The epileptic heart: Cardiac comorbidities and complications of epilepsy. Atrial and ventricular structure and function by echocardiography in individuals with epilepsy - From clinical implications to individualized assessment

Epilepsy is an increasing global neurological health issue. Recently, epidemiological and mechanistic studies have raised concern about cardiac involvement in individuals with epilepsy. This has resulted in the "epileptic heart" concept. Epidemiological data linking epilepsy to cardiovascular disease indicate an increased risk for ventricular and atrial arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, heart failure, and sudden death among individuals with epilepsy. Pathways of this interaction comprise increased prevalence of traditional cardiac risk factors, genetic abnormalities, altered brain circuitry with autonomic imbalance, and antiseizure medications with enzyme-inducing and ionic channel-blocking proprieties. Pathophysiological findings in the atria and ventricles of patients with epilepsy are discussed. Echocardiographic findings and future applications of this tool are reviewed. A risk stratification model and future studies on cardiac risk assessment in individuals with epilepsy are proposed.

Prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Mycoplasma genitalium at pharyngeal and anorectal sites in patients presenting to an STI outpatient ward

BACKGROUND

The incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is unbridled and on the rise. Extragenital STIs (anal and pharyngeal infections) are commonly asymptomatic, resulting in delayed diagnosis and treatment and consequently higher chances of onward transmission.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this observational single-centre study was to determine the prevalence of STIs at extragenital sites in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients presenting at an STI outpatient clinic.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients who presented between October 2019 and February 2021 at the STI outpatient clinic of a tertiary centre in Central Europe. Patients were included in the study if they received at least one pharyngeal and/or anorectal swab in addition to a genital swab for multiplex-PCR STI diagnostics. Demographic data, symptoms and serological results were collected and analysed.

RESULTS

Data collected from 440 patients were analysed (mean age: 33.9 years, male: n = 345, 78.4%, female: n = 95, 21.6%). Ninety-seven males reported having sex with men (MSM); 174 patients identified as heterosexual (132 males, 42 females), and 10 females as bisexual. The sexual orientation was not reported in 159 cases. An STI was confirmed in 195 patients (44.3%) and, among those, 109 patients (55.9%) tested positive for an STI at extragenital sites. Seventy-one patients had a pharyngeal STI whereas 61 were infected in the anorectal region. Of those suffering from an extragenital STI, 64.2% (70 out of 109) tested negative for relevant pathogens at genital sites. The most frequently detected extragenital pathogen was Neisseria gonorrhoeae (71.8% of all pharyngeal STIs [51 out of 71], 55.7% of anorectal STIs [34 out of 61]), followed by Chlamydia trachomatis (41.0% of all anal infections [25 out of 61], 5.6% of pharyngeal infections [4 out of 71]). Pharyngeal and anorectal infections were asymptomatic in 88.7% [63 out of 71] and 65.6% [40 out of 61] of the cases, respectively.

CONCLUSION

These results underline the need to perform multisite testing, regardless of the presence of symptoms.

Motion Analysis of the Wrist and Finger Joints in Sport Climbing

Climbing is a fast-growing sport, with one of the most common injuries being a rupture of the finger flexor tendon pulley. The strain on pulleys increases as finger joints flex. However, to our knowledge, no study has conducted a kinematic analysis of climbers' fingers. Thus, this study aimed to examine finger kinematics during typical climbing tasks. Eleven elite climbers performed a sequence of four climbing moves, which were recorded by an optical motion capture system. Participants used crimp, half-crimp, and open-hand grips for three trials each, with the fourth condition involving campusing using any grip except crimp. Mean proximal interphalangeal joint (PIP) flexion during the holding phase was 87° (SD 12°), 70° (14°) and 39° (27°) for the crimp, half-crimp and open-hand grip, respectively. Hence, inter-individual PIP flexion ranges overlap between different gripping conditions. Two different movement patterns emerged in the open-hand grip, possibly influenced by the use of the little finger, leading to varying degrees of flexion in the middle and ring fingers. Avoiding little finger usage in the open-hand grip may reduce load during pulley rupture rehabilitation. The implications of PIP joint angle variability on individual pulley injury risk or prevention warrant further investigation. Motion capture proved effective for understanding finger kinematics during climbing and could guide future studies on pulley injury risk factors.

Modulation of the skin microbiome in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma delays tumour growth and increases survival in the murine EL4 model

Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL) are a group of lymphoproliferative disorders of skin-homing T cells causing chronic inflammation. These disorders cause impairment of the immune environment, which leads to severe infections and/or sepsis due to dysbiosis. In this study, we elucidated the host-microbial interaction in CTCL that occurs during the phototherapeutic treatment regime and determined whether modulation of the skin microbiota could beneficially affect the course of CTCL. EL4 T-cell lymphoma cells were intradermally grafted on the back of C57BL/6 mice. Animals were treated with conventional therapeutics such as psoralen + UVA (PUVA) or UVB in the presence or absence of topical antibiotic treatment (neomycin, bacitracin, and polymyxin B sulphate) as an adjuvant. Microbial colonisation of the skin was assessed to correlate with disease severity and tumour growth. Triple antibiotic treatment significantly delayed tumour occurrence (p = 0.026), which prolonged the survival of the mice (p = 0.033). Allocation to phototherapeutic agents PUVA, UVB, or none of these, along with antibiotic intervention, reduced the tumour growth significantly (p = 0.0327, p ≤ 0.0001, p ≤ 0.0001 respectively). The beta diversity indices calculated using the Bray-Curtis model showed that the microbial population significantly differed after antibiotic treatment (p = 0.001). Upon modulating the skin microbiome by antibiotic treatment, we saw an increase in commensal Clostridium species, e.g., Lachnospiraceae sp. (p = 0.0008), Ruminococcaceae sp. (p = 0.0001)., Blautia sp. (p = 0.007) and a significant reduction in facultative pathogens Corynebacterium sp. (p = 0.0009), Pelomonas sp. (p = 0.0306), Streptococcus sp. (p ≥ 0.0001), Pseudomonas sp. (p = 0.0358), and Cutibacterium sp. (p = 0.0237). Intriguingly, we observed a significant decrease in Staphylococcus aureus frequency (p = 0.0001) but an increase in the overall detection frequency of the Staphylococcus genus, indicating that antibiotic treatment helped regain the microbial balance and increased the number of non-pathogenic Staphylococcus populations. These study findings show that modulating microbiota by topical antibiotic treatment helps to restore microbial balance by diminishing the numbers of pathogenic microbes, which, in turn, reduces chronic inflammation, delays tumour growth, and increases survival rates in our CTCL model. These findings support the rationale to modulate the microbial milieu during the disease course of CTCL and indicate its therapeutic potential.

