Cross motor innervation of the hypoglossal nerve-a pilot study of predictors for successful opening of the soft palate.

Purpose: Selective hypoglossal nerve stimulation has proven to be a successful treatment option in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate if there is a cross-innervation of the hypoglossal nerve in humans and if patients with this phenotype show a different response to hypoglossal nerve stimulation compared to those with ipsilateral-only innervation METHODS: Nineteen patients who previously received a selective hypoglossal nerve stimulation system (Inspire Medical Systems, Golden Valley, USA) were implanted with a nerve integrity system placing electrodes on both sides of the tongue. Tongue motions were recorded one and two months after surgery from transoral and transnasal views.

Novel method for reduction of virus load in blood plasma by sonication.

Background: Aim of the present study is the evaluation of ultrasound as a physical method for virus inactivation in human plasma products prior to transfusion. Our study is focused on achieving a high level of virus inactivation simultaneously leaving blood products unaltered, measured by the level of degradation of coagulation factors, especially in third world countries where virus contamination of blood products poses a major problem. Virus inactivation plays an important role, especially in the light of newly discovered or unknown viruses, which cannot be safely excluded via prior testing.

Hypoglossal nerve stimulation therapy does not alter tongue protrusion strength and fatigability in obstructive sleep apnea.

Study Objectives: Hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HNS) is an effective surgical alternative for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). HNS therapy relies on the stimulation of the hypoglossal nerve to open the upper airways. This stimulation could lead to alterations in tongue strength and fatigability, which could alter treatment outcome over time.

Delay of transfer from the intensive care unit: a prospective observational analysis on economic effects of delayed in-house transfer.

Background: Intensive care unit (ICU) capacity is a scant and precious resource in hospitals. Therefore, an optimal occupancy rate as well as detailed occupation planning is of great importance. Most literature deals with admission to the ICU, while only few discuss discharge from the ICU.

Brain dysfunction in chronic pain patients assessed by resting-state electroencephalography.

Chronic pain is a common and severely disabling disease whose treatment is often unsatisfactory. Insights into the brain mechanisms of chronic pain promise to advance the understanding of the underlying pathophysiology and might help to develop disease markers and novel treatments. Here, we systematically exploited the potential of electroencephalography to determine abnormalities of brain function during the resting state in chronic pain.