Evaluation des Gesundheitsverhaltens und der Lebensqualität dermatoonkologischer Patienten nach operativer Therapie eines Hauttumors

Hintergrund In der Onkologie existieren unterschiedliche Erkenntnisse bzgl. einer Änderung im Gesundheitsverhalten der betroffenen Patienten nach Diagnosestellung eines malignen Tumors (z. B. beim kolorektalen Karzinom oder bei gynäkologischen Karzinomen). Derlei Daten existieren bislang nicht in größerem Umfang für dermatoonkologische Patienten.

Fragestellung Ziel dieser Querschnittstudie mittels Fragebogen und Korrelation mit retrospektiven Daten war es, herauszufinden, ob Hauttumorpatienten ihr Gesundheitsverhalten (Sonnenexposition, Freizeitverhalten, Raucherentwöhnung etc.) nach dermatochirurgischer Therapie/Behandlung ändern und damit den ärztlichen Empfehlungen folgen. Zudem wurde die Lebensqualität der Patienten nach operativer Therapie von Hauttumoren erfasst.

Material und Methoden In die Studie wurden 653 Patienten eingeschlossen, welche im Jahre 2013 unter stationären Bedingungen aufgrund eines oder mehrerer maligner Hauttumore operativ behandelt wurden. Mittels Fragebögen wurden die postoperative Lebensqualität sowie das Freizeit- und Gesundheitsverhalten erfasst und analysiert. Ergebnisse: 263/653 Patienten nahmen an der Befragung teil (Rücklaufquote 40,3 %). 62,0 % der Patienten waren männlich, 38,0 % weiblich. Der Altersdurchschnitt lag bei 69,8 Jahren. Überraschenderweise konnten wir eine Umstellung der Lebensweise hin zu gesünderen Eigenschaften (Reduktion des Alkoholkonsums, gesündere Ernährung) und Reduktion der Risikofaktoren (Reduktion der Sonnenexposition und Schutz vor UV-Strahlung) feststellen. Eine Abhängigkeit der Verhaltensänderungen vom Bildungsstand, Geschlecht oder dem Familienstand ergab sich hingegen nicht. Die Nutzung textilen Sonnenschutzes sowie der Umgang mit sportlicher Betätigung änderte sich nicht. Hinsichtlich der Lebensqualität zeigten sich unsere Patienten generell zufriedener als die deutsche Allgemeinbevölkerung. Weibliches Geschlecht, das Leben mit einem Partner, ein hohes Bildungsniveau sowie höheres Lebensalter wirkten sich bei unseren Patienten positiv auf die Lebensqualität aus.

Diskussion Vor dem Hintergrund einer weiter notwendigen Verbesserung der primären und auch sekundären Präventionsmaßnahmen erscheint auch eine Optimierung spezifischer Aufklärungsinhalte in der Dermatoonkologie notwendig. Insbesondere der Einfluss einer gesunden Lebensweise spielt hier eine Rolle. Die Auswirkungen der Hautkrebserkrankung auf die Lebensqualität waren geringer als von uns erwartet. Dies kann als Ursprung für den verminderten Antrieb zur Lebensstilveränderung gesehen werden.

Limitationen Der Homburger Gesundheitsbogen wurde eigens entwickelt und nicht in Testverfahren validiert. Die Patienten wurden nur einmalig angeschrieben. Erinnerungsmaßnahmen oder Incentives wurden nicht genutzt.

Adverse obstetric history is not a risk factor for poor outcome after ventral rectopexy for obstructive defaecation syndrome

AIM

Ventral rectopexy (VR) has gained popularity in the management of obstructive defaecation syndrome (ODS) due to a symptomatic rectocele ± intussusception. Data on the efficacy and safety of VR are variable and there are few predictors of successful outcome. This study aimed to examine whether or not an adverse obstetric history influenced the functional outcome following VR for ODS.

METHOD

This was a retrospective study of a cohort of 76 consecutive patients who had undergone VR for ODS at a tertiary referral centre between 2012 and 2015. Patients were followed up by telephone questionnaire. The obstetric history and pre- and postoperative symptoms of ODS and faecal incontinence (FI) were obtained from telephone interviews.