Nocturnal vestibular stimulation using a rocking bed improves a severe sleep disorder in a patient with mitochondrial disease

Mitochondrial diseases are rare genetic disorders often accompanied by severe sleep disorders. We present the case of a 12-year-old boy diagnosed with a severe primary mitochondrial disease, exhibiting ataxia, spasticity, progressive external ophthalmoplegia, cardiomyopathy and severely disrupted sleep, but no cognitive impairment. Interestingly, his parents reported improved sleep during night train rides. Based on this observation, we installed a rocking bed in the patient's bedroom and performed different interventions, including immersive multimodal vestibular, kinesthetic and auditory stimuli, reminiscent of the sensory experiences encountered during train rides. Over a 5-month period, we conducted four 2-week nocturnal interventions, separated by 1-week washout phases, to determine the subjectively best-perceived stimulation parameters, followed by a final 4-week intervention using the optimal parameters. We assessed sleep duration and quality using the Mini Sleep Questionnaire, monitored pulse rate changes and used videography to document nocturnal interactions between the patient and caregivers. Patient-reported outcome measures, clinical examinations and personal outcomes of specific interests were used to document daytime sleepiness, restlessness, anxiety, fatigue, cognitive performance and physical posture. In the final 4-week intervention, sleep duration increased by 25%, required caregiver interactions reduced by 75%, and caregiving time decreased by 40%. Subjective fatigue, assessed by the Checklist Individual Strength, decreased by 40%, falling below the threshold of severe fatigue. Our study suggests that rocking beds could provide a promising treatment regime for selected patients with persistent severe sleep disorders. Further research is required to validate these findings in larger patient populations with sleep disorders and other conditions.

Consensus statement on the diagnosis and treatment of sclerosing diseases of the skin, Part 1: Localized scleroderma, systemic sclerosis and overlap syndromes

The term 'sclerosing diseases of the skin' comprises specific dermatological entities, which have fibrotic changes of the skin in common. These diseases mostly manifest in different clinical subtypes according to cutaneous and extracutaneous involvement and can sometimes be difficult to distinguish from each other. The present consensus provides an update to the 2017 European Dermatology Forum Guidelines, focusing on characteristic clinical and histopathological features, diagnostic scores and the serum autoantibodies most useful for differential diagnosis. In addition, updated strategies for the first- and advanced-line therapy of sclerosing skin diseases are addressed in detail. Part 1 of this consensus provides clinicians with an overview of the diagnosis and treatment of localized scleroderma (morphea), and systemic sclerosis including overlap syndromes.

Consensus statement on the diagnosis and treatment of sclerosing diseases of the skin, Part 2: Scleromyxoedema and scleroedema

The term 'sclerosing diseases of the skin' comprises specific dermatological entities, which have fibrotic changes of the skin in common. These diseases mostly manifest in different clinical subtypes according to cutaneous and extracutaneous involvement and can sometimes be difficult to distinguish from each other. The present consensus provides an update to the 2017 European Dermatology Forum Guidelines, focusing on characteristic clinical and histopathological features, diagnostic scores and the serum autoantibodies most useful for differential diagnosis. In addition, updated strategies for the first- and advanced-line therapy of sclerosing skin diseases are addressed in detail. Part 2 of this consensus provides clinicians with an overview of the diagnosis and treatment of scleromyxoedema and scleroedema (of Buschke).

Phototherapy Restores Deficient Type I IFN Production and Enhances Antitumor Responses in Mycosis Fungoides

Transcriptional profiling demonstrated markedly reduced type I IFN gene expression in untreated mycosis fungoides (MF) skin lesions compared with that in healthy skin. Type I IFN expression in MF correlated with antigen-presenting cell-associated IRF5 before psoralen plus UVA therapy and epithelial ULBP2 after therapy, suggesting an enhancement of epithelial type I IFN. Immunostains confirmed reduced baseline type I IFN production in MF and increased levels after psoralen plus UVA treatment in responding patients. Effective tumor clearance was associated with increased type I IFN expression, enhanced recruitment of CD8+ T cells into skin lesions, and expression of genes associated with antigen-specific T-cell activation. IFNk, a keratinocyte-derived inducer of type I IFNs, was increased by psoralen plus UVA therapy and expression correlated with upregulation of other type I IFNs. In vitro, deletion of keratinocyte IFNk decreased baseline and UVA-induced expression of type I IFN and IFN response genes. In summary, we find a baseline deficit in type I IFN production in MF that is restored by psoralen plus UVA therapy and correlates with enhanced antitumor responses. This may explain why MF generally develops in sun-protected skin and suggests that drugs that increase epithelial type I IFNs, including topical MEK and EGFR inhibitors, may be effective therapies for MF.

Eradication of skin microbiota restores cytokine production and release in polymorphic light eruption

Polymorphic light eruption (PLE) has been mechanistically linked to cytokine abnormalities. Emerging preclinical evidence posits the skin microbiome as a critical modulator of ultraviolet (UV)-induced cytokine expression, thereby influencing subsequent immune responses. This intricate relationship remains underexplored in the context of PLE. Hence, we investigated the differential responses between disinfected and non-disinfected skin following both single and repetitive exposures to solar-simulated UV radiation in patients with PLE. An experimental, half-body pilot study was conducted involving six PLE patients and 15 healthy controls. Participants' skin was exposed to single and multiple doses of solar-simulated UV radiation, both in disinfected and in non-disinfected skin areas. The co-primary outcomes were PLE score and cytokine expression in blister fluid analysed through OLINK proteomic profiling. Secondary outcomes were erythema, pigmentation, induction of apoptotic cells in vacuum-generated suction blisters, and density of infiltrate in skin biopsies of PLE patients. Among the 71 cytokines analysed, baseline expression levels of 20 specific cytokines-integral to processes such as apoptosis, inflammation, immune cell recruitment, cellular growth, and differentiation-were significantly impaired in PLE patients compared with healthy controls. Notably, skin disinfection reversed the observed cytokine imbalances following a single UV exposure at the minimal erythema dose (MED) level and exhibited even more pronounced effects after multiple UV exposures. However, no significant differences were evident in PLE score, erythema, pigmentation, or rates of apoptotic cell induction upon UV radiation. These findings provide evidence for UV-driven cytokine regulation by the skin microbiota and imply microbiome involvement in the PLE immune response.

Eukaryotic Initiation Factor 4E (eIF4E) as a Target of Anti-Psoriatic Treatment

Eukaryotic initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) has been known to play a critical role in the regulation of gene expression and essential cellular processes, such as proliferation, apoptosis and differentiation. In this study, we explored its role in the pathophysiology of psoriasis. The inhibition of eIF4E by small interfering RNA or briciclib, an eIF4E small molecule inhibitor, downregulated the expression of eIF4E itself and its two complex partners eIF4A and G, as well as other eIFs (eg, eIF1A, eIF2α, eIF3A, eIF3B, eIF5, and eIF6). This inhibition also abolished psoriatic inflammation in both the imiquimod and TGFß mouse model, as well as in a human 3 dimensional-psoriasis tissue model. Downregulation of eIF4E and the other eIFs by application of briciclib (particularly when given topically) was linked to the normalization of cellular proliferation, epidermal hyperplasia, levels of proinflammatory cytokines (eg, TNFα, IL-1b, IL-17, and IL-22), and keratinocyte differentiation markers (eg, KRT16 and FLG). These results demonstrate translational imbalance and underline the crucial role played by eIF4E and other eIFs in the pathophysiology of psoriasis. This work opens up avenues for the development of novel topical antipsoriatic treatment strategies by targeting eIF4E.

