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Background A diversity of risk factors for ca-MRSA manifestations has been described so far. Up to date toxic contact dermatitis induced by plants has not been identified as one. Patients and Methods After intense skin contact with poison ivy in the US a 24-year-old Afro-American showed pronounced bullous contact dermatitis on the back of the neck and subsequently massive ca-MRSA furunculitis with proof of Panton-Valentine-leucocidin (PVL). After travelling to Germany, his German girlfriend developed a subacute ca-MRSA, PVL-positive superinfection of a mosquito bite at her lower leg. Both infections required surgical intervention. Results While the male patient displayed contact dermatitis by poison ivy, the female patient demonstrated two risk factors for ca-MRSA: contact with a ca-MRSA positive person and a predisposing skin lesion. Both cases underpin the role of ca-MRSA transmission and the potential severeness of wound infections in young and immunocompetent persons, just to be resolved by invasive intervention. Conclusions Marked and recalcitrant skin or soft tissue infections in otherwise healthy young patients require instant microbiological analysis and surgical intervention flanked by adequate antibiotic therapy. Contact dermatitis induced by plant toxins should be taken into consideration as possible risk factor for the acquisition of ca-MRSA.

ZusammenfassungAuch im Lichte aktueller, infektionsimmunologischer Erkenntnisse über Entstehung und Behandlung spielen im Zeitalter der modernen Therapien einschließlich Antisepsis und Antibiotika sexuell übertragbare Erkrankungen nach wie vor, und speziell für bestimmte Risikogruppen, eine bedeutende Rolle. Die grundsätzliche Behandelbarkeit lange Zeit tödlich verlaufender Infektionen wie AIDS hat andererseits sogar vielfach zu vermehrter Sorglosigkeit geführt, wodurch nicht nur die HIV-Infektion und häufig ko-akquirierte Infektionen wie Syphilis nach wie vor wichtige Infektionskrankheiten auch in entwickelten Ländern darstellen, sondern grundsätzlich viele eindämmbare Erkrankungen z.T. auch wieder vermehrt auftreten und entsprechende Probleme bereiten. Daher ist und bleibt es unumgänglich, dass sich Ärzte und sexualmedizinisches Personal ständig auch über die Möglichkeiten der Übertragung wie der Prävention sexuell übertragbarer Krankheiten auf dem Laufenden halten.

ZusammenfassungDermatologie-typische Abläufe in der Patientenversorgung werden in dieser Arbeit im Hinblick auf mögliche Hygienerisiken dargestellt. Das potenziell kontaminierte Oberflächenorgan Haut und seine Umgebung stellen in der medizinischen Versorgung in Bezug auf den intensiven, längeren und großflächigen Kontakt, der mit hautärztlichen und pflegerischen Maßnahmen einhergeht, eine Herausforderung dar.

ZusammenfassungDie COVID-19-Pandemie hat weltweit erhebliche Beeinträchtigungen des Lebens und Arbeitens mit sich gebracht. Mit dem Beginn der Impfungen steigt die Hoffnung auf eine Kehrtwende. Dennoch sind COVID- und Intensivstationen in den Kliniken nach wie vor erheblich belastet. Häufig muss in den Kliniken aus Kapazitätsgründen auch dermatologisches Fachpersonal zur Betreuung von COVID-19-Patienten herangezogen werden. Dies führte dazu, dass im Verlauf der Pandemie dermatologische Manifestationen von COVID-19 erkannt und näher klassifiziert werden konnten. Differenzierte Hygienekonzepte, insbesondere die der Händehygiene, bringen jedoch ein weiteres, mit der Pandemie-assoziiertes dermatologisches Problem zum Vorschein: die Ausbildung von Handekzemen. Dies ist nicht nur auf medizinische Berufe beschränkt und zeigt daher eine mögliche übergeordnete Bedeutung der Dermatologie im Rahmen von zukünftigen Pandemiestrategien.

ZusammenfassungBakterielle Besiedlungen von Haut und Wunden sowie Infektionen mit Problemkeimen spielen in der Dermatologie eine wichtige Rolle. Neben Methicillin-resistenter Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) finden sich auch zunehmend MRGN und VRE bei Wund- und Weichteilinfektionen. Da sowohl für multiresistente gram-negative Stäbchen (MRGN) als auch Vancomycin-resistente Enterokokken (VRE) das Haupt-Reservoir der menschliche Darm ist, ist eine Sanierung nicht möglich. Daher ist das Ziel, bei diesen beiden multiresistenten Erregerarten durch Prävention bei Risikopatienten und geeignete Hygiene-Maßnahmen eine Reduktion in zusätzlichen Reservoiren wie bspw. chronischen Wunden zu erreichen sowie durch richtigen Einsatz von Antibiotika eine weitere Zunahme von MRGN- und VRE-Inzidenzen zu verhindern. Aus diesem Grund ist bei der Infektionsprävention ein besonderer Fokus auf das Hygienemanagement zu legen. Dieses soll praxisnah, effizient und nachvollziehbar, damit also auch vermittelbar sein. Die Antibiotikastrategie soll so ausgestaltet sein, dass die Selektion resistenter Erreger möglichst verhindert wird. Dies gilt gleichermaßen für das Krankenhaus wie auch das ambulante Umfeld von Patienten.

ZusammenfassungDer Methicillin-resistente Staphylococcus aureus ist ein im täglichen Alltag insbesondere für den Bereich der Dermatologie relevanter multiresistenter gram-positiver bakterieller Erreger. Chronische Wunden und atopische Dermatitis sowie der Typ II-Diabetes mellitus spielen hier als Risikofaktoren eine wichtige Rolle. Dieser Übersichtsartikel fokussiert sich neben Ausführungen zu Bedeutung und klinischem Vorkommen auf eine zusammenfassende Darstellung der Hygieneaspekte bei der Behandlung von MRSA-besiedelten oder -infizierten Patienten. Ziel einer solchen Behandlung mit etablierten Hygienekonzepten ist es, eine mögliche Verbreitung des multiresistenten Erregers von einem Patienten auf andere Personen zu verhindern. Werden diese Hygiene-Maßnahmen umgesetzt und gleichzeitig bei einer Infektion eine evidenzbasierte, nach dem Antibiotic-Stewardship ausgerichtete antibiotische Therapie initiiert, sind dies zwei wesentliche Bausteine, um auch weiterhin, wie in den letzten Jahren schon in Nord- und Mitteleuropa beobachtet, rückläufige MRSA-Prävalenzen zu erzielen.

