Objective: Spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks represent a unique subset of skull base pathology and require distinctive management. Perioperative evaluation and management of intracranial hypertension are essential in preventing further erosion of the skull base and development of recurrent leak. The objective of this study is to evaluate the safety and utility of an expedited protocol for recording and managing intracranial hypertension following endoscopic repair of spontaneous CSF leaks.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Enhancing chloride (Cl ) secretion in sinus epithelia represents a novel therapeutic approach to chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Herbal dry extract BNO 1011 enhances mucociliary clearance (MCC) via upregulation of Cl secretion in sinonasal cultures in vitro and murine epithelium in vivo. The objective of this study is to evaluate whether the BNO 1011 improves MCC and clinical parameters in a rabbit model of CRS.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjectives: Globally, engaging people who have used drugs, or peers, in decision-making has been increasingly touted as a best practice approach to developing priorities, programs, and policies. Peer engagement ensures decisions are relevant, appropriate, and effective to the affected community. However, ensuring that inclusion is accessible and equitable for those involved remains a challenge.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSubst Abuse Treat Prev Policy
May 2018
Background: Over the past several decades, there have been numerous peer-reviewed articles written about people who use drugs (PWUDs) from the Downtown Eastside neighborhood of Vancouver, Canada. While individual researchers have engaged and acknowledged this population as participants and community partners in their work, there has been comparatively little attention given to the role of PWUDs and drug user organizations in directing, influencing, and shaping research agendas.
Methods: In this community-driven research, we examine 20 years of peer-reviewed studies, university theses, books, and reports that have been directed, influenced, and shaped by members of the activist organization the Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users (VANDU).
Background: While drug user organizations (DUO) have received public health attention as a means to potentially reduce the harms associated with drug use, there is a lack of research on the compensation and structural forces that promote or inhibit participation in DUO. Against the backdrop of structural vulnerability experienced by people who use drugs (PWUD), we examined the impact of monetary 'volunteer stipends' provided through a DUO and explore their role in providing low-threshold employment opportunities and shaping participation in DUO.
Methods: Participants were purposively sampled to reflect a range of perspectives and experiences volunteering at Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users (VANDU) and receiving stipends.