Tobias Goerge studies a range of vascular and dermatological conditions, particularly those that affect blood vessels and the skin. His research includes diagnosing and treating disorders such as pyoderma gangrenosum, livedoid vasculopathy, and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). By improving diagnostic accuracy and treatment methods, he aims to enhance the quality of life for patients suffering from these challenging conditions, utilizing tools like risk assessment scores and anticoagulation therapies to provide better management options.
Key findings
Raised the PARACELSUS score cut-off from 10 to over 10 points, increasing diagnostic accuracy for pyoderma gangrenosum from 94.1% to 97%.
A study of 26 patients with livedoid vasculopathy found a 71% efficacy rate for heparin treatment in improving their conditions.
Long-term treatment with anticoagulants like rivaroxaban led to significant improvements in pain and quality of life for patients over a period of 3 to 24 months.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Goerge study skin conditions?
Yes, Dr. Goerge studies various skin conditions, particularly those related to blood vessel health like pyoderma gangrenosum and livedoid vasculopathy.
What treatments has Dr. Goerge researched?
He has researched treatments including anticoagulants for livedoid vasculopathy and guidelines for managing deep vein thrombosis.
Is Dr. Goerge's work relevant to blood vessel disorders?
Absolutely, his research focuses specifically on blood vessel disorders and aims to improve diagnosis, treatment, and patient outcomes.
Publications in plain English
[Acute venous disorders: deep vein thrombosis and superficial vein thrombosis of the lower extremity : Diagnosis and treatment in dermatology practice].
2026
Dermatologie (Heidelberg, Germany)
Prien LM, Mitschang C, Goerge T
Plain English This study focused on two types of vein disorders: deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and superficial vein thrombosis (SVT), examining how dermatologists can effectively diagnose and treat them. The research found that the proper use of risk assessment tools and tests, like the Wells score and D-dimer test, can help accurately determine the presence of DVT. For patients with confirmed DVT, long-term treatment with blood thinners is often necessary, while specific guidelines address how to manage SVT based on its severity and characteristics.
Who this helps: This benefits patients suffering from vein disorders and the doctors treating them.
Validation of PARACELSUS score performance for the diagnosis of pyoderma gangrenosum: An international multicenter study with 1403 cases.
2026
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
Moelleken M, Ortega-Loayza AG, Busch D, Erfurt-Berge C, Shinohara MM +15 more
Plain English This research focused on improving the PARACELSUS score, a tool used to diagnose a rare skin condition called pyoderma gangrenosum, which often gets confused with other similar wounds. The study examined 1,403 patients and found that by raising the score cut-off from 10 to over 10 points, the accuracy of diagnosing pyoderma gangrenosum increased from 94.1% to 97%, and the chances of incorrectly diagnosing someone with the condition dropped significantly. This improvement is important because it means doctors can make more accurate diagnoses, leading to better treatment for patients.
Who this helps: This benefits patients with pyoderma gangrenosum and their doctors.
Development of a Cellular Assay as a Personalized Model for Testing Chronic Wound Therapeutics.
2025
The Journal of investigative dermatology
Doerfler P, Schoefmann N, Cabral G, Bauer W, Berli MC +26 more
Plain English This study looked at fluids from over 800 wounds that weren’t healing properly to create a test that helps understand and treat chronic wounds. It found that the substances in these fluids can significantly affect skin cell growth, and they demonstrated a strong link between how long a wound has been open and its negative impact on healing. This is important because it means doctors can better track healing and evaluate treatment options based on specific patient needs.
Who this helps: Patients with chronic wounds.
Long-Term Efficacy of Guideline-Followed Treatment in Patients with Livedoid Vasculopathy: A Single-Center Study.
2025
Advances in wound care
Hillgruber C, Mitschang C, Eveslage M, Fischhuber K, Storck M +2 more
Plain English This study looked at how well following treatment guidelines works for people with livedoid vasculopathy, a skin condition that causes painful sores and can severely impact quality of life. Over a period ranging from 3 months to 24 months, 26 patients treated with anticoagulants like rivaroxaban reported significant improvement in pain and overall quality of life. These findings are important because they show that proper treatment can lead to better long-term outcomes for patients suffering from this difficult condition.
Who this helps: Patients with livedoid vasculopathy.
Behavioral plasticity during acute heat stress: heat hardening increases the expression of boldness.
