Medizin
Refine
Year of publication
Document Type
- Article (3562) (remove)
Has Fulltext
- yes (3562) (remove)
Keywords
- inflammation (47)
- glioblastoma (29)
- apoptosis (27)
- breast cancer (26)
- cancer (26)
- Inflammation (19)
- biomarker (18)
- COVID-19 (17)
- autophagy (17)
- Depression (15)
Institute
- Medizin (3562)
- Biowissenschaften (68)
- Georg-Speyer-Haus (59)
- Sonderforschungsbereiche / Forschungskollegs (56)
- Zentrum für Arzneimittelforschung, Entwicklung und Sicherheit (ZAFES) (56)
- Biochemie und Chemie (46)
- Pharmazie (46)
- Exzellenzcluster Makromolekulare Komplexe (45)
- Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies (FIAS) (43)
- Präsidium (34)
Autophagy is a core molecular pathway for the preservation of cellular and organismal homeostasis. Pharmacological and genetic interventions impairing autophagy responses promote or aggravate disease in a plethora of experimental models. Consistently, mutations in autophagy-related processes cause severe human pathologies. Here, we review and discuss preclinical data linking autophagy dysfunction to the pathogenesis of major human disorders including cancer as well as cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, metabolic, pulmonary, renal, infectious, musculoskeletal, and ocular disorders.
Introduction: Dravet syndrome (DS), a prototypic developmental and genetic epileptic encephalopathy (DEE), is characterized by an early onset of treatment-refractory seizures, together with impairments in motor control, behavior, and cognition. Even with multiple conventional anti-epileptic drugs, seizures remain poorly controlled, and there has been a considerable unmet need for effective and tolerable treatments. Areas covered: This targeted literature review aims to highlight recent changes to the therapeutic landscape for DS by summarizing the most up-to-date, evidence-based research, including pivotal data from the clinical development of stiripentol, cannabidiol, and fenfluramine, which are important milestones for DS treatment, together with the latest findings of other pharmacotherapies in development. In phase III, double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized controlled trials stiripentol, cannabidiol, and fenfluramine have shown clinically relevant reductions in convulsive seizure frequency, and are generally well tolerated. Stiripentol was associated with responder rates (greater than 50% reduction in convulsive seizure frequency) of 67%-71%, when added to valproic acid and clobazam; cannabidiol was associated with responder rates of 43%-49% (48%-63% in conjunction with clobazam), and fenfluramine of 54%-68% across studies. Therapies in development include soticlestat, ataluren, verapamil, and clemizole, with strategies to treat the underlying cause of DS, including gene therapy and antisense oligonucleotides beginning to emerge from preclinical studies. Expert opinion: Despite the challenges of drug development in rare diseases, this is an exciting time for the treatment of DS, with the promise of new efficacious and well-tolerated therapies, which may pave the way for treatment advances in other DEEs.
Introduction: Prognosis of survivors from cardiac arrest is generally poor. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common finding in these patients. In general, AKI is well characterized as a marker of adverse outcome. In-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) represents a special subset of cardiac arrest scenarios with differential predisposing factors and courses after the event, compared to out-of-hospital resuscitations. Data about AKI in survivors after in-hospital cardiac arrest are scarce. Methods: In this study, we retrospectively analyzed patients after IHCA for incidence and risk factors of AKI and its prognostic impact on mortality. For inclusion in the analysis, patients had to survive at least 48 h after IHCA. Results: A total of 238 IHCA events with successful resuscitation and survival beyond 48 h after the initial event were recorded. Of those, 89.9% were patients of internal medicine, and 10.1% of patients from surgery, neurology or other departments. In 120/238 patients (50.4%), AKI was diagnosed. In 28 patients (23.3%), transient or permanent renal replacement therapy had to be initiated. Male gender, preexisting chronic kidney disease and a non-shockable first ECG rhythm during resuscitation were significantly associated with a higher incidence of AKI in IHCA-survivors. In-hospital mortality in survivors from IHCA without AKI was 29.7%, and 60.8% in patients after IHCA who developed AKI (p < 0.01 between groups). By multivariate analysis, AKI after IHCA persisted as an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality (HR 3.7 (95% CI 2.14–6.33, p ≤ 0.01)). Conclusion: In this cohort of survivors from IHCA, AKI is a frequent finding, with adverse impact on outcome. Therefore, therapeutic strategies to prevent AKI in post-IHCA patients are warranted.
Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a rare genetic disorder caused by mutations in the TSC1 or TSC2 genes, which encode proteins that antagonise the mammalian isoform of the target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) – a key mediator of cell growth and metabolism. TSC is characterised by the development of benign tumours in multiple organs, together with neurological manifestations including epilepsy and TSC-associated neuropsychiatric disorders (TAND). Epilepsy occurs frequently and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality; however, the management is challenging due to the intractable nature of the seizures. Preventative epilepsy treatment is a key aim, especially as patients with epilepsy may be at a higher risk of developing severe cognitive and behavioural impairment. Vigabatrin given preventatively reduces the risk and severity of epilepsy although the benefits for TAND are inconclusive. These promising results could pave the way for evaluating other treatments in a preventative capacity, especially those that may address the underlying pathophysiology of TSC, including everolimus, cannabidiol and the ketogenic diet (KD). Everolimus is an mTOR inhibitor approved for the adjunctive treatment of refractory TSC-associated seizures that has demonstrated significant reductions in seizure frequency compared with placebo, improvements that were sustained after 2 years of treatment. Highly purified cannabidiol, recently approved in the US as Epidiolex® for TSC-associated seizures in patients ⩾1 years of age, and the KD, may also participate in the regulation of the mTOR pathway. This review focusses on the pivotal clinical evidence surrounding these potential targeted therapies that may form the foundation of precision medicine for TSC-associated epilepsy, as well as other current treatments including anti-seizure drugs, vagus nerve stimulation and surgery. New future therapies are also discussed, together with the potential for preventative treatment with targeted therapies. Due to advances in understanding the molecular genetics and pathophysiology, TSC represents a prototypic clinical syndrome for studying epileptogenesis and the impact of precision medicine.
