scholarly journals Exoskeletons for all: The interplay between exoskeletons, inclusion, gender, and intersectionality

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 217-227 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roger Andre Søraa ◽  
Eduard Fosch-Villaronga

AbstractIn this article, we investigate the relation between gender and exoskeleton development through the lens of intersectionality theory. Exoskeleton users come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and genders. However, it is often the case that wearable robot engineers do not develop such devices primarily on the premise that the product should fit as many end users as possible. Instead, designers tend to use the one-size-fits-all approach – a design choice that seems legitimate from the return of an investment viewpoint but that may not do as much justice to end users. Intended users of exoskeletons have a series of user criteria, including height, weight, and health condition, in the case of rehabilitation. By having rigid inclusion criteria for whom the intended user of the technology can be, the exclusion criteria will grow in parallel. The implications and deep-rootedness of gender and diversity considerations in practices and structural systems have been largely disregarded. Mechanical and robot technology were historically seen as part of a distinct male sphere, and the criteria used today to develop new technology may reflect the biases that existed in another time that should no longer be valid. To make this technology available for all, we suggest some tools to designers and manufacturers to help them think beyond their target market and be more inclusive.

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Satesh Bidaisee ◽  
Calum N. L. Macpherson

Background. One health is a concept that was officially adopted by international organizations and scholarly bodies in 1984. It is the notion of combining human, animal, and environmental components to address global health challenges that have an ecological interconnectedness.Methods. A cross-sectional study of the available literature cited was conducted from January 1984 when the one health concept was adopted till December 2012 to examine the role of the one health approach towards zoonoses. Inclusion criteria included publications, professional presentations, funding allocations, official documentation books, and book chapters, and exclusion criteria included those citations written outside the period of review.Results. A total of 737 resources met the inclusion criteria and were considered in this review. Resources showed a continuous upward trend for the years from 2006 to 2012. The predominant resources were journal publications with environmental health as the significant scope focus for one health. There was also an emphasis on the distribution of the work from developed countries. All categories of years, resources, scopes, and country locale differed from the means (P=0.000). Year of initiative, scope, and country locale showed a dependent relationship (P=0.022,P=0.003, andP=0.021, resp.).Conclusion. Our findings demonstrate the rapid growth in embracing the concept of one health, particularly in developed countries over the past six years. The advantages and benefits of this approach in tackling zoonoses are manifold, yet they are still not seemingly being embraced in developing countries where zoonoses have the greatest impact.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 2102-2118
Author(s):  
Freddy Alejandro Castro Salinas ◽  
Geovanny Genaro Reivan Ortiz ◽  
Pedro Carlos Martínez Suarez

The possibility of recognizing what emotion one of our peers is experiencing has been the subject of study by various researchers over the years, Paul Ekman being the one who has delved most deeply into this subject, the most viable and simple way to achieve this would be through the analysis of people's facial expressions. The search for information was carried out using rigorous exclusion criteria such as studies corresponding to grizzly data and letters to the editor, and inclusion criteria such as studies published only in high impact journals such as PubMed, Elsevier, Taylor & Francis, ScienceDirect, APA PsycNet and Springer, PRISMA guidelines and AMSTAR check-list were used. The main objective of this systematic review was to determine whether there is sufficient scientific literature evidence to clarify whether it is possible to accurately identify the six basic universal emotions "happiness, surprise, sadness, anger, fear and disgust" proposed by Paul Ekman through facial expressions. After the analysis of the articles collected and based on the main findings, it is concluded that the recognition of emotions through facial expressions is a subject that still needs to be studied in greater depth, as suggested by the results obtained.