Mast cells express IL17A, IL17F and RORC, are activated and persist with IL-17 production in resolved skin of patients with chronic plaque-type psoriasis

Little is known about IL-17 expression in psoriasis and the actual cellular source of IL-17 remains incompletely defined. We show that high numbers of IL-17 + mast cells persisted in resolved lesions after treatment (anti-IL-17A, anti-IL-23, UVB or topical dithranol) and correlated inversely with the time span in remission. IL-17 + mast cells were found in T cell-rich areas and often close to resident memory T cells (Trm) in active psoriasis and resolved lesional skin. Digital cytometry by deconvolution of RNA-seq data showed that activated mast cells were increased in psoriatic skin, while resting mast cells were almost absent and both returned to normal levels after treatment. When primary human skin mast cells were stimulated with T cell cytokines (TNFα, IL-22 and IFNγ), they responded by releasing more IL-17A, as measured by ELISA. In situ mRNA detection using padlock probes specific for transcript variants of IL17A, IL17F, and RORC (encoding the Th17 transcription factor RORγt) revealed positive mRNA signals for IL17A, IL17F, and RORCin tryptase + cells, demonstrating that mast cells have the transcriptional machinery to actively produce IL-17. Mast cells thus belong to the center of the IL-23/IL-17 axis and high numbers of IL-17 + mast cells predict an earlier disease recurrence.

Health-related quality of life in patients with generalized pustular psoriasis: A systematic literature review

Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is a rare, chronic, neutrophilic inflammatory skin disease characterized by episodes of widespread eruption of sterile, macroscopic pustules that can be accompanied by systemic inflammation and symptoms. A systematic literature review and narrative synthesis were conducted to determine the impact of GPP on patients' health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and patient-reported severity of symptoms and to compare its impact to patients with plaque psoriasis (plaque PsO). Searches were undertaken in Embase, MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library from 1 January 2002 to 15 September 2022. Screening was carried out by two reviewers independently. Outcome measures included generic (e.g. EQ-5D, SF-36) and dermatology-specific (e.g. DLQI) clinical outcome assessments, and other relevant patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) (e.g. severity of pain measured by a numerical rating scale). Overall, 20 studies were found to be eligible for inclusion, of which seven also had data for plaque PsO. The DLQI was the most frequently reported outcome measure (16 out of 20 studies). When reported, mean DLQI (SD) scores varied from 5.7 (1.2) to 15.8 (9.6) across the studies, indicating a moderate to very large effect on HRQoL; the wide range of scores and large SDs were explained by the small population sizes (n ≤ 12 for all studies except two). Similar ranges and large SDs were also observed for other measures within individual studies. However, in general, people with GPP reported a greater impact of their skin condition on HRQoL, when compared to people with plaque PsO (i.e. higher DLQI scores) and higher severity for itch, pain and fatigue. This systematic review highlighted the need for studies with a larger population size, a better understanding of the impact of cutaneous and extracutaneous symptoms and comorbidities on HRQoL during and between GPP flares, and outcome measures specifically tailored to the unique symptoms and the natural course/history of GPP.

Free space optical link to a tethered balloon for frequency transfer and chronometric geodesy

We present the results of an optical link to a corner cube on board a tethered balloon at 300 m altitude including a Tip/Tilt compensation for the balloon tracking. Our experiment measures the carrier phase of a 1542 nm laser, which is the useful signal for frequency comparison of distant clocks. An active phase noise compensation of the carrier is implemented, demonstrating a fractional frequency stability of 8 × 10-19 after 16 s averaging, which slightly (factor ∼ 3) improves on best previous links via an airborne platform. This state-of-the-art result is obtained with a transportable set-up that enables a fast field deployment.

Characteristics and management of generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP): Experience from the Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) GPP Expert Network

BACKGROUND

Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is a rare, inflammatory skin disease characterized by widespread eruption of sterile pustules with or without systemic symptoms.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to describe the demographics of patients with GPP in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), present the clinical characteristics of individual GPP flares and explore the current treatment landscape.

METHODS

Patient demographics were collected at the times of last observation and previous treatment. Characteristics of a patient's last (most recent) and most severe (from all documented episodes) flare were provided at clinician's discretion.

RESULTS

Fifty-eight patients were recruited from 12 centres in nine CEE countries; median (range) age was 61 (16-92) years and 60.3% (35 out of 58) were female. The most common comorbidities were hypertension (43.1% [25 out of 58]) and hyperlipidaemia (32.8% [19 out of 58]). Thirty-four patients (58.6%) presented with concomitant plaque psoriasis before or during the course of GPP. Data from two separate flares were recorded in 26 individuals; in 32 patients, the most recent flare was reported as the most severe. Over 90% of patients with a flare episode classified as most severe by clinicians were hospitalized, with >75% of these individuals having a Generalized Pustular Psoriasis Physician Global Assessment (GPPGA) total score of 3 or 4. Systemic symptoms were more common in patients with a GPPGA score of 3 or 4 but were also manifest in individuals with a GPPGA score ≤2. A significant correlation was observed between a combined systemic disease score of clinical and laboratory features and both GPPGA total score (r = 0.385, p < 0.001) and GPPGA pustulation subscore (r = 0.305, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Considerable heterogeneity in the presentation of GPP flares was observed, both between patients and within-patient. All GPP flares were associated with a significant clinical burden, highlighting the unmet need for accurate and early diagnosis.

Profiling endogenous adrenal function during veno-venous ECMO support in COVID-19 ARDS: a descriptive analysis

Background

Prolonged critical illness is often accompanied by an impairment of adrenal function, which has been frequently related to conditions complicating patient management. The presumed connection between hypoxia and the pathogenesis of this critical- illness- related corticosteroid insufficiency (CIRCI) might play an important role in patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Since extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is frequently used in ARDS, but data on CIRCI during this condition are scarce, this study reports the behaviour of adrenal function parameters during oxygenation support with veno-venous (vv)ECMO in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) ARDS.

Methods

A total of 11 patients undergoing vvECMO due to COVID-19 ARDS at the Medical University of Vienna, who received no concurrent corticosteroid therapy, were retrospectively included in this study. We analysed the concentrations of cortisol, aldosterone, and angiotensin (Ang) metabolites (Ang I-IV, Ang 1-7, and Ang 1-5) in serum via liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry before, after 1 day, 1 week, and 2 weeks during vvECMO support and conducted correlation analyses between cortisol and parameters of disease severity.

Results

Cortisol concentrations appeared to be lowest after initiation of ECMO and progressively increased throughout the study period. Higher concentrations were related to disease severity and correlated markedly with interleukin-6, procalcitonin, pH, base excess, and albumin during the first day of ECMO. Fair correlations during the first day could be observed with calcium, duration of critical illness, and ECMO gas flow. Angiotensin metabolite concentrations were available in a subset of patients and indicated a more homogenous aldosterone response to plasma renin activity after 1 week of ECMO support.

Conclusion

Oxygenation support through vvECMO may lead to a partial recovery of adrenal function over time. In homogenous patient collectives, this novel approach might help to further determine the importance of adrenal stress response in ECMO and the influence of oxygenation support on CIRCI.

