Bacterial genome sequencing and analysis: paving the way for a Switzerland-wide molecular epidemiological surveillance platform

The proposal to establish a national platform where bacterial isolates from all corners of Switzerland can be assembled and compared against each other in a standardised, reproducible way can be read as a manifesto for extracting a maximum of microbiological information and delivering it in a timely fashion.

Seminal vesicle sparing robotic radical prostatectomy – no different interpretation of postoperative PSA follow-up required?

The rationale of seminal vesicle sparing robotic radical prostatectomy is to spare nerves that are responsible for erectile function and close to the tips of the seminal vesicles. However, these remaining tips are known to produce prostate-specific antigen, which is measured for postoperative monitoring.

The hypoxic kidney: pathogenesis and noncoding RNA-based therapeutic strategies

Acute kidney injury is a disease entity of major importance, affecting approximately 6% of all patients on the intensive care unit. Novel markers and knowledge of their pathophysiological role is of major importance for targeted therapeutic interventions. Noncoding RNAs have recently been introduced and are the subject of intensive research initiatives.

Improving the quality and workflow of bacterial genome sequencing and analysis: paving the way for a Switzerland-wide molecular epidemiological surveillance platform

The introduction of a country-wide molecular surveillance database aims to  increase the overall whole genome sequencing data quality and establish a molecular surveillance platform for selected pathogens.

The Swiss Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia registry: objectives, methods and first results

Centralised collection of data in national and international registries is essential to raising patient numbers in the epidemiological study of rare diseases such as primary ciliary dyskinesia, and filling in gaps in knowledge.

What makes internal medicine attractive for the millennial generation? A survey of residents in internal medicine in Switzerland

A new generation of physicians, millennials (also known as Generation Y), are entering residency programmes in internal medicine, and these young men and women learn and work in ways that are different from those of past generations.

Association of allostatic load with health-related quality of life in patients with arterial hypertension: a cross-sectional analysis

Allostatic load, a marker of cumulative stress, is associated with higher morbidity and mortality, and reduced health-related quality of life in healthy adults. In patients with hypertension this association has not been investigated.

Changes in injury incidences and causes in Swiss amateur soccer between the years 2004 and 2015

Injury prevention in amateur soccer has been promoted in recent years, but few studies have addressed long-term changes in injury rates. Better knowledge of changes in injury incidences and causes could help improve prevention strategies.

Diagnostic diversity – an indicator of institutional and regional healthcare quality

The diagnostic diversity index can be seen as an indicator of diagnostic precision - the higher the degree of diversity, the better the diagnostic precision.

Spirometry and provocation tests for vocal fold dysfunction diagnosis: a retrospective case series

Vocal cord dysfunction is characterised by paradoxical inspiratory laryngeal motion and is often misdiagnosed as asthma. Diagnosis is difficult, because laryngo­scopy is positive only during symptomatic episodes or provocation tests.