scholarly journals Impacts of robotic arm use on individuals with upper extremity disabilities: A scoping review

2018 ◽  
Vol 85 (5) ◽  
pp. 397-407
Author(s):  
Maude Beaudoin ◽  
Josiane Lettre ◽  
François Routhier ◽  
Philippe S. Archambault ◽  
Martin Lemay ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Upper Extremity ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Robotic Arm ◽  
Scientific Quality ◽  
Occupational Performance ◽  
Robotic Arms ◽  
Review Form

Background. Robotic arms may help users perform various activities. Even though robotic arms are commercially available, their impacts are still poorly understood. Purpose. This scoping review aimed to identify the potential impacts of using robotic arms for individuals with upper-extremity disabilities and appraise the scientific quality of the selected studies. Method. A search for studies published between 1970 and 2016 was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Compendex, and Scopus. The Canadian Model of Occupational Performance and Engagement was used to classify activities in which impacts were evaluated. The quality of each study was rated using McMaster University’s critical review form for quantitative studies. Findings. Thirty-six studies were reviewed, which evaluated self-care (21), productivity (33), and leisure (8). The short-term impacts were more commonly documented than long-term impacts. The impacts identified were mostly positive. The studies’ mean quality score was 8.8/15. Implications. Additional studies with more rigorous conditions are needed to produce higher-quality scientific evidence of the long-term impacts of robotic arm use.

scholarly journals Application of action research in the field of healthcare: a scoping review protocol

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 46
Author(s):  
Mary Casey ◽  
David Coghlan ◽  
Áine Carroll ◽  
Diarmuid Stokes ◽  
Kinley Roberts ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Action Research ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Traditional Research ◽  
Comprehensive Framework ◽  
Research Studies

Background: Traditional research approaches are increasingly challenged in healthcare contexts as they produce abstract thinking rather than practical application. In this regard, action research is a growing area of popularity and interest, essentially because of its dual focus on theory and action. However, there is a need for action researchers not only to justify their research approach but also to demonstrate the quality of their empirical studies. Therefore, the authors set out to examine the current status of the quality of extant action research studies in healthcare to encourage improved scholarship in this area. The aim of this scoping review is to identify, explore and map the literature regarding the application of action research in either individual, group or organisational domains in any healthcare context. Methods: The systematic scoping review will search the literature within the databases of CINAHL, PubMed and ABI/Inform within the recent five-year period to investigate the scientific evidence of the quality of action research studies in healthcare contexts. The review will be guided by Arksey and O'Malley’s five mandatory steps, which have been updated and published online by the Joanna Briggs Institute. The review will follow the PRISMA-ScR framework guidelines to ensure the standard of the methodological and reporting approaches are exemplary. Conclusion: This paper outlines the protocol for an exploratory scoping review to systematically and comprehensively map out the evidence as to whether action research studies demonstrate explicitly how the essential factors of a comprehensive framework of action research are upheld. The review will summarise the evidence on the quality of current action research studies in healthcare. It is anticipated that the findings will inform future action researchers in designing studies to ensure the quality of the studies is upheld.

scholarly journals Quality of Systematic Reviews of the Foods with Function Claims in Japan: Comparative Before- and After-Evaluation of Verification Reports by the Consumer Affairs Agency

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 1583 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kamioka ◽  
Tsutani ◽  
Origasa ◽  
Yoshizaki ◽  
Kitayuguchi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Reviews ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Reporting Quality ◽  
Health Claims ◽  
Scientific Quality ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Product Effectiveness

