Study protocol: Effects of active versus passive recharge burst spinal cord stimulation on pain experience in persistent spinal pain syndrome type 2: a multicentre randomized trial (BURST-RAP study).

Background: Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has shown to be an effective treatment for patients with persistent spinal pain syndrome type 2 (PSPS Type 2). The method used to deliver electrical charge in SCS is important. One such method is burst stimulation.

Molecular Insight into Gene Response of Diorcinol- and Rubrolide-Treated Biofilms of the Emerging Pathogen Stenotrophomonas maltophilia.

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is a multidrug-resistant human opportunistic pathogen. S. maltophilia contributes to disease progression in cystic fibrosis patients and is found in wounds and infected tissues and on catheter surfaces.

Total Synthesis of Anti-MRSA Active Diorcinols and Analogues.

Diorcinols and related prenylated diaryl ethers were reported to exhibit activity against methicillin-resistant clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Within these lines, we report the first total synthesis of diorcinol D, I, J, the proposed structure of verticilatin and recently isolated antibacterial diaryl ether by using an efficient and highly divergent synthetic strategy. These total syntheses furnish the diaryl ethers in only five to seven steps employing a Pd-catalyzed diaryl ether coupling as the key step.

Maintaining endotracheal tube cuff pressure at 20 mmHg during anterior cervical spine surgery to prevent dysphagia: a double-blind randomized controlled trial.

Purpose: Anterior cervical spine surgery is associated with postoperative dysphagia, sore throat and dysphonia. It is unclear, whether this is caused by increased endotracheal tube (ETT) cuff pressure after retractor placement. This study aims to assess the effect of ETT cuff pressure adjustment on postoperative dysphagia, sore throat and dysphonia.

Utilizing the "Plan, Do, Study, Act" Framework to Explore the Process of Curricular Assessment and Redesign in a Physical Therapy Education Program in Suriname.

Purpose: To describe how a multinational team worked together to transition a physical therapy (PT) educational program in Paramaribo, Suriname, from a Bachelor level to a Master of Science in Physical Therapy (MSPT) level. The team was made up of PT faculty from Anton De Kom Universiteit van Suriname (AdeKUS), the Flemish Interuniversity Council University Development Cooperation (VLIR-UOS) leadership, and Health Volunteers Overseas volunteers. In this case study, the process for curricular assessment, redesign, and upgrade is described retrospectively using a Plan, Do, Study, Act (PDSA) framework.

Maintaining endotracheal tube cuff pressure at 20 mm Hg to prevent dysphagia after anterior cervical spine surgery; protocol of a double-blind randomised controlled trial.

Background: In anterior cervical spine surgery a retractor is obligatory to approach the spine. Previous studies showed an increase of endotracheal tube cuff pressure after placement of a retractor. It is known that high endotracheal tube cuff pressure increases the incidence of postoperative dysphagia, hoarseness, and sore throat.

Spinal cord stimulation in the treatment of refractory angina: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

Background: The aim of this paper was undertake a systematic review and meta-analysis of the use of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) in the management of refractory angina.

Methods: We searched a number of electronic databases including Medline, Embase and Cochrane Library up to February 2008 to identify randomised controlled trials (RCTs) reporting exercise capacity, ischemic burden, functional class, quality of life, usage of anti-anginal medication, costs and adverse events including mortality. Results were reported both descriptively for each study and using random effects meta-analysis.

Long-term effects of electrical neurostimulation in patients with unstable angina: refractory to conventional therapies.

Background.  Patients with unstable angina pectoris may become refractory to conventional therapies. Electrical neurostimulation with transcutaneous electrical stimulation and/or spinal cord stimulation has been shown to be effective for patients with refractory unstable angina pectoris in hospital settings.

Impact of electrical neurostimulation on persistent ST elevation after successful reperfusion by primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

Aims: To study the effect of electrical neurostimulation on the ST segment shift in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) with residual ST elevation after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods: After primary PCI, 38 patients with STEMI were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 received 15 minutes of active neurostimulation after the baseline electrocardiogram (ECG); group 2 received 15 minutes of active neurostimulation after 15 minutes of nonactive neurostimulation.

The effect of electrical neurostimulation on collateral perfusion during acute coronary occlusion.

Background: Electrical neurostimulation can be used to treat patients with refractory angina, it reduces angina and ischemia. Previous data have suggested that electrical neurostimulation may alleviate myocardial ischaemia through increased collateral perfusion. We investigated the effect of electrical neurostimulation on functional collateral perfusion, assessed by distal coronary pressure measurement during acute coronary occlusion.

Incidence and angiographic predictors of collateral function in patients with stable coronary artery disease scheduled for percutaneous coronary intervention.

Objectives: To investigate the incidence and angiographic predictors of functional collateral perfusion in patients with stable coronary artery disease, scheduled for elective PCI.

Background: Functional collateral perfusion is defined as a Pw/Pa ratio>or=0.24.

Myocardial perfusion quantification in patients suspected of cardiac syndrome X with positive and negative exercise testing: a [13N]ammonia positron emission tomography study.

Background: The combination of angina pectoris, angiographically normal coronary arteries, and a positive exercise stress test (EST) is referred to as cardiac syndrome X. However, a large group of patients suspected of syndrome X reveals a normal exercise stress test and weakens the diagnosis of syndrome X. Previous studies demonstrated an impaired coronary flow reserve on ammonia positron emission tomography (PET) in patients with syndrome X.

The sustained benefits of long-term neurostimulation in patients with refractory chest pain and normal coronary arteries.

Objectives: To assess the long-term efficacy of neurostimulation for treating refractory angina pectoris-like chest pain, we followed patients, treated with either transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) or spinal cord stimulation (SCS).

Methods: Neurostimulation was judged successful and subsequently continued when initial pain was reduced at least 50%. All patients started with TENS, but if skin irritation occurred during TENS, a SCS system was implanted.