[Demand for remote care in cochlear implant aftercare].

Background: Remote care (RC) opens up new possibilities in cochlea implant (CI) aftercare, such as real-time remote fittings, implant and speech processor checks, and hearing checks using smartphone apps. These applications offer CI recipients and clinics numerous options, but successful implementation in everyday life depends on various factors. To date, there have been few studies that have investigated the demand of RC on the part of CI recipients.

The effects of propionate on blood pressure and arterial function.

Background: The short-chain fatty acid propionate has been shown to attenuate atherosclerosis, for example by modulating intestinal cholesterol metabolism. Beyond cholesterol metabolism, data from rodent models suggest a potential additional effect on blood pressure reduction.

Material And Methods: We conducted a prospective uncontrolled, exploratory, and observational study on 58 individuals receiving propionate supplementation (500 mg twice daily) without preexisting atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, assessing peripheral and central blood pressure, arterial stiffness, and endothelial function.

Turnout time in smartphone alerting systems: underestimated entity in the development of smartphone-related dispatch algorithms.

Introduction: Smartphone alerting systems (SAS) for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) are requiring continuous further development. One important element herein is the algorithm, dispatching only those community first responders (CFR) capable of reaching the scene within the shortest possible time. Currently, no data exist regarding the interval between the initial alert and departure to the scene (=turnout time, ToT), despite the critical importance of this information for optimizing dispatch algorithms.

Anterior-only decompression insufficient in concentric stenosis in degenerative cervical myelopathy.

Aims & Objectives: The compression of the spinal cord can result in degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM), a condition characterized by progressive neurological dysfunction.This study examines clinical outcomes after anterior decompression and predictors of secondary posterior decompression after initial anterior surgery.

Materials & Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of 94 consecutive patients who underwent anterior-only cervical decompression in DCM.

Robotic placement of experimental prototypes for wireless gastric electrical stimulation.

Introduction: Gastric electrical stimulation (GES) is an effective treatment for gastroparesis. However, the available devices are equipped with bulky batteries that need to be replaced regularly by surgery.

Methods: Our new implantable system consists of only 6 passive components in addition to a diode and does not require a battery.

[Pelvic Intraoperative Neuromonitoring - Update and Pilot Study on Telementoring].

Pelvic intraoperative neuromonitoring (pIONM) is emerging as a key tool to enhance functional outcomes following rectal cancer surgery. This paper synthesizes current evidence on pIONM, including findings from the multicenter, randomized NEUROS trial, which demonstrated significant benefits for urinary, sexual, and ano-(neo-)rectal functions. Additionally, the role of telementoring as a catalyst for standardized robotic assisted pIONM adoption is explored.

Textbook Outcome After Major Liver Resection for Primary and Secondary Liver Tumors at Specialized German Hepatobiliary Centers: Analysis of the StuDoQ Liver Registry.

Background: Textbook outcome (TO) represents the most desirable outcome of surgical quality and care. This study examined the TO of cholangiocarcinoma (CCC), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) from the StuDoQ liver registry as well as factors that may affect the TO.

Methods: All major liver resections (≥ 3 segments) for CCC, HCC, and CRLM entered in the multicentric StuDoQ liver registry between 2019 and 2022 were retrospectively analyzed.

Transjugular diagnostic procedures in hepatology: Indications, techniques and interpretation.

Measurement of the hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) and transjugular liver biopsy have emerged as important tools in clinical hepatology. Measurement of HVPG is considered the gold standard for detecting clinically significant portal hypertension, with an HVPG of ≥10 mmHg being the key prognostic threshold in patients with compensated advanced chronic liver disease (cACLD; compensated cirrhosis). A transjugular liver biopsy can be obtained within the same procedure and may be preferred over percutaneous liver biopsy in patients with coagulopathy, ascites and/or significant obesity.

Residual insulin secretion in long-standing type 1 diabetes.

