Cartilage decisively shapes the glenoid concavity and contributes significantly to shoulder stability.

PURPOSE: Glenohumeral joint injuries frequently result in shoulder instability. However, the biomechanical effect of cartilage loss on shoulder stability remains unknown. The aim of the current study was to investigate biomechanically the effect of two severity stages of cartilage loss in different dislocation directions on shoulder stability. METHODS: Joint dislocation was provoked in 11 human cadaveric glenoids for 7 different directions between 3 o'clock (anterior) and 9 o'clock (posterior). Shoulder stability ratio (SSR) and concavity gradient were assessed in three states: intact, 3 mm and 6 mm simulated cartilage loss. The influence of cartilage loss on SSR and concavity gradient was statistically evaluated. RESULTS: Both SSR and concavity gradient decreased significantly between intact state and 6 mm cartilage loss in every dislocation direction (p ≤ 0.038), except concavity gradient in 4 o'clock direction. Thereby, anterior-inferior dislocation directions were associated with the highest decrease in both SSR and concavity gradient of up to 59.0% and 49.4%, respectively, being significantly bigger for SSR compared with all other dislocation directions (p ≤ 0.040). Correlations between concavity gradient and SSR for pooled dislocation directions were significant in each separate specimen's state (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: From a biomechanical perspective, articular cartilage of the glenoid contributes significantly to the concavity gradient, correlating strongly with the associated loss in glenohumeral joint stability. The biggest effect of cartilage loss is observed in the most frequently occurring anterior-inferior dislocation directions, suggesting that surgical interventions to restore cartilage's surface and concavity should be considered for recurrent shoulder dislocations in presence of cartilage loss.

Management of acute knee dislocations: anatomic repair and ligament bracing as a new treatment option-results of a multicentre study.

PURPOSE: The literature shows no consensus regarding the best method and timing for the treatment of acute knee dislocations. Studies indicate that a one-stage procedure performed in the early stages of injury can lead to superior results. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results after performing early surgical repair with additional suture augmentation (ligament bracing) of all torn ligaments in acute knee dislocations. METHODS: In this prospective multicentre study, 73 patients with an acute type III or IV knee dislocation were treated with one-stage ligament bracing within 10 days. Twenty-six patients sustained a type III medial dislocation, thirty-nine patients sustained a type III lateral dislocation, and eight patients presented a type IV dislocation. Four patients were lost to follow-up. Within the follow-up evaluation, various scores were collected (International Knee Documentation Committee IKDC Score, Tegner Score and Lysholm Score). Additional stress radiography was performed (Telos™) postoperatively. RESULTS: Sixty-nine knee dislocations (Schenck III and IV) with a follow-up at a mean of 14 ± 1.6 months were evaluated. The average IKDC score was 75.5 ± 14.5, the average Lysholm score was 81.0 ± 15.5, and the median loss of activity in the Tegner score was 1 (range 0-3) point. Stress radiographs showed side-to-side differences at a mean of 3.2 ± 1.3 mm for the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and of 2.9 ± 2.1 mm for the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). The operative revision rate (early and late) was 17.4%. In the early stage, one wound infection and one case of transient common peroneal nerve (CPN) paresis were successfully revised. In the later stage, four patients with knee stiffness and six cases with symptomatic knee instability needed reoperation. Patients without ultra-low velocity (ULV) dislocations or CPN showed good or excellent results in 87.5% according to the Lysholm score. CONCLUSION: In cases of acute knee dislocation, primary ACL and PCL transosseous sutures with additional suture augmentation predominantly lead to good and excellent clinical results. Obese patients sustaining ultra-low velocity (ULV) dislocations and patients following injury to the CPN show inferior outcomes. In patients without ULV and CPN intraoperative and postoperative complications occurred in 10.1%. The obtained results and revision rates show that early primary suture repair is a promising option. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prospective multicentre study, II.

[Perioperative music-induced analgesia : Comparison of the effect of music on pain between preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative application]. / Perioperative musikinduzierte Analgesie : Vergleich der Wirkung von Musik auf Schmerz zwischen prä-, intra- und postoperativer Anwendung.