2020 ◽  
Vol 01 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carla Pires ◽  
Ana Fernandes

Background: Natural products are commonly used for treating health problems. These products may be associated with adverse events, which are defined as "noxious and unintended response to a medicinal product" by the European Medicine Agency. Objectives: To identify studies describing at least one adverse event (or with potential to promote an adverse event) related to the use of natural products, as well as to describe the involved product(s) and adverse event(s). Methods: A pre-systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses criteria. Keywords: "natural product(s)" and ["adverse drug reaction(s)" or "adverse effect(s)"]. Screened databases: PubMed, SciELO, DOAJ and Google Scholar. Inclusion criteria: papers describing at least one adverse event associated with the use of natural products and published between 2017 and 2019. Exclusion criteria: Repeated studies, reviews and papers written in other languages than English, Portuguese, French or Spanish. Results: 104 studies were identified (20 PubMed; 0 SciELO; 2 DOAJ; 82 Google Scholar), but only 10 were selected (4 PubMed and 6 Google Scholar): 1 in-vitro study; 2 non-clinical studies, 1 study reporting in-vitro and clinical data and 5 studies were cases reports. Globally, 997 reports of adverse drug reactions with natural products were identified, mainly non-severe cases. Conclusion: Since a limited number of studies was found, we conclude that adverse events due to natural products may be underreported, or natural products may have a good safety profile. This review contributes for assuring the safety of natural products consumers, by evaluating the knowledge/information on the potential adverse events and interactions of these products.


2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert J. Sanchez ◽  
Wenzhen Ge ◽  
Wenhui Wei ◽  
Manish P. Ponda ◽  
Robert S. Rosenson

Abstract Background This retrospective cohort study assessed the annualized incidence rate (IR) of acute pancreatitis (AP) in a nationally representative US adult population, as well as the variation in the risk of AP events across strata of triglyceride (TG) levels. Methods Data were obtained from IQVIA’s US Ambulatory Electronic Medical Records (EMR) database linked with its LRxDx Open Claims database. Inclusion criteria included ≥1 serum TG value during the overlapping study period of the EMR and claims databases, ≥1 claim in the 12-month baseline period, and ≥ 1 claim in the 12 months post index. All TG measurements were assigned to the highest category reached: < 2.26, ≥2.26 to ≤5.65, > 5.65 to ≤9.94, > 9.94, and > 11.29 mmol/L (< 200, ≥200 to ≤500, > 500 to ≤880, > 880, and > 1000 mg/dL, respectively). The outcome of interest was AP, defined as a hospitalization event with AP as the principal diagnosis. Results In total, 7,119,195 patients met the inclusion/exclusion criteria, of whom 4158 (0.058%) had ≥1 AP events in the prior 12 months. Most patients (83%) had TGs < 2.26 mmol/L (< 200 mg/dL), while < 1% had TGs > 9.94 mmol/L (> 880 mg/dL). Overall, the IR of AP was low (0.08%; 95% confidence internal [CI], 0.08–0.08%), but increased with increasing TGs (0.08% in TGs < 2.26 mmol/L [< 200 mg/dL] to 1.21% in TGs > 11.29 mmol/L [> 1000 mg/dL]). In patients with a prior history of AP, the IR of AP increased dramatically; patients with ≥2 AP events at baseline had an IR of 29.98% (95% CI, 25.1–34.9%). Conclusion The risk of AP increases with increasing TG strata; however, the risk increases dramatically among patients with a recent history of AP.


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Soegaard ◽  
P.B Nielsen ◽  
F Skjoeth ◽  
T.B Larsen ◽  
N Eldrup

