Review Of English Publications Research Articles

Osteoarthritis Year in Review 2024: Imaging

ObjectiveTo review recent literature evidence describing imaging of osteoarthritis (OA) and to identify the current trends in research on OA imaging. MethodThis is a narrative review of publications in English, published between April, 2023, and March, 2024. A Pubmed search was conducted using the following search terms: osteoarthritis/OA, radiography, ultrasound/US, computed tomography/CT, magnetic resonance imaging/MRI, DXA/DEXA, and artificial intelligence/AI/deep learning. Most publications focus on OA imaging in the knee and hip. Imaging of OA in other joints and OA imaging with artificial intelligence (AI) are also reviewed. ResultsCompared to the same period last year (April 2022 – March 2023), there has been no significant change in the number of publications utilizing CT, MRI, and artificial intelligence. A notable reduction in the number of OA research papers using radiography and ultrasound is noted. There were several observational studies focusing on imaging of knee OA, such as the Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study, Rotterdam Study, Strontium ranelate efficacy in knee OA (SEKOIA) study, and the Osteoarthritis Initiative FNIH Biomarker study. Hip OA observational studies included, but not limited to, Cohort Hip and Cohort Knee study and UK Biobank study. Studies on emerging applications of AI in OA imaging were also covered. A small number of OA clinical trials were published with a focus on imaging-based outcomes. ConclusionMRI-based OA imaging research continues to play an important role compared to other modalities. Usage of various AI tools as an adjunct to human assessment is increasingly applied in OA imaging research.

Pulmonary Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19

Introduction: Persistent symptoms have been observed in a substantial proportion of survivors of COVID-19 since relatively early in the pandemic. Among these post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC), respiratory symptoms appear to be the most prevalent. Methods: We conducted a literature review of peer-reviewed publications in English on the clinical and epidemiological features of respiratory PASC in cohorts of 100 or more patients with a follow-up of four weeks or more after acute infection. Included studies reported the prevalence of persistent respiratory symptoms and/or the results of follow-up pulmonary function tests. Results: On our review included 14 studies across eight countries with a total of 2,380 patients. Subacute PASC was reported in 876 patients, and chronic PASC in 1,504 patients. The median age ranged from 44 to 67 years. The most common symptoms observed were fatigue (44%), dyspnea (40%), and cough (22%). Lung disease as a comorbidity was found in 13% of patients on average. Predominance of males was seen in all studies of subacute PASC and six out of eight studies of chronic PASC. The rates of comorbidities for subacute vs. chronic PASC were: hypertension 32% vs. 31%, cardiovascular disease 10% vs. 7%, diabetes mellitus 15% vs. 12%, kidney disease 7% vs. 4%, and lung disease 19% vs. 10%. Conclusion: Respiratory PASC seems to be more predominant as a chronic presentation, more common in male adults, and less common in older persons. Respiratory PASC is most often associated with fatigue, dyspnea, and cough. There was no strong correlation of severity of illness, acute respiratory distress syndrome, or intensive care unit admission with respiratory PASC.

Are Global Health Systems Ready for Transformative Therapies?

BackgroundWe have seen significant advancement in a range of health technologies, some with transformative or curative potential. Nevertheless, it is often unclear how global health systems recognize or reward innovation. ObjectivesTo consider what is transformative, challenges for transformative therapies, and downstream health ecosystem effects. MethodsA systematic review of publications in English between 2012 and 2018 was conducted with a focus on value assessment processes and health system effects of a range of breakthrough health technology categories. After screening 9012 records, 222 unique studies were identified. The study also included an analysis of 100 health technology assessments (HTAs) from 5 markets to consider how and in what ways global HTA bodies evaluate transformative therapies. Global sales and technology/procedure utilization data were also evaluated to gain insights into patient access and commercial impact. ResultsThis article evaluated uncertainties around evidence of efficacy, safety, and duration of effect, as well as underlying study quality and methodological considerations in the target categories. Although many HTA evaluations had similar approaches to assessing parameters such as safety, there were significant differences across technology categories. Technology-driven trends also surfaced where global HTA and payer systems may not yet be prepared to recognize and reward emerging technology impacts, including use of next-generation diagnostic results to guide care, considering novel impacts on therapy sequencing and clinical pathway management, and changes in payment and health delivery models. ConclusionsSome trends stemming from rapid evolution of breakthrough therapies will prompt reconsideration of our conventional value assessment and reward models, because health system measurement and management processes have not fully anticipated their effects.