BACKGROUND: Despite suitable analgesia procedures and interventions only approximately 24% of inpatients with strong to very strong pain receive adequate treatment. Besides opioids, which are associated with numerous side effects and risks, non-pharmacological approaches are increasingly being used. In this context, one of the oldest known methods are music interventions; however, the state of evidence is heterogeneous and there are no explicit manuals and recommendations for the effective implementation of music interventions. OBJECTIVE: This review aimed to determine the optimal time point at which perioperative music interventions can most effectively relieve pain. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A PubMed search was conducted and publications investigating the effect of music during the preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative stages of various interventions were identified. RESULTS: During the preoperative phase, only positive effects of music on pain relief have been reported but availability of data is sparse. During the intraoperative stage of a medical intervention the effect of music seems to be mediated by the type of anesthesia procedure and sedation depth. Only patients who can consciously perceive the music seem to profit from it. Positive alleviating effects on subjective pain perception and analgesia needs were shown in the postoperative stage. CONCLUSION: Music is a non-pharmacological method to alleviate pain, which is free of side effects. Important considerations for the use of music interventions for relief of acute pain associated with surgery are discussed taking into account numerous mediating factors, which influence the efficacy of the treatment.

[Seasonal distribution of clinical case codes (DOC study)]. / Saisonale Verteilung klinischer Kennzahlen (DOC-Study).

OBJECTIVES: The German diagnosis-related groups remuneration system (G-DRG) was implemented in 2004 and patient-related diagnoses and procedures lead to allocation to specific DRGs. This system includes several codes, such as case mix (CM), case mix index (CMI) and number of cases. Seasonal distribution of these codes as well as distribution of diagnoses and DRGs may lead to logistical consequences for clinical management. METHODS: From 2004 to 2013 all the main diagnoses and DRGs for inpatients were recorded. Monthly and seasonal distributions were analyzed using ANOVA. RESULTS: The average monthly number of cases was 265 ± 25 cases, the average CM was 388.50 ± 51.75 and the average CMI was 1.46 ± 0.15 with no significant seasonal differences (p > 0.1). Concussion was the most frequently occurring main diagnosis (3739 cases) followed by fractures of the humeral head (699). Significant distribution differences could be shown for humeral head fractures in monthly (p = 0.018) and seasonal comparisons (p = 0.006) with a maximum in winter. Radius (p = 0.01) and ankle fractures (p ≤ 0.001) also occurred most frequently in winter. Non-bony lesions of the shoulder were significantly less in spring (p = 0.04). The DRGs showed no evidence of a monthly or seasonal clustering (p > 0.1). CONCLUSION: The significant clustering of injuries in specific months and seasons should lead to logistic consequences (e.g. operating room slots, availability of nursing and anesthesia staff). For a needs assessment the analysis of main diagnoses is more appropriate than DRGs.

Obesity as an independent risk factor for decreased survival in node-positive high-risk breast cancer.

Obese breast cancer patients have a higher risk of lymph node metastasis and a poorer prognosis compared to patients with normal weight. For obese women with node-positive breast cancer, an association between body weight and prognosis remains unclear. In this retrospective study, we analyzed patient data from the Phase-III ADEBAR trial, in which high-risk breast cancer patients (pT1-4, pN2-3, pM0) were randomized into a docetaxel-based versus epirubicin-based chemotherapy regimen. Patients were grouped according to their BMI value as underweight/normal weight (BMI < 25 kg/m(2); n = 543), overweight (BMI 25-29.9 kg/m(2); n = 482) or obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m(2); n = 285). Overweight and obese patients were older, had larger tumors and were more likely to be postmenopausal at the time of diagnosis compared to underweight/normal-weight patients (all p < 0.001). Multivariate Cox regression analyses adjusting for age and histopathological tumor features showed that obese patients had a significantly shorter disease-free survival (DFS; HR 1.43; 95 % CI 1.11-1.86; p = 0.006) and overall survival (OS; HR 1.56; 95 % CI 1.14-2.14; p = 0.006) than non-obese patients. Subgroup analyses revealed that the differences in DFS and OS were significant for postmenopausal but not for premenopausal patients, and that the survival benefit of non-obese patients was more pronounced in women with hormone-receptor-positive disease. Obesity constitutes an independent, adverse prognostic factor in high-risk node-positive breast cancer patients, in particular for postmenopausal women and women with hormone-receptor-positive disease.

Feasibility and first long-term results after laparoscopic rectal segment resection and vaginal specimen retrieval for deep infiltrating endometriosis.