ZusammenfassungDargestellt wird der seltene Fall eines diffus großzelligen B-Zell-Lymphoms unter dem klinischen Verdacht einer kutanen Anthrax-Infektion. Bei Aufnahme präsentierte der 82-jährige Patient an der Stirn rechtsseitig oberhalb der Augenbraue eine ca. 3,5 cm messende ulzerierte Plaque mit zentral festhaftender schwarzer Nekrose und erhabenem livid-erythematösen Randwall. Wir sahen im Verlauf des stationären Aufenthaltes eine fulminante AZ-Verschlechterung des Patienten mit rezidivierenden Fieberschüben bis 40,0 °C und plötzlich disseminierter Aussaat neuer kutaner Herde ähnlich der Morphe der primären Läsion. In der CT zeigten sich multiple pulmonale und hepatische Rundherde sowie einzelne in den Nieren sowie in der rechten Nebenniere. In der Biopsie eines Leberrundherdes und in einer Hautbiopsie wurde die Diagnose eines diffus großzelligen B-Zell-Lymphoms vom ABC-Subtyp gesichert. Bei rezidivierenden Fieberschüben über 39 °C unter eskalierter Antibiose sowie persistierender nicht invasiver Beatmung wurde der Patient im Verlauf auf eine Intensivstation verlegt und verstarb nach 6-wöchiger Krankheitsdauer. Die Autoren schlussfolgern, dass bei sich extrem fulminant darstellenden Krankheitsverläufen, die klinisch einer dermatologischen Infektionserkrankung entsprechen können, jedoch unkontrollierbar unter antimikrobieller Therapie verlaufen, immer an die kutane Manifestation eines systemischen Lymphoms gedacht werden sollte. Hier können auch die primär der Infektionserkrankung zugeordnete B-Symptomatik und die elevierten Akute-Phase-Proteine auftreten. Lymphom-Manifestationen erscheinen an der Haut häufig unspezifisch mit ekzematöser, lichenoider oder pruriginös-nodulärer Morphe. Der Verlauf machte die Einordnung der Dignität der Erkrankung in unserem Fall dann möglich.

CAR T-cell therapy is an effective treatment for various relapsed or refractory haemato-oncological diseases. However, this therapy results in significant immunosuppression that lasts for months. Whether these patients are at risk during a rehabilitation stay, e.g., due to infections, has not yet been answered.We describe the rehabilitation stay under special hygienic conditions of the five patients rehabilitated in our clinic after CAR T-cell therapy. Complications that occurred during rehabilitation are reported, as well as the positive effects of rehabilitation on physical performance, polyneuropathic complaints, anxiety and depression, and individual limitations.One patient reported signs of infection already at the beginning of rehabilitation. This was treated with antibiotics, and rehabilitation could be continued. No complications occurred in any of the other patients. All patients reported having benefited physically and psychologically from the rehabilitation, and two expressed the intention to return to work.As far as we know, this is the first report on several patients after CAR T-cell therapy. Based on the limited data, there is no reason to withhold a rehabilitation stay from patients after CAR T-cell therapy.

Because immunocompromised patients are particularly vulnerable during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, patients undergoing high-dose chemotherapy with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HDC/alloSCT) face the question of whether they should enter a rehabilitation stay. We therefore asked to what extent the pandemic has changed the acceptance of a rehabilitation stay and whether and how high the risk of infection for these patients should be assessed.We analyzed all patients after HDC/alloSCT admitted to our rehabilitation facility during the period, since the first SARS-CoV-2 wave occurred in Germany (03/15/2020) and compared them with patients admitted to our rehabilitation facility before.Analysis of our data showed a significant reduction in rehabilitation stays of patients after HDC/alloSCT during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Patients arrived for rehabilitation significantly later after HDC/alloSCT and were less likely to take immunosuppressive medications. The anxiety score in the HADS was lower and the platelet count was higher. In contrast, parameters such as age, sex, or leukocyte value did not play a role. None of the patients became infected with SARS-CoV-2 during rehabilitation.The acceptance of a rehabilitation stay during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has changed, but there does not seem to be an increased risk for the patients.

Objectives In the search for more effective and safe treatment avenues, we investigated cold physical plasma as a new treatment modality for therapy of oral lichen planus (OLP). Material and methods Healthy and diseased human mucosal tissue samples with a size of 3 mm in diameter obtained from OLP patients were subjected to plasma treatment ex vivo or were left untreated. Tissue sections were quantified for immune-infiltration of CD4+ , CD8+ , CD45RA+ , and CD45R0+ T cells. Moreover, the tissues' inflammatory profile was assessed by analyzing 12 different cytokines in the surrounding media. Results A significantly increased infiltrate of CD8+ and CD45-R0+ T cells was detected in OLP tissue samples when compared to healthy tissue. A higher concentration of interleukin (IL) 1β, IL6, IL8, and granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CMF) was detected in OLP samples compared to healthy mucosal tissue. For all cytokines and chemokines investigated, 23 out of 24 comparisons showed a decrease in tendency (significant for IL1β, IL2, IL10, and GM-CSF) in response to plasma treatment. In ex vivo-treated tissue, a decrease of T-cell infiltrate in OLP lesions compared with healthy tissue was observed. Conclusion Our findings suggest cold physical plasma can be a promising therapeutic option for OLP that requires further validation in vivo.

Tinea capitis describes a dermatophyte infection of scalp and hair that predominately occurs in children. The diagnostic workup includes microscopic examination, culture and/or molecular tests. Treatment is guided by the specific organism involved and should consist of systemic agents as well as adjuvant topical treatment. The aim of the present update of the interdisciplinary German S1 guidelines is to provide dermatologists, pediatricians and general practitioners with a decision tool for selecting and implementing appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic measures in patients with tinea capitis. The guidelines were developed based on current international guidelines, in particular the 2010 European Society for Pediatric Dermatology guidelines and the 2014 British Association of Dermatologists guidelines, as well as on a review of the literature conducted by the guideline committee. This multidisciplinary committee consists of representatives from the German Society of Dermatology (DDG), the German-Speaking Mycological Society (DMykG), the German Society for Hygiene and Microbiology (DGHM), the German Society of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine (DGKJ) and the German Society for Pediatric Infectious Diseases (DGPI). The Division of Evidence-based Medicine (dEBM) provided methodological assistance. The guidelines were approved by the participating medical societies following a comprehensive internal and external review., Die Tinea capitis ist eine durch Dermatophyten hervorgerufene, vor allem im Kindesalter auftretende Mykose der behaarten Kopfhaut. Die Diagnostik erfolgt mittels mikroskopischer, kultureller und/oder molekularer Methoden. Die Therapie sollte systemisch und begleitend topisch erfolgen und ist abhängig von dem jeweiligen Erreger. Das Ziel des Updates dieser interdisziplinären deutschen S1-Leitlinie ist es, vor allem Dermatologen, Kinderärzten und Allgemeinmedizinern eine Entscheidungshilfe für die Auswahl sowie Durchführung einer geeigneten und suffizienten Diagnostik und Therapie für Patienten mit Tinea capitis zur Verfügung zu stellen. Die Leitlinie wurde unter Berücksichtigung aktueller internationaler Leitlinien, insbesondere der Leitlinien der European Society for Pediatric Dermatology 2010 sowie der British Association of Dermatologists 2014 und den Ergebnissen einer Literaturrecherche durch die Leitlinienkommission erstellt. Diese Kommission ist multidisziplinär und besteht aus Vertretern der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft (DDG), der Deutschsprachigen Mykologischen Gesellschaft (DMykG), der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Hygiene und Mikrobiologie (DGHM), der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin e.V. (DGKJ) und der deutschen Gesellschaft für Pädiatrische Infektiologie (DGPI). Methodisch wurde die Leitliniengruppe durch die Division of Evidence-based Medicine (dEBM) begleitet. Die Leitlinie wurde nach einem umfangreichen internen und externen Review durch die beteiligten Fachgesellschaften freigegeben.

