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Purpose: Despite the high number of patients with phalangeal fractures, evidence-based recommendations for the treatment of specific phalangeal fractures could not be concluded from the literature. The purpose of the present study was to assess current epidemiological data, classification of the fracture type, and mode of treatment.
Methods: This study presents a retrospective review of 261 patients with 283 phalangeal fractures ≥ 18 years of age who were treated in our level I trauma centre between 2017 and 2018. The data were obtained by the analysis of the institution’s database, and radiological examinations.
Results: The average age of the patients was 40.4 years (range 18–98). The ratio of male to female patients was 2.7:1. The two most typical injury mechanisms were crush injuries (33%) and falls (23%). Most phalangeal fractures occurred in the distal phalanx (P3 43%). The 4th ray (D4 29%) was most frequently affected. The P3 tuft fractures, and the middle phalanx (P2) base fractures each accounted for 25% of fracture types. A total of 74% of fractures were treated conservatively, and 26% required surgery, with Kirschner wire(s) (37%) as the preferred surgical treatment. The decision for surgical treatment correlated with the degree of angular and/or rotational deformity, intraarticular step, and sub-/luxation of specific phalangeal fractures, but not with age and gender.
Conclusions: Our findings demonstrated the popularity of conservative treatment of phalangeal fractures, while surgery was only required in properly selected cases. The correct definition of precise fracture pattern in addition to topography is essential to facilitate treatment decision-making.
Introduction: Quinolone prophylaxis is recommended for patients with advanced cirrhosis at high risk of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) or with prior SBP. Yet, the impact of long-term antibiotic prophylaxis on the microbiome of these patients is poorly characterized.
Methods: Patients with liver cirrhosis receiving long-term quinolone prophylaxis to prevent SBP were prospectively included and sputum and stool samples were obtained at baseline, 1, 4 and 12 weeks thereafter. Both bacterial DNA and RNA were assessed with 16S rRNA sequencing. Relative abundance, alpha and beta diversity were calculated and correlated with clinical outcome.
Results: Overall, 35 stool and 19 sputum samples were obtained from 11 patients. Two patients died (day 9 and 12) all others were followed for 180 days. Reduction of Shannon diversity and bacterial richness was insignificant after initiation of quinolone prophylaxis (p > 0.05). Gut microbiota were significantly different between patients (p < 0.001) but non-significantly altered between the different time points before and after initiation of antibiotic prophylaxis (p > 0.05). A high relative abundance of Enterobacteriaceae > 20% during quinolone prophylaxis was found in three patients. Specific clinical scenarios (development of secondary infections during antibiotic prophylaxis or the detection of multidrug-resistant Enterobacteriaceae) characterized these patients. Sputum microbiota were not significantly altered in individuals during prophylaxis.
Conclusion: The present exploratory study with small sample size showed that inter-individual differences in diversity of gut microbiota were high at baseline, yet quinolone prophylaxis had only a moderate impact. High relative abundances of Enterobacteriaceae during follow-up might indicate failure of or non-adherence to quinolone prophylaxis. However, our results may not be clinically significant given the limitations of the study and therefore future studies are needed to further investigate this phenomenon.
In murine models, the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in myocardial infarction (MI) has been reported to be the result of tissue injury and inflammation. In the present study, mRNA expression of iNOS, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was investigated in postmortem human infarction hearts. Since HIF-1α is the inducible subunit of the transcription factor HIF-1, which regulates transcription of iNOS and VEGF, the interrelation between the three genes was observed, to examine the molecular processes during the emergence of MI. iNOS and VEGF mRNAs were found to be significantly upregulated in the affected regions of MI hearts in comparison to healthy controls. Upregulation of HIF-1α was also present but not significant. Correlation analysis of the three genes indicated a stronger and significant correlation between HIF-1α and iNOS mRNAs than between HIF-1α and VEGF. The results of the study revealed differences in the expression patterns of HIF-1 downstream targets. The stronger transcription of iNOS by HIF-1 in the affected regions of MI hearts may represent a pathological process, since no correlation of iNOS and HIF-1α mRNA was found in non-affected areas of MI hearts. Oxidative stress is considered to cause molecular changes in MI, leading to increased iNOS expression. Therefore, it may also represent a forensic marker for detection of early changes in heart tissue.
Zielsetzung: Die Daten für das Jahr 2018 des Registers „Abdominelles Aortenaneurysma“ (AAA) des Deutschen Instituts für Gefäßmedizinische Gesundheitsforschung (DIGG) der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Gefäßchirurgie und Gefäßmedizin werden vorgestellt.
Methodik: Im Jahr 2018 beteiligten sich an dem Register insgesamt 135 Kliniken. Für die offene Versorgung (OR) des intakten AAA (iAAA) gaben 118 (87,4 %) Kliniken, für die endovaskuläre Versorgung (EVAR) des iAAA 133 (98,5 %) Kliniken Daten ein. Für das rupturierte AAA (rAAA) wurden von 80 Kliniken (59,3 %) (EVAR) bzw. 65 (48,1 %) Kliniken (OR) Patienten gemeldet. Ausgewertet wurden die Daten von 4051 stationär behandelten Patienten.
Ergebnisse: 2800 iAAA (75,8 %) wurden endovaskulär und 895 (24,2 %) offen versorgt. Bei den endovaskulär versorgten Patienten mit iAAA verlief der Eingriff in 86,4 % der Fälle komplikationslos. Es verstarben insgesamt 32 Patienten (1,1 %) bis zur Entlassung. Bei den offen versorgten Patienten wiesen 73,4 % der Patienten keine Komplikationen auf. Verstorben sind insgesamt 42 Patienten (4,7 %). Von den 356 Patienten mit rAAA wurden 192 (53,9 %) endovaskulär und 164 (46,1 %) offen versorgt. Nur 11,0 % der mit OR versorgten Patienten, aber 23,4 % bei EVAR wiesen freies Blut in der Bauchhöhle auf. Bei EVAR sind 30,7 % der Patienten während des stationären Aufenthalts verstorben, bei OR 20,1 %.
Schlussfolgerung: Die Ergebnisse des Jahres 2018 zu Klinikletalität und Morbidität bei endovaskulärer und offener Versorgung des iAAA bestätigen weitestgehend die publizierten Ergebnisse für die Jahre 2013 bis 2017. Beim rAAA wurde 2018 erstmals über mehr endovaskuläre als offene Versorgungen berichtet – mit Ergebnissen, die denen der Vorjahre diametral entgegengesetzt waren. Patienten mit EVAR wiesen die höhere Komorbidität als Patienten mit OR auf und die Klinikletalität war höher. Es bleiben die Ergebnisse der Folgejahre abzuwarten, um diesen Trend genauer bewerten zu können.
Onkologische Erkrankungen im Kindesalter und jungen Erwachsenenalter haben nicht selten eine gute Prognose. Entsprechend wird für Betroffene früher oder später die Frage relevant, inwieweit nach einer onkologischen Behandlung die Fertilität beeinträchtigt ist. Nicht nur der Zeitraum der Fertilität, sondern auch die Wahrscheinlichkeit eines vorzeitigen Ovarialversagens mit allen Risiken eines längerfristigen Östrogenmangels ist für die Lebensplanung der Frauen wichtig. Mittlerweile können vor Behandlung fertilitätserhaltende Maßnahmen angeboten werden. Sie bieten manchmal die einzige Chance, auf ovarielle Reserven nach Behandlung zurückgreifen zu können, sind aber nicht immer nötig und von späterem Nutzen. Das Anti-Müller-Hormon (AMH) hat sich als validester Marker für die Beurteilung der ovariellen Reserve herausgestellt. Mithilfe dessen sind Prognosen über die Ovarreserve vor und nach der onkologischen Therapie möglich. Dies erleichtert die Entscheidung für die Indikation für fertilitätserhaltende Maßnahmen und kann wegweisend in der Lebensplanung der Frauen und Familien sein.
Objective: To assess the influence of biphasic calcium phosphate materials with different surface topographies on bone formation and osseointegration of titanium implants in standardized alveolar ridge defects.
Materials and methods: Standardized alveolar ridge defects (6 × 6 mm) were created in the mandible of 8 minipigs and filled with three biphasic calcium phosphate materials (BCP1–3, 90% tricalcium phosphate/10% hydroxyapatite) with different surface properties (micro- and macroporosities) as well as a bovine-derived natural bone mineral (NBM) as a control. At 12 weeks, implants were placed into the augmented defects. After further 8 weeks of healing, dissected blocks were processed for histological analysis (e.g., mineralized (MT), residual bone graft material (BS), bone-to-implant contact (BIC)).
Results: All four biomaterials showed well-integrated graft particles and new bone formation within the defect area. MT values were comparable in all groups. BS values were highest in the NBM group (21.25 ± 13.52%) and markedly reduced in the different BCP groups, reaching statistical significance at BCP1-treated sites (9.2 ± 3.28%). All test and control groups investigated revealed comparable and statistically not significant different BIC values, ranging from 73.38 ± 20.5% (BCP2) to 84.11 ± 7.84% (BCP1), respectively.
Conclusion* All bone graft materials facilitated new bone formation and osseointegration after 12 + 8 weeks of healing.
