Smartphone-based interventions in German language in affective disorders – a review about currently available products (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frederike Fellendorf ◽  
Carlo Hamm ◽  
Martina Platzer ◽  
Nina Dalkner ◽  
Susanne Astrid Bengesser ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Currently, numerous new products such as applications (apps) for smartphones are being marketed in the electronic (e)-health sector. Mood-graphs, diagnostic questions, mindfulness exercises and chat-therapy affect psychiatric treatment of affective disorders (ADs) positively. The products are easily available and allow for little control over efficacy and adverse effects. OBJECTIVE A systemic review was performed in order to examine the currently available apps that advertise for supporting people with AD and anxiety disorders. METHODS The keywords “psychiatry”, “depression”, “bipolar”, “anxiety”, “mood” in German language were entered in Google Play Store and IOS iTunes and all available products were examined. Furthermore, the current research on these apps should be listed transparently at clinicaltrials.com and PubMed. RESULTS Depending on keywords and app store, respectively, 98 to 250 products were spotted. 56 of the apps were included in this paper as they are related to AD. However, only nine of them are supported by scientific research or federal authorities. Five products are currently study subjects in clinical trials, but no publication was available at the time of research. Moreover, five publications of study protocols of other German-language apps, as well as five publications about evaluated products in PubMed were found. CONCLUSIONS Diverse free apps with potentially favorable effects on mood stabilization are available for people suffering from ADs. As currently only a very small number of them have been scientifically evaluated, there is an urgent need for research in the mobile e-health sector. In addition, physicians and psychotherapists should talk to their patients about the advantages and disadvantages of apps and inform them about the lack of evidence.

2021 ◽  
Vol 02 (06) ◽  
pp. 73-77
Author(s):  
Anora Mamatova ◽  

The article analyzes the social forms used in German language teaching. Their types, advantages and disadvantages are shown.


Author(s):  
Feride Eşkin Bacaksız ◽  
Metin Yılmaz ◽  
Kalbinur Ezizi ◽  
Handan Alan

Industry 4.0, which is expressed with similar words such as Digital Transformation, Digitalizing Industry and Fourth Industrial Evolution, is developing a revolution in the fields of service by affecting the economy and all sectors of the world. As one of the most significant developments of Industry 4.0, human-robot cooperation is used in different business areas, but its use in the health sector is becoming more widespread. Robots, also referred to as iron-collar workers, are becoming more reliable in treatment and care by being equipped with advanced features and skills that people have, therefore their availability is increasing. On the other hand, the use of humanoid robots in nursing care will bring about ethical and moral problems such as employment of nurses, autonomous decision making of robots and being responsible for this. In this article, it was aimed to review the current usage and importance of robots in various sectors; especially in the health sector, the attitude of the employees in working with robot workers and robot managers, the potential advantages and disadvantages of the robots in the sector, and the introduction of current moral and ethical problems that may arise.


Author(s):  
Li-Hsuan Wang ◽  
Kok-Min Seow ◽  
Li-Ru Chen ◽  
Kuo-Hu Chen

Cesarean delivery is one of the most frequently performed surgeries in women throughout the world. However, the most optimal technique to minimize maternal and fetal morbidities is still being debated due to various clinical situations and surgeons’ preferences. The contentious topics are the use of vacuum devices other than traditional fundal pressure to assist in the delivery of the fetal head and the techniques of uterine repair used during cesarean deliveries. There are two well-described techniques for suturing the uterus: The uterus can be repaired either temporarily exteriorized (out of abdominal cavity) or in situ (within the peritoneal cavity). Numerous studies have attempted to compare these two techniques in different aspects, including operative time, blood loss, and maternal and fetal outcomes. This review provides an overview of the assistive method of vacuum devices compared with fundal pressure, and the two surgical techniques for uterine repair following cesarean delivery. This descriptive literature review was performed to address important issues for clinical practitioners. It aims to compare the advantages and disadvantages of the assistive methods and surgical techniques used in cesarean deliveries. All of the articles were retrieved from the databases Medline and PubMed using the search terms cesarean delivery, vacuum, and exteriorization. The searching results revealed that after exclusion, there were 9 and 13 eligible articles for vacuum assisted cesarean delivery and uterine exteriorization, respectively. Although several studies have concluded vacuum assistance for fetal extraction as a simple, effective, and beneficial method during fetal head delivery during cesarean delivery, further research is still required to clarify the safety of vacuum assistance. In general, compared to the use of in situ uterine repairs during cesarean delivery, uterine exteriorization for repairs may have benefits of less blood loss and shorter operative time. However, it may also carry a higher risk of intraoperative complications such as nausea and vomiting, uterine atony, and a longer time to the return of bowel function. Clinicians should consider these factors during shared decision-making with their pregnant patients to determine the most suitable techniques for cesarean deliveries.