2024
Journal of thermal biology
Goerge TM, Miles DB
Plain English This study looked at how tree lizards react to extreme heat and found that when they adapt to high temperatures, their boldness increases. Specifically, male lizards became bolder after experiencing heat stress, which may help them defend their territory but could also make them more vulnerable to predators. Understanding these changes is important as climate change affects animal survival.
Who this helps: This helps scientists and conservationists working to protect wildlife in changing climates.
Territorial status is explained by covariation between boldness, exploration, and thermal preference in a colour polymorphic lizard.
2024
Ecology and evolution
Goerge TM, Miles DB
Plain English This study looked at how boldness, exploration, and temperature preferences vary among different color types of tree lizards. Researchers found that territorial male lizards were bolder and more exploratory than non-territorial males, preferring warmer environments; however, this boldness led to more tail injuries. Understanding these behaviors helps us learn how different lizard color types thrive in their habitats.
Who this helps: This research benefits wildlife biologists studying lizard behavior and habitat specialization.
Thermal ecology of Northern Water Snakes (Nerodia sipedon) in a northern wetland in central Michigan.
2022
Journal of thermal biology
Rowe JW, Goerge TM, Martin CE, Mulligan WP
Plain English This study looked at how Northern Water Snakes in central Michigan manage their body temperature in different environments, especially during summer. Researchers found that these snakes were able to maintain their preferred body temperature of about 28-33°C for 68-70% of the time when conditions allowed, and they changed their locations throughout the day to keep warm. Understanding how these snakes regulate their temperature is important because it can help us conserve their habitats and ensure their survival, especially as environmental conditions change.
Who this helps: This research benefits wildlife conservationists and ecologists.
Livedoid vasculopathy - A diagnostic and therapeutic challenge.
2022
Frontiers in medicine
Burg MR, Mitschang C, Goerge T, Schneider SW
Plain English This paper examines livedoid vasculopathy, a rare condition that causes painful sores on the lower legs, leading to white scars after healing. Researchers found that this disorder involves issues with blood clotting, often linked to other health problems like blood disorders and autoimmune diseases. Understanding this condition is crucial for developing effective treatments to improve patients' quality of life and prevent serious complications.
Who this helps: Patients suffering from livedoid vasculopathy and their doctors.
Quantitative analysis of the natural history of prolidase deficiency: description of 17 families and systematic review of published cases.
2021
Genetics in medicine : official journal of the American College of Medical Genetics
Rossignol F, Duarte Moreno MS, Benoist JF, Boehm M, Bourrat E +28 more
Plain English This study looked at prolidase deficiency, a rare genetic disorder that can lead to skin ulcers, spleen enlargement, and developmental delays, by examining 19 patients and reviewing 132 articles about 161 cases. Researchers found that symptoms vary widely among patients, with half showing signs by age 4 and often experiencing a significant delay in diagnosis, averaging about 11.6 years. This information is important because it highlights the need for better awareness and testing for the condition in children with unexplained autoimmune issues or skin ulcers to ensure timely treatment.
Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors working with children who have unexplained health problems.
Evidence and impact of neutrophil extracellular traps in malignant melanoma.
2020
Pigment cell & melanoma research
Schedel F, Mayer-Hain S, Pappelbaum KI, Metze D, Stock M +5 more
Plain English The study looked at the role of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in melanoma, a type of skin cancer, particularly focusing on ulcerated versus non-ulcerated tumors. It found that NETs were present in all 27 ulcerated melanoma samples, while none were found in 7 non-ulcerated samples. Although the number of NETs did not directly relate to tumor progression, experiments showed that NETs could potentially kill melanoma cells and stop them from spreading, indicating they may have a protective effect against the cancer.
Who this helps: This helps patients with melanoma and their doctors in understanding tumor behavior and potential treatment avenues.
[Pros and cons of classic crossectomy with stripping compared to endoluminal treatment : Competition or team play?].
2020
Der Hautarzt; Zeitschrift fur Dermatologie, Venerologie, und verwandte Gebiete
Mitschang C, Mühlberger D, Goerge T
Plain English This study looked at two types of treatments for chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) in the legs: classic surgery and a newer method called endoluminal treatment. The researchers analyzed the benefits and drawbacks of both approaches to help doctors choose the best option for their patients. Their findings highlight that while traditional surgery is effective, endoluminal treatment offers less recovery time and fewer complications, which can be a big plus for many patients.
Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from chronic venous insufficiency by providing clearer options for treatment.
Activated melanoma vessels: A sticky point for successful immunotherapy.