Endocannabinoids are important lipid-signaling mediators. Both protective and deleterious effects of endocannabinoids in the cardiovascular system have been reported but the mechanistic basis for these contradicting observations is unclear. We set out to identify anti-inflammatory mechanisms of endocannabinoids in the murine aorta and in human vascular smooth muscle cells (hVSMC). In response to combined stimulation with cytokines, IL-1β and TNFα, the murine aorta released several endocannabinoids, with anandamide (AEA) levels being the most significantly increased. AEA pretreatment had profound effects on cytokine-induced gene expression in hVSMC and murine aorta. As revealed by RNA-Seq analysis, the induction of a subset of 21 inflammatory target genes, including the important cytokine CCL2 was blocked by AEA. This effect was not mediated through AEA-dependent interference of the AP-1 or NF-κB pathways but rather through an epigenetic mechanism. In the presence of AEA, ATAC-Seq analysis and chromatin-immunoprecipitations revealed that CCL2 induction was blocked due to increased levels of H3K27me3 and a decrease of H3K27ac leading to compacted chromatin structure in the CCL2 promoter. These effects were mediated by recruitment of HDAC4 and the nuclear corepressor NCoR1 to the CCL2 promoter. This study therefore establishes a novel anti-inflammatory mechanism for the endogenous endocannabinoid AEA in vascular smooth muscle cells. Furthermore, this work provides a link between endogenous endocannabinoid signaling and epigenetic regulation.
Background: The importance of Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) as a minimally invasive and nonaerosolizing management during COVID-19 pandemic has highly increased. SDF is a caries-arresting agent that causes staining of tooth structure. Managing this discoloration will increase its acceptance in treating primary teeth. The main aim of this study was to quantify the color change associated with the application of SDF on extracted carious primary molars, the potential masking of this color change by potassium iodide (KI), composite (CMP) and glass ionomer cement (GI) and the effect of aging on this color masking effect.
Methods: An in-vitro study in which 52 carious primary molars were collected, prepared, and distributed randomly into four groups equally as follows: Group A: SDF 38%; Group B: SDF 38% + KI; Group C: SDF 38% + CMP; Group D: SDF 38% + GI. Color changes were recorded for each sample at baseline, and after application of the tested materials. Moreover, all samples had undergone Suntest aging followed by a third color reading. CIELAB values L*, a*, b*, ΔL, Δa, and Δb were measured, ΔE was calculated, and data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and post-Hoc Scheffé test (p < 0.05).
Results: MANOVA revealed the significant influence of the factor ‘material’. SDF caused an obvious color change compared to the color of carious dentin. Regarding ΔL, the color change of groups C and D was not significant directly after application of the tested materials. After aging, it was significant among all groups, including groups C and D. In Δa there was a difference between SDF and groups B and C after application of the tested materials, and aging produced the same results. The color shifts of Δb of all tested groups varied significantly from one another. After aging, there was no difference between group D and either group A or B.
Conclusions: Treatment with SDF caused obvious discoloration of carious dentin. Directly after SDF application, all tested materials could effectively mask the color change associated with the application of SDF. CMP was the only material whose color masking effect was not completely reversed by aging.
Blood-pressure-lowering drugs are proposed to foster SARS-CoV-2 infection by pharmacological upregulation of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), the binding partner of the virus spike (S) protein, located on the surface of the host cells. Conversely, it is postulated that angiotensin–renin system antagonists may prevent lung damage caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection, by reducing angiotensin II levels, which can induce permeability of lung endothelial barrier via its interaction with the AT1 receptor (AT1R). Methods: We have investigated the influence of the ACE inhibitors (lisinopril, captopril) and the AT1 antagonists (telmisartan, olmesartan) on the level of ACE2 mRNA and protein expression as well as their influence on the cytopathic effect of SARS-CoV-2 and on the cell barrier integrity in a Caco-2 cell model. Results: The drugs revealed no effect on ACE2 mRNA and protein expression. ACE inhibitors and AT1R antagonist olmesartan did not influence the infection rate of SARS-CoV-2 and were unable to prevent the SARS-CoV-2-induced cell barrier disturbance. A concentration of 25 µg/mL telmisartan significantly reduced the virus replication rate. Conclusion: ACE inhibitors and AT1R antagonist showed neither beneficial nor detrimental effects on SARS-CoV-2-infection and cell barrier integrity in vitro at pharmacologically relevant concentrations.
Background: Tetracyclines and clindamycin plus rifampicin combination therapy are both considered first-line therapy in current hidradenitis suppurativa guidelines. However, evidence for their efficacy is drawn from small studies, often without validated outcomes. Objective: To assess the 12-week efficacy of oral tetracyclines and a combination of clindamycin and rifampicin. Methods: A prospective, international cohort study performed between October 2018 and August 2019. Results: In total, 63.6% of the included 283 patients received oral tetracyclines, and 36.4% were treated with clindamycin and rifampicin. Both groups showed a significant decrease in International Hidradenitis Suppurativa Severity Score System from baseline (both P < .001). The Hidradenitis Suppurativa Clinical Response (HiSCR) was achieved in 40.1% and 48.2% of patients, respectively (P = .26). Patient characteristics or disease severity were not associated with the attainment of HiSCR or the minimal clinically important differences for the Dermatology Life Quality Index and pain. Limitations: Cohort study. Respectively, 23.9% and 19.4% of patients had to be excluded from the HiSCR analysis for the tetracycline and combination therapy group because of a low abscess and nodule count at baseline. Conclusion: This study shows significant efficacy of both tetracycline treatment and clindamycin and rifampicin combination therapy after 12 weeks in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa. No significant differences in efficacy were observed between the 2 treatments, regardless of disease severity.
Background: Acute bleeding requires fast and targeted therapy. Therefore, knowledge of the patient's potential to form a clot is crucial. Point-of-care testing (POCT) provides fast and reliable information on coagulation. Structural circumstances, such as person-bound sample transport, can prolong the reporting of the results. The aim of the present study was to investigate the diagnostic quality and accuracy between POCT INR diagnostics and standard laboratory analysis (SLA) as well as the time advantage between a pneumatic tube and a personal-based transport system. Methods: Two groups of haemorrhagic patients (EG: emergency department; OG: delivery room; each n = 12) were examined in the context of bleeding emergencies using POCT and SLA. Samples were transported via a pneumatic tube system or by a personal transport service. Results: INR results between POCT and SLA showed a high and significant correlation (EG: p < 0.001; OG: p < 0.001). POCT results were reported significantly more quickly (EG: 1.1 vs. 39.6 min; OG: 2.0 vs. 75.0 min; p < 0.001) and required less time for analysis (EG: 0.3 vs. 24.0 min; OG: 0.5 vs. 45.0 min; p < 0.001) compared to SLA. The time for transportation with the pneumatic tube was significantly shorter (8.0 vs. 18.5 min; p < 0.001) than with the personal-based transport system. Conclusion: The results of the present study suggest that POCT may be a suitable method for the emergency diagnosis and may be used as prognostic diagnostic elements in haemotherapy algorithms to initiate targeted haemotherapy at an early point in time.
(1) Background: Protruding ears are the most common auricular malformation affecting approximately 5% of the population. One common factor leading to auricular protrusion is a deficiency or total absence of the antihelix. A technique first described by Gottfried Lemperle in 2003 attempts cartilage thinning, folding, and fixation by non-absorbable mattress sutures after ventral skin incision along the ventral helical rim. (2) Methods: Retrospective analysis of patient records was performed for otoplasties according to this technique, performed between 1985 and 2014 at Agaplesion Markus Hospital in Frankfurt, Germany. All recorded complications were examined. (3) Results: A total of 912 single otoplasties were performed according to this technique from 1985 to 2014. Overall complications included 26% minor complications not requiring further surgery and 11% major complications leading to revision surgery. Within those requiring revision surgery, the most common reason was recurrence of auricular protrusion (5%), followed by suture granulomas (5%) and hematomas (2%). (4) Conclusions: Lemperle’s otoplasty technique addresses the open thinning and shaping of the antihelix through a ventral incision along the helix to prevent irregularities and possible ridges. Results show a low complication rate comparable to data found in published studies. This technique is easy to perform, safe, and avoids often seen contour irregularities of the antihelix compared to techniques with a posterior approach.
Despite the recent availability of vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2), there is an urgent need for specific anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs. Monoclonal neutralizing antibodies are an important drug class in the global fight against the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic due to their ability to convey immediate protection and their potential to be used as both prophylactic and therapeutic drugs. Clinically used neutralizing antibodies against respiratory viruses are currently injected intravenously, which can lead to suboptimal pulmonary bioavailability and thus to a lower effectiveness. Here we describe DZIF-10c, a fully human monoclonal neutralizing antibody that binds the receptor-binding domain of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. DZIF-10c displays an exceptionally high neutralizing potency against SARS-CoV-2, retains full activity against the variant of concern (VOC) B.1.1.7 and still neutralizes the VOC B.1.351, although with reduced potency. Importantly, not only systemic but also intranasal application of DZIF-10c abolished the presence of infectious particles in the lungs of SARS-CoV-2 infected mice and mitigated lung pathology when administered prophylactically. Along with a favorable pharmacokinetic profile, these results highlight DZIF-10c as a novel human SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody with high in vitro and in vivo antiviral potency. The successful intranasal application of DZIF-10c paves the way for clinical trials investigating topical delivery of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies.
