4965 research outputs found
Sort by
Erector Spinae Plane Block for Preserving Pulmonary Function in Patients with Traumatic Rib Fractures
No full textRib fractures are frequently seen in trauma patients and are associated with increased mortality, primarily due to pulmonary complications. This study investigates the efficacy of erector spinae plane block (ESPB) in preserving pulmonary function in patients with traumatic rib fractures. A search was conducted in PubMed using the terms erector spinae plane AND ( rib fracture OR rib fractures ) AND trauma. The results were filtered to include studies within the past five years, available full-text articles, and relevancy to this research question. Ultimately, five studies were isolated and included in this review. The methodology for measuring pulmonary function varied between the five studies. Measured outcomes included respiratory rate, peripheral oxygen saturation, arterial oxygen pressure, inspiratory capacity, incentive spirometry volume, and diaphragmatic excursion. Data synthesis shows improved pulmonary function measures following ESPB in all five reviewed studies. These findings should be used to help implement ESPB as a readily available therapy option for traumatic rib fractures. Trauma centers can also use this data to encourage the implementation of ESPB within their protocolized management of rib fractures. There is minimal randomized control data on this topic. A multicentered randomized control trial with clearly defined and measurable pulmonary function outcomes remains an ideal future research opportunity
Revolutionizing Digital Health in Rwanda: Progress Toward Universal Health Coverage
No full textRwanda is an African country that is making rapid progress in all sectors, including digital health. This review explores Rwanda’s transformative journey in digital health, highlighting key achievements, ongoing challenges, community involvement, and future prospects. Rwanda’s commitment is evident in using electronic health records, telemedicine, and mobile health applications. Rwandan institutions, including Rwanda Biomedical Center, Rwanda Ministry of Health, Rwanda Health Information Exchange, Rwanda Development Board, Partners in Health, universities, and several nongovernmental organizations, have made significant contributions to revolutionize digital health in Rwanda. However, the country continues to face barriers, including limited digital infrastructure, financial constraints, and disparities in digital literacy. Despite these challenges, Rwanda’s strategic vision, including the integration of artificial intelligence and nationwide digital identity systems, positions it as a potential model for digital healthcare innovation across Africa. This review underscores the critical role of policy, community engagement, and technological investment in achieving equitable and efficient healthcare delivery through digital transformation
Consent for Organ Donation in India: Factors, Challenges, and Opportunities – A Review
No full textIndia’s organ donation rate remains under 1 per million population, markedly lower than the consent rates observed in Canada and Spain. This narrative review synthesizes evidence from Indian and global literature to explore systemic, sociocultural, and individual factors influencing consent for deceased organ donation in India. Systemic barriers include delayed referrals, inadequate hospital infrastructure, and a shortage of trained transplant coordinators. Sociocultural factors, such as family decision-making under the Transplantation of Human Organs Act (1994), religious misconceptions, and concerns about bodily integrity, significantly hinder consent. Individual factors, including low awareness and a knowledge–action gap despite altruistic intentions, impede progress. Comparative analysis with Canada and Spain highlights the efficacy of structured referral systems and presumed consent models. We recommend mandatory physician training and the adoption of uniform hospital protocols. In addition, culturally sensitive awareness campaigns led by religious leaders and establishment of a national donor registry are essential. Bridging India’s organ donation gap requires addressing these barriers at multiple levels. Coordinated medical, cultural, and policy reforms will be essential
Apretude PrEP for HIV-1 Prevention
No full textThis review examines the effectiveness of Apretude (cabotegravir), a long-acting injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) administered every two months, as a more adherence-friendly alternative to daily oral PrEP. HIV remains a major global health challenge, disproportionately affecting men who have sex with men (MSM), transgender individuals, and racially minoritized groups. Although oral PrEP options, such as Truvada and Descovy, significantly reduce HIV transmission, their efficacy relies on consistent daily use, which can be a barrier for many individuals at risk. This review synthesizes findings from clinical trials and observational studies evaluating Apretude’s efficacy, adherence outcomes, and patient-reported satisfaction. Evidence indicates that Apretude matches or surpasses oral PrEP in preventing HIV-1 transmission and significantly improves adherence and persistence, particularly among those who struggle with daily pill-taking. Qualitative studies further demonstrate strong interest in injectable PrEP, suggesting long-acting options may be more acceptable and sustainable for high-risk populations. However, challenges remain, including injection-related anxiety, follow-up care requirements, long-term safety concerns, and cost barriers, particularly in underserved communities. Overall, Apretude shows considerable promise in reducing health disparities and strengthening HIV prevention efforts, but successful implementation will require addressing structural barriers and ensuring equitable access. Continued research is necessary to assess long-term outcomes and inform the integration of long-acting PrEP into various healthcare settings.