Nanomaterials ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 656 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shi Su ◽  
Peter M. Kang

Background: Nanomedicine is a field of science that uses nanoscale materials for the diagnosis and treatment of human disease. It has emerged as an important aspect of the therapeutics, but at the same time, also raises concerns regarding the safety of the nanomaterials involved. Recent applications of functionalized biodegradable nanomaterials have significantly improved the safety profile of nanomedicine. Objective: Our goal is to evaluate different types of biodegradable nanomaterials that have been functionalized for their biomedical applications. Method: In this review, we used PubMed as our literature source and selected recently published studies on biodegradable nanomaterials and their applications in nanomedicine. Results: We found that biodegradable polymers are commonly functionalized for various purposes. Their property of being naturally degraded under biological conditions allows these biodegradable nanomaterials to be used for many biomedical purposes, including bio-imaging, targeted drug delivery, implantation and tissue engineering. The degradability of these nanoparticles can be utilized to control cargo release, by allowing efficient degradation of the nanomaterials at the target site while maintaining nanoparticle integrity at off-target sites. Conclusion: While each biodegradable nanomaterial has its advantages and disadvantages, with careful design and functionalization, biodegradable nanoparticles hold great future in nanomedicine.


2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (8) ◽  
pp. 553-559 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jose Manuel Pastora-Bernal ◽  
Rocío Martín-Valero ◽  
Francisco Javier Barón-López

Background Subacromial impingement syndrome poses a substantial socioeconomic burden, leading to significant consumption of healthcare. Health systems are calling for greater evidence of economic impacts of particular healthcare services. Telerehabilitation programmes have the potential to reduce costs and improve patient access as an alternative to traditional care. Cost analysis has been traditionally included in study protocols and results, although the reliability and research methodology have frequently been under debate. The aim of this study was to compare costs related to a telerehabilitation programme versus conventional physiotherapy following subacromial decompression surgery (ASD). Methods The study was embedded in a randomised controlled trial. The economic analysis was based on the perspective of the health sector and the human capital method. Only the costs associated with the provision of physiotherapy services were taken into account. Costs were measured during the intervention period between baseline and 12 weeks for both groups. Student’s t-test was used to compare independent variables between the two groups, with a 95% confidence interval for the estimates and real costs. Results The estimated total cost analysis shows a preliminary cost differential in favour of the telerehabilitation group, meaning that for each participant’s total intervention, telerehabilitation saves 29.8% of the costs. Real cost analysis, only for received treatments, shows a cost differential in favour of telerehabilitation, meaning that for each participant’s total intervention, telerehabilitation saves 22.15% of the costs incurred for conventional rehabilitation. Conclusions Our study provides direct and meaningful information about telerehabilitation opportunities and can be an essential component in further cost evaluations for different strategies after surgical procedures. This study demonstrates that there was a trend towards lower healthcare costs after ASD. Managers now have the responsibility to decide whether to implement telerehabilitation based on clinical and economic data.


1979 ◽  
Vol 134 (3) ◽  
pp. 283-287 ◽  
Author(s):  
Svend-Otto Frederiksen ◽  
Giacomo D'Elia

SummaryIn spite of a decrease in the number of electroconvulsive treatments (ECT) administered during the decade 1966–1975, ECT is still commonly used in Sweden. About 4 per cent of all patients admitted for psychiatric treatment during 1975 received ECT. Affective disorders and confusional states appear to be the main indications. Treatment is usually unilateral, with general anaesthesia and muscle relaxants, generally using the same type of ECT machine.


10.2196/24907 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. e24907
Author(s):  
Julian Franzmair ◽  
Susanne C Diesner-Treiber ◽  
Julian J M Voitl ◽  
Peter Voitl

