Towards compatibility of EUnetHTA JCA methodology and German HTA: a systematic comparison and recommendations from an industry perspective

The European Journal of Health Economics - The transferability of the EU joint clinical assessment (JCA) reports for pharmaceuticals for the German benefit assessment was evaluated by...     

Efficacy of vaccination with StroVac for recurrent urinary tract infections in women: a comparative single-centre study

International Urology and Nephrology - To assess the efficacy of prophylaxis for urinary tract infections (UTI) in a two-year follow-up in women with StroVac compared to a therapy with...     

Deciphering the molecular effects of non-ablative Er:YAG laser treatment in an in vitro model of the non-keratinized mucous membrane

Lasers in Medical Science -     

Accuracy of Preoperative Templating in Total Hip Arthroplasty With Special Focus on Stem Morphology: A Randomized Comparison Between Common Digital and Three-Dimensional Planning Using Biplanar Radiographs

BackgroundAccurate preoperative planning is a key component of successful total hip arthroplasty (THA). The purpose of the present study was to compare the accuracy and reliability of three-dimensional (hipEOS) and common digital two-dimensional (TraumaCad) templating with special focus on stem morphology.Methods51 patients undergoing THA were randomized to two groups. Preoperative planning was performed on 23 patients with hipEOS (3D) and on 28 patients with TraumaCad (2D) planning software. Planning results were compared with the implanted component size. Inter- and intraobserver reliability as well as planning accuracy of both planning methods with special focus on straight and short stem design were recorded.ResultsIntraobserver reliability of both planning methods was good for component planning (ICC_2,1: 0.835-0.967). Interobserver ICC_2,1 for stem and cup planning were higher for 3D templating (3D ICC_2,1: 0.906-0.918 vs. 2D ICC_2,1: 0.835-0.843). Total stem and cup size predictions were within 2 sizes for 3D and within 3 sizes for 2D planning. Comparing short stem planning accuracy of both planning methods, absolute difference between implanted and planned component size was significantly lower in 3D planning (P = .029). There was no significant difference in straight stem (P = .935) and cup (P = .954) planning accuracy.ConclusionOur findings suggest that 3D templating with hipEOS software has a good overall reliability and may have a better planning accuracy of short stem prostheses than digital templating with TraumaCad software. Assuming that the number of implanted short stem prostheses will further increase in coming years, a more precise planning with 3D technique can contribute to improve surgery outcome.     

The use of trimeric isoleucine-zipper fusion proteins to study surface-receptor-ligand interactions in natural killer cells

The ligands for several activating natural killer (NK) cell receptors have not been identified to date. Soluble receptor fusion proteins can be used to stain target cells for the presence of these unidentified ligands. Here, we describe the generation and use of soluble type I NK cell receptor isoleucine-zipper (ILZ) fusion proteins of the immunoglobulin (Ig) superfamily. ILZ-fusion proteins are easy to produce and purify. They form trimeric complexes in solution and display a higher binding avidity than classical immunoglobulin-fusion proteins. ILZ-fusion proteins do not interact with Fc-receptors and can therefore be used to block receptor-ligand interactions in cellular assays. This makes ILZ-fusion proteins a valuable tool to study receptor-ligand interactions in NK cells and other cellular systems.     

Psychophysiologic Therapy for Chronic Headache in Primary Care

BACKGROUND: Headaches account for a high percentage of office visits to primary care physicians, with migraine and tension-type headaches the most common. This article provides a summary of psychophysiologic therapies for migraine and tension-type headache and considers psychosocial factors relevant to headache. Psychophysiologic therapy of headache consists primarily of relaxation and biofeedback. METHOD: Representative controlled studies, meta-analysis, and reviews are utilized to assess the efficacy of biofeedback and relaxation for migraine and tension-type headache. RESULTS: Psychophysiologic therapy comprising biofeedback and relaxation can be provided in standard or limited therapist contact formulas to patients as sole therapy or concurrently with medical therapy. Effectiveness has been demonstrated for thermal biofeedback-and electromyograph biofeedback-assisted relaxation with minimal or no side effects. A typical treatment protocol is offered to exemplify the integration of psychophysiologic therapy into primary care practice. CONCLUSION: Psychophysiologic therapy represents an important adjunctive treatment for chronic benign headache that can be incorporated into primary care.