Key Performance Indicators in Field Hospital Appraisal: A Systematic Review

Background: Field hospitals are health care institutions with mobile or fixed structures. Although there have been numerous models and indicators for assessing the performance of public hospitals, there is no model to evaluate the performance of field hospitals. Objectives: This study was aimed at determining key performance indicators in field hospital appraisal. Methods: In this study, we conducted a systematic review of publications in English or Persian language indexed by PubMed, Scopus, Emerald, Elsevier, Ovid, Google Scholar, Springer, ProQuest, WHO and Word Bank databases. PICO strategy was used for searching databases. Quality assessment of the publications were carried out using CASP checklist. Similarly, the preferred reporting items for PRISMA checklist were used to assess systematic reviews. The PRISMA checklist was used to guide the reporting of the systematic review. A descriptive summary with data tables was produced to summarize the literature. Following the results of our search, 592 publications were retrieved and 352 citations were excluded because of irrelevance or duplication. After excluding the duplicate and irrelevant items we screened 240 titles and abstracts. Two independent reviewers evaluated 240 potentially relevant studies, and 15 records met the criteria to be included in this review. Results: We found 13 criteria on the assessment of field hospital in the literature. We classified all the retrieved indicators according to the system approach. The results of this study showed that input indicators included 4 indicators, process indicators included 2 indicators, output indicators consisted of 4 indicators and outcome indicators involved 3 indicators. Conclusions: This study highlights the most important performance measurement indicators in field hospitals with a system approach. There was no model to assess the field hospitals; however, a systematic approach in assessment can improve the quality of services.

Making the invisible visible: a systematic review of sexual minority women's health in Southern Africa.

BackgroundOver the past two decades research on sexual and gender minority (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender; LGBT) health has highlighted substantial health disparities based on sexual orientation and gender identity in many parts of the world. We systematically reviewed the literature on sexual minority women’s (SMW) health in Southern Africa, with the objective of identifying existing evidence and pointing out knowledge gaps around the health of this vulnerable group in this region.MethodsA systematic review of publications in English, French, Portuguese or German, indexed in PubMed or MEDLINE between the years 2000 and 2015, following PRISMA guidelines. Additional studies were identified by searching bibliographies of identified studies. Search terms included (Lesbian OR bisexual OR “women who have sex with women”), (HIV OR depression OR “substance use” OR “substance abuse” OR “mental health” OR suicide OR anxiety OR cancer), and geographical specification. All empirical studies that used quantitative or qualitative methods, which contributed to evidence for SMW’s health in one, a few or all of the countries, were included. Theoretical and review articles were excluded. Data were extracted independently by 2 researchers using predefined data fields, which included a risk of bias/quality assessment.ResultsOf 315 hits, 9 articles were selected for review and a further 6 were identified through bibliography searches. Most studies were conducted with small sample sizes in South Africa and focused on sexual health. SMW included in the studies were racially and socio-economically heterogeneous. Studies focused predominately on young populations, and highlighted substance use and violence as key health issues for SMW in Southern Africa.ConclusionsAlthough there are large gaps in the literature, the review highlighted substantial sexual-orientation-related health disparities among women in Southern Africa. The findings have important implications for public health policy and research, highlighting the lack of population-level evidence on the one hand, and the impact of criminalizing laws around homosexuality on the other hand.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12889-016-2980-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Impact of former performed physical activity on body composition and physical fitness in postmenopausal Spanish women

with patients to be identified and targeted via an integrated care pathway mapping and elderly patient care screening service. Objective: To assess the current evidence base for clinical medication review and falls in the elderly. Methods: Pubmed database search undertaken in and to July 2014, with search terms including ‘elderly’ and ‘falls’ and ‘medicines’ followed by review of all relevant publications in English. Results: Bothmedication over-use and under-use in the elderly occur frequently and can be harmful. The STOPP START tools, validated for assessment of potentially inappropriate prescribing in the elderly, offer the possibility of provision of a structured clinical medication review to patients. Conclusions:Manydrugscommonlyusedbyolderpersonshave not been systematically studied as risk factors for falls. There is a need for more research on the impact of the STOPP START interventions on both the rates of falls and risk of falls in the elderly.