Background Mobile health (mHealth) apps hold great potential for asthma self-management. Data on the suitability of asthma apps intended for children are insufficient, and the availability of German language apps is still inadequate compared with English language apps. Objective This study aims to identify functional asthma apps for children in German and to compare them with English language apps. In line with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, the Google Play Store and Apple App Store are systematically searched to preselect the most efficient apps, which are then compared according to a self-compiled criteria catalog. Methods Both app stores were screened for the term asthma. Following a PRISMA preselection process, the apps that met the inclusion criteria (ie, available free of charge, German or English language, and suitable for children) were rated by 3 independent persons following a criteria catalog consisting of 9 categories, some conceived for this purpose (availability, child-friendly, learning factor, and range of functions) and some adopted from existing validated catalogs (functionality and design, ease of use, potential for improving asthma self-management, fun factor and incentives, and information management and medical accuracy). The highest rated apps in German and English were compared. Results A total of 403 apps were identified on the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store. Finally, 24 apps that met the inclusion criteria were analyzed. In the first step of the quality assessment, only 4 available German language asthma apps were compared with 20 English language asthma apps. The 4 German language apps were then compared with the 4 highest rated English language apps. All selected apps, independent of the language, were comparable in the following categories: availability, functionality and design, ease of use, and information management and medical accuracy. The English language apps scored significantly higher in the following categories: potential for improving self-management, child-friendly, fun factor, learning factor, and range of function. English language apps (mean total points 34.164, SD 1.09) performed significantly better than German language asthma apps (mean total points 22.91, SD 2.898; P=.003). The best rated English language app was Kiss my asthma (36/42 points), whereas the best rated German language app Kata achieved only 27.33 points. Conclusions The recommended English language apps are Kiss my asthma, AsthmaXcel, AsthmaAustralia, and Ask Me, AsthMe!, whereas the only recommended German language app is Kata. The use of apps plays an increasingly important role in patients’ lives and in the medical field, making mHealth a staple in the future of asthma treatment plans. Although validated recommendations on rating mHealth apps have been published, it remains a challenging task for physicians and patients to choose a suitable app for each case, especially in non–English-speaking countries.


2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (20;7) ◽  
pp. E1003-E1023
Author(s):  
Hsiang-Yin Chen

Background: Abuse-deterrent formulations (ADFs) represent one novel strategy for curbing the potential of opioid abuse. Objective: We aim to compare and contrast the characteristics and applications of current abusedeterrent opioid products in clinical practice. Methods: Literature searches were conducted in databases (Pubmed Medline, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, Google Scholar) and official reports. Relevant data were screened and organized into: 1) epidemiology of opioid abuse, 2) mitigation strategies for reducing opioid abuse, 3) development of ADFs, and 4) clinical experience with these formulations. Results: Increasing trends of opioid abuse and misuse have been reported globally. There are 5 types of abuse-deterrent opioid products: physical chemical barrier, combined agonist/antagonist, sequestered aversive agent, prodrug, and novel delivery system. The advantages and disadvantages of the 5 options are discussed in this review. A total of 9 products with abuse-deterrent labels have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The rates of abuse, diversion, and overdose deaths of these new products are also discussed. A framework for collecting in-time data on the efficacy, benefit and risk ratio, and cost-effectiveness of these new products is suggested to facilitate their optimal use. Limitations: The present review did not utilize systematic review standards or meta-analytic techniques, given the large heterogeneity of data and outcomes reviewed. Conclusions: ADFs provide an option for inhibiting the abuse or misuse of oral opioid products by hindering extraction of the active ingredient, preventing alternative routes of administration, or causing aversion. Their relatively high costs, uncertain insurance policies, and limited data on pharmacoeconomics warrant collaborative monitoring and assessment by government agencies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and data analysis services to define their therapeutic role in the future. Key words: Opioid abuse, abuse-deterrent formulations, ADF, post-marketing, FDA guidance, cost impact, abuse liking, physician attitude, generic abuse-deterrent formulation, clinical application


Author(s):  
A. A. Sokolov

The article analyzes the main global health systems, their advantages and disadvantages. The evaluation of the introduction of each of them in reality. Recommendations for modernization of the national health system, which should be focused on the creation of effective national systems capable to provide the population with timely preventive measures, accessible and quality medical care, using medical science, rehabilitation and sanatorium-resort help. The task of providing free medical care to population throughout the Russian Federation in the conditions of insufficient financial support. Therefore, it is necessary to abandon single-payer systems to return to budgetary funding, to reinforce the insurance character of the OMC, to ensure the priority of quality indicators of health system efficiency, to ensure the continuity of the work of the modern Russian model of financing of the health sector of the country. The main conclusions of the study are the need to implement an alternative to the liberal-market approach to health reform ecosystem approach, to develop the ecosystem public health, involving its fuel economic modernization based on the achievements of the Semashko system. Applying this approach, it should abandon the mindless copying elements of Western health systems and to identify cooperative segments.


1996 ◽  
Vol 60 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-60 ◽  
Author(s):  
Glen L. Urban ◽  
Bruce D. Weinberg ◽  
John R. Hauser

The authors illustrate how a firm can face the challenge of forecasting consumer reaction for a really-new product. For the case of an electric vehicle, the authors describe how one firm combines managerial judgment and state-of-the-art market measurement to determine whether (1) the really-new product would be a viable business venture at its target launch date, (2) the firm should plan for improvements in technology that would reduce price and/or increase benefits enough so that the business venture would be profitable, or (3) the firm should stop development. The new market measurement system combines existing methods with a multimedia virtual-buying environment that conditions respondents for future situations, simulates user experience, and encourages consumers to actively search for information on the product. The authors comment on the advantages and disadvantages of the methodology and summarize the lessons they have learned from this application.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document