scholarly journals Hand kinematics: Application in clinical practice

2011 ◽  
Vol 44 (02) ◽  
pp. 178-185
Author(s):  
Santosh Rath

ABSTRACTPathological conditions of the hand consequent to injuries, paralysis, disease, arthritis and congenital difference results in loss or limitation of function, deformities, stiffness, inadequate power and poor position for pinch. The pathogenesis of deformities is influenced by bio-mechanical principles of joints and muscle function. The crippling impact of secondary changes due to edema, soft tissue contractures, muscle shortening and functional adaptations also have a mechanical basis. For clinicians and hand therapists, it is necessary to understand these fundamental principles of biomechanics to plan treatment modalities. Interpretation of mechanics of hand deformities in rheumatoid arthritis and paralysis will enable the treating team to identify the appropriate interventions of splinting, therapy and surgical procedures. Basic knowledge of the principles of hand clinical bio-mechanics will help the beginner to sail through the multitude of tendon transfers described in the text books of hand surgery and find the best solution for a particular clinical presentation. Similarly, knowledge of bio-mechanics will provide solutions to an experienced surgeon to plan treatment protocols for complex situations. The article presents a concise summary of the basic principles of hand bio-mechanics for common hand conditions seen in clinical practice. Understanding and applying these principles will help clinicians in planning and devising treatment options for common and complex hand conditions.

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 79-86
Author(s):  
Judey Pretorius

Acne is an inflammatory skin disease which affects the pilosebaceous units of the skin. It can have profound psychological effects and can leave the patient with severe skin scarring. There are four well-recognized pathological factors responsible for acne which is also the target for acne therapy. In this case review, different treatment options are outlined, including topical and systemic treatments. A safer treatment option other than the use of antibiotics or oral retinoids, the use of complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) for treating acne was discussed as well as the affect of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Acne has been extensively researched with regards to the disease mechanism as well as treatment options. However, due to the increasing resistance of acne prone bacteria towards the available antibiotics, there is a need for new treatment methods. Systemic medication also influences the liver and therefore our hypothesis was to investigate a preventative, safer, and risk-free approach. Additionally, the lack of sufficient evidence on the efficacy of CAM therapies makes it necessary for researchers to investigate these treatment options further. Biomedical Emporium comprise of respective and well-known ingredients frequently used within the medical aesthetic industry to address the concerns of acne. We have investigated a wide array of ingredients used in patient treatment protocols and the favourable effect thereof on the use of acne. We discuss the combined use of topical treatment protocols as well as the use of ingredients for systemic use.


2021 ◽  
pp. 432-441
Author(s):  
Omeed Moaven ◽  
Christopher W. Mangieri ◽  
John A. Stauffer ◽  
Panos Z. Anastasiadis ◽  
Mitesh J. Borad

Selective oncotropism and cytolytic activity against tumors have made certain viruses subject to investigation as novel treatment modalities. However, monotherapy with oncolytic viruses (OVs) has shown limited success and modest clinical benefit. The capacity to genetically engineer OVs makes them a desirable platform to design complementary treatment modalities to overcome the existing treatment options' shortcomings. In recent years, our knowledge of interactions of the tumors with the immune system has expanded profoundly. There is a growing body of literature supporting immunomodulatory roles for OVs. The concept of bioengineering these platforms to induce the desired immune response and complement the current immunotherapeutic modalities to make immune-resistant tumors responsive to immunotherapy is under investigation in preclinical and early clinical trials. This review provides an overview of attempts to optimize oncolytic virotherapy as essential components of the multimodality anticancer therapeutic approach and discusses the challenges in translation to clinical practice.


CNS Spectrums ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 11 (S7) ◽  
pp. 9-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diana O. Perkins

