Metamizole Use in Children: Analysis of Drug Utilisation and Adverse Drug Reactions at a German University Hospital between 2015 and 2020

Background Metamizole use is controversially discussed due to its potentially serious adverse drug reactions (ADRs). In Germany, however, it remains a popular analgesic and antipyretic drug. Objective The aim of this study was to discuss the safety profile of metamizole in children by analysing the inpatient prescription patterns and presenting the metamizole-related ADRs at a paediatric hospital between 2015 and 2020. Methods Metamizole utilisation data were retrospectively analysed from electronic medical records. ADRs were prospectively recorded via the hospital’s stimulated reporting system and analysed accordingly. Patients aged < 18 years admitted to one of the general wards of the department of paediatrics and adolescent medicine of a German university hospital between June 2015 and May 2020 who received at least one drug therapy within their inpatient stay were included in the analysis. Causality of ADRs was rated according to the World Health Organisation causality assessment. Results In 31.7% (3759/11,857) of the inpatient stays of 7809 patients, metamizole was administered. Metamizole exposure was highest in adolescents (37.9%) and lowest in newborns (9.9%). Overall, metamizole was administered parenterally in about 90%. Three cases of agranulocytosis, one allergic shock and one rash with possible or higher causality to metamizole treatment were reported. Three of these occurred prior to hospitalisation. All patients recovered without remaining harm. Discussion Metamizole is commonly used in paediatric inpatients in Germany. Serious ADRs occur but rarely. Continuous monitoring of drug therapy through, for example, stimulated reporting systems ensures that serious ADRs are detected, and appropriate interventions can be introduced

Development and Evaluation of a Web-Based Paediatric Drug Information System for Germany

Background: Off-label use is frequent in paediatrics but that does not necessarily mean that the risk-benefit ratio is negative. Nevertheless, evidence-based data is essential for safe drug therapy. In Germany, there is no publicly available compendium providing transparent, evidence-based information for paediatric pharmacotherapy to date. This work describes the development of a web-based paediatric drug information system (PDIS) for Germany and its evaluation by health care professionals (HCP). Methods: Since 2012, a PDIS is being developed by the authors and is supported by the Federal Ministry of Health since 2016. Dosing recommendations were established based on systematic literature reviews and subsequent evaluation by clinical experts. The prototype was evaluated by HCP. Based on the results, the further development was concluded. Results: 92% of HCP believed that the PDIS could improve the quality of prescribing, as currently available information is deficient. Besides the license and formulations, dosing recommendations were the most relevant modules. A dosage calculator was the most wanted improvement. To facilitate sustainability of future development, a collaboration with the Dutch Kinderformularium was established. As of 2021, the database will be available to German HCP. Conclusion: The fundamentals for a German PDIS were established, and vital steps were taken towards successful continuation

Self-Assembly of 9,10-Bis(phenylethynyl) anthracene (BPEA) Derivatives: Influence of pi-pi and Hydrogen Bonding Interactions on Aggregate Morphology and Self-Assembly Mechanism

9,10-Bis(phenylethynyl)anthracenes (BPEAs) are an important class of dyes with various applications including chemiluminescence emitters, materials for photon upconversion and for optoelectronic devices. Some of these applications require control over the packing modes of the active molecules within the active layer, which can be effected by bottom-up self-assembly. Studies aimed at controlling the molecular organization of BPEAs have primarily focused on bulk or liquid crystal materials, while in-depth investigations of BPEA-based assemblies in solution remain elusive. In this article, we report the self-assembly of two new BPEA derivatives with hydrophobic side chains, one of them featuring amide functional groups (2) and the other one lacking them (1). Comparison of the self-assembly behaviour in solution of both systems via spectroscopic (UV/Vis, fluorescence and NMR), microscopic (AFM) and theoretical (PM6) studies reveals the crucial role of the amide groups in controlling the self-assembly. While for both systems the formation of H-type face-to-face -stacks is proposed, the interplay of -stacking and H-bonding is responsible of driving the formation of 1D stacks and increasing the binding constant two-to-three orders of magnitude. Our findings show that H-bonding is a prerequisite to create ordered BPEA assemblies in solution