The All‐on‐Four Treatment Concept: A Systematic Review

The study aims to evaluate the all-on-four treatment concept with regard to survival rates (SRs) of oral implants, applied fixed dental prostheses (FDPs) and temporal changes in proximal bone levels. A systematic review of publications in English and German was performed using the electronic bibliographic database MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, and Google. Hand searches were conducted of the bibliographies of related journals and systematic reviews. The authors performed evaluations of articles independently, as well as data extraction and quality assessment. Data were submitted the weighted least-squared analysis. Thirteen (487 initially identified) papers met inclusion criteria. A number of 4,804 implants were initially placed, of which 74 failed, with a majority of failures (74%) within the first 12 months. A total of 1,201 prostheses were incorporated within 48 hours after the surgery. The major prosthetic complication was the fracture of the all-acrylic FDP. The mean cumulative SR/SR ± (standard deviation) (36 months) of implants and prostheses were 99.0 ± 1.0% and 99.9 ± 0.3%, respectively. The averaged bone loss was 1.3 ± 0.4 mm (36 months). No statistically significant differences were found in outcome measures, when comparing maxillary versus mandibular arches and axially versus tilted placed implants. The available data provide promising short-term results for the all-on-four treatment approach; however, current evidence is limited by the quality of available studies and the paucity of data on long-term clinical outcomes of 5 years or greater. In terms of an evidence-based dentistry, the authors recommend further studies designed as randomized controlled clinical trials and reported according to the CONSORT statement.

Spontaneous regression of breast carcinoma: review of English publications from 1753 to 1897.

Regression is an important phenomenon in oncology. Two reviews in 2011 dealt at length with what in modern parlance may be called its permutations and combinations. Specifically, in both 1982 and 1987, when its occurrence in breast cancer was presented from two centers, the oldest accounts of it were dated back to 1900. Therefore, a search for much older English literature was undertaken in order to widen current knowledge of this important problem. Consequently, a published long case dating back to 1897 is abridged and a short 1846 case is also noted. Furthermore, general etiological concepts are exemplified as far back as 1753. It is concluded that the history of cancer regression is like fishing in an ocean of this illness. However, the findings are deemed to complement what modern historical accounts lack.

Spontaneous regression of breast carcinoma: review of English publications from 1753 to 1897

Regression is an important phenomenon in oncology. Two reviews in 2011 dealt at length with what in modern parlance may be called its permutations and combinations. Specifically, in both 1982 and 1987, when its occurrence in breast cancer was presented from two centers, the oldest accounts of it were dated back to 1900. Therefore, a search for much older English literature was undertaken in order to widen current knowledge of this important problem. Consequently, a published long case dating back to 1897 is abridged and a short 1846 case is also noted. Furthermore, general etiological concepts are exemplified as far back as 1753. It is concluded that the history of cancer regression is like fishing in an ocean of this illness. However, the findings are deemed to complement what modern historical accounts lack.

Affirming diversity in an online course

PurposeNumerous attempts have been made to link a particular learning style to either a particular culture, gender, or even a generation. In a typically heterogeneous online class, it is impossible to address every participant's culture or the degree of assimilation to a particular culture. Consequently, the aim of this paper is to recommend strategies on how to address numerous learning styles in a culturally sensitive classroom environment.Design/methodology/approachCurrently, a literature review of publications in English has been concluded. An upcoming case study at an online university might corroborate the findings.FindingsThere are many variations of an instructor's cultural background interacting with the diverse cultures of students in an online university situated in a particular local culture. Consequently, it is prudent to offer a variety of learning opportunities. The more learning styles are accommodated, the higher the chances that learning occurs. Compared with a traditional face‐to‐face classroom where choices between learning options have to be made due to time constraints, the online classroom offers the opportunity to provide a variety of learning opportunities.Practical implicationsThe paper presents a variety of learning opportunities that can be considered in the development of online courses. The suggestions are not bound to a particular generation, culture, or gender but are just plain good online teaching that applies to a heterogeneous – just as much as to a homogeneous – student population.Originality/valueOnline learning is spreading in numbers as well as globally. This paper hopes to avoid “colonization” of online learning but to support cultural affirmation within the online learning environment.

