Why do people consent to receiving SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations? A representative survey in Germany.

OBJECTIVE: To answer the question: Why do people consent to being vaccinated with novel vaccines against SARS-CoV-2? DESIGN: Representative survey. SETTING: Online panel. PARTICIPANTS: 1032 respondents of the general German population. METHOD: A representative survey among German citizens in November/December 2021 that resulted in 1032 complete responses on vaccination status, sociodemographic parameters and opinions about the COVID-19 situation. RESULTS: Almost 83% of the respondents were vaccinated. The major motivation was fear of medical consequences of an infection and the wish to lead a normal life again. The major motivation to be not vaccinated was the fear of side effects and scepticism about long-term effectiveness and safety. Sixteen per cent of vaccinated respondents reported some serious side effect, while more than 30% reported health improvements, mostly due to the relief of psychological stress and social reintegration. We also validated a 'Corona Orthodoxy Score-COS' consisting of seven items reflecting opinions on COVID-19. The scale is reliable (alpha=0.76) and unidimensional. The COS was a highly significant predictor of vaccination status and readiness to be vaccinated in a multivariable logistic regression model. Those who were vaccinated were more likely to live in smaller households (OR=0.82, p=0.024), had a higher income (OR=1.27, p<0.001), a higher COS score (OR 1.4, p<0.0001) and used less alternative media (OR=0.44, p=0.0024) and scientific publications (OR=0.42, p=0.011) as information sources. CONCLUSIONS: The major motives for being vaccinated are fear of medical symptoms and the wish to lead a normal life. Those not wanting to be vaccinated cite a lack of knowledge regarding long-term safety and side effects as reasons. This can likely only be overcome by careful and active long-term efficacy and safety monitoring.

The Vegetative Receptor-Vascular Reflex (VRVR) - A New Key to Regeneration.

OBJECTIVE: We describe a potentially new physiological reflex path that has so far been neglected but which could be used for a novel therapeutic approach: The vegetative receptor-vascular reflex. This is a physiological response that starts from the connective tissue and influences the whole organism. We cross-fertilized various research areas with each other. KEY FINDINGS: The matrix or the connective tissue forms a passive reservoir of substrate for the growth and development of cells, and functions as the primordial communication system of all living systems. It contains a continuous network of cells, such as fibroblasts, along with protein bundles made up of collagen that support electrical exchange through piezoelectric effects. This archaic vegetative system surrounds all cells, including neurons, and can thus be viewed as the primordial coordinating system in every organism. It is very likely the basis for a reflex which we describe here for the first time: the vegetative receptor vascular reflex. We also indicate some potential practical applications and test procedures. CONCLUSION: The vegetative receptor vascular reflex describes the pathway from stimuli that originate in the connective tissue or the extracellular matrix toward organ systems. They might be chemical in nature or electrical via piezo-electric effects stimulating nerve endings, and thus can influence higher order processes such as regeneration or healing of tissue. Thus, this reflex lends itself to a novel therapeutic approach via certain types of manipulation of the connective tissue.

Power Point Therapy: An Effective and Simple Treatment for Subacute Back Pain - A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: Subacute low back pain is a frequent problem with the danger of chronification. Conventional treatment options are not always effective. Power Point therapy (PPT) is a novel approach that uses reflexological insights and can be easily applied by practitioners and patients. METHODS: Randomized, active controlled study comparing 10 units of PPT of 10 min each, with 10 units of standard physiotherapy of 30 min each. Outcomes were functional scores (Roland Morris Disability, Oswestry, McGill Pain Questionnaire, Linton-Halldén - primary outcome) and health-related quality of life (SF-36), as well as blinded assessments by clinicians (secondary outcome). RESULTS: Eighty patients consented and were randomized, 41 to PPT, 39 to physiotherapy. Measurements were taken at baseline, after the first and after the last treatment (approximately 5 weeks after enrolment). Multivariate linear models of covariance showed significant effects of time and group (p < 0.001) and for the quality of life variables also a significant interaction of time by group (p < 0.001). Clinician-documented variables showed significant differences at follow-up (p = 0.05 to p < 0.0001). DISCUSSION: Both physiotherapy and PPT improve subacute low back pain significantly. PPT is likely more effective and should be studied further.

