Variegated squirrel bornavirus 1 in squirrels, Germany and the Netherlands

We screened squirrels in Germany and the Netherlands for the novel zoonotic variegated squirrel bornavirus 1 (VSBV-1). The detection of VSBV-1 in 11 squirrels indicates a considerable risk for transmission to humans handling those animals. Therefore, squirrels in contact with humans should routinely be tested for VSBV-1

Morbus Wilson oder hepatolentikuläre Degeneration

Wilson's disease or hepatolenticular degeneration Abstract. Wilson's disease, or hepatolenticular degeneration, is a rare inherited disorder of copper metabolism. The most common clinical presentations are liver disease and / or neuro-psychiatric manifestations. Pathophysiologically, Wilson's disease is caused by mutations in the ATP7B gene, which lead to defective biliary excretion of copper and subsequent accumulation of copper in the liver and in other organs. Its prevalence is approximately 1:30 000, however its penetrance, clinical presentation and disease severity vary widely, ranging from asymptomatic elevation of liver enzymes to cirrhosis or acute liver failure with or without neuro-psychiatric symptoms. For this reason, Wilson's disease should be suspected and ruled out in cases of indeterminate liver disease or neuropsychiatric disturbances. The diagnostic algorithms are complex and involve clinical tests, ophthalmologic examination (Kayser-Fleischer rings in split-lamp examination), blood and urine tests, genetic testing, imaging and histology. In compensated liver disease, treatment of Wilson's disease by copper depletion (chelators, zinc) is usually effective. In case of liver failure liver transplantation may be needed, which corrects the underlying error of copper metabolism. New drugs with improved efficacy and tolerability are in clinical development

Out-of-pocket Costs for Individuals with Atopic Eczema: A Cross-sectional Study in Nine European Countries

Atopic eczema (AE) is one of the most common non-communicable inflammatory skin diseases, and has a huge socioeconomic impact. Studies on the everyday economic impact of AE on patients, however, are limited. To estimate the annual extra out-of-pocket spending due to AE among patients in Europe, a cross-sectional study using computer-assisted phone interviewing of patients with AE was performed in 9 European countries. A total of 1,189 patients (56% women) with AE, who were either eligible for, or on, systemic treatment, participated in the study between October 2017 and March 2018. Mean extra spending on everyday necessities was €927 per patient per year for healthcare expenses, and this figure was slightly, but not statistically significantly, influenced by the severity of AE. Emollients and moisturizers accounted for the highest monthly costs, followed by medication that was not reimbursed, doctors’ and hospital costs. AE-related out-of-pocket costs pose a substantial burden for affected individuals, are higher than in other chronic diseases, and should always be included in economic assessments of the impact of this disease

Variegated Squirrel Bornavirus 1 in Squirrels, Germany and the Netherlands

We screened squirrels in Germany and the Netherlands for the novel zoonotic variegated squirrel bornavirus 1 (VSBV-1). The detection of VSBV-1 in 11 squirrels indicates a considerable risk for transmission to humans handling those animals. Therefore, squirrels in contact with humans should routinely be tested for VSBV-1