Dtsch Arztebl Int
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Fecal microbiota transfer (FMT) is increasingly being used in Ger- many, as in other countries, for the treatment of recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection (rCDI). FMT is now being performed both for research and in individual patients outside of clinical trials. No compulsory standards have been established to date for donor screening or for the method of fecal transfer. Given the potential dangers of FMT, this would seem to be urgently necessary. ⋯ Encapsulation of the fecal microbiome (FM) and storage at -20°C is the method of choice, because it can be standardized with the necessary quality controls and it is readily available. Patients with rCDI should undergo FMT by orally ingesting the capsules. There are ongoing research efforts to identify the active e FM. It is not yet clear when the ultimate goal of recombinant production can be achieved.
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Just under 3% of children in Germany, and approximately 6% of children in some other countries, such as Denmark, are now being conceived with the aid of in vitro fertilization (IVF) technology. Alongside the increased risk of organ malformation, there is now evidence for functional abnormalities due to epigenetic modifications. ⋯ For the well-being of the children to be conceived, IVF therapy should hat cannot be treated by any other means, as the precise causes of the risks of IVF to child health are unclear.
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Vitamins are vitally important, but they are not always adequately supplied with the diet. In this review, we present the advantages and disadvantages of vitamin supplementation and the indications for it in various life situations. ⋯ Vitamin supplementation is recommended for certain population groups: folic acid for pregnant women, vitamin B12 for vegans and persons with resorption disorders, vitamin D for persons with insufficient endogenous synthesis. In all other cases, it should first be tested whether the individual might be substantially helped by dietary changes alone. In general, the potential adverse effects of vitamin supplementation need to be considered, and its benefits weighed against its risks.
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For many years, people with epilepsy were advised not to engage in sports. In this systematic review, we investigated whether persons with epilepsy exercise less than the general population, and what effect physical activity has on epilepsy. ⋯ There is no reason to forbid persons with epilepsy to participate in sports; they should, rather, be encour- a particular type of sport should, however, be taken individually in each case.
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Review Meta Analysis
The Effects of Fine Dust, Ozone, and Nitrogen Dioxide on Health.
Air pollutants, especially fine dust, ozone, and nitrogen dioxide, pose a danger to health worldwide. In 2005, the World Health Organization (WHO), in order to protect public health, issued global recommendations for maximum levels of fine dust (10 μg/m3 for fine dust particles smaller than 2.5 μm [PM2.5]), ozone, and nitrogen dioxide. The recommended levels are regularly exceeded in many places in Germany. ⋯ It is very important for public health that the current EU standards for rkedly lowered so that health risks can be further reduced, in accordance with the recommendations of the WHO.