22,1), sodio (0,4; 3,3) y potasio (-5,2; 11,8). Conclusión: La ingesta de un desayuno estandarizado una hora antes de la extracción sanguínea no afecta la interpretación clínica de los análisis bioquímicos de rutina.Introduction: The fasting state for biochemical tests is a controversial issue. Objective: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the clinical impact of a standardized breakfast on routine biochemical laboratory tests. Materials and methods: Two blood samples were collected from 33 volunteers, one after a 12 h fasting period and the other 1 h after ingesting a standardized breakfast. Data before and after breakfast were analyzed using parametric and nonparametric statistical tests for paired data, as appro-priate. The statistically significant difference considered was p <0.05. The clinical relevance of the chan-ges observed was determined by comparison between the percentage mean difference (MD%) calculated for each analyte and its respective reference change value (RVC). Results: Statistically significant chan-ges, although without clinical significance, were found in mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MD%; RCV%: 0.5; 2.9), leukocytes (-6.2; 30.4), neutrophils (16.4; 42.3), eosinophils (-22.1; 46.7), basophils (-15.0; 36.5), lymphocytes (-29.1; 31.5), monocytes (-9.4; 44.7), glucose (7.5; 14.5), albumin (1.6; 8.4), total prote-ins (2.8; 8.9), creatinine (-1.9; 13.3), total bilirubin (-31.4; 61.0), cholesterol transported by high-densi-ty lipoproteins (-4.5; 23.9), cholesterol transported by low-density lipoproteins (-1.4; 24.0), triglycerides (22.0; 56.0), uric acid (1.6; 23.1), gamma-glutamyl transferase (-1.9; 26.0), alkaline phosphatase (-4.7; 25.3), aspartate aminotransferase (3.1; 34.3), alanine aminotransferase (-6.8; 32.6), creatine kinase (4.9; 43.7), phosphate (-20.8; 22.1), sodium (0.4; 3.3) and potassium (-5.2; 11.8). Conclusion: Ingestion of a standardized breakfast does not alter the clinical interpretation of routine biochemical tests.Fil: Benozzi, Silvia. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia; ArgentinaFil: Unger, Gisela. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia; ArgentinaFil: Milano, Pablo Gustavo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca; Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia; ArgentinaFil: Campión, Amparo. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia; Argentina. Hospital Municipal Doctor Leónidas Lucero; ArgentinaFil: Pennacchiotti, Graciela Laura. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia; Argentina. Hospital Municipal Doctor Leónidas Lucero; Argentin

Akzeptanz von Ambient-Assisted-Living-Lösungen: Befragung von Seniorinnen und Senioren im Landkreis Görlitz

Hintergrund. Der Anteil älterer Menschen an der Bevölkerung nimmt stetig zu. Einer der Ansätze zur Bewältigung der zunehmenden Alterung ist der Einsatz von technischen Hilfsmitteln (Ambient Assisted Living – AAL), die es ermöglichen, dass alternde Menschen möglichst lange in ihrer gewohnten Umgebung wohnen bleiben können und die zu einer Entlastung der Health Professionals beitragen sollen. Hier wird eine Befragung zu den Nutzerpräferenzen von Senioren im Kreis Görlitz, Sachsen vorgestellt. Methodik. Um die AAL-Akzeptanz der Senioren zu untersuchen, wurde eine Befragung durch die Hochschule Zittau/Görlitz durchgeführt, die Aufschluss über die Bedürfnisse, Präferenzen und mögliche Barrieren älterer Menschen bezüglich assistierender Technologien geben soll. Es wurden insgesamt 29 Senioren befragt. Ergebnisse. Es zeigte sich, dass besonders Technologien, die die Sicherheit erhöhen, von den Befragten gewünscht werden (Rauchmelder, Wärmesensor). Hohe Akzeptanz erfahren auch der Transponder zur Türöffnung, die Klingel mit optischem Signal, die Geräteabschaltung und die automatische Flurbeleuchtung. Wenig Zustimmung erhalten die Terminerinnerung, das Informationsdisplay und die automatische Lüftung. Auch die Messung der Luftfeuchte mit Alarm und die Vitalerkennung mit Notruf werden kaum akzeptiert. Diskussion. Bezüglich der Akzeptanz durch einzelne Personengruppen (Einfluss soziodemographischer Faktoren), konnte nicht immer eindeutige Tendenzen erkannt werden. Die Ergebnisse sollen im Zuge einer Umfrage durch die Hochschule Zittau/Görlitz mit 1.000 Personen (Projekt: „Vertrauen in Assistenz-Technologien zur Inklusion - VATI“) entsprechend überprüft und verifiziert werden.Background. The proportion of older people in the population is steadily increasing. One of the approaches to the management of aging is the use of technical aids (Ambient Assisted Living - AAL), which make it possible that aging people to remain living in their familiar surroundings as long as possible and to contribute to relief of Health Professionals. Here a survey on user preferences of seniors in the district Görlitz, Saxony is presented. Methodology. To investigate the AAL acceptance of the seniors, a survey by the University of Applied Sciences Zittau/Görlitz was performed, the information on the needs, preferences and potential barriers older people should give respect to assistive technologies. 29 seniors were interviewed. Results. It was found that most technologies, enhance its security, desired by the respondents (smoke detectors, heat sensor). High acceptance will also learn the transponder to the door opening bell with optical signal, the unit shutdown and automatic corridor lighting. Little agreement receive the appointment reminder, the information display and automatic ventilation. The measurement of humidity with alarm and detection with Vital Emergency hardly be accepted. Discussion. Regarding the acceptance by particular groups of people (influence of sociodemographic factors), could not be detected always clear tendencies. The results are expected in the course of a survey by the University of Applied Sciences Zittau/Görlitz with 1.000 persons (Project: 'Trust in assistance technologies for inclusion - VATI') are checked and verified accordingly

