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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Cardiovascular diseases due to arteriosclerosis are the most common causes of death and disability in both men and women. Hypercholesterolemia, a treatable risk factor, is often detected after a delay in women, and then inadequately treated. It is, therefore, important to know the sex-specific aspects of cholesterol metabolism and to address them specifically. ⋯ Lowering high cholesterol levels, especially in postmenopausal women, may prevent the development of cardiovascular diseases.
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Neoplasms of the vermiform appendix are rare. They comprise a heterogeneous group of entities requiring differentkinds of treatment. ⋯ 0.5% of all tumors of the gastrointestinal tract arise in the appendix. Their treatment depends on their histopathologicalclassification and tumor stage. The mucosal epithelium gives rise to adenomas, sessile serrated lesions, adenocarcinomas,goblet-cell adenocarcinomas, and mucinous neoplasms. Neuroendocrine neoplasms originate in neuroectodermal tissue. Adenomasof the appendix can usually be definitively treated by appendectomy. Mucinous neoplasms, depending on their tumorstage, may require additional cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemoperfusion (HIPEC). Adeno -carcinomas and goblet-cell adenocarcinomas can metastasize via the lymphatic vessels and the bloodstream and should thereforebe treated by oncological right hemicolectomy. Approximately 80% of neuroendocrine tumors are less than 1 cm in diameterwhen diagnosed and can therefore be adequately treated by appendectomy; right hemicolectomy is recommended if the patienthas risk factors for metastasis via the lymphatic vessels. Systemic chemotherapy has not been shown to be beneficial forappendiceal neoplasms in prospective, randomized trials; it is recommended for adenocarcinomas and goblet-cell adenocarcinomasof stage III or higher, in analogy to the treatment of colorectal carcinoma.
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3% of all children are unusually short, and 3% are unusually tall. New approaches have broadened the range of therapeutic options in treating growth disorders. ⋯ There are new options for the treatment of rare causes of short stature, while new information on the safety of treatment strategies for excessive tallness have led to a reconsideration of surgical intervention. There is insufficient evidence on the benefits and risks of supraphysiological GH therapy and of newer treatment options for which there are as yet no robust data on adult height. Therefore, before any treatment is provided, physicians should give patients and their families detailed information and discuss their expectations from treatment and the goals that treatment can be expected to achieve.
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Review Meta Analysis
The Function of Sleep and the Treatment of Primary Insomnia.
Good sleep is correlated with health. Primary insomnia is a common reason for consulting a primary care physician. It is usually treated with drugs despite clear evidence for the efficacy of behavioral therapy. ⋯ Behavioral therapy is underused despite clear evidence of efficacy, while drugs are given too often. Better patient education and the use of digital applications might help increase the utilization of behavioral therapy for insomnia.