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Brustkrebs ist die häufigste Krebserkrankung und Todesursache bei Frauen. Die Forschung der letzten Jahrzehnte hat gezeigt, dass es sich dabei nicht um eine einzelne, immer gleich verlaufende Erkrankung handelt. Vielmehr geht man heute davon aus, dass Brustkrebs eine heterogene Erkrankung mit verschiedenen Subtypen darstellt. Sie lassen sich klinisch und molekular deutlich von einander unterscheiden. Wichtiges Ziel der modernen Forschung und ihrer Methoden ist daher die Entwicklung einer individuellen Therapie für jede einzelne Patientin.
Blut steht für Leben - und für den Tod. Das ist in der Medizin nicht anders als in der Mythologie. Vor wenigen Jahrzehnten war die Diagnose Blutkrebs noch ein sicheres Todesurteil. Heute werden viele Leukämiekranke geheilt. An der Goethe-Universität setzt ein Schwerpunkt für Lymphom- und Leukämieforschung deutschlandweit Akzente bei Forschung und Diagnostik.
Schlangengifte enthalten einen ganzen Arzneischrank voller hochwirksamer Stoffe, die binnen kurzer Zeit zu Schock, Lähmung oder unstillbaren Blutungen führen können. Forscher interessieren sich vor allem für Verbindungen, welche die Blutgerinnung hemmen, denn sie könnten pharmakologisch interessante Leitstrukturen für neue Wirkstoffe sein, die das Risiko eines Herzinfarkts, Gehirnschlags und anderer Thrombosen mindern.
Introduction: Purpura fulminans (PF) is a devastating complication of uncontrolled systemic inflammation, associated with high incidence of amputations, skin grafts and death. In this study, we aimed to clarify the clinical profile of pediatric patients with PF who improved with protein C (PC) treatment, explore treatment effects and safety, and to refine the prognostic significance of protein C plasma levels. Methods: In Germany, patients receiving protein C concentrate (Ceprotin(R), Baxter AG, Vienna, Austria) are registered. The database was used to locate all pediatric patients with PF treated with PC from 2002 to 2005 for this National, retrospective, multi-centered study. Results: Complete datasets were acquired in 94 patients, treated in 46 centers with human, non-activated protein C concentrate for purpura fulminans. PC was given for 2 days (median, range 1-24 days) with a median daily dose of 100 IU/kg. Plasma protein C levels increased from a median of 27% to a median of 71% under treatment. 22.3% of patients died, 77.7% survived to discharge. Skin grafts were required in 9.6%, amputations in 5.3%. PF recovered or improved in 79.8%, remained unchanged in 13.8% and deteriorated in 6.4%. Four adverse events occurred in 3 patients, none classified as severe. Non-survivors had lower protein C plasma levels (P < 0.05) and higher prevalence of coagulopathy at admission (P < 0.01). Time between admission and start of PC substitution was longer in patients who died compared to survivors (P = 0.03). Conclusions: This retrospective dataset shows that, compared to historic controls, only few pediatric patients with PF under PC substitution needed dermatoplasty and/or amputations. Apart from epistaxis, no bleeding was observed. Although the data comes from a retrospective study, the evidence we present suggests that PC had a beneficial impact on the need for dermatoplasty and amputations, pointing to the potential value of carrying out a prospective randomised controlled trial.
Although autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) have a substantial genetic basis, most of the known genetic risk has been traced to rare variants, principally copy number variants (CNVs). To identify common risk variation, the Autism Genome Project (AGP) Consortium genotyped 1558 rigorously defined ASD families for 1 million single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and analyzed these SNP genotypes for association with ASD. In one of four primary association analyses, the association signal for marker rs4141463, located within MACROD2, crossed the genome-wide association significance threshold of P < 5 × 10−8. When a smaller replication sample was analyzed, the risk allele at rs4141463 was again over-transmitted; yet, consistent with the winner's curse, its effect size in the replication sample was much smaller; and, for the combined samples, the association signal barely fell below the P < 5 × 10−8 threshold. Exploratory analyses of phenotypic subtypes yielded no significant associations after correction for multiple testing. They did, however, yield strong signals within several genes, KIAA0564, PLD5, POU6F2, ST8SIA2 and TAF1C.
Short-term memory requires the coordination of sub-processes like encoding, retention, retrieval and comparison of stored material to subsequent input. Neuronal oscillations have an inherent time structure, can effectively coordinate synaptic integration of large neuron populations and could therefore organize and integrate distributed sub-processes in time and space. We observed field potential oscillations (14–95 Hz) in ventral prefrontal cortex of monkeys performing a visual memory task. Stimulus-selective and performance-dependent oscillations occurred simultaneously at 65–95 Hz and 14–50 Hz, the latter being phase-locked throughout memory maintenance. We propose that prefrontal oscillatory activity may be instrumental for the dynamical integration of local and global neuronal processes underlying short-term memory.