A transcriptomic map of EGFR-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition identifies prognostic and therapeutic targets for head and neck cancer

Background Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is both a driver oncogene and a therapeutic target in advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). However, response to EGFR treatment is inconsistent and lacks markers for treatment prediction. This study investigated EGFR-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) as a central parameter in tumor progression and identified novel prognostic and therapeutic targets, and a candidate predictive marker for EGFR therapy response. Methods Transcriptomic profiles were analyzed by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) following EGFR-mediated EMT in responsive human HNSCC cell lines. Exclusive genes were extracted via differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and a risk score was determined through forward feature selection and Cox regression models in HNSCC cohorts. Functional characterization of selected prognostic genes was conducted in 2D and 3D cellular models, and findings were validated by immunohistochemistry in primary HNSCC. Results An EGFR-mediated EMT gene signature composed of n = 171 genes was identified in responsive cell lines and transferred to the TCGA-HNSCC cohort. A 5-gene risk score comprising DDIT4, FADD, ITGB4, NCEH1, and TIMP1 prognosticated overall survival (OS) in TCGA and was confirmed in independent HNSCC cohorts. The EGFR-mediated EMT signature was distinct from EMT hallmark and partial EMT (pEMT) meta-programs with a differing enrichment pattern in single malignant cells. Molecular characterization showed that ITGB4 was upregulated in primary tumors and metastases compared to normal mucosa and correlated with EGFR/MAPK activity in tumor bulk and single malignant cells. Preferential localization of ITGB4 together with its ligand laminin 5 at tumor-stroma interfaces correlated with increased tumor budding in primary HNSCC tissue sections. In vitro, ITGB4 knock-down reduced EGFR-mediated migration and invasion and ITGB4-antagonizing antibody ASC8 impaired 2D and 3D invasion. Furthermore, a logistic regression model defined ITGB4 as a predictive marker of progression-free survival in response to Cetuximab in recurrent metastatic HNSCC patients. Conclusions EGFR-mediated EMT conveyed through MAPK activation contributes to HNSCC progression upon induction of migration and invasion. A 5-gene risk score based on a novel EGFR-mediated EMT signature prognosticated survival of HNSCC patients and determined ITGB4 as potential therapeutic and predictive target in patients with strong EGFR-mediated EMT

Tomar mate previo a la flebotomía no interfiere en las pruebas bioquímicas de rutina