A significant number of chronic venous ulcers (CVUs) fail to heal despite guideline-conform standards of care. Skin-derived ABCB5+ mesenchymal stem cells can dampen the sustained IL-1β‒driven inflammation present in chronic wounds. On the basis of their wound healing‒facilitating effects in a mouse CVU model and an autologous first-in-human study, ABCB5+ mesenchymal stem cells have emerged as a potential candidate for cell-based advanced therapy of nonhealing CVUs. In this interventional, multicenter, single-arm, phase I/IIa clinical trial, subjects whose CVUs had emerged as standard therapy resistant received one or two topical applications of 1 × 106 allogeneic ABCB5+ mesenchymal stem cells per cm2 wound area, in addition to standard treatment. Of 83 treatment-emergent adverse events, only three were judged related to the cell product; they were mild or moderate and recovered without sequelae. Wound size markedly decreased from baseline to week 12, resulting in a median wound size reduction of 76% (full analysis set, n = 31), 78% (per-protocol set, n = 27), and 87% (subset of responders, n = 21). In conclusion, the study treatment was well-tolerated and safe. The treatment elicited a profound wound size reduction within 12 weeks, identifying ABCB5+ mesenchymal stem cells as a potential candidate for adjunctive therapy of otherwise incurable CVUs. These results justify the conduct of a larger, randomized, controlled trial to confirm clinical efficacy.

A significant number of chronic venous ulcers (CVUs) fail to heal despite of guideline-conform standard of care. Skin-derived ABCB5(+) mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can dampen the sustained IL-1β-driven inflammation present in chronic wounds. Based on their wound healing-facilitating effects in a mouse CVU model and an autologous first-in-human study, ABCB5(+) MSCs have emerged as a potential candidate for cell-based advanced therapy of non-healing CVUs. In the present interventional, multicenter, single-arm, phase I/IIa clinical trial, subjects whose CVU had emerged as standard therapy-resistant received one or two topical applications of 1×10(6) allogeneic ABCB5(+) MSCs/cm(2) wound area in addition to standard treatment. Out of 83 treatment-emergent adverse events, only three were judged related to the cell product; they were mild or moderate and recovered without sequelae. Wound size markedly decreased from baseline to week 12, resulting in a median wound size reduction of 76% (full analysis set, N=31), 78% (per-protocol set, N=27) and 87% (subset of responders; n=21). In conclusion, the study treatment was well tolerated and safe. The treatment elicited a profound wound size reduction within 12 weeks, identifying ABCB5(+) MSCs as a potential candidate for adjunctive therapy of otherwise incurable CVUs. These results justify the conduct of a larger, randomized, controlled trial to confirm clinical efficacy.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) can colonize dental patients and students, however, studies on the prevalence of MRSA and methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) among dental health care workers (DHCW) including use of personal protective equipment (PPE) are scarce. We conducted an observational study (StaphDent study) to (I) determine the prevalence of MRSA and MSSA colonization in DHCW in the region of Mecklenburg Western-Pomerania, Germany, (II) resolve the S. aureus population structure to gain hints on possible transmission events between co-workers, and (III) clarify use of PPE. Nasal swabs were obtained from dentists (n = 149), dental assistants (n = 297) and other dental practice staff (n = 38). Clonal relatedness of MSSA isolates was investigated using spa typing and, in some cases, whole genome sequencing (WGS). PPE use was assessed by questionnaire. While 22.3% (108/485) of the participants were colonized with MSSA, MRSA was not detected. MSSA prevalence was not associated with size of dental practices, gender, age, or duration of employment. The identified 61 spa types grouped into 17 clonal complexes and four sequence types. Most spa types (n = 47) were identified only once. In ten dental practices one spa type occurred twice. WGS data analysis confirmed a close clonal relationship for 4/10 isolate pairs. PPE was regularly used by most dentists and assistants. To conclude, the failure to recover MRSA from DHCW reflects the low MRSA prevalence in this region. Widespread PPE use suggests adherence to routine hygiene protocols. Compared to other regional HCW MRSA rates the consequent usage of PPE seems to be protective.

Fusmykosen einschlieslich Onychomykosen sind weltweit verbreitete Infektionserkrankungen. Zur Abklarung moglicher praventiv nutzbarer Einflussfaktoren sollte erstmalig im Rahmen einer regional landesweiten flachendeckenden Erhebung anhand zufallig ausgewahlter Einwohner in Mecklenburg‐Vorpommern der Einfluss bestimmter Ernahrungsgewohnheiten, haufiger autoimmuner Komorbiditaten und Rauchen auf die Pravalenz von Fusmykosen untersucht werden. Es erfolgte die Ermittlung potenzieller neuer Einflussfaktoren der Mykoseentstehung, um ggf. praventive Masnahmen ableiten zu konnen. Im Rahmen der Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP) in Mecklenburg‐Vorpommern wurden insgesamt 2523 Probanden auf das Vorliegen von Mykosen am Korper untersucht und mykologisch beprobt. Mittels Fragebogen wurden die Komorbiditaten Leiden unter Allergie, Heuschnupfen, Neurodermitis und Psoriasis erfragt, auserdem Ernahrungsgewohnheiten sowie Rauchverhalten. Bei 8 % der 2504 untersuchten Probanden wurde eine Mykose am Korper, bei 6,5 % eine Onychomykose, bei 3,7 % eine Tinea pedis und bei 0,2 % Tinea corporis diagnostiziert. Tinea pedis zeigte eine signifikante Assoziation mit Psoriasis, Heuschnupfen und atopischer Dermatitis sowie mit haufigem Verzehr von gekochten Kartoffeln, Haferflocken, Musli, Cornflakes, Teigwaren und Reis. Die Onychomykose zeigte eine positive Assoziation mit dem gehauften Verzehr von gekochten Kartoffeln. Zigarettenkonsum war im Trend protektiv fur das Auftreten kulturpositiver Fusmykosen, dabei signifikant protektiv gegenuber dem Nachweis von Dermatophyten allgemein und signifikant gegenuber Trichophyton (T.) rubrum und T. mentagrophytes complex. Die Autoimmunkrankheiten Psoriasis und atopische Dermatitis und Rhinitis allergica scheinen Fuspilzerkrankungen zu begunstigen. Bei rezidivierenden Fusmykosen sollte eine kohlenhydratreiche Ernahrung hinterfragt werden. Nikotingenuss scheint die Haut vor Pilzbefall und moglicherweise auch vor klinischer Manifestation zu schutzen.