Background: Testing for COVID-19 with quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) may result in delayed detection of disease. Antigen detection via lateral flow testing (LFT) is faster and amenable to population-wide testing strategies. Our study assesses the diagnostic accuracy of LFT compared to RT-PCR on the same primarycare patients in Austria. Methods: Patients with mild to moderate flu-like symptoms attending a general practice network in an Austrian district (October 22 to November 30, 2020) received clinical assessment including LFT. All suspected COVID-19 cases obtained additional RT-PCR and were divided into two groups: Group 1 (true reactive): suspected cases with reactive LFT and positive RT-PCR; and Group 2 (false non-reactive): suspected cases with a non-reactive LFT but positive RT-PCR. Findings: Of the 2,562 symptomatic patients, 1,037 were suspected of COVID-19 and 826 (79.7%) patients tested RT-PCR positive. Among patients with positive RT-PCR, 788/826 tested LFT reactive (Group 1) and 38 (4.6%) non-reactive (Group 2). Overall sensitivity was 95.4% (95%CI: [94%,96.8%]), specificity 89.1% (95%CI: [86.3%, 91.9%]), positive predictive value 97.3% (95%CI:[95.9%, 98.7%]) and negative predictive value 82.5% (95%CI:[79.8%, 85.2%]). Reactive LFT and positive RT-PCR were positively correlated (r = 0.968,95CI=[0.952,0.985] and κ=0.823, 95%CI=[0.773,0.866]). Reactive LFT was negatively correlated with Ct-value (r = -0.2999,p < 0.001) and pre-test symptom duration (r = -0.1299,p = 0.0043) while Ct-value was positively correlated with pre-test symptom duration (r = 0.3733),p < 0.001). Interpretation: We show that LFT is an accurate alternative to RT-PCR testing in primary care. We note the importance of administering LFT properly, here combined with clinical assessment in symptomatic patients.
The risk of developing severe complications from an influenza virus infection is increased in patients with chronic inflammatory diseases such as psoriasis (PsO) and atopic dermatitis (AD). However, low influenza vaccination rates have been reported. The aim of this study was to determine vaccination rates in PsO compared to AD patients and explore patient perceptions of vaccination. A multicenter cross-sectional study was performed in 327 and 98 adult patients with PsO and AD, respectively. Data on vaccination, patient and disease characteristics, comorbidity, and patient perceptions was collected with a questionnaire. Medical records and vaccination certificates were reviewed. A total of 49.8% of PsO and 32.7% of AD patients were vaccinated at some point, while in season 2018/2019, 30.9% and 13.3% received an influenza vaccination, respectively. There were 96.6% and 77.6% of PsO and AD patients who had an indication for influenza vaccination due to age, immunosuppressive therapy, comorbidity, occupation, and/or pregnancy. Multivariate regression analysis revealed higher age (p < 0.001) and a history of bronchitis (p = 0.023) as significant predictors of influenza vaccination in PsO patients. Considering that most patients had an indication for influenza vaccination, the rate of vaccinated patients was inadequately low.
Simple Summary: Cancer immunotherapy mainly targets immune system components, such as immune-suppressive networks generated by cancer cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Programmed cell death ligand 1, which is a secretory immune-suppressive factor, is released by tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). The TME also disrupts production of tumor-specific T cells and generates immunosuppressive leukocytes, regulatory T cells, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Immune checkpoint inhibitors are effective in various cancers but only in a subset of patients. Non-coding RNAs, such as microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), are dysregulated in cancer through transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and epigenetic changes and have significant roles in cancer initiation and progression, which depends on deregulation of lncRNA expression. TAM function can be influenced by lncRNAs in various ways. However, our understanding of lncRNA dysregulation and function in cancer remains in the early stage.
Abstract: Ever since RNA sequencing of whole genomes and transcriptomes became available, numerous RNA transcripts without having the classic function of encoding proteins have been discovered. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) with a length greater than 200 nucleotides were considered as “junk” in the beginning, but it has increasingly become clear that lncRNAs have crucial roles in regulating a variety of cellular mechanisms and are often deregulated in several diseases, such as cancer. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths and has a survival rate of less than 10%. Immune cells infiltrating the tumor microenvironment (TME) have been shown to have a great effect on tumor development with macrophages being the major cell type within the TME. Macrophages can inherit an inflammatory M1 or an anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype. Tumor-associated macrophages, which are predominantly polarized to M2, favor tumor growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis. In this review, we aimed to describe the complex roles and functions of lncRNAs in macrophages and their influence on lung cancer development and progression through the TME.
Simple Summary: In patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) and in patients with kidney dysfunction, a higher rate of thrombosis has been reported compared with the general population. Furthermore, MPN patients are more prone to develop kidney dysfunction. In our study, we assessed the importance of specific risk factors for kidney dysfunction and thrombosis in MPN patients. We found that the rate of thrombosis is correlated with the degree of kidney dysfunction, especially in myelofibrosis. Significant associations for kidney dysfunction included arterial hypertension, MPN treatment, and increased inflammation, and those for thrombosis comprised arterial hypertension, non-excessive platelet counts, and antithrombotic therapy. The identified risk factor associations varied between MPN subtypes. Our data suggest that kidney dysfunction in MPN patients is associated with an increased risk of thrombosis, mandating closer monitoring, and, possibly, early thromboprophylaxis.
Abstract: Inflammation-induced thrombosis represents a severe complication in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) and in those with kidney dysfunction. Overlapping disease-specific attributes suggest common mechanisms involved in MPN pathogenesis, kidney dysfunction, and thrombosis. Data from 1420 patients with essential thrombocythemia (ET, 33.7%), polycythemia vera (PV, 38.5%), and myelofibrosis (MF, 27.9%) were extracted from the bioregistry of the German Study Group for MPN. The total cohort was subdivided according to the calculated estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR, (mL/min/1.73 m2)) into eGFR1 (≥90, 21%), eGFR2 (60–89, 56%), and eGFR3 (<60, 22%). A total of 29% of the patients had a history of thrombosis. A higher rate of thrombosis and longer MPN duration was observed in eGFR3 than in eGFR2 and eGFR1. Kidney dysfunction occurred earlier in ET than in PV or MF. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified arterial hypertension, MPN treatment, increased uric acid, and lactate dehydrogenase levels as risk factors for kidney dysfunction in MPN patients. Risk factors for thrombosis included arterial hypertension, non-excessive platelet counts, and antithrombotic therapy. The risk factors for kidney dysfunction and thrombosis varied between MPN subtypes. Physicians should be aware of the increased risk for kidney disease in MPN patients, which warrants closer monitoring and, possibly, early thromboprophylaxis.
Background: Autism spectrum disorder (“autism”) is a highly heterogeneous neurodevelopmental condition with few effective treatments for core and associated features. To make progress we need to both identify and validate neural markers that help to parse heterogeneity to tailor therapies to specific neurobiological profiles. Atypical hemispheric lateralization is a stable feature across studies in autism, but its potential as a neural stratification marker has not been widely examined. Methods: In order to dissect heterogeneity in lateralization in autism, we used the large EU-AIMS (European Autism Interventions—A Multicentre Study for Developing New Medications) Longitudinal European Autism Project dataset comprising 352 individuals with autism and 233 neurotypical control subjects as well as a replication dataset from ABIDE (Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange) (513 individuals with autism, 691 neurotypical subjects) using a promising approach that moves beyond mean group comparisons. We derived gray matter voxelwise laterality values for each subject and modeled individual deviations from the normative pattern of brain laterality across age using normative modeling. Results: Individuals with autism had highly individualized patterns of both extreme right- and leftward deviations, particularly in language, motor, and visuospatial regions, associated with symptom severity. Language delay explained most variance in extreme rightward patterns, whereas core autism symptom severity explained most variance in extreme leftward patterns. Follow-up analyses showed that a stepwise pattern emerged, with individuals with autism with language delay showing more pronounced rightward deviations than individuals with autism without language delay. Conclusions: Our analyses corroborate the need for novel (dimensional) approaches to delineate the heterogeneous neuroanatomy in autism and indicate that atypical lateralization may constitute a neurophenotype for clinically meaningful stratification in autism.
The role and timing of radiotherapy (RT) in prostate cancer (PCa) patients treated with radical prostatectomy (RP) remains controversial. While recent trials support the oncological safety of early salvage RT (SRT) compared to adjuvant RT (ART) in selected patients, previous randomized studies demonstrated that ART might improve recurrence-free survival in patients at high risk for local recurrence based on adverse pathology. Although ART might improve survival, this approach is characterized by a risk of overtreatment in up to 40% of cases. SRT is defined as the administration of RT to the prostatic bed and to the surrounding tissues in the patient with PSA recurrence after surgery but no evidence of distant metastatic disease. The delivery of salvage therapies exclusively in men who experience biochemical recurrence (BCR) has the potential advantage of reducing the risk of side effects without theoretically compromising outcomes. However, how to select patients at risk of progression who are more likely to benefit from a more aggressive treatment after RP, the exact timing of RT after RP, and the use of hormone therapy and its duration at the time of RT are still open issues. Moreover, what the role of novel imaging techniques and genomic classifiers are in identifying the most optimal post-operative management of PCa patients treated with RP is yet to be clarified. This narrative review summarizes most relevant published data to guide a multidisciplinary team in selecting appropriate candidates for post-prostatectomy radiation therapy.