2020
Experimental dermatology
Weishaupt C, Goerge T, Loser K
Plain English This study looked at how to improve immunotherapy for metastatic melanoma, a serious skin cancer. Researchers found that activating the blood vessels around the tumor can help immune cells invade the tumor more effectively, as increasing the number of immune cells in the tumor changes its environment to be more fight-ready. This is important because existing immunotherapies have response rates of only about 60%, so finding new ways to make these treatments work better can significantly help patients.
Who this helps: Patients with metastatic melanoma.
Characteristics, risk factors and treatment reality in livedoid vasculopathy - a multicentre analysis.
2019
Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV
Weishaupt C, Strölin A, Kahle B, Kreuter A, Schneider SW +4 more
Plain English This study looked at livedoid vasculopathy (LV), a rare skin disease that causes blood vessels to block, leading to purple patterns on the skin and ulcers. Researchers analyzed 27 patients and found that many had high body mass index (BMI), high blood pressure, and high levels of certain fats in their blood. They discovered that heparin treatment was effective for 71% of those who received it, while anti-inflammatory treatments didn't work at all. This information helps improve diagnosis and treatment options for people suffering from this condition.
Who this helps: This helps patients with livedoid vasculopathy and their doctors.
Activation of human vascular endothelium in melanoma metastases induces ICAM-1 and E-selectin expression and results in increased infiltration with effector lymphocytes.
2019
Experimental dermatology
Weishaupt C, Steinert M, Brunner G, Schulze HJ, Fuhlbrigge RC +2 more
Plain English This study looked at how to improve the ability of immune cells, specifically cytotoxic T cells, to enter and attack melanoma tumors. Researchers found that a substance called TNF alpha could boost the presence of important adhesion molecules (ICAM-1 and E-selectin) on the blood vessels in melanoma, which led to a significant increase in the infiltration of these immune cells—three times more CD8 T cells were found in treated tumors compared to untreated ones. This research is important because enhancing T cell entry could lead to better treatments for melanoma patients.
Who this helps: Patients with melanoma.
Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft = Journal of the German Society of Dermatology : JDDG
Dissemond J, Erfurt-Berge C, Goerge T, Kröger K, Funke-Lorenz C +1 more
Plain English This study looked at different systemic drug treatments for leg ulcers, specifically those caused by issues like poor blood flow or certain inflammatory conditions. It found that while many of these drugs show promise, most are used in ways not officially approved, and they are not the standard treatment for common types of leg ulcers. However, they are vital for addressing other more complex disorders related to leg ulcers since they help improve healing.
Who this helps: This benefits patients with chronic leg ulcers, especially those with less common underlying conditions.
Cellular stress induces erythrocyte assembly on intravascular von Willebrand factor strings and promotes microangiopathy.
2018
Scientific reports
Nicolay JP, Thorn V, Daniel C, Amann K, Siraskar B +12 more
Plain English This study looked at how stressed red blood cells (erythrocytes) interact with a specific protein called von Willebrand factor (VWF), which can lead to blockages in small blood vessels and organ damage. The researchers found that when red blood cells are under stress, they stick to VWF fibers more strongly, especially in situations like kidney injury. In their experiments, they noticed that this adherence happened more in normal mice compared to those without VWF, and patients with chronic kidney failure showed higher levels of these interactions in their blood.
Who this helps: This research benefits patients with conditions that affect blood flow and organ function, particularly those with kidney disease.
MRSA colonization and infection among persons with occupational livestock exposure in Europe: Prevalence, preventive options and evidence.
2017
Veterinary microbiology
Goerge T, Lorenz MB, van Alen S, Hübner NO, Becker K +1 more
Plain English This study looked at how common Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (LA-MRSA) infections are among people who work with livestock in Europe, particularly those in contact with pigs, cattle, or poultry. It found that there are few documented infections, with twelve cases reported, but many people can carry the bacteria without being infected. This matters because these workers are at risk of getting sick due to LA-MRSA, and there aren’t clear guidelines to help prevent infections.
Who this helps: This research is beneficial for livestock workers and healthcare professionals involved in infection control.
Severe antiphospholipid antibody syndrome - response to plasmapheresis and rituximab.
2017
The Journal of dermatological treatment
Gkogkolou P, Ehrchen J, Goerge T
Plain English This study looked at a 39-year-old woman with severe antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS), a serious autoimmune disease that can cause blood clots and skin damage. She was treated with a combination of two therapies, plasmapheresis and rituximab, which completely healed her skin condition and kept her stable for over a year. This finding is important because it shows that aggressive treatment can effectively manage severe cases of APS and highlights the need for careful monitoring of the disease through specific antibodies.