AbstractMost clinical data for antipsychotics come from studies designed to test the efficacy and safety of the drugs under ideal conditions, in limited subgroups of patients. In contrast, practical clinical trials (PCTs) are designed to test the effectiveness of different treatment options under conditions that more accurately reflect actual clinical practice. Consequently, PCTs are able to provide information that can be utilized by healthcare providers and other decision makers. Characteristics of PCTs include a clinically relevant question, a representative sample of patients and practice settings, sufficient power to identify modest relevant effects, randomization to protect against bias, uncertainty regarding the outcome of treatment, assessment and treatment protocols that enact best clinical practices, simple and relevant outcomes, and limited subject and investigator burden. The Clinical Antipsychotic Trials of Intervention Effectiveness (CATIE) research program is an example of a PCT. The CATIE study illustrates how PCTs, when properly designed, might be helpful in informing clinical decision making. Because the CATIE study was designed to reflect the effectiveness of antipsychotics under naturalistic clinical conditions, its results should have particular applicability to the arena of clinical practice. This article provides a discussion of the differences between efficacy and effectiveness studies. In assessing the practical utility of results from the CATIE study, much can be learned on how to shape future studies of effectiveness so as to better generate data that are applicable to the “real world.”


2015 ◽  
Vol 44 (4) ◽  
pp. 397-409 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruce A. Fernie ◽  
Gabrielle Murphy ◽  
Adrian Wells ◽  
Ana V. Nikčević ◽  
Marcantonio M. Spada

Background: Studies have reported that Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Graded Exercise Therapy (GET) are effective treatments for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). Method: One hundred and seventy-one patients undertook a course of either CBT (n = 116) or GET (n = 55) and were assessed on a variety of self-report measures at pre- and posttreatment and follow-up. Aims: In this paper we present analyses on treatment outcomes for CBT and GET in routine clinical practice and evaluate whether changes on subscales of the Metacognitions Questionnaire-30 (MCQ-30) predict fatigue severity independently of changes in other covariates, and across the two treatment modalities. Results: Both CBT and GET were equally effective at decreasing fatigue, anxiety, and depression, and at increasing physical functioning. Changes on the subscales of the MCQ-30 were also found to have a significant effect on fatigue severity independently of changes in other covariates and across treatment modalities. Conclusion: The findings from the current study suggest that CFS treatment protocols for CBT and GET, based on those from the PACE trial, achieve similar to poorer outcomes in routine clinical practice as in a RCT.


2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. M. Musa ◽  
E. A. G. Khalil ◽  
B. M. Younis ◽  
M. E. E. Elfaki ◽  
M. Y. Elamin ◽  
...  

Post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) is a dermatosis that affects more than 50% of successfully treated visceral leishmaniasis (VL) patients in Sudan. PKDL is considered an important reservoir for the parasite and its treatment may help in the control of VL. Currently, treatment is mainly with sodium stibogluconate (SSG), an expensive and fairly toxic drug and without universally in treatment protocols used. A literature review, a consensus of a panel of experts, and unpublished data formed the basis for the development of guidelines for the treatment of PKDL in the Sudan. Six treatment modalities were evaluated. Experts were asked to justify their choices based on their experience regarding of drug safety, efficacy, availability, and cost. The consensus was defined by assigning a categorical rank (first line, second line, third line) to each option. Regarding the use of AmBisome the presence of the drug in the skin was confirmed in smears from PKDL lesions. Recommendations: AmBisome at 2.5 mg/kg/day/20 days or SSG at 20 mg/kg/day/40 days plus four/weekly intradermal injection of alum-precipitated autoclaveL. majorvaccine are suggested as first- and second-treatment options for PKDL in the Sudan, respectively. SSG at 20 mg/Kg/day/60 or more days can be used if other options are not available.


2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 245-250
Author(s):  
Ann E. Perreau ◽  
Richard S. Tyler ◽  
Patricia C. Mancini ◽  
Shelley Witt ◽  
Mohamed Salah Elgandy

Purpose Audiologists should be treating hyperacusis patients. However, it can be difficult to know where to begin because treatment protocols and evidence-based treatment studies are lacking. A good place to start in any tinnitus and hyperacusis clinic is to incorporate a group educational session. Method Here, we outline our approach to establishing a hyperacusis group educational session that includes specific aspects of getting to know each patient to best meet their needs, understanding the problems associated with hyperacusis, explaining the auditory system and the relationship of hyperacusis to hearing loss and tinnitus, describing the influence of hyperacusis on daily life, and introducing treatment options. Subjective responses from 11 adults with hyperacusis, who participated in a recent clinical group education session, were discussed to illustrate examples from actual patients. Conclusions Due to the devastating nature of hyperacusis, patients need to be reassured that they are not alone and that they can rely on audiologists to provide support and guidance. A group approach can facilitate the therapeutic process by connecting patients with others who are also affected by hyperacusis, and by educating patients and significant others on hyperacusis and its treatment options. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.8121197