RegentK and Physiotherapy Support Knee Function after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture without Surgery after 1 Year: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Recent data have opened the debate on whether conservative treatment of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture might be an alternative treatment option to surgery. In a previous study, such a conservative treatment, i.e. 'Regenerative Therapy According to Mohammed Khalifa' (RegentK), had shown good effects over physiotherapy. METHODS: This was a randomized controlled trial assessing the efficacy of 1 session of RegentK compared to the myofascial mobilization technique (MMT), another type of intensive physiotherapy, in 20 patients with fresh ACL rupture during the previous 4 weeks. The International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) 2000 score was measured before, immediately after, and 3 months after treatment, and 1 year later; magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data were taken before treatment and 1 year after treatment. RESULTS: Both groups were comparable at baseline. A repeated measures analysis of variance showed a strong effect of time (p < 0.0001; partial η2 = 0.81) and no significant interaction or group effect. Both groups reached near full function after 1 year. The IKDC score was 90.9 (standard deviation (SD) 6.7; 95% confidence interval (CI) 86.2-95.6) for the RegentK group and 93.3 (SD 3.1; 95% CI 91.1-95.5) for the MMT group. CONCLUSION: One treatment session of enhanced MMT physiotherapy or RegentK can lead to nearly full function and thus recovery of a ruptured ACL after 1 year.

[RegentK Improves the Gait Mechanics of Patients with Acute Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture Immediately after Application: Clinical Trial].

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate the immediate response to RegentK (Regeneration-Therapy by Khalifa) of patients with an acute rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), regarding the gait mechanics and functional tests, in comparison to norm data. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 9 male patients with an acute unilateral ACL rupture underwent an orthopedic exam and gait analysis immediately before and after the 1-h RegentK treatment; the results were compared to norm data of 10 healthy participants matched with the RegentK group for age and body mass index. An infrared camera system collected kinematic gait data on the injured limb; the gait kinetics were recorded with 2 force plates. RESULTS: Immediately after the treatment, significant improvements with regard to limping, the quadriceps knee force, and the passive knee range of motion (ROM) occurred. The gait characteristics showed a significantly increased gait velocity (+0.17 m/s), step frequency (+8 steps/min), and injured-limb step length (+5 cm). The faster gait velocity involved increased sagittal ankle and hip ROM, increased maximal vertical ground reaction forces, internal ankle plantar flexion and hip flexion moments. CONCLUSIONS: RegentK seems to immediately affect functional parameters such as passive knee joint motion and quadriceps strength and seems to enable patients to walk more dynamically, generally expressed through an increased walking speed.

Release of the Inferior Crus in Antihelix Plasty.

OBJECTIVE: Protruding ears with a hypoplastic antihelix often have poorly developed inferior cura. Publications on this topic until now have only dealt with absent inferior crus and have neglected its importance in everyday antihelix plasty. This article describes a new surgical technique to improve treatment of the antihelix. METHODS: Patients with protruding upper third ears received either standard otoplasty with crus superior remodeling (ST) or the newly developed surgical procedure including crus inferior release (STI). To evaluate the results, a survey containing 10 questions about different outcome parameters was conducted with the patients. Each question was given a score ranging from 0 to 10, where 10 meant the best outcome and 0 the worst. RESULTS: From January 2013 to March 2014, 216 patients underwent otoplasty, of which 99 completed the questionnaire. No differences could be found between ST and STI patients except for their duration of pain, which was significantly less in group STI. Overall, the scores from the questionnaire were 89.85 in ST and 92.35 in STI. Mean values for satisfaction were 9.33 in group ST and 9.56 in group STI. CONCLUSION: When correcting the antihelix, the inferior crus must always be checked because the protruding upper third cannot be compensated only by overcorrecting the superior crus. It should be a matter of routine to recognize the degree of malformation and determine the best possible treatment. This novel technique is an additional valuable option in otoplasty to improve the upper third in a more natural way and create highly satisfactory results.

Computer aided analysis of gait patterns in patients with acute anterior cruciate ligament injury.

