Deutsche medizinische Wochenschrift
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Dtsch. Med. Wochenschr. · Dec 2020
Review[Placebo Effect - The Benefit of "Nothingness" in Pain Therapy].
For a long time considered ineffective, placebos nowadays have an accepted role in studies as well as clinical practice. The identification of psychological as well as neurophysiological mechanisms helped to conceptualize and legitimize the placebo effect. ⋯ Consequently, the benefits of a thoughtfully applied placebo effect are increasingly being exploited. This article reviews the concept and current understanding of the placebo effect and depicts its use in the field of pain management.
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Dtsch. Med. Wochenschr. · Dec 2020
Review Historical Article[Beyond Slapstick: How Silent Movies Have Witnessed Medicine].
Medicine in silent film has a long history. Although the silent era in cinema was dominated by burlesques (using escaped "lunatics") a number of themes emerged after systematic review. The cinematic representation of medicine coincided with the discovery of X-rays. ⋯ Finally, a closer look at the early era of film echoes how social conflicts where dramatized, especially in the case of nationwide birth control. How illegal abortion kept the society on its edge, was most clearly shown in the adaption of the scandalous play "Cyankali" (1930). In addition to discussing various topics in the cinematic representation of medicine, this brief overview shows that silent movies were a new and true art form, representing an exceptional resource for historians of film and medicine.
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COVID-19 represents a clinical situation that lacks precedence and clinical experience. It introduces a number of pitfalls in well-established clinical routines and poses unique challenges to diagnostic pathways. This review discusses the current evidence on the thromboembolic risk of COVID-19 patients, the recommendations for thromboprophylaxis and the relevance of abnormal coagulation tests. Pathophysiological concepts are discussed and practical solutions and current guidance recommendations are presented.
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Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have become a cornerstone in the treatment of various human malignancies. Immune-related adverse events (irAE) are common and may affect endocrine organs. Here, we provide a brief introduction to ICI therapy and provide practical guidance for the diagnosis and management of endocrine irAE. ⋯ Their immediate treatment is essential. Routine hormonal laboratory testing, a high level of suspicion towards irAE and patient education enable early detection of endocrine irAE. In summary, the increasingly widespread use of ICI causes immune related endocrine disorders that have been hitherto unusual and require the awareness of the practicing physician.
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During the last years there was quite a lot of new developments in the international literature. Mostly these were technical methods and instruments. ⋯ Their focus was haemorrhoidal disease, anorectal fistulas and anal fissures. Despite these new developments all current standards remain on a high level of value.