Focal therapy is a modern alternative to selectively treat a specific part of the prostate harboring clinically significant disease while preserving the rest of the gland. The aim of this therapeutic approach is to retain the oncological benefit of active treatment and to minimize the side-effects of common radical treatments. The oncological effectiveness of focal therapy is yet to be proven in long-term robust trials. In contrast, the toxicity profile is well-established in randomized controlled trials and multiple robust prospective cohort studies. This narrative review summarizes the relevant evidence on complications and their management after focal therapy. When compared to whole gland treatments, focal therapy provides a substantial benefit in terms of adverse events reduction and preservation of genito-urinary function. The most common complications occur in the peri-operative period. Urinary tract infection and acute urinary retention can occur in up to 17% of patients, while dysuria and haematuria are more common. Urinary incontinence following focal therapy is very rare (0–5%), and the vast majority of patients recover in few weeks. Erectile dysfunction can occur after focal therapy in 0–46%: the baseline function and the ablation template are the most important factors predicting post-operative erectile dysfunction. Focal therapy in the salvage setting after external beam radiotherapy has a significantly higher rate of complications. Up to one man in 10 will present a severe complication.
The identification of unknown bodies is the fulfilment of a moral obligation towards the deceased, serves to maintain legal security within a society, and gives families the certainty they need to mourn. Taking into account respective local conditions, the aim should always be to achieve a secure and quick identification. To achieve this goal, a functioning cooperation between investigating authorities and forensic sciences is essential. The main objective of this study was to clarify the potential role of tattoos in the identification process of unknown deceased persons in the state of Jalisco, Mexico. Post-mortem data of 2045 bodies from the Instituto Jaliscience de Ciencias Forenses in Guadalajara were evaluated. Of the deceased 46% were tattooed (male: 47%, female: 39%), with 29% of all bodies (male: 29%, female: 26%) showing tattoos at body locations usually visible in everyday life (i.e. head and neck, forearms and hands). The male bodies were most frequently tattooed on the shoulders and upper arms, followed by the forearms and hands and the torso. Female bodies mostly showed tattoos on the forearms and hands, followed by the torso and legs. Taking local tattooing habits into account, the authors developed a classification for tattoo motives. With decreasing frequency, the following keywords could be assigned to the motives: letters and/or numbers, human, symbol (other), plant, symbol (religious), animal, object, tribal/ornament/geometry, fantasy/demon/comic, other. Results of the study indicate the great importance of tattoos as a possible mean of identification in Jalisco, Mexico – either as a stand-alone identification method, as a complementary tool or for planning and prioritizing subsequent investigations.
Akzidentielle Injektion eines unbekannten Notfallantidots zur Acetylcholinesteraseaktivierung
(2021)
In the current dismal situation of the COVID-19 pandemic, effective management of patients with pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome is of vital importance. Due to the current lack of effective pharmacological concepts, this situation has caused interest in (re)considering historical reports on the treatment of patients with low-dose radiation therapy for pneumonia. Although these historical reports are of low-level evidence per se, hampering recommendations for decision-making in the clinical setting, they indicate effectiveness in the dose range between 0.3 and 1 Gy, similar to more recent dose concepts in the treatment of acute and chronic inflammatory/degenerative benign diseases with, e.g., a single dose per fraction of 0.5 Gy. This concise review aims to critically review the evidence for low-dose radiation treatment of COVID-19 pneumopathy and discuss whether it is worth investigating in the present clinical situation.
Aims: SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with adverse outcomes in patients with cardiovascular disease. Here, we analyzed whether specific biomarkers predict the clinical course of COVID-19 in patients with cardiovascular comorbidities. Methods and results: We enrolled 2147 patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection which were included in the Lean European Open Survey on SARS-CoV‑2 (LEOSS)-registry from March to June 2020. Clinical data and laboratory values were collected and compared between patients with and without cardiovascular comorbidities in different clinical stages of the disease. Predictors for mortality were calculated using multivariate regression analysis. We show that patients with cardiovascular comorbidities display significantly higher markers of myocardial injury and thrombo-inflammatory activation already in the uncomplicated phase of COVID-19. In multivariate analysis, elevated levels of troponin [OR 1.54; (95% CI 1.22–1.96), p < 0.001)], IL-6 [OR 1.69 (95% CI 1.26–2.27), p < 0.013)], and CRP [OR 1.32; (95% CI 1.1–1.58), p < 0.003)] were predictors of mortality in patients with COVID-19. Conclusion: Patients with cardiovascular comorbidities show elevated markers of thrombo-inflammatory activation and myocardial injury, which predict mortality, already in the uncomplicated phase of COVID-19. Starting targeted anti-inflammatory therapy and aggressive anticoagulation already in the uncomplicated phase of the disease might improve outcomes after SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with cardiovascular comorbidities.
Background: The high-oblique sagittal osteotomy (HOSO) is an alternative to a bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO). Due to its novelty, there are no long-term studies which have focused on describing the incidence and type of complications encountered in the post-operative follow-up. The aim of this retrospective study is to analyze patients operated on with this surgical technique and the post-operative complications encountered. Patient and methods: The electronic medical records of all patients treated with orthognathic surgery at the Department of Oral, Maxillofacial and Facial Plastic Surgery, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany, between the years 2009 and 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Results: A total of 116 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The cases operated on with the standard osteosynthesis (X, Y, and straight) showed a complication rate of 36.37% (n = 4/11). The cases operated on with the HOSO-dedicated plates (HOSO-DP) showed, in total, a complication rate of 6.67% (n = 7/105). The most common post-operative complication resulting from both fixation methods was a reduction in mouth opening and TMJ pain for 4.3%. During the first years of performing the surgery (2009–211), a variety of standard plates had material failure causing non-union or pseudarthrosis. No cases of material failure were observed in the cases operated on with the HOSO-DP. The statistical results showed a highly significant dependence of a reduction in OP-time over the years, when the HOSO was performed without additional procedures (R2 > 0.83, P < 0.0015). Conclusion: The rate of complications in the HOSO were shown to be comparable to the rate of complications from the BSSO reported in the literature. Moreover, the use of the ramus dedicated plate appears to provide enough stability to the bone segments, making the surgery safer. Clinical relevance: The HOSO needs to be considered by surgeons as an alternative to BSSO. Once the use of the HOSO-DP was established, the rate of complications and the operation time reduced considerably.
Ventrikulitis bezeichnet eine Infektion der inneren Liquorräume des Gehirns. Sie tritt gehäuft nach neurochirurgischen Eingriffen, wie z.B. der Anlage einer EVD oder eines VP-Shunts auf, da die Fremdkörper als Eintrittspforten für Bakterien dienen können. Zur Therapie der Ventrikulitis werden am Universitätsklinikum Frankfurt nach hausinternem Standard Meropenem und Vancomycin verwendet. Bei beiden Antibiotika ist für die Therapie von entscheidender Bedeutung, dass ihre Wirkstoffkonzentration über einen möglichst langen Zeitraum oberhalb der MHK liegt. Bei der Ventrikulitis ist insbesondere die Wirkstoffkonzentration im Liquor ausschlaggebend. Problematisch ist bei der Therapie, dass die verabreichten Antibiotika die Blut-Hirn-Schranke überwinden müssen. Diese ist im Normalfall für Medikamente schwer durchlässig, allerdings kann ihre Barrierefunktion durch Infektionen abgeschwächt sein. Zur Therapie der Ventrikulitis wurden als Standard im Universitätsklinikum Frankfurt am Main bislang 3x2g Meropenem und 2x1g Vancomycin täglich als diskontinuierlicher, verlängerter Bolus verabreicht.
In einer Studie von Blassmann et al.191 zeigte sich, dass sich durch dieses Dosisregime nur in etwa der Hälfte der Fälle eine ausreichende Wirkstoffkonzentration im Liquor einstellte. Daraus ergab sich die Fragestellung, ob durch kontinuierliche TDM-gesteuerte Gabe von Meropenem und Vancomycin (wie sie seit 2016 in der Neurochirurgie des Universitätsklinikums Frankfurt angewandt wird) höhere Liquorspiegel zu erreichen sind, und ob sich Nomogramme für die Eindosierung und Dosisanpassung für Parameter, wie die Kreatinin-Clearance, erstellen lassen.
Um der Fragestellung auf den Grund zu gehen, wurden neun Patienten, die an Ventrikulitis erkrankt waren und mit diesem Dosisregime behandelt wurden, in diese Studie eingeschlossen. Hauptzielgrößen waren die Serum- und Liquorkonzentration von Meropenem und Vancomycin. Darüber hinaus wurden vor allem Entzündungsparameter und Nierenfunktionsparameter erfasst. Für die Eindosierung wurden modifizierte Nomogramme einer Studie verwendet, in der Sepsis-Patienten mittels kontinuierlicher Infusion von Meropenem und Vancomycin behandelt wurden.
Die entnommenen Serum- und Liquorproben wurden an die Apotheke des Klinikums Heidenheim versendet und dort analysiert. Jeweils 24 Stunden nach den Messungen erfolgten notwendige Dosisanpassungen, während weitere 24 Stunden später erneut gemessen wurde.
