Non-Pharmaceutical Techniques for Obstructive Airway Clearance Focusing on the Role of Oscillating Positive Expiratory Pressure (OPEP): A Narrative Review

: This paper examines the potential link between COVID-19 and the presence of comorbidities and assesses the role of inflammation in this correlation. In COVID-19 patients, the most frequently associated diseases share a pathogenic inflammatory basis and apparently act as a risk factor in the onset of a more severe form of the disease, particularly in adulthood. However, in children, the understanding of the underlying pathogenic mechanisms is often complicated by the milder symptoms presented. A series of theories have therefore been put forward with a view of providing a better understanding of the role played by inflammation in this dramatic setting. All evidence available to date on this topic is discussed in this review.

Download Full-text

The application of virtual reality in health professions� digital education: a narrative review (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.12220 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Lorraine Tudor Car ◽

Bhone Myint Kyaw ◽

Josip Car

Keyword(s):

Virtual Reality ◽

Professional Education ◽

Health Professions ◽

Health Professions Education ◽

Narrative Review ◽

Current Evidence ◽

Future Research ◽

Educational Content ◽

Potential Applications

BACKGROUND Digital technology called Virtual Reality (VR) is increasingly employed in health professions’ education. Yet, based on the current evidence, its use is narrowed around a few most applications and disciplines. There is a lack of an overview that would capture the diversity of different VR applications in health professions’ education and inform its use and research. OBJECTIVE This narrative review aims to explore different potential applications of VR in health professions’ education. METHODS The narrative synthesis approach to literature review was used to analyse the existing evidence. RESULTS We outline the role of VR features such as immersion, interactivity and feedback and explain the role of VR devices. Based on the type and scope of educational content VR can represent space, individuals, objects, structures or their combination. Application of VR in medical education encompasses environmental, organ and micro level. Environmental VR focuses on training in relation to health professionals’ environment and human interactions. Organ VR educational content targets primarily human body anatomy; and micro VR microscopic structures at the level of cells, molecules and atoms. We examine how different VR features and health professional education areas match these three VR types. CONCLUSIONS We conclude by highlighting the gaps in the literature and providing suggestions for future research.

Download Full-text

Exploring the role of gender and women in the political economy of health in armed conflict: a narrative review

Globalization and Health ◽

10.1186/s12992-021-00738-9 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 17 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Kristen Meagher ◽

Bothaina Attal ◽

Preeti Patel

Keyword(s):

Political Economy ◽

Health Systems ◽

Armed Conflict ◽

Narrative Review ◽

Health Systems Strengthening ◽

The Political ◽

Systems Research ◽

Political Economy Of Health ◽

And Gender

Abstract Background The ripple effects of protracted armed conflicts include: significant gender-specific barriers to accessing essential services such as health, education, water and sanitation and broader macroeconomic challenges such as increased poverty rates, higher debt burdens, and deteriorating employment prospects. These factors influence the wider social and political determinants of health for women and a gendered analysis of the political economy of health in conflict may support strengthening health systems during conflict. This will in turn lead to equality and equity across not only health, but broader sectors and systems, that contribute to sustainable peace building. Methods The methodology employed is a multidisciplinary narrative review of the published and grey literature on women and gender in the political economy of health in conflict. Results The existing literature that contributes to the emerging area on the political economy of health in conflict has overlooked gender and specifically the role of women as a critical component. Gender analysis is incorporated into existing post-conflict health systems research, but this does not extend to countries actively affected by armed conflict and humanitarian crises. The analysis also tends to ignore the socially constructed patriarchal systems, power relations and gender norms that often lead to vastly different health system needs, experiences and health outcomes. Conclusions Detailed case studies on the gendered political economy of health in countries impacted by complex protracted conflict will support efforts to improve health equity and understanding of gender relations that support health systems strengthening.

Download Full-text

The Role of Nutrient Supplementation in the Management of Chronic Pain in Fibromyalgia: A Narrative Review

Pain and Therapy ◽

10.1007/s40122-021-00266-9 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Hannah Waleed Haddad ◽

Nikita Reddy Mallepalli ◽

John Emerson Scheinuk ◽

Pranav Bhargava ◽

Elyse M. Cornett ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Chronic Pain ◽

Narrative Review ◽

Nutrient Supplementation

Download Full-text

The Quality of Life Definition: Where Are We Going?

Uro ◽

10.3390/uro1010003 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 1 (1) ◽

pp. 14-22

Author(s):

Tommaso Cai ◽

Paolo Verze ◽

Truls E. Bjerklund Johansen

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Extra Dimension ◽

Sexual Partner ◽

Therapeutic Approach ◽

Well Being ◽

Narrative Review ◽

Laboratory Findings

The quality of life (QoL) concept now includes new aspects related to patients’ well-being because QoL has become more of a personal perception than an an objective and measurable entity. Here, we discuss the principal aspects of QoL-related aspects in urology and andrology by using a narrative review. Some aspects concerning the QoL are essential when managing uro-andrological patients. The aim of treatments should not only include the absence of disease or symptoms relief but also the improvement of a patient’s QoL with regard to his/her internal status and relationship with others. In this sense, any therapeutic approach should be based on the patient’s perspectives and not only on the instrumental and laboratory findings. Finally, we discussed the role of a patient’s sexual partner adding an extra dimension to the patient-centerd approach as part of the QoL concept in andrology.