BACKGROUND: Gait analysis is a useful tool to evaluate the functional status of patients with anterior cruciate ligament injury. Pattern recognition methods can be used to automatically assess walking patterns and objectively support clinical decisions. This study aimed to test a pattern recognition system for analyzing kinematic gait patterns of recently anterior cruciate ligament injured patients and for evaluating the effects of a therapeutic treatment. METHODS: Gait kinematics of seven male patients with an acute unilateral anterior cruciate ligament rupture and seven healthy males were recorded. A support vector machine was trained to distinguish the groups. Principal component analysis and recursive feature elimination were used to extract features from 3D marker trajectories. A Classifier Oriented Gait Score was defined as a measure of gait quality. Visualizations were used to allow functional interpretations of characteristic group differences. The injured group was evaluated by the system after a therapeutic treatment. The results were compared against a clinical rating of the patients' gait. FINDINGS: Cross validation yielded 100% accuracy. After the treatment the score improved significantly (P<0.01) as well as the clinical rating (P<0.05). The visualizations revealed characteristic kinematic features, which differentiated between the groups. INTERPRETATION: The results show that gait alterations in the early phase after anterior cruciate ligament injury can be detected automatically. The results of the automatic analysis are comparable with the clinical rating and support the validity of the system. The visualizations allow interpretations on discriminatory features and can facilitate the integration of the results into the diagnostic process.

Influence of acute normobaric hypoxia on physiological variables and lactate turn point determination in trained men.

The goal of this study is to evaluate the response of physiological variables to acute normobaric hypoxia compared to normoxia and its influence on the lactate turn point determination according to the three-phase model of energy supply (Phase I: metabolically balanced at muscular level; Phase II: metabolically balanced at systemic level; Phase III: not metabolically balanced) during maximal incremental exercise. Ten physically active (VO2max 3.9 [0.49] l·min(-1)), healthy men (mean age [SD]: 25.3 [4.6] yrs.), participated in the study. All participants performed two maximal cycle ergometric exercise tests under normoxic as well as hypoxic conditions (FiO2 = 14%). Blood lactate concentration, heart rate, gas exchange data, and power output at maximum and the first and the second lactate turn point (LTP1, LTP2), the heart rate turn point (HRTP) and the first and the second ventilatory turn point (VETP1, VETP2) were determined. Since in normobaric hypoxia absolute power output (P) was reduced at all reference points (max: 314 / 274 W; LTP2: 218 / 184 W; LTP1: 110 / 96 W), as well as VO2max (max: 3.90 / 3.23 l·min(-1); LTP2: 2.90 / 2.43 l·min(-1); LTP1: 1.66 / 1.52 l·min(-1)), percentages of Pmax at LTP1, LTP2, HRTP and VETP1, VETP2 were almost identical for hypoxic as well as normoxic conditions. Heart rate was significantly reduced at Pmax in hypoxia (max: 190 / 185 bpm), but no significant differences were found at submaximal control points. Blood lactate concentration was not different at maximum, and all reference points in both conditions. Respiratory exchange ratio (RER) (max: 1.28 / 1.08; LTP2: 1.13 / 0.98) and ventilatory equivalents for O2 (max: 43.4 / 34.0; LTP2: 32.1 / 25.4) and CO2 (max: 34.1 / 31.6; LTP2: 29.1 / 26.1) were significantly higher at some reference points in hypoxia. Significant correlations were found between LTP1 and VETP1 (r = 0.778; p < 0.01), LTP2 and HRTP (r = 0.828; p < 0.01) and VETP2 (r = 0.948; p < 0.01) for power output for both conditions. We conclude that the lactate turn point determination according to the three-phase-model of energy supply is valid in normobaric, normoxic as well as hypoxic conditions. The turn points for La, HR, and VE were reproducible among both conditions, but shifted left to lower workloads. The lactate turn point determination may therefore be used for the prescription of exercise performance in both environments. Key PointsThe lactate turn point concept can be used for performance testing in normoxic and hypoxic conditionsThe better the performance of the athletes the higher is the effect of hypoxiaThe HRTP and LTP2 are strongly correlated that allows a simple performance testing using heart rate measures only.

