The Impact of Vulvar Cancer on Psychosocial and Sexual Functioning: A Literature Review

Women who are diagnosed and treated for vulvar cancer are at higher risk of psychological distress, sexual dysfunction and dissatisfaction with partner relationships. The aim of this article is to provide a review of the psychological, relational and sexual issues experienced by women with vulvar cancer in order to highlight the importance of this issue and improve the quality of care offered to these patients. A review of the literature was performed using PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Library. The results are presented as a narrative synthesis and highlight the massive impact of vulvar cancer: depressive and anxiety symptoms were more frequent in these women, and vulvar cancer may have a negative effect on sexuality from a physical, psychological and behavioural point of view. Factors that may negatively affect these women’s lives are shame, insecurity or difficulties in self-care and daily activities. This review highlights the psychosocial and psychosexual issues faced by women diagnosed and treated for vulvar cancer, although more studies are needed to better investigate this field of interest and to identify strategies to relieve their psychological distress. Care providers should implement an integrated care model to help women with vulvar cancer recognise and address their unmet needs.

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Outcomes of digital biomarker-based interventions: protocol for a systematic review of systematic reviews (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.28204 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Hossein Motahari-Nezhad ◽

Márta Péntek ◽

László Gulácsi ◽

Zsombor Zrubka

Keyword(s):

Clinical Outcomes ◽

Systematic Reviews ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Clinical Benefits ◽

The Cochrane Library ◽

The Impact ◽

Digital Biomarkers

BACKGROUND Digital biomarkers are defined as objective, quantifiable physiological and behavioral data that are collected and measured by means of digital devices such as portables, wearables, implantables or digestibles. For their widespread adoption in publicly financed healthcare systems, it is important to understand how their benefits translate into improved patient outcomes, which is essential for demonstrating their value. OBJECTIVE To assess the quality and strength of evidence of the impact of digital biomarkers on clinical outcomes compared to interventions without digital biomarkers, reported in systematic reviews. METHODS A comprehensive search for 2019-2020 will be conducted in the PubMed and the Cochrane Library using keywords related to digital biomarkers and a filter for systematic reviews. Original full-text English publications of systematic reviews comparing clinical outcomes of interventions with and without digital biomarkers via meta-analysis will be included. The AMSTAR-2 tool will be used to assess the methodological quality of reviews. To assess the quality of evidence, we will evaluate systematic reviews using the GRADE tool. To detect the possible presence of reporting bias, we will record whether the protocol of the systematic reviews was published before the start of the study. A qualitative summary of results by digital biomarker technology and outcome will be provided. RESULTS This protocol was submitted before data collection. The next steps in this review will be initiated after the protocol is accepted for publication. CONCLUSIONS Our study will provide a comprehensive summary of the highest level of evidence available on digital biomarker interventions. Our results will help identify clinical areas where the use of digital biomarkers leads to favorable clinical outcomes. In addition, our findings will highlight areas of evidence gaps where the clinical benefits of digital biomarkers have not yet been demonstrated.

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Itch in Chronic Wounds: Pathophysiology, Impact, and Management

Medicines ◽

10.3390/medicines6040112 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 6 (4) ◽

pp. 112 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Michela Iannone ◽

Agata Janowska ◽

Valentina Dini ◽

Giulia Tonini ◽

Teresa Oranges ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Chronic Wounds ◽

Management Strategies ◽

Relevant Information ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Tissue Edema ◽

Practical Guidelines ◽

The Cochrane Library ◽

The Impact

Background: The aims of this review are to analyze the current literature regarding the characteristics and pathophysiological mechanisms of itch in chronic wounds, to assess the impact on quality of life and delayed-healing, to focus on the best strategies of prevention and treatment, to highlight the importance of on-going research in order to fully understand the pathophysiology, and to improve the management of target therapies. Methods: A systematic literature review was performed using MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and the Cochrane Library. We included a total of 11 articles written in English with relevant information on the pathophysiology of itch in chronic wounds and on management strategies. Results: Itch in chronic wounds was found to be correlated with xerosis, larger wound areas, necrotic tissue and amount of exudate, peripheral tissue edema, sclerosis, granulation tissue, contact dermatitis, and bacterial burden, as well as with lower quality of life. Conclusions: Although there are several aspecific pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches, there appears to be no validated prevention or management strategy for itch in chronic wounds. Further studies are needed to clarify the association and pathophysiology of itch in chronic wounds, to evaluate the safety and efficacy of topical treatments on perilesional skin to reduce itch, to characterize multidimensional sensations of itch in chronic wounds, to identify specific cytokine and chemokine expressions that are correlated to a tailored-based approach, and to develop practical guidelines.