En este estudio se evaluó el efecto de tomar mate en las pruebas bioquímicas de rutina. Se extrajo sangre a 32 mujeres voluntarias luego de 12 horas de ayuno y a la hora (T1), dos horas (T2) y tres horas (T3) posteriores a la toma de 5 mates. Se estudiaron parámetros hematológicos y analitos de química clínica. Los resultados se analizaron empleando pruebas estadísticas para muestras relacionadas. Se calculó la diferencia porcentual media (DM%) de cada analito en cada hora respecto del valor basal y se comparó con el valor de referencia del cambio (VRC). Una DM% mayor que el VRC se consideró clínicamente significativa. En T1, T2 y T3 los recuentos de neutrófilos, eosinófilos y linfocitos fueron más bajos que en T0, también los niveles de glucosa, urea, creatinina y cistatina C fueron más bajos que en T0, mientras que los valores de proteínas totales, colesterol transportado por lipoproteínas de baja densidad y la actividad enzimática de lactato deshidrogenasa fueron más altos que en T0. En todos los casos los cambios fueron estadísticamente significativos, aunque no lo fueron desde el punto de vista clínico. Tomar 5 mates antes de la flebotomía no interfiere en los resultados de las pruebas bioquímicas de rutina.In the present study the effect of drinking mate in routine biochemical tests was evaluated. Blood was collected from 32 female volunteers after a 12 h fasting period. In addition, 1 hour (T1), 2 hours (T2), and 3 hours (T3) after drinking 5 mates, blood was collected again. Hematological parameters and clinical chemistry analytes were studied. The results were analyzed using statistical tests for related samples. Mean difference % (MD%) was calculated for each analyte and was further compared with reference change value (RCV). The MDs% higher than RCV were considered clinically significant. At T1, T2, and T3 the count neutrophils, eosinophils and lymphocytes were lower than at T0. Also glucose, urea, creatinine, and cystatin C values were lower than at T0 whereas total proteins, LDL-C, and LD enzymatic activity values were higher than at T0. In all cases, variability was statistically significant but not clinically significant. Drinking 5 mates prior to phlebotomy does not interfere with the results of routine biochemical tests.Fil: Benozzi, Silvia. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia; ArgentinaFil: Unger, Gisela. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia; ArgentinaFil: Milano, Pablo Gustavo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca; ArgentinaFil: Campión, Amparo. Hospital Municipal Doctor Leónidas Lucero; ArgentinaFil: Pennacchiotti, Graciela Laura. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia; Argentina. Hospital Municipal Doctor Leónidas Lucero; Argentin

Akzeptanz von Ambient-Assisted-Living-Lösungen: Befragung von Seniorinnen und Senioren im Landkreis Görlitz

Hintergrund. Der Anteil älterer Menschen an der Bevölkerung nimmt stetig zu. Einer der Ansätze zur Bewältigung der zunehmenden Alterung ist der Einsatz von technischen Hilfsmitteln (Ambient Assisted Living – AAL), die es ermöglichen, dass alternde Menschen möglichst lange in ihrer gewohnten Umgebung wohnen bleiben können und die zu einer Entlastung der Health Professionals beitragen sollen. Hier wird eine Befragung zu den Nutzerpräferenzen von Senioren im Kreis Görlitz, Sachsen vorgestellt. Methodik. Um die AAL-Akzeptanz der Senioren zu untersuchen, wurde eine Befragung durch die Hochschule Zittau/Görlitz durchgeführt, die Aufschluss über die Bedürfnisse, Präferenzen und mögliche Barrieren älterer Menschen bezüglich assistierender Technologien geben soll. Es wurden insgesamt 29 Senioren befragt. Ergebnisse. Es zeigte sich, dass besonders Technologien, die die Sicherheit erhöhen, von den Befragten gewünscht werden (Rauchmelder, Wärmesensor). Hohe Akzeptanz erfahren auch der Transponder zur Türöffnung, die Klingel mit optischem Signal, die Geräteabschaltung und die automatische Flurbeleuchtung. Wenig Zustimmung erhalten die Terminerinnerung, das Informationsdisplay und die automatische Lüftung. Auch die Messung der Luftfeuchte mit Alarm und die Vitalerkennung mit Notruf werden kaum akzeptiert. Diskussion. Bezüglich der Akzeptanz durch einzelne Personengruppen (Einfluss soziodemographischer Faktoren), konnte nicht immer eindeutige Tendenzen erkannt werden. Die Ergebnisse sollen im Zuge einer Umfrage durch die Hochschule Zittau/Görlitz mit 1.000 Personen (Projekt: „Vertrauen in Assistenz-Technologien zur Inklusion - VATI“) entsprechend überprüft und verifiziert werden.Background. The proportion of older people in the population is steadily increasing. One of the approaches to the management of aging is the use of technical aids (Ambient Assisted Living - AAL), which make it possible that aging people to remain living in their familiar surroundings as long as possible and to contribute to relief of Health Professionals. Here a survey on user preferences of seniors in the district Görlitz, Saxony is presented. Methodology. To investigate the AAL acceptance of the seniors, a survey by the University of Applied Sciences Zittau/Görlitz was performed, the information on the needs, preferences and potential barriers older people should give respect to assistive technologies. 29 seniors were interviewed. Results. It was found that most technologies, enhance its security, desired by the respondents (smoke detectors, heat sensor). High acceptance will also learn the transponder to the door opening bell with optical signal, the unit shutdown and automatic corridor lighting. Little agreement receive the appointment reminder, the information display and automatic ventilation. The measurement of humidity with alarm and detection with Vital Emergency hardly be accepted. Discussion. Regarding the acceptance by particular groups of people (influence of sociodemographic factors), could not be detected always clear tendencies. The results are expected in the course of a survey by the University of Applied Sciences Zittau/Görlitz with 1.000 persons (Project: 'Trust in assistance technologies for inclusion - VATI') are checked and verified accordingly