Downhill hiking improves low-grade inflammation, triglycerides, body weight and glucose tolerance.

Exercise is a well-established tool for cardiovascular risk reduction. Particularly eccentric exercise, which essentially means walking downwards could favour more people becoming physically active. With the present controlled study, we tested the hypothesis that eccentric exercise can improve insulin sensitivity, triglyceride handling, body mass index, glucose tolerance and inflammation.

Value of total cholesterol readings earlier versus later in life to predict cardiovascular risk.

Background: Prognostic implications of blood cholesterol may differ at different stages of life. This cohort study compares the value of total cholesterol (TC) readings earlier versus later in life for the prediction of coronary atherosclerosis, cardiovascular events, and cardiovascular death.

Methods: In a cardiovascular observation study (CVOS) we performed coronary angiography and prospectively recorded cardiovascular events in 1090 patients over up to 19 years.

Significant impact of circulating tumour DNA mutations on survival in metastatic breast cancer patients.

Mutational analysis of circulating tumour (ct) DNA holds promise as an effective tool to predict the course of metastatic breast cancer (MBC). In the present study we used targeted next generation sequencing of ctDNA to evaluate the impact of cancer driven mutations on the prognosis of MBC. The study included 59 oestrogen receptor-positive (ER+), HER2-negative MBC patients.

Indications for and outcome in patients with the wearable cardioverter-defibrillator in a nurse-based training programme: results of the Austrian WCD Registry.

Background: The wearable cardioverter-defibrillator is a treatment option for patients at temporarily high risk of sudden cardiac death or in whom implantation of a cardioverter-defibrillator is temporarily not possible.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to provide real-world data on patients receiving this therapy in a nurse-based wearable cardioverter-defibrillator training programme.

Methods: A registry including all patients prescribed with a wearable cardioverter-defibrillator in Austria between 2010 and 2016.

Twelve-Year Follow-Up of Navigated Computer-Assisted Versus Conventional Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Prospective Randomized Comparative Trial.

Background: Navigated computer-assisted total knee arthroplasty (TKA) was introduced to expedite long-term survival based on improved postoperative implantation accuracy. However, long-term outcome data after 10 years or more are rare, even available meta-analyses show controversial study results.

Methods: In a prospective randomized trial, 100 conventional TKAs (group CONV) were compared with 100 computer-assisted TKAs (group NAV) after a mean follow-up of 12 years postoperatively.

Encouraging treatment algorithm for computer-assisted navigated total knee arthroplasty (TKA): A retrospective cohort analysis.

Objective: Navigated computer-assisted total knee arthroplasty (TKA) shows inconclusive mid- to long-term outcome results and is limited by increased costs, surgery-time and an additional learning curve. We introduced a treatment algorithm preserving computer-assisted TKA for patients with adipositas-per-magna, posttraumatic leg-deformities, osteosynthetic material in-situ or reduced preoperative X-ray quality.

Methods: 237 primary unilateral TKA were allocated based on the treatment concept described above.

Long-term significance of urinary neopterin in ovarian cancer: a study by the Austrian Association for Gynecologic Oncology (AGO).

Background: Neopterin is produced by activated macrophages upon stimulation with interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and thus, elevated neopterin concentrations in patients indicate cellular inate immune response. Most studies in patients with malignant diseases found an association between higher neopterin concentrations and reduced survival and impaired prognosis. Nevertheless, neopterin is not a classical tumor marker since it is not produced by the cancer cells themselves.

Bipolar versus monopolar transurethral resection of the prostate: results of a comparative, prospective bicenter study--perioperative outcome and long-term efficacy.

Objectives: To compare bipolar and monopolar transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) in a comparative prospective study at two urology centers.

Methods: Of 212 patients with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia entered prospectively into the study, 111 underwent bipolar and 101 monopolar TURP. Patients were treated in two consecutive series with each surgical method at both centers.

Lipid lowering therapy in type 2 diabetes.

The primary defect underlying abnormalities in lipoprotein transport in type 2 diabetes is insulin resistance, which leads to increased triglycerides in the fasting and postprandial states, preponderance of small, dense LDL and low concentrations of dysfunctional HDL. Concentrations of LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) are most often not remarkably abnormal. Based on this lipoprotein profile, it seems somewhat counterintuitive to prioritize LDL-C lowering in type 2 diabetes.

Laparoscopic management of common bile duct stones.

Background: While laparoscopic cholecystectomy is widely accepted for therapy of cholecystolithiasis, controversy still exists concerning the management of common bile duct stones. Besides preoperative endoscopic papillotomy followed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy and open common bile duct surgery, management of common bile duct stones can be conducted by laparoscopy, if respective experience is available.

Method: During laparoscopic cholecystectomy a cholangiography via the cystic duct is routinely performed.