Who this helps: Patients with severe antiphospholipid antibody syndrome.
Analysis of the German DRG data for livedoid vasculopathy and calciphylaxis.
2017
Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV
Renner R, Dissemond J, Goerge T, Hoff N, Kröger K +1 more
Plain English This study analyzed hospital data for two rare skin disorders, livedoid vasculopathy and calciphylaxis, involving 1,357 and 699 patients respectively. It found that most patients with livedoid vasculopathy were men over 45, while the majority of calciphylaxis patients were men aged 65 to 80, with many suffering from serious kidney issues that required dialysis. Understanding these patterns helps improve diagnosis and patient care for these conditions.
Who this helps: Patients with livedoid vasculopathy and calciphylaxis, as well as their healthcare providers.
Endothelial glycocalyx breakdown is mediated by angiopoietin-2.
2017
Cardiovascular research
Lukasz A, Hillgruber C, Oberleithner H, Kusche-Vihrog K, Pavenstädt H +4 more
Plain English Researchers studied how a protein called angiopoietin-2 (Angpt-2) affects a protective layer of carbohydrates known as the endothelial glycocalyx (eGC) that lines blood vessels. They found that Angpt-2 causes this layer to break down quickly, leading to increased blood vessel leakage and inflammation. Specifically, they discovered that Angpt-2 triggers the loss of a key component of the eGC, called heparan sulphate, which worsens blood vessel integrity and promotes inflammation.
Who this helps: This research helps doctors understand how to better manage conditions like sepsis and inflammation in patients.
Chronic venous insufficiency - a review of pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment.
2017
Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft = Journal of the German Society of Dermatology : JDDG
Santler B, Goerge T
Plain English This paper reviews chronic venous disease, a common issue that can lead to severe symptoms like leg ulcers and greatly affect people's lives and finances. Researchers highlighted that color-flow duplex ultrasound is the best way to diagnose this condition. They also noted that there are now more treatment options available than in the past, which can be tailored to each patient's specific situation.
Who this helps: This benefits patients with chronic venous disease and their doctors.
Die chronische venöse Insuffizienz - Eine Zusammenfassung der Pathophysiologie, Diagnostik und Therapie.
2017
Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft = Journal of the German Society of Dermatology : JDDG
Santler B, Goerge T
Plain English This research paper looks at chronic venous insufficiency, a common condition that can lead to serious problems like leg ulcers and significantly lower quality of life for patients. The study highlights that while there are several diagnostic tools available, color-coded duplex ultrasound is the best choice for diagnosis. Treatment has improved over the years, with options now available that differ from traditional surgery, but the choice of treatment still depends on individual factors like the patient's anatomy and disease stage.
Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from chronic venous insufficiency and their doctors in making informed decisions about diagnosis and treatment.
VIPAR, a quantitative approach to 3D histopathology applied to lymphatic malformations.
2017
JCI insight
Hägerling R, Drees D, Scherzinger A, Dierkes C, Martin-Almedina S +11 more
Plain English This study looked at a new method called VIPAR, which helps scientists analyze tissue samples in 3D instead of the usual flat 2D images. They found that in skin affected by lymphedema, lymphatic vessels were severely disrupted, with a 51-54% reduction in their length and straightness. In contrast, lymphangiomatous skin showed a 4.36-fold increase in lymphatic vessel volume and a 239% increase in blood vessel length. These findings are important because they provide clearer insights into lymphatic disorders, which could lead to better treatments.
Who this helps: This helps patients with lymphatic disorders and the doctors treating them.
Anticoagulation with rivaroxaban for livedoid vasculopathy (RILIVA): a multicentre, single-arm, open-label, phase 2a, proof-of-concept trial.
2016
The Lancet. Haematology
Weishaupt C, Strölin A, Kahle B, Kreuter A, Schneider SW +4 more
Plain English This study looked at how effective a medication called rivaroxaban is for treating livedoid vasculopathy, a skin disease that causes painful ulcers. After 12 weeks of treatment, patients experienced significant pain relief, with their average pain score dropping from 65 to 6 out of 100 (p<0.0001). This finding is important because it shows that rivaroxaban can help improve the quality of life for people suffering from this painful condition.
Who this helps: Patients with livedoid vasculopathy.
The Synthetic Tie2 Agonist Peptide Vasculotide Protects Renal Vascular Barrier Function In Experimental Acute Kidney Injury.
