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Authors: Scallan, R.

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: Capsule endoscopy, known as the camera pill, is a pain-free minimally invasive method of visualising the lining of the gastrointestinal tract and has now been in use for over ten years. It has become the gold standard in diagnostics for small bowel disorders but has been shown to be clinically less valid in use for screening of the colon and other parts of the digestive tract. There are five principal limitations of capsule endoscopy: lack of propulsion, inability to take a biopsy or deliver direct therapeutic intervention, imaging and localization. Significant advancements have been made regarding locomotion, localization and imaging …which are likely to be commercially available in the short term. Further refinement is needed with current innovations regarding additional diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities before being more widely adopted in clinical use. Show more

Keywords: Bowel, capsule endoscopy, diagnostic, gastrointestinal, imaging, localisation

DOI: 10.3233/THC-161149

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 24, no. 4, pp. 471-481, 2016

Authors: Duif, Christian | Koutah, Mohamed Abou | Ackermann, Ole | Spyrou, Georgios | von Engelhardt, Lars Victor | Kaya, Daimi | Willburger, Roland E. | Lahner, Matthias

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: Modern orthopaedic surgery provides a variety of techniques for cartilage repair. Despite comprehensive scientific data about the single procedures, there is little experience with the combination of these methods. Inspired by a case from our clinic, we performed a PubMed based literature search about the combination of cartilage restoration principles. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The literature search was performed using the terms: ``mosaicplasty'' OR ``osteochondral transplantation'' OR ``OATS'' AND ``autologous chondrocyte implantation'' OR ``autologous chondrocyte transplantation'' OR ``ACI'' OR ``matrix-associated autologous chondrocyte implantation'' OR ``MACI'' AND ``combination''. Abstracts were revised for relevance to our case. Additionally, we present a case …report of the combinatory use of three established techniques. RESULTS: Two relevant publications, both reporting satisfying results concerning postoperative functional outcome, were found. Our results confirm this first encouraging assessment, although statistically valid data and prospective studies are still missing. CONCLUSIONS: The simultaneous use of different techniques for cartilage repair may provide alternative operative solutions for single complex cases, although further studies are required for a general recommendation. Show more

Keywords: Cartilage repair, OATS, mosaicplasty, ACI, osteochondral defect

DOI: 10.3233/THC-151003

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 23, no. 5, pp. 531-537, 2015

Authors: da Costa, J. Torres | Baptista, J. Santos | Vaz, Mário

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal disorders are one of the most common work-related diseases. Frequently this association is thought to have a temporal cause-effect relation. The absence of accessible diagnostic criteria and ethological cause-effect demonstration are probably important reasons for the lack of good evidence data on these pathologies. OBJECTIVE: For these reasons, the authors aim to present a systematic review on prevalence and incidence of the upper limb WRMSD. METHODS: The survey was conducted for papers published between January 1st, 2000 and July 2012, according to the PRISMA statement (2009) guidelines. RESULTS: From the 2016 papers obtained, 94 met the qualitative selection …criteria. From these 27 address upper-limb WRMSD, and 17 present data on prevalence or incidence on upper-limb musculoskeletal diseases, six of them with a control group. Annual incidence ranges from 0.08 to 6.3, and prevalence from 0.14 to 14.9. Rotator cuff syndrome among shoe industry workers, present the highest incidence, and cubital, radial or ulnar nerve entrapment, the highest prevalence among a miscellaneous group of workers. CONCLUSIONS: More studies are needed to clarify the relation between work and WRMSD's, especially prospective investigations from different economic sectors and work activities, but with similar, reproducible and comparable methodologies. Show more

Keywords: Work related musculoskeletal disorders, upper-limb WRMSD, musculoskeletal disease, tendinitis, tenosynovitis, epicondylitis, cubital tunnel syndrome, rotator cuff syndrome, radial tunnel syndrome, ulnar nerve entrapment, lateral epicondylitis, medial epicondylitis, hand or wrist flexor peritendinitis or tenosynovitis

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-152032

Citation: Work, vol. 51, no. 4, pp. 635-644, 2015

Authors: Trudel, Bryan | Nadeau, Sylvie | Zaras, Kazimierz | Deschamps, Isabelle

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Technological innovations in mining equipment have led to increased productivity and occupational health and safety (OHS) performance, but their introduction also brings new risks for workers. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to provide support for mining industry managers who are required to reconcile equipment choices with OHS and productivity. METHODS: Examination of the literature through interdisciplinary digital databases. Databases were searched using specific combinations of keywords and limited to studies dating back no farther than 1992. The ``snowball'' technique was also used to examining the references listed in research articles initially identified with the databases. RESULTS: A …total of 19 contextual factors were identified as having the potential to influence the OHS and productivity leverage of equipment innovations. The most often cited among these factors are the level of training provided to the equipment operators, operator experience and age, supervisor leadership abilities, and maintaining good relations within work crews. CONCLUSIONS: Interactions between these factors are not discussed in mining innovation literature. It would be helpful to use a systems thinking approach which incorporates interaction between relevant actors and factors to define properly the most sensitive aspects of innovation management as it applies to mining equipment. Show more

Keywords: Innovation management, mining equipment, safety, productivity, mines

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-152033

Citation: Work, vol. 51, no. 4, pp. 731-746, 2015

Authors: Moar, José Maria Rivas | Alvarez-Campana, José Maria | Míguez, José Luis | González, Luis Maria Lopez | Ramos, D.G.

