Non-invasive assessment of Pulse Wave Transit Time (PWTT) is a poor predictor for intraoperative fluid responsiveness: a prospective observational trial (best-PWTT study).

Background: Aim of this study is to test the predictive value of Pulse Wave Transit Time (PWTT) for fluid responsiveness in comparison to the established fluid responsiveness parameters pulse pressure (ΔPP) and corrected flow time (FTc) during major abdominal surgery.

Methods: Forty patients undergoing major abdominal surgery were enrolled with continuous monitoring of PWTT (LifeScope® Modell J BSM-9101 Nihon Kohden Europe GmbH, Rosbach, Germany) and stroke volume (Esophageal Doppler Monitoring CardioQ-ODM®, Deltex Medical Ltd, Chichester, UK). In case of hypovolemia (difference in pulse pressure [∆PP] ≥ 9%, corrected flow time [FTc] ≤ 350 ms) a fluid bolus of 7 ml/kg ideal body weight was administered.

Immunohistochemical analysis of sex hormone receptors in squamous changes of the urothelium.

Objective: Squamous cell transformation of the urinary bladder urothelium has various causes, symptoms, and few treatment options. The aim of this study was to analyze and compare the expression of sex hormone receptors in non-keratinized and keratinized squamous metaplasia (NKSM, KSM), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and healthy urothelium with regard to possible therapeutic approaches.

Methods: Biopsies from 26 patients with urothelial NKSM, KSM, and SCC were analyzed retrospectively.

Immune- and miRNA-response to recombinant interferon beta-1a: a biomarker evaluation study to guide the development of novel type I interferon- based therapies.

Background: The innate immune receptor RIG-I detects viral RNA within the cytosol of infected cells. Activation of RIG-I leads to the induction of antiviral cytokines, in particular type I interferon, the inhibition of a T(H)17 response as well as to the suppression of tumor growth. Therefore, RIG-I is a promising drug target for the treatment of cancer as well as multiple sclerosis.

[Acceptance- and mindfulness-based group intervention in advanced type 2 diabetes patients: therapeutic concept and practical experiences].

Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and early diabetic nephropathy have a poor disease-related prognosis; furthermore these patients are often also mentally stressed. We investigated an acceptance- and mindfulness-based group intervention for these patients in addition to regular medical therapy. Both intervention program and descriptive outcomes of patients' evaluation are presented.