Echocardiography is increasingly used in the management of the critically ill patient as a non-invasive diagnostic and monitoring tool. Whilst in few countries specialized national training schemes for intensive care unit (ICU) echocardiography have been developed, specific guidelines for ICU physicians wishing to incorporate echocardiography into their clinical practice are lacking. Further, existing echocardiography accreditation does not reflect the requirements of the ICU practitioner. The WINFOCUS (World Interactive Network Focused On Critical UltraSound) ECHO-ICU Group drew up a document aimed at providing guidance to individual physicians, trainers and the relevant societies of the requirements for the development of skills in echocardiography in the ICU setting. The document is based on recommendations published by the Royal College of Radiologists, British Society of Echocardiography, European Association of Echocardiography and American Society of Echocardiography, together with international input from established practitioners of ICU echocardiography. The recommendations contained in this document are concerned with theoretical basis of ultrasonography, the practical aspects of building an ICU-based echocardiography service as well as the key components of standard adult TTE and TEE studies to be performed on the ICU. Specific issues regarding echocardiography in different ICU clinical scenarios are then described. Obtaining competence in ICU echocardiography may be achieved in different ways – either through completion of an appropriate fellowship/training scheme, or, where not available, via a staged approach designed to train the practitioner to a level at which they can achieve accreditation. Here, peri-resuscitation focused echocardiography represents the entry level – obtainable through established courses followed by mentored practice. Next, a competence-based modular training programme is proposed: theoretical elements delivered through blended-learning and practical elements acquired in parallel through proctored practice. These all linked with existing national/international echocardiography courses. When completed, it is anticipated that the practitioner will have performed the prerequisite number of studies, and achieved the competency to undertake accreditation (leading to Level 2 competence) via a recognized National or European examination and provide the appropriate required evidence of competency (logbook). Thus, even where appropriate fellowships are not available, with support from the relevant echocardiography bodies, training and subsequently accreditation in ICU echocardiography becomes achievable within the existing framework of current critical care and cardiological practice, and is adaptable to each countrie's needs.
Background: Thymostimulin is a thymic peptide fraction with immune-mediated cytotoxicity against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in vitro and palliative efficacy in advanced HCC in two independent phase II trials. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of thymostimulin in a phase III trial. Methods: The study was designed as a prospective randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, multicenter clinical phase III trial. Between 10/2002 and 03/2005, 135 patients with locally advanced or metastasised HCC (Karnofsky [greater than or equal to]60% / Child-Pugh [less than or equal to]12) were randomised to receive thymostimulin 75 mg s.c. 5x/week or placebo stratified according to liver function. Primary endpoint was twelve-month survival, secondary endpoints overall survival (OS), time to progression (TTP), tumor response, safety and quality of life. A subgroup analysis according to liver function, KPS and tumor stage (Okuda, CLIP and BCLC) formed part of the protocol. Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN64487365. Results: Twelve-month survival was 28% [95%CI 17-41; treatment] and 32% [95%CI 19-44; control] with no significant differences in median OS (5.0 [95% CI 3.7-6.3] vs. 5.2 [95% CI 3.5-6.9] months; p=0.87, HR=1.04 [95% CI 0.7-1.6]) or TTP (5.3 [95%CI 2.0-8.6] vs. 2.9 [95%CI 2.6-3.1] months; p=0.60, HR=1.13 [95% CI 0.7-1.8]). Adjustment for liver function, Karnofsky status or tumor stage did not affect results. While quality of life was similar in both groups, fewer patients on thymostimulin suffered from accumulating ascites and renal failure. Conclusions: In our phase III trial, we found no evidence of any benefit to thymostimulin in the treatment of advanced HCC and there is therefore no justification for its use as single-agent treatment. The effect of thymostimulin on hepato-renal function requires further confirmation. trial registration: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN64487365
