Effects of Hibernation Site, Temperature, and Humidity on the Abundance and Survival of Overwintering Culex pipiens pipiens and Anopheles messeae (Diptera: Culicidae).

Knowledge of the hibernation site preferences and the factors which influence winter survival in these hibernation sites may enhance understanding of mosquito population dynamics after winter and how arboviruses persist in temperate regions. Our study quantified the number of adult overwintering mosquitoes in cellars and aboveground constructions and analyzed survival rates in relation to the environmental conditions in these sites. During the winters 2016/2017 and 2018/2019, 149 different constructions in Northwest Germany were sampled for mosquitoes. Mosquitoes were detected in 44% of the cellars and in 33% of the aboveground constructions. Culex p. pipiens Linnaeus was the most abundant species in cellars, whereas high numbers of Anopheles messeae Falleroni were collected from a single barn. Subsequently, an enclosure study was conducted during 2019/2020. Overwintering field-collected Cx. p. pipiens and An. messeae were divided into groups with or without fructose availability, and placed in cages with different man-made hibernations sites, where temperature and relative humidity were recorded hourly. For both species, increasing mean temperatures (5-16°C) but not mean relative humidity (58-94%) were correlated with winter mortality rates of the mosquitoes. The lipid measurements were greater and mortality rates were lower when both species were provided fructose. Larger specimens (determined by wing length) stored more lipids, and in Cx. p pipiens, but not in An. messeae, survival probability of large specimens was significantly greater than for small females. Mosquitoes showed a distinct pattern in the selection of overwintering sites, while temperature was an important driver for survival.

Laparoscopic conversion of omega loop gastric bypass to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for Barrett's esophagus: case report.

BACKGROUND: The number of mini gastric bypass / one anastomosis bypass (MGB-OAGB) procedures in bariatric patients that have been performed world-wide has drastically increased during the past decade. Nevertheless, due to the risk of subsequent biliary reflux and development of ulcer and neoplastic (pre)lesions caused by long-time bile exposure, the procedure is still controversially discussed. In here presented case report, we could endoscopically demonstrate a transformation from reflux oesophagitis to Barrett's metaplasia most likely caused by bile reflux after mini-gastric bypass. To our knowledge, this is a first case study that shows development of Barrett's metaplasia after MGB-OAGB. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of a 50-year-old female which received a mini-gastric bypass due to morbid obesity (body mass index (BMI) 42.4 kg/m2). Because of history gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a fundoplication had been performed earlier. Preoperative gastroscopy showed reflux esophagitis (Los Angeles classification grade B) with no signs of Barrett's metaplasia. Three months post mini-gastric bypass, the patient complained about severe bile reflux under 40 mg pantoprazole daily. Six months postoperative, Endoscopically Barrett's epithelium was detected and histopathologically confirmed (C1M0 after Prague classification). A conversion into Roux-en-Y gastric bypass was performed. The postoperative course was without complications. In a follow up after 6 months the patient denied reflux and showed no signs of malnutrition. CONCLUSIONS: The rapid progress from inflammatory changes of the distal esophagus towards Barrett's metaplasia under bile reflux in our case is most likely a result of previous reflux disease. Nevertheless, bile reflux appears to be a potential decisive factor. Study results regarding presence of bile reflux or development of endoscopically de-novo findings after MGB-OAGB are widely non-conclusive. Long-term prospective studies with regular endoscopic surveillance independent of clinical symptoms are needed.

Effects of different exercise intensity on bone mineral density in adults: a comparative systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The primary objective of the present systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the effect of differing exercise intensity on (areal) bone mineral density (BMD) at lumbar spine and hip in adults by a comparative meta-analysis. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature according to the PRISMA statement included: (a) exercise trials, (b) with ≥two study arms that compared different exercise intensities, (c) intervention ≥6 months, (d) BMD assessments at lumbar spine (LS) or hip. Five electronic databases were scanned without language restrictions up to July 2021. The present analysis of exercise intensity was conducted as a mixed-effect meta-analysis and applied "type of exercise" and "study duration" as moderator in subgroup analyses. Outcome measures were standardized mean differences (SMD) for BMD changes at the LS, and hip. RESULTS: Eleven exercise studies with 26 study arms were included. Although the effect of high-intensity exercise was more pronounced on LS-BMD (SMD: 0.19, 95%-CI: 0.61 to -0.23) and hip-ROI (0.17, 0.38 to -0.04), we did not observe significant differences between the groups (LS-BMD: p=0.373 and hip-BMD: p=0.109). We observed a substantial level of heterogeneity between the trials for LS- but not for hip-BMD. Applying "type of exercise" and "study duration" as moderators did not significantly modify the differences between low and high exercise intensity on BMD at LS or hip. CONCLUSION: There is insufficient evidence for a superior effect of high-intensity exercise on areal BMD at lumbar spine and hip in people aged 50 years and older. Varying exercise intensity with periods of lower exercise intensity intermitted by higher intensity might be a promising option to address the issue of exercise intensities in intervention studies.