Manual khalifa therapy improves functional and morphological outcome of patients with anterior cruciate ligament rupture in the knee: a randomized controlled trial.

Rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a high incidence injury usually treated surgically. According to common knowledge, it does not heal spontaneously, although some claim the opposite. Regeneration therapy by Khalifa was developed for injuries of the musculoskeletal system by using specific pressure to the skin. This randomized, controlled, observer-blinded, multicentre study was performed to validate this assumption. Thirty patients with complete ACL rupture, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) verified, were included. Study examinations (e.g., international knee documentation committee (IKDC) score) were performed at inclusion (t 0). Patients were randomized to receive either standardised physiotherapy (ST) or additionally 1 hour of Khalifa therapy at the first session (STK). Twenty-four hours later, study examinations were performed again (t 1). Three months later control MRI and follow-up examinations were performed (t 2). Initial status was comparable between both groups. There was a highly significant difference of mean IKDC score results at t 1 and t 2. After 3 months, 47% of the STK patients, but no ST patient, demonstrated an end-to-end homogeneous ACL in MRI. Clinical and physical examinations were significantly different in t 1 and t 2. ACL healing can be improved with manual therapy. Physical activity can be performed without pain and nearly normal range of motion after one treatment of specific pressure.

Successful Management of Type 2 Diabetes with Lifestyle Intervention: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of diabetes is growing worldwide. The primary symptom of diabetes mellitus is elevated blood sugar. This is usually treated with lifestyle intervention and drugs according to an algorithm based on glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. We present the case of a patient who successfully managed his type 2 diabetes solely through lifestyle modification. CASE REPORT: A 45-year-old businessman with a body mass index of 27 kg/m2 was examined within a secondary prevention program in Austria. His HbA1c was 9.7%-type 2 diabetes mellitus was diagnosed. General recommendations for lifestyle were given and metformin was prescribed. Upon his diagnosis the patient searched for all the information he could get about diabetes and implemented this new knowledge in his everyday life. He had a strong desire to defeat his disease and he wanted to stop using medications. He identified some nutritional ingredients and spices that affected his blood sugar in a positive way. He stopped taking metformin after 4 weeks and handled his diabetes with his personal lifestyle program. Three months after the diagnosis his HbA1c was 6.4%; after 6 months he had an HbA1c of 6.0% without the use of medication. DISCUSSION: Usually, multiple drug therapy is necessary to handle high blood glucose levels. Our business manager ate as much as before his diagnosis but he modified the contents of his diet so that the lifestyle intervention was not hard for him. General recommendations for lifestyle modification usually include: more exercise, reduced sugar and monosaccharides, and less alcohol and nicotine. With the knowledge of the effects of specific dietary ingredients, it might be possible to modify a regular diet in such a way as to benefit people with type 2 diabetes, to substantially improve quality of life.

Temperature Measurements in Rehabilitation in Patients with Completely Ruptured Anterior Cruciate Ligament before and after RegentK and Physiotherapy.

Acute skin surface temperature effects on the knee were investigated after a manual therapy developed by Mohamed Khalifa (RegentK) compared to standard physiotherapy in patients with completely ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Twenty patients participated in this study. They were randomly assigned to group A (receiving RegentK) or group B (physiotherapy). Each group consisted of 10 patients. Temperature values were registered on four spots (three on the knee, one on the foot) of the injured and the healthy leg (control). Skin temperature increased significantly after RegentK on all sites of the injured leg, but after physiotherapy only the measurement spots on the knee showed significant increases. After RegentK the temperature had also increased significantly on the control leg, whereas in group B, the results were not significant. Experimental and clinical testing of technical equipment, e.g., infrared thermography, for ACL injuries is important for a better understanding of the different physiological/pathophysiological mechanisms underlying different therapy approaches.

RegentK and Physiotherapy-Electrodermal Mapping.