Influence of metal coordination and light irradiation on hierarchical self-assembly processes

Smart light-responsive supramolecular materials have been extensively investigated in the past decade, but so far the impact of metal coordination on hierarchical supramolecular structures of light-responsive building blocks has remained nearly unexplored. Herein, we unravel the hierarchical self-assembly of a small π-conjugated azo-containing pyridyl ligand that is able to respond to UV-light and metal complexation. The ligand self-assembles in an antiparallel fashion into long twisted fibers, which are then disassembled upon photoisomerization of the azobenzene groups, resulting in shorter rigid rods with a different packing motif. Complexation of Pd(ii) ions enhances the cooperativity of the aggregation and induces a molecular rearrangement into slipped stacks with subsequent formation of long thin fibers. These are then transformed into thinner, shorter rods upon light irradiation. The observed different light-responsiveness, besides clearing up the influence of metal coordination and light irradiation in self-assembly processes, paves the way towards the design of novel supramolecular photochromic systems. © 2019 The Royal Society of Chemistry

Analyse von GPS-Langzeitbeobachtungen auf einer ausgewählten Basislinie mit Bernese 4.0

In der Geodynamik gewinnt das GPS zunehmend an Bedeutung. Wurden früher geodynamische Prozesse hauptsächlich durch VLBI-Messungen und SLR bestimmt, so kommt doch bei kleinen Punktabständen (ca. 100 km) zunehmend auch GPS zum Einsatz. Genauigkeiten von wenigen Zentimetern auf langen Basislinien sind möglich. Im Rahmen dieser Arbeit werden die Daten einer Langzeitbeobachtung zweier GPS-Stationen, welche im Bereich der Antarktischen Halbinsel auf zwei unterschiedlichen tektonischen Platten liegen, analysiert. Ziel ist es, darüber eine Aussage zu treffen, ob im Beobachtungszeitraum signifikante Deformationen auftreten. Ferner wird die Verwendung von zusätzlichen Wetterkorrekturparametern und deren Einfluss auf das Endergebnis diskutiert. Der Auswerteablauf der Daten mit der Bernese GPS Software 4.0 wird erläutert und dargestellt. Die Visualisierung der Ergebnisse erfolgt mittels Microsoft EXCEL 97. Um etwaige Bewegungsraten der tektonischen Platten feststellen zu können, wird eine Genauigkeitsabschätzung vorgenommen. Da die Plattenbewegungen gering sind (rd. 1cm/Jahr), konnte infolge der teilweise schlechten und stark verrauschten Meßdaten kein aussagekräftiges Ergebnis erzielt werden. Weiterhin wird in dieser Arbeit unter Verwendung der vom IGS bereitgestellten präzisen Bahndaten ein sog. "Precise Point Positioning" (Absolutbestimmung) durchgeführt. Die errechneten Koordinaten werden mit den Sollkoordinaten verglichen. Die erzielten Genauigkeiten werden in Abhängigkeit von der Beobachtungszeit analysiert

Innovations Unchained. Open innovation within a closed system

Purpose The following master thesis addresses research on and around the topic of open innovation within a closed system. This paradox will be analyzed upon a corporation which is part of a group of brands that act and operate in a similar industry. It addresses the opportunities and possible synergies which could be captured if the underlying group would open up their innovation processes towards each other. The thesis aims to provide understanding of how innovations and ideas at the different brands are managed and outlines how a transfer of innovations could be established. The focus lies on the transfer of innovations to and from BRAND A towards other brands within the group. Background The following thesis is part of the Master Degree Project within the M.Sc. program “Innovation and Industrial Management” at the University of Gothenburg – School of Business, Economics and Law in Sweden. The thesis was conducted within a thesis work employment at the Innovation Management department of BRAND A. Literature Review The research conducted for the thesis includes a literature review which assessed and analyzed relevant academic as well professional literature. The literature review has the purpose of providing a theoretical overview as well as identifying research white spots, from which theory and practical implications for the transfer of innovation, were derived. These theoretical findings were later used and consolidated with the empirical findings in order to draw a general conclusion. Methodology For the empirical research a qualitative method approach was chosen. Hereby, a focus group interview was performed, which was used to develop an interview guide in order to carry out semi structured qualitative interviews with key employees at different brands. The empirical data collected was analyzed, by applying an analysis, inspired by the grounded theory. The outcome helped to verify or falsify the implications drawn upon the theoretical research, and led to a general conclusion, implication and recommendations for BRAND A. IV Main Results The master thesis has shown that open innovation is not just a tool or method which firms can apply in order to integrate external ideas within their own innovation process. Open innovation can be considered a philosophy rather than a method. The theoretical research has shown, that open innovation can be used to explore and internalize new sources of innovation. Moreover, the master thesis has revealed that open innovation within the closed system of the GROUP can be an applicable framework which helps to use synergies and increase the success of innovation activities. In conclusion, there are three main ways to implement open innovation within the closed system and to transfer innovation: (1) an innovation data-base, (2) multi-brand-workshops, (3) an online innovation community