[Development of quality standards for patients with axial spondyloarthritis for use in Germany]. / Entwicklung von Qualitätsstandards für Patient*innen mit axialer Spondyloarthritis zum Einsatz in Deutschland.

Quality standards (QS) are measurable constructs designed to quantify gaps in care and subsequently to improve quality of care. The Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society (ASAS) recently generated and published international QS for the management of patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) for the first time. The German Society of Rheumatology (DGRh) then decided to translate, review and possibly adopt these standards by a group of experts from different care settings. Against this background, national QS for the management of patients with axSpA for Germany were developed for the first time. The main focus was on feasibility and practical relevance. Ultimately, nine QS were defined with which the quality of care in Germany can and should be measured and improved.

Cardiovascular outcomes after simultaneous pancreas kidney transplantation compared to kidney transplantation alone: a propensity score matching analysis.

BACKGROUND: Coronary heart disease due to arteriosclerosis is the leading cause of death in type 1 diabetic patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of simultaneous pancreas kidney transplantation (SPKT) compared to kidney transplantation alone (KTA) on survival, cardiovascular function and metabolic outcomes. METHODS: A cohort of 127 insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) patients with ESRD who underwent either SPKT (n = 100) or KTA (n = 27) between 1998 and 2019 at the University Hospital of Leipzig were retrospectively evaluated with regard to cardiovascular and metabolic function/outcomes as well as survival rates. An additional focus was placed on the echocardiographic assessment of systolic and diastolic cardiac function pretransplant and during follow-up. To avoid selection bias, a 2:1 propensity score matching analysis (PSM) was performed. RESULTS: After PSM, a total of 63 patients were identified; 42 patients underwent SPKT, and 21 patients received KTA. Compared with the KTA group, SPKT recipients received organs from younger donors (p < 0.05) and donor BMI was higher (p = 0.09). The risk factor-adjusted hazard ratio for mortality in SPKT recipients compared to KTA recipients was 0.63 (CI: 0.49-0.89; P < 0.05). The incidence of pretransplant cardiovascular events was higher in the KTA group (KTA: n = 10, 47% versus SPKT: n = 10, 23%; p = 0.06), but this difference was not significant. However, the occurrence of cardiovascular events in the SPKT group (n = 3, 7%) was significantly diminished after transplantation compared to that in the KTA recipients (n = 6, 28%; p = 0.02). The cardiovascular death rate was higher in KTA recipients (19%) than in SPK recipients with functioning grafts (3.3%) and comparable to that in patients with failed SPKT (16.7%) (p = 0.16). In line with pretransplant values, SPKT recipients showed significant improvements in Hb1ac values (p = 0.001), blood pressure control (p = < 0.005) and low-density lipoprotein/high-density lipoprotein (LDL/HDL) ratio (p = < 0.005) 5 years after transplantation. With regard to echocardiographic assessment, SPKT recipients showed significant improvements in left ventricular systolic parameters during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Normoglycaemia and improvement of lipid metabolism and blood pressure control achieved by successful SPKT are associated with beneficial effects on survival, cardiovascular outcomes and systolic left ventricular cardiac function. Future studies with larger samples are needed to make predictions regarding cardiovascular events and graft survival.

[Paget's disease of bone-a current review of clinical aspects, diagnostics and treatment]. / Morbus Paget des Knochens ­ eine aktuelle Übersicht zu Klinik, Diagnostik und Therapie.

Paget's disease is a monostotic or polyostotic progressive skeletal disease with a genetic predisposition. The affected bone areas show osseous swelling and often grotesque deformation, chronic pain and fractures. Many cases are asymptomatic for a long time resulting in a late diagnosis. The pathogenesis is still unknown. In addition to a genetic predisposition, viral factors are also discussed. Laboratory tests and imaging are used for diagnosis. The effective principle of medicinal bisphosphonate treatment is to inhibit osteoclastic bone resorption and should be initiated early to prevent secondary complications. This article presents the current knowledge about this rare osteological disease.

[Biological therapy after COVID-19 infection : No reactivation of a COVID-19 infection with positive SARS-CoV-2 antibody status under biological therapy]. / Biologikatherapie nach COVID-19-Infektion : Keine Reaktivierung einer COVID-19-Infektion bei positivem Antikörperstatus SARS-CoV-2 unter Biologikatherapie.

A case with rheumatoid arthritis and insufficient compensation under disease-modifying combined long-term therapy with methotrexate and leflunomide is reported. After recovery from a COVID-19 infection, a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor therapy was initiated. Until now no reactivation of the COVID-19 infection with positive SARS-CoV­2 antibody status has occurred.