VASA ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
pp. 163-176 ◽  
Author(s):  
Weidenhagen ◽  
Bombien ◽  
Meimarakis ◽  
Geisler ◽  
A. Koeppel

Open surgical repair of lesions of the descending thoracic aorta, such as aneurysm, dissection and traumatic rupture, has been the “state-of-the-art” treatment for many decades. However, in specialized cardiovascular centers, thoracic endovascular aortic repair and hybrid aortic procedures have been implemented as novel treatment options. The current clinical results show that these procedures can be performed with low morbidity and mortality rates. However, due to a lack of randomized trials, the level of reliability of these new treatment modalities remains a matter of discussion. Clinical decision-making is generally based on the experience of the vascular center as well as on individual factors, such as life expectancy, comorbidity, aneurysm aetiology, aortic diameter and morphology. This article will review and discuss recent publications of open surgical, hybrid thoracic aortic (in case of aortic arch involvement) and endovascular repair in complex pathologies of the descending thoracic aorta.


2011 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 51 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frederic Baumann ◽  
Nicolas Diehm ◽  
◽  

Patients with critical limb ischaemia (CLI) constitute a subgroup of patients with particularly severe peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAD). Treatment modalities for these patients that often exhibit multilevel lesions and severe vascular calcifications are complicated due to multiple comorbidities, i.e. of cardiac and vascular but also of renal origin. These need to be taken into consideration while planning treatment options. Although CLI is associated with considerably high morbidity and mortality rates, the clinical outcome of patients being subjected to revascularisation has improved substantially in recent years. This is mainly due to improved secondary prevention strategies as well as dedicated endovascular innovations for this most challenging patient cohort. The aim of this article is to provide a discussion of the contemporary treatment concepts for CLI patients with a focus on arterial revascularisation.


Author(s):  
Olga Vyacheslavovna Zhukova

This article describes the rationale for methodology of comprehensive assessment of drug consumption in real clinical practice. The proposed methodology includes three stages: 1) epidemiological monitoring – disease epidemiology assessment; assessment of the role of factors leading to the disease; 2) pharmacoepidemiological monitoring – assessment of pharmacotherapy in real clinical practice; clinical efficacy analysis of drugs; cost-effectiveness analysis; 3) long-term clinical and economical evaluation of various treatment options. Comprehensive assessment of drug consumption should result in optimal pharmacotherapy regimens, decrease of the drug load, increasing of the therapy effectiveness and cost reduction. The scheme of comprehensive assessment of drug consumption is universal and can be used for clinical guidelines development, treatment standards, for the optimal formation of drugs lists at the federal level. Separate stages and sub-steps of an integrated assessment also can be used at the territorial and local levels, medical institution, to optimize pharmacotherapy.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evalien Veldhuijzen ◽  
Iris Walraven ◽  
Jose Belderbos

BACKGROUND The Patient Reported Outcomes Version of the Common Terminology Criteria of Adverse Events (PRO-CTCAE) item library covers a wide range of symptoms relevant for oncology care. To enable implementation of PRO-CTCAE-based symptom monitoring in clinical practice, there is a need to select a subset of items relevant for specific patient populations. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to develop a PRO-CTCAE subset relevant for patients with lung cancer. METHODS The PRO-CTCAE-based subset for lung cancer patients was generated using a mixed methods approach based on the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) guidelines for developing questionnaires, consisting of a literature review and semi-structured interviews with both lung cancer patients and health care practitioners (HCPs). Both patients and HCPs were queried on the relevance and impact of all PRO-CTCAE items. Results were summarized and, after a final round of expert review, a selection of clinically relevant items for lung cancer patients was made. RESULTS A heterogeneous group of lung cancer patients (n=25) from different treatment modalities and HCPs (n=22) participated in the study. A final list of eight relevant PRO-CTCAE items was created: decreased appetite, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, constipation, nausea, sadness, and pain (general). CONCLUSIONS Based on literature and both professional and patient input, a subset of PRO-CTCAE items has been identified for use in lung cancer patients in clinical practice. Future work is needed to confirm the validity and effectiveness of this PRO-CTCAE lung cancer subset internationally, and in the real-world clinical practice setting.


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