INTRODUCTION: Radical resection of deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE), including bladder and bowel resection, provides relief from pain in symptomatic patients. The laparoscopic approach to treatment is well established for bowel resection but normally requires additional abdominal incisions for specimen retrieval. Here we describe our technique of laparoscopically assisted rectal resection and transvaginal specimen retrieval (LARRT) and provide follow-up information on pain scores and complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective observational monocentric study on all DIE patients with rectal infiltration treated between 2008 and 2010 with LATRR at our department. Follow-up was obtained for at least 3 years, including baseline 1-year and 3-year pain scores. RESULTS: We identified four patients undergoing LARRT available for follow-up. DIE was confirmed by histology in all cases. There were no intraoperative complications. Two patients had transient postoperative urinary retention, one patient developed recto-vaginal fistula and required transient colostomy. One patient suffered from persistent vaginal dryness. All patients, however, reported persistent pain relief, including at the end of follow-up period. CONCLUSION: LARRT is a feasible variation of laparoscopic bowel resection for DIE with rectal infiltration. In our study it has promising results with respect to pain control. Larger studies will, however, be required to determine the safety of this procedure.

[Multiplanar reconstruction with mobile 3D image intensifier. Surgical treatment of proximal humerus fractures]. / Multiplanare Rekonstruktion mit mobilem 3D-Bildwandler. Operative Versorgung proximaler Humerusfrakturen.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to analyze the applicability and advantages of the intraoperative use of a mobile 3D C-arm with multiplanar imaging for surgery of acute proximal humerus fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study 20 patients (11 female, 9 male, median age 70 years, range 35-91 years) with dislocated proximal humerus fractures (6 with 2 segments, 10 with 3 segments and 4 with 4 segments) were included. Preoperatively 3D scanning was performed and a reevaluation of the fracture in comparison to the plain radiographs was performed. After operative treatment another scan was performed to evaluate technical complications. RESULTS: In comparison to the multiplanar reconstructions fracture morphology could not be correctly detected in 5 out of the 20 cases with plain radiographs. The preoperative image quality of the multiplanar reconstructions showed a significantly better assessment in comparison to the image quality with osteosynthesis (p < 0.05). The screws had to be replaced in 5 of the 20 patients. CONCLUSION: Intraoperative 3D imaging with mobile image intensifier enables an accurate analysis of fracture morphology. Furthermore a quasi real time preoperative planning, evaluation of reduction and implant position with immediate operative relevance can be realized.

The impact of upright posture on left ventricular deformation in athletes.

Besides LV ejection fraction (LVEF), global longitudinal strain (GLS) and global myocardial work index (GWI) are increasingly important for the echocardiographic assessment of left ventricular (LV) function in athletes. Since exercise testing is frequently performed on a treadmill, we investigated the impact of upright posture on GLS and GWI. In 50 male athletes (mean age 25.7 ± 7.3 years) transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and simultaneous blood pressure measurements were performed in upright and left lateral position. LVEF (59.7 ± 5.3% vs. 61.1 ± 5.5%; P = 0.197) was not affected by athletes' position, whereas GLS (- 11.9 ± 2.3% vs. - 18.1 ± 2.1%; P < 0.001) and GWI (1284 ± 283 mmHg% vs. 1882 ± 247 mmHg%; P < 0.001) were lower in upright posture. Longitudinal strain was most frequently reduced in upright posture in the mid-basal inferior, and/or posterolateral segments. Upright posture has a significant impact on LV deformation with lower GLS, GWI and regional LV strain in upright position. These findings need to be considered when performing echocardiography in athletes.

Effect of maximum exercise on left ventricular deformation and its correlation with cardiopulmonary exercise capacity in competitive athletes.