RESULTS

In this cohort, symptoms of ODS were significantly improved by surgery, with 56% of patients showing a reduction of symptoms of 50% or more (P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis demonstrated that a lower body mass index (BMI; 24.4 vs 27.3 kg/m² ; P < 0.05) and shorter duration of symptoms (7 vs 10 years; P < 0.05) led to a better outcome. VR had no effect on FI. Obstetric factors such as foetal weight, instrumental delivery, episiotomy, perineal tear and total number of deliveries did not influence outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Patients with a less straightforward obstetric history can be reassured that this should not adversely influence the functional outcome after VR for ODS. Colorectal surgeons who offer this surgery should warn patients with an elevated BMI or with longstanding symptoms that the operation may be less successful than for those with a lower BMI or shorter duration of symptoms.

[Influence of dual-tasking on straight ahead and curved walking in older adults]

BACKGROUND

Walking is not an automatic movement task but requires continuous attention resources. While walking and undertaking an additional task (dual tasking), gait changes occur which are associated with falls in older adults. To date, the evaluation of gait characteristics under dual task conditions is typically performed during walking straight ahead (SW); however, everyday life also requires more complex walking maneuvers such as walking in a curve (CW). Complex walking maneuvers may require higher attentional resources and thus might have a greater impact on the gait under dual task conditions.

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to compare the gait characteristics under dual task conditions during SW and CW.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In 30 community-dwelling older adults (mean age: 71.6 ± 6.6 years) gait parameters including single leg support phase, velocity, cadence, step length and width were measured by electronic gait analysis (GAITRite®, CIR Systems Inc., Franklin, New Jersey, USA) during SW and CW under single and dual task conditions. For each gait parameter the relative change from single to dual task condition was calculated as dual task costs (DTC) and compared using paired t‑tests.

RESULTS

For the single leg support phase, velocity, cadence and step width, descriptive results showed increased DTC during CW (2.08-23.74%) as compared to SW (1.39-12.90%). For cadence (DTC: SW 6.81 ± 12.58%, CW 10.54 ± 13.46%, p = 0.026) and step width (DTC: SW -12.90 ± 18.01%, CW -23.74 ± 56.37%, p = 0.004) the differences were statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

The relative decline in gait performance under dual task conditions is greater during CW than during SW. The results suggest that CW requires greater attentional resources as compared to SW. In turn, the risk of falling might be increased during CW under dual task conditions. The present findings may contribute to the development of new, ecologically valid assessment and training strategies taking complex walking maneuvers into account.

Current status of habitat monitoring in the European Union according to Article 17 of the Habitats Directive, with an emphasis on habitat structure and functions and on Germany

Since the beginning of the 1990s, monitoring of habitats has been a widespread tool to record and assess changes in habitat quality, for example due to land use change. Thus, Article 11 of the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) requires, inter alia, monitoring of the conservation status of habitat types listed in Annex I of the Habitats Directive, carried out by the Member States of the European Union (EU). This monitoring provides the foundation for the National Reports on the measures implemented and their effectiveness (Art. 17 Habitats Directive), which Member States have to submit to the European Commission every six years. Based on these requirements, Member States have developed different monitoring programmes or have adapted previously existing monitoring schemes to include relevant aspects of the Habitats Directive.

The parameter ‘structure and functions’ is a key parameter for the assessment of the conservation status of habitat types as it provides information on the quality of the habitats. A standardised questionnaire was developed and sent to the competent authorities of Member States to compare and analyse the assessment methods of the quality of habitat types. Responses were received from 13 of the 28 Member States, while it was possible to include another Member State in the analysis by evaluating appropriate literature.

The analysis revealed very different approaches and progress amongst the Member States in the development and implementation of monitoring programmes tailored to the reporting obligations of Article 17 of the Habitats Directive. Some Member States established a special standardised monitoring programme for Article 11 of the Habitats Directive, while others used data from already existing programmes (e.g. habitat mapping, large-scale forest inventories, landscape monitoring). Most Member States responding to the questionnaire use monitoring based on samples but the data collection, sample sizes and level of statistical certainty differ considerably. The same applies to the aggregation of data and the methods for the assessment of the parameter ‘structure and functions’. In contrast to the assessment of conservation status as part of the reporting obligations according to Article 17 of the Habitats Directive, no standardised EU guidelines exist for monitoring. The present study discusses differences in the monitoring programmes and evaluates them with regard to the objectives of comparable assessments of conservation status of habitat types in the National Reports of Member States or at a biogeographical level.