Background: In Japan, a new type of foods with health claims, called Foods with Function Claims (FFC), was introduced in April 2015 in order to make more products available that are clearly labeled with certain health functions. Regarding substantiating product effectiveness, scientific evidence for the proposed function claims must be explained by systematic reviews (SRs), but the quality of SRs was not clear. The objectives of this review were to assess the quality of SRs based on the FFC registered on the Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA) website in Japan, and to determine whether the CAA’s verification report in 2016 was associated with improvement in the quality of SRs. Methods: We evaluated the reporting quality of each SR by the AMSTAR checklist on methodological quality. We searched the database from 1 April to 31 October 2015 as the before-SR and from 1 July 2017 to 31 January 2018 as the after-SR. Results: Among the 104 SRs reviewed, 96 final products were included: 51 (53.1%) were supplements, 42 (43.8%) were processed foods without supplements, and 3 (3.1%) were fresh foods. Of the 104 SRs, 92 (88.5%) were qualitative reviews (i.e., without meta-analysis) and 12 (11.5%) performed a meta-analysis. The average quality score of before-SRs and after-SRs was 6.2 ± 1.8 and 5.0 ± 1.9, respectively, a statistically significant decrease (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Overall, the methodology and reporting quality of after-SRs based on the FFC were poorer than those of before-SRs. In particular, there were very poor descriptions and/or implementations of study selection and data extraction, search strategy, evaluation methods for risk of bias, assessment of publication bias, and formulating conclusions based on methodological rigor and scientific quality of the included studies.

scholarly journals Long-Term Quality of Life after Free Flap Upper Extremity Reconstruction for Traumatic Injuries

2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (03) ◽  
pp. 213-222 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara van Bekkum ◽  
Tim de Jong ◽  
Michiel Zuidam ◽  
Marc A. M. Mureau
Keyword(s):  
Upper Extremity ◽  
Free Flap ◽  
Extremity Function ◽  
Sf 36 ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Extremity Reconstruction ◽  
Upper Extremity Function

Abstract Background Microsurgical reconstruction of upper extremity injuries is often challenging, and the resulting impact on the quality of life (QoL) may be significant. However, there is a lack of knowledge on long-term patient-reported QoL. Methods In a retrospective long-term follow-up study, all consecutive patients with an upper extremity injury who had undergone a free flap reconstruction were identified and categorized into three groups based on the type of injury. Patient-reported upper extremity function and QoL were assessed using three validated questionnaires: the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, and the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ). Results A total of 61 patients were identified, of whom 10% had undergone a free flap reconstruction for soft tissue loss only, 62% for an injury accompanied by a fracture, and 28% for a (sub) total amputation. Twenty-one (44%) patients responded to the questionnaires, with a mean follow-up time of 9.7 ± 6.2 years. Patients, on average, reported poorer SF-36 “physical component score” and “role limitations due to physical health” scores compared with Dutch norms. Also, they reported poorer mean DASH scores compared with the general population, indicating worse upper extremity function. Mean MQH scores were lower for the injured side compared with the noninjured side. Pain correlated negatively with the total scores of DASH, MHQ, and SF-36. Conclusion Free flap upper extremity reconstruction is challenging. At 10 years of follow-up, the injury and its treatment continued to have a significant impact on the upper extremity function and daily QoL, with chronic pain being an important factor negatively affecting these outcomes.

scholarly journals Leprosy patients quality of life: a scoping review

2021 ◽  
Vol 55 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raissa Mariah Ferraz Moreira Barcelos ◽  
Gutembergue Santos de Sousa ◽  
Michelle Veiga de Almeida ◽  
Fabiana Gulin Longhi Palacio ◽  
Maria Aparecida Munhoz Gaíva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Web Of Science ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Sf 36 ◽  
Leprosy Patients ◽  
Assess Quality

ABSTRACT Objective: To explore the scientific evidence regarding the leprosy patients quality of life. Method: Scoping review according to the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology, with articles indexed in PubMed, Cochrane, LILACS, Embase, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, PsyINFO, INFOLEP, and Google Scholar databases, published in full in Portuguese, English, or Spanish. Results: Seventy-four studies were identified, with 71 of quantitative approach and 3 with a mixed method. There was a predominance of studies published in Brazil (58.1%), with an adult population, (97.3%) and recruited in reference centers for the treatment of leprosy (52.7%). There was greater use of the WHOQOL-bref (50%) and SF-36 (18.9%) instruments to assess quality of life. The study showed that the greatest impairment in quality of life was related to the delay in the diagnosis of the disease, to leprosy reactions, physical disabilities, neuropathic pain, and stigma. Conclusion: Most studies were developed in endemic countries, with adults, and based on observational studies, and the worst scores obtained were associated with physical domain impairment.