Aims: Studies involving the use of sensitive C-peptide assays have revealed that a significant number of persons with long-standing type 1 diabetes have measurable serum C-peptide concentrations. We investigated meal-stimulated C-peptide levels in persons with diabetes duration of more than 30 years and whether they were associated with the presence of diabetes-associated autoantibodies.

Methods: This was an observational study of 105 participants with a clinical diagnosis of type 1 diabetes and a diabetes duration ≥30 years.

Location-based response times of emergency physicians in rural Germany: an observational study.

Background: The number of emergency callouts in Germany has doubled in the last 20 years. The shortage of doctors and social developments have led to challenges in ensuring emergency medical services and to temporary closures of entire emergency medical service areas. Stationing the emergency doctor on duty in the home environment is one option for making emergency medical services more attractive and could help to alleviate the problem of staff scheduling.

CT-derived bone density as an adjunct predictor of sacral fracture complexity in older adults.

Background: Bone mineral density (BMD) is a known risk factor for fragility fractures, yet its relationship with specific sacral fracture morphologies, particularly H-type fractures, is not well understood.

Objectives: To evaluate whether CT-derived Hounsfield Units (HU) correlate with the complexity of sacral fractures, focusing on H-type fracture patterns.

Methods: A retrospective study was conducted involving 164 elderly patients (≥60 years) with sacral fractures.

Best original research presented at the 26th European Congress on Gynaecological Oncology: Best of ESGO 2025.

The Best of ESGO 2025 manuscript highlights a selection of the best original research presented at the 26th Congress of the European Society of Gynaecological Oncology (ESGO), held in Rome, Italy on February 20 to 23, 2025. Of the 1583 abstracts submitted, the ESGO scientific program committee chairs and authors from the European Network of Young Gynae Oncologists selected 32 high-impact studies for inclusion in this compilation. This included 15 best oral sessions abstracts, 8 mini oral sessions abstracts, 7 young investigator session abstracts, and 2 best 3-minute presentations abstracts.

Sports Preparticipation Evaluation for Healthy Adults: A Consensus-Based German Guideline.

The benefits of physical activity are undisputed. However, adverse events can occur in rare cases, particularly during high-intensity or prolonged exercise. During physical activity, at-risk patients can experience major cardiac events, whereas adverse events affecting the musculoskeletal system are more common but less severe.

In Cervical Myelopathy: Clinical Effect of the Posterior Myelon Shifting After Dorsal Decompression and Instrumentation.

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is a progressive neurological disorder caused by spinal cord compression in the cervical spine. The Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score is commonly used to quantify neurological impairment. Surgical decompression is the main treatment, aiming to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and improve neurological function.

Unilateral sacral fragility fractures: a comparative study of unilateral vs. bilateral minimally invasive osteosynthesis.

Purpose: Unilateral sacral fragility fractures are frequently managed with unilateral percutaneous iliosacral screw fixation, which may increase stress on the contralateral sacrum and lead to secondary fractures. This study compared complication rates between unilateral and bilateral screw osteosynthesis and evaluated risk factors for contralateral fracture following unilateral treatment.

Methods: This retrospective study included patients with unilateral sacral fragility fractures treated between 2018 and 2024.

Role of extracellular vesicles as promotors for activation of leukemia‑derived dendritic cell‑mediated antileukemic immune response against AML‑blasts.

The transformation of myeloid leukemia blasts into leukemia‑derived dendritic cells (DC) is a notable phenomenon. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a crucial role in modulating physiological and pathological activities, particularly in immune activation. In the present study, EVs were isolated from DC/DC culture supernatants derived from healthy (H) donors (n=9) and patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) (n=9) using whole blood (WB) samples, both with and without Kit M (granulocyte‑macrophage colony‑stimulating factor and prostaglandin E).

Biomechanical comparison of different locations for a proximal femoral window: A cadaver study.

Background: In revision hip arthroplasty, changing a cemented stem is a challenging procedure, as a femoral window is often necessary to achieve total cement removal. The aim of this biomechanical study was to compare the stability of different locations for a proximal femoral window.