Progress in modelling agricultural impacts of and adaptations to climate change

Modelling is a key tool to explore agricultural impacts of and adaptations to climate change. Here we report recent progress made especially referring to the large project initiatives MACSUR and AgMIP; in particular, in modelling potential crop impacts from field to global using multi-model ensembles. We identify two main fields where further progress is necessary: a more mechanistic understanding of climate impacts and management options for adaptation and mitigation; and focusing on cropping systems and integrative multi-scale assessments instead of single season and crops, especially in complex tropical and neglected but important cropping systems. Stronger linking of experimentation with statistical and eco-physiological crop modelling could facilitate the necessary methodological advances.

Fokale dermale Hypoplasie als Mosaikläsion oder doch eine Anetodermie?

Die fokale dermale Hypoplasie (FDH) ist ein seltenes, X-chromosomal gekoppeltes Syndrom durch krankheitsursächliche Mutation im PORCN-Gen. Die zugrundeliegenden Mutationen im PORCN-Gen bedingen diverse meso-ektodermale Entwicklungsstörungen. Die charakteristischen ektodermalen Ausprägungen zeigen sich an der Haut, den Zähnen und Haaren sowie in Form von Skelettanomalien. Die klinischen Manifestationen können bei Geburt vorhanden sein oder auch erst in späteren Lebensjahren manifest bzw. auffällig werden. Im vorgestellten Fall fanden sich Hinweise für das Vorliegen eines somatischen Mosaiks als Ursache einer histologisch und klinisch FDH-typischen Hautläsion, die klinischen Diagnosekriterien waren jedoch nur unzureichend erfüllt. Die wichtigste klinische Differenzialdiagnose ist die Anetodermie. Der hier dargestellte Fall soll die Schwierigkeit der Diagnosestellung der FDH illustrieren und einen Fall diskutieren, der die Diagnosekriterien der Erkrankungen nur unvollständig erfüllt, jedoch genetische Hinweise auf einen Mosaizismus in der läsionalen Haut aufweist.

Prolonged Thromboprophylaxis Following Hip Replacement Surgery – Results of a Double-blind, Prospective, Randomised, Placebo-controlled Study with Dalteparin (Fragmin®)

Discontinuation of thromboprophylaxis a few days after surgery may unmask delayed hypercoagulability and contribute to late formation of deep venous thrombosis (DVT). To investigate whether thromboprophylaxis should be prolonged beyond the hospital stay, a prospective, double-blind randomised study was conducted in 308 patients. All patients received initial thromboprophylaxis with dalteparin, dextran and graded elastic stockings. On day 7, patients were randomised to receive dalteparin (Fragmin®) 5000IU once daily, or placebo, for 4 weeks. All patients were subjected to bilateral venography, perfusion ventilation scintigraphy and chest X-ray on days 7 and 35. Patients with venographically verified proximal DVT on day 7 were withdrawn from the randomised study to receive anticoagulant treatment. The overall prevalence of DVT on day 7 was 15.9%. On day 35, the prevalence of DVT was 31.7% in placebo-treated patients compared with 19.3% in dalteparin-treated patients (p = 0.034). The incidence of DVT from day 7 to day 35 was 25.8% in the placebo-treated group versus 11.8% in the dalteparin-treated group (p = 0.017). The incidence of symptomatic pulmonary embolism (PE) from day 7 to day 35 was 2.8% in the placebo-treated group compared with zero in the dalteparin-treated group. This included one patient who died from PE. No patients experienced serious complications related to the injections of dalteparin or placebo. This study shows that prolonged thromboprophylaxis with dalteparin, 5000 IU, once daily for 35 days significantly reduces the frequency of DVT and should be recommended for 5 weeks after hip replacement surgery.

Retrospektive monozentrische 8-Jahres-Analyse von Nagelbiopsien zur Korrelation klinischer und histologischer Daten

Hintergrund Die Diagnostik von Nagelerkrankungen ist herausfordernd. Kenntnisse der Nagelanatomie sowie der operativen Techniken sind erforderlich. Es existieren kaum Daten zur klinisch-pathologischen Korrelation von Nagelerkrankungen.

Fragestellung Beschreibung der Patientenpopulation, welche sich über einen Zeitraum von Januar 2006 bis März 2014 aufgrund einer Nagelerkrankung einem diagnostischen operativen Nageleingriff unterziehen musste. Korrelation mit klinischen sowie epidemiologischen Daten und Vergleich der klinischen Verdachtsdiagnose mit der histologischen Diagnose.