[Model project on interdisciplinary university teaching-medical and psychology students learn together for the first time]. / Modellprojekt zur interdisziplinären universitären Lehre ­ Studierende der Medizin und der Psychologie lernen erstmals gemeinsam.

An interdisciplinary collaboration is required in the medical care of chronically ill patients with complex illnesses. Especially in the field of internistic rheumatology, interdisciplinary work is essential to consider the complex somatic and psychosocial aspects of a chronic illness. Nevertheless, the aspects of interprofessional work in the study of medicine and psychology are insufficiently addressed. For this reason, a model project for interdisciplinary university teaching was conceived, which combines both subjects. The course was held for the first time in semester 2019/2020 and was rated excellent by the participants. The main goal of the course is the implementation of interprofessional work in the training of medical personnel. In addition, the discipline of internistic rheumatology could be brought closer to the students.

[Rheumatism and bone metabolism]. / Rheuma und Knochenstoffwechsel.

Inflammatory rheumatic diseases are often associated with secondary osteoporosis, as many inflammatory messengers can interfere with bone metabolism and adversely affect it. In addition to a decrease in densitometric bone density, remodeling occurs in the trabecular bone, which can lead to a disturbed microarchitecture and increase the risk of fracture.Central to this is the close integration of bone metabolism and the immune system. Proinflammatory cytokines play an important role not only in the inflammatory process, but also as mediators of bone resorption because they stimulate osteoclastogenesis and induce further signal transduction cascades with negative influence on the bone. The understanding gained in recent years of the underlying immunological processes has led to the development of new and targeted treatment approaches.

[Multimodal rheumatologic complex treatment of rheumatoid arthritis-a monocentric retrospective analysis]. / Multimodale rheumatologische Komplexbehandlung bei rheumatoider Arthritis ­ eine monozentrische Retrospektivanalyse.

BACKGROUND: Multimodal rheumatologic complex treatment (MRCT, operation and procedures classification system, OPS code 8­983) is a specific concept of acute inpatient care (DRG I97Z) for treatment of patients with rheumatic diseases, degenerative diseases and/or chronic pain syndromes suffering from exacerbated pain and functional impairment. OBJECTIVE: A monocentric retrospective analysis of the effects of MRCT on pain and functional status in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was conducted. METHODS: A total of 103 treatment episodes in 75 patients with proven RA who received MRCT between 2014 and 2017 were included in the analysis. The changes in pain intensity were evaluated using a numerical rating scale (NRS), the functional limitations as assessed by the Hanover function questionnaire (FFbH) and the health assessment questionnaire (HAQ) and the disease activity (disease activity score of 28 joints, DAS28) before and after MRCT episodes. In addition, the patient characteristics and the course of the disease were documented and a univariate analysis of the influence of these factors on the parameters activity and function was performed. RESULTS: In patients with RA, the MRCT resulted in a significant amelioration of pain (p < 0.0001), a significant improvement of functional capacity (FFbH p = 0.0013, HAQ p = 0.1396) and a significant reduction of disease activity (DAS28 p < 0.0001). Different aspects of the disease and its previous course (e. g. disease duration, type and number of previous anti-rheumatic drugs, current medication) did not have a significant effect on the response. CONCLUSION: This retrospective monocentric analysis proved the efficacy of MRCT with respect to the inpatient treatment period in a large cohort of RA patients. This treatment concept not only improved pain and function (FFbH) but also significantly reduced the disease activity.

[Effects of serial mud baths on inflammatory rheumatic and degenerative diseases]. / Wirkeffekte serieller Heiltorfbäder bei entzündlich-rheumatischen und degenerativen Erkrankungen.

BACKGROUND: Mud baths have been used for a long time for the treatment of musculoskeletal diseases. In addition to a reduction of pain and improved function, serially applied mud baths lead to a reduction in the inflammatory processes, which often underlie degenerative and inflammatory rheumatic diseases. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effects of serial mud baths on parameters of functional health, on pain perception and at the molecular level in patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases, e.g. rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and degenerative alterations, e.g. gonarthritis and/or coxarthritis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 41 patients with inflammatory rheumatic (33 RA and 8 AS) and 40 patients with degenerative diseases were subdived into 2 groups by computer-assisted randomization. In each group a subgroup received 9 serial mud baths within 21 days in addition to a multimodal physical rehabilitative complex treatment (intervention groups). In the other subgroups only the physical rehabilitative treatment was carried out and no mud baths were administered (control group). The outcome parameters were assessment of the functional capacity and pain perception (HAQ, FFbH, VAS and WOMAC), diesease activity (DAS28 and BASDAI) as well as laboratory markers of inflammatory activity (CRP, BSG, IL-1 beta and IL-10) and the patient assessment. RESULTS: In the intervention groups after serial mud baths there was a significant improvement in the functional parameters (HAQ and FFbH, both p < 0.01) and a significant reduction in pain strength (VAS, p < 0.01) persisting for 3 months after the end of treatment. A significant reduction in disease activity (RA in DAS28 and AS in BASDAI) could be shown for the intervention groups as well as the control groups, whereby the effect strength was more pronounced in the intervention groups. In patients with gonarthritis and/or coxarthritis a significant improvement in functional limitations (WOMAC, p < 0.01) was only found in the intervention groups. A significant improvement in the proinflammatory cytokine IL-1 beta (p < 0.01) was only found in the intervention groups with a simultaneous increase in the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 (p < 0.01). The CRP and BSG remained within the normal range and showed no significant changes even after serial mud baths. CONCLUSION: Mud baths applied within the framework of a physical rehabilitative complex treatment brought about an improvement of parameters of functional health for both inflammatory rheumatic and degenerative diseases. Effects at the molecular level were induced, which are possibly accompanied by osteoprotective and chondroprotective effects.