Substantial evidence shows that physical activity and fitness play a protective role in the development of stress related disorders. However, the beneficial effects of fitness for resilience to modern life stress are not fully understood. Potentially protective effects may be attributed to enhanced resilience via underlying psychosocial mechanisms such as self-efficacy expectations. This study investigated whether physical activity and fitness contribute to prospectively measured resilience and examined the mediating effect of general self-efficacy. 431 initially healthy adults participated in fitness assessments as part of a longitudinal-prospective study, designed to identify mechanisms of resilience. Self-efficacy and habitual activity were assessed in parallel to cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness, which were determined by a submaximal step-test, hand strength and standing long jump test. Resilience was indexed by stressor reactivity: mental health problems in relation to reported life events and daily hassles, monitored quarterly for nine months. Hierarchical linear regression models and bootstrapped mediation analyses were applied. We could show that muscular and self-perceived fitness were positively associated with stress resilience. Extending this finding, the muscular fitness–resilience relationship was partly mediated by self-efficacy expectations. In this context, self-efficacy expectations may act as one underlying psychological mechanism, with complementary benefits for the promotion of mental health. While physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness did not predict resilience prospectively, we found muscular and self-perceived fitness to be significant prognostic parameters for stress resilience. Although there is still more need to identify specific fitness parameters in light of stress resilience, our study underscores the general relevance of fitness for stress-related disorders prevention.
Purpose: Amblyopia with eccentric fixation, especially when not diagnosed early, is a therapeutic challenge, as visual outcome is known to be poorer than in amblyopia with central fixation. Consequently, treatment after late diagnosis is often denied. Electronic monitoring of occlusion provides us the chance to gain first focussed insight into age-dependent dose response and treatment efficiency, as well as the shift of fixation in this rare group of paediatric patients. Methods: In our prospective pilot study, we examined amblyopes with eccentric fixation during 12 months of occlusion treatment. We evaluated their visual acuity, recorded patching duration using a TheraMon®-microsensor, and determined their fixation with a direct ophthalmoscope. Dose-response relationship and treatment efficiency were calculated. Results: The study included 12 participants with strabismic and combined amblyopia aged 2.9–12.4 years (mean 6.5). Median prescription of occlusion was 7.7 h/day (range 6.6–9.9) and median daily received occlusion was 5.2 h/day (range 0.7–9.7). At study end, median acuity gain was 0.6 log units (range 0–1.6) and residual interocular visual acuity difference (IOVAD) 0.3 log units (range 0–1.8). There was neither significant acuity gain nor reduction in IOVAD after the 6th month of treatment. Children younger than 4 years showed best response with lowest residual IOVAD at study end. Efficiency calculation showed an acuity gain of approximately one line from 100 h of patching in the first 2 months and half a line after 6 months. There was a significant decline of treatment efficiency with age (p = 0.01). Foveolar fixation was achieved after median 3 months (range 1–6). Three patients (> 6 years) did not gain central fixation. Conclusion: Eccentric fixation is a challenge to therapy success. Based on electronic monitoring, our study quantified for the first time the reduction of treatment efficiency with increasing age in amblyopes with eccentric fixation. Despite some improvement in patients up to 8 years, older patients showed significantly lower treatment efficiency. In younger patients with good adherence, despite poor initial acuity, central fixation and low residual IOVAD could be attained after median 3 months. Hence, the necessity of early diagnosis and intensive occlusion should be emphasized.
Pancreatic cancer (PC) still remains a major cause of cancer-related death worldwide and alternative treatments are urgently required. A common problem of PC is the development of resistance against apoptosis that limits therapeutic success. Here we demonstrate that the prototypical Smac mimetic BV6 cooperates with the stimulator of interferon (IFN) genes (STING) ligand 2′,3′-cyclic guanosine monophosphate–adenosine monophosphate (2′3′-cGAMP) to trigger necroptosis in apoptosis-deficient PC cells. Pharmacological inhibition of key components of necroptosis signaling, such as receptor-interacting protein 1 (RIPK1), RIPK3, and mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL), significantly rescues PC cells from 2′3′-cGAMP/BV6/zVAD.fmk-mediated cell death, suggesting the induction of necroptosis. Consistently, 2′3′-cGAMP/BV6 co-treatment promotes phosphorylation of MLKL. Furthermore, we show that 2′3′-cGAMP stimulates the production of type I IFNs, which cooperate with BV6 to trigger necroptosis in apoptosis-deficient settings. STING silencing via siRNA or CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene knockout protects PC cells from 2′3′-cGAMP/BV6/zVAD.fmk-mediated cell death. Interestingly, we demonstrate that nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), and IFN-regulatory factor 1 (IRF1) signaling are involved in triggering 2′3′-cGAMP/BV6/zVAD.fmk-induced necroptosis. In conclusion, we show that activated STING and BV6 act together to exert antitumor effects on PC cells with important implications for the design of new PC treatment concepts.
Bei seiner Einschulung hatte Wolfgang Niedecken ein besonderes Erlebnis, als er im Alter von 6 Jahren bemerkte, dass es höchste Zeit war, ordentlich sprechen zu lernen. Im Elternhaus war ausschließlich Kölsch gesprochen worden. Hochdeutsch war seine erste Fremdsprache, die sie in letzter Konsequenz auch immer geblieben ist. Denken, empfinden und träumen tut Niedecken nach wie vor auf Kölsch, wie er selbst beteuert.
Im Sommer 1976 schreibt Wolfgang Niedecken seinen ersten Song auf Kölsch: "Helfe kann dir keiner". 1979 erscheint sein erstes Album mit dem Titel: "Wolfgang Niedecken’s BAP rockt andere kölsche Leeder".
Nie hat sich BAP auf seinen Tourneen vor den „Karren politischer Machthaber“ spannen lassen. Zu Zeiten zweier deutscher Staaten sorgten die offenen Worte von „Deshalv spill`mer he“ für einen Eklat. Das Lied sprach sich unmissverständlich nicht nur für die westdeutsche Friedensbewegung, sondern ebenfalls für die ostdeutschen Friedens- und Menschenrechtsinitiativen aus. Als die DDR-Kulturbehörden BAP verboten, den Song zu spielen, platzt am Vorabend des ersten Konzertes im Berliner Palast der Republik die über 14 Stationen geplante und längst ausverkaufte DDR-Tournee.