Die Auswertung der Ergebnisse ergab, dass die verwendeten Dosierungen deutlich über den bisherigen Standarddosierungen beider Medikamente lagen. Die resultierenden Wirkstoffkonzentrationen im Serum und im Liquor befanden sich fast ausschließlich innerhalb des angestrebten Intervalls. Die Entzündungsparameter nahmen im Verlauf ab, während die Nierenfunktionsparameter konstant blieben, oder sich trotz hoher Dosierung von Vancomycin sogar verbessert haben.
Die Simulation des Modells ergab zunächst eine Diskrepanz zwischen gemessenen und simulierten Werten. Nach einer Parameteranpassung gelang es, das Verhalten der Meropenemkonzentrationen in dem untersuchten Dosisregime besser zu simulieren, während bei Vancomycin weiterhin Abweichungen bestehen blieben. Mit den neu geschätzten Parametern wurde für Meropenem eine neue Simulation durchgeführt, um die Dosis zu optimieren. Außerdem wurde der Zusammenhang zwischen der Meropenem- und der Kreatinin-Clearance überprüft. Im letzten Schritt wurden aus der optimierten Dosis und der initialen bzw. mittleren Kreatinin-Clearance Nomogramme erstellt, wobei die optimierte Dosis in zwei Nomogrammen auch auf das Körpergewicht des jeweiligen Patienten bezogen wurde. Daraus ergaben sich schließlich die Nomogramme für die Eindosierung und Dosisanpassung für Meropenem.
Als Fazit lässt sich in Bezug auf die Eingangsfrage festhalten, dass durch kontinuierliche TDM-gesteuerte Gabe von Meropenem und Vancomycin viel zuverlässiger wirksame Liquorspiegel dieser Medikamente zu erreichen sind als mit der bisherigen Standarddosierung. Außerdem konnten für Meropenem Nomogramme für die Eindosierung und Dosisanpassung erstellt werden, während die fehlende Korrelation der Vancomycinwerte mit der Kreatinin-Clearance dies nicht zuließ. Für Vancomycin muss daher eine mindestens tägliche Konzentrationsmessung empfohlen werden.
Grundsätzlich bleibt aber festzuhalten, dass durch die kontinuierliche TDM-gesteuerte Gabe viel zuverlässiger wirksame Liquorkonzentrationen der beiden Antibiotika erreicht werden konnten, verglichen mit der diskontinuierlichen Gabe.
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a severe autoimmune disease of unknown etiology. The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I-related chain A (MICA) and B (MICB) are stress-inducible cell surface molecules. MICA and MICB label malfunctioning cells for their recognition by cytotoxic lymphocytes such as natural killer (NK) cells. Alterations in this recognition have been found in SLE. MICA/MICB can be shed from the cell surface, subsequently acting either as a soluble decoy receptor (sMICA/sMICB) or in CD4+ T-cell expansion. Conversely, NK cells are frequently defective in SLE and lower NK cell numbers have been reported in patients with active SLE. However, these cells are also thought to exert regulatory functions and to prevent autoimmunity. We therefore investigated whether, and how, plasma membrane and soluble MICA/B are modulated in SLE and whether they influence NK cell activity, in order to better understand how MICA/B may participate in disease development. We report significantly elevated concentrations of circulating sMICA/B in SLE patients compared with healthy individuals or a control patient group. In SLE patients, sMICA concentrations were significantly higher in patients positive for anti-SSB and anti-RNP autoantibodies. In order to study the mechanism and the potential source of sMICA, we analyzed circulating sMICA concentration in Behcet patients before and after interferon (IFN)-α therapy: no modulation was observed, suggesting that IFN-α is not intrinsically crucial for sMICA release in vivo. We also show that monocytes and neutrophils stimulated in vitro with cytokines or extracellular chromatin up-regulate plasma membrane MICA expression, without releasing sMICA. Importantly, in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy individuals stimulated in vitro by cell-free chromatin, NK cells up-regulate CD69 and CD107 in a monocyte-dependent manner and at least partly via MICA-NKG2D interaction, whereas NK cells were exhausted in SLE patients. In conclusion, sMICA concentrations are elevated in SLE patients, whereas plasma membrane MICA is up-regulated in response to some lupus stimuli and triggers NK cell activation. Those results suggest the requirement for a tight control in vivo and highlight the complex role of the MICA/sMICA system in SLE.
Molecular surveillance of carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bacteria in liver transplant candidates
(2021)
Background: Carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (CRGN) cause life-threatening infections due to limited antimicrobial treatment options. The occurrence of CRGN is often linked to hospitalization and antimicrobial treatment but remains incompletely understood. CRGN are common in patients with severe illness (e.g., liver transplantation patients). Using whole-genome sequencing (WGS), we aimed to elucidate the evolution of CRGN in this vulnerable cohort and to reconstruct potential transmission routes.
Methods: From 351 patients evaluated for liver transplantation, 18 CRGN isolates (from 17 patients) were analyzed. Using WGS and bioinformatic analysis, genotypes and phylogenetic relationships were explored. Potential epidemiological links were assessed by analysis of patient charts.
Results: Carbapenem-resistant (CR) Klebsiella pneumoniae (n=9) and CR Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n=7) were the predominating pathogens. In silico analysis revealed that 14/18 CRGN did not harbor carbapenemase-coding genes, whereas in 4/18 CRGN, carbapenemases (VIM-1, VIM-2, OXA-232, and OXA-72) were detected. Among all isolates, there was no evidence of plasmid transfer-mediated carbapenem resistance. A close phylogenetic relatedness was found for three K. pneumoniae isolates. Although no epidemiological context was comprehensible for the CRGN isolates, evidence was found that the isolates resulted of a transmission of a carbapenem-susceptible ancestor before individual radiation into CRGN.
Conclusion: The integrative epidemiological study reveals a high diversity of CRGN in liver cirrhosis patients. Mutation of carbapenem-susceptible ancestors appears to be the dominant way of CR acquisition rather than in-hospital transmission of CRGN or carbapenemase-encoding genetic elements. This study underlines the need to avoid transmission of carbapenem-susceptible ancestors in vulnerable patient cohorts.
Hintergrund: Das genaue Wissen um die Umstände eines jeden tödlichen Arbeitsunfalls ist Voraussetzung für die Identifizierung von Unfallschwerpunkten und ermöglicht eine effektive Präventionsarbeit. Mit dieser rechtsmedizinischen Studie zum Arbeitsunfallgeschehen soll ein Beitrag dazu geleistet werden, die Zahl tödlicher Arbeitsunfälle in Deutschland zu senken.
Material und Methode: Zur Untersuchung kamen die tödlichen Arbeitsunfälle, die sich im Einzugsbereich des rechtsmedizinischen Instituts Frankfurt am Main in den Jahren von 2005 bis 2016 ereigneten. Ausgewertet wurden Obduktionsprotokolle sowie die dem Institut zur Verfügung gestellten Staatsanwaltschaftlichen Ermittlungsakten.
Ergebnisse. Es fanden sich 87 tödliche Arbeitsunfälle in dem genannten Zwölfjahreszeitraum. Die Altersstruktur reichte vom jugendlichen Alter bis in das Rentenalter. Betroffen waren zum größten Teil männliche Arbeiter (96,6%, p< 0,0001), verhältnismäßig häufig ausländischer Nationalit.t (34,5%). Die meisten Unfälle ereigneten sich in der 2. Jahreshälfte (58,6%), an Montagen (26,4%), kurz vor und nach der Mittagspause. In 3 Fällen lag die Blutalkoholkonzentration über 0,5‰. Die Baubranche (55,2%) war der unfallträchtigste Wirtschaftszweig. Der Absturz (28,7%) war der häufigste
Unfallmechanismus und das Polytrauma (39,1%) gemeinsam mit dem Schädel-Hirn-Trauma (24,1%) gemäß dem ISS die häufigste Todesursache.
Diskussion: Nach den Ergebnissen dieser Studie sollten Alter der Arbeiter sowie die Tages-, Wochen- und Jahreszeit bei der Ausführung risikoreicher Arbeiten im Baugewerbe berücksichtigt werden. Besonderes Augenmerk sollten Arbeitgeber auf die Kontrolle von Sicherheitsvorkehrungen bei Arbeiten in der Höhe sowie auf die Durchsetzung der Helmpflicht gerade auch bei ausländischen Arbeitnehmern legen.
Tumor–endothelial cell interactions represent an essential mechanism in spinal metastasis. Ephrin-B2–EphB4 communication induces tumor cell repulsion from the endothelium in metastatic melanoma, reducing spinal bone metastasis formation. To shed further light on the Ephrin-B2–EphB4 signaling mechanism, we researched the effects of pharmacological EphB4 receptor stimulation and inhibition in a ligand-dependent/independent context. We chose a preventative and a post-diagnostic therapeutic window. EphB4 stimulation during tumor cell seeding led to an increase in spinal metastatic loci and number of disseminated melanoma cells, as well as earlier locomotion deficits in the presence of endothelial Ephrin-B2. In the absence of endothelial Ephrin-B2, reduction of metastatic loci with a later manifestation of locomotion deficits occurred. Thus, EphB4 receptor stimulation affects metastatic dissemination depending on the presence/absence of endothelial Ephrin-B2. After the manifestation of solid metastasis, EphB4 kinase inhibition resulted in significantly earlier manifestation of locomotion deficits in the presence of the ligand. No post-diagnostic treatment effect was found in the absence of endothelial Ephrin-B2. For solid metastasis treatment, EphB4 kinase inhibition induced prometastatic effects in the presence of endothelial Ephrin-B2. In the absence of endothelial Ephrin-B2, both therapies showed no effect on the growth of solid metastasis.
