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Clinical Medicine (London, England) Jan 2022Dengue is an arboviral infection that is hyperendemic in tropical and subtropical climates. Clinical manifestations of dengue can range from asymptomatic infection to...
Dengue is an arboviral infection that is hyperendemic in tropical and subtropical climates. Clinical manifestations of dengue can range from asymptomatic infection to severe infection with multi-organ failure. Dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF) is a subcategory in dengue infection with a hallmark of plasma leak (ie critical phase). The plasma leak in DHF is selective (pleuroperitoneal spaces), transient and dynamic, and needs careful monitoring and meticulous fluid resuscitation. In addition, dengue fever may present with extended and unusual manifestations affecting any organ, including the heart, liver, kidney and brain. Studies on vaccine development and vector control are ongoing to prevent this infection of global importance. In this article, the clinicopathological features and management aspects of dengue are discussed.
Topics: Dengue; Fluid Therapy; Humans; Severe Dengue
PubMed: 35078789
DOI: 10.7861/clinmed.2021-0791 -
The Journal of Manual & Manipulative... Feb 2022To assess the effects of mobilization with movement (MWM) on pain, range of motion (ROM), and disability in the management of shoulder musculoskeletal disorders. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effects of mobilization with movement (MWM) on pain, range of motion (ROM), and disability in the management of shoulder musculoskeletal disorders.
METHODS
Six databases and Scopus, were searched for randomized control trials. The ROB 2.0 tool was used to determine risk-of-bias and GRADE used for quality of evidence. Meta-analyses were performed for the sub-category of frozen shoulder and shoulder pain with movement dysfunction to evaluate the effect of MWM in isolation or in addition to exercise therapy and/or electrotherapy when compared with other conservative interventions.
RESULTS
Out of 25 studies, 21 were included in eight separate meta-analyses for pain, ROM, and disability in the two sub-categories. For frozen shoulder, the addition of MWM significantly improved pain (SMD -1.23, 95% CI -1.96, -0.51)), flexion ROM (MD -11.73, 95% CI -17.83, -5.64), abduction ROM (mean difference -13.14, 95% CI -19.42, -6.87), and disability (SMD -1.50, 95% CI (-2.30, -0.7). For shoulder pain with movement dysfunction, the addition of MWM significantly improved pain (SMD -1.07, 95% CI -1.87, -0.26), flexion ROM (mean difference -18.48, 95% CI- 32.43, -4.54), abduction ROM (MD -32.46, 95% CI - 69.76, 4.84), and disability (SMD -0.88, 95% CI -2.18, 0.43). The majority of studies were found to have a high risk of bias.
DISCUSSION
MWM is associated with improved pain, mobility, and function in patients with a range of shoulder musculoskeletal disorders and the effects clinically meaningful. However, these findings need to be interpreted with caution due to the high levels of heterogeneity and risk of bias.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Treatment, level 1a.
Topics: Bursitis; Humans; Musculoskeletal Manipulations; Range of Motion, Articular; Shoulder; Shoulder Pain
PubMed: 34334099
DOI: 10.1080/10669817.2021.1955181 -
AJNR. American Journal of Neuroradiology Sep 2013In 2003, Higashida et al proposed the Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction scale to evaluate angiographic intracranial flow. Our aim is to review how subsequently... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
In 2003, Higashida et al proposed the Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction scale to evaluate angiographic intracranial flow. Our aim is to review how subsequently published studies define TICI.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We used the ISI Web of Knowledge and SciVerse Scopus databases to search for "TICI" and "thrombolysis in cerebral infarction" and for articles that cited the original TICI paper from January 2004 through May 2012. Articles were categorized according to their definition of the TICI categories, typically grades 0-4, with grade 2 (partial reperfusion) subdivided into 2a and 2b, and rate of contrast entry to the perfused area. In addition, we catalogued the type of redefinitions of TICI subcategory 2 and additions of new categories.
RESULTS
Of 236 articles screened, 74 were included. Eight (11%) explicitly followed the TICI scale as originally defined. Thirty-seven (50%) cited Higashida but did not define their scale. Fifteen (21%) used and explained modified scales. Thirteen (18%) used the term TICI, but did not define the scale and did not cite Higashida. Eighteen (24%) specified a 2a subcategory. Nine defined grade 2a as <67% filling, 6 defined it as <50%, and 3 did not offer a percentage. Two studies added a 2c subcategory. Fifty-two (70%) used a cutoff level to define "successful reperfusion." Of these, 65% used TICI ≥2, 33% used TICI ≥2b, and 2% used TICI = 3.
CONCLUSIONS
There is substantial variability in the definition and/or application of the TICI scale in the literature. This variability could considerably impact our understanding of results of revascularization studies.