Zusammenfassung Hintergrund Der Morbus Dupuytren (MD) ist eine häufige Bindegewebserkrankung der Hand. Um ein Rezidiv nach Eingriff zu verhindern, erhalten die Patienten in der Regel eine frühzeitige postoperative Ergotherapie (ET). Der Einfluss dieser Maßnahme auf die Durchblutungssituation und damit auf das Auftreten oder Verhindern postoperativer Komplikationen ist jedoch nicht geklärt. Das Hyperspektralimaging (HSI) erlaubt die quantitative Beurteilung der Gewebsperfusion durch Messung der Sauerstoffsättigung und des Wassergehaltes des Gewebes. Ziel Evaluation der mikrozirkulatorischen Effekte der frühen postoperativen Ergotherapie nach partieller Fasziektomie bei MD mittels HSI zur Behandlungsoptimierung. Patienten und Methode Die Sauerstoffsättigung und der Wassergehalt des Gewebes der Hand wurden bei fünf Patienten vor und nach 20 Minuten standarisierter ET am ersten und zweiten postoperativen Tag mittels HSI evaluiert. Ergebnisse HSI zeigte eine qualitativ und quantitativ verbesserte Perfusion nach ET bei allen Patienten. Nach ET kam es zu einer Verbesserung der Sauerstoffsättigung um 20 % und zu einer Reduktion des Wassergehaltes um bis zu 17 %. Schlussfolgerung HSI erlaubt die schnelle und nicht-invasive Bestimmung einer verbesserten Sauerstoffversorgung und eines erniedrigten Wassergehaltes im Gewebe des OP-Gebietes bei Patienten nach partieller Fasziektomie bei MD als Folge der ET. Dies kann die Ursache für eine verbesserte Wundheilung und reduzierte Rezidivrate sein.

Das Mikrobiom als Gesamtheit mikrobieller Lebensformen in definierten Korperbereichen hat grose Bedeutung in der Regulation wichtiger Funktionen des Makroorganismus. Welche Bedeutung hat das Wundmikrobiom fur die Behandlung chronischer Wunden? Welche Wechselwirkungen bestehen zu anderen Mikrobiomen, und welche Schlussfolgerungen ergeben sich daraus fur das Wundmanagement? Abstriche oder Debridementproben aus Wunden werden kultur- bzw. genbasiert auf mikrobielle Erreger untersucht. Aus den genetischen Ergebnissen ergibt sich das Wundmikrobiom. Die Erreger werden nach Art und proportionalem Vorkommen bewertet und verschiedenen Faktoren wie Lokalisation und Art der Wunde, Erkrankung und Nebendiagnosen zugeordnet. Im Wundmikrobiom finden sich erheblich mehr Keimspezies und -mengen im Vergleich zu konventionellen mikrobiologischen Nachweismethoden. Das Wundmikrobiom steht in direkter Beziehung zum Hautmikrobiom und zeigt eine komplexe und zu verschiedenen Untersuchungszeiten unterschiedliche Zusammensetzung, auserdem inter- und intraindividuelle Unterschiede. Bei Wunden von diabetischen Patienten zeigen sich krankheitsspezifische Veranderungen, z. B. dominieren Staphylokokkenspezies, bei Nichtdiabetikern dagegen Streptokokken. Die Analyse des Wundmikrobioms befindet sich im Anfangsstadium. Es zeigt sich bereits, dass es bei hamodynamischen Storungen krankheitsspezifische Beziehungen zum Wundmikrobiom gibt, die auch Hinweise auf den Verlauf geben konnen. Die aus dem Hautmikrobiom bekannten Phanomene mit Auswirkungen auf Pathogene durften auch in der Wunde wirksam werden. Hier zeigen sich Wege moderner antiinfektiver Behandlungsoptionen wie der Besiedlungsmodulation jenseits der konventionellen antimikrobiellen Chemotherapie auf.

The promising potential of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) treatment as a new therapeutic option in the field of medicine, particularly in Otorhinolaryngology and Respiratory medicine, demands primarily the assessment of potential risks and the prevention of any direct and future cell damages. Consequently, the application of a special intensity of CAP that is well tolerated by cells and tissues is of particular interest. Although improvement of wound healing by CAP treatment has been described, the underlying mechanisms and the molecular influences on human tissues are so far only partially characterized. In this study, human S9 bronchial epithelial cells were treated with cold plasma of atmospheric pressure plasma jet that was previously proven to accelerate the wound healing in a clinically relevant extent. We studied the detailed cellular adaptation reactions for a specified plasma intensity by time-resolved comparative proteome analyses of plasma treated vs. nontreated cells to elucidate the mechanisms of the observed improved wound healing and to define potential biomarkers and networks for the evaluation of plasma effects on human epithelial cells. K-means cluster analysis and time-related analysis of fold-change factors indicated concordantly clear differences between the short-term (up to 1 h) and long-term (24-72 h) adaptation reactions. Thus, the induction of Nrf2-mediated oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress response, PPAR-alpha/RXR activation as well as production of peroxisomes, and prevention of apoptosis already during the first hour after CAP treatment are important cell strategies to overcome oxidative stress and to protect and maintain cell integrity and especially microtubule dynamics. After resolving of stress, when stress adaptation was accomplished, the cells seem to start again with proliferation and cellular assembly and organization. The observed strategies and identification of marker proteins might explain the accelerated wound healing induced by CAP, and these indicators might be subsequently used for risk assessment and quality management of application of nonthermal plasma sources in clinical settings.