Humans on earth inhabit a wide range of environmental conditions and some environments are more challenging for human survival than others. However, many living beings, including humans, have developed adaptive mechanisms to live in such inhospitable, harsh environments. Among different difficult environments, high-altitude living is especially demanding because of diminished partial pressure of oxygen and resulting chronic hypobaric hypoxia. This results in poor blood oxygenation and reduces aerobic oxidative respiration in the mitochondria, leading to increased reactive oxygen species generation and activation of hypoxia-inducible gene expression. Genetic mechanisms in the adaptation to high altitude is well-studied, but there are only limited studies regarding the role of epigenetic mechanisms. The purpose of this review is to understand the epigenetic mechanisms behind high-altitude adaptive and maladaptive phenotypes. Hypobaric hypoxia is a form of cellular hypoxia, which is similar to the one suffered by critically-ill hypoxemia patients. Thus, understanding the adaptive epigenetic signals operating in in high-altitude adjusted indigenous populations may help in therapeutically modulating signaling pathways in hypoxemia patients by copying the most successful epigenotype. In addition, we have summarized the current information about exosomes in hypoxia research and prospects to use them as diagnostic tools to study the epigenome of high-altitude adapted healthy or maladapted individuals.
Famotidine inhibits toll-like receptor 3-mediated inflammatory signaling in SARS-CoV-2 infection
(2021)
Apart from prevention using vaccinations, the management options for COVID-19 remain limited. In retrospective cohort studies, use of famotidine, a specific oral H2 receptor antagonist (antihistamine), has been associated with reduced risk of intubation and death in patients hospitalized with COVID-19. In a case series, nonhospitalized patients with COVID-19 experienced rapid symptom resolution after taking famotidine, but the molecular basis of these observations remains elusive. Here we show using biochemical, cellular, and functional assays that famotidine has no effect on viral replication or viral protease activity. However, famotidine can affect histamine-induced signaling processes in infected Caco2 cells. Specifically, famotidine treatment inhibits histamine-induced expression of Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) in SARS-CoV-2 infected cells and can reduce TLR3-dependent signaling processes that culminate in activation of IRF3 and the NF-κB pathway, subsequently controlling antiviral and inflammatory responses. SARS-CoV-2-infected cells treated with famotidine demonstrate reduced expression levels of the inflammatory mediators CCL-2 and IL6, drivers of the cytokine release syndrome that precipitates poor outcome for patients with COVID-19. Given that pharmacokinetic studies indicate that famotidine can reach concentrations in blood that suffice to antagonize histamine H2 receptors expressed in mast cells, neutrophils, and eosinophils, these observations explain how famotidine may contribute to the reduced histamine-induced inflammation and cytokine release, thereby improving the outcome for patients with COVID-19.
Background: Transition metals play a crucial role in brain metabolism: since they exist in different oxidation states they are involved in ROS generation, but they are also co-factors of enzymes in cellular energy metabolism or oxidative defense. Methods: Paired serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were analyzed for iron, zinc, copper and manganese as well as for speciation using SEC-ICP-DRC-MS. Brain extracts from Mn-exposed rats were additionally analyzed with SEC-ICP-DRC-MS. Results: The concentration patterns of transition metal size fractions were correlated between serum and CSF: Total element concentrations were significantly lower in CSF. Fe-ferritin was decreased in CSF whereas a LMW Fe fraction was relatively increased. The 400–600 kDa Zn fraction and the Cu-ceruloplasmin fraction were decreased in CSF, by contrast the 40–80 kDa fraction, containing Cu- and Zn-albumin, relatively increased. For manganese, the α-2-macroglobulin fraction showed significantly lower concentration in CSF, whereas the citrate Mn fraction was enriched. Results from the rat brain extracts supported the findings from human paired serum and CSF samples. Conclusions: Transition metals are strictly controlled at neural barriers (NB) of neurologic healthy patients. High molecular weight species are down-concentrated along NB, however, the Mn-citrate fraction seems to be less controlled, which may be problematic under environmental load.
[Nachruf] Helmut Siefert
(2012)
Wolfgang Schlote : 80 Jahre
(2012)
Das Institut für Medizinische Virologie, untergebracht in dem 100 Jahre alten Gebäude des ehemaligen Frankfurter Gesundheitsamtes direkt neben dem Georg-Speyer-Haus, ist eine wunderbare Kombination von Funktionalität und Schönheit. Von der geschwungenen Holztreppe des historischen Treppenhauses geht der Blick immer wieder in hochmoderne biomedizinische Laboratorien, gesichert hinter dicken Glastüren – ein Blick in eine futuristisch anmutende Welt.
Hausherr ist hier seit April 2012 der mehrfach ausgezeichnete HIV/AIDS-Experte Professor Oliver T. Keppler. Unter seiner Leitung ist das Institut umgehend mit Wirkung zum 1. Oktober 2012 vom Präsidenten des Robert-Koch-Instituts zum „Nationalen Referenzzentrum für Retroviren“ berufen worden. Mit Retroviren sind zu 95 Prozent HI-Viren (Humanes Immundefizienz-Virus) gemeint – die restlichen fünf Prozent umfassen die HTL-Viren (Humanes T-lymphotropes-Virus), mit denen weltweit etwa 20 Millionen Menschen infiziert sind, das jedoch kaum in Deutschland vorkommt. Das Institut ist damit das deutsche Referenzlabor für die Routine- und Spezialdiagnostik von Retroviren, Schwerpunkt HIV-Infektionen, sowie für Stellungnahmen zu Fragen der Krankheitsentstehung und Behandlung.
Sprach- und Sprechstörungen kommen bei zahlreichen Kindern vor und werden in der ICD-11 analog zur ICD-10 als Entwicklungsstörungen im Kapitel 6 (Psychische, Verhaltens- und Entwicklungsstörungen) klassifiziert. International sind bislang die ICD-10-Kriterien nicht von allen Professionen, die sich mit Sprach- und Sprechstörungen klinisch oder im Rahmen der Forschung beschäftigen, akzeptiert. Sie werden einerseits als zu wenig differenziert hinsichtlich der unterschiedlichen Sprachkomponenten vonseiten der Linguistik, Sprachtherapie oder Logopädie erlebt. Zum anderen wird die unklare Abgrenzung organisch bedingter Sprach- und Sprechprobleme von der Sprachentwicklungsstörung vonseiten der Medizin teilweise kritisch bewertet. In dem vorliegenden Artikel wird deshalb einerseits die Klassifikation von Sprach- und Sprechproblemen und -störungen in der ICD-11 im Vergleich zur ICD-10 vorgenommen. Wesentlich erscheint hier die in der ICD-11 neu eingeführte Differenzierung in „primäre“ und „sekundäre“ Neuroentwicklungsstörungen. Zum anderen erfolgt aber auch eine Auseinandersetzung mit dem DSM-5 sowie anderen Klassifikationsvorschlägen vonseiten der englischsprachigen Sprachtherapie (CATALISE-2) und der deutschsprachigen Pädaudiologie („phonologische Wahrnehmungsstörung“) sowie der Vorschlag einer Ergänzung der aktuellen ICD-11-Klassifikation hinsichtlich konkreter sprachlicher Einschränkungen bei einem Kind mit Sprachentwicklungsstörung, basierend auf einer ausführlichen Diagnostik. Wir hoffen, mit dem Artikel so den Weg für eine berufsübergreifende Klassifikation von Sprach- und Sprechstörungen nach ICD-11 zu bahnen, damit perspektivisch alle Berufsgruppen, die Diagnostik und Therapie der betroffenen Personen anbieten, eine vergleichbare Terminologie verwenden. Diese vergleichbare Terminologie soll sowohl die klinische Versorgung verbessern als auch die unterschiedlichen Forschungsansätze und -richtungen vergleichbarer machen.
The regulation of bone vasculature by chronic diseases, such as heart failure is unknown. Here, we describe the effects of myocardial infarction and post-infarction heart failure on the bone vascular cell composition. We demonstrate an age-independent loss of type H endothelium in heart failure after myocardial infarction in both mice and humans. Using single-cell RNA sequencing, we delineate the transcriptional heterogeneity of human bone marrow endothelium, showing increased expression of inflammatory genes, including IL1B and MYC, in ischemic heart failure. Endothelial-specific overexpression of MYC was sufficient to induce type H bone endothelial cells, whereas inhibition of NLRP3-dependent IL-1β production partially prevented the post-myocardial infarction loss of type H vasculature in mice. These results provide a rationale for using anti-inflammatory therapies to prevent or reverse the deterioration of bone vascular function in ischemic heart disease.
