Publications by authors named "F J Hilgers"

Article Synopsis
  • This study explored the long-term effects of using a device (SEA2.0) for swallowing rehabilitation in individuals who have had their larynx removed (laryngectomized).
  • Seventeen participants were evaluated six months after initial training, revealing that while some aspects of swallowing improved from the start of the study, there was a decline in swallowing capacity compared to an earlier assessment after a rest period.
  • Overall, although the benefits of rehabilitation were still noticeable long-term, ongoing exercise may be necessary to maintain these improvements, indicating a need for further research on the best practices for sustaining swallowing function.
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Article Synopsis
  • - The review investigates the role of pharyngeal high-resolution manometry (HRM/HRIM) in assessing swallowing issues in patients with head and neck cancer, highlighting its clinical relevance and usefulness.
  • - Eight studies were included, showing that head and neck cancer patients with swallowing difficulties have lower pressure in the pharynx and upper esophagus compared to healthy individuals, which may be linked to their cancer and treatment.
  • - While HRM/HRIM is not commonly used in clinical practice for these patients, the review suggests it could improve diagnosis and management of swallowing problems, potentially leading to better treatment outcomes.
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The aims of this exploratory study and clinical phase II trial were to assess the specific nature and extent of dysphagia in laryngectomized patients with self-reported dysphagia, and its rehabilitation potential using the novel Swallowing Exercise Aid (SEA 2.0). Twenty laryngectomized patients participated in a six-week exercise program with the SEA 2.

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Photocaged inducer molecules, especially photocaged isopropyl-β-d-1-thiogalactopyranoside (cIPTG), are well-established optochemical tools for light-regulated gene expression and have been intensively applied in and other bacteria including or . In this study, we aimed to implement a light-mediated on-switch for target gene expression in the facultative anoxygenic phototroph by using different cIPTG variants under both phototrophic and non-phototrophic cultivation conditions. We could demonstrate that especially 6-nitropiperonyl-(NP)-cIPTG can be applied for light-mediated induction of target gene expression in this facultative phototrophic bacterium.

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