BACKGROUND: Global longitudinal strain (GLS) and global myocardial work index (GWI) allow early detection of subclinical changes in left ventricular (LV) systolic function. The aim of the study was to investigate the immediate effects of maximum physical exercise by different exercise testing methods on early post exercise LV deformation parameters in competitive athletes and to analyze their correlation with cardiopulmonary exercise capacity. METHODS: To reach maximum physical exercise, cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) was performed by semi-recumbent ergometer in competitive handball players (n = 13) and by treadmill testing in competitive football players (n = 19). Maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) indexed to body weight (relative VO2max) was measured in all athletes. Transthoracic echocardiography and blood pressure measurements were performed at rest and 5 min after CPET in all athletes. GLS, GWI and their changes before and after CPET (ΔGLS, ΔGWI) were correlated with (relative) VO2max. RESULTS: In handball and football players, GLS and GWI did not differ significantly before and after CPET. There were no significant correlations between GLS and relative VO2max, but moderate correlations were found between ΔGWI and relative VO2max in handball (r = 0.631; P = 0.021) and football players (r = 0.592; P = 0.008). Furthermore, handball (46.7 ml/min*kg ± 4.7 ml/min*kg vs. 37.4 ml/min*kg ± 4.2; P = 0.004) and football players (58.3 ml/min*kg ± 3.7 ml/min*kg vs. 49.7 ml/min*kg ± 6.8; P = 0.002) with an increased ΔGWI after CPET showed a significant higher relative VO2max. CONCLUSION: Maximum physical exercise has an immediate effect on LV deformation, irrespective of the used testing method. The correlation of relative VO2max with ΔGWI in the early post exercise period, identifies ΔGWI as an echocardiographic parameter for characterizing the current individual training status of athletes.

DTCs in breast cancer: clinical research and practice.

Minimal residual disease (MRD), i.e., isolated tumor cells (ITC) in bone marrow, may be the source of potentially fatal overt distant metastases in solid tumors even years after primary treatment. MRD can be detected by immunohistochemical methods using antibodies directed against cytokeratins, cell-surface markers, or molecular PCR-based techniques. Among solid tumors, the clinical relevance of MRD has been most extensively studied in breast cancer patients. The highest level of evidence for the prognostic impact of MRD in primary breast cancer was reached by a pooled analysis comprising more than 4,000 patients, showing poor outcome in patients with MRD at primary therapy. Yet, clinical application of MRD detection is hampered by the lack of a standardized detection assay. Moreover, clinical trial results demonstrating the benefit of a therapeutic interference derived from bone marrow status are still missing. Recent results suggest that in addition to its prognostic impact, MRD can be used for therapy monitoring or as a potential therapeutic target after phenotyping of the tumor cells. Persisting MRD after primary treatment may lead to an indication for extended adjuvant therapy. In a pooled analysis bone marrow aspirates of 726 patients from academic breast cancer units in Oslo (n=356), Munich (n=228), and Tuebingen (n=142) were analyzed during recurrence-free follow-up at a mean interval of 31.7 months after primary diagnosis of breast cancer pT1-4, pN0-3 pM0. Persistent ITC was detected in 15.4% of the patients (n=112). The Kaplan-Meier estimate for mean distant relapse-free survival estimate was 163.6 months in patients with negative and 105.2 months in patients with positive BM status. Patients without evidence of persistent ITC had a significantly longer overall survival (165.6), than patients with positive bone marrow status (103.3 months, p < .0001). Given these inspiring results on ITC in the bone marrow, several trials currently analyze the prognostic relecance of circulating tumor cells (CTC) in peripheral blood in the adjuvant setting. Persisting MRD after primary treatment may lead to an indication for extended adjuvant therapy. However, until clinical consequences of MRD detection in solid tumors and particularly in breast cancer have been validated, the detection of isolated tumor cells in bone marrow should be performed mainly in clinical trials.

[Seasonal distribution of diagnoses and DRG in trauma surgery]. / Saisonale Verteilung von Diagnosen und DRG in der Unfallchirurgie.

BACKGROUND: Recording DRGs and diagnoses allows their distribution to be shown over the course of the year. Thus, cumulative seasonal occurrence of diseases can be detected. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 2004 to 2010 we recorded 22,293 main diagnoses and DRGs at the clinic for trauma surgery. Injuries with the same localization and treatment were pooled. RESULTS: The most frequent injuries were concussion, followed by spinal and lower leg fractures. They showed no seasonal accumulation. Proximal fractures of the humerus occurred approx. 25% more often in winter and ankle fractures about 33% more frequently. The diagnosis of osteoarthritis of the knee is twice as high in the winter as in the summer. CONCLUSION: It has to be verified if logistic conclusions of these results can lead to more efficiency in a hospital. The underlying analysis is applicable for every hospital and poses a valid controlling tool.