Background: Within this study, a new system which measures and analyzes electrical skin impedance in 48 channels within a 2.5 × 3.5 cm matrix is used in rehabilitation medicine for the first time. Methods: Electrodermal activity was measured in 20 patients before and after two different non-surgical treatments of a completely ruptured anterior cruciate ligament. The first treatment, RegentK, was developed by Mohamed Khalifa, the second is a standard physiotherapy. Results: The patients in the two groups were age-matched, and all demographic data showed no significant differences. It was interesting that electrodermal activity was significantly decreased only after RegentK. Conclusion: We conclude that not only local effects of pressure application are responsible for these results, rather as yet unknown neurovegetative mechanisms have to be taken into consideration.

Manual khalifa therapy in patients with completely ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in the knee: first preliminary results from thermal imaging.

BACKGROUND: This preliminary publication describes acute temperature effects after manual Khalifa therapy. AIMS: The goal of this study was to describe temperature distribution and the effects on surface temperature of the knees and feet in patients with completely ruptured anterior cruciate ligament before and immediately after the manual therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten male patients were investigated with thermal imaging. An infrared camera operating at a wavelength range of 7.5-13 µm was used. Temperature was analyzed at three locations on both knees and in addition on both feet. RESULTS: The study revealed that baseline temperature of the injured knee differed from that of the untreated control knee. After the therapy on the injured knee, the surface temperature was significantly increased on both knees (injured and control). There were no significant changes in the temperature of the feet. CONCLUSIONS: Further studies using continuous thermal image recording may help to explain the details concerning the temperature distribution.

Manual khalifa therapy in patients with completely ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in the knee: first results from near-infrared spectroscopy.

BACKGROUND: Manual Khalifa therapy has been practiced in Hallein, Austria, for more than 30 years; however, there are no scientific results available on the topic. AIMS: The goal of the present study was to investigate possible acute effects of Khalifa therapy on regional oxygen saturation of knee tissues in patients with completely ruptured anterior cruciate ligament. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We investigated 10 male patients (mean age ± standard deviation (SD) 35.9 ± 6.1 year) using a four-channel oximeter. The sensors were applied anterolaterally and anteromedially, beside the patella, on both the injured and the healthy (control) knee. RESULTS: The results of the controlled study showed that values of oxygen saturation on the knee with the ruptured ligament were significantly increased (P < 0.001) immediately after Khalifa therapy, whereas the values on the control knee showed insignificant increases. Baselines values of the anterolateral side of the injured knee were significantly (P < 0.001) different from those of the anterolateral side of the control knee. The same effect was present on the anteromedial side; however, with a lower degree of significance (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Khalifa therapy was clinically successful in all 10 patients. Further, investigations and analyzes are necessary to explain the underlying mechanism.

Acupressure at the Meridian Acupoint Xiyangguan (GB33) Influences Near-Infrared Spectroscopic Parameters (Regional Oxygen Saturation) in Deeper Tissue of the Knee in Healthy Volunteers.

Up to now, it is still unknown whether microcirculation of deeper peripheral tissue (knee) can be modulated by acupuncture or acupressure on a meridian acupoint. The goal of this pilot study was to investigate possible effects of acupressure at the Xiyangguan acupoint (GB33) on the regional oxygen saturation of the deeper knee tissues by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Twelve healthy volunteers with a mean age of 23.8 ± 1.6 years were investigated. Acupressure stimulation was performed for 5 minutes at the Xiyangguan acupoint. The results of the controlled study showed a significant increase of the values of regional oxygen saturation on the stimulated side of the knee (P = 0.033), whereas the opposite side on the same knee showed insignificant changes. These results may serve as a valuable basis for monitoring a possible therapeutic effect (e.g., after Khalifa therapy) in patients with knee problems.

Complementary treatment of obesity and overweight with salacia reticulata and vitamin d.