Persistent Neutrophil Infiltration and Unique Ocular Surface Microbiome Typify Dupilumab-Associated Conjunctivitis in Patients with Atopic Dermatitis

Objective

To elucidate the pathogenesis of dupilumab (Dupixent®)-associated ocular surface disease (DAOSD).

Design

Prospective single-center cohort study.

Subjects

Twenty patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) who received dupilumab and 10 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were enrolled in the study.

Methods

The study cohort underwent a thorough slit-lamp and entire-body dermatologic examination. Conjunctival swabs and smears were collected at baseline, 4 and 16 weeks after treatment initiation, and during the conjunctivitis episode. To analyse the ocular surface microbiome, 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing was performed, smears were hematoxylin and eosin stained, and serum cytokines were measured by using a multiplex immunobead assay.

Main Outcome Measures

Composition of ocular surface microbiome and cellular component as well as serum cytokine levels.

Results

Six of the 20 patients with AD developed DAOSD after dupilumab initiation; these patients responded after a delay to treatment as quantified by Eczema Area and Severity Index and Investigator's Global Assessment score. Conjunctival smears showed massive neutrophilic infiltration and serum analysis revealed increased systemic levels of neutrophil-priming proinflammatory cytokines, in particular interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor α, in patients with DAOSD compared with those without it. The ocular surface microbiome of patients with DAOSD was characterized by a diverse and persistent microbial colonization, particularly by Acetobacter aceti. In contrast, microbial diversity decreased in patients with AD without DAOSD after the initiation of dupilumab treatment, especially the abundance of Staphylococcus aureus. In vitro experiments substantiated the potential role of the microbiome, showing increased growth of A. aceti and decreased growth of S. aureus in presence of dupilumab.

Conclusions

Persistent neutrophilic infiltration and a unique microbial landscape on the ocular surface associated with elevated levels of systemic proinflammatory cytokines typify DAOSD.

Financial Disclosures

Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references.

Lower free triiodothyronine (fT3) levels in cirrhosis are linked to systemic inflammation, higher risk of acute-on-chronic liver failure, and mortality

Background & Aims

Advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD) may affect thyroid hormone homeostasis. We aimed to analyze the pituitary-thyroid axis in ACLD and the prognostic value of free triiodothyronine (fT3).

Methods

Patients with ACLD (liver stiffness measurement [LSM] ≥10 kPa) undergoing hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) measurement between June 2009 and September 2022 and available fT3 levels were included. Clinical stages of ACLD were defined as follows: probable ACLD (pACLD; LSM ≥10 kPa and HVPG ≤5 mmHg), S0 (mild portal hypertension [PH]; HVPG 6-9 mmHg), S1 (clinically significant PH), S2 (clinically significant PH with varices), S3 (past variceal bleeding), S4 (past/current non-bleeding hepatic decompensation), and S5 (further decompensation).

Results

Among 297 patients with ACLD, 129 were compensated (pACLD, n = 10; S0, n = 33; S1, n = 42; S2, n = 44), whereas 168 were decompensated (S3, n = 12; S4, n = 97; S5, n = 59). Median levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) numerically increased with progressive ACLD stage (from 1.2 μIU/ml [pACLD] to 1.5 μIU/ml [S5]; p = 0.152), whereas fT3 decreased (from 3.2 pg/ml [pACLD] to 2.5 pg/ml [S5]; p <0.001). Free thyroxin levels remained unchanged (p = 0.338). TSH (aB 0.45; p = 0.046) and fT3 (aB -0.17; p = 0.048) were independently associated with systemic C-reactive protein levels. Lower fT3 was linked to higher risk of (further) decompensation (adjusted subdistribution hazard ratio [asHR] 0.60; 95% CI 0.37-0.97; p = 0.037), acute-on-chronic liver failure (asHR 0.19; 95% CI 0.08-0.49; p <0.001) and liver-related death (asHR 0.14; 95% CI 0.04-0.51; p = 0.003).

Conclusions

Increasing TSH and declining fT3 levels are observed with progressive ACLD stages. The association of TSH and fT3 with systemic inflammation suggests a liver disease-associated non-thyroidal illness syndrome. Lower fT3 levels in patients with ACLD indicate increased risk for decompensation, acute-on-chronic liver failure, and liver-related death.

Impact and Implications

In a large well-characterized cohort of patients with advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD), we found a decline of free triiodothyronine (fT3) throughout the clinical stages of ACLD, paralleled by a numerical increase of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). This suggests a progressive development of a non-thyroidal illness syndrome in association with ACLD severity. Importantly, C-reactive protein independently correlated with TSH and fT3, linking thyroid dysbalance in ACLD to systemic inflammation. Lower fT3 indicated an increased risk for subsequent development of hepatic decompensation, acute-on-chronic liver failure, and liver-related death.

Clinical trial number

Vienna Cirrhosis Study (VICIS; NCT: NCT03267615).

Performance indicators in speed climbing: insights from the literature supplemented by a video analysis and expert interviews

Due to the goal of mastering a standardised route with relatively large handholds as quickly as possible, the weighting of performance-determining factors might be different in speed climbing in comparison to lead climbing or bouldering. The objective of this paper was to identify physical and tactical factors for peak performance in speed climbing. Therefore, not only existing literature was reviewed but also a video analysis of the final round of speed climbing at the Olympic games and interviews with experts were done. Out of two hundred and one articles initially found by searching in Medline, Elsevier and Google Scholar databases, 38 were ultimately considered. Generally, an increased lower limb power, a small body mass index, an improved anaerobic glycogen system, and a high fluency in movements were identified as characteristics for high-speed climbing performance. Based on video analysis of Olympic games, coordinated motions, correct foot movements and shorter reaction time could take a novice speed climber to an elite level. Furthermore, male climbers should avoid pairing hands on holds. Considering the increasing popularity, the continued improvement of the record time in this discipline, and the currently limited amount of relevant literature should stimulate future studies on performance-determining variables, assessments, and training methods to maintain the attractiveness of speed climbing.

Acromegalic Cardiomyopathy: An Entity on its own? The Effects of GH and IGF-I Excess and Treatment on Cardiovascular Risk Factors

Acromegaly is a chronic disease resulting from constantly elevated concentrations of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I). If not adequately treated, GH and IGF-I excess is associated with various cardiovascular risk factors. These symptoms mainly include hypertension and impaired glucose metabolism, which can be observed in approximately one-third of patients. Other comorbidities are dyslipidemia and the presence of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. However, even in the absence of conventional cardiovascular risk factors, myocardial hypertrophy can occur, which reflects the impact of GH and IGF-I excess itself on the myocardium and is defined as acromegalic cardiomyopathy. Whereas previous echocardiography-based studies reported a high prevalence of cardiomyopathy, this prevalence is much lower in cardiac magnetic resonance imaging-based studies. Myocardial hypertrophy in acromegaly is due to a homogeneous increase in the intracellular myocardial mass and extracellular myocardial matrix and improves following successful treatment through intracellular changes. Intramyocardial water retention or ectopic lipid accumulation might not be of relevant concern. Successful treatment significantly improves myocardial morphology, as well as cardiovascular risk factors. In addition to GH/IGF-I-lowering therapy, the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular complications is crucial for the successful management of acromegaly.