Methode und Ergebnisse In dieser retrospektiven Untersuchung wurden 639 Fälle von Nagelproben analysiert. Unter den 639 ausgewerteten Fällen waren 299 Frauen (46,8 %) und 340 Männer (53,2 %). Die meisten Nagelerkrankungen traten in den Frühlings- und Sommermonaten auf. Klinisch wurden vor der Biopsie in der Mehrzahl Nagelinfektionen, maligne Tumore und entzündliche Dermatosen vermutet.

Diskussion Bei jedem 2. Fall stimmt die klinische mit der histologischen Diagnose nicht überein. Hier spielen die große klinischen Variabilität an Diagnosen bei recht eingeschränktem Spektrum an Symptomen, Zurückhaltung bzw. fehlende Routine bei diagnostischen dermatochirurgischen Eingriffen am Nagelorgan mit eventueller Angst vor postoperativen Komplikationen sowie uneinheitlicher histologischer Prozessierung der Gewebe eine Rolle. Daher ist sowohl eine Standardisierung der histologischen Diagnostik notwendig als auch eine kontinuierliche Verbesserung der klinischen und dermatochirurgischen Ausbildung mit konsekutiver Verbesserung der Behandlungsqualität von Patienten mit Nagelerkrankungen.

Evaluation of glucose and insulin response to haylage diets with different content of nonstructural carbohydrates in 2 breeds of horses

Information about the effect of nonstructural carbohydrates (NSCs) in forage on the postprandial glucose and insulin response in horses is scarce. This is of interest as postprandial hyperinsulinemia in horses is a risk factor for laminitis. In addition, insulin sensitivity (IS) differs between breeds. The aim was to evaluate the postprandial glucose and insulin response to haylage diets with different NSC content in horses of 2 different breeds and to evaluate the relationship between the postprandial insulin response and measures of IS derived from a frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test (FSIGTT). Standardbreds (n = 9) and Icelandic horses (n = 9) with a mean body condition score of 5.5 ± 0.6 (scale 1-9) were studied. Horses were clinically healthy at the start of the study and had no history of endocrinopathic laminitis. The experiment was conducted as a replicate 3 × 3 Latin square, in which horses were fed haylage diets with low (4.2%), medium (13.6%), and high (18.2%) NSC content of dry matter. Blood sampling was performed before feeding and every 30 min until 300 min after feeding. An FSIGTT was also performed in all horses. The early (first 60 min) and the total (300 min) postprandial glucose and insulin response (area under the curve [AUC]) was higher after a meal of both medium and high NSC haylage in comparison with low NSC haylage when both breeds were combined (P ≤ 0.02). There was a main effect of breed for the early (P ≤ 0.004) but not for the total (P > 0.12) postprandial glucose and insulin response. The IS index was comparable between breeds (P = 0.75). The natural logarithm of the peak concentration, the AUC for the first 60 min and the total AUC for insulin, after a meal of medium and high NSC haylage, were moderately negatively correlated (P < 0.02; r = -0.55 to -0.72) with the natural logarithm of IS index from the FSIGTT. This relationship was not evident for haylage with low NSC content (P > 0.054). This study demonstrates that the postprandial insulin response is affected by both the NSC content of haylage and the horse's IS. However, the impact of IS was diminished when the NSC content in haylage was low (4.2% of dry matter).

In-vitro study of hierarchical structures: Anodic oxidation and alkaline treatments onto highly rough titanium cold gas spray coatings for biomedical applications

Hierarchical structures were obtained applying two different nanotexturing surface treatments onto highly rough commercial pure titanium coatings by cold spray: (i) anodic oxidation and (ii) alkaline treatments. An extended surface characterization in terms of topography, composition, and wettability has been performed to understand how those parameters affect to cell response. Primary human osteoblasts extracted from knee were seeded onto the as-sprayed titanium surface before and after the nanotexturing treatments. Cell viability was tested by using MTS and LIVE/DEAD assays, as well as osteoblasts differentiation by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) quantification at 3 and 10 days of cell culture. The combination of micro-/nano-roughness results in a significantly increase of cell proliferation, as well as cell differentiation after 10 days of cell culture in comparison with the non-treated coatings.