[Physical therapy options in rheumatic diseases: what is evidence-based?] / Physikalische Therapieoptionen bei rheumatologischen Erkrankungen: Was gibt es an Evidenz?

Rheumatic diseases usually progress towards morphological and functional deficits and thus cause impairment of physical health and function. Based on this fact, physiotherapeutic options are elementary and indispensable. This article focuses on the significance and importance of physiotherapy in inflammatory and degenerative rheumatic diseases. Furthermore, an overview is presented on the consequences of rheumatic diseases, the reality of supply of physiotherapy, the principles and therapeutic options, and the evidence.

Correlation Between the Transplant Evaluation Rating Scale (TERS) and Medical Outcomes in Living-Donor Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Retrospective Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Pretransplant psychosocial evaluation of living-donor kidney transplantation (LDKT) candidates identifies recipients with potentially inferior posttransplant outcomes. Rating instruments, based on semi-standardized interviews, help to improve and standardize psychosocial evaluation. The goal of this study was to retrospectively investigate the correlation between the Transplant Evaluation Rating Scale (TERS) and transplant outcome in LDKT recipients. METHODS: TERS scores were retrospectively generated by 2 raters based on comprehensive interviews of 146 LDKT recipients conducted by mental health professionals (interrater reliability, 0.8-0.9). All patients were eligible for transplantation according to pretransplant psychosocial evaluation. Patients were classified into 2 groups according to their TERS scores, in either two thirds excellent risk (TERS <29) and one third at least moderate risk (TERS ≥29) candidates. Analyzed medical parameters were change in estimated glomerular filtration rate and acute rejection (AR) episodes within the first year posttransplant. In addition, a subgroup of 65 patients was tested for de novo donor-specific HLA antibodies (DSA) posttransplant. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the excellent (n = 97) and at least moderate (n = 49) risk candidates according to TERS in terms of organ function (estimated glomerular filtration rate decline >25%: 17 of 97 vs 11 of 49; P = .51) and episodes of AR (19 of 97 vs 15 of 49; P = .15). Patients developing de novo DSA (n = 18 [28%]) did not have higher pretransplant TERS scores (DSA positive, 11 of 42 vs 7 of 23; P = .78). CONCLUSIONS: Classifying LDKT recipients according to TERS score did not predict medical outcome at 1 year posttransplant or the occurrence of de novo DSA.

[Sarcopenia and frailty in older patients with rheumatism]. / Sarkopenie und Frailty beim älteren Rheumapatienten.

Sarcopenia is an age-related generalized loss of muscle mass and muscle strength resulting in low physical performance, which can be observed in up to 50% of >80-year-old individuals. The consequences are manifold and sarcopenia is closely linked to frailty. Important risk factors are genetics/epigenetics, immobilization, malnutrition and anorexia, hormone deficiencies, chronic inflammation and raised levels of inhibitory factors of tissue regeneration. Thus, functional assessment of muscle strength and physical performance are central components of diagnosing sarcopenia, beyond the mere quantification of muscle mass. Currently, many interventional strategies are being tested, including exercise regimens, nutrition programs, hormone replacement and pharmacological strategies involving anabolic principles. According to the current data, training programs and medications have a high potential.

[Inflammation and bone : Osteoimmunological aspects]. / Entzündung und Knochen : Osteoimmunologische Aspekte.

Microscopic fractures (so-called microcracks) or traumatic macrofractures require bone, as the basic scaffold of the human body, to have a high regenerative capability. In order to be able to provide this regenerative capability, bone is in a constant process of remodeling. This finely tuned homeostasis of bone formation and degradation can become disrupted, which leads to osteoporosis or other bone disorders. It has been shown that the immune system is substantially involved in the regulation of bone homeostasis and that chronic inflammation in particular can disturb this balance; therefore, this article reviews the osteoimmunological aspects contributing to osteoporosis and other diseases associated with bone degradation.