ZusammenfassungDie Diagnose „Vasculitis allergica“ suggeriert eine klassisch allergische IgE-vermittelte Genese. Dies ist jedoch nicht der Fall, vielmehr handelt es sich um einen hochkomplex ablaufenden Mechanismus, der häufig das eigentlich auslösende Antigen vor der Detektion bewahrt.Die aktuelle Nomenklatur für dieses dermatologische Erkrankungsbild lautet kutane IgM oder IgG Immunkomplex-Vaskulitis, es handelt sich um eine leukozytoklastische Vaskulitis der postkapillären Venolen 3. Diese neue Einordnung legt die mit dem ursprünglichen Namen einhergehende Assoziation mit einer typisch IgE-vermittelten allergischen Erkrankung ab.Vaskulitiden werden immunologisch betrachtet den Immunkomplex-Erkrankungen, der sogenannten Typ III Reaktion nach Coombs und Gell, zugeordnet 14, 15, 16. Sie werden als entsprechend dem dahinter liegenden immunologischen Prozess als „non-IgE-mediated allergic hypersensitivity Syndrom“ eingestuft 14, 15, 16. Viele Vaskulitiden machen sich klinisch zuerst an der Haut u. a. durch akut auftretende, rasch progrediente Ulzerationen bemerkbar, häufig assoziiert mit starker Schmerzhaftigkeit. Sie sind damit in der Ursachenabklärung eines Ulcus cruris bedeutsam, rangieren hier aber unter den seltenen Diagnosen.Der lange bestehende Begriff einer „leukozytoklastischen Vaskulitis“ für diese Erkrankung steht entsprechend nicht länger für ein einzelnes Erkrankungsbild, sondern vielmehr für ein histologisches Muster einer Gruppe von Vaskulitiden, den sogenannten Immunkomplexvaskulitiden. 3 Hierbei handelt es sich von Gefäßkaliber überwiegend um „small vessel“ Vaskulitiden, diese können als „single organ vasculitis“ (SOV) mit alleiniger Manifestation an der Haut oder auch als kutanes Teilsymptom einer anderen „multi organ vasculitis“ (MOV) zum Beispiel im Rahmen eines systemischen Lupus erythematodes auftreten 1. Die kutane IgM oder IgG Immunkomplex-Vaskulitis zeigt den für Vaskulitiden klassisch plötzlich auftretenden, rasch progredienten Verlauf und ist klinisch durch eine typische Primäreffloreszenz, die palpable Purpura, mit hoher Inflammation charakterisiert. 2 Im Therapiekonzept steht an erster Stelle das auslösende Agens zu identifizieren und zu eliminieren 2, 42, 44. In der Regel zeigt dieser Typ von Vaskulitis eine überwiegend residuenfreie Abheilung mit niedrigem Rezidivrisiko unter der Voraussetzung, dass das auslösende Agens identifiziert und beseitigt ist 2, 41, 42, 44.

Background Primary leptomeningeal melanocytic tumors of the central nervous system are rare and, especially in the spine, less frequent compared with other entities. There is no consensus regarding the best care of these tumors. Case Description We report 2 cases of primary leptomeningeal melanocytic tumors, 1 primary leptomeningeal melanoma (PLM) and 1 primary leptomeningeal melanocytoma (PLMC) of the upper cervical spine, and emphasize different surgical findings and clinical courses of these patients. A review of the literature according to primary leptomeningeal melanocytic tumors of the spine was done, especially to compare different treatment modalities in the younger history. Conclusions Primary melanocytic tumors of the spine are exceedingly rare. Before surgery it is difficult to make a correct diagnosis. Usually an unexpected intraoperative finding with consecutive histopathologic analyses leads to the final diagnosis. An accurate search for melanocytic tumors outside the central nervous system as a primary source is mandatory. PLMC has a better prognosis than PLM. There is no consensus regarding the adjuvant therapy, but patients with PLM should be given radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapeutic approaches as immune checkpoint blockade after surgery. Communicating hydrocephalus is highly associated with PLM, but may occur in PLMC as well.

Dargestellt wird der seltene Fall einer linearen Ig(Immunglobulin)A-Dermatose bei einem 61-jahrigen Patienten mit zuvor stattgehabtem Erstereignis einer chronisch entzundlichen Darmerkrankung. Die Diagnose der Erkrankung basiert auf den klinischen und histologischen Befunden. Serologische Methoden wie indirekte Immunfluoreszenz, ELISA („enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay“) oder Immunoblot eignen sich zur Spezifizierung der Autoantikorper. In diesem Fall gelang der Nachweis von IgA-Antikorpern entlang der Basalmembran mittels direkter Immunfluoreszenz. Abzugrenzen bei klinisch ahnlichen Befunden sind andere blasenbildende Dermatosen wie das IgG-vermittelte bullose Pemphigoid. Die klassische Therapie der Erkrankung erfolgt systemisch mit Dapson (4,4′-Diaminodiphenylsulfon) sowie mit glukokortikoidhaltigen Externa und antiseptischen Masnahmen.

Background Cutibacterium acnes is part of the anaerobic skin microbiome and resides in deeper skin layers. The organism is an agent of surgical site infections (SSI) in shoulder surgery. We hypothesized that prolonged skin preparation with an agent that penetrates deeply into the skin would be beneficial. Thus, we compared two classes of antiseptics, each combined with alcohol, each applied with two different contact times. Methods Using a cross-over arrangement, shoulders of 16 healthy volunteers were treated for 2.5 min (standard) or 30 min (prolonged) with alcohol-based chlorhexidine (CHG-ALC) or alcohol-based povidone-iodine (PVP-I-ALC). Skin sites were sampled before, immediately after, and 3 h after treatment, using a standardized cup-scrub technique. Results Aerobic skin flora was reduced more effectively by PVP-I-ALC than by CHG-ALC after 2.5 min application and immediate sampling (reduction factor [RF] 2.55 ± 0.75 vs. 1.94 ± 0.91, p = 0.04), but not after prolonged contact times and 3-h sampling. Coagulase-negative staphylococci were completely eliminated after PVP-I-ALC application, but still recovered from 4 of 32 samples after CHG-ALC application. Anaerobic flora was reduced more effectively by PVP-I-ALC than CHG-ALC after standard (RF 3.96 ± 1.46 vs. 1.74 ± 1.24, p Conclusions PVP-I-ALC showed marginal benefits concerning the aerobic flora, but more substantial benefits over CHG-ALC concerning the anaerobic flora of the shoulder. Standard and prolonged contact times showed superiority for PVP-I-ALC for anaerobic flora at all immediate sampling points, but missed significance at 3-h sampling. The results underscore the need for protection against C. acnes and coagulase-negative staphylococci in orthopaedic surgery. The clinical relevance of these findings, however, should be studied with SSI as an endpoint.