2016
Scientific reports
Rübig E, Stypmann J, Van Slyke P, Dumont DJ, Spieker T +5 more
Plain English This study looked at a new treatment called vasculotide (VT) to see if it could protect kidney function during acute kidney injury (AKI). Researchers found that VT significantly reduced damage to kidney blood vessels, improved kidney function, and lowered death rates in mice with kidney injury. Specifically, mice treated with VT had a mortality rate of just 14%, compared to much higher rates in those who did not receive VT, showing that it could be a promising and cost-effective way to prevent AKI in patients.
Who this helps: This helps patients at risk for kidney injury, especially during surgeries or other medical procedures.
[Chronic venous insufficiency: Update on pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment].
2015
Der Hautarzt; Zeitschrift fur Dermatologie, Venerologie, und verwandte Gebiete
Gkogkolou P, Meyer V, Goerge T
Plain English This study looked at chronic venous insufficiency, a common condition where veins struggle to send blood back to the heart, leading to health problems and high healthcare costs. Researchers reviewed new treatments and found that understanding how the condition works, how to diagnose it, and various treatment options is essential for helping patients. This matters because improving care can reduce suffering and healthcare expenses.
Who this helps: Patients with chronic venous insufficiency and their healthcare providers.
von Willebrand factor fibers promote cancer-associated platelet aggregation in malignant melanoma of mice and humans.
2015
Blood
Bauer AT, Suckau J, Frank K, Desch A, Goertz L +10 more
Plain English This research looked at how a protein called von Willebrand factor (VWF) contributes to blood clotting in cancer patients, particularly those with malignant melanoma. The study found that melanoma cells activate blood vessel cells, leading to the release of VWF, which causes platelets to clump together and could help tumors spread. By using a drug called tinzaparin, researchers were able to block this process and reduce tumor growth in mice.
Who this helps: This helps cancer patients by providing potential new treatments to slow down tumor growth and reduce the risk of blood clots.
Single platelets seal neutrophil-induced vascular breaches via GPVI during immune-complex-mediated inflammation in mice.
2015
Blood
Gros A, Syvannarath V, Lamrani L, Ollivier V, Loyau S +4 more
Plain English This study looked at how platelets help prevent bleeding during inflammation caused by immune responses in mice. It was found that platelets use a specific protein called GPVI to stick to damaged blood vessels caused by white blood cells called neutrophils. When the function of GPVI was blocked, or when platelets were depleted, more bleeding occurred, showing that GPVI is crucial in managing inflammation and maintaining blood vessel integrity in these situations.
Who this helps: This research benefits patients with inflammatory conditions that can lead to excessive bleeding.
Blocking neutrophil diapedesis prevents hemorrhage during thrombocytopenia.
2015
The Journal of experimental medicine
Hillgruber C, Pöppelmann B, Weishaupt C, Steingräber AK, Wessel F +5 more
Plain English This study looked at why people with low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia) experience severe bleeding, focusing on a type of white blood cell called neutrophils that can cause problems in blood vessels. The researchers found that when neutrophils pass through the blood vessel lining, they trigger bleeding, which was demonstrated in mice and observed in patients who experienced skin bleeding when exposed to UV light. By blocking the way neutrophils move through blood vessels, the researchers believe they can help prevent serious bleeding in patients with this condition.
Who this helps: This helps patients with thrombocytopenia and their doctors.
Evaluation of two fibrous wound dressings for the management of leg ulcers: results of a European randomised controlled trial (EARTH RCT).
2014
Journal of wound care
Meaume S, Dissemond J, Addala A, Vanscheidt W, Stücker M +7 more
Plain English This study tested a new wound dressing called UrgoClean against a standard dressing called Aquacel for treating leg ulcers that were mostly covered with dead tissue. Over six weeks, both dressings helped reduce the size of the wounds by about 36%, but UrgoClean was more effective at removing dead tissue and had more patients with clean wounds (53% compared to 35% for Aquacel). This matters because it shows that UrgoClean could be a better option for managing difficult leg ulcers, making healing easier for patients.
Who this helps: Patients with venous leg ulcers.
Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft = Journal of the German Society of Dermatology : JDDG
Lorenz MB, Gkogkolou P, Goerge T
Plain English This research paper looks at how sclerotherapy, a minimally invasive treatment method for varicose veins, can help manage venous disorders that are very common in Germany. The study emphasizes that early detection and treatment of these conditions can prevent worsening and reduce complications. Sclerotherapy has been found to be effective and well-tolerated for issues like chronic venous insufficiency and recurrent varicose veins.