Entwicklung der Patientencharakteristika und der Wirksamkeit der Biologika-Therapie bei Patienten des Österreichischen Psoriasis-Registers von 2004 bis 2022

Hintergrund und Ziele

In dieser Studie wurde untersucht, inwieweit die Einführung wirksamerer Medikamente in jüngster Zeit zu einer Verbesserung der Behandlungsergebnisse von Psoriasis‐Patienten im klinischen Alltag geführt hat.

Patienten und Methodik

Es wurden Patientencharakteristika und die Wirksamkeit der Therapie im ersten Behandlungsjahr bei Biologika‐naiven Patienten von 2004 bis heute analysiert, unabhängig von Therapiewechseln.

Ergebnisse

Die Daten von 2729 Patienten eigneten sich für die Analyse. Der Anteil der weiblichen Patienten stieg über die Jahre signifikant von 29,9% auf 36,2% (p < 0,028), während der Anteil der Patienten mit einer Psoriasis‐Arthritis von 36,6% auf 30,0% sank (p < 0,001). Außerdem nahm die Dauer der Psoriasis‐Erkrankung und der PASI‐Wert zu Beginn der Behandlung in Verlauf der Zeit signifikant ab. Die „letzte Beobachtung übernommen“ (LOCF)‐Analyse zeigte, dass das PASI‐90‐Ansprechen drei Monate nach Therapiebeginn von 18,9% auf 44,6% und 12 Monate nach Therapiebeginn von 32,9% auf 66,8% anstieg. Ebenso stiegen die PASI<3 Befunde von 33,2% auf 66,0% 3 Monate und von 41,9% auf 78,9% 12 Monate nach Behandlungsbeginn.

Schlussfolgerungen

Die kontinuierliche Einführung wirksamerer Biologika hat zu einer deutlichen Verbesserung des klinischen Ansprechens und der Patientenversorgung geführt. Dennoch erreicht auch heute noch, je nach gewähltem Endpunkt, jeder dritte bis fünfte Patient kein vollständig zufriedenstellendes Behandlungsergebnis (d.h. PASI 90 oder PASI ≤ 3).

Evolution of characteristics and biologic treatment effectiveness in patients of the Austrian psoriasis registry from 2004-2022

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

This study analyzed the extent to which the recent introduction of more effective treatments has led to an improvement in real-world psoriasis patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patient characteristics and the first-year treatment effectiveness in biologic-naive patients have been analyzed since 2004 until now, irrespective of treatment switches.

RESULTS

Data from 2,729 patients were eligible for this analysis. The proportion of female patients increased significantly over the years from 29.9% to 36.2% (p < 0.028), while the number of patients with psoriatic arthritis declined from 36.6% to 30.0% (p < 0.001). Moreover, the duration of psoriatic disease and PASI at the start of the treatment significantly decreased. Last observation carrief forward (LOCF) analysis indicated that PASI 90 response increased from 18.9 to 44.6% at 3 months and from 32.9 to 66.8% at 12 months after treatment started. Similary, the PASI ≤ 3 rates increased from 33.2% to 66.0% at 3 months and from 41.9% to 78.9% at 12 months after the treatment started.

CONCLUSIONS

The continuous introduction of more efficient biologics has led to significant improvements in patient care and clinical outcomes. Though one out of three to five patients, depending on the endpoint selected, nowadays still does not achieve an entirely satisfactory treatment response (i.e., PASI 90 or PASI ≤ 3).

Longer-term verbal and visual memory patterns in patients with temporal lobe and genetic generalized epilepsies

OBJECTIVE

To compare forgetting patterns between patients with temporal lobe (TLE) and generalized (GGE) epilepsies and to assess whether recall is associated with epileptic activity.

METHODS

Thirty-three patients with TLE (13 left, 17 right, and 3 nonlateralized TLE), 42 patients with GGE, and 57 healthy controls (HCs) were asked to recall words, verbal story material, and the Rey-Osterrieth complex figure at two delays. Accelerated long-term forgetting (ALF) was defined by group performance comparable to HCs at 30 min and worse recall than HCs after 4 weeks. ALF was assessed by comparing raw test scores in a two-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) adjusted for the learning capacity.

RESULTS

Compared to HCs, patients with R-TLE remembered fewer items of the word list after 30 min as well as after 4 weeks. Patients with L-TLE and GGE had comparable learning-adjusted performance to HCs at the 30 min delay but scored less after 4 weeks (group by delay interaction F(3, 124) = 3.2, P = 0.026,η p 2  = 0.07). The epilepsy group (patients with TLE and GGE combined) performed as well as HCs at 30 min but worse after 4 weeks irrespective of experienced seizures during the 4-week delay or interictal bilateral (TLE) or generalized (GGE) activity before the study. We noted no statistically significant differences between patient and HC verbal story (group by delay interaction F(3, 124) = 0.7, P = 0.570,η p 2  = 0.02) or complex figure (F(3, 124) = 0.8, P = 0.488,η p 2  = 0.02) recall.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our data support verbal and visual memory impairment in both TLE and GGE with different performances between these groups in the task of word recall. We suggest the presence of ALF in patients with GGE and left TLE after adjusting for learning capacity. We could not confirm the influence of epileptic activity on long-term forgetting patterns. Future studies are required to better define domain-specific differences in memory impairment in TLE and GGE.

Rehabilitation of cognition and psychosocial well-being - a better life with epilepsy (ReCaP-ABLE): a protocol for a randomized waitlist-controlled trial

Despite advances in the understanding of cognitive dysfunction among people with epilepsy (PWE), evidence for cognitive rehabilitation in epilepsy (CoRE) remains scarce. We present the protocol of a randomized waitlist-controlled trial (ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT05934786) of a psychological-behavioral intervention aiming to ameliorate quality of life as well as cognitive functioning in a mixed PWE sample. The study is set at Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos and will offer adult PWE six individual and two group sessions led by a certified psychologist and directed toward improving memory, attention, self-regulation, mood and quality of life. The trial is expected to address major gaps in the literature by providing novel evidence on the effectiveness of CoRE in patients with genetic generalized epilepsies, the importance of epilepsy-specific factors for the response to CoRE, the impact of CoRE on long-term memory as well as its maintenance effects.

Increased GH/IGF-I Axis Activity Relates to Lower Hepatic Lipids and Phosphor Metabolism

CONTEXT

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a leading causes of liver-related morbidity and mortality. While data on acromegaly, a state of chronic growth hormone (GH)/insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) excess, suggest an inverse relationship with intrahepatic lipid (IHL) content, less is known about the impact of the GH/IGF-I axis on IHL, lipid composition, and phosphor metabolites in individuals without disorders of GH secretion.

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to investigate the relation between activity of the GH/IGF-I axis and IHL content and phosphor metabolism.