Topics: Cerebral Revascularization; Outcome Assessment, Health Care; Practice Patterns, Physicians'; Severity of Illness Index; Terminology as Topic; Thrombolytic Therapy; Vocabulary, Controlled
PubMed: 23578670
DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.A3496 -
Women's Midlife Health Feb 2023The number of never-married women is increasing worldwide. According to a recent census (2016) this trend is also apparent in Iran. The aim of the present study was to...
BACKGROUND
The number of never-married women is increasing worldwide. According to a recent census (2016) this trend is also apparent in Iran. The aim of the present study was to investigate how never-married Iranian women cope with their single status.
METHODS
The present study was qualitative in nature. Purposeful sampling with maximum variation was used to select 18 never-married women aged over 35. Data were analyzed on the basis of conventional content analysis and inductive reasoning.
RESULTS
One hundred fifty-four codes, nine subcategories, three categories, and one theme were extracted. The three categories were: (1) responding to sexual needs (sub-categories: having sex; masturbation; sexual abstinence); (2) responding to emotional needs (sub-categories: getting used to being alone; living with family; closer relationship with good friends); (3) lifestyle changes (subcategories: accepting God's destiny; striving for beauty and health; becoming absorbed in work and education).
CONCLUSIONS
Results showed that never-married women aged over 35 tried to adapt to sexual and emotional needs and lifestyle changes as proxies of singleness in various ways. It appears that these women adopted several strategies to cope with the lack of a spouse, children, or family life, these normally being developmental tasks characteristic of early adulthood.
PubMed: 36805710
DOI: 10.1186/s40695-023-00086-1 -
Journal of Biomedical Optics Aug 2023Photoacoustic tomography has emerged as a prominent medical imaging technique that leverages its hybrid nature to provide deep penetration, high resolution, and... (Review)
Review
SIGNIFICANCE
Photoacoustic tomography has emerged as a prominent medical imaging technique that leverages its hybrid nature to provide deep penetration, high resolution, and exceptional optical contrast with notable applications in early cancer detection, functional brain imaging, drug delivery monitoring, and guiding interventional procedures. Test phantoms are pivotal in accelerating technology development and commercialization, specifically in photoacoustic (PA) imaging, and can be optimized to achieve significant advancements in PA imaging capabilities.
AIM
The analysis of material properties, structural characteristics, and manufacturing methodologies of test phantoms from existing imaging technologies provides valuable insights into their applicability to PA imaging. This investigation enables a deeper understanding of how phantoms can be effectively employed in the context of PA imaging.
APPROACH
Three primary categories of test phantoms (simple, intermediate, and advanced) have been developed to differentiate complexity and manufacturing requirements. In addition, four sub-categories (tube/channel, block, test target, and naturally occurring phantoms) have been identified to encompass the structural variations within these categories, resulting in a comprehensive classification system for test phantoms.
RESULTS
Based on a thorough examination of literature and studies on phantoms in various imaging modalities, proposals have been put forth for the development of multiple PA-capable phantoms, encompassing considerations related to the material composition, structural design, and specific applications within each sub-category.
CONCLUSIONS
The advancement of novel and sophisticated test phantoms within each sub-category is poised to foster substantial progress in both the commercialization and development of PA imaging. Moreover, the continued refinement of test phantoms will enable the exploration of new applications and use cases for PA imaging.
Topics: Phantoms, Imaging; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Drug Delivery Systems; Drug Monitoring; Early Detection of Cancer
PubMed: 37614568
DOI: 10.1117/1.JBO.28.8.080903 -
European Journal of Midwifery 2024Positive birth experiences can be a decisive factor in the well-being and future health of both women and their newborns. The quality of care is a multidimensional...
Women's experiences and needs concerning care and support during the various phases of childbirth and the postnatal period: Analysis of free-text comments based on Quality from the Patient's Perspective in Sweden.
INTRODUCTION
Positive birth experiences can be a decisive factor in the well-being and future health of both women and their newborns. The quality of care is a multidimensional concept influenced by the external structure of the organization, the administrative qualities of the environment, and the individual patient's preferences about care. The aim was to describe women's preferences and experiences concerning support and treatment, and their perception of quality of care during all phases of labor and the postnatal period.
METHODS
Free-text comments of 635 women from four different open comment questions were analyzed. A qualitative content analysis was conducted in two steps: an inductive phase followed by a deductive phase using the Quality of care from a Patient's Perspective framework (QPP).
RESULTS
A total of 1148 free-text comments were coded; and 10 sub-categories were created and inserted under the QPP framework covering the latent meaning of the sub-category. Five of the sub-categories were sorted under the identity-oriented approach, four under physical-technical conditions, and one under the sociocultural atmosphere and reflected the women's experiences and needs regarding support and treatment during early labor, the active phase of labor, and the postnatal period.
CONCLUSIONS
High-quality care and support are important aspects for women during childbirth, irrespective of the phase of labor or postnatal period. The need for individualized care, active participation in one's own birth and using a family centered approach were also emphasized. Organizational factors influenced the quality of care and were particularly noticeable during birth.
