BioMed research international
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Comparison of Whole-Body Electromyostimulation versus Recognized Back-Strengthening Exercise Training on Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Study.
Low back pain (LBP) affects almost everyone at least once in their lifetime. Various meta-analyses show promising effects on pain reduction for conventional exercise. However, the lack of time and, especially for pain patients, a fear of movement ("kinesiophobia") as well as functional limitations often oppose participation in such activities. In contrast, the advantage of novel training technologies like whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) lies particularly in a joint-friendly, time-effective, and highly customized training protocol and might be an alternative option for LBP patients. A meta-analysis of individual patient data and a comparison of WB-EMS against a passive control group confirmed the proof principle. Thus, the aim of this randomized controlled trial is to compare WB-EMS with a recognized back-strengthening exercise protocol to determine the corresponding effects on chronic, nonspecific LBP in people suffering from this. ⋯ In summary, both, WB-EMS and conventional back-strengthening protocol are comparably effective in reducing nonspecific chronic LBP in this dedicated cohort. The result is particularly positive in terms of time effectiveness and offers an adequate alternative for people with limited time resources or other barriers to conventional training methods.
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Overexpression of the MUC5B protein is associated with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), but little information is available regarding the pathogenic effects and regulatory mechanisms of overexpressed MUC5B in IPF. ⋯ This work has important implications for further exploration of the mechanisms of overexpression of MUC5B in IPF, and future personalized treatment.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Three-Month Retention of Basic Life Support with an Automated External Defibrillator Using a Two-Stage versus Four-Stage Teaching Technique.
Resuscitation training increases bystander's ability to perform basic life support (BLS) with an automated external defibrillator (AED) immediately after training. However, several studies indicate that resuscitation skills decay rapidly. ⋯ Three months after training, this study found no difference in retention of BLS/AED skills among laypersons taught using a two-stage compared to a four-stage teaching technique.
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Treatment of pilon fractures remains challenging due to the difficulty of fracture reduction and associated soft tissue complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the pitfalls and strategies of posterior column reduction in the treatment of complex tibial pilon fractures (AO/OTA 43-C3). Thirteen AO/OTA classification 43-C3 type pilon fractures treated between January 2013 and January 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. ⋯ In our opinion, we suggest that the reduction of the articular surface should be performed through combined posterolateral and anterior approaches in a delayed operation, with flexible fixation of the posterior column. If the posterior column is poorly reduced, the articular surface can easily be manipulated through anterior approaches. According to this strategy, satisfactory outcomes of AO/OTA C3 pilon fractures would be anticipated.
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Percutaneous DiscoGel® (Gelscom SAS, France), introduced in 2007 as a promising new minimal invasive technique, showed efficacy and safety in lumbar spine surgery, with limited use and scientific reports with regard to the cervical spine. Since the first publication of its use on the cervical spine (2010), less than 100 cases have been published. We introduce an initial experience with this relatively new procedure. We hypothesized that percutaneous DiscoGel® is a safe and effective option for chronic neck pain of cervical discogenic origin. ⋯ The present study has the limitation of the small number of cases; however, with the limited number of studies and less than 100 published cases in the literature, this initial work shows that cervical percutaneous DiscoGel® is an effective minimally invasive bridging option between conservative and open surgical treatment for cervical discogenic pain, with a high success rate. The differentiation of pain types (nociceptive, referred, radicular, and trapezius myalgia) that can coexist is crucial for procedure selection and improving treatment outcome.