METHODS

We performed a cross-sectional study in 59 otherwise metabolically healthy individuals (30 females), of which 16 met the criteria of NAFLD with IHL of ≥5.6%. The GH/IGF-I axis was evaluated in a fasting state and during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Insulin sensitivity was estimated by validated indices. IHL, lipid composition (unsaturation index), and phosphate metabolites were analyzed by using 1H/31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

RESULTS

In the overall cohort (40.6 ± 15 years; body mass index: 24.5 ± 3 kg/m2; IGF-I: 68.0 ± 17% upper limit of normal), fasting GH (R = -0.31; P = .02), GH during oral glucose tolerance test (R = -0.51; P < .01), and IGF-I (R = -0.28; P = .03) inversely correlated with IHL. GH levels during OGTT were significantly lower in NAFLD than in controls (47.7 [22; 143] ng/mL/min vs 16.8 [7; 32] ng/mL/min; P = .003). GH/IGF-I axis activity correlated with lipid composition and with phosphor metabolites. In multiple regression analysis, the GH/IGF-I axis activity was a strong predictor for IHL and lipid composition independent from insulin sensitivity.

CONCLUSION

GH/IGF-I axis activity impacts hepatic lipid and phosphate metabolism in individuals without disorders in GH secretion. Lower GH axis activity is associated with higher IHL and an unfavorable lipid composition, probably mediated by changes in hepatic energy metabolism.

Guided Exploration Leads to Faster Familiarization with a Wearable Robot: First Results of an Innovative Protocol

Wearable robots show promise in addressing physical and functional deficits in individuals with mobility impairments. However, the process of learning to use these devices can take a long time. In this study, we propose a novel protocol to support the familiarization process with a wearable robot (the Myosuit) and achieve faster walking speeds. The protocol involves applying an anterior pulling force while participants perform a series of 10-meter Walking Tests (10mWT) with or without the Myosuit under various experimental conditions. We hypothesized that guiding the exploration of novel walking patterns can help the users learn to exploit the Myosuit's assistance faster by leading to larger step lengths and ultimately higher walking speeds. In this paper, we present the preliminary results of the protocol with seven participants with lower-limb mobility impairments. Participants who were assisted by the Myosuit showed a continuous increase in walking speed over the course of the pulling part of the experiment with a maximum increase of 41.3% (10.4%) when compared to the baseline 10mWT. Following the removal of the pulling force, these participants continued to show an increased walking speed while being supported by the Myosuit. This higher walking speed was primarily due to a significant increase in step length of 24% (16.6%) and cadence of 11% (8.9%). The results of this study may help the development of familiarization techniques for wearable robots.

Cooperative Goal Generation for Reaching Tasks in Robot-Assisted Rehabilitation

Robot-assisted neurorehabilitation requires automated generation of goal positions for reaching tasks in functional movement therapy. In state-of-the-art solutions, these positions are determined by a motivational therapy game either through constraints on the end-effector (2D or 3D games), or individual arm joints (1D games). Consequently, these positions cannot be adapted to the patients' specific needs by the therapist, and the effectiveness of the training is reduced. We solve this issue by generating goal positions using Gaussian Mixture Models and probability density maps based on the active range of motion of the patient and desired activities, while being compliant with existing game constraints. Therapists can modify the goal generation via an intuitive difficulty and activity parameter. The pipeline was tested on the upper-limb exoskeleton ANYexo 2.0. We have shown that the range of motion exploration rate could be altered from 0.39% to 5.9% per task and that our method successfully generated a sequence of reaching tasks that matched the range of motion of the selected activity, up to an inlier accuracy of 78.9%. Results demonstrate that the responsibilities of the therapy game (i.e., motivating the patient) and the therapists (i.e., individualizing the training) could be distributed properly. We believe that with our pipeline, effective cooperation between the involved agents is achieved, and the provided therapy can be improved.

Gamification of Physical Therapy Exercises Using Commercial Entertainment Content: A Safety and Feasibility Study

Independent physiotherapy at home is a crucial element of rehabilitative care for a wide range of conditions as it constitutes a large portion of the overall therapy dose. However, up to 80% of individuals who are prescribed at-home physiotherapy do not consistently adhere to their treatment schedule, resulting in poor treatment outcomes. This is likely due to a lack of motivation and progress tracking in the current standard of care. We have developed a novel software prototype that allows users to control commercial entertainment content, such as video games or interactive music videos, with their movements during physiotherapy. By connecting therapy to proven entertainment content, we aim to improve on the current motivational deficits. This study investigated the safety and feasibility of this concept in a controlled environment over four physical therapy sessions with seven patients suffering from musculoskeletal and neurological conditions. As a secondary outcome, patients were asked about their enjoyment, perceived competence and effort using the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory (IMI) questionnaire. All participants were able to interact with the presented entertainment content and completed the study with no adverse events. Despite the diversity in pathology, age and training scenarios, the entertainment content maintained the patients' enjoyment with a high average rate of 6/7 on the IMI scale. Interacting with commercial entertainment content by doing physical therapy exercises was feasible, safe, and well-received over the six-week study period.

Increase in intracellular and extracellular myocardial mass in patients with acromegaly: a cardiac magnetic resonance imaging study

BACKGROUND

Acromegaly is associated with an increased left ventricular (LV) mass, as reported in echo-based and, more recently, in a few cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies. One possible explanation for this increased LV mass could be water retention and subsequent myocardial edema.

METHODS

In this prospective cross-sectional study, 26 patients with active acromegaly before and after treatment and 31 controls of comparable age and sex were investigated using cardiac MRI. Cardiac morphology, function, and myocardial tissue characteristics were evaluated. Myocardial T2 relaxation time was used as the main outcome measure of myocardial edema. The study was registered with clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02948322).

RESULTS

Patients compared to controls had greater LV mass indexes (58.1 [54.7-68.6] vs 46.0 [41.3-49.8] g/m2; P < .001) and end-diastolic volume (EDV) indexes (97.3 [88-101.2] vs 81.6 [78.1-96.2] mL/m2; P = .0069) and had comparable global contractile function. T2 values were not different between patients and controls. Both intracellular (43.83 [41.0-50.0] vs 34.32 [28.9-38.7] g/m2; P < .001) and extracellular (15.06 [13.5-17.1] vs 11.6 [10.8-12.7] g/m2; P < .001) LV mass indexes were higher in patients compared to controls. Log growth hormone correlated with myocardial mass (r = 0.75; P < .001). Sex, systolic blood pressure (BP), and the presence of acromegaly were predictors of the LV mass index. The extracellular LV mass index was associated with sex and the presence of acromegaly, whereas the intracellular LV mass index was associated with sex, systolic BP, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Acromegaly treatment reduced EDV and total and intracellular LV mass indexes without significantly affecting extracellular mass.

CONCLUSION

Acromegaly results in a disease-specific form of LV hypertrophic remodeling, characterized by an increase in both intra- and extracellular mass. The LV mass index and intracellular mass were decreased by treatment.

An impaired pituitary-adrenal signalling axis in stable cirrhosis is linked to worse prognosis

Background & Aims

Inadequate adrenal function has been described in patients with cirrhosis. We investigated (i) the pituitary-adrenal axis at different clinical stages and (ii) the clinical impact of decreased serum cortisol levels in stable patients with advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD).