Intraoperative 3D imaging in intraarticular tibial plateau fractures - Does it help to improve the patients' outcomes?

BACKGROUND: In tibial plateau fractures (TPF) the restoration of an anatomical joint surface as well as an exact subchondral screw position for postoperative stability is crucial for the outcome. The aim of this study was to determine whether the additional use of an intraoperative 3D imaging intensifier (3D) might help to improve the outcome of complex TPF. METHODS: We performed a retrospective case-control study of a level 1 trauma center. Patients with AO/OTA 41 B3 and C-TPF operated on using a 3D imaging intensifier between November 2015 and December 2018 (3D group) were included. The outcomes of this patients were compared to patients operated without 3D imaging between January 2005 to December 2014 (2D group). The comparison of the groups was performed by matched pair analysis. The functional outcome of both groups was measured by KOOS and Lysholm Score after a follow-up period of at least 12 months. Operation time, infections and postoperative revisions were registered. RESULTS: In total, 18 patients were included in the 3D group (mean age: 51.0± 16.4 years; 12 females) and an equal number of matching partners from the 2D group (mean age: 50.3± 15.2 years; 11 females) were found (p=0.82; p=0.79). We found 9x B3, 2x C1, 1x C2, 6x C3 fractures according to AO/OTA for each group (p=1.00) with comparable ASA score (p=0.27). The mean operation time was 127.9± 45.9 min and 116.1± 45.7 min for the 3D and 2D group (p=0.28). The mean follow-up time was 20.9± 10.7 months for the 3D and 55.5± 34.7 months for the 2D group (p< 0.001). For the 3D group a mean Lysholm overall score of 67.4± 26.8 and KOOS overall score of 72.6± 23.5 could be assessed. In contrast, a mean Lysholm overall score of 62.0± 21.4 and KOOS overall score of 65.8± 21.6 could be measured in the 2D group (p=0.39; p=0.31). Thereby, functional outcome of the 3D group showed a significant higher KOOS Sport/Rec sub score of 54.7± 35.0 in comparison to the 2D group with 26.7± 31.6 (p= 0.01). Postoperative revisions had to be performed in 27.8% of cases in both groups (p=1.00). Due to the 3D imaging an intraoperative revision was performed in 33.3% (6/18). CONCLUSION: In our study we could show that re-reduction of the fracture or implant re-positioning were performed in relevant numbers based on the 3D imaging. This was associated with a midterm clinical benefit in regard to better KOOS Sport/Rec scores. TRIAL REGISTRATION: AZ 488 /20-ek.

SARS-CoV2 infection: functional and morphological cardiopulmonary changes in elite handball players.

There is increasing evidence of cardiac involvement post-SARS-CoV-2 infections in symptomatic as well as in oligo- and asymptomatic athletes. This study aimed to characterize the possible early effects of SARS-CoV-2 infections on myocardial morphology and cardiopulmonary function in athletes. Eight male elite handball players (27 ± 3.5 y) with past SARS-CoV-2 infection were compared with four uninfected teammates (22 ± 2.6 y). Infected athletes were examined 19 ± 7 days after the first positive PCR test. Echocardiographic assessment of the global longitudinal strain under resting conditions was not significantly changed (- 17.7% vs. - 18.1%). However, magnetic resonance imaging showed minor signs of acute inflammation/oedema in all infected athletes (T2-mapping: + 4.1 ms, p = 0.034) without reaching the Lake-Louis criteria. Spiroergometric analysis showed a significant reduction in VO2max (- 292 ml/min, - 7.0%), oxygen pulse (- 2.4 ml/beat, - 10.4%), and respiratory minute volume (VE) (- 18.9 l/min, - 13.8%) in athletes with a history of SARS-CoV2 infection (p < 0.05, respectively). The parameters were unchanged in the uninfected teammates. SARS-CoV2 infection caused impairment of cardiopulmonary performance during physical effort in elite athletes. It seems reasonable to screen athletes after SARS-CoV2 infection with spiroergometry to identify performance limitations and to guide the return to competition.

Single-trial coupling of the gamma-band response and the corresponding BOLD signal.

