Impairment of Cognitive Function in Different Domains Early After Lung Transplantation.

In this prospective observational pilot study patients with the diagnosis of end-stage lung disease and listed for lung transplantation underwent a cognitive function test battery before and after lung transplantation to investigate postoperative cognitive function in three domains (visual and verbal memory, executive functioning, concentration/speed of processing). Additionally we investigated intraoperative risk factors for postoperative cognitive dysfunction. In total, 24 patients were included in this pilot study.

MicroRNA-93 acts as an "anti-inflammatory tumor suppressor" in glioblastoma.

Background: Inflammation is an important driver of malignant glioma disease. Inflammatory mediators are not only produced by immune cells in the tumor microenvironment, but also by glioblastoma (GBM) cells themselves creating a mutually reinforcing loop. We here aimed at identifying an "anti-inflammatory switch" that allows to dampen inflammation in GBM.

Intronic miR-744 Inhibits Glioblastoma Migration by Functionally Antagonizing Its Host Gene MAP2K4.

Background: The second intron of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinase 4 (MAP2K4), an important hub in the pro-invasive MAPK pathway, harbors miR-744. There is accumulating evidence that intronic micro-RNAs (miRNAs) are capable of either supporting or restraining functional pathways of their host genes, thereby creating intricate regulative networks. We thus hypothesized that miR-744 regulates glioma migration by interacting with its host's pathways.

Indocyanine green clearance as an outcome prediction tool in cardiac surgery: a prospective study.

Purpose: To evaluate the role of plasma disappearance rate of indocyanine green (PDR-ICG) as an outcome prediction tool in cardiac surgery.

Patients And Methods: One hundred ninety patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting, valve surgery or combined procedures were enrolled. PDR-ICG measurements along with standard lab values were performed preoperative and on postoperative days 1, 2, and on discharge from the intensive care unit.

Daptomycin as supportive treatment option in patients developing mediastinitis after open cardiac surgery.

Background: Mediastinitis is a severe complication after cardiac surgery. While improvement of prophylaxis and of medical and surgical therapy has reduced its incidence, the treatment of mediastinitis continues to be a challenging problem. Within this study, we report the successful use of daptomycin as supportive therapy in patients developing mediastinitis after open cardiac surgery.

Medical suppression of hypercortisolemia in Cushing's syndrome with particular consideration of etomidate.

Cushing's syndrome is associated with excessive cortisol secretion by the adrenal gland or ectopic tumours and may result in diabetes, hypertension, and life-threatening infections with high mortality rates especially in the case of surgical resection. Although surgical resection is the treatment of choice, patients may benefit from preceding medical therapy. This may especially be useful as an adjunctive approach in emergency settings, if patients cannot undergo surgery, if surgery or radiotherapy fails, or if the tumour recurs.