Abstract Introduction Peripheral artery disease (PAD) carries a high risk of debilitating stroke, myocardial infarction, and death. The VOYAGER PAD trial investigates whether rivaroxaban 2.5 mg plus aspirin vs aspirin alone leads to a reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with symptomatic PAD undergoing revascularization. However, it is unclear whether patients enrolled in VOYAGER PAD reflect those undergoing lower extremity revascularization in daily clinical practice. Purpose To describe the proportion of patients eligible for the VOYAGER PAD trial within the nationwide Danish Vascular Registry (DVR), the reasons for ineligibility, and rates of cardiovascular outcomes in VOYAGER-eligible and VOYAGER-ineligible patients. Methods We identified and characterized all patients from 2000–2016 undergoing open surgical or endovascular revascularization for symptomatic PAD in the DVR and applied the VOYAGER inclusion and exclusion criteria. We computed one-year rates per 100 person-years of VOYAGER PAD trial endpoints of MACE, myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, major amputation, major bleeding, cardiovascular (CV) death, and all cause death. Results In the DVR, 32,911 patients underwent lower extremity revascularization for symptomatic PAD and were evaluated for eligibility. Among these, 32.2% had at least one exclusion criteria and an additional 40.6% without exclusion criteria did not fulfil inclusion criteria. The “VOYAGER-eligible” population therefore comprised 27.2% of the identified patients (Figure 1A). Main reasons for exclusion were atrial fibrillation (30.7%), poorly regulated hypertension (19.6%), PCI or ACS within 12 months before (16.0%), treatment with strong inhibitors or inducers of cytochrome P450 (9.2%), active cancer (8.8%), and severe renal failure (8.3%). Main reasons for non-inclusion were aorto-iliac procedures (79.0%), non-successful revascularization (13.1%), and age&lt;50 years (7.1%). Compared with “VOYAGER-eligible” patients, event rates were slightly lower among patients in the DVR not fulfilling inclusion criteria and markedly higher for “VOYAGER excluded” patients (Figure 1B). Conclusion In this nationwide cohort of symptomatic PAD patients undergoing lower extremity revascularization, 27.2% full filled the inclusion and exclusion criteria for dual pathway therapy in the VOYAGER PAD trial. Non-inclusion predominantly related to aorto-iliac procedures and were associated with lower event rates. Future studies are needed to clarify if these patients could also benefit from dual pathway therapy. Figure 1 Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Private company. Main funding source(s): Bayer AG, Berlin, Germany


Author(s):  
Mohamed Khaled ◽  
Amr A. Fadle ◽  
Ahmed Khalil Attia ◽  
Andrew Sami ◽  
Abdelkhalek Hafez ◽  
...  

Abstract Purpose This clinical trial compares the functional and radiological outcomes of single-bone fixation to both-bone fixation of unstable paediatric both-bone forearm fractures. Methods This individually randomized two-group parallel clinical trial was performed following the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) statement at a single academic tertiary medical centre with an established paediatric orthopaedics unit. All children aged between nine and 15 years who presented to the emergency department at Assiut university with unstable diaphyseal, both-bone forearm fractures requiring surgical intervention between November 1, 2018, and February 28, 2020, were screened for eligibility against the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Inclusion criteria were diaphyseal unstable fractures defined as shaft fractures between the distal and proximal metaphyses with an angulation of > 10°, and/or malrotation of > 30°, and/or displacement > 10 mm after attempted closed reduction. Exclusion criteria included open fractures, Galeazzi fractures, Monteggia fractures, radial head fractures, and associated neurovascular injuries. Patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomized to either the single-bone fixation group (intervention) or the both-bone fixation group (control). Primary outcomes were forearm range of motion and fracture union, while secondary outcomes were forearm function (price criteria), radius re-angulation, wrist and elbow range of motion, and surgical time Results A total of 50 children were included. Out of these 50 children, 25 were randomized to either arm of the study. All children in either group received the treatment assigned by randomization. Fifty (100%) children were available for final follow-up at six months post-operatively. The mean age of single-bone and both-bone fixation groups was 11.48 ± 1.93 and 13 ± 1.75 years, respectively, with a statistically significant difference (p = 0.006). There were no statistically significant differences in gender, laterality, affection of the dominant hand, or mode of trauma between single-bone and both-bone fixation groups. All patients in both groups achieved fracture union. There mean radius re-angulation of the single-bone fixation groups was 5.36 ± 4.39 (0–20) degrees, while there was no radius re-angulation in the both-bone fixation group, with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001). The time to union in the single-bone group was 6.28 ± 1.51 weeks, while the time to union in the both-bone fixation group was 6.64 ± 1.75 weeks, with no statistically significant difference (p = 0.44). There were no infections or refractures in either group. In the single-bone fixation group, 24 (96%) patients have regained their full forearm ROM (loss of ROM < 15°), while only one (4%) patient lost between 15 and 30° of ROM. In the both-bone fixation group, 23 (92%) patients have regained their full forearm ROM (loss of ROM < 15°), while only two (8%) patients lost between 15 and 30° of ROM. There was no statistically significant difference between groups in loss of forearm ROM (p = 0.55). All patients in both groups regained full ROM of their elbow and wrist joints. On price grading, 24 (96%) and 23 (92%) patients who underwent single bone fixation and both-bone fixation scored excellent, respectively. Only one (4%) patient in the single-bone fixation group and two (8%) patients in the both-bone fixation group scored good, with no statistically significant difference in price score between groups (p = 0.49). The majority of the patients from both groups had no pain on the numerical pain scale; 22 (88%) patients in the single-bone fixation group and 21 (84%) patients in the both-bone fixation groups, with no statistically significant difference between groups (p = 0.38). The single-bone fixation group had a significantly shorter mean operative time in comparison to both-bones plating (43.60 ± 6.21 vs. 88.60 ± 10.56 (min); p < 0.001). Conclusion Single-bone ulna open reduction and plate fixation and casting are safe and had a significantly shorter operative time than both-bone fixation. However, single-bone ORIF had a higher risk radius re-angulation, alas clinically acceptable. Both groups had equally excellent functional outcomes, forearm ROM, and union rates with no complications or refractures. Long-term studies are required.