Background Cutibacterium acnes is part of the anaerobic skin microbiome and resides in deeper skin layers. The organism is an agent of surgical site infections (SSI) in shoulder surgery and is difficult to target with skin antisepsis. We hypothesized that prolonged preparation with an agent that penetrates more deeply into the skin is more effective in shoulder surgery. Thus, we compared two different classes of antiseptics, each combined with alcohol, and each applied with two different contact times. Methods Using a cross-over study design, shoulders of 16 healthy volunteers were treated for 2.5 min (standard) or 30 min (prolonged) with alcohol-based chlorhexidine (CHG-ALC; 2% w/v CHG, 55% w/v [70% v/v] 2-propanol) or alcohol-based povidone-iodine (PVP-I-ALC; 3.24% w/v PVP-I, 38.9% w/v 2-propanol, 37.3% w/v ethanol). Skin sites were sampled before, immediately after, and 3 h after treatment, using a standardized cup-scrub technique. Results Aerobic skin flora was reduced more effectively by PVP-I-ALC than by CHG-ALC after 2.5 min application and immediate sampling (reduction factor [RF] 2.55±0.75 vs. 1.94±0.91, p = 0.04), but not after prolonged contact times and 3-h sampling. Coagulase-negative staphylococci were completely eliminated after PVP-I-ALC application, but still recovered from 3 of 16 and 1 of 16 samples after 2.5-min and 30-min CHG-ALC application and immediate sampling, respectively. Anaerobic flora, mostly consisting of C. acnes, was reduced more effectively by PVP-I-ALC than by CHG-ALC after standard (RF 3.96±1.46 vs. 1.74±1.24, p C. acnes and coagulase-negative staphylococci in orthopaedic surgery and the need to prevent infections caused by these organisms. The clinical relevance of these findings, however, should be studied with SSI as an endpoint.

Despite increasing knowledge gained based on multidisciplinary research, plasma medicine still raises various questions regarding specific effects as well as potential risks. With regard to significant statements about in vivo applicability that cannot be prognosticated exclusively based on in vitro data, there is still a deficit of clinical data. This study included a clinical follow-up of five probands who had participated five years previously in a study on the influence of cold atmospheric pressure plasma (CAP) on the wound healing of CO2 laser-induced skin lesions. The follow-up included a complex imaging diagnostic involving dermatoscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and hyperspectral imaging (HSI). Hyperspectral analysis showed no relevant microcirculatory differences between plasma-treated and non-plasma-treated areas. In summary of all the findings, no malignant changes, inflammatory reactions or pathological changes in cell architecture could be detected in the plasma-treated areas. These unique in vivo long-term data contribute to a further increase in knowledge about important safety aspects in regenerative plasma medicine. However, to confirm these findings and secure indication-specific dose recommendations, further clinical studies are required. �� 2020 by the authors.

Tinea capitis describes a dermatophyte infection of scalp and hair that predominately occurs in children. The diagnostic workup includes microscopic examination, culture and/or molecular tests. Treatment is guided by the specific organism involved and should consist of systemic agents as well as adjuvant topical treatment. The aim of the present update of the interdisciplinary German S1 guidelines is to provide dermatologists, pediatricians and general practitioners with a decision tool for selecting and implementing appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic measures in patients with tinea capitis. The guidelines were developed based on current international guidelines, in particular the 2010 European Society for Pediatric Dermatology guidelines and the 2014 British Association of Dermatologists guidelines, as well as on a review of the literature conducted by the guideline committee. This multidisciplinary committee consists of representatives from the German Society of Dermatology (DDG), the German-Speaking Mycological Society (DMykG), the German Society for Hygiene and Microbiology (DGHM), the German Society of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine (DGKJ) and the German Society for Pediatric Infectious Diseases (DGPI). The Division of Evidence-based Medicine (dEBM) provided methodological assistance. The guidelines were approved by the participating medical societies following a comprehensive internal and external review.

Chronic non-healing wounds represent an increasing problem. In order to enable physicians and nurses to make evidence based decisions on wound treatment, the professional societies call for supporting tools to be offered to physicians. Oxygen supply, bacteria colonization and other parameters influence the healing process. So far, these parameters cannot be monitored in an objective and routinely manner. Existing methods like the microbiological analysis of wound swabs, mean a great deal of effort and partly a long delay. In this paper 42 fluorescence images from 42 patients with diabetic foot ulcer, recorded with a hyperspectral imaging system (TIVITA®), converted for fluorescence imaging, were analysed. Beside the fluorescence images, information about the bacterial colonization is available from microbiological analysis of wound swabs. After preprocessing, principal component analysis, PCA, is used for data analysis with a 405 nm excitation wavelength, the emission wavelength range 510 - 745 nm is used for analysis. After dividing the data into a training and a test dataset it could be shown, that bacteria are detectable in the wound area. A quantification in bacterial colonization counts (BCC) was not in the focus of the research in this study stage.

There is a lack of imaging tools for the evaluation of spatial alterations in microcirculation including blood oxygen saturation and hemoglobin distribution but recent innovative developments in hyperspectral technology may offer a solution. We examined different hemodynamic disorders in patients suffering from scleroderma, Dupuytren surgery, chronic foot ulcera and skin infections. Superficial and deeper blood oxygen saturation, hemoglobin distribution and water content were determined using hyperspectral imaging (HSI). In the patient with scleroderma, distinct cutaneous low perfused regions correlated with macroscopic skin aspects and seem to be potential therapy control marker. With HSI accurate clinical evaluation of a macroscopic conspicuous wound after Dupuytren surgery was possible and influenced further surveillance decisions. HSI clearly revealed the spatial geometry and also the clinically related perfusion parameters of abscess formation and chronic ulcer wounds. The hemodynamically relevant parameters like blood oxygen saturation (1 mm to approx. 6 mm subcutaneous), total hemoglobin distribution and tissue water content can be easily determined and visualized with HSI in near real time. Hence, this technique seems to be suitable for routine diagnostics of acute and chronic wounds as well as for the examination of systemic hemodynamic disturbances. Special indications may be transplant surveillance and monitoring of therapeutical interventions.

ZusammenfassungDas Antiphospholipid-Syndrom vom IgA-Subtyp ist eine Variante innerhalb der Erkrankungsgruppe des Antiphospholipid-Syndroms. Es ist ebenso mit einem deutlich erhöhten Risiko für thrombembolische Komplikationen assoziiert wie das Antiphospholipid-Syndrom vom IgG, IgM-Isotyp. Das klinische Bild an der Haut ist mannigfaltig, es reicht von einer Livedo racemosa, über Ulcera cruris bis hin zu disseminiert auftretenden, vaskulitisch imponierenden Läsionen. Vor allem die vaskulitischen Veränderungen lassen sich am ehesten durch die Eigenschaften des Immunglobulin-Subtyps erklären. Zur weiteren Diagnosesicherung und Abgrenzung anderer Differentialdiagnosen ist die Hinzunahme von IgA-Antikörpern sowie eine Hautbiopsie oft hilfreich.

