Deutsche medizinische Wochenschrift
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The importance of height for mortality and life expectancy is a matter of controversy. The data on this in different countries vary depending on ethnicity, socio-economic and other factors such as age at the time of the study. ⋯ A recent Dutch study shows a negative correlation between height and life expectancy in older women. Gender-specific differences in hemodynamics depending on body size or aortic length play a decisive role alongside age at the time of the examination.
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In an unprecedented collaborative effort, basic and clinical scientists have provided us with an effective COVID-19 vaccine within less than one year after SARS CoV-2 emergence. Virus or vaccine induced immunity may offer different degrees of protection against infection, transmission and pathology (disease). Immunity decides on the outcome of COVID-19, both at an individual as well as a population level. ⋯ Based largely on clinical data, this literature analysis suggests that antiviral immunity against Coronaviruses including SARS CoV-2 is waning significantly over time regarding infection and transmission protection. However, in individuals who have recovered from infections with human Coronaviruses (including SARS CoV-2) or been vaccinated against SARS CoV-2, immunity is robust in its most critical quality: protection against pathology/severe disease. Thus, immunologists see the glass half-full and envisage the transition of COVID-19 from an epidemic to an endemic state with semiannual peaks of incidence but, most importantly, protection from severe COVID-19 or death in the vast majority of individuals (as observed in other human Coronavirus infections).
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Dtsch. Med. Wochenschr. · Dec 2021
Historical Article[Salerno, the first medical school in Europe - Birthplace of university medicine].
Salerno in southern Italy is regarded as the birthplace of modern European university medicine. A practical and scientifically oriented medical discipline developed from monastic and monastery medicine. The Salernitan school, which considered itself as "Civitas Hippocratica", was based initially on the traditions of Hippocrates, the Alexandrian doctors and Galen. ⋯ By the 12th century, nearly the entire literature by Aristotle, Hippocrates, Galen, Avicenna and Rhazes was available in Latin. Salerno became an important medical training centre - for women and men - with a fixed course curriculum and provided a public health system. Medical training was firmly established under Emperor Friedrich II who placed it under state supervision.
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Dtsch. Med. Wochenschr. · Dec 2021
Review[Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) - diagnosis, course of disease and treatment options].
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an adult-onset motor neuron disorder which is characterized by progressive motor symptoms, such as muscle weakness, muscle atrophy and spasticity. In Germany, 6000-8000 people are affected by ALS. Between 1200 and 1600 newly diagnosed patients are expected each year. Protein deposits in the cytoplasm of motor neurons are a molecular feature of ALS. The most common protein aggregates result from excessive deposition of TDP-43. ⋯ ALS is not curable - however, various individual treatment options have to be considered for improving survival, symptom control and social participation. The care in specialized ALS centers is recommended to ensure optimal treatment regarding symptomatic medication, assistive devices, nutrition support and ventilation therapy. Optimal care is achieved by interdisciplinary collaboration of general practitioners, specialized physicians, neurologists and ALS experts being integrated in multiprofessional care networks.
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Dtsch. Med. Wochenschr. · Dec 2021
Historical Article[Unfairly Forgotten: Carl Ludwig: The Founder of Modern Physiology].
Cardiovascular physiology was the dominant area of research for Ludwig. He developed instruments to record hemodynamic and other physiologic events accurately, allowing him to identify previously unrecognized physiologic relationships. His classical textbook of physiology challenged traditional scientific theories and suggested new concepts. ⋯ He put scientific research and results ahead of personal recognition. He mentored his colleagues and pupils without ever putting himself or his own interests ahead of everybody else. He decided to forgo academic recognition and did not play political games.