Methods

We included 137 outpatients with ACLD undergoing hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) measurement in the prospective VICIS study (NCT03267615). Patients were stratified into six clinical stages: S0: subclinical portal hypertension (PH) (HVPG 6-9 mmHg), S1: clinically significant PH (HVPG ≥10 mmHg) without varices, S2: presence of varices, S3: previous variceal bleeding, S4: previous non-bleeding decompensation, and S5: further decompensation.

Results

Fifty-one patients had compensated ACLD (S0: n = 13; S1: n = 12; S2: n = 26), whereas 86 patients had decompensated ACLD (S3: n = 7; S4: n = 46; S5: n = 33). Serum total cortisol (t-Cort) showed a strong correlation with estimated serum free cortisol (f-Cort; Spearman's ρ: 0.889). With progressive clinical stage, median ACTH levels (from S0: 44.0 pg/ml to S5: 20.0 pg/ml; p = 0.006), t-Cort (from S0: 13.9 μg/dl to S5: 9.2 μg/dl; p = 0.091), and cortisol binding globulin (from S0: 49.3 μg/ml to S5: 38.9 μg/ml; p <0.001) decreased, whereas f-Cort (p = 0.474) remained unchanged. Lower t-Cort levels independently predicted bacterial infections (asHR: 1.11; 95% CI: 1.04-1.19; p = 0.002), further decompensation (asHR: 1.08; 95% CI: 1.02-1.12; p = 0.008), acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF; asHR: 1.11; 95% CI: 1.04-1.19; p = 0.002), and liver-related death (asHR: 1.09; 95% CI: 1.01-1.18; p = 0.045).

Conclusions

The pituitary-ACTH-adrenal-cortisol axis is progressively suppressed with increasing severity of cirrhosis. Lower t-Cort is an independent risk factor for bacterial infections, further decompensation of ACLF, and liver-related mortality-even in stable outpatients with cirrhosis.

Clinical trial number

Vienna Cirrhosis Study (VICIS; NCT: NCT03267615).

Impact and Implications

In a cohort of stable outpatients, we observed progressive suppression of the pituitary-adrenal axis with increasing clinical stage of advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD). Increased levels of bile acids and systemic inflammation (assessed by interleukin-6 levels) could be involved in this suppression. Serum total cortisol (t-Cort) was strongly correlated with serum free cortisol (f-Cort) and lower t-Cort levels were independently associated with a higher risk of adverse clinical outcomes, including bacterial infections, further decompensation, acute-on-chronic liver failure, and liver-related death.

Reading epilepsy today: A scoping review and meta-analysis of reports of the last three decades

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Reading-induced seizures are presumed to be rare phenomena attributed to an epilepsy syndrome not clearly belonging to either focal or generalized epilepsies. The aim of the article was to summarize knowledge and recent developments in the field of reading-induced seizures by reviewing all cases for which data were reported within the last three decades.

METHODS

A scoping systematic review of demographic, clinical, electroencephalography (EEG) and imaging data of cases with reading-induced seizures reported in PubMed and Web of Science between 1991-01-01 and 2022-08-21 and a meta-analysis of the findings.

RESULTS

The review included 101 case reports of epilepsy with reading-induced seizures (EwRIS) from 42 articles. The phenomenon was more prevalent among males (67, 66.3% vs. 34, 33.7%) with an average age of onset of 18.3 ± 7.9 years. When reported, 30.8% of patients had a family history of epilepsy. Orofacial reflex myocloni (ORM) were the most frequent manifestation (68, 67.3% cases), other presentations, mostly in addition to ORM, included visual, sensory or cognitive symptoms, non-orofacial myoclonic seizures, and absence seizures. Within the sample, 75 (74.3%) patients were identified as having primary reading epilepsy (PRE), 13 (12.9%) idiopathic generalised epilepsy (IGE) and 13 (12.9%) focal epilepsies. Advanced EEG and functional imaging data suggest that the basic mechanism of reading-induced seizures is probably similar despite different symptoms and consists of upregulation of the complex cerebral subsystem involved in reading. Ictogenesis and resulting symptomatology may then depend on predominant sensory or proprioceptive stimuli during reading.

CONCLUSION

In most cases, reading-induced seizures were confirmed to belong to a particular epilepsy syndrome of PRE. However, there were substantial subgroups with IGE and focal epilepsies. Most likely, reading-induced seizures occur as an abnormal response to extero- or proprioceptive input into an upregulated cortical network subserving reading. Most recent researchers consider EwRIS a system epilepsy.

Narrowband-ultraviolet B vs Broadband-ultraviolet B in Treatment of Chronic Pruritus: A Randomized, Single-blinded, Non-inferiority Study

Narrowband-ultraviolet B has shown increased efficacy over broadband-ultraviolet B in pruritic skin diseases, such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. In patients with chronic pruritus, e.g. in end-stage renal disease, broadband-ultraviolet B is recommended, but narrowband-ultraviolet B has also shown efficacy in reducing pruritus. This randomized, single blinded, non-inferiority study investigated the effects of narrowband-ultraviolet B compared with broadband-ultraviolet B. Patients with chronic pruritus were treated with either broadband- or narrowband-UVB 3 times a week for 6 weeks and clinical response was monitored. Pruritus, sleep disturbance, and the patients' subjective overall response to treatment were evaluated by the patients on a visual analogue scale (0-10). Skin excoriations were evaluated by investigators on a 4-point scale (0-3). Both phototherapeutic modalities showed significant antipruritic activity (itch reduction 48% and 66.4%, respectively) by broadband-ultraviolet B and narrowband-ultraviolet B. Narrowband-ultraviolet B proved to be not inferior to broadband-ultraviolet B in treating pruritus in patients with chronic pruritus, assuming a 20% non-inferiority margin.

Ultraviolet exposure regulates skin metabolome based on the microbiome

Skin metabolites (< 1500 Da) play a critical role in barrier function, hydration, immune response, microbial invasion, and allergen penetration. We aimed to understand the global metabolic profile changes of the skin in relation to the microbiome and UV exposure and exposed germ-free (devoid of microbiome), disinfected mice (partially devoid of skin microbiome) and control mice with intact microbiome to immunosuppressive doses of UVB radiation. Targeted and untargeted lipidome and metabolome profiling was performed with skin tissue by high-resolution mass spectrometry. UV differentially regulated various metabolites such as alanine, choline, glycine, glutamine, and histidine in germ-free mice compared to control mice. Membrane lipid species such as phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, and sphingomyelin were also affected by UV in a microbiome-dependent manner. These results shed light on the dynamics and interactions between the skin metabolome, microbiome, and UV exposure and open new avenues for the development of metabolite- or lipid-based applications to maintain skin health.

Syphilis

Syphilis is a curable systemic infectious disease with a clear increase in incidence in recent years. The disease presents with a broad clinical spectrum and challenges clinicians due to the long incubation period and the sometimes complex interpretation of serological test results. Penicillin G remains the treatment of choice in all stages of syphilis.