Am 9. November 1992 findet das „Arsch huh“-Konzert gegen Ausländerfeindlichkeit und Rassismus auf dem Kölner Chlodwigplatz vor über 100.000 Menschen statt. Danach ähnliche Konzerte in Frankfurt „Heute die, morgen Du“ und in Leipzig „Gewalt ätzt“ vor ähnlich großer Kulisse. Für sein gesellschaftspolitisches Engagement bekommt Niedecken 1998 das Bundesverdienstkreuz von Bundespräsident Roman Herzog überreicht. In der Laudatio heißt es: „Kölsch-Rock, BAP und Kölner Dialekt sind untrennbar mit ihm verbunden. Er ist einer der profiliertesten Rockmusiker Deutschlands. Als engagierter Künstler hat er sich nachhaltig für Frieden, Toleranz, Demokratie und gegen Fremdenfeindlichkeit eingesetzt.“
Zu Niedeckens 60. Geburtstag, den er am 30. März 2011 mit etwa 500 Gästen auf einem Rheinschiff feiert, sendet der WDR die „Niedecken-Nacht“. Zu seinem Geburtstag erscheint im Verlag Hoffmann und Campe auch das Buch „Für 'ne Moment. Autobiographie“. Auf über 500 Seiten erzählt der Musiker von seiner Familie, einer behüteten frühen Kindheit und der schwierigen Zeit als Heranwachsender im katholischen Internat, von seinem Kunststudium und Aufenthalten in der New Yorker Kunstszene, der ehe zufälligen Gründung von BAP, die zur erfolgreichsten Mundartgruppe Deutschlands wurde.
Und dann das: Am 2. November gegen 13 Uhr bemerkt Wolfgang Niedecken beim Lesen, „dass ich nichts mehr kapierte. Ich musste die Seiten immer wieder neu lesen. Dann wurde es nebelig vor den Augen, alles sah merkwürdig aus, mein ganzes Umfeld hatte amorphe Formen. Und dann begegnete ich Gott sei Dank meinem Schutzengel.“ Wolfgang Niedecken hatte einen Schlaganfall erlitten, obwohl er eigentlich kein typischer Schlaganfallpatient war. Es kann also jeden treffen! Dank des schnellen Reagierens seiner Frau Tina konnte das Schlimmste verhindert werden.
Purpose: Scientific and clinical achievements in radiation, medical, and surgical oncology are changing the landscape of interdisciplinary oncology. The German Society for Radiation Oncology (DEGRO) working group of young clinicians and scientists (yDEGRO) and the DEGRO representation of associate and full professors (AKRO) are aware of the essential role of radiation oncology in multidisciplinary treatment approaches. Together, yDEGRO and AKRO endorsed developing a German radiotherapy & radiation oncology vision 2030 to address future challenges in patient care, research, and education. The vision 2030 aims to identify priorities and goals for the next decade in the field of radiation oncology. Methods: The vision development comprised three phases. During the first phase, areas of interest, objectives, and the process of vision development were defined jointly by the yDEGRO, AKRO, and the DEGRO board. In the second phase, a one-day strategy retreat was held to develop AKRO and yDEGRO representatives’ final vision from medicine, biology, and physics. The third phase was dedicated to vision interpretation and program development by yDEGRO representatives. Results: The strategy retreat’s development process resulted in conception of the final vision “Innovative radiation oncology Together – Precise, Personalized, Human.” The first term “Innovative radiation oncology” comprises the promotion of preclinical research and clinical trials and highlights the development of a national committee for strategic development in radiation oncology research. The term “together” underpins collaborations within radiation oncology departments as well as with other partners in the clinical and scientific setting. “Precise” mainly covers technological precision in radiotherapy as well as targeted oncologic therapeutics. “Personalized” emphasizes biology-directed individualization of radiation treatment. Finally, “Human” underlines the patient-centered approach and points towards the need for individual longer-term career curricula for clinicians and researchers in the field. Conclusion: The vision 2030 balances the ambition of physical, technological, and biological innovation as well as a comprehensive, patient-centered, and collaborative approach towards radiotherapy & radiation oncology in Germany.
Patients with neuroendocrine tumors (NET) often go through a long phase between onset of symptoms and initial diagnosis. Assessment of time to diagnosis and pre-clinical pathway in patients with gastroenteropancreatic NET (GEP-NET) with regard to metastases and symptoms. Retrospective analysis of patients with GEP-NET at a tertiary referral center from 1984 to 2019; inclusion criteria: Patients ≥18 years, diagnosis of GEP-NET; statistical analysis using non-parametrical methods. Four hundred eighty-six patients with 488 tumors were identified; median age at first diagnosis (478/486, 8 unknown) was 59 years; 52.9% male patients. Pancreatic NET: 143/488 tumors; 29.3%; small intestinal NET: 145/488 tumors, 29.7%. 128/303 patients (42.2%) showed NET specific and 122/486 (25%) patients other tumor-specific symptoms. 222/279 patients had distant metastases at initial diagnosis (187/222 liver metastases). 154/488 (31.6%) of GEP-NET were incidental findings. Median time from tumor manifestation (e.g., symptoms related to NET) to initial diagnosis across all entities was 19.5 (95% CI: 12–28) days. No significant difference in patients with or without distant metastases (median 73 vs 105 days, P = .42). A large proportion of GEP-NET are incidental findings and only about half of all patients are symptomatic at the time of diagnosis. We did not find a significant influence of the presence of metastases on time to diagnosis, which shows a large variability with a median of <30 days.