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
S Biscaglia ◽  
G Campo ◽  
K Fox ◽  
J.C Tardif ◽  
M Tendera ◽  
...  

Abstract Background/Introduction The PEGASUS-TIMI 54 trial showed that prolonged treatment with ticagrelor reduces the cumulative occurrence of ischemic adverse events. CLARIFY is the biggest real life registry on chronic coronary syndrome. Purpose - To evaluate the percentage of patients eligible for long-term ticagrelor therapy in the CLARIFY registry. – To compare the outcome of this subgroup of patients with those with PEGASUS exclusion criteria or without PEGASUS inclusion criteria. Methods Within the CLARIFY population, we selected post MI patients and we excluded those with missing info (post MI evaluable population). Then, we divided patients into 3 groups: excluded (meeting PEGASUS exclusion criteria, namely use of P2Y12 receptor antagonists or chronic oral anticoagulant, any stroke, coronary-artery bypass grafting in the past 5 years); eligible (meeting PEGASUS high-risk inclusion criteria, namely age≥65 years; diabetes; multivessel disease; creatinine clearance &lt;60 ml/min) and ineligible (not meeting PEGASUS high-risk inclusion criteria). We therefore compared the ischemic (CV death, MI and stroke) and bleeding (major bleeding) outcome of the 3 groups adjusting for age, sex, smoking and geographical region. Results Among the 11811 post-MI evaluable patients, 4706 (39.8%) were included in the eligible group, 5715 (48.4%) in the excluded group, and 1390 in the ineligible group (11.8%). Both the ischemic and bleeding endpoints were significantly different among the 3 groups with the excluded patients with the worst and ineligible patients with the best outcome (see table). The same trend was shown for CV death, while the occurrence of MI was not significantly different among the 3 groups. In the eligible group, the ratio between ischemic and bleeding events was 6:1, whereas between CV death and major bleeding was 3.5:1. Conclusions Around 40% of CLARIFY post-MI patients could benefit from prolonged ticagrelor therapy. In this group of patients, ischemic risk seems to be higher than the bleeding one. Ischemic & bleeding risk in the 3 groups Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Private company. Main funding source(s): CLARIFY registry was funded by Servier


2013 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 100-105 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariana de Aguiar Bulhões Galvão ◽  
Gladys Cristina Dominguez ◽  
Sérgio Thomaz Tormin ◽  
Alex Akamine ◽  
André Tortamano ◽  
...  