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Tobacco and bone fractures

Bone and Joint Research ◽

10.1302/2046-3758.86.bjr-2018-0344.r1 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 8 (6) ◽

pp. 255-265 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

J. Hernigou ◽

F. Schuind

Keyword(s):

Adverse Effects ◽

Animal Studies ◽

English Language ◽

Bone Fractures ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Treatment And Prevention ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Negative Effect ◽

The Cochrane Library ◽

The Impact

Objectives The aim of this study was to review the impact of smoking tobacco on the musculoskeletal system, and on bone fractures in particular. Methods English-language publications of human and animal studies categorizing subjects into smokers and nonsmokers were sourced from MEDLINE, The Cochrane Library, and SCOPUS. This review specifically focused on the risk, surgical treatment, and prevention of fracture complications in smokers. Results Smokers have an increased risk of fracture and experience more complications with delayed bone healing, even if they have already stopped smoking, because some adverse effects persist for a prolonged period. Some risks can be reduced during and after surgery by local and general prevention, and smoking cessation is an important factor in lessening this risk. However, if a patient wants to stop smoking at the time of a fracture, the cessation strategies in reducing tobacco use are not easy to implement. The patient should also be warned that using e-cigarettes or other tobaccos does not appear to reduce adverse effects on health. Conclusion The evidence reviewed in this study shows that smoking has a negative effect in terms of the risk and treatment of fractures. Cite this article: J. Hernigou, F. Schuind. Tobacco and bone fractures: A review of the facts and issues that every orthopaedic surgeon should know. Bone Joint Res 2019;8:255–265. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.86.BJR-2018-0344.R1.

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Could sustainability improve the promotion of luxury products?

European Business Review ◽

10.1108/ebr-04-2018-0083 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 31 (4) ◽

pp. 488-511 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Sihem Dekhili ◽

Mohamed Akli Achabou ◽

Fatmah Alharbi

Keyword(s):

Sustainable Consumption ◽

Perceived Quality ◽

Point Of View ◽

Content Type ◽

Negative Effect ◽

Luxury Products ◽

Corporate Social ◽

New Applications ◽

The Impact

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the extent to which sustainability information unfavorably impacts consumers’ behavior in the case of luxury. In particular, it explores the effect of social and environmental attributes on the perceived quality.Design/methodology/approachA between-subject experimental design involving 973 French and Saudi consumers has been conducted.FindingsThe results indicate that sustainability information negatively impacts the perceived quality of luxury products. However, this result varies regarding the consumers’ country of origin. While no significant effect was observed in the case of French respondents, Saudi consumers lower the evaluation of quality when social information is provided. In addition, the negative effect of sustainability information is moderated by the consumers’ degree of liking of luxury and by the brand corporate social responsibility image.Research limitations/implicationsThis research fills a gap occurred in the previous literature. In effect, limited studies examined perceptions of the association between luxury and sustainability. In addition, it enriches the limited literature on sustainable consumption in the context of developing countries. However, further studies should focus on specific dimensions of quality and examine different sustainable practices and luxury goods.Practical implicationsFrom a practical point of view, this study suggests new applications with respect to the link between luxury and sustainability.Originality/valueNo study to date, as per the authors’ knowledge, has investigated empirically the impact of sustainability information on the perceived quality of luxury products. Contrary to the literature indicating a positive effect of sustainable attributes on consumers’ behavior, this study confirms the incompatibility between luxury and sustainability.

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Changes in Health Status, Psychological Distress, and Quality of Life in Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Recipients Between 6 Months and 1 Year After Implantation

European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing ◽

10.1016/s1474-5151(02)00040-3 ◽

2002 ◽

Vol 1 (3) ◽

pp. 213-219 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Diane L Carroll ◽

Glenys A Hamilton ◽

Barbara J Kenney

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

Health Status ◽

Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator ◽

Psychological Needs ◽

Care Providers ◽

Cardioverter Defibrillator ◽

The Impact ◽

Over Time

Background: Living with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) has positive health benefits but the impact on well-being and quality of life over a period of time has not been studied in depth. Aim: To follow patients prospectively over the first year and to compare the changes from time of ICD implantation, to 6 months and 1 year. Methods: Generalized linear models were used to assess changes through examination of health status (SF-36), psychological distress (POMS), and quality of life (QLI) scores. Results: There were 19 females (27%) and 51 males (73%) in the sample with a mean age of 64 years. There were significant improvements over time in 3 of the 8 sub-concepts of health status: role physical ( P<0.001), vitality ( P<0.013) and social functioning ( P<0.001). The Profile of Mood States revealed significantly less total psychological distress at 6 months with a non-significant leveling off or increase at 1 year. The quality of life index revealed no significant changes over time. Conclusions: The effects of living with an ICD are not well understood. Research should continue to identify the impact over time in this population and sub-groups so that health care providers can address the social and psychological needs of this population.