PubMed: 38375418
DOI: 10.18332/ejm/176698 -
Journal of Thoracic Disease Mar 2015Spontaneous haemothorax (SH) is a subcategory of haemothorax that involves the accumulation of blood within the pleural space in the abscence of trauma or other causes.... (Review)
Review
Spontaneous haemothorax (SH) is a subcategory of haemothorax that involves the accumulation of blood within the pleural space in the abscence of trauma or other causes. The clinical presentation is variable and includes a rapid progression of symptoms of chest pain and dyspnea that can be life threatening when hemodynamic instability and hypovolemic shock occurs. Despite haemothorax, SH is much less common with data limited to case reports and case series. A literature review has been performed to identify and summarise all potentials causes leading to this clinical entity.
PubMed: 25922734
DOI: 10.3978/j.issn.2072-1439.2014.12.50 -
Journal of Education and Health... 2022In 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic posed a major challenge to the world. Since the world is constantly exposed to communicable diseases, comprehensive preparedness of... (Review)
Review
In 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic posed a major challenge to the world. Since the world is constantly exposed to communicable diseases, comprehensive preparedness of countries is required. Therefore, the present systematic review is aimed at identifying the preparedness components in COVID-19. In this systematic literature review, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest, Science Direct, Iran Medex, Magiran, and Scientific Information Database were searched from 2019 to 2021 to identify preparedness components in COVID-19. Thematic content analysis method was employed for data analysis. Out of 11,126 journals retrieved from searches, 45 studies were included for data analysis. Based on the findings, the components of COVID-19 preparedness were identified and discussed in three categories: governance with three subcategories of characteristics, responsibilities, and rules and regulations; society with two subcategories of culture and resilience; and services with three subcategories of managed services, advanced technology, and prepared health services. Among these, the governance and its subcategories had the highest frequency in studies. Considering the need to prepare for the next pandemic, countries should create clear and coherent structures and responsibilities for crisis preparedness through legal mechanisms, strengthening the infrastructure of the health system, coordination between organizations through analysis and identification of stakeholders, culture building and attracting social participation, and service management for an effective response.
PubMed: 36618467
DOI: 10.4103/jehp.jehp_28_22 -
Journal of Patient-reported Outcomes Aug 2020Retinoblastoma is a childhood retinal cancer with lifelong consequences such as vision loss and increased risk of second cancer. Patient-reported outcome measures... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Retinoblastoma is a childhood retinal cancer with lifelong consequences such as vision loss and increased risk of second cancer. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are instruments that measure outcomes related to health directly reported by patients. The purpose of this study was to determine the scope, characteristics and quality of PROMs used in retinoblastoma and related fields of pediatric ophthalmology and pediatric oncology.
METHODS
Databases MEDLINE and Embase were searched for studies in the English language that reported on PROMs used in retinoblastoma, pediatric oncology, or pediatric ophthalmology; grey literature and studies reporting on developmental PROM phases were excluded. PROMs were grouped by the construct measured and domains assessed, and classified as condition-specific or generic. A subsequent search was then conducted in MEDLINE and Embase for studies assessing measurement properties of the identified PROMs. PROMs with associated studies were assessed for their methodologic quality using the COnsensus-based standard for the Selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) strategy.
RESULTS
Among 110 eligible studies uncovered by the database searches, 143 PROMs were identified: one retinoblastoma-specific, 56 ophthalmology- and 86 oncology-related. The most common construct measured was 'health-related quality of life' and the most common domain assessed was emotional well-being. Of the 143 PROMs, 100 had associated validation studies; the one retinoblastoma-specific PROM was not validated. Quality assessment revealed 34/100 PROMs received a score of sufficient quality in both subcategories of 'overall content validity'; 3/100 received a score of sufficient quality in both subcategories of 'internal structure'; 0/100 received a score of sufficient quality in all three subcategories of 'remaining measurement properties'. The Patient-Reported Outcome Measure Information System (PROMIS) Pediatric Profile-25 was the highest-scoring PROM identified, meeting COSMIN standards for 2/3 measurement property categories (and 5/7 subcategories). Eleven additional PROMs were identified which had sufficient scores in 1/3 measurement property categories (and 5/7 subcategories).
CONCLUSION
The study identified several PROMs from the pediatric ophthalmology and pediatric oncology literature that could be relevant to the retinoblastoma population, but many have limits to their validation. Future development of a retinoblastoma-specific PROM, performed in partnership with retinoblastoma patients to support optimal content validity, could first focus on the selection and definition of the optimal construct to measure, followed potentially by adaptation and further validation of the relevant PROMs with strong methodologic quality identified in this study.
PubMed: 32770435
DOI: 10.1186/s41687-020-00232-7