INTRODUCTION: Moyers analysis is widely used for analyzing mixed dentition, however, the accuracy of its theoretical probability tables has been recently questioned. Taking into consideration the fact the mixed dentition analysis is of paramount importance to precisely determine the space needed for alignment of canines and premolars, this research aimed at objectively assessing in the literature such an important step for orthodontic diagnosis. METHODS: A computerized search involving articles published on PubMed and Lilacs between 1990 and September, 2011 was conducted in accordance with the method described in the Cochrane 5.1.0 handbook. RESULTS: The research resulted in a sample composed of 629 articles. The inclusion criteria were: Articles using the Moyers analysis with a sample greater or equal to 40 patients. Conversely, the exclusion criteria were: Dental casts of patients with syndromes or oral cleft, researches conducted with a literature review, only, or clinical case reports and researches conducted before 1990. For this systematic review, 19 articles were selected. CONCLUSION: Based on the literature available, we can conclude that the Moyers mixed dentition analysis must be carefully used, since the majority of the articles analyzed showed that the probability of 75% was not as accurate as expected, leading to the need of adapting the probability levels depending on the study population.


2016 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luciana Torquati ◽  
Toby Pavey ◽  
Tracy Kolbe-Alexander ◽  
Michael Leveritt

Objective. To systematically review the effectiveness of intervention studies promoting diet and physical activity (PA) in nurses. Data Source. English language manuscripts published between 1970 and 2014 in PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and EMBASE, as well as those accessed with the PICO tool, were reviewed. Study Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria. Inclusion criteria comprised (1) nurses/student nurses working in a health care setting and (2) interventions where PA and/or diet behaviors were the primary outcome. Exclusion criteria were (1) non–peer-reviewed articles or conference abstracts and (2) interventions focused on treatment of chronic conditions or lifestyle factors other than PA or diet in nurses. Data Extraction. Seventy-one full texts were retrieved and assessed for inclusion by two reviewers. Data were extracted by one reviewer and checked for accuracy by a second reviewer. Data Synthesis. Extracted data were synthesized in a tabular format and narrative summary. Results. Nine (n = 737 nurses) studies met the inclusion criteria. Quality of the studies was low to moderate. Four studies reported an increase in self-reported PA through structured exercise and goal setting. Dietary outcomes were generally positive, but were only measured in three studies with some limitations in the assessment methods. Two studies reported improved body composition without significant changes in diet or PA. Conclusions. Outcomes of interventions to change nurses’ PA and diet behavior are promising, but inconsistent. Additional and higher quality interventions that include objective and validated outcome measures and appropriate process evaluation are required.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 013-018
Author(s):  
Pria Wahyu Romadhon Girianto ◽  
Mega Wahyu Mulyasari

Renal Disease was a chronic disease that the most attacking people in Indonesia. Damage to this vital organ in the human body greatly affected a person's health condition, one of which was anemia. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of Durante hemodialysis PRC transfusions on hemoglobin levels. The method used was Pre-experimental design, with the One group pre-post test design approach. With a sample of 49 patients who underwent regular hemodialysis at RSUD dr. Iskak Tulungagung. Data were obtained by direct observation. Processed by computerized methods with a statistical t-test, the significance level (α) was 0.05. The study results showed that the hemoglobin levels of the pre-Durante hemodialysis PRC transfusion patients were 4-5 mg/dl (53.06%), and the hemoglobin levels of the post-Durante hemodialysis PRC transfusion patients were 6.1-7 mg/dl (34.69%). The results of statistical tests showed that there was an increase in hemoglobin levels in patients who received Durante hemodialysis PRC transfusion by 1.22 mg/dl because p-value = 0.000 < 0.05 (α) means that there was an effect. It could be concluded that the delivery of Durante hemodialysis PRC transfusion could help increase hemoglobin levels. This finding was very helpful for chronic Renal Disease patients undergoing hemodialysis, who have been using erythropoietin preparations because PRC transfusions were cheaper and more effective when compared to using erythropoietin preparations


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