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are diseases of high prevalence. The extent to which our work is causing or aggravating them is still questioned because their causes are heterogeneous and usually combined in the same person, and can be attributed to any of them. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this paper is to compare Spain with the rest of Europe concerning MSDs. METHODS: The study is based on a comparison between Spanish and European data. The difficulty is that the lists of occupational diseases in the various States of the European Union (EU) are different, and therefore it is difficult to compare …data. The study compares two types of data: the views of workers, and the official results of workplace accidents. In the first case, the results of the VII Spanish National Survey of Working Conditions were compared to the V European Working Conditions Survey. In the second case, we compare accident data, published by the Spanish Labour Authorities, to data provided by Eurostat (Statistical Office of the European Communities). RESULTS: During the development of this study, we have proved the importance and significance of MSDs on the Spanish working population in relation to the European one. First, we have discovered a great difference between Spanish and European workers views about the relationship between work and heath. Then, we detected some more important ergonomics risk factors within the Spanish workforces' opinions. These are repetitive movements, tiring positions, and exposure to vibrations. However concerning heavy loads, lifting or moving people, the views of Spanish workers are more carefree than European ones. If we only consider the official results of workplace accidents and diseases, we find Spanish rates higher than the European average. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of MSDs on the Spanish working population significantly exceeds European records in this matter. MSDs account for between 35-40% of Work Accidents and between 70-88% of Occupational Diseases in Spain so, we can see why Spain has one of the top Occupational Accidents rates in Europe. Spain should try to improve this issue by concentrating only on three factors: repetitive work of upper extremities, tiring positions and exposure to vibrations. Show more

Keywords: Work-related diseases, Labour Statistics and Health and Safety Survey

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-152027

Citation: Work, vol. 51, no. 4, pp. 645-656, 2015

Authors: Karol, Sohit | Robertson, Michelle M.

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Sedentary work is associated with many adverse health outcomes, and sit-stand workstations in offices have emerged as a way to counteract sedentary work. OBJECTIVE: This paper reviews the existing knowledge on sit-stand workstations, treadmill workstations and bicycle workstations. METHODS: The inclusion/exclusion criteria were: 1) empirical research examining the effectiveness of sit-stand workstations in lab or field studies, 2) working adult population, 3) sit-stand workstation interventions where workers performed the same task from a seated or standing position, 4) outcomes measures of discomfort (comfort), performance, sit-stand behaviors, user satisfaction, kinematic and physiological measures. Search terms were: sit-stand, treadmill, bicycle, workstations, …sedentary behavior, office ergonomics, and comfort. RESULTS: Many studies considered productivity, comfort and physiological measures as important outcomes to assess the efficacy of sit-stand workstations and the experimental design was variable. Preliminary data suggests that some amount of standing during an 8-hour workday could be beneficial without compromising user comfort or productivity; however, there is very little data on the efficacy of treadmill and bicycle workstations. CONCLUSIONS: Based on these preliminary data from 26 studies, conducting large scale randomized controlled trials with ergonomic training as their essential component is recommended to understand the benefits of sit-stand workstations for prevention of sedentary work. Show more

Keywords: Musculoskeletal symptoms, ergonomics training, productivity, comfort and health

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-152168

Citation: Work, vol. 52, no. 2, pp. 255-267, 2015

Authors: Koutras, Christos | Bitsaki, Marina | Koutras, Georgios | Nikolaou, Christos | Heep, Hansjoerg

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: e-Health is a widespread healthcare practice in the medical community, supported by technology-based applications aiming to deliver health services in an efficient manner, improving the quality of life and providing a wide range of health and socio-economic benefits to patients. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the use of e-Health and mobile applications for the follow-up of major joint arthroplasty patients and the socio-economic impact of e-Health services on arthroplasty patients. METHODS: Studies published after 2000 in English language, enrolling patients who underwent total knee or hip replacement, applying e-Health solutions and highlighting the economic benefits obtained by patients, doctors and healthcare …systems were considered for inclusion in the present study. RESULTS: Five studies satisfied our inclusion criteria and were included in qualitative analysis. In this paper, the use of e-Health for the follow-up of major joint arthroplasty patients and the positive impact in terms of cost, time and hospital visits reduction by applying e-Health solutions on arthroplasty patients are reviewed in detail as reported in the included studies. CONCLUSION: The majority of the included studies reported a positive impact in terms of cost, time and hospital visits reduction. Show more

Keywords: Arthroplasty, cost effectiveness, e-Health, healthcare, telemedicine

DOI: 10.3233/THC-151036

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 23, no. 6, pp. 809-817, 2015

Authors: Cunningham, K.M. | Anwar, A. | Lindow, S.W.