Rare Causes of Calcitriol-Mediated Hypercalcemia: A Case Report and Literature Review

Calcitriol-mediated hypercalcemia resulting from elevated extrarenal 25-hydroxyvitamin D-1alpha-hydroxylase (1alpha-hydroxylase) activity has not previously been described in giant cell polymyositis. We report an unusual case of hypercalcemia due to disseminated granulomatous disease in a 62-yr-old woman with profound proximal muscle weakness and weight loss. She was initially diagnosed with vitamin D deficiency myopathy with a low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D; serum calcium at this time was low-normal. Vitamin D(3) 3000 IU daily was prescribed. One month later, blood work showed new hypercalcemia and hypercalciuria with normalized 25-hydroxyvitamin D. 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D was high-normal, despite a suppressed PTH, undetectable PTHrP, and essentially normal renal function. Her hypercalcemia resolved, and her strength improved only after prednisone was added to bisphosphonate therapy. Two weeks later, she died from acute congestive heart failure. Autopsy revealed a disseminated giant cell myositis affecting skeletal, cardiac, and gastrointestinal smooth muscle. Immunohistochemistry localized 1alpha-hydroxylase to the inflammatory infiltrates in skeletal and cardiac muscle. A review of English publications in Medline and Embase, including a reference search of retrieved articles, revealed that calcitriol-mediated hypercalcemia has been described in over 30 conditions, most of which are granulomatous in nature, ranging from inflammatory conditions and foreign body exposures to infections and neoplasms. Hypercalcemia resulting from autonomous 1alpha-hydroxylase activity may be unmasked by low-dose vitamin D supplementation and should not be excluded from the differential diagnosis of nonparathyroid causes if the serum calcitriol is inappropriately normal, rather than frankly elevated.

The relationship between organizational justice and workplace aggression

This paper is a discussion of the links between organizational justice and workplace aggression. Managers have been identified as key players in implementing and maintaining an organizational culture of trust and justice. Employees who perceive themselves to be victims of injustice may rebel, using various means to 'punish' the source of the injustice. Literature review of publications in English and French from the early 1960 to 2009, including books, was conducted. Bibliographic databases searched for journal articles were Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Current Content, EMBASE, Medline, PsycINFO and Web of Science. The work environment and roles of nursing managers have changed considerably in the last 20 years, resulting in challenging working conditions for nursing managers. These can have an impact on their ability to create a trusting and fair culture, and can mean that they themselves be considered victims of organizational injustice. The failure of many re-engineering projects has been linked to a lack of consideration of the impact of perception of justice when implementing change. In addition, perception of organizational justice has the potential to influence many organizational outcomes, such as perception of respect and trust. As justice is a founding principle of biomedical ethics, principles of justice, equity and fairness must be upheld in practice in accordance with the requirements of professional codes of ethics. The concept of justice is linked to the founding principles of biomedical ethics, and these must be upheld in order to practise in accordance with professional codes of ethics and conduct.

Kimura Disease of Head and Neck

Background: Kimura disease is a rare form of chronic inflammatory disorder with unknown etiology. It occurred at subcutaneous tissues, predominantly in the head and neck region and frequently associated with regional lymphadenopathy and salivary gland in the East. Aim and Objectives: The purpose of this paper is to present clinical picture of our cases with literatures review. Materials and Methods: We reported and analyzed 16 cases of Kimura disease from 1996 to 2005 in our hospital, including 14 males and 2 females. Besides, a review of publications in English or Chinese (MEDLINE 1966-2006) as Kimura ('s') disease was performed and compared to our series. Results: The disease presented as either single or multiple lesions over head and neck region, and mainly involved lymph nodes, subcutaneous tissues, and major salivary glands in isolation or in combination. Most cases had peripheral blood eosinophilia but no renal involvement was found. All patients have received at least tumor excision once and oral steroid were used in 5 patients. Follow-up data showed recurrence on 5 patients. Conclusion: The clinical presentation and histopathology of our cases is in accordance with other Kimura cases reported in the literatures and the overall prognosis of Kimura disease is good except high recurrent rate. It remains a therapeutic enigma until its pathogenesis is resolved. In our opinion, complete surgical excision whenever feasible is the preferred treatment despite a not low recurrence rate, especially when the lesions are disfiguring. In the case of head and neck diffuse infiltrating or repeated recurrence, conservative surgical excision is also the first choice.