The L'DISQ device is specifically designed to remove herniated disc using a wand that can be navigated into a disc protrusion or extrusion. Following decompression, we measured clinically significant pain improvement and decreased disability for patients with both radicular and axial pain caused by protruded and extruded discs.

This study profiled the plasma proteins of patients infected by the 2011 H1N1 influenza virus. Differential protein expression was identified in plasma obtained from noninfected control subjects (n = 15) and H1N1-infected subjects (n = 15). Plasma proteins were separated by a 2DE large gel system and identified by nano-ultra performance LC-MS. Western blot assays were performed to validate proteins. Eight plasma proteins were upregulated and six proteins were downregulated among 3316 plasma proteins in the H1N1-infected group as compared with the control group. Of 14 up- and downregulated proteins, nine plasma proteins were validated by Western blot analysis. Putative protein FAM 157A, leucine-rich alpha 2 glycoprotein, serum amyloid A protein, and dual oxidase 1 showed significant differential expression. The identified plasma proteins could be potential candidates for biomarkers of H1N1 influenza viral infection. Further studies are needed to develop these proteins as diagnostic biomarkers.

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This study was undertaken to determine the concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the indoor air of atopy patients' (atopic dermatitis 50, allergic asthma 36) and control houses (28 nonpatients). A goal of this study was also to investigate whether indoor VOCs were risk factors for the development of atopic sensitization. Eleven alkanes, 13 aromatics, 7 chlorinated hydrocarbons, 3 terpenes, and 15 aldehyds were measured from 10 March to 15 June, 2006. Aldehyde compounds are the most abundant chemical group in all indoor air, followed by aromatic compounds. The geometric mean concentrations of total VOC (TVOC) in indoor air in atopic dermatitis and allergic asthma patients' houses were 317.1 and 219.2 mgÁm À3 , respectively. However, TVOC concentrations did not differ significantly between control and patient houses in indoor and outdoor air. The geometric mean concentrations of benzene, ethylbenzene (p50.05), o-xylene, m-, p-xylene, styrene, levels of 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene and formaldehyde (p50.01) in the indoor air of houses of patients with atopic dermatitis, and levels of o-xylene and 1,3,5trimethylbenzene (p50.01) in houses of allergic asthma patients were significantly higher than those in control houses. The multiple linear regression model in this study indicated several indoor origins of VOCs. House age and floor or wall coverings that had been refurbished within 1 year were correlated with higher concentrations of formaldehyde. Limonene andpinene concentrations were significantly increased by the replacement of furniture and the use of cleaning products. The type of heating system was significantly associated with indoor benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, nonane, decane, and undecane concentrations in atopy patient houses.