Employing Simulated Participants to Develop Communication Skills in Medical Education: A Systematic Review.

Simulated participants (SPs) are often employed to teach communication skills in medical education. Although there is a large number of qualitative and/or noncomparative studies in this field, there is no current evidence for the effectiveness of this teaching method based on quantitative comparative meta-data. The aim of this review was to evaluate the effectiveness of SP-based teaching on patient-centered communication skills in medical education compared with traditional teaching formats such as lecture or peer role play focusing on quantitative and comparative data.

Creating a Foundation for the Visualization of Intracranial Cerebrospinal Fluid Using Photon-Counting Technology in Spectral Imaging for Cranial CT.

Background: Recent advancements in computed tomography (CT), notably in photon-counting CT (PCCT), are revolutionizing the medical imaging field. PCCT's spectral imaging can better visualize tissues based on their material properties. This research aims to establish a fundamental approach for the in vivo visualization of intracranial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) using PCCT.

Circulating collagen breakdown products as a biomarker for presence and instability of human intracranial aneurysms.

Introduction: There is an unmet need for improved detection of intracranial aneurysms (IAs) and distinction between stable and unstable (high rupture risk) IAs. Within the IA wall, synthesis and degradation of type I collagen as the main molecular constituent balance each other to maintain IA stability. We hypothesized that collagen breakdown products could serve as molecular markers for IA presence and instability.

Predictive value of renal shear wave elastography in liver cirrhosis.

Background: In liver cirrhosis, prognosis is profoundly affected by renal function. This study evaluates the usefulness of renal stiffness measurement by point-shear wave elastography and renal perfusion by duplex.

Methods: In this case-control study, organ stiffness was quantified using point-shear wave elastography and duplex sonography to calculate the arterial resistive (RI) and pulsatility indices (PI) in 123 patients, including patients with liver cirrhosis with (LC+A) and without ascites (LC-A) and patients without liver cirrhosis (NLC).

Development and validation of a digital biopsy model to predict microvascular invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Background: Microvascular invasion is a major histopathological risk factor of postoperative recurrence in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. This study aimed to develop and validate a digital biopsy model using imaging features to predict microvascular invasion before hepatectomy.

Methods: A total of 217 consecutive patients who underwent hepatectomy for resectable hepatocellular carcinoma were enrolled at two tertiary-care reference centers.

Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy with Defibrillator in Ischemic Versus Nonischemic Cardiomyopathy.

Cardiac resynchronization therapy with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (CRT-Ds) are established therapy options for patients suffering from heart failure (HF). Several aspects of HF modification have yet to be described regarding etiology-dependent outcome differences in the long-term.The Mannheim CArdiac Resynchronization TherApy RetrospeCtive ObservAtioNAl (MARACANA) Registry retrospectively included all patients provided with CRTs in our center from 2013 to 2021.

Risk Factors and Preventive Measures for Lung Cancer in the European Union.

Background: Lung cancer is worldwide one of the most common types of cancer with still very high mortality rates. The aim of this study was to identify and demonstrate correlations between lung cancer mortality rates and potential influencing factors in EU countries.

Methods: This retrospective study investigated the connections between the mortality rates in the EU countries (n = 28) and potential influencing factors.

Robotic versus laparoscopic hepatectomy for liver malignancies (ROC'N'ROLL): a single-centre, randomised, controlled, single-blinded clinical trial.

Background: Robotic hepatectomy (RH) has been increasingly adopted for the treatment of liver malignancies despite lacking evidence from randomised trials. We aimed to determine the effect of RH compared to laparoscopic hepatectomy (LH) on quality of life in patients undergoing minimally invasive hepatectomy for liver malignancies.

Methods: This single-blinded, randomised trial was conducted at a tertiary care academic centre (DRKS00027531).

Higher Accuracy of Arthroscopy Compared to MRI in the Diagnosis of Chondral Lesions in Acute Ankle Fractures: A Prospective Study.

Even after successful surgery for acute ankle fractures, many patients continue having complaints. A possible explanation is the presence of concomitant chondral lesions. The aim of this study is to investigate the accuracy of MRI compared to that of arthroscopy in the assessment of chondral lesions in acute ankle fractures.

Risk Factors and Preventive Measures for Breast Cancer.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in many countries. Breast cancer is a multifactorial disease. This study investigates the possible influencing factors and preventive measures for breast cancer.

Rifampin-resistant periprosthetic joint infections are associated with worse functional outcome in both acute and chronic infection types.

Periprosthetic joint infections (PJI) pose a significant challenge in orthopaedic surgery, often requiring extensive surgical debridement and prolonged antibiotic treatment to eliminate the causative pathogens. Rifampin, known for its potent activity against biofilms, has been crucial in managing PJI by penetrating and disrupting these formations, thereby improving treatment efficacy. In this sense, antibiotic protocols lacking rifampin have shown increased failure rates.