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) spawned a global health crisis in late 2019 and is caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. SARS-CoV-2 infection can lead to elevated markers of endothelial dysfunction associated with higher risk of mortality. It is unclear whether endothelial dysfunction is caused by direct infection of endothelial cells or is mainly secondary to inflammation. Here, we investigate whether different types of endothelial cells are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2. Human endothelial cells from different vascular beds including umbilical vein endothelial cells, coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAEC), cardiac and lung microvascular endothelial cells, or pulmonary arterial cells were inoculated in vitro with SARS-CoV-2. Viral spike protein was only detected in HCAECs after SARS-CoV-2 infection but not in the other endothelial cells tested. Consistently, only HCAEC expressed the SARS-CoV-2 receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), required for virus infection. Infection with the SARS-CoV-2 variants B.1.1.7, B.1.351, and P.2 resulted in significantly higher levels of viral spike protein. Despite this, no intracellular double-stranded viral RNA was detected and the supernatant did not contain infectious virus. Analysis of the cellular distribution of the spike protein revealed that it co-localized with endosomal calnexin. SARS-CoV-2 infection did induce the ER stress gene EDEM1, which is responsible for clearance of misfolded proteins from the ER. Whereas the wild type of SARS-CoV-2 did not induce cytotoxic or pro-inflammatory effects, the variant B.1.1.7 reduced the HCAEC cell number. Of the different tested endothelial cells, HCAECs showed highest viral uptake but did not promote virus replication. Effects on cell number were only observed after infection with the variant B.1.1.7, suggesting that endothelial protection may be particularly important in patients infected with this variant.
Prospective evaluation of interrater agreement between EEG technologists and neurophysiologists
(2021)
We aim to prospectively investigate, in a large and heterogeneous population, the electroencephalogram (EEG)-reading performances of EEG technologists. A total of 8 EEG technologists and 5 certified neurophysiologists independently analyzed 20-min EEG recordings. Interrater agreement (IRA) for predefined EEG pattern identification between EEG technologists and neurophysiologits was assessed using percentage of agreement (PA) and Gwet-AC1. Among 1528 EEG recordings, the PA [95% confidence interval] and interrater agreement (IRA, AC1) values were as follows: status epilepticus (SE) and seizures, 97% [96–98%], AC1 kappa = 0.97; interictal epileptiform discharges, 78% [76–80%], AC1 = 0.63; and conclusion dichotomized as “normal” versus “pathological”, 83.6% [82–86%], AC1 = 0.71. EEG technologists identified SE and seizures with 99% [98–99%] negative predictive value, whereas the positive predictive values (PPVs) were 48% [34–62%] and 35% [20–53%], respectively. The PPV for normal EEGs was 72% [68–76%]. SE and seizure detection were impaired in poorly cooperating patients (SE and seizures; p < 0.001), intubated and older patients (SE; p < 0.001), and confirmed epilepsy patients (seizures; p = 0.004). EEG technologists identified ictal features with few false negatives but high false positives, and identified normal EEGs with good PPV. The absence of ictal features reported by EEG technologists can be reassuring; however, EEG traces should be reviewed by neurophysiologists before taking action.
Ischemic lesion location based on the ASPECT score for risk assessment of neurogenic dysphagia
(2020)
Dysphagia is common in patients with middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarctions and associated with malnutrition, pneumonia, and mortality. Besides bedside screening tools, brain imaging findings may help to timely identify patients with swallowing disorders. We investigated whether the Alberta stroke program early CT score (ASPECTS) allows for the correlation of distinct ischemic lesion patterns with dysphagia. We prospectively examined 113 consecutive patients with acute MCA infarctions. Fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) was performed within 24 h after admission for validation of dysphagia. Brain imaging (CT or MRI) was rated for ischemic changes according to the ASPECT score. 62 patients (54.9%) had FEES-proven dysphagia. In left hemispheric strokes, the strongest associations between the ASPECTS sectors and dysphagia were found for the lentiform nucleus (odds ratio 0.113 [CI 0.028–0.433; p = 0.001), the insula (0.275 [0.102–0.742]; p = 0.011), and the frontal operculum (0.280 [CI 0.094–0.834]; p = 0.022). A combination of two or even all three of these sectors together increased relative dysphagia frequency up to 100%. For right hemispheric strokes, only non-significant associations were found which were strongest for the insula region. The distribution of early ischemic changes in the MCA territory according to ASPECTS may be used as risk indicator of neurogenic dysphagia in MCA infarction, particularly when the left hemisphere is affected. However, due to the exploratory nature of this research, external validation studies of these findings are warranted in future.
Serine-ubiquitination regulates Golgi morphology and the secretory pathway upon Legionella infection
(2021)
SidE family of Legionella effectors catalyze non-canonical phosphoribosyl-linked ubiquitination (PR-ubiquitination) of host proteins during bacterial infection. SdeA localizes predominantly to ER and partially to the Golgi apparatus, and mediates serine ubiquitination of multiple ER and Golgi proteins. Here we show that SdeA causes disruption of Golgi integrity due to its ubiquitin ligase activity. The Golgi linking proteins GRASP55 and GRASP65 are PR-ubiquitinated on multiple serine residues, thus preventing their ability to cluster and form oligomeric structures. In addition, we found that the functional consequence of Golgi disruption is not linked to the recruitment of Golgi membranes to the growing Legionella-containing vacuoles. Instead, it affects the host secretory pathway. Taken together, our study sheds light on the Golgi manipulation strategy by which Legionella hijacks the secretory pathway and promotes bacterial infection.
Hintergrund: Aufgrund des Nachwuchsmangels muss die Chirurgie vermehrt für die Weiterbildung zum Chirurgen begeistern. Studierende bemängeln, dass ihr Unterricht nachrangig zur Patientenversorgung und durch die Faktoren Zeit und ärztliches Personal limitiert ist. Obwohl es viele Arbeiten mit Fokus auf die Studierenden gibt, fehlen Arbeiten mit dem Fokus auf die Sicht der Lehrenden. Ziel der Arbeit: Die Lehre im Fach Chirurgie im Stationsalltag und Ursachen von Problemen hierbei sollen aus Sicht der Lehrenden analysiert werden. Material und Methoden: Im Rahmen der prospektiven Studie wurde ein Leitfaden für semistrukturierte Interviews mit ausformulierten, offenen Fragen erstellt, die mit weiteren Spezifizierungsfragen versehen wurden. Alle Interviews wurden anhand des Leitfadens geführt und aufgezeichnet. Die Anzahl der Interviews ergab sich aus dem Prinzip der inhaltlichen Sättigung. Ergebnisse: Alle der 22 befragten Ärzte messen der Lehre im klinischen Alltag einen hohen Stellenwert bei. Dennoch beschreiben sie, dass die Lernziele im klinischen Alltag nicht immer erreicht werden. Als Hauptgrund hierfür wird die mangelnde Zeit genannt. Mit zunehmender klinischer Erfahrung kommen jedoch weitere Faktoren hinzu: Ober- und Chefärzte beklagen die zu geringen Vorkenntnisse und die zu geringe Motivation einiger Studierender. Die meisten Befragten beschreiben, keine Anerkennung für ihre Lehre zu erhalten. Insgesamt wird die studentische Lehre als zusätzliche Belastung wahrgenommen, die aber alle Befragten für lohnenswert halten. Diskussion: Neben Personalmangel ist die fehlende Anerkennung das wichtigste Hemmnis für eine effektive Lehre. Es ist daher wichtig, die Wertigkeit der Lehre durch die Belohnung guter Lehrleistungen und Schaffung einer dahingehenden Transparenz zu erhöhen.
Ziel: Das Ziel der vorliegenden Studie ist die vergleichende Bewertung von fusionierten T2-gewichteten und Kontrastmittel-(KM)-gestützten T1-gewichteten Magnetization-prepared Rapid Gradient-(MPRAGE)-Sequenzen im Hinblick auf die Diagnose und Lokalisation von vestibulären Schwannomen (VS) und / oder intralabyrinthären Schwannomen (ILS). Dabei werden die Parameter benötigte Zeitdauer bis zur Diagnose, Diagnosegenauigkeit, die Qualität des Bildmaterials und die Zahl der Artefakte evaluiert.
Material und Methoden: Insgesamt werden die Magnetresonanztomografie-(MRT) -Daten von 53 Patienten, davon 10 mit einer VS-, 20 mit einer VS / - ILS Kombination und 4 mit einer reinen ILS- Erkrankung, evaluiert. Es wurden zwei Kontrollgruppen, bestehend aus 16 Patienten ohne Auffälligkeiten und 3 Patienten mit detektierten Pathologien, in die Datenerhebung integriert. Zwei Radiologen mit 10 und 12jähriger Berufserfahrung evaluierten die konventionellen und fusionierten Sequenzen (Konsensusbefunder 1 und 2). Weiterhin untersuchten zwei Gruppen von Radiologen mit 1-2 und 3 – 4 Jahre Weiterbildung die konventionellen MRT-Sequenzen oder die Fusionsbildung. Die Zeit der Diagnosefestlegung wurde gemessen. Die Bildqualität und die Zahl der Artefakte wurden anhand einer 5-Punkte-Bewertungsskala festgelegt.
Die Ergebnisse der beiden Gruppen wurden mittels geeigneter statistischer Verfahren analysiert und verglichen.
