Dtsch Arztebl Int
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Since the beginning of 2020 the SARS-CoV-2 virus has spread to nearly every country in the world. The mainly airborne pathogen has led to large numbers of deaths, principally in elderly and vulnerable segments of the population. Protective vaccines have recently become available, but it is not yet clear whether and when population-wide immunity will be achieved. The existence of evidence for the protective effect of masks covering the mouth and nose is a topic of public debate. ⋯ It can plausibly be assumed that consistent use of masks covering the mouth and nose can play an important role in containing the spread of SARSCoV- 2.
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We address the question whether professional soccer players with and without macroinjury of the knee joint are at an elevated risk for knee osteoarthritis. ⋯ A marked association was found between soccer playing and knee osteoarthritis in male professional soccer players. For female professional soccer players, the risk of knee osteoarthritis could not be assessed because of the lack of data. Knee injuries seem to play an important role in the development of knee osteoarthritis in professional soccer players.
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Acute appendicitis is the most common cause of the acute abdomen, with an incidence of 1 per 1000 persons per year. It is one of the main differential diagnoses of unclear abdominal conditions. ⋯ Conservative treatment is being performed more frequently, but the current state of the evidence does not justify a change of the standard therapy from surgery to conservative treatment.
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Review Meta Analysis
Hormonal Gender Reassignment Treatment for Gender Dysphoria.
No data are available at present on the prevalence of gender dysphoria (trans-identity) in Germany. On the basis of estimates from the Netherlands, it can be calculated that approximately 15 000 to 25 000 persons in Germany are affected. Persons suffering from gender dysphoria often experience significant distress and have a strong desire for gender reassignment treatment. ⋯ Further prospective studies for the quantification of the risks and benefits of hormonal treatment would be desirable. Potential interactions of the hormone preparations with other medications must always be considered.
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Review Meta Analysis
The Indications for and Timing of Surgery for Diverticular Disease.
Diverticular disease is one of the more common abdominal disorders. In 2016, approximately 130 000 patients received inpatient treatment for diverticular disease in Germany. The disease has a number of subtypes, each of which has an appropriate treatment. In this article, we present the current surgical indications and optimal timing of surgery for diverticular disease. ⋯ The surgical indication and the proper timing of surgery depend on the type of disease that is present. Future studies should more thoroughly investigate the effect of surgery on the quality of life in patients with the various types of diverticular disease.