BACKGROUND: The Indian plant root Salacia reticulata, which is rich in alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, is used for metabolic disorders in Ayurvedic medicine. Vitamin D3 is also used in the treatment of some metabolic diseases. Our goal was to determine its potential effect for humans with obesity. MATERIAL: In a randomized open-label study, we investigated 40 healthy participants aged 30 - 60 years, physically active, with a body mass index (BMI) of 25 - 45. The participants were randomly allocated into two groups. Body weight, BMI, and body composition were measured. Both groups (A and B) received a guideline for lifestyle and fitness training for 4 weeks. Group B additionally took one capsule containing 200 mg of Salacia reticulata and 1.6 µg (i. e. 64 IU) Vitamin D3 (SRD) 3 times/day with the meals. RESULTS: Significant weight and body-fat reduction within 4 weeks was observed. Group A lost 1.8 kg or 2.1 %, group B lost 5.3 kg or 6.1 % (p = 0.03), therefore BMI reduction was achieved. While Group A lost 1.4 % of body fat, group B reduced it by 4.5 % (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: These promising results suggest that the combination of Salacia reticulata and Vitamin D3 might be highly valuable and potent to treat overweight and obesity, especially in addition to a modifying lifestyle program. Further research is needed in addition to this study to clarify pathways and effect mechanisms.

Electromyography and nerve conduction velocity for the evaluation of the infraspinatus muscle and the suprascapular nerve in professional beach volleyball players.

BACKGROUND: Beach volleyball is an overhead sport with a high prevalence of infraspinatus muscle atrophy of the hitting shoulder. HYPOTHESIS: Infraspinatus muscle atrophy seems to be caused by a repetitive traction injury of the suprascapular nerve. Early pathological findings might be assessed with surface electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction velocity (NCV) measurements. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: Fully competitive professional beach volleyball players were assessed with a structured interview, shoulder examination, strength measurements (external rotation and elevation), and neurophysiological examination (surface EMG and NCV of the infraspinatus and supraspinatus muscles and the suprascapular nerve, respectively) during the Beach Volleyball Grand Slam tournament 2010 in Klagenfurt, Austria. RESULTS: Thirty-five men with an average age of 28 years were examined. Visible infraspinatus atrophy was found in 12 players (34%), of which 8 (23%) had slight atrophy and 4 (11%) had severe atrophy. External rotation (90%; P < .006) and elevation strength (93%; P = .03) were significantly lower in the hitting shoulder. Electromyography revealed a higher activation pattern in the infraspinatus muscle of the hitting arm in players with no or slight atrophy (P = .001) but a significantly lower activation pattern in players with severe atrophy (P = .013). Nerve conduction velocity measurements showed a significant higher latency and lower amplitude in the hitting shoulder of the total study group and the subgroup with infraspinatus atrophy. CONCLUSION: Professional beach volleyball players have a high frequency of infraspinatus atrophy (34%) and significantly reduced shoulder strength of the hitting shoulder. These findings are not associated with demographic factors. Electromyography and NCV measurements suggest a suprascapular nerve involvement caused by repetitive strain injuries of the nerve. External rotation strength measurements and NCV measurements can detect a side-to-side difference early, while EMG may show compensation mechanisms for progressive damaging of the suprascapular nerve and, as a result, loss of infraspinatus muscle strength.

Aldosterone and parathyroid hormone: a precarious couple for cardiovascular disease.

Animal and human studies support a clinically relevant interaction between aldosterone and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels and suggest an impact of the interaction on cardiovascular (CV) health. This review focuses on mechanisms behind the bidirectional interactions between aldosterone and PTH and their potential impact on the CV system. There is evidence that PTH increases the secretion of aldosterone from the adrenals directly as well as indirectly by activating the renin-angiotensin system. Upregulation of aldosterone synthesis might contribute to the higher risk of arterial hypertension and of CV damage in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. Furthermore, parathyroidectomy is followed by decreased blood pressure levels and reduced CV morbidity as well as lower renin and aldosterone levels. In chronic heart failure, the aldosterone activity is inappropriately elevated, causing salt retention; it has been argued that the resulting calcium wasting causes secondary hyperparathyroidism. The ensuing intracellular calcium overload and oxidative stress, caused by PTH and amplified by the relative aldosterone excess, may increase the risk of CV events. In the setting of primary aldosteronism, renal and faecal calcium loss triggers increased PTH secretion which in turn aggravates aldosterone secretion and CV damage. This sequence explains why adrenalectomy and blockade of the mineralocorticoid receptor tend to decrease PTH levels in patients with primary aldosteronism. In view of the reciprocal interaction between aldosterone and PTH and the potentially ensuing CV damage, studies are urgently needed to evaluate diagnostic and therapeutic strategies addressing the interaction between the two hormones.