Feasibility of an Intelligent Algorithm Based on an Assist-as-Needed Controller for a Robot-Aided Gait Trainer (Lokomat) in Neurological Disorders: A Longitudinal Pilot Study

Most robotic gait assisted devices are designed to provide constant assistance during the training without taking into account each patient’s functional ability. The Lokomat offers an assist-as-needed control via the integrated exercise “Adaptive Gait Support” (AGS), which adapts the robotic support based on the patient’s abilities. The aims of this study were to examine the feasibility and characteristics of the AGS during long-term application. Ten patients suffering from neurological diseases underwent an 8-week Lokomat training with the AGS. They additionally performed conventional walking tests and a robotic force measurement. The difference between robotic support during adaptive and conventional training and the relationship between the robotic assessment and the conventional walking and force tests were examined. The results show that AGS is feasible during long-term application in a heterogeneous population. The support during AGS training in most of the gait phases was significantly lower than during conventional Lokomat training. A relationship between the robotic support level determined by the AGS and conventional walking tests was revealed. Moreover, combining the isometric force data and AGS data could divide patients into clusters, based on their ability to generate high forces and their level of motor control. AGS shows a high potential in assessing patients’ walking ability, as well as in providing challenging training, e.g., by automatically adjusting the robotic support throughout the whole gait cycle and enabling training at lower robotic support.

Severe nephrotic syndrome and early end-stage diabetic kidney disease in ABCC8-MODY12: A case report

A 24-year-old man with diabetes mellitus presented with advanced kidney disease and severe proteinuria. Genetic testing revealed ABCC8-MODY12 (OMIM 600509), and a kidney biopsy showed nodular glomerulosclerosis. He commenced dialysis shortly thereafter, and glycemic control improved on treatment with a sulfonylurea. Diabetic end-stage kidney disease in patients with ABCC8-MODY12 has not been reported until now. Thus, our case highlights the risk for early-onset and severe diabetic kidney disease in patients with ABCC8-MODY12 and the importance of timely genetic diagnosis in unusual cases of diabetes to allow for proper treatment and prevention of late sequelae of diabetes.

Potential role of skeletal muscle glycerophosphocholine in response to altered fluid balance in humans: An in vivo nuclear magnetic resonance study

BACKGROUND

Many cells adapt to hyperosmolal conditions by upregulation of organic osmolytes to maintain cell function and integrity. Glycerophosphocholine (GPC), a recognised osmolyte in renal medullary cells, is the major phosphodiester (PDE) in human skeletal muscle, wherefore we hypothesized muscular GPC to be associated with surrogate parameters of fluid status and osmolality in healthy humans.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the relationship of muscular GPC with surrogate parameters of body fluid status and osmolality.

METHODS

We analysed data of 30 healthy volunteers who underwent non-invasive ³¹P-magnetic resonance spectroscopy of either calf (n = 17) or thigh (n = 13) muscle. Therefore, we conducted correlation analyses between phosphor metabolites, and blood values depicting body fluid status and osmolality. Relevant parameters were further implemented in a multivariable regression model to evaluate if GPC concentrations can depict variations in fluid and electrolyte balance.

RESULTS

Uric acid (0.437, p = 0.018) and urea (0.387, p = 0.035) were significantly correlated with GPC, which in case of uric acid was independent of sex. Considering sex, following multivariable regression reported GPC as suitable parameter to predict uric acid (R² = 0.462, adjusted R² = 0.421; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our data indicate a connection between muscular GPC concentrations and uric acid which is a marker of body fluid status in healthy human subjects, suggesting that skeletal muscle might regulate GPC content in adaptation to changes in fluid status.

Dual assessment of abnormal cardiac electrical dispersion and diastolic dysfunction for early detection of the epileptic heart condition

BACKGROUND

People with epilepsy (PWE) are at increased risk for premature death due to many factors. Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is among the most important causes of death in these individuals and possibly, sudden cardiac death (SCD) in epilepsy is also as important. The possibility of concurrent derangement in electrical and mechanical cardiac function, which could be a marker of early cardiac involvement in PWE, has not been investigated in that population.

METHODS

Electrical dispersion indices (T-wave peak to T-wave end, TpTe; QT dispersion, QTd; QT interval corrected for heart rate, QTc) were analyzed in patients with pharmacoresistant temporal lobe epilepsy and compared to a control group. The electromechanical relationship between those indices and echocardiographic parameters were further assessed in PWE.

RESULTS

In 19 PWE and 21 controls, we found greater TpTe and QTd in PWE (TpTe: 91.6 ± 16.4 ms vs. 65.2 ± 12.1 ms, p < 0.0001; and QTd: 45.3 ± 13.1 ms vs. 19 ± 6.2 ms, p < 0.0001, respectively). QTc was similar between PWE and controls (419.2 ± 31.4 ms vs. 435.1 ± 31.4 ms, p = 0.12). In multivariate linear regression, TpTe, QTc, and epilepsy duration were related to left ventricular mass; QTc was associated with left atrial volume; QTc, the number of seizures per month, epilepsy duration and antiseizure medication explained 81% of E/A mitral wave Doppler ratio.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first report to demonstrate concurrent electrical dispersion and diastolic dysfunction in PWE. These noninvasive biomarkers could prove useful in early detection of the "Epileptic Heart" condition.

Cumulative UV Exposure or a Modified SCINEXA™-Skin Aging Score Do Not Play a Substantial Role in Predicting the Risk of Developing Keratinocyte Cancers after Solid Organ Transplantation-A Case Control Study

The risk of keratinocyte cancer is determined by intrinsic and extrinsic factors, which also influence skin aging. Few studies have linked skin aging and UV exposure with the incidence of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). We evaluated signs of actinic skin damage and aging, individual UV burden, and melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) variants. A total of 194 organ transplant recipients (OTR) who suffered from NMSC were compared to 194 tumor-free controls matched for gender, age, type of transplanted organ, post-transplantation (TX) period, and immunosuppressive therapy. Compared with the cases, the controls scored higher in all skin aging scores and there were no differences in UV burden except for intentional whole-body UV exposure for specific UV scenarios and periods of life in favor of cases. The number of NMSCs correlated with all types of skin aging scores, the extent of intentional sun exposure, older age, longer post-TX period, shorter interval from TX to first NMSC, and specific MC1R risk groups. Multivariable models revealed a 7.5-fold risk of developing NMSC in individuals with actinic keratosis; 4.1- or 3.6-fold in those with green or blue eyes, respectively; and a 1.9-fold increased risk in the MC1R medium- + high-risk group. In the absence of skin aging contributing to NMSC development, certain MC1R risk types may identify OTR at risk for high tumor burden.

Microbial derived antimicrobial peptides as potential therapeutics in atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease that significantly affects the patient's quality of life. A disrupted skin barrier, type 2 cytokine-dominated inflammation, and microbial dysbiosis with increased Staphylococcus aureus colonization are critical components of AD pathogenesis. Patients with AD exhibit decreased expression of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) which is linked to increased colonization by Staphylococcus aureus. The skin microbiome itself is a source of several AMPs. These host- and microbiome-derived AMPs define the microbial landscape of the skin based on their differential antimicrobial activity against a range of skin microbes or their quorum sensing inhibitory properties. These are particularly important in preventing and limiting dysbiotic colonization with Staphylococcus aureus. In addition, AMPs are critical for immune homeostasis. In this article, we share our perspectives about the implications of microbial derived AMPs in AD patients and their potential effects on overlapping factors involved in AD. We argue and discuss the potential of bacterial AMPs as therapeutics in AD.