Predicting Psoriatic Arthritis in Psoriasis Patients - A Swiss Registry Study.

Background: Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a prevalent comorbidity among patients with psoriasis, heavily contributing to their burden of disease, usually diagnosed several years after the diagnosis of psoriasis.

Objectives: To investigate the predictability of psoriatic arthritis in patients with psoriasis and to identify important predictors.

Methods: Data from the Swiss Dermatology Network on Targeted Therapies (SDNTT) involving patients treated for psoriasis were utilized.

Impact of Cancer Localization on Symptom Burden and Quality of Life in Head and Neck Cancers: A Comparative Study.

Head and neck cancer (HNC) is a critical concern in oncology, with notable disparities in survival rates. While the long-term symptom burden in HNC survivors and its impact on quality of life (QoL) has been explored, there is limited understanding of the influence of cancer localizations on these aspects. This study aims to elucidate the role of cancer localizations in shaping long-term outcomes in HNC patients.

A probability model for estimating age in young individuals relative to key legal thresholds: 15, 18 or 21-year.

Age estimations are relevant for pre-trial detention, sentencing in criminal cases and as part of the evaluation in asylum processes to protect the rights and privileges of minors. No current method can determine an exact chronological age due to individual variations in biological development. This study seeks to develop a validated statistical model for estimating an age relative to key legal thresholds (15, 18, and 21 years) based on a skeletal (CT-clavicle, radiography-hand/wrist or MR-knee) and tooth (radiography-third molar) developmental stages.

Exploring cognitive impairments and the efficacy of phosphatidylcholine and computer-assisted cognitive training in post-acute COVID-19 and post-acute COVID-19 Vaccination Syndrome.

Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to millions of confirmed cases worldwide, resulting in numerous deaths and hospitalizations. Long-term symptoms after infection or vaccination, known as Post-acute COVID-19 Syndrome (PACS) or Post-acute COVID-19 Vaccination Syndrome (PACVS), present a challenge for the healthcare system. Among the various neurological symptoms, cognitive impairments are frequently observed in PACS/PACVS patients.

A Novel Echocardiographic Parameter to Confirm Low-Gradient Aortic Stenosis Severity.

Background: In patients with low-gradient (LG) aortic stenosis (AS), confirming disease severity and indication of intervention often requires dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) or aortic valve calcium scoring by computed tomography. We hypothesized that the mean transvalvular pressure gradient to effective orifice area ratio (MG/EOA, in mm Hg/cm) measured during rest echocardiography identifies true-severe AS (TSAS) and is associated with clinical outcomes in patients with low-flow, LG-AS.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic value of MG/EOA ratio.

Minimum intraoperative testing battery for cochlear implantation: the international practice trend.

Purpose: In cochlear implantation (CI) surgery, there are a wide variety of intraoperative tests available. However, no clear guide exists on which tests must be performed as the minimum intraoperative testing battery. Toward this end, we studied the usage patterns, recommendations, and attitudes of practitioners toward intraoperative testing.

Differences in Success Rate of Two-Stage Revision for Periprosthetic Joint Infection of the Knee Depending on the Applied Definition.

Background: Success rates of two-stage exchange arthroplasty are subject to substantial variance in the literature. An explanation is the lack of a universally accepted definition of what constitutes treatment success for periprosthetic joint infection. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to assess success rates, applying four definitions to identify the one definition that best captures "true" success from both a clinical and patient-centered perspective.

Increased rate of injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament in amateur soccer players after the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown.

The COVID-19 pandemic led to the discontinuation of soccer activities at all levels of play. Injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) are still one of the most severe injuries in soccer. The aim of this investigation was to analyze the changes in the incidence and mechanism of ACL injuries in professional and amateur soccer before and after the lockdown period.

Long-Term Follow-Up Regarding Pain Relief, Fertility, and Re-Operation after Surgery for Deep Endometriosis.

Endometriosis is known to be a common chronic disease that often affects the quality of life of patients. Especially for deep endometriosis (DE), the most challenging form of the disease, surgery remains an important component of treatment. However, long-term outcomes after surgery are poorly studied.

Cabozantinib Plus Nivolumab in Adult Patients with Advanced or Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Retrospective, Non-Interventional Study in a Real-World Cohort/GUARDIANS Project.

Introduction: Combinations of immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are the standard of care (SOC) for treatment-naive metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) patients. In this multicenter study, we evaluated the RW safety and efficacy of cabozantinib plus nivolumab in mRCC patients.

Methods: Data were retrospectively collected from twelve cancer centers in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria.

The Impact of Body Mass Index on the Mortality of Myocardial Infarction Patients With Nonobstructive Coronary Arteries.

Objectives: Myocardial infarction without significant stenosis or occlusion of the coronary arteries carries a high risk of recurrent major adverse cardiovascular events and poor prognosis. This study aimed to investigate the association between body mass index and outcomes in patients with a suspected myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary artery disease (MINOCA).