scholarly journals Problems of Diagnosis, Conservative Treatment and Long-Term Results of “Mallet Finger” Fracture

2021 ◽  
pp. 42-50
Author(s):  
A.A. Bezuhlyi ◽  
A.S. Lysak
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Upper Extremity ◽  
Distal Phalanx ◽  
Diagnosis And Treatment ◽  
Long Term Results ◽  
Mallet Finger ◽  
Dorsal Edge ◽  
Impaired Quality

Summary. Distal phalanx dorsal edge fracture is treated in a relatively simple closed manner during the first weeks after injury. The role of the distal interphalangeal joint in the upper extremity integral function reaches conventionally only a few percent. This may lead to insufficient attention and a large number of mistakes in diagnosis and treatment of such injuries, which in turn provokes complications that are much more difficult to treat than the primary injury. This article considers the most common problems of diagnosis and treatment of “mallet finger” fractures. Advantages and disadvantages of various techniques used in the treatment of such fractures in acute and neglected cases are considered and analyzed. Objective: to study the effect of distal phalanx dorsal edge avulsive fractures on function of the upper limb, quality of life, and depression rate in long term period after injury. Materials and Methods. Data from 11 patients (8 (88%) males and 3 (12%) females) with neglected cases of distal phalanx dorsal edge avulsive fractures were studied. QuickDASH questionnaire and visual analog scales were used to study impaired quality of life and depression rate in such patients. Indicators that lead to the need for surgery in long term period after injury have been identified. Results. It was determined that in long term period, in patients with a “mallet finger” fracture, function of the upper extremity suffered significantly and was 29.2±20.2 points (range 2.3-75) according to QuickDASH scale. This condition also significantly affected the general well-being of the patient. Average value of impaired quality of life was 43.6±24.6 (range 0-90 points), and depression rate due to upper extremity dysfunction was 44.6±22.7 (range 0-90 points). Conclusions. Despite the relatively minor injury, high rates of dysfunction, impact on quality of life and depression rate indicate the need to restore finger function even in long term period after injury.

CFC Regulations on Refrigeration Compressors Used in Environmental Test Chambers

1990 ◽  
Vol 33 (6) ◽  
pp. 27-32
Author(s):  
Brian Hearn
Keyword(s):  
Human Life ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Scientific Information ◽  
Montreal Protocol ◽  
Environmental Test ◽  
Clean Air ◽  
Antarctic Ozone ◽  
The Antarctic

The earlier discovery of the Antarctic ozone "hole" and current scientific evidence indicate that CFC emissions into the atmosphere deplete the ozone layer and present a long-term threat to the quality of human life. The items of most concern, from an ozone protection standpoint, are the long-lived, fully halogenated compounds—halons, CFCs, and chlorocarbons. Scientific information indicates that most, if not all, of the chlorine or bromine content of these compounds is transported to the stratosphere, where it has the potential to destroy ozone. Furthermore, these compounds remain in the atmosphere for an extended number of years, providing a significant background chlorine concentration. According to DuPont.2 an 85 percent reduction in global CFC emissions from 1986 levels is necessary just to maintain current atmospheric levels of chlorine from these compounds. The refrigerants used within environmental test chambers have been included among those identified as ozone depleting. Specifically, these are CFC-12 and CFC-502. The 1987 Montreal Protocol was revised in June of 1990. Further regulations on CFC products are contained within the Clean Air Bill that is being debated in the Fall of 1990. Restrictions pertaining to CFC-13 are being proposed.

scholarly journals Outcomes following lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA) for 100 cases of lymphedema: results over 24-months follow-up

2020 ◽  
Vol 184 (1) ◽  
pp. 173-183
Author(s):  
Shan S. Qiu ◽  
Tim Pruimboom ◽  
Anouk J. M. Cornelissen ◽  
Rutger M. Schols ◽  
Sander M. J. van Kuijk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Upper Extremity ◽  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Lymphatic Drainage ◽  
Long Term Outcomes ◽  
Compression Garments