Purpose: Early detection of adenocarcinomas in the esophagus is crucial for achieving curative endoscopic therapy. Targeted biopsies of suspicious lesions, as well as four-quadrant biopsies, represent the current diagnostic standard. However, this procedure is time-consuming, cost-intensive, and examiner-dependent. The aim of this study was to test whether impedance spectroscopy is capable of distinguishing between healthy, premalignant, and malignant lesions. An ex vivo measurement method was developed to examine esophageal lesions using impedance spectroscopy immediately after endoscopic resection. Methods: After endoscopic resection of suspicious lesions in the esophagus, impedance measurements were performed on resected cork-covered tissue using a measuring head that was developed, with eight gold electrodes, over 10 different measurement settings and with frequencies from 100 Hz to 1 MHz. Results: A total of 105 measurements were performed in 60 patients. A dataset of 400 per investigation and a total of more than 42,000 impedance measurements were therefore collected. Electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was able to detect dysplastic esophageal mucosa with a sensitivity of 81% in Barrett’s esophagus. Conclusion: In summary, EIS was able to distinguish different tissue characteristics in the different esophageal tissues. EIS thus holds potential for further development of targeted biopsies during surveillance endoscopy.
Purpose: To investigate short-term (3 months follow-up) changes in visual quality following Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) for Fuchs endothelial dystrophy (FED). Methods: In this prospective institutional case series, 51 patients that underwent DMEK for FED were included. Assessment included the Quality of Vision (QoV) questionnaire preoperatively, at 1 month, and 3 months after surgery. Secondary outcome measures were anterior segment parameters acquired by Scheimpflug imaging, corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), and endothelial cell density (ECD). Results: Glare, hazy vision, blurred vision, and daily fluctuation in vision were the symptoms mostly reported preoperatively. All symptoms demonstrated a significant reduction of item scores for severity, frequency, and bothersome in the course after DMEK (P < 0.01). Glare and fluctuation in vision remained to some extent during the follow-up period (median score = 1). Preoperatively, corneal densitometry correlated moderately to weakly with severity of hazy vision (rs = 0.39; P = 0.03) and frequency (rs = 0.26; P = 0.02) as well as severity (rs = 0.27; P = 0.03) of blurry vision. CDVA and central corneal thickness (CCT) did not correlate with visual complains. Conclusions: Following DMEK for FED, patient-reported visual symptoms assessed by the QoV questionnaire represent a useful tool providing valuable information on the impact of DMEK on visual quality that cannot be directly estimated by morphological parameters and visual acuity only.
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are nowadays one of the major focuses in tumor research since this subpopulation was revealed to be a great obstacle for successful treatment. The identification of CSCs in pediatric solid tumors harbors major challenges because of the immature character of these tumors. Here, we present CD34, CD90, OV-6 and cell-surface vimentin (csVimentin) as reliable markers to identify CSCs in hepatoblastoma cell lines. We were able to identify CSC characteristics for the subset of CD34+CD90+OV-6+csVimentin+-co-expressing cells, such as pluripotency, self-renewal, increased expression of EMT markers and migration. Treatment with Cisplatin as the standard chemotherapeutic drug in hepatoblastoma therapy further revealed the chemo-resistance of this subset, which is a main characteristic of CSCs. When we treated the cells with the Hsp90 inhibitor 17-AAG, we observed a significant reduction in the CSC subset. With our study, we identified CSCs of hepatoblastoma using CD34, CD90, OV-6 and csVimentin. This set of markers could be helpful to estimate the success of novel therapeutic approaches, as resistant CSCs are responsible for tumor relapses.
A high incidence of thromboembolic events associated with high mortality has been reported in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections with respiratory failure. The present study characterized post-transcriptional gene regulation by global microRNA (miRNA) expression in relation to activated coagulation and inflammation in 21 critically ill SARS-CoV-2 patients. The cohort consisted of patients with moderate respiratory failure (n = 11) and severe respiratory failure (n = 10) at an acute stage (day 0–3) and in the later course of the disease (>7 days). All patients needed supplemental oxygen and severe patients were defined by the requirement of positive pressure ventilation (intubation). Levels of D-dimers, activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), C-reactive protein (CRP), and interleukin (IL)-6 were significantly higher in patients with severe compared with moderate respiratory failure. Concurrently, next generation sequencing (NGS) analysis demonstrated increased dysregulation of miRNA expression with progression of disease severity connected to extreme downregulation of miR-320a, miR-320b and miR-320c. Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis revealed involvement in the Hippo signaling pathway, the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signaling pathway and in the regulation of adherens junctions. The expression of all miR-320 family members was significantly correlated with CRP, IL-6, and D-dimer levels. In conclusion, our analysis underlines the importance of thromboembolic processes in patients with respiratory failure and emphasizes miRNA-320s as potential biomarkers for severe progressive SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Objective: To evaluate the prognostic impact of gastrointestinal involvement on the survival of children with Langerhans cell histiocytosis (GI-LCH) registered with the international clinical trials of the Histiocyte Society. Study design: This was a retrospective analysis of 2414 pediatric patients registered onto the consecutive trials DAL-HX 83, DAL-HX 90, LCH-I, LCH-II, and LCH-III. Results: Among the 1289 patients with single-system LCH, there was no single case confined to the GI tract; 114 of 1125 (10%) patients with multisystem LCH (MS-LCH) had GI-LCH at initial presentation. GI-LCH was significantly more common in children aged <2 years at diagnosis (13% vs 6% in those aged >2 years; P < .001) and in those with risk organ involvement (15% vs 6% in those without risk organ involvement; P < .001). The 5-year overall survival (OS) in patients without risk organ involvement was excellent irrespective of GI disease (98% vs 97% in patients with GI-LCH; P = .789). In patients with risk organ involvement, the 5-year OS was 51% in 70 patients with GI-LCH vs 72% in 394 patients without GI-LCH (P < .001). Conclusions: GI-LCH has an additive unfavorable prognostic impact in children with MS-LCH and risk organ involvement. The emerding need for more intensive or alternative treatments mandates prospective evaluation.