Methods: Thirty-six macerated human cadaver femora were assigned to one of the six groups: ventral window with square or rounded corners; lateral window with square or rounded corners; and dorsal window with square or rounded corners.

Postpartum QT Prolongation in a Long QT Syndrome Type 1 Patient.

Background: Female LQTS patients are at high risk for arrhythmogenic events during the postpartum period due to hormonal influence on cardiac repolarization.

Methods: We observed an LQT1 patient with previous cardiac events during pregnancy and 3 weeks postpartum. We obtained ECG recordings and quantified sex hormone levels.

Computational modeling of ketamine-induced changes in gamma-band oscillations: The contribution of parvalbumin and somatostatin interneurons.

Ketamine, an NMDA receptor (NMDA-R) antagonist, produces psychotomimetic effects when administered in sub-anesthetic dosages. While previous research suggests that Ketamine alters the excitation/inhibition (E/I)-balance in cortical microcircuits, the precise neural mechanisms by which Ketamine produces these effects are not well understood. We analyzed resting-state MEG data from n = 12 participants who were administered Ketamine to assess changes in gamma-band (30-90 Hz) power and the slope of the aperiodic power spectrum compared to placebo.

Safety of His-bundle ablation after pacemaker implantation in patients with persistent or permanent atrial fibrillation.

Background: His-bundle ablation after pacemaker implantation is an effective means of rate control in patients with refractory atrial fibrillation (AF). Pacemaker insertion may be complicated by lead dislodgement, and accordingly, His-bundle ablation is commonly postponed to 4-8 weeks after pacemaker implantation. Theoretically, His-bundle ablation itself could also lead to atrial or ventricular lead dislodgement.

Declaration on cervical cancer elimination: literature review and perspectives from early-career clinicians.

Despite effective prevention methods, cervical cancer remains one of the most incident malignancies globally. This literature review and perspectives from early-career clinicians aim to propose actionable recommendations to reduce the global burden of cervical cancer. The authors, representing the early-career clinicians and researchers, patient representatives, epidemiologists, and gynecologic oncology experts, identified 5 key pillars for cervical cancer elimination based on literature reviews and interdisciplinary discussion: (1) raising awareness of human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer; (2) ensuring evidence-based HPV communication; (3) fostering collaboration with other specialties and organizations; (4) increasing HPV vaccination rates; and (5) improving cervical cancer screening.

Remote Ischemic Preconditioning for Electrical Cardioversion of Atrial Fibrillation-the Prospective Randomized PRECON-AF Study.

Background: Electrical cardioversion (ECV) is highly effective in restoring sinus rhythm in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), but it does not influence long-term rhythm control. Remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) has demonstrated various cardioprotective effects. Combining ECV with RIPC could provide a promising approach to minimizing AF recurrences after successful ECV.

Using a 3D Radiological Planning Software to Predict the Intraoperative Surgical View.

Introduction: A 3D radiological planning software for general otology has been developed to assist preoperative planning by providing anatomical measurements based on CT or MRI scans in cochlear implant candidates. This study aimed to investigate its usability for predicting the required posterior tympanotomy (PT) opening length to ensure visualization of the round window (RW).

Material And Methods: CT scans were performed on 30 petrous bone specimens.

Football as the champion of cardiovascular prevention: results of the randomized and interventional MY-3F study (Fit & Fun with Football after myocardial infarction or coronary artery disease).

Aims: The MY-3F [Fit & Fun with Football after myocardial infarction (MI) or coronary artery disease (CAD)] study was the first to investigate whether a structured and health-adapted football training programme can improve fitness and risk factors in patients with CAD and whether it is safe. The primary objective of this study was to improve fitness in maximum oxygen uptake in spiroergometry (VO2peak), blood pressure, weight, and safety.

Methods And Results: The MY-3F study is a prospective randomized interventional study with 1-year follow-up in patients with MI or CAD.