Abstract Purpose Lymphedema is a debilitating condition that significantly affects patient’s quality of life (QoL). The aim of this study was to assess the long-term outcomes after lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA) for extremity lymphedema. Methods A single-center prospective study on upper and lower extremity lymphedema patients was performed. All LVA procedures were preceded by outpatient Indocyanine Green (ICG) lymphography. Quality of life measured by the Lymph-ICF was the primary outcome. Limb circumference, use of compression garments, and frequency of cellulitis episodes and manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) sessions were secondary outcomes. Results One hundred consecutive patients, predominantly experiencing upper extremity lymphedema following breast cancer (n = 85), underwent a total of 132 LVAs. During a mean follow-up of 25 months, mean Lymph-ICF score significantly decreased from 43.9 preoperative to 30.6 postoperative, representing significant QoL improvement. Decrease in upper and lower limb circumference was observed in 52% of patients with a mean decrease of 6%. Overall mean circumference was not significantly different. Percentage of patients that could reduce compression garments in the upper and lower extremity group was 65% and 40%, respectively. Number of cellulitis episodes per year and MLD sessions per week showed a mean decrease of respectively 0.6 and 0.8 in the upper extremity and 0.4 and 1.0 in the lower extremity group. Conclusions LVA resulted in significant QoL improvement in upper and lower extremity lymphedema patients. Limb circumference did not significantly improve but good results concerning compression garments, cellulitis episodes, and MLD sessions were obtained. Additionally, a simple and patient-friendly method for outpatient ICG lymphography is presented.

scholarly journals Intensive care units follow-up: a scoping review protocol

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. e037725
Author(s):  
Danielle Prevedello ◽  
Marco Fiore ◽  
Jacques Creteur ◽  
J C Preiser
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Intensive Care ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Icu Discharge ◽  
Scoping Reviews ◽  
The Impact

IntroductionIncreasing numbers of patients are surviving critical illness, leading to growing concern about the potential impact of the long-term consequences of intensive care on patients, families and society as a whole. These long-term effects are together known as postintensive care syndrome and their presence can be evaluated at intensive care unit (ICU) follow-up consultations. However, the services provided by these consultations vary across hospitals and units, in part because there is no validated standard model to evaluate patients and their quality of life after ICU discharge. We describe a protocol for a scoping review focusing on models of ICU follow-up and the impact of such strategies on improving patient quality of life.Methods and analysisIn this scoping review, we will search the literature systematically using electronic databases (MEDLINE - from database inception to June 15th 2020) and a grey literature search. We will involve stakeholders as recommended by the Joanna Briggs Institute approach developed by Peters et al. The research will be conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines.Ethics and disseminationThis study does not require ethics approval, because data will be obtained through a review of published primary studies. The results of our evaluation will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and will also be disseminated through presentations at national and international conferences.

scholarly journals Design and Implementation of a Robotic Arm Assistant with Voice Interaction Using Machine Vision

Automation ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 238-251
Author(s):  
George Nantzios ◽  
Nikolaos Baras ◽  
Minas Dasygenis
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Kinematic Model ◽  
High Accuracy ◽  
Robotic Arm ◽  
High Definition ◽  
Robotic Arms ◽  
Voice Interaction ◽  
Robotic Assistant

It is evident that the technological growth of the last few decades has signaled the development of several application domains. One application domain that has expanded massively in recent years is robotics. The usage and spread of robotic systems in commercial and non-commercial environments resulted in increased productivity, efficiency, and higher quality of life. Many researchers have developed systems that improve many aspects of people’s lives, based on robotics. Most of the engineers use high-cost robotic arms, which are usually out of the reach of typical consumers. We fill this gap by presenting a low-cost and high-accuracy project to be used as a robotic assistant for every consumer. Our project aims to further improve people’s quality of life, and more specifically people with physical and mobility impairments. The robotic system is based on the Niryo-One robotic arm, equipped with a USB (Universal Serial Bus) HD (High Definition) camera on the end-effector. To achieve high accuracy, we modified the YOLO algorithm by adding novel features and additional computations to be used in the kinematic model. We evaluated the proposed system by conducting experiments using PhD students of our laboratory and demonstrated its effectiveness. The experimental results indicate that the robotic arm can detect and deliver the requested object in a timely manner with a 96.66% accuracy.

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