Selfish genetic elements that act as post-segregation distorters cause lethality in non-carrier individuals after fertilization. Two post-segregation distorters have been previously identified in Caenorhabditis elegans, the peel-1/zeel-1 and the sup-35/pha-1 elements. These elements seem to act as modification-rescue systems, also called toxin/antidote pairs. Here we show that the maternal-effect toxin/zygotic antidote pair sup-35/pha-1 is required for proper expression of apical junction (AJ) components in epithelia and that sup-35 toxicity increases when pathways that establish and maintain basal epithelial characteristics, die-1, elt-1, lin-26, and vab-10, are compromised. We demonstrate that pha-1(e2123) embryos, which lack the antidote, are defective in epidermal morphogenesis and frequently fail to elongate. Moreover, seam cells are frequently misshaped and mispositioned and cell bond tension is reduced in pha-1(e2123) embryos, suggesting altered tissue material properties in the epidermis. Several aspects of this phenotype can also be induced in wild-type embryos by exerting mechanical stress through uniaxial loading. Seam cell shape, tissue mechanics, and elongation can be restored in pha-1(e2123) embryos if expression of the AJ molecule DLG-1/Discs large is reduced. Thus, our experiments suggest that maternal-effect toxicity disrupts proper development of the epidermis which involves distinct transcriptional regulators and AJ components.
Background: This study aims to test the effect of the 10 most common nonurological primary cancers (skin, rectal, colon, lymphoma, leukemia, pancreas, stomach, esophagus, liver, lung) on overall mortality (OM) after secondary prostate cancer (PCa). Material and Methods: Within the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, patients with 10 most common primary cancers and concomitant secondary PCa (diagnosed 2004–2016) were identified and were matched in 1:4 fashion (age, year at diagnosis, race/ethnicity, treatment type, TNM stage) with primary PCa controls. OM was compared between secondary and primary PCa patients and was stratified according to primary cancer type, as well as according to time interval between primary cancer vs. secondary PCa diagnoses. Results: We identified 24,848 secondary PCa patients (skin, n = 3,871; rectal, n = 798; colon, n = 3,665; lymphoma, n = 2,583; leukemia, n = 1,102; pancreatic, n = 118; stomach, n = 361; esophagus, n = 219; liver, n = 160; lung, n = 1,328) vs. 531,732 primary PCa patients. Secondary PCa characteristics were less favorable than those of primary PCa patients (PSA and grade), and smaller proportions of secondary PCa patients received active treatment. After 1:4 matching, all secondary PCa exhibited worse OM than primary PCa patients. Finally, subgroup analyses showed that the survival disadvantage of secondary PCa patients decreased with longer time interval since primary cancer diagnosis and subsequent secondary PCa. Conclusion: Patients with secondary PCa are diagnosed with less favorable PSA and grade. Even after matching for PCa characteristics, secondary PCa patients still exhibit worse survival. However, the survival disadvantage is attenuated, when secondary PCa diagnosis is made after longer time interval, since primary cancer diagnosis.
The aim of this study was to evaluate whether recurrent carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) after complete and sufficient division of the transverse ligament really exists. Another goal was to analyze the underlying reasons for recurrent CTS operated on in our department. Over an observation period of eleven years, 156 patients underwent surgical intervention due to CTS. The records of each patient were analyzed with respect to baseline data (age, gender, affected hand), as were clinical signs and symptoms pre- and postoperatively. To assess long-term results, standardized telephone interviews were performed using a structured questionnaire in which the patients were questioned about persisting symptoms, if any. Of the 156 patients, 128 underwent first surgical intervention due to CTS in our department. In long-term follow-up, two-thirds of these patients had no symptoms at all; one-third of the patients described mild persisting numbness. None of the patients experienced a recurrence of CTS. The 28 patients who received their first operation outside of our department were operated on for recurrent CTS. The cause of recurrence was incomplete division of the distal part of the transverse carpal ligament in all cases. The results suggest that recurrent CTS after complete and sufficient division of the transverse ligament is very unlikely.
Background: Dentists (Ds) and dental assistants (DAs) have a high lifetime prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). In this context, it is assumed that they have an increased intake of substances such as pain medication. Currently, there exist no data on the use of medication among Ds and DAs with MSDs in Germany. Methods: The online questionnaire (i.e., the Nordic Questionnaire) analysed the medical therapies used by 389 Ds (240 f/149 m) and 406 DAs (401 f/5 m) to treat their MSDs. Results: Ds (28.3–11.5%) and DAs (29.4–10.3%) with MSDs took medication depending on the affected body region. A trend between the Ds and DAs in the intake of drug therapy and the frequency was found for the neck region (Ds: 21.1%, DAs: 28.7%). A single medication was taken most frequently (Ds: 60.0–33.3%, DAs: 71.4–27.3%). The frequency of use varied greatly for both occupational groups depending on the region affected. Conclusion: Ds and DAs perceived the need for medical therapies because of their MSDs. Painkillers such as ibuprofen and systemic diclofenac were the medications most frequently taken by both occupational groups. The intake of pain killers, most notably for the neck, should prevent sick leave.
Objective: Dravet syndrome (DS) is a rare but severe drug-resistant epilepsy. Before the approval of fenfluramine (FFA) for the treatment of seizures in DS, patients in Germany could receive treatment under a compassionate use program (CUP). Methods: We conducted a multicenter, retrospective, observational study to describe the efficacy, tolerability, and retention of FFA within the CUP. Patients received add-on therapy with oral FFA gradually titrated to a target dose between .13 and .7 mg/kg/day. Results: Overall, 78 patients with DS (median age = 8.0 years, range = 2.1–46.0; 53% female, median concomitant antiseizure medications [ASMs] = 3) were treated with FFA for a median duration of 255.5 days (range = 31–572). Responder rates (a ≥50% reduction; n = 78) and seizure-freedom rates at 3 months were 68% and 14% for total seizures, respectively, and 67% and 23% for generalized tonic–clonic seizures. Responder rates were consistent at 6 and 12 months (n = 66 and n = 43, respectively). Median seizure days per month significantly decreased from 10.0 (range = .5–30) to 3.0 (range = 0–30) in the 3-month period before and after FFA treatment (p < .001). Significantly fewer patients reported at least one episode of status epilepticus (28% vs. 14% patients before and after FFA initiation, p = .005). During FFA treatment, 35 (45%) patients were able to discontinue a concomitant ASM. At the last follow-up date, 66 (85%) patients remained on treatment with FFA. The most common adverse events were somnolence (36%), decreased appetite (22%), and ataxia (8%). Forty-eight (62%) patients were reported as having a meaningful global clinical improvement. Significance: In a large cohort of patients, FFA demonstrated efficacy across a range of outcomes including clinically significant reductions in convulsive seizures, and was well tolerated, providing valuable information for real-world practice.