Oscillations in the gamma-band frequency range have been described to be more closely connected to hemodynamic changes as assessed with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) than other aspects of neuronal activity. In addition, gamma-band oscillations have attracted much interest during the last few years since they are thought to play a crucial role in many aspects of brain function related to perception and cognition. It was the aim of the present simultaneous EEG-fMRI study to identify brain regions specifically involved in the generation of the auditory gamma-band response (GBR) using single-trial coupling of EEG and fMRI. Ten healthy subjects participated in this study. Three different runs of an auditory choice reaction task with increasing difficulty were performed. Brain activity was recorded simultaneously with high density EEG (61 channels) and fMRI (1.5 T). BOLD correlates of the GBR have been predicted using the single-trial amplitude of the GBR. Reaction times (p<0.001), error rates (p<0.05) and self-ratings of task difficulty and effort demands (p<0.001) were related to the level of difficulty in the task. In addition, we found a significant influence of task difficulty on the amplitude of the GBR at Cz (p<0.05). Using single-trial coupling of EEG and fMRI GBR-specific activations were found only in the auditory cortex, the thalamus and the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) in the most difficult run. Single-trial coupling might be a useful method in order to increase our knowledge about the functional neuroanatomy of "neural ensembles" coupled by 40 Hz oscillations.

Perioperative anxiety and length of hospital stay after caesarean section - A cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: The caesarean section is one of the most frequently performed surgeries. Due to growing economic challenges, hospitals are encouraged to improve their cost-efficiency. One factor that influences hospital costs of caesarean sections is a prolonged hospital stay. STUDY DESIGN: The aim of the current prospective study was to investigate psychosocial factors, with an emphasis on anxiety, and sociodemographic factors that are associated with longer hospital stay after caesarean sections with no medical complications. Data of 195 women who gave birth by caesarean section was analyzed. As possible predictors anxiety levels measured pre-, peri- and postoperative as well as age, parity (primiparous/multiparous), repeated caesarean (yes/no), BMI (<30/ ≥30), STAI-Trait scores, duration of surgery, PH arterial and Apgar 5 min. were entered into a backward linear regression with duration of hospital stay as the dependent factor. RESULTS: The analysis revealed that higher age, primiparity as well as higher anxiety scores during the postoperative phase are significant factors associated with prolonged hospital stay. The significant model explains 22.1 % of the variance. CONCLUSION: The results should sensitize the medical team to these risk factors in order to improve patients' recovery and shorten hospital stays.

Effects of surgical and FFP2/N95 face masks on cardiopulmonary exercise capacity.

BACKGROUND: Due to the SARS-CoV2 pandemic, medical face masks are widely recommended for a large number of individuals and long durations. The effect of wearing a surgical and a FFP2/N95 face mask on cardiopulmonary exercise capacity has not been systematically reported. METHODS: This prospective cross-over study quantitated the effects of wearing no mask (nm), a surgical mask (sm) and a FFP2/N95 mask (ffpm) in 12 healthy males (age 38.1 ± 6.2 years, BMI 24.5 ± 2.0 kg/m2). The 36 tests were performed in randomized order. The cardiopulmonary and metabolic responses were monitored by ergo-spirometry and impedance cardiography. Ten domains of comfort/discomfort of wearing a mask were assessed by questionnaire. RESULTS: The pulmonary function parameters were significantly lower with mask (forced expiratory volume: 5.6 ± 1.0 vs 5.3 ± 0.8 vs 6.1 ± 1.0 l/s with sm, ffpm and nm, respectively; p = 0.001; peak expiratory flow: 8.7 ± 1.4 vs 7.5 ± 1.1 vs 9.7 ± 1.6 l/s; p < 0.001). The maximum power was 269 ± 45, 263 ± 42 and 277 ± 46 W with sm, ffpm and nm, respectively; p = 0.002; the ventilation was significantly reduced with both face masks (131 ± 28 vs 114 ± 23 vs 99 ± 19 l/m; p < 0.001). Peak blood lactate response was reduced with mask. Cardiac output was similar with and without mask. Participants reported consistent and marked discomfort wearing the masks, especially ffpm. CONCLUSION: Ventilation, cardiopulmonary exercise capacity and comfort are reduced by surgical masks and highly impaired by FFP2/N95 face masks in healthy individuals. These data are important for recommendations on wearing face masks at work or during physical exercise.