Background: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) are produced during hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation (H/R), which may contribute to multiple organ failure. The AIM of this study was to test the hypothesis that green tea (Camellia sinenesis) extract containing 85% polyphenols decreases injury after H/R in rats by scavenging ROS and RNS. Method: S: Female Sprague Dawley rats were given 100 mg polyphenol extract/kg body weight or vehicle 2 h prior to hemorrhagic shock. H/R was induced by two protocols: 1) withdrawal of blood to a mean arterial pressure of 40 mm Hg followed by further withdrawals to decrease blood pressure progressively to 28 mm Hg over 1 h (severe), and 2) withdrawal of blood to a sustained hypotension of 40 mm Hg for 1 h (moderate). Rats were then resuscitated over 1 h with 60% of the shed blood volume plus twice the shed blood volume of lactated Ringer's solution. Serum samples were collected at 10 min and 2 h after resuscitation. At 2 or 18 h, livers were harvested for cytokine and 3-nitrotyrosine quantification, immunohistochemical detection of 4-hydroxynonenol (4-HNE) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) protein expression. Results: After severe H/R, 18-h survival increased from 20% after vehicle to 70% after polyphenols (p<0.05). After moderate H/R, survival was greater (80%) and not different between vehicle and polyphenols. In moderate H/R, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) increased at 10 min and 2 h postresuscitation to 345 and 545 IU/L, respectively. Polyphenol treatment blunted this increase to 153 and 252 IU/L at 10 min and 2 h (p<0.01). Polyphenols also blunted increases in liver homogenates of TNFalpha (7.0 pg/mg with vehicle vs. 4.9 pg/mg with polyphenols, p<0.05), IL-1beta (0.80 vs. 0.37 pg/mg, p<0.05), IL-6 (6.9 vs. 5.1 pg/mg, p<0.05) and nitrotyrosine (1.9 pg/mg vs. 0.6 pg/mg, p<0.05) measured 18 h after H/R. Hepatic 4-HNE immunostaining indicative of lipid peroxidation also decreased from 4.8% after vehicle to 1.5% after polyphenols (p<0.05). By contrast, polyphenols did not block increased iNOS expression at 2 h after H/R. CONCLUSION: Polyphenols decrease ROS/RNS formation and are beneficial after hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation.
Background: Because Endomyocardial Biopsy has low sensitivity of about 20%, it can be performed near to myocardium that presented as Late Gadolinium Enhancement (LGE) in cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR). However the important issue of comparing topography of CMR and histological findings has not yet been investigated. Thus the current study was performed using an animal model of myocarditis. Results: In 10 male Lewis rats Experimental Autoimmune myocarditis was induced, 10 rats served as control. On day 21 animals were examined by CMR to compare topographic distribution of LGE to histological inflammation. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values for LGE in diagnosing myocarditis were determined for each segment of myocardium. Latter diagnostic values varied widely depending on topographic distribution of LGE and inflammation as well as on the used CMR sequence. Sensitivity of LGE was up to 76% (left lateral myocardium) and positive predictive values were up to 85% (left lateral myocardium), whereas sensitivity and positive predictive value dropped to 0 - 33% (left inferior myocardium). Conclusions: Topographic distribution of LGE and histological inflammation seem to influence sensitivity, specifity, positive and negative predictive values. Nevertheless, positive predictive value for LGE of up to 85% indicates that Endomyocardial Biopsy should be performed "MR-guided". LGE seems to have greater sensitivity than Endomyocardial Biopsy for the diagnosis of myocarditis.
Im Zeitraum 1. 11. 1993 bis 30. 3. 1997 wurden 1149 allgemeinchirurgische Intensivpatienten prospektiv erfaßt, von denen 114 die Kriterien des septischen Schocks erfüllten. Die Letalität der Patienten mit einem septischen Schock betrug 47,3%. Nach Training eines neuronalen Netzes mit 91 (von insgesamt n = 114) Patienten ergab die Testung bei den verbleibenden 23 Patienten bei der Berücksichtigung von Parameterveränderungen vom 1. auf den 2. Tag des septischen Schocks folgendes Ergebnis: Alle 10 verstorbenen Patienten wurden korrekt als nicht überlebend vorhergesagt, von den 13 Überlebenden wurden 12 korrekt als überlebend vorhergesagt (Sensitivität 100%; Spezifität 92,3%).
Central elements of the Bologna declaration have been implemented in a huge variety of curricula in humanities, social sciences, natural sciences and engineering sciences at German universities. Overall the results have been nothing less than disastrous. Surprisingly, this seems to be the perfect time for German universities to talk about introducing a curriculum that is fully compatible with the Bologna declaration for medical education as well. However, German medical education does not have problems the Bologna declaration is intended to solve, such as quality, mobility, internationalization and employability. It is already in the Post-Bologna age.
