Dtsch Arztebl Int
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Different types of RNA take on multiple crucial functions in living cells and tissues. Messenger RNA (mRNA) is a temporary molecular carrier of genetic information. Analysis of the composition of all mRNA contained in a cell at a given moment, the so-called transcriptome, enables the determination of the type of cell and its condition, e.g., in pathologically altered states. ⋯ Forensic RNA analysis can yield a great deal of relevant information. It is likely to be applicable in a much wider variety of forensic situations in the near future.
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The diagnosis and treatment of cancer are highly stressful. Exercise therapy is often used to mitigate the adverse effects of treatment. But how good is the evidence base, and what has changed in recent years? In this narrative review, we present the current data and what it implies for the care of adults with cancer. ⋯ The data shows that exercise therapy for cancer patients is safe and has manifold effects on selected clinically relevant parameters. Further studies should be performed regarding the possible utility of exercise therapy against treatment-related side effects for which the evidence is currently insufficient. On the basis of the currently available and already existing recommendations, quality-assured exercise therapy can be recommended to cancer patients suffering from a wide range of neoplastic conditions.
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Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI), particularly in neonates, infants and young children, with approximately 33 million infections worldwide each year. 1-2% of episodes lead to hospitalization. There are hardly any reliable epidemiological figures on hospital - ization in adults, whose burden of disease from RSV is probably markedly underestimated. ⋯ The approval of new RSV-specific monoclonal antibodies and active vaccinations enables targeted prevention of RSV infection in the main population groups at risk.
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Inadequate clinical experience still causes uncertainty in the acute diagnostic evaluation and treatment of polytrauma in children (with or without coagulopathy). This review deals with the main aspects of the acute care of severely injured children in the light of current guidelines and other relevant literature, in particular airway control, volume and coagulation management, acute diagnostic imaging, and blood coagulation studies in the shock room. ⋯ 4% of polytrauma patients are children. Because children differ from adults both anatomically and physiologically, the diagnostic evaluation and management of polytrauma in children presents a special challenge. The evidence base for pediatric polytrauma management is still inadequate; current recommendations are based on consensus, in consideration of the special features of children compared to adults.
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According to self-reported frequencies, every fifth or sixth dwelling in Germany is affected by dampness and/or mold. This carries a potential risk to health. ⋯ Mold in indoor environments should be dealt with by rapid exposure elimination for patients at risk, the rational diagnostic evaluation of any symptoms and signs of disease, and patient education about the possibilities and limitations of diagnostic testing and the generally limited utility of measurements in the affected interior spaces.