Ergebnisse: Die Befunder, denen die fusionierten Bilder zur Verfügung standen, konnten die Diagnose in allen Fällen schneller stellen. Die Diagnoseerstellung erfolgte durch die Befunder fast doppelt so schnell (33,4 s versus 63,5 s). Die Interrater-Reliabilität bezüglich der Erkennung von VS/ILS-Läsionen war – unabhängig vom Bildmaterial – exzellent (Cohens-Kappa (κ) 0,914–1,000). Mit den fusionierten Sequenzen ist eine präzise (Sensitivität: 100 %; Spezifität, 88,9–100 %) Diagnose möglich.
Die Erstellung einer Fusionssequenz an der Konsole beansprucht 33,8 ± 2,6 s.
Die Bildqualität der Fusion wurde von den Ratern als hervorragend eingestuft.
Nach drei Monaten erzielten zwei Befunder, die zunächst die Fälle mit Hilfe konventioneller MRT-Sequenzen beurteilt hatten, in einer erneuten Bewertung anhand der Fusionsbildgebung kürzere Befundungszeiten (32,0 s vs. 67,5 s) sowie eine bessere ILS-Erkennung (κ = 0,564 vs. κ = 0,845) und ILS-Klassifikation (κ = 0,573 vs. κ = 0,801).
Fazit: Die Fusionsbildgebung aus T2- und T1-gewichteten MR-Sequenzen MPRAGE erlaubt eine bessere, schnellere und präzisere Diagnose von VS und ILS.
Klinische Relevanz: Die Darstellung der flüssigkeitsgefüllten Architektur des KHBW und des inneren Gehörgangs mithilfe der Fusionsbildgebung (3D-T2- und KM-unterstützte T1-gewichtete Sequenzen) bietet dem Radiologen die Möglichkeit seine Diagnosefähigkeit zu verbessern und seinen Klinikalltag zu erleichtern. Vor allem kleine Läsionen, die in der radiologischen Routinediagnostik schwer zu erkennen sind, lassen sich mithilfe der Fusion besser diagnostizieren und abgrenzen.
Hintergrund: Die leichte kognitive Störung (engl. Mild cognitive impariment, MCI) ist ein wichtiges nicht-motorisches Symptom der Parkinson-Krankheit (PD) und ein Hochrisiko-Zustand für die Entwicklung einer Parkinson-Demenz (PDD).
Die Etablierung von Biomarkern für ein MCI bei PD-Patienten (PD-MCI) könnte sowohl die Diagnosestellung als auch das Therapiemonitoring verbessern.
Ziel: Es ist bekannt, dass PDD-Patienten im Vergleich zu PD-Patienten ohne kognitive Beeinträchtigung (engl. PD normal cognition, PD-NC) in der strukturellen Magnetresonanztomographie (MRT) eine ausgeprägte kortikale und subkortikale Hirnatrophie aufweisen. Die Datenlage für Patienten mit PD-MCI ist deutlich heterogener, zudem wurden bisher vor allem de novo-Patienten untersucht. Mittels longitudinaler struktureller MRT soll in dieser multizentrischen Studie herausgefunden werden, ob der beginnende kognitive Abbau von Parkinson-Patienten im mittleren Krankheitsstadium ebenfalls mit Volumenänderungen kritischer Hirnstrukturen assoziiert ist. Die Hypothese ist, dass Patienten mit PD-MCI sich durch eine reduzierte mittlere kortikale Dicke sowie durch die Atrophie des Hippocampus und ggf. weiterer subkortikaler Strukturen von PD-NC-Patienten und von gesunden Kontrollen (engl. healthy controls, HC) unterscheiden.
Methode: 59 Patienten mit PD-NC, 49 Patienten mit PD-MCI sowie 59 HC erhielten zu Beginn der Studie und nach 12 Monaten eine ausführliche neuropsychologische Testung und eine strukturelle MRT-Untersuchung. Die MRT-Daten wurden mit der Freesurfer-Software automatisiert segmentiert, die mittlere kortikale Dicke sowie subkortikale Volumina und deren Atrophieraten berechnet und Gruppenvergleiche angestellt.
Ergebnisse: Verglichen mit HC zeigte sich bei Patienten mit PD-MCI eine signifikant geringere mittlere kortikale Dicke sowie ein reduziertes Volumen des linken Thalamus, des Hippocampus und des Nucleus caudatus. Zwischen Patienten mit PD-MCI und PD-NC fanden sich dagegen keine signifikanten Volumenunterschiede. Für kognitiv beeinträchtigte PD-Patienten zeigte sich über 12 Monate eine signifikant höhere Atrophierate des rechten Thalamus, sowohl verglichen mit kognitiv unauffälligen PD-Patienten als auch verglichen mit HC.
Für alle anderen untersuchten Strukturen unterschieden sich die Atrophieraten zwischen allen drei Gruppen nicht signifikant.
Schlussfolgerung: PD-MCI ist im mittleren Stadium der Parkinson-Krankheit mit einer reduzierten kortikalen Dicke sowie einer die Altersnorm überschreitenden Atrophie des Thalamus, des Hippocampus und des Striatums assoziiert.
Aufgrund der geringen Volumenunterschiede zwischen den einzelnen Gruppen und der hohen interindividuellen Variabilität ist die Sensitivität der Methode allerdings nicht ausreichend, um MR-basiert zwischen Parkinson-Patienten mit MCI und solchen mit normaler Kognition zu unterscheiden.
Einleitung: Die Aufgabe der zahnmedizinischen Fakultäten ist unter anderem sicherzustellen, dass die Studierenden die Kenntnisse und Fähigkeiten besitzen, einfache endodontische Eingriffe durchzuführen. Für die Evaluation der zahnmedizinischen präklinischen Ausbildung in der Endodontologie liegt jedoch weder ein aktuelles Bewertungsinstrument vor noch existiert für diese eine zeitgenössische Standortbestimmung an deutschsprachigen zahnmedizinischen Fakultäten. Aus diesem Grund liegt die Zielsetzung der vorliegenden Studie in der Erstellung und Validierung eines standardisierten Fragebogens, der sich mit dieser Forschungslücke wissenschaftlich auseinandersetzt. Zahnmedizinische Fakultäten in Österreich, Deutschland und der Schweiz nahmen an der onlinebasierten Umfrage teil.
Methodik: Der Umfragebogen GEndoQ wurde auf der Grundlage früherer Fragebögen in fünf Phasen mit Hilfe der Delphi-Methode und think-aloud-Methode erstellt. Der in neun Kategorien unterteilte Fragebogen wurde vor Ausbreitung der COVID-19-Pandemie mit der SurveyMonkey Software an 37 zahnmedizinische Fakultäten gesendet. Er umfasst 50 Fragen zur Bewertung der präklinischen endodontischen Ausbildung. Unter anderem wurden das Lehrenden-Studierenden-Verhältnis, die Lehrinhalte und die zugrundeliegenden Materialien evaluiert. Die Bearbeitungszeit wurde auf insgesamt acht Wochen terminiert. Die zahnmedizinischen Fakultäten erhielten Erinnerungsmails und wurden zudem telefonisch kontaktiert, um die Vollständigkeit zu gewährleisten.
Ergebnisse: Die Rücklaufquote der Fragebögen beläuft sich auf 89%. Die Auswertung dieser ergibt, dass eine klare Diskrepanz an den beteiligten deutschsprachigen Universitäten in der präklinischen endodontischen Ausbildung vorliegt: Der theoretische Unterricht reicht von 1 bis 70 Stunden (15 Stunden im Mittel), der praktische Unterricht von 3 bis 78 Stunden (39 Stunden im Mittel). Das Verhältnis der Lehrenden zu Studierenden variiert zwischen 1:4 und 1:38 (1:15 im Mittel). 45% der Universitäten beschäftigen SpezialistInnen der Endodontologie für den Theorieunterricht. Dentalmikroskope stehen in 82% der Universitäten für präklinische Lehrzwecke zur Verfügung. Die Mehrheit (82%) der Universitäten unterrichtet die Wurzelkanalaufbereitung mit rotierenden oder reziproken NiTi-Instrumenten.
Schlussfolgerung: GEndoQ ist ein valides Bewertungsinstrument zur Beurteilung der präklinischen zahnmedizinischen Ausbildung in der Endodontologie. Darüber hinaus können zukünftige Forschungsarbeiten zur weiteren Verfeinerung und Validierung des Bewertungsinstruments beitragen. Von wissenschaftlichem Interesse wäre hierbei die Fragestellung, ob die COVID-19-Pandemie messbare Auswirkungen auf die präklinische Ausbildung in der Endodontologie hatte. Die präklinische endodontische Ausbildung hat sich in der Gegenüberstellung mit Sonntag et al. (2008) weiterentwickelt: Verbesserungen zeigen sich unter anderem im Lehrenden-Studierenden-Verhältnis und in der theoretischen Unterrichtszeit. Zudem können Fortschritte in der höheren Qualifikation der Lehrenden sowie in der Verwendung moderner Materialien und Instrumente, wie Vergrößerungshilfen oder NiTi-Instrumente, festgestellt werden. Allerdings gibt es zwischen den Fakultäten nach wie vor große Unterschiede hinsichtlich des Zeitaufwands für den theoretischen und praktischen Unterricht. Darüber hinaus ist eine Konvergenz bei der Verwendung von Wurzelkanalbehandlungstechniken und - materialien festzustellen.
Schlüsselwörter: Zahnmedizinische Fakultäten, endodontischer Lehrplan, endodontische Ausbildung, Endodontie, Online-Umfrage