Publications by authors named "K De Smedt"

Article Synopsis
  • The study investigates the expression of endothelial cell markers (SCF, VEGF, MAC) in skin affected by chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), using immunohistochemistry and serum analysis.
  • Findings reveal that SCF is significantly more reactive in the lesional skin of CSU patients compared to healthy controls, especially in perivascular and epithelial cells.
  • The research suggests that elevated levels of SCF in CSU skin indicate potential therapeutic avenues with anti-Kit antibodies for treatment.
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Background: Adults with refractory, mechanical chronic low back pain associated with impaired neuromuscular control of the lumbar multifidus muscle have few treatment options that provide long-term clinical benefit. This study hypothesized that restorative neurostimulation, a rehabilitative treatment that activates the lumbar multifidus muscles to overcome underlying dysfunction, is safe and provides relevant and durable clinical benefit to patients with this specific etiology.

Materials And Methods: In this prospective five-year longitudinal follow-up of the ReActiv8-B pivotal trial, participants (N = 204) had activity-limiting, moderate-to-severe, refractory, mechanical chronic low back pain, a positive prone instability test result indicating impaired multifidus muscle control, and no indications for spine surgery.

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Background: Restorative neurostimulation is a rehabilitative treatment for patients with refractory chronic low back pain (CLBP) associated with dysfunction of the lumbar multifidus muscle resulting in impaired neuromuscular control. The ReActiv8-B randomized, sham-controlled trial provided evidence of the effectiveness and safety of an implanted, restorative neurostimulator. The two-year analysis previously published in this journal demonstrated accrual of clinical benefits and long-term durability.

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Background Accountability pressure is rising in healthcare, and this demonstrates that the quality of care provided within a residential care setting is of utmost importance. Hostmanship is a quality improvement program focusing on person-centered care in residential care settings. Objectives This study aimed to explore the influencing factors for job satisfaction and intention to leave among healthcare workers and the difference in job satisfaction and intention to leave the employer between residential care centers with and without Hostmanship.

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