Background: Hyperspectral Imaging (HSI) has a strong potential to be established as a new contact-free measuring method in medicine. Hyperspectral cameras and data processing have to fulfill requirements concerning practicability and validity to be integrated in clinical routine processes. Methods: Calculating physiological parameters which are of significant clinical value from recorded remission spectra is a complex challenge. We present a data processing method for HSI remission spectra based on a five-layer model of perfused tissue that generates perfusion parameters for every layer and presents them as depth profiles. The modeling of the radiation transport and the solution of the inverse problem are based on familiar approximations, but use partially heuristic methods for efficiency and to fulfill practical clinical requirements. Results: The parameter determination process is consistent, as the measured spectrum is practically completely reproducible by the modeling sequence, in other words, the whole spectral information is transformed into model parameters which are easily accessible for physiological interpretation. The method is flexible enough to be applicable on a wide spectrum of skin and wounds. Examples of advanced procedures utilizing extended perfusion representation in clinical application areas (flap control, burn diagnosis) are presented.

ZusammenfassungIn der vorliegenden Studie wurde die Prävalenz der Besiedlung mit multiresistenten Keimen an 155 Patienten aus der onkologischen und 157 Patienten aus der kardiologischen Rehabilitation mittels mikrobiologischen Screenings untersucht. Dabei zeigten 4,5% der onkologischen und 4,5% der kardiologischen Rehabilitationspatienten eine Besiedlung mit multiresistenten Erregern. Am häufigsten wurden 2-MRGN und ESBL (2,9%) nachgewiesen. Onkologische Rehapatienten zeigten doppelt so hohe Prävalenzraten für 3-MRGN im Vergleich zu kardiologischen (2,6 und 1,3%). Insgesamt zeigen onkologische und kardiologische Rehabilitationspatienten vergleichsweise niedrige Prävalenzraten für multiresistente Krankenhauskeime.

An important clinical potential of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) lies in tumor and wound treatment, whereby the last-mentioned is well-referenced already. However, the underlying mechanisms of improved wound healing have not been sufficiently clarified yet, in particular the influence of CAP on microcirculation. Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) enables the visualization of microcirculation of large tissue areas, thus this technique seems to be a candidate to examine CAP effects on perfusion and oxygen saturation in wounds. During clinical wound management, one chronic wound caused by peripheral arterial occlusive disease and one acute wound after surgical removal of cervical lymph nodes were examined using HSI before and after CAP treatment. HSI was able to demonstrate CAP effects on microcirculation showing a relevant increase of superficial and deeper cutaneous oxygen saturation together with elevated hemoglobin concentration in treated and also surrounding wound area. For the first time, it was shown that CAP improves the superficial and deeper oxygenation and hemoglobin perfusion in and around the treated area of acute and chronic wounds. This effect may contribute to healing support by CAP in wounds. HSI seems suitable for evaluating and monitoring CAP effects in clinical settings.

Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) interacting with tumor cells, and finally, leading to selective cell death has opened new horizons in cancer therapy. Despite significant progress in modern cancer treatment using immunologic and targeted therapies melanoma and glioblastoma (GBM) presenting as brain metastases or primary tumor with poor prognosis are still a therapeutic challenge. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the potential of CAP (indirect treatment) in combination with the chemotherapeutics bleomycin, paclitaxel, and dacarbazine to inhibit proliferation on human melanoma and GBM cells in vitro . Cell lines of mouse melanoma (B16) were exposed for 1, 4, 12, 24, and 48 h, and of human melanoma (A375) and GBM (A172) for 24 h to bleomycin, dacarbazine, and paclitaxel together with plasma activated phosphate buffered saline. Directly after exposure, cell proliferation after single (CAP and chemotherapeutic) or combined (CAP plus chemotherapeutic) treatment was assessed by cytotoxicity assay. Indirect CAP treatment of cell lines of GBM and melanoma was followed by a strong reduction of proliferation most prominent after 24 and 48 h exposure. With all drugs maximal reduction was achieved when drug-CAP combinations were used. Combination with CAP treating B16 melanoma cells reached 98% (48 h, combined with paclitaxel), A375 melanoma cells 82% (24 h, combined with bleomycin), and GBM cells 96% (24 h, combined with paclitaxel). The combination of chemotherapy with CAP as indirect treatment may be beneficial in therapy of melanoma and GBM by enhanced tumor reduction and less drug toxicity of chemotherapeutics.

Objective: Experimental tests of non-invasive multi- or hyperspectral imaging (HSI) systems reveal the high potential of support for medical diagnostic purposes and scientific biomedical analysis. Until now the use of HSI technologies for medical applications was limited by complex and overly sophisticated systems. We present a new and compact HSI-camera that could be used in normal clinical practice. Method: We assessed the use of the HSI system on the hands of 10 healthy volunteers, looking at control parameters, and those following venous occlusion, arterial occlusion and reperfusion, including tissue oxygenation, tissue haemoglobin index, perfusion in 4–6mm depth=near infrared spectroscopy (NIR), and tissue water index. Pseudo colours used ranged from 0% (blue) to 100% (red). We also assessed differences in the wounds of three patients. Results: The results show good potential in all parameters in the healthy volunteers, which had high conformity with validated reference oximetry measurements. In three wounds, different levels of oxygenation were identified in the wound area, although interpretation of these results is complex. In Cases 2 and 3, following the application of a micro capillary dressing, improvements were seen in perfusion and reduction of the tissue water index (TWI). Conclusion: The camera system proved to be quick, flexible and yielded data with high spatial and spectral resolution. These data will be used to perform a power analysis for a randomised controlled study.

Purpose Beside a proven antimicrobial and inflammatory-modulating spectrum of plasma therapy, recent studies point to impressive molecular and cellular effects against tumor cells. However, underlying mechanisms of anticancer effects and improved wound healing, in particular plasma associated influence on microcirculation, have not been sufficiently clarified yet. To date, there is no convincing method for monitoring therapy with cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) in vivo. Methods After cold plasma treatment with kINPen MED a hyperspectral analysis with the TIVITA™ Tissue System (Diaspective Vision, Pepelow, Germany) was performed in two different patient cases. TIVITA™ Tissue System is an innovative hybrid technology that combines imaging and spectroscopy for assessment and documentation of tissue. Results HSI was able to demonstrate CAP associated effects on microcirculation showing a relevant increase of superficial and deeper cutaneous oxygen saturation, hemoglobin concentration and distribution. Conclusion HSI was able to demonstrate CAP-associated effects on microcirculation showing a relevant increase in superficial and deeper skin oxygen saturation, haemoglobin concentration and distribution. As a clinical diagnostic tool, hyperspectral imaging thus provides further information for a better understanding of microcirculatory CAP effects in cancer therapy and wound healing processes.

