First results from dynamical chirally improved fermions

We simulate Quantum Chromodynamics in four Euclidean dimensions with two (degenerate mass) flavors of dynamical quarks. The Dirac operator is the so-called chirally improved operator that has been studied so far in quenched calculations. We now present results of an implementation with the Hybrid Monte Carlo (HMC) algorithm including stout smearing. Our results are from an 8^3x16 lattice with tadpole improved Luescher-Weisz gauge action. We present our estimate of the lattice spacing, the pi and rho meson masses and evidence for tunneling between different topological sectors.Comment: LaTeX [PoS], 6 pages, 5 figures, 2 tables, talk presented at Lattice 2005 (chiral fermions

Implementing Hybrid Monte Carlo with stout-smeared chirally improved Dirac operators

We discuss our implementation of dynamical Ginsparg-Wilson type fermions using a stout-smeared chirally improved Dirac operator. Such operators have been studied extensively in quenched calculations within the Bern-Graz-Regensburg (BGR) collaboration. Here we discuss the development and testing of the Hybrid Monte Carlo algorithm with this Dirac operator. We study the chiral properties of this operator in a dynamical setup, comparing, e.g., the spectra of the operator for the dynamical and quenched cases. We then discuss quantitative features of the algorithm like autocorrelation and performance.Comment: LaTeX [PoS], 6 pages, 4 figures, 1 table, poster presented at Lattice 2005 (chiral fermions

The condensate for two dynamical chirally improved quarks in QCD

We compare the eigenvalue spectra of the Dirac operator from a simulation with two mass degenerate dynamical chirally improved fermions with Random Matrix Theory. Comparisons with distribution of k-th eigenvalues (k=1,2) in fixed topological sectors (nu=0,1) are carried out using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. The eigenvalue distributions are well described by the RMT predictions. The match allows us to read off the quark condensate in the chiral limit directly. Correcting for finite size and renormalization we obtain a mean value of -(276 (11)(16) MeV)**3 in the MS-bar scheme.Comment: 8 pages, 2 figures, Final version. To be publishe

The impact of a digital guideline version on schizophrenia guideline knowledge: results from a multicenter cluster-randomized controlled trial

Background Clinical practice guidelines are crucial for enhancing healthcare quality and patient outcomes. Yet, their implementation remains inconsistent across various professions and disciplines. Previous findings on the implementation of the German guideline for schizophrenia (2019) revealed low adherence rates among healthcare professionals. Barriers to guideline adherence are multifaceted, influenced by individual, contextual, and guideline-related factors. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of a digital guideline version compared to print/PDF formats in enhancing guideline adherence. Methods A multicenter, cluster-randomized controlled trial was conducted in South Bavaria, Germany, involving psychologists and physicians. Participants were divided into two groups: implementation of the guideline using a digital online version via the MAGICapp platform and the other using the traditional print/PDF version. The study included a baseline assessment and a post-intervention assessment following a 6-month intervention phase. The primary outcome was guideline knowledge, which was assessed using a guideline knowledge questionnaire. Results The study included 217 participants at baseline and 120 at post-intervention. Both groups showed significant improvements in guideline knowledge; however, no notable difference was found between both study groups regarding guideline knowledge at either time points. At baseline, 43.6% in the control group (CG) and 52.5% of the interventional group (IG) met the criterion. There was no significant difference in the primary outcome between the two groups at either time point (T0: Chi2(1) = 1.65, p = 0.199, T1: Chi2(1) = 0.34, p = 0.561). At post-intervention, both groups improved, with 58.2% in the CG and 63.5% in the IG meeting this criterion. Conclusions While the study did not include a control group without any implementation strategy, the overall improvement in guideline knowledge following an implementation strategy, independent of the format, was confirmed. The digital guideline version, while not superior in enhancing knowledge, showed potential benefits in shared decision-making skills. However, familiarity with traditional formats and various barriers to digital application may have influenced these results. The study highlights the importance of tailored implementation strategies, especially for younger healthcare providers

Plasma lipid profiles discriminate bacterial from viral infection in febrile children

Fever is the most common reason that children present to Emergency Departments. Clinical signs and symptoms suggestive of bacterial infection are often non-specific, and there is no definitive test for the accurate diagnosis of infection. The 'omics' approaches to identifying biomarkers from the host-response to bacterial infection are promising. In this study, lipidomic analysis was carried out with plasma samples obtained from febrile children with confirmed bacterial infection (n = 20) and confirmed viral infection (n = 20). We show for the first time that bacterial and viral infection produces distinct profile in the host lipidome. Some species of glycerophosphoinositol, sphingomyelin, lysophosphatidylcholine and cholesterol sulfate were higher in the confirmed virus infected group, while some species of fatty acids, glycerophosphocholine, glycerophosphoserine, lactosylceramide and bilirubin were lower in the confirmed virus infected group when compared with confirmed bacterial infected group. A combination of three lipids achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of 0.911 (95% CI 0.81 to 0.98). This pilot study demonstrates the potential of metabolic biomarkers to assist clinicians in distinguishing bacterial from viral infection in febrile children, to facilitate effective clinical management and to the limit inappropriate use of antibiotics

Plasma lipid profiles discriminate bacterial from viral infection in febrile children

Fever is the most common reason that children present to Emergency Departments. Clinical signs and symptoms suggestive of bacterial infection are often non-specific, and there is no definitive test for the accurate diagnosis of infection. The 'omics' approaches to identifying biomarkers from the host-response to bacterial infection are promising. In this study, lipidomic analysis was carried out with plasma samples obtained from febrile children with confirmed bacterial infection (n = 20) and confirmed viral infection (n = 20). We show for the first time that bacterial and viral infection produces distinct profile in the host lipidome. Some species of glycerophosphoinositol, sphingomyelin, lysophosphatidylcholine and cholesterol sulfate were higher in the confirmed virus infected group, while some species of fatty acids, glycerophosphocholine, glycerophosphoserine, lactosylceramide and bilirubin were lower in the confirmed virus infected group when compared with confirmed bacterial infected group. A combination of three lipids achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of 0.911 (95% CI 0.81 to 0.98). This pilot study demonstrates the potential of metabolic biomarkers to assist clinicians in distinguishing bacterial from viral infection in febrile children, to facilitate effective clinical management and to the limit inappropriate use of antibiotics

Plasma lipid profiles discriminate bacterial from viral infection in febrile children

Fever is the most common reason that children present to Emergency Departments. Clinical signs and symptoms suggestive of bacterial infection ar