Key Points: Seventy-eight patients with Dravet syndrome were treated with FFA at multiple centers within the CUP in Germany; FFA had a good retention rate over a sustained period; 85% of patients remained on treatment with FFA for a median duration of 255.5 days; FFA was associated with clinically meaningful reductions in total and convulsive seizures, seizure days per month, and episodes of status epilepticus; FFA was associated with reductions in the number or dose of concomitant antiseizure medications in 68% of patients; FFA was well tolerated, with the main adverse events being somnolence (36%), decreased appetite (22%), and ataxia (8%).
Objective: The DIRAS2 gene is associated with ADHD, but its function is largely unknown. Thus, we aimed to explore the genes and molecular pathways affected by DIRAS2. Method: Using short hairpin RNAs, we downregulated Diras2 in murine hippocampal primary cells. Gene expression was analyzed by microarray and affected pathways were identified. We used quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to confirm expression changes and analyzed enrichment of differentially expressed genes in an ADHD GWAS (genome-wide association studies) sample. Results: Diras2 knockdown altered expression of 1,612 genes, which were enriched for biological processes involved in neurodevelopment. Expression changes were confirmed for 33 out of 88 selected genes. These 33 genes showed significant enrichment in ADHD patients in a gene-set-based analysis. Conclusion: Our findings show that Diras2 affects numerous genes and thus molecular pathways that are relevant for neurodevelopmental processes. These findings may further support the hypothesis that DIRAS2 is linked to etiological processes underlying ADHD. (J. of Att. Dis. 2021; 25(4) 572-583).
Background: Inflammation is essential for the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). While the immune system contribution to the development of neurological symptoms has been intensively studied, inflammatory biomarkers for mental symptoms such as depression are poorly understood in the context of MS. Here, we test if depression correlates with peripheral and central inflammation markers in MS patients as soon as the diagnosis is established. Methods: Forty-four patients were newly diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS, primary progressive MS or clinically isolated syndrome. Age, gender, EDSS, C-reactive protein (CRP), albumin, white blood cells count in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF WBC), presence of gadolinium enhanced lesions (GE) on T1-weighted images and total number of typical MS lesion locations were included in linear regression models to predict Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) score and the depression dimension of the Symptoms Checklist 90-Revised (SCL90RD). Results: CRP elevation and GE predicted significantly BDI (CRP: p = 0.007; GE: p = 0.019) and SCL90RD (CRP: p = 0.004; GE: p = 0.049). The combination of both factors resulted in more pronounced depressive symptoms (p = 0.04). CSF WBC and EDSS as well as the other variables were not correlated with depressive symptoms. Conclusions: CRP elevation and GE are associated with depressive symptoms in newly diagnosed MS patients. These markers can be used to identify MS patients exhibiting a high risk for the development of depressive symptoms in early phases of the disease.
Genes encoding endocannabinoid and sphingolipid metabolism pathways were suggested to contribute to the genetic risk towards attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The present pilot study assessed plasma concentrations of candidate endocannabinoids, sphingolipids and ceramides in individuals with adult ADHD in comparison with healthy controls and patients with affective disorders. Targeted lipid analyses of 23 different lipid species were performed in 71 mental disorder patients and 98 healthy controls (HC). The patients were diagnosed with adult ADHD (n = 12), affective disorder (major depression, MD n = 16 or bipolar disorder, BD n = 6) or adult ADHD with comorbid affective disorders (n = 37). Canonical discriminant analysis and CHAID analyses were used to identify major components that predicted the diagnostic group. ADHD patients had increased plasma concentrations of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P d18:1) and sphinganine-1-phosphate (S1P d18:0). In addition, the endocannabinoids, anandamide (AEA) and arachidonoylglycerol were increased. MD/BD patients had increased long chain ceramides, most prominently Cer22:0, but low endocannabinoids in contrast to ADHD patients. Patients with ADHD and comorbid affective disorders displayed increased S1P d18:1 and increased Cer22:0, but the individual lipid levels were lower than in the non-comorbid disorders. Sphingolipid profiles differ between patients suffering from ADHD and affective disorders, with overlapping patterns in comorbid patients. The S1P d18:1 to Cer22:0 ratio may constitute a diagnostic or prognostic tool.
Pathologic data indicate that human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection might be associated with the pathogenesis of several human malignancies. However, no definitive evidence of a causal link between HCMV infection and cancer dissemination has been established to date. This study describes the modulation of the invasive behavior of NCAM-expressing tumor cell lines by HCMV. Neuroblastoma (NB) cells, persistently infected with the HCMV strain AD169 (UKF-NB-4AD169 and MHH-NB-11AD169), were added to endothelial cell monolayers and adhesion and penetration kinetics were measured. The 140- and 180-kDa isoforms of the adhesion receptor NCAM were evaluated by flow cytometry, Western blot, and reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The relevance of NCAM for tumor cell binding was proven by treating NB with NCAM antisense oligonucleotides or NCAM transfection. HCMV infection profoundly increased the number of adherent and penetrated NB, compared to controls. Surface expression of NCAM was significantly lower on UKF-NB-4AD169 and MHH-NB-11AD169, compared to mock-infected cells. Western-blot and RT-PCR demonstrated reduced protein and RNA levels of the 140- and 180-kDa isoform. An inverse correlation between NCAM expression and adhesion capacity of NB has been shown by antisense and transfection experiments. We conclude that HCMV infection leads to downregulation of NCAM receptors, which is associated with enhanced tumor cell invasiveness.