Comparing the course of anxiety in women receiving their first or repeated caesarean section: A prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Around 30% of births are through caesarean section and repetition rates for receiving a caesarean section are high. AIM: The aim of the prospective study was to compare the course of anxiety in women undergoing their first caesarean section and women experiencing a repeated caesarean section. PARTICIPANTS: 304 women with an indication for an elective caesarean section took part. 155 received their first caesarean section and 149 received a repeated caesarean section. METHODS: In order to measure the course of anxiety on the day of the caesarean section subjective anxiety levels were measured and saliva samples for cortisol determination were taken at admission, during skin closure and two hours after the surgery. Blood pressure and heart rate were documented at skin incision and skin closure. RESULTS: Women experiencing their first caesarean section displayed significantly higher anxiety levels compared to women with a repeated caesarean section. Scores of the STAI-State and visual analogue scale for anxiety differed significantly at admission (p=.006 and p<.001) and heart rate and alpha amylase levels were significantly higher at skin closure (p=.027 and p=.029). CONCLUSION: The results show that previous experience with a caesarean section has a soothing effect. The study aims to sensitize surgeons, anesthetists, nurses and midwives when treating women receiving a caesarean section and encourage them to incorporate soothing interventions, especially for women receiving their first caesarean section to reduce anxiety levels and consequently improve postoperative recovery and patients' satisfaction.

[Joint reconstruction with autologous bone cylinder and locked intramedullary nail: proximal humeral shaft fracture with ipsilateral reverse Hill-Sachs lesion]. / Gelenkrekonstruktion mit autologem Knochenzylinder und winkelstabilem Marknagel: Proximale Humerusschaftfraktur mit ipsilateraler Reverse-Hill-Sachs-Läsion.

The case of a 51-year-old patient is presented, with a humeral shaft fracture in combination with an ipsilateral reverse Hill-Sachs lesion, presumably after posterior shoulder dislocation as a result of an electrical accident followed by a fall from a ladder. After corresponding diagnostics, osteosynthesis of the shaft fracture was performed with a locked antegrade intramedullary nail. Simultaneously the reverse Hill-Sachs lesion was elevated und supplemented with the bone core that accrues during drilling of the nail entrance. In the follow-up period good fragment alignment, persistent joint stability and freedom of pain could be observed. On the basis of this case and the current literature the injury mechanism and potential therapy alternatives are discussed.

A Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Study on the Cortical Haemodynamic Responses During the Maastricht Acute Stress Test.

In order to better understand stress responses, neuroimaging studies have investigated the underlying neural correlates of stress. Amongst other brain regions, they highlight the involvement of the prefrontal cortex. The aim of the present study was to explore haemodynamic changes in the prefrontal cortex during the Maastricht Acute Stress Test (MAST) using mobile functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS), examining the stress response in an ecological environment. The MAST includes a challenging mental arithmic task and a physically stressful ice-water task. In a between-subject design, participants either performed the MAST or a non-stress control condition. FNIRS data were recorded throughout the test. Additionally, subjective stress ratings, heart rate and salivary cortisol were evaluated, confirming a successful stress induction. The fNIRS data indicated significantly increased neural activity of brain regions of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) and the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) in response to the MAST, compared to the control condition. Furthermore, the mental arithmetic task indicated an increase in neural activity in brain regions of the dlPFC and OFC; whereas the physically stressful hand immersion task indicated a lateral decrease of neural activity in the left dlPFC. The study highlights the potential use of mobile fNIRS in clinical and applied (stress) research.

Cartilage tissue engineering by collagen matrix associated bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells.

In this study we compared the in vitro formation of cartilaginous grafts composed of collagen type I hydrogel with both ovine primary articular chondrocytes (AC) and bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSC). During 4 weeks of culture, aggregate properties were quantitatively verified, cell viability and the expression of cartilage markers were assayed. Different microscopic techniques indicated a subdivision of MSC based scaffolds into a central construct region with uniformly distributed stem cells with low levels of apoptosis, and peripheral layers of proliferative cells, which undergo differentiation. Immunohistochemical staining and quantitative measurements of sulfated glycosaminoglycans (s-GAG) of MSC hydrogels showed a significant increase in matrix deposition, mainly in outer areas. Furthermore, semi-quantitative RT-PCR of MSC specimens reflected a constant collagen type I activity with enhanced collagen type II, aggrecan and Sox9 expression which would suggest hyaline-like cartilage formation. We propose the application of MSC seeded grafts for the repair of focal cartilage lesions.