Download Full-text

Ineffective Feeding Practices and Their Effect on Malocclusion: A Narrative Review

Journal of Health and Allied Sciences NU ◽

10.1055/s-0041-1731912 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Pratima R. Mokashi ◽

Srikala Bhandary

Keyword(s):

Positive Impact ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Normal Growth ◽

Feeding Practices ◽

Bottle Feeding ◽

Narrative Review ◽

World Health ◽

Original Research ◽

Nutritive Sucking

Abstract Objective The aim of this narrative review is to highlight the association of ineffective feeding practices with the development of malocclusion in children and the role of a pediatric dentist in identifying the cues and signs of improper feeds, and encourage effective breastfeeding practices. Introduction There has been an ongoing debate on the role of effective breastfeeding in the prevention of malocclusion. Although no specific claim supports the positive impact of the same, a detailed reviewing of the literature helps to identify the method of feeding to be chosen considering health benefits and personal preference. Materials and Methods A broad search of all resources linked to the topic was performed in PubMed, Medline, World Health Organization web site, government web sites, and Google Scholar search engine. Keywords used in the search included breastfeeding, ineffective breastfeeding, bottle feeding, pacifier, and malocclusion. A total of 60 articles published in the period from 2000 to 2019 were segregated. Selected articles comprised original research, meta-analysis, and systematic reviews. Results Parameters such as duration, posture, and non-nutritive sucking habits had an impact on effective breastfeeding. Discussion Effective breastfeeding and maintaining appropriate posture and duration helps to positively impact the normal growth and development of the jaws, muscular functioning, and speech. Thereby, the risk of developing malocclusion in primary dentition can be prevented. Conclusion An understanding of the role of breastfeeding and malocclusion will help in the early intervention and prevention of malocclusion and deviated muscular function. Highlighting the role of counseling and effective feeding practices is also an area that should be focused upon by budding clinicians.

Download Full-text

Calming the inflammatory storm in severe COVID-19 infections: Role of biologics- A narrative review

Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal ◽

10.1016/j.jsps.2021.01.005 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

David Banji ◽

Saad S. Alqahtani ◽

Otilia J.F. Banji ◽

Shamna Machanchery ◽

Ambreen Shoaib

Keyword(s):

Narrative Review

Download Full-text

Illuminating the Role of Vitamin A in Skin Innate Immunity and the Skin Microbiome: A Narrative Review

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13020302 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (2) ◽

pp. 302

Author(s):

Fritzlaine C. Roche ◽

Tamia A. Harris-Tryon

Keyword(s):

Vitamin A ◽

Innate Immune ◽

Narrative Review ◽

Skin Microbiome ◽

Skin Infections ◽

Inflammatory Skin Disease ◽

Skin Immunity ◽

Impaired Immune Response ◽

Increased Susceptibility

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays an important role in skin immunity. Deficiencies in Vitamin A have been linked to impaired immune response and increased susceptibility to skin infections and inflammatory skin disease. This narrative review summarizes recent primary evidence that elucidates the role of vitamin A and its derivatives on innate immune regulators through mechanisms that promote skin immunity and sustain the skin microbiome.

Download Full-text

The Role of Uric Acid in the Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Narrative Review

Angiology ◽

10.1177/00033197211012546 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 000331972110125

Author(s):

Atalay Demiray ◽

Baris Afsar ◽

Adrian Covic ◽

Masanari Kuwabara ◽

Charles J. Ferro ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Myocardial Infarction ◽

Acute Myocardial Infarction ◽

Uric Acid ◽

Adverse Outcomes ◽

Narrative Review ◽

Background Information ◽

Pathophysiological Role ◽

Artery Disease ◽

Pathologic Processes

Increased serum uric acid (SUA) levels have been associated with various pathologic processes such as increased oxidative stress, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction. Thus, it is not surprising that increased SUA is associated with various adverse outcomes including cardiovascular (CV) diseases. Recent epidemiological evidence suggests that increased SUA may be related to acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Accumulating data also showed that elevated UA has pathophysiological role in the development of AMI. However, there are also studies showing that SUA is not related to the risk of AMI. In this narrative review, we summarized the recent literature data regarding SUA and AMI after providing some background information for the association between UA and coronary artery disease. Future studies will show whether decreasing SUA levels is beneficial for outcomes related to AMI and the optimum SUA levels for best outcomes in CV diseases.

Download Full-text