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Placenta accreta is a condition of abnormal placental attachment that was usually treated by hysterectomy. Techniques to conserve the uterus are now commonly used and series of subsequent pregnancy outcomes have been reported. The recurrence risk of placenta accreta is now a relevant detail and is currently not known. This work was performed to calculate the recurrence risk by reviewing the published literature. METHODS: A literature search using the terms “placenta accreta”, “placenta percreta”, “placenta increta”, “abnormal placental attachment” and “placental attachment disorder” followed by hand-searching identified 6 papers that contained data concerning recurrence of placenta accreta in subsequent …pregnancies following initial conservative treatment. RESULTS: Overall 407 pregnancies were recorded and 85.7% of women reported achieved a subsequent pregnancy following conservative treatment. The risk of recurrence of placental attachment disorder in a subsequent pregnancy was 19.9% (weighted mean, 95% CI 12.2–27.7). CONCLUSIONS: The recurrence risk of placental attachment disorder following uterine conservation treatments is 20% . This risk should be discussed with women with an antenatal diagnosis of a placental attachment disorder who may be considering uterine conservation in order to retain the option of a future pregnancy. Show more

Keywords: Accreta, conservative management, recurrence rate

DOI: 10.3233/NPM-15915028

Citation: Journal of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, vol. 8, no. 4, pp. 293-296, 2015

Authors: Kalron, Alon | Zeilig, Gabi

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Cognitive impairment is a well-established sequela of people suffering from neurological pathologies. OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of exercise intervention programs on cognitive performance in participants suffering from stroke, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease. METHODS: Four online databases (CINAHL, Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, PEDro) were comprehensively searched from their inception through December 2014. The search query was phrased as follows: In people suffering from MS, stroke or Parkinson’s disease, do exercise intervention programs improve cognitive performance? RESULTS: Twelve controlled clinical trials met our inclusion criteria. Studies were classified according to three clinical subgroups: Parkinson’s disease (n  = 3), stroke (n  = 1) …and multiple sclerosis (n  = 8). Eight studies employed an aerobic intervention program; one used an active exercise program based on virtual reality systems, three reports examined the effect of yoga and one compared the intervention program with sport climbing. Significant improvements in cognition were found in nine out of the twelve studies. Nevertheless, the total effect size was non-significant (0.18 (95% CI, – 4.1, 3.8)) for changes in executive functions. CONCLUSION: Due to lack of commonality between measures of cognition, training sequences and intervention period, it remains unclear as to whether exercise training can be effective in improving the cognitive functions of neurological patients. Show more

Keywords: Exercise, cognition, stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-151260

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 37, no. 2, pp. 273-289, 2015

Authors: Virk, Sohaib | Williams, Tracey | Brunsdon, Ruth | Suh, Flora | Morrow, Angie

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Attention deficits are common after acquired brain injury (ABI) and adversely impact academic, vocational and social outcomes. The role of cognitive interventions in post-ABI attention rehabilitation remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate effectiveness of cognitive interventions in treating attention deficits following ABI and to explore differences in treatment effect between ABI etiologies. METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO and CENTRAL databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Studies were selected by three reviewers. Study quality was assessed using Cochrane Collaboration tool for RCTs. Effect sizes (Hedge’s g) for each attentional domain were meta-analyzed with subgroup analysis by ABI etiology. RESULTS: Twelve …RCTs with 584 participants were included, representing individuals with stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI) and CNS-impacting malignancy. Cognitive rehabilitation improved divided attention in stroke survivors (g 0.67; 95% confidence interval, 0.35–0.98; p  <  0.0001) but not other ABI populations. Sustained, selective and alternating attention, and inhibition were not significantly improved in any ABI population. Follow-up data showed no evidence of long-term benefit. CONCLUSION: Cognitive rehabilitation resulted in short-term improvements in divided attention following stroke, but not after TBI or CNS-impacting malignancy. Cognitive interventions did not significantly improve other attentional domains in participants with stroke, TBI or CNS-impacting malignancy. Show more

Keywords: Acquired brain injury, cognitive rehabilitation, attention, meta-analysis, systematic review

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-151225

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 36, no. 3, pp. 367-377, 2015