Establishing a Foundation for the In Vivo Visualization of Intravascular Blood with Photon-Counting Technology in Spectral Imaging in Cranial CT.

Background: Advances in computed tomography (CT) technology, particularly photon-counting CT (PCCT), are reshaping the possibilities for medical imaging. PCCT in spectral imaging enables the high-resolution visualization of tissues with material-specific accuracy. This study aims to establish a foundational approach for the in vivo visualization of intracranial blood using PCCT, focusing on non-enhanced imaging techniques and spectral imaging capabilities.

Long-Term Renal Function with Cardiac Contractility Modulation Therapy.

Introduction: Cardiac implantable electrical devices are able to affect kidney function through hemodynamic improvements. The cardiac contractility modulation (CCM) is a device-based therapy option for patients with symptomatic chronic heart failure (HF) despite optimized medical treatment. The long-term cardiorenal interactions for CCM treated patients are yet to be described.

Risk Factors and Preventive Measures for Cardiovascular Diseases.

Cardiovascular diseases are the most frequent cause of death worldwide. The aim of this study was to identify and demonstrate correlations between mortality data and etiological factors in EU countries. The relationships presented could thus provide a better understanding of etiological factors and possible points for interventions to prevent cardiovascular diseases.

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells in peripheral blood as predictive biomarkers in patients with solid tumors undergoing immune checkpoint therapy: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Immunotherapeutic approaches, including immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy, are increasingly recognized for their potential. Despite notable successes, patient responses to these treatments vary significantly. The absence of reliable predictive and prognostic biomarkers hampers the ability to foresee outcomes.

Cranial Computer Tomography with Photon Counting and Energy-Integrated Detectors: Objective Comparison in the Same Patients.

This study provides an objective comparison of cranial computed tomography (CT) imaging quality and radiation dose between photon counting detectors (PCCTs) and energy-integrated detectors (EIDs). We retrospectively analyzed 158 CT scans from 76 patients, employing both detector types on the same individuals to ensure a consistent comparison. Our analysis focused on the Computed Tomography Dose Index and the Dose-Length Product together with the contrast-to-noise ratio and the signal-to-noise ratio for brain gray and white matter.

One- vs. Two-Stage Revision for Periprosthetic Shoulder Infections: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Periprosthetic shoulder infection (PSI) remains a challenging complication after shoulder arthroplasty. Therapeutic options include one- or two-stage revision, irrigation and debridement, and resection arthroplasty. With our systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to compare one- and two-stage revisions for periprosthetic shoulder joint infections and determine the most appropriate therapeutic procedure.

Pleural Effusion and Chylothorax in Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia-Risk Factors, Management and Outcome.

Pleural effusion and chylothorax are common complications in the treatment of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). We set out to identify risk factors for chylothorax development in patients with CDH and to investigate the association of pleural effusion and chylothorax with neonatal morbidity and mortality. In this retrospective cohort study, we included 396 neonates with CDH treated at our institution between January 2013 and June 2019.

Malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies after surgery for esophageal and gastric cancer: A metanalysis.

Background & Aims: Patients receiving oncological esophagectomy or gastrectomy are known to be at high risk for vitamin and micronutrient deficiency before, during and after surgery. However, there are no clear guidelines for these cancer patients regarding postoperative vitamin supplementation.

Methods: We conducted a metanalysis consisting of 10 studies regarding vitamin and micronutrient deficiencies after oncological gastric or esophageal resection.

Comparison of T-POD and SAM Pelvic Sling II and the influence of attachment level in the initial management of unstable pelvic type C injuries - a cadaveric study.

Background: Type C pelvic fractures (AO/OTA) are severe injuries that frequently lead to bleeding and hemodynamic instability. Pelvic binders play a crucial role in their initial management. Placement at the correct level in the prehospital setting is challenging.

Algorithm for Rapid Exclusion of Clinically Relevant Plasma Levels of Direct Oral Anticoagulants in Patients Using the DOAC Dipstick: An Expert Consensus Paper.

Background:  With the widespread use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), there is an urgent need for a rapid assay to exclude clinically relevant plasma levels. Accurate and rapid determination of DOAC levels would guide medical decision-making to (1) determine the potential contribution of the DOAC to spontaneous or trauma-induced hemorrhage; (2) identify appropriate candidates for reversal, or (3) optimize the timing of urgent surgery or intervention.

Methods And Results:  The DOAC Dipstick test uses a disposable strip to identify factor Xa- or thrombin inhibitors in a urine sample.