Serum GFAP for stroke diagnosis in regions with limited access to brain imaging (BE FAST India)
(2021)
Introduction: Despite a high burden of stroke, access to rapid brain imaging is limited in many middle- and low-income countries. Previous studies have described the astroglial protein GFAP (glial fibrillary acidic protein) as a biomarker of intracerebral hemorrhage. The aim of this study was to test the diagnostic accuracy of GFAP for ruling out intracranial hemorrhage in a prospective cohort of Indian stroke patients. Patients and methods: This study was conducted in an Indian tertiary hospital (Christian Medical College, Ludhiana). Patients with symptoms suggestive of acute stroke admitted within 12 h of symptom onset were enrolled. Blood samples were collected at hospital admission. Single Molecule Array technology was used for determining serum GFAP concentrations. Results: A total number of 155 patients were included (70 intracranial hemorrhage, 75 ischemic stroke, 10 stroke mimics). GFAP serum concentrations were elevated in intracranial hemorrhage patients compared to ischemic stroke patients [median (interquartile range) 2.36 µg/L (0.61–7.16) vs. 0.18 µg/L (0.11–0.38), p < 0.001]. Stroke mimics patients had a median GFAP serum level of 0.14 µg/L (0.09–0.26). GFAP values below the cut-off of 0.33 µg/L (area under the curve 0.871) ruled out intracranial hemorrhage with a negative predictive value of 89.7%, (at a sensitivity for detecting intracranial hemorrhage of 90.0%). Discussion: The high negative predictive value of a GFAP test system allows ruling out patients with intracranial hemorrhage. Conclusion: In settings where immediate brain imaging is not available, this would enable to implement secondary prevention (e.g., aspirin) in suspected ischemic stroke patients as soon as possible.
Background: Understanding which factors influence dietary intake, particularly in daily life, is crucial given the impact diet has on physical as well as mental health. However, a factor might influence whether but not how much an individual eats and vice versa or a factor’s importance may differ across these two facets. Distinguishing between these two facets, hence, studying dietary intake as a dual process is conceptually promising and not only allows further insights, but also solves a statistical issue. When assessing the association between a predictor (e.g. momentary affect) and subsequent dietary intake in daily life through ecological momentary assessment (EMA), the outcome variable (e.g. energy intake within a predefined time-interval) is semicontinuous. That is, one part is equal to zero (i.e. no dietary intake occurred) and the other contains right-skewed positive values (i.e. dietary intake occurred, but often only small amounts are consumed). However, linear multilevel modelling which is commonly used for EMA data to account for repeated measures within individuals cannot be applied to semicontinuous outcomes. A highly informative statistical approach for semicontinuous outcomes is multilevel two-part modelling which treats the outcome as generated by a dual process, combining a multilevel logistic/probit regression for zeros and a multilevel (generalized) linear regression for nonzero values. Methods: A multilevel two-part model combining a multilevel logistic regression to predict whether an individual eats and a multilevel gamma regression to predict how much is eaten, if an individual eats, is proposed. Its general implementation in R, a widely used and freely available statistical software, using the R-package brms is described. To illustrate its practical application, the analytical approach is applied exemplary to data from the Eat2beNICE-APPetite-study. Results: Results highlight that the proposed multilevel two-part model reveals process-specific associations which cannot be detected through traditional multilevel modelling. Conclusions: This paper is the first to introduce multilevel two-part modelling as a novel analytical approach to study dietary intake in daily life. Studying dietary intake through multilevel two-part modelling is conceptually as well as methodologically promising. Findings can be translated to tailored nutritional interventions targeting either the occurrence or the amount of dietary intake.
Study design: Systematic review. Background and objectives: Preoperative neuromuscular function is predictive for knee function and return to sports (RTS) after reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The aim of this review was to examine the potential benefits of prehabilitation on pre-/postoperative objective, self-reported and RTS-specific outcomes. Methods: A systematic search was conducted within three databases. From the 1.071 studies screened, two randomized control trials (RCTs), two control trials (CTs) and two cohort studies (CS) met the inclusion criteria. Methodological quality rating adopted the PEDro- (RCT, CT) or Newcastle-Ottawa-Scale (CS). Results and conclusions: Methodological quality of the included studies was moderate (PEDro score: 6.5 ± 1.7; range 4 to 9). Two studies reported higher increases of the maximal quadriceps torque from baseline to pre-reconstruction: one study in the limb symmetry index (LSI), and one in both legs of the prehabilitation group compared to the controls. At 12-weeks post-reconstruction, one study (from two) indicated that the prehabilitation group had a lesser post-operative decline in the single-leg-hop for distance LSI (clinically meaningful). Similar findings were found in terms of quadriceps strength LSI (one study). At both pre-reconstruction (three studies) and two-year post-surgery (two studies), the prehabilitation groups reached significantly higher self-reported knee function (clinically meaningful) than the controls. RTS tended to be faster (one study). At two years post-surgery, RTS rates (one study) were higher in the prehabilitation groups. The results provide evidence for the relevance of prehabilitation prior to ACL-reconstruction to improve neuromuscular and self-reported knee function as well as RTS. More high quality confirmatory RCTs are warranted.
Class I and II histone deacetylases (HDAC) are considered important regulators of immunity and inflammation. Modulation of HDAC expression and activity is associated with altered inflammatory responses but reports are controversial and the specific impact of single HDACs is not clear. We examined class I and II HDACs in TLR-4 signaling pathways in murine macrophages with a focus on IκB kinase epsilon (IKKε) which has not been investigated in this context before. Therefore, we applied the pan-HDAC inhibitors (HDACi) trichostatin A (TSA) and suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) as well as HDAC-specific siRNA. Administration of HDACi reduced HDAC activity and decreased expression of IKKε although its acetylation was increased. Other pro-inflammatory genes (IL-1β, iNOS, TNFα) also decreased while COX-2 expression increased. HDAC 2, 3 and 4, respectively, might be involved in IKKε and iNOS downregulation with potential participation of NF-κB transcription factor inhibition. Suppression of HDAC 1–3, activation of NF-κB and RNA stabilization mechanisms might contribute to increased COX-2 expression. In conclusion, our results indicate that TSA and SAHA exert a number of histone- and HDAC-independent functions. Furthermore, the data show that different HDAC enzymes fulfill different functions in macrophages and might lead to both pro- and anti-inflammatory effects which have to be considered in therapeutic approaches.