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The Impact of Competitive Quasi-Market on Service Delivery in Benue State University, Makurdi Nigeria

GIS Business ◽

10.26643/gis.v14i4.5120 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 14 (4) ◽

pp. 85-98

Author(s):

Idoko Peter

Keyword(s):

Service Delivery ◽

A Priori ◽

Least Square ◽

Secondary Source ◽

State University ◽

Ordinary Least Square ◽

Negative Effect ◽

The Impact ◽

The Relationship

This research the impact of competitive quasi market on service delivery in Benue State University, Makurdi Nigeria. Both primary and secondary source of data and information were used for the study and questionnaire was used to extract information from the purposively selected respondents. The population for this study is one hundred and seventy three (173) administrative staff of Benue State University selected at random. The statistical tools employed was the classical ordinary least square (OLS) and the probability value of the estimates was used to tests hypotheses of the study. The result of the study indicates that a positive relationship exist between Competitive quasi marketing in Benue State University, Makurdi Nigeria (CQM) and Transparency in the service delivery (TRSP) and the relationship is statistically significant (p<0.05). Competitive quasi marketing (CQM) has a negative effect on Observe Competence in Benue State University, Makurdi Nigeria (OBCP) and the relationship is not statistically significant (p>0.05). Competitive quasi marketing (CQM) has a positive effect on Innovation in Benue State University, Makurdi Nigeria (INVO) and the relationship is statistically significant (p<0.05) and in line with a priori expectation. This means that a unit increases in Competitive quasi marketing (CQM) will result to a corresponding increase in innovation in Benue State University, Makurdi Nigeria (INVO) by a margin of 22.5%. It was concluded that government monopoly in the provision of certain types of services has greatly affected the quality of service experience in the institution. It was recommended among others that the stakeholders in the market has to be transparent so that the system will be productive to serve the society effectively

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Outcomes Related to Percutaneous Nephrostomies (PCN) in Malignancy-Associated Ureteric Obstruction: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm10112354 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (11) ◽

pp. 2354

Author(s):

Francesca J. New ◽

Sally J. Deverill ◽

Bhaskar K. Somani

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Advanced Cancer ◽

Previous Treatment ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Cancer Type ◽

Ureteric Obstruction ◽

Survival Times ◽

Advanced Malignancies ◽

The Impact

Background: Malignant ureteric obstruction occurs in a variety of cancers and has been typically associated with a poor prognosis. Percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) can potentially help increase patient longevity by establishing urinary drainage and treating renal failure. Our aim was to look at the outcomes of PCN in patients with advanced cancer and the impact on the patients’ lifespan and quality of life. Materials and Methods: A literature review was carried out for articles from 2000 to 2020 on PCN in patients with advanced malignancies, using MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, clinicaltrials.gov, and Google Scholar. All English-language articles reporting on a minimum of 20 patients who underwent PCN for malignancy-associated ureteric obstruction were included. Results: A total of 21 articles (1674 patients) met the inclusion criteria with a mean of 60.2 years (range: 21–102 years). PCN was performed for ureteric obstruction secondary to urological malignancies (n = −633, 37.8%), gynaecological malignancies (n = 437, 26.1%), colorectal and GI malignancies (n = 216, 12.9%), and other specified malignancies (n = 205, 12.2%). The reported mean survival times varied from 2 to 8.5 months post PCN insertion, with an average survival time of 5.6 months, which depended on the cancer type, stage, and previous treatment. Conclusions: Patients with advanced malignancies who need PCN tend to have a survival rate under 12 months and spend a large proportion of this time in the hospital. Although the advent of newer chemotherapy and immunotherapy options has changed the landscape of managing advanced cancer, decisions on nephrostomy must be balanced with their survival and quality of life, which must be discussed with the patient.

