[Transcultural German translation of the reflux symptom score-12 questionnaire].

In addition to clinical and instrumental methods as well as medical history, questionnaires are well-established tools in the diagnosis of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). Recently, the reflux symptom score (RSS) as well as the short version of it, the RSS-12, which are self-administered patient-reported outcome questionnaires, have been published as an alternative to the well-established reflux symptom index (RSI). The RSS-12 assesses severity and frequency of LPR symptoms as well as the impact on quality of life and has been shown to have high reliability and validity.

Does surgical treatment within 4 hours after trauma have an influence on neurological remission in patients with acute spinal cord injury?

Background: The proper timing for surgery in patients with acute spinal cord injury is controversial. This study was conducted to detect if there is an advantage in early (within the first 4 hours after trauma) compared to late (between 4 and 24 hours after trauma) surgery on neurological outcome.

Methods: In this single institution prospective cohort study, data were analyzed from 51 spinal cord injured patients with an average age of 43.

Tracking Spinal Cord Injury: Differences in Cytokine Expression of IGF-1, TGF- B1, and sCD95l Can Be Measured in Blood Samples and Correspond to Neurological Remission in a 12-Week Follow-Up.

Neuroinflammation presumably has an important impact on the secondary phase of spinal cord injury and is regulated by pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. We analyzed serum levels of three different cytokines (insulin-like-growth-factor [IGF]-1, tumor growth factor [TGF]-β1, and soluble CD 95 ligand [sCD95L]), in blood samples of 23 patients admitted with acute traumatic spinal cord injury between November 2010 and July 2013 with a follow-up period of 12 weeks. Quantification was performed using Human Quantikine Immunoassays, classification of neurological impairment was performed using the American Spinal Cord Injury Impairment Scale at time of admission and after 12 weeks.

Low intensity pulsed ultrasound in the treatment of long bone nonunions: Evaluation of cytokine expression as a tool for objectifying nonunion therapy.

Background: Nonunion is one of the most common complications in bone healing. After several clinical studies, the effect of low intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) in the treatment of nonunions remains unclear because of the difficulty in evaluating its effect on bone healing. In former studies, the analysis of serum cytokine expression patterns over time has proven to be an objective method for showing the bone healing process and evaluating nonunion therapies.

Failed treatment of long bone nonunions with low intensity pulsed ultrasound.

Introduction: The use of low intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) in the treatment of nonunions is still controversial. The present study is concerned with whether this procedure has a clinical use and which cofactors influence its therapeutic results.

Methods: In this prospective, single institution, observational study, data from October 2010 to October 2013 from 61 nonunions in 60 patients treated with EXOGEN(®) LIPUS therapy were analysed.

Heidelberg-mCT-Analyzer: a novel method for standardized microcomputed-tomography-guided evaluation of scaffold properties in bone and tissue research.

Bone tissue engineering and bone scaffold development represent two challenging fields in orthopaedic research. Micro-computed tomography (mCT) allows non-invasive measurement of these scaffolds' properties in vivo. However, the lack of standardized mCT analysis protocols and, therefore, the protocols' user-dependency make interpretation of the reported results difficult.

A pilot study on the effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma and debridement for the treatment of nonhealing fistulas in spinal cord-injured patients.

Objectives: To determine the effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in the treatment of nonhealing fistula in spinal cord-injured patients.

Study Design: This was a pilot study of 15 spinal cord-injured patients with chronic pressure ulcers (PrUs) and nonhealing fistulas treated with PRP.

Setting: Germany, Rheinland Pfalz, BG Trauma Center Ludwigshafen

Methods: The authors treated 15 patients with PRP who had nonhealing fistulas due to multiple surgical closures of PrUs.

Serum sCD95L concentration in patients with spinal cord injury.

Objective: To determine serum concentrations of soluble CD95 ligand (sCD95L) in patients with traumatic spinal cord injury.

Methods: Patients with traumatic spinal cord injury were recruited. Blood was collected on admission to hospital and at 4 h, 9 h, 12 h, 24 h, 3 days, 7 days, and 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks postadmission.

Multicentre prospective observational study on professional wound care using honey (Medihoney™).

In recent years, the treatment of wounds with honey has received an increasing amount of attention from healthcare professionals in Germany and Austria. We conducted a prospective observational multicentre study using Medihoney™ dressings in 10 hospitals - nine in Germany and one in Austria. Wound-associated parameters were monitored systematically at least three times in all patients.