Who this helps: This benefits patients dealing with varicose veins and related venous issues.
Modern wound care - practical aspects of non-interventional topical treatment of patients with chronic wounds.
2014
Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft = Journal of the German Society of Dermatology : JDDG
Dissemond J, Augustin M, Eming SA, Goerge T, Horn T +3 more
Plain English This study focused on improving the treatment for patients with chronic wounds, which are wounds that don't heal properly. The researchers reviewed current practices in wound care, including the use of modern dressings and antiseptics that contain ingredients like polyhexanide and octenidine. They found that using recent techniques, such as moist wound therapy and negative-pressure treatment, can help speed up healing, lower complications, and enhance quality of life for these patients.
Who this helps: This information benefits patients with chronic wounds and the healthcare providers who treat them.
Micro-lightguide spectrophotometry (O2C®) as a predictor of intermediate outcome in patients with critical limb ischemia after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA).
2014
International angiology : a journal of the International Union of Angiology
Weber K, Gebauer K, Lüders F, Meyborg M, Malyar N +2 more
Plain English This study looked at a special device called micro-lightguide spectrophotometry (O2C®) to see if it could predict healing in patients with severe circulation problems in their legs. The researchers found that patients whose wounds healed showed a significant increase in oxygen levels (26.35% increase) and blood flow (41.12 AU increase) after treatment, compared to those whose wounds did not heal. This is important because it helps doctors identify patients who are more likely to heal and avoid amputations, improving overall patient outcomes.
Who this helps: This helps patients with critical limb ischemia and their doctors.
Early treatment with rutoside and ascorbic acid is highly effective for progressive pigmented purpuric dermatosis.
2014
Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft = Journal of the German Society of Dermatology : JDDG
Schober SM, Peitsch WK, Bonsmann G, Metze D, Thomas K +3 more
Plain English This study looked at how effective a combination of rutoside and ascorbic acid is in treating a skin condition called progressive pigmented purpuric dermatosis (PPPD). Out of 35 patients treated, 71.4% cleared their symptoms completely, and 20% saw a significant improvement. The findings highlight the importance of starting treatment early, as those with a shorter history of the disease did better and had a lower chance of relapse.
Who this helps: This benefits patients suffering from progressive pigmented purpuric dermatosis.
A Phase II Multicenter Trial With Rivaroxaban in the Treatment of Livedoid Vasculopathy Assessing Pain on a Visual Analog Scale.
2014
JMIR research protocols
Drabik A, Hillgruber C, Goerge T
Plain English This study looked at the effects of a blood-thinning medication called rivaroxaban on patients with livedoid vasculopathy, a rare skin condition that causes painful blood flow problems in the lower legs and feet. It involved 20 patients over 12 weeks, and the goal was to see if rivaroxaban could significantly reduce their pain levels, measured using a scale. While specific findings are not detailed in the abstract, this research is important because it explores an effective treatment option for a condition that currently has no approved therapies.
Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from livedoid vasculopathy and their doctors.
The impact of zoonotic MRSA colonization and infection in Germany.
2014
Berliner und Munchener tierarztliche Wochenschrift
Köck R, Ballhausen B, Bischoff M, Cuny C, Eckmanns T +11 more
Plain English This study looked at how a specific type of bacteria called MRSA (which is resistant to common antibiotics) moves between animals and humans in Germany. It found that 0.5-1.5% of the general population has MRSA, and among hospitalized patients, it's 1.0-2.5%. In areas with a lot of livestock, around 20-38% of human cases couldn't be traced back to livestock contact, suggesting that there are other ways MRSA is spreading. This is important because MRSA can lead to serious infections like wounds, pneumonia, and sepsis, and understanding its transmission helps manage and reduce infections in both humans and animals.
Who this helps: This benefits healthcare workers, farmers, and pet owners.
Proteinase-activated receptor-2 agonist activates anti-influenza mechanisms and modulates IFNγ-induced antiviral pathways in human neutrophils.
2013
BioMed research international
Feld M, Shpacovitch V, Ehrhardt C, Fastrich M, Goerge T +2 more
Plain English This research focused on how a specific protein, known as PAR2, can help white blood cells called neutrophils fight off the influenza virus. The scientists found that when neutrophils were treated with a PAR2 activator along with a protein called IFNγ, it significantly reduced the replication of the influenza virus, with a special increase in certain protective proteins. These findings are important because they highlight new ways to boost the body’s natural defenses against the flu.
Who this helps: This benefits patients who are vulnerable to influenza infections.