Disturbed spatial WNT activation - a potential driver of the reticularized skin phenotype in Systemic Sclerosis (SSc).

Objectives: Little is known on the mechanisms necessary to maintain the physiological adult human skin integrity. This study aims to quantitatively describe anatomical changes in systemic sclerosis (SSc)-skin compared to controls and investigate the underlying mechanisms.

Methods: Skin morphology was histologically assessed in twenty-three SSc-patients, eighteen controls and fifteen patients with hypertrophic scars.

Short-term and long-term changes in natriuretic peptide levels after bariatric surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Bariatric surgery (BS) has demonstrated cardiovascular benefits in patients and was previously proven to be associated with an increased natriuretic peptide level without cardiac dysfunction. However, new studies have emerged, which require us to re-examine the relationship and extent of the correlation between BS, weight loss, and cardiac natriuretic peptide levels. A systematic search was conducted.

Improved survival of advanced melanoma patients receiving immunotherapy with concomitant antithrombotic therapy - A multicenter study on 2419 patients from the prospective skin cancer registry ADOReg.

Background: Cancer immunotherapy has revolutionized melanoma treatment, but the high number of non-responders still emphasizes the need for improvement of therapy. One potential avenue for enhancing anti-tumor treatment is through the modulation of coagulation and platelet activity. Both have been found to play an important role in the tumor microenvironment, tumor growth and metastasis.

Adherence to Dietary Behavior Recommendations Moderates the Effect Between Time Since Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and Percentage Total Weight Loss.

Purpose: Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) is the gold standard in treating severe obesity. Previous research implies that different psychological and behavior-related factors might be critical for MBS' sustained success. Yet adherence to dietary behavior recommendations and its impact on weight development is rarely examined.

Cytokeratin 17 expression is commonly observed in keratinocytic skin tumours and controls tissue homeostasis impacting human papillomavirus protein expression.

Background: The structured expression of several keratins in the skin is associated with differentiation status of the epidermal layers, whereas other keratins are upregulated only during wound healing, in skin disorders and in cancers. One of these stress keratins, K17, is correlated with poor prognosis in various cancer types and its loss has been shown to decelerate tumour growth. K17 expression can also be detected in cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas, where ultraviolet irradiation and infection with cutaneous human papillomaviruses are important cofactors.

Scars are frequently found as late sequelae in individuals affected by the 2022 mpox outbreak.

Background: The 2022 mpox outbreak continues, and while progress has been made in prevention strategies and potential treatment options, data on late sequelae following mpox are scarce.

Objective: This analysis aimed to assess the incidence of scar formation in individuals affected by the 2022 mpox outbreak.

Methods: All individuals diagnosed with mpox at the Department of Dermatology at the Medical University of Vienna in 2022 were included in this analysis.

S2k guideline: Diagnosis and therapy of localized scleroderma.

The updated S2k guideline deals with the diagnosis and therapy of localized scleroderma (LoS). LoS represents a spectrum of sclerotic skin diseases in which, depending on the subtype and localisation, structures such as adipose tissue, muscles, joints, and bones may also be affected. Involvement of internal organs or progression to systemic sclerosis does not occur.

Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery in Patients with Obesity Class V (BMI > 60 kg/m): a Modified Delphi Study.

Background: Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) is the preferred method to achieve significant weight loss in patients with Obesity Class V (BMI > 60 kg/m). However, there is no consensus regarding the best procedure(s) for this population. Additionally, these patients will likely have a higher risk of complications and mortality.

Epicardial Adipose Tissue Changes After Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is a visceral fat depot located between the myocardium and visceral epicardium. Emerging evidence suggests that excessive EAT is linked to increased risk of cardiovascular conditions and other metabolic diseases. A literature search was conducted from the earliest studies to the 26th of November 2022 on PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane.

Impact of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease With and Without Pulmonary Hypertension on Survival: A Large Cohort Study of the German Network for Systemic Sclerosis.

Background: Pulmonary involvement is the leading cause of death in systemic sclerosis (SSc) and may manifest as interstitial lung disease (ILD), pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), or in combination of both (ILD with pulmonary hypertension [ILD-PH]). The aim of this analysis was to determine prevalence, clinical characteristics, and survival of these different forms within the registry of the German Network for Systemic Sclerosis.

Research Question: Does SSc-associated ILD-PH or ILD without PH affect survival differently, and are there any risk factors that have an additional impact?

Study Design And Methods: Clinical data of 5,831 patients with SSc were collected in the German Network for Systemic Sclerosis registry.

Quality of Care Transition During Hospital Discharge, Patient Safety, and Weight Regain After Bariatric Surgery: a Cross-Sectional Study.

Purpose: Bariatric surgery is established as the gold standard in the treatment of severe obesity. However, a significant proportion of patients experience a substantial weight regain afterwards. Previous research focused predominantly on patients' personal factors.

Anti-acid therapy in SSc-associated interstitial lung disease: long-term outcomes from the German Network for Systemic Sclerosis.

Objectives: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs frequently in patients with SSc. We investigated whether the presence of GERD and/or the use of anti-acid therapy, specifically proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs), are associated with long-term outcomes, especially in SSc-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD).

Methods: We retrospectively analysed patients with SSc and SSc-ILD from the German Network for Systemic Sclerosis (DNSS) database (2003 onwards).

Epidemiology of Merkel Cell Polyomavirus Infection and Merkel Cell Carcinoma.

Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is a ubiquitous virus replicating in human dermal fibroblasts. MCPyV DNA can be detected on healthy skin in 67−90% of various body sites, and intact virions are regularly shed from the skin. Infection occurs early in life, and seropositivity increases from 37 to 42% in 1- to 6-year-olds to 92% in adults.

Increase of atypical fibroxanthoma and pleomorphic dermal sarcoma: a retrospective analysis of four German skin cancer centers.

Background And Objectives: In recent years, considerable insight has been gained into the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of cutaneous sarcomas, including atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX) and pleomorphic dermal sarcoma (PDS). Both entities have shown increasing incidence rates in the last decade. This study was initiated to evaluate how these new insights impact the number of diagnoses of AFX/PDS compared to other cutaneous sarcoma entities.