How to Define and Analyze Business Model Innovation in Service

This research deals with the process of business model innovation in services. Definitions and explanations of both general innovation terminologies as well as specific service related once will be given and discussed. Moreover, reasons and implementation strategies will be identified and discussed. Last but not least a case will be elaborated how innovative companies in products can become innovative in services

Metamizole Use in Children: Analysis of Drug Utilisation and Adverse Drug Reactions at a German University Hospital between 2015 and 2020

Background!#!Metamizole use is controversially discussed due to its potentially serious adverse drug reactions (ADRs). In Germany, however, it remains a popular analgesic and antipyretic drug.!##!Objective!#!The aim of this study was to discuss the safety profile of metamizole in children by analysing the inpatient prescription patterns and presenting the metamizole-related ADRs at a paediatric hospital between 2015 and 2020.!##!Methods!#!Metamizole utilisation data were retrospectively analysed from electronic medical records. ADRs were prospectively recorded via the hospital's stimulated reporting system and analysed accordingly. Patients aged &amp;lt; 18 years admitted to one of the general wards of the department of paediatrics and adolescent medicine of a German university hospital between June 2015 and May 2020 who received at least one drug therapy within their inpatient stay were included in the analysis. Causality of ADRs was rated according to the World Health Organisation causality assessment.!##!Results!#!In 31.7% (3759/11,857) of the inpatient stays of 7809 patients, metamizole was administered. Metamizole exposure was highest in adolescents (37.9%) and lowest in newborns (9.9%). Overall, metamizole was administered parenterally in about 90%. Three cases of agranulocytosis, one allergic shock and one rash with possible or higher causality to metamizole treatment were reported. Three of these occurred prior to hospitalisation. All patients recovered without remaining harm.!##!Discussion!#!Metamizole is commonly used in paediatric inpatients in Germany. Serious ADRs occur but rarely. Continuous monitoring of drug therapy through, for example, stimulated reporting systems ensures that serious ADRs are detected, and appropriate interventions can be introduced

Comparison between oxidation processes used to obtain the high inversion channel mobility in 4H-SiC MOSFETs

In this work two oxidation methods aimed at improving the silicon face 4H-SiC/SiO 2 interface are compared. One is an oxidation in N 2 O performed in a quartz tube using quartz sample holders and the other is a dry oxidation performed in an alumina tube using alumina sample holders. In n-type metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) capacitors the interface state density near the SiC conduction band edge is estimated using capacitance-voltage (C-V) and thermal dielectric relaxation current (TDRC) measurements. N-channel metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs) are characterized by current-voltage (I-V) techniques and the inversion channel mobility is extracted. It is shown that the high inversion channel mobility (154 cm 2 V -1 s -1 ) seen in samples oxidized using alumina correlates with a low interface trap density (3.6 7 10 11 cm -2 ). In the case of N 2 O oxidation the mobility is lower (24 cm 2 V -1 s -1 ) and the interface trap density is higher (1.6 7 10 12 cm -2 ). Room temperature C-V measurements are of limited use when studying traps near the conduction band edge in MOS structures while the TDRC measurement technique gives a better estimate of their density. \ua9 2007 IOP Publishing Ltd