Objectives: The ongoing coronavirus pandemic is challenging, especially in severely affected patients who require intubation and sedation. Although the potential benefits of sedation with volatile anesthetics in coronavirus disease 2019 patients are currently being discussed, the use of isoflurane in patients with coronavirus disease 2019–induced acute respiratory distress syndrome has not yet been reported. Design: We performed a retrospective analysis of critically ill patients with hypoxemic respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation. Setting: The study was conducted with patients admitted between April 4 and May 15, 2020 to our ICU. Patients: We included five patients who were previously diagnosed with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection. Intervention: Even with high doses of several IV sedatives, the targeted level of sedation could not be achieved. Therefore, the sedation regimen was switched to inhalational isoflurane. Clinical data were recorded using a patient data management system. We recorded demographical data, laboratory results, ventilation variables, sedative dosages, sedation level, prone positioning, duration of volatile sedation and outcomes. Measurements & Main Results: Mean age (four men, one women) was 53.0 (± 12.7) years. The mean duration of isoflurane sedation was 103.2 (± 66.2) hours. Our data demonstrate a substantial improvement in the oxygenation ratio when using isoflurane sedation. Deep sedation as assessed by the Richmond Agitation and Sedation Scale was rapidly and closely controlled in all patients, and the subsequent discontinuation of IV sedation was possible within the first 30 minutes. No adverse events were detected. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate the feasibility of isoflurane sedation in five patients suffering from severe coronavirus disease 2019 infection. Volatile isoflurane was able to achieve the required deep sedation and reduced the need for IV sedation.
Background: Gait kinematics after total hip replacement only partly explain the differences in the joint moments in the frontal plane between hip osteoarthritis patients after hip replacement and healthy controls. The goal of this study was to determine if total hip replacement surgery affects radiological leg alignment (Hip-Knee-Shaft-Angle, femoral offset, Neck-Shaft-Angle and varus/valgus alignment) and which of these parameters can explain the joint moments, additionally to the gait kinematics.
Methods: 22 unilateral hip osteoarthritis patients who were scheduled for total hip replacement were included in the study. Preoperatively and 1 year postoperatively all patients had biplanar radiographic examinations and 3D gait analysis.
Results: The operated leg showed significantly (P < 0.05) more varus (1.1°) as well as a larger femoral offset (+ 8 mm) and a larger Hip-Knee-Shaft-Angle (+ 1.3°) after total hip replacement; however no significant differences in the joint moments in the frontal plane compared to healthy controls were found. The hip moment (first half of stance) and the knee moments (first and second half of stance) were mostly determined by the varus/valgus alignment (29% and respectively 36% and 35%). The combination with a kinematic parameter (knee range of motion, foot progression angle) increased the predictive value for the knee moments.
Conclusion: In our patient group the joint moments after total hip replacement did not differ from healthy controls, whereas radiological leg alignment parameters changed significantly after the total hip replacement. A combination of these radiological leg parameters, especially the varus alignment, and the deviating kinematics explain the joint moments in the frontal plane during gait after total hip replacement surgery. For surgeons it is important not to create too much of a structural varus alignment by implanting the new hip joint as varus alignment can increase the knee adduction moment and the risk for osteoarthritis of the medial knee compartment.
Trial registration: This study was retrospectively registered with DRKS (German Clinical Trials Register) under the number DRKS00015053. Registered 1st of August 2018.
Background: Non-clear cell renal cell cancers (nccRCC) are rare entities, and the optimal therapy in metastatic disease has still to be defined. Methods: In this small prospectively randomized phase IIa multicenter trial, we investigated temsirolimus (TEM) versus sunitinib (SUN) as first-line therapy in patients with metastatic nccRCC. The patients were randomized 1:1 to either TEM in a dose of 25 mg i.v. once a week or SUN with 50 mg p.o. daily for 4 weeks on and 2 weeks off. Primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). In total, 22 patients were included with predominantly papillary RCC (16/22) followed by chromophobe RCC and others. Results: The male to female ratio was 16:6. The tumor control rate (CR + PR + SD) was 58% for TEM and 90% for SUN-treated patients. There was also a trend for improved PFS with 9.3 versus 13.2 months (HR 1.64; 95% CI 0.65–4.18) in favor of SUN. There was no trend for overall survival. Conclusions: Despite this trial had to be terminated earlier due to low recruitment, the results match the other studies published so far with the mTOR inhibitor everolimus and SUN, which show a trend in favor of SUN for ORR and PFS.
Emil Sioli †
(1923)
Background: The aim of this pilot study was to analyze the work of neurologists regarding static posture (> 4 s) and to identify awkward postures. Methods: A total of 9 neurologists (assistant physicians; 3 male, 6 female) participated in this study. Kinematic data were collected using the computer-assisted acquisition and long-term analysis of musculoskeletal loads (CUELA; IFA, Sankt Augustin, Germany) system. Daily work (“office work,” “measures on patients,” and “other activities”) was analyzed with a computer-based task analysis. Results: During ”measures on patients,” more than 80% of the total percentage of non-neutral posture was assumed with a flexed position of the head and entire back, both during “blood collection” (4.7% of the time) and while “placing intravenous catheters” (8.3% of the time). In contrast, long static postures (> 30 s) in the head and neck area, including the thoracic spine, were adopted during “office work.” Despite the increased total percentage of non-neutral attitudes during measures on patients, the time share of 3.4% of the total working time is so small that the risk for developing musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) is negligible. In contrast, office work, which comprises 50.8% of the total working time and longer static postures, has a potential risk for the development of MSD. Conclusion: The present study is the first kinematic pilot analysis in the field of in-patient neurological assistants. Non-neutral as well as static postures in everyday work could be identified. Potential MSD can be reduced by optimizing the working height and by taking regular breaks to loosen the musculoskeletal system.