Background To prove the efficacy of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) to inactivate mycobacteria in vitro, we tested the susceptibility of important mycobacterial species to evaluate potential alternative treatment options. Methods We tested 8 different mycobacterial species M. tuberculosis 2 (MTB ) (resistant against isoniazid (INH ) ), M. marinum , M. ulcerans , M. abscessus , M. chelonae , M. africanum , M. terrae and M. avium against two typical CAP devices, a low temperature atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ) and a dielectric barrier discharge plasma (DBD). The tests followed a modified standard procedure by comparing obtained inhibition zones after irradiation of 3, 15, 30 and 60 s on selective (Lowenstein-Jensen) medium. Results Irradiation by both sources proved high antimycobacterial killing effectiveness against all species including the INH-resistant strain of M. tuberculosis and a set of most important mycobacterial pathogens causing mycobacteriosis. Plasma irradiation Conclusion Plasma treatment (both sources) may serve as a future option for treatment of skin tuberculosis evolved from M. tuberculosis (lupus vulgaris), NTM and leprosy and also for surface decontamination after suspected contact with acid fast microbes.

Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) has been repeatedly identified to bear powerful microbicidal efficacy on bacteria including multidrug resistant organisms and fungi on non-living surfaces, in biofilms as well as on contaminated and infected tissues. CAP furthermore was found to stimulate wound healing in chronic wounds and exerted anti-neoplastic effects on numerous tumor entities. Thus, CAP represents a promising medical tool for many clinical and therapeutic issues. Studies about CAP effects on virus particles recently were in arrears, but to date increasingly move into the focus of interest. Apparently, CAP treatment is followed by a promising virus inactivation and contributes to tissue regeneration. Here we review the current state of science concerning the so far investigated CAP effects on different virus species and virus-associated disorders. J. Med. Virol. 89:952-959, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Standardization is an important tool to reduce costs and risks of research. For the innovative field of plasma medicine, no national or international standards could be identified until now. The present study introduces the first German DIN (German Institute of Standardization)-specification 91315 named “General requirements for medical plasma sources” which was published in June 2014. This developable specification describes obligatory basic criteria for the characterization of different biocompatible cold atmospheric pressure plasma (CAP) sources which are intended supposed for medical applications. With these test methods it is possible to obtain information about performance characteristics as well as effectiveness and safety of medical plasma sources. The suggested biological and physical test methods have been carried out with the CAP jet kINPen® MED. We demonstrate that both test methods described in the DIN-SPEC 91315 are easily to adapt and that the plasma device kINPen® MED is safe and effective with regard to its physical and biological requirements.

Background/aim Cold atmospheric plasma has been shown to inhibit tumor cell growth and induce tumor cell death. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of cold atmospheric plasma treatment on proliferation of human osteosarcoma cells and to characterize the underlying cellular mechanisms. Materials and methods Human osteosarcoma cells (U2-OS and MNNG/HOS) were treated with cold atmospheric plasma and seeded in culture plates. Cell proliferation, p53 and phospho-p53 protein expression and nuclear morphology were assessed. Results The treated human osteosarcoma cell lines exhibited attenuated proliferation rates by up to 66%. The cells revealed an induction of p53, as well as phospho-p53 expression, by 2.3-fold and 4.5-fold, respectively, compared to controls. 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole staining demonstrated apoptotic nuclear condensation following cold atmospheric plasma treatment. Conclusion Cold atmospheric plasma treatment significantly attenuated cell proliferation in a preclinical in vitro osteosarcoma model. The resulting increase in p53 expression and phospho-activation in combination with characteristic nuclear changes indicate this was through induction of apoptosis.

Dupuytren's disease (DD) is a common connective tissue disorder of the hand. To prevent recurrence of contractures, patients usually receive early postoperative ergotherapy (ET). However, it is yet unknown how this measure impacts on local blood flow and hence on the occurrence or prevention of postoperative complications. Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) allows for a quantitative evaluation of tissue perfusion by measuring oxygen saturation and tissue water content.The aim of this work was to evaluate the microcirculatory effects of early ET after partial fasciectomy in DD using HSI for optimised treatment and prevention.In five patients, the oxygen saturation and tissue water content of the hand were measured before and 20 min after exercise therapy on the first two postoperative days using HSI.HSI demonstrated improved tissue perfusion in terms of quantity and quality following ET in all patients. After ET, all patients showed a relative increase in oxygen saturation of up to 20 % and a reduction in tissue water of up to 17 %.HIS allows for a fast and non-invasive evaluation of increased oxygen supply and decreased tissue water content in the surgical site after partial fasciectomy in DD following postoperative exercise therapy. This may improve wound healing and decrease the rate of recurrence in DD.Der Morbus Dupuytren (MD) ist eine häufige Bindegewebserkrankung der Hand. Um ein Rezidiv nach Eingriff zu verhindern, erhalten die Patienten in der Regel eine frühzeitige postoperative Ergotherapie (ET). Der Einfluss dieser Maßnahme auf die Durchblutungssituation und damit auf das Auftreten oder Verhindern postoperativer Komplikationen ist jedoch nicht geklärt. Das Hyperspektralimaging (HSI) erlaubt die quantitative Beurteilung der Gewebsperfusion durch Messung der Sauerstoffsättigung und des Wassergehaltes des Gewebes. ZIEL: Evaluation der mikrozirkulatorischen Effekte der frühen postoperativen Ergotherapie nach partieller Fasziektomie bei MD mittels HSI zur Behandlungsoptimierung.Die Sauerstoffsättigung und der Wassergehalt des Gewebes der Hand wurden bei fünf Patienten vor und nach 20 Minuten standarisierter ET am ersten und zweiten postoperativen Tag mittels HSI evaluiert.HSI zeigte eine qualitativ und quantitativ verbesserte Perfusion nach ET bei allen Patienten. Nach ET kam es zu einer Verbesserung der Sauerstoffsättigung um 20 % und zu einer Reduktion des Wassergehaltes um bis zu 17 %.HSI erlaubt die schnelle und nicht-invasive Bestimmung einer verbesserten Sauerstoffversorgung und eines erniedrigten Wassergehaltes im Gewebe des OP-Gebietes bei Patienten nach partieller Fasziektomie bei MD als Folge der ET. Dies kann die Ursache für eine verbesserte Wundheilung und reduzierte Rezidivrate sein.