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Appendectomy Does Not Increase the Risk of Future Emergence of Parkinson’s Disease: A Meta-analysis

The American Surgeon ◽

10.1177/0003134821989034 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 000313482198903

Author(s):

Mitsuru Ishizuka ◽

Norisuke Shibuya ◽

Kazutoshi Takagi ◽

Hiroyuki Hachiya ◽

Kazuma Tago ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Parkinson’S Disease ◽

Parkinson's Disease ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Random Effects Models ◽

Significant Difference ◽

The Cochrane Library ◽

The Impact ◽

The Relationship ◽

Observation Period

Objective To explore the impact of appendectomy history on emergence of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Background Although there are several studies to investigate the relationship between appendectomy history and emergence of PD, the results are still controversial. Methods We performed a comprehensive electronic search of the literature (the Cochrane Library, PubMed, and the Web of Science) up to April 2020 to identify studies that had employed databases allowing comparison of emergence of PD between patients with and those without appendectomy history. To integrate the impact of appendectomy history on emergence of PD, a meta-analysis was performed using random-effects models to calculate the risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the selected studies, and heterogeneity was analyzed using I2 statistics. Results Four studies involving a total of 6 080 710 patients were included in this meta-analysis. Among 1 470 613 patients with appendectomy history, 1845 (.13%) had emergences of PD during the observation period, whereas among 4 610 097 patients without appendectomy history, 6743 (.15%) had emergences of PD during the observation period. These results revealed that patients with appendectomy history and without appendectomy had almost the same emergence of PD (RR, 1.02; 95% CI, .87-1.20; P = .83; I2 = 87%). Conclusion This meta-analysis has demonstrated that there was no significant difference in emergence of PD between patients with and those without appendectomy history.

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Lumbar Roll Usage While Sitting Reduces the Forward Head Posture in Healthy Individuals: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18105171 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (10) ◽

pp. 5171

Author(s):

Yusuke Handa ◽

Kenya Okada ◽

Hiroshi Takasaki

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Grade System ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Forward Head Posture ◽

Quality Of Evidence ◽

Head Posture ◽

Head Extension ◽

The Cochrane Library

This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated whether the use of a lumbar roll reduced forward head posture (FHP) while sitting among individuals with or without musculoskeletal disorders. EMBASE, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched from their inception to August 2020. The quality of evidence for variables used in the meta-analysis was determined using the GRADE system. Five studies satisfied the criteria for data analysis. All studies included individuals without any spinal symptoms. Data from five studies on neck angle showed a statistically significant (p = 0.02) overall effect (standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.77), indicating a lesser neck flexion angle while sitting with a lumbar roll than without it. Data from two studies on head angle showed a statistically significant (p = 0.04) overall effect (SMD = 0.47), indicating a lesser head extension angle while sitting with a lumbar roll than without it. In each meta-analysis, the quality of evidence was very low in the GRADE system. The use of a lumbar roll while sitting reduced FHP among individuals without spinal symptoms.

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Quality of Life following Chemoradiotherapy for Localized Muscle Invasive Bladder Carcinoma: A Systematic Review

Bladder Cancer ◽

10.3233/blc-210011 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-13

Author(s):

Ben-Max De Ruiter ◽

Abel N. Keijzer ◽

Maarten C.C.M. Hulshof ◽

Adriaan D. Bins ◽

Theo M. de Reijke ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Sexual Function ◽

Bladder Carcinoma ◽

Bowel Function ◽

Definitive Treatment ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Social And Emotional ◽

Muscle Invasive ◽

The Impact

BACKGROUND: Health related Quality of Life (HRQoL) is an important factor regarding treatment for localized Muscle Invasive Bladder Carcinoma (MIBC), as it may affect choice of treatment. The impact of chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for MIBC on HRQoL has not yet been well-established. OBJECTIVE: To systematically evaluate evidence regarding HRQoL as assessed by validated questionnaires after definitive treatment with CRT for localized MIBC. METHODS: We performed a critical review of PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library in October 2020. Two reviewers independently screened articles for eligibility and assessed the methodological quality of the included articles using Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools. A narrative synthesis was undertaken. RESULTS: Of 579 articles identified, 11 studies were eligible for inclusion, including three RCTs and 8 non-randomized studies, reporting on HRQoL data for 606 CRT patients. Global health declined at End of treatment (EoT), and recovered 3 months following treatment. Physical function declined from baseline at EoT and recovered between 3 and 24 months and was maintained at 5 years follow up. CRT had little effect on social and emotional function in the short-term, but HRQoL results in the long-term were lower compared to the general population. Urinary function declined from baseline at EoT, but returned to baseline at 6 months following CRT. After initial decline in bowel function, a complete return to baseline occurred 4 years following treatment. The majority of studies assessing sexual function showed no to little effect on sexual function. CONCLUSIONS: HRQoL recovers to baseline within 3 months to 2 years in almost all domains. The amount of available evidence regarding HRQoL following CRT for MIBC is limited and the quality of evidence is low.

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