Meeting Abstract : Deutsche Gesellschaft für Chirurgie. 125. Kongress der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Chirurgie. Berlin, 22.-25.04.2008 Einleitung: Über 4 Millionen Menschen leben in Deutschland schätzungsweise mit chronischen Wunden. Aufgrund der demographischen Entwicklung unserer Gesellschaft ist mit einem weiteren Anstieg der zu nicht, oder nur zögerlich heilenden Wunden führenden Erkrankungen diabetisches Fußsyndrom, chronisch venöse Insuffizienz und pAVK auszugehen. Dennoch ist die moderne hydroaktive Wundbehandlung in Deutschland nicht flächendeckend etabliert. Gründe hierfür liegen unter anderem in dem unüberschaubaren Produktsortiment, der unzureichenden Vergütung vor allem im ambulanten Versorgungssektor und in der mangelhaften ärztlichen Ausbildung in Bezug auf Wundtherapie. Ein standardisiertes Wundbehandlungsschema erleichtert die stadiengerechte Anwendung moderner Wundauflagen und dient als nachvollziehbare Entscheidungsgrundlage in der Auswahl der erforderlichen Wundprodukte. Material und Methoden: Anhand eines Bogens werden vier Kriterien (Wundstadium, Wundexsudation, Wundtiefe und Wundinfektion) zur Beurteilung einer Wunde erfasst. Die fotographische Abbildung der verschiedenen Wundstadien erlaubt eine sichere visuelle Zuordnung durch den Therapeuten. Nach Analyse dieser S.E.T.I. Kriterien ergibt sich eine eindeutige stadiengerechte Produktzuordnung, die auch dem weniger geübten eine sichere Anwendung der verschiedenen Produktgruppen ermöglicht. Ergebnisse: Dieser Behandlungsstandard wurde zwischenzeitlich an 3 Kliniken der Maximalversorgung und in einem integrierten Versorgungsmodell zum diabetischen Fußsyndrom etabliert und stellt einen Bestandteil für ein weiteres IV Modell zur pAVK dar. Neben ökonomischen Vorteilen (reduzierte Lagerhaltungskosten, Straffung des Produktsortiments, günstigere Bezugskonditionen) lässt sich eine Verbesserung in der Behandlungsqualität, eine verkürzte stationäre Behandlungsdauer sowie eine vereinfachte Umsetzung einer sektorenübergreifenden Wundversorgung erzielen. Schlussfolgerung: Die Anwendung eines Therapiestandards für die stadiengerechte Behandlung chronischer Wunden ermöglicht eine Anwenderunabhängige gleich bleibend hohe Qualität sowie eine wesentlich vereinfachte Orientierung in dem Produktsortiment. Hierdurch wird weiterhin ein Beitrag zur Schnittstellenoptimierung zwischen dem stationären und ambulanten Versorgungssektor bei chronischen Wunden geleistet. Ein verbindlicher interdisziplinärer und interprofessioneller Wundbehandlungsstandard stellt eine unverzichtbare Qualitätssicherungsmaßnahme in der Wundbehandlung dar.
Einleitung: Am 16.12.06 wurde im Eurotransplant-Gebiet der MELD-Score (MELD) als Allokationsbasis zur Lebertransplantation (OLT) eingeführt. Ziel ist eine Reduktion der Sterblichkeit auf der Warteliste. Material und Methoden: 100 Patienten wurden in die prospektive Analyse der MELD-Allokation vom 16.12.06 bis 15.09.07 einbezogen. Ergebnisse: Aktuell warten 68 Pat., 28 Pat. wurden transplantiert, 4 Pat. sind auf der Warteliste (WL) verstorben (4%). Der mittlere MELD auf der WL beträgt 17,2 +/- 5,2 (7-28). Bei 12 Pat. liegt eine Standard-exception (SE) (n=10 HCC, n=2 metabolische Erkrankung) mit einem Match-MELD von 25,6 +/-2,06 vor (24-28). Die Todesursachen der vier auf der WL verstorbenen Pat. waren eine akute Varizenblutung (MELD 9), zwei kardiale Versagen (MELD 13, 18) und eine MRSA-Sepsis (MELD 29, NT-Status). Die 28 transplantierten Pat. hatte zum Zeitpunkt der Transplantation einen mittleren MELD von 27,66 +/- 5,1 Punkten (21 bis 40). 20 Pat. wurden aufgrund des Labor-MELD (28,4 +/- 5,3, 24-40) transplantiert, wobei 7 Pat. einen MELD über 30 aufwiesen. Die Wartezeit lag bei 11,55 +/- 5,3 Tagen. 8 Pat. erhielten bei SE bei HCC (MELD 24 +/- 0, 24) ein Organ nach einer Wartezeit von 320 +/- 9,7 Tagen. Aktuell leben 23 der 28 transplantierten Pat. Bei zwei verstorbenen Pat. war die Todesursache ein kardiales Versagen, bei zwei Patienten eine primäre Non-Funktion sowie ein septisches Multiorganversagen. Schlussfolgerung: Während der ersten Monate der MELD Allokation lag die Letalität auf der WL in unserem Zentrum bei 4%. Patienten mit einem mittleren MELD über 27 erhielten Organangebote und konnten nach kurzer Wartezeit transplantiert werden.