Methods: Patients were recruited at Bergmannsheil University Hospital from January 2010 to April 2021.

MultiSCRIPT-Cycle 1-a pragmatic trial embedded within the Swiss Multiple Sclerosis Cohort (SMSC) on neurofilament light chain monitoring to inform personalized treatment decisions in multiple sclerosis: a study protocol for a randomized clinical trial.

Background: Treatment decisions for persons with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) rely on clinical and radiological disease activity, the benefit-harm profile of drug therapy, and preferences of patients and physicians. However, there is limited evidence to support evidence-based personalized decision-making on how to adapt disease-modifying therapy treatments targeting no evidence of disease activity, while achieving better patient-relevant outcomes, fewer adverse events, and improved care. Serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) is a sensitive measure of disease activity that captures and prognosticates disease worsening in RRMS.

Management of Fluid Overload in Patients With Severe Aortic Stenosis (EASE-TAVR): A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Fluid overload (FO) subjects patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) to increased risk for heart failure and death after valve replacement and can be objectively quantified using bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS).

Objectives: The authors hypothesized that in AS patients with concomitant FO, BIS-guided decongestion could improve prognosis and quality of life following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

Methods: This randomized, controlled trial enrolled 232 patients with severe AS scheduled for TAVR.

Renal structural changes and apelin receptor expression in spontaneously hypertensive rats: implications for hypertension-induced kidney injury.

Background: Arterial hypertension is a primary risk factor for kidney disease. Recent advances have implied a potential link between the apelin system and renal homeostasis.

Materials And Methods: We used 6- and 12-month-old spontaneously hypertensive rats and age-matched normotensive controls to assess the changes in the renal expression of the apelin receptor by immunohistochemical method.

State of the art treatment with Impella® in cardiac surgery in Austria.

Since 2022, the mechanical left ventricular support system Impella 5.5® has been used in Austria for patients with cardiogenic shock, advanced heart failure, post-cardiotomy and low output syndrome. The surgical insertion of the Impella 5.

Brachialis to Anterior Interosseous Nerve Transfer: Comprehensive Anatomic Rationale.

Background And Objectives: Distal nerve transfers for muscle reinnervation and restoration of function after upper and lower motor neuron lesions are a well-established surgical approach. The brachialis to anterior interosseous nerve (BrAIN) transfer is performed for prehension reanimation in lower brachial plexus and traumatic cervical spinal cord injuries. The aim of the study is to shed light on the inconsistent results observed in patients who undergo the BrAIN transfer.

Fecal urgency and incontinence in inflammatory bowel disease perceived by physician and patient: Results from the Swiss fecal urgency survey.

Introduction: Although increasingly appreciated, little is known about the prevalence of fecal urgency, fecal incontinence and differences between patients' and physicians' perception in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Methods: We performed an online patient and physician survey to evaluate the assessment, prevalence and impact of fecal urgency and incontinence in IBD.

Results: A total of 593 patients (44.

Effect of mothers' health literacy on early childhood allergy prevention behaviours: results from the KUNO-Kids health study.

Background: Parents can engage in several behaviours with regard to early childhood allergy prevention (ECAP). These can be related to diet of mother/child and the modification of the home environment; not all of them are justified by current evidence. Previous studies showed that parental health literacy (HL) is related to favourable health behaviours directed at the child.

Frailty indices predict mortality, complications and functional improvements in supratentorial meningioma patients over 80 years of age.

Purpose: To assess whether the Modified 5 (mFI-5) and 11 (mFI-11) Factor Frailty Indices associate with postoperative mortality, complications, and functional benefit in supratentorial meningioma patients aged over 80 years.

Methods: Baseline characteristics were collected from eight centers. Based on the patients' preoperative status and comorbidities, frailty was assessed by the mFI-5 and mFI-11.

Online Hemodiafiltration: A New Perspective for Patients With End-Stage Renal Disease.

Introduction Online hemodiafiltration (OL-HDF) is the most effective renal replacement therapy (RRT), which allows the enhanced removal of small and large uremic toxins by combining diffusion and convective transport of solutes. Although the goal of OL-HDF is to provide greater clearance of solutes with a preference for intermediate molecules responsible for many of the complications of chronic kidney disease (CKD), the studies reported to date and their meta-analyses are conflicting in nature and do not show a significant advantage of convective therapies on patient prognosis. Materials and methods At the Clinic of Nephrology and Dialysis, University Hospital "St.

Unraveling novel mutation patterns and morphological variations in two dalbavancin-resistant MRSA strains in Austria using whole genome sequencing and transmission electron microscopy.

Background: The increasing prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains resistant to non-beta-lactam antimicrobials poses a significant challenge in treating severe MRSA bloodstream infections. This study explores resistance development and mechanisms in MRSA isolates, especially after the first dalbavancin-resistant MRSA strain in our hospital in 2016.

Methods: This study investigated 55 MRSA bloodstream isolates (02/2015-02/2021) from the University Hospital of the Medical University of Vienna, Austria.