University of Münster

Understanding how media influence public attitudes toward science during societal challenges is crucial for effective science communication. This study examines the role of media use and sociodemographic factors in shaping public attitudes toward science in Switzerland using panel data from three surveys over 6 years (N2016 = 1,051; N2019 = 339; N2022 = 122). Results show that media usage and sociodemographics influenced attitudes, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lower education and stronger religiosity correlated with reduced interest in or trust in science. Use of online legacy media showed rally-around-the-flag effects, but we found no clear differences between public and private broadcasters regarding their impact on science attitudes. These findings highlight the relationship of media use, sociodemographics, and public attitudes during societal uncertainty and over time, offering insights for targeted, context-sensitive science communication.

The RHONE-X study (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT04432831) evaluated long-term safety and tolerability (primary end points), and efficacy (exploratory end points) of faricimab, a dual angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) inhibitor, using a treat-and-extend (T&E) protocol in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME). Global phase 3, multicenter, nonrandomized, 2-year open-label extension study of the YOSEMITE and RHINE (ClinicalTrials.gov identifiers, NCT03622580 and NCT03622593, respectively) studies. Of 1622 patients who completed YOSEMITE and RHINE, 1474 patients (91%) were included in the RHONE-X trial. Patients transitioned from faricimab every 8 weeks (Q8W), faricimab T&E, or aflibercept 2.0 mg Q8W in YOSEMITE and RHINE to the RHONE-X study without requiring monthly initiation doses. All received faricimab T&E at up to 16-week intervals based on best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central subfield thickness (CST), per YOSEMITE and RHINE criteria. Patients attended every month during the initial 4-month masked period, then only for T&E dosing visits (open-label arm). Analysis windows were defined for the RHONE-X study years 1, 1.5, and 2 to account for visit asynchronicity. The primary end point was incidence and severity of ocular and nonocular adverse events (AEs). Exploratory end points included change from baseline BCVA and CST, proportion of patients with absence of DME (CST < 325 μm), and treatment durability. Overall, 1204 patients (82%) completed the RHONE-X trial. The incidence of AEs leading to treatment discontinuation (1.5%) and rates of intraocular inflammation (1.3%) were low. Overall, faricimab T&E maintained visual and anatomic improvements achieved in YOSEMITE and RHINE. Adjusted mean BCVA improvements from YOSEMITE and RHINE baseline to the end of the RHONE-X trial were +10.1 letters (faricimab T&E), +11.4 letters (faricimab T&E [prior Q8W]), and +9.5 letters (faricimab T&E [prior aflibercept]); CST reductions were -198.3 μm, -202.5 μm, and -204.9 μm, respectively. At study end, more than 90% of patients achieved DME absence, regardless of prior treatment. Median number of injections over the RHONE-X trial (2 years) were 7 (faricimab T&E), 8 (faricimab T&E [prior Q8W]), and 8 (faricimab T&E [prior aflibercept]). By the RHONE-X trial completion, approximately 80% of patients received faricimab at ≥Q12W intervals. Faricimab, a dual Ang-2 and VEGF-A inhibitor, provided long-term safety, efficacy, and durability in patients with DME treated using a T&E regimen. Sustained visual and anatomic improvements were observed, with extended dosing intervals and reduced treatment burden. Faricimab was well tolerated, with a safety profile consistent with the YOSEMITE and RHINE trials. Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Liver cirrhosis profoundly alters pharmacokinetics and is frequently associated with medication-related problems. Stage-specific dosing guidance remains inconsistent, and prescribing information often lacks clarity. As a result, treatment decisions rely on individual clinical judgement and may differ between professional groups. This study assessed drug-selection and dose-adjustment practices among hepatologists, clinical pharmacologists, and clinical pharmacists, quantified consensus across Child-Pugh stages, and evaluated alignment with prescribing information as a basis for harmonised dosing guidance. Twelve experts from hepatology, clinical pharmacology, and clinical pharmacy evaluated prioritised drugs for patients with liver cirrhosis across Child-Pugh stages A-C in a structured survey. For each drug, experts indicated whether they would apply no dose adjustment, modify the dose, or avoid administration. Consensus was defined as at least 75% agreement, and interrater agreement was assessed by pairwise percentage agreement. Consensus recommendations were compared with the dosing information provided in each drug's Summary of Product Characteristics. Consensus or strong consensus was achieved for only 20% of 177 recommendations, mainly for no dose adjustment or avoidance. Agreement decreased with disease severity (Child-Pugh A 83%; B 47%; C 41%). Of 36 consensus recommendations, 18 matched the summary of product characteristics, while six diverged from it. Pharmacists and clinical pharmacologists more often recommended dose adjustments, especially in Child-Pugh B and C, whereas hepatologists preferred standard dosing or avoidance. Expert recommendations for dosing in cirrhosis showed marked variability and limited concordance with prescribing information, underscoring the need for harmonised interdisciplinary guidance integrating pharmacokinetic evidence and clinical feasibility.

We are delighted to announce that Dr. Mahmut Enes Kayaalp will join the editorial leadership of Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy (KSSTA) as Deputy Editor-in-Chief in 2026. His appointment strengthens our existing leadership team of Deputy Editors Giuseppe Milano, Elmar Herbst, and Volker Musahl, further enhancing KSSTA's ability to deliver clinically impactful, methodologically rigorous science to our global community. Dr. Kayaalp is an internationally trained orthopaedic surgeon and sports-medicine specialist with recognised expertise in knee biomechanics, ACL reconstruction, posterior tibial slope and slope-reducing osteotomies, and joint preservation. He is currently Associate Professor at the University of Health Sciences, Istanbul (Türkiye). His training spans Türkiye and Germany and includes competitive international fellowships supported by DAAD, ESSKA, AGA, and TÜBİTAK, culminating in a Sports Medicine Fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, and the UPMC Freddie Fu Sports Medicine Center. Scientifically, Dr. Kayaalp focuses on ACL biomechanics, tibial slope osteotomies, ligament reconstruction, as well as sensor-based motion analysis and applications of artificial intelligence in orthopaedics. He has authored 90+ publications (peer-reviewed articles and book chapters) and has been recognised with multiple international distinctions, including the 2025 ISAKOS Jan Gillquist Award (1st place), AOSSM Excellence in Research/Cabaud Finalist (2025), AOSSM Young Investigator Grant (co-investigator, 2023), and the ESSKA Best Poster Award (2022), alongside national awards such as the Best Oral Presentation at TUSYAD 2025. Dr. Kayaalp has contributed continuously to KSSTA's editorial work since 2017—first as a Reviewer, then as KSSTA's founding Web Editor (2019), and most recently as Associate Editor (2024). Beyond KSSTA, he serves as Co-Editor of Joint Diseases and Related Surgery (JDRS) and previously held an Editorial Board position at the Journal of Arthroplasty. He has completed 200+ manuscript reviews across leading journals, including KSSTA, JEO, AJSM, Arthroscopy, Journal of Arthroplasty, and JISAKOS. With his international training, robust scientific portfolio, and proven editorial leadership, Dr. Kayaalp brings rigour, innovation, and a global perspective to KSSTA. Together with Deputy Editors Giuseppe Milano, Elmar Herbst, and Volker Musahl, and our dedicated Editorial Board and reviewers worldwide, he will help drive KSSTA's mission: to advance excellence in knee surgery, sports traumatology, and arthroscopy—translating high-quality research into better decisions and better care for patients.