Keywords: Apretude (cabotegravir), long-acting injectable PrEP, HIV prevention, adherence, health equit
Biostimulators as the Future of Aesthetic Medicine: Addressing the U.S. Lag Behind Europe and Asia
No full textAesthetic medicine in the United States is undergoing a gradual transformation from volume-based correction toward regenerative and skin-restorative therapies. Despite increasing demand for natural and enduring results, the U.S. continues to trail behind Europe and Asia in adopting biostimulatory injectables such as polydeoxyribonucleotides (PDRNs) and hybrid hyaluronic acid products, including Profhilo. These agents enhance collagen synthesis, promote dermal remodeling, and improve overall skin quality, producing results that extend beyond the temporary benefits of traditional fillers. However, domestic adoption remains limited due to regulatory hurdles, inadequate provider education, and a procedural culture centered on immediate correction through botulinum toxins and hyaluronic acid fillers.
This manuscript examines the clinical efficacy, safety, and aesthetic outcomes of biostimulatory injectables while comparing utilization patterns between the U.S. and international markets. Through a comprehensive literature review and environmental analysis, it identifies barriers to adoption and opportunities for physician associates (PAs) and other providers to advance regenerative aesthetic care. The analysis also explores scope-of-practice restrictions, litigation risks, and systemic biases within the U.S. aesthetic landscape. Findings suggest that biostimulators deliver superior longevity, patient satisfaction, and alignment with the global shift toward regenerative medicine. Advancing this field within the U.S. will require modernization of regulatory pathways, enhanced provider training, and interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure parity with international innovation in aesthetic medicine
Reevaluating Albuterol in Pediatric Bronchiolitis: A Review of Evidence and Guidelines
No full textThis review assesses the efficacy of albuterol in managing pediatric bronchiolitis and its role in evidence-based practice. A structured literature search was conducted for studies using the terms albuterol, bronchiolitis, RSV, and pediatrics. Eligible studies included systematic reviews, multicenter cohort studies, randomized controlled trials, and retrospective analyses. Seven peer-reviewed studies were identified, including a meta-analysis of 30 randomized controlled trials and multicenter cohort data from 1,016 infants. Across these investigations, albuterol demonstrated no clinically significant improvements in oxygen saturation, hospitalization rates, duration of hospitalization, or resolution of illness. Retrospective data further suggested potential harm, including prolonged oxygen use and extended length of stay. Despite the lack of therapeutic benefit, albuterol remains widely prescribed in the management of bronchiolitis, with reported utilization rates as high as 84% before admission. The evidence therefore supports the conclusion that albuterol provides little to no clinical value in bronchiolitis and may contribute to unnecessary interventions. Current guidelines recommend supportive care as the standard of treatment. Reducing reliance on albuterol will require ongoing clinician education, strict adherence to evidence-based guidelines, and further research into the potential risks associated with unnecessary pharmacologic therapy
The Impact of Tailored Educational Strategies on Academic Performance among Physician Assistant Students
Get PDFImpact of Tailored Educational Strategies on Academic Performance
This article explores the impact of customizing education to accommodate different learning styles and its potential to enhance Physician Assistant (PA) student success. Tailored learning strategies can address diverse learners, leading to improved retention of medical knowledge. PA students who retain information become better-prepared healthcare providers, which in turn leads to improved patient outcomes. The literature review highlights Kolb\u27s learning style inventory, which includes visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and tactile learning styles. However, with a deeper look into learning styles, they can be further defined as sensing and intuitive perception, visual and verbal input, inductive and deductive organization, active and reflective processing, and sequential and global understanding. Lecture-based learning (LBL), commonly used in universities, often fails to address the full spectrum of learning styles. Traditional lecture-style engagement fails to address sensing perception, visual input, inductive organization, active processing, and global understanding learning styles. Incorporating active learning methods into the medical curriculum can engage students more effectively, leading to increased satisfaction and improved grade point averages (GPA). Instructors play a crucial role by designing diverse activities tailored to visual, auditory, reading/writing, and kinesthetic learners, ensuring that students feel valued and integral to the learning process. The complexity resides in determining the specific approach to each topic taught during a PA student\u27s didactic and clinical years, a dilemma that remains at the forefront of educational challenges
Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) Social Expansion: An Analysis of the FCA Brand Architecture
Get PDFThe Fellowship of Christian Athletes has seen much growth over the past seven decades, after being created in a small town in Oklahoma in 1954 with only 15 members to now having 2,000+ staff and reaching 100+ countries (FCA Timeline, 2024). How did such a small organization with such a specific niche, become the well-known non-profit global ministry it is today? This thesis will discover how the Fellowship of Christian Athletes grew its brand worldwide pre and post-digital media through its marketing and communications methods
Framing the East: An Exploration into Tony Blair’s and George Bush’s Speeches and Orientalism
Get PDFOrientalism is a theory that is heavily ingrained in Western Society. It is the theory which explains how the West portrays or views the East, or more specifically the Middle East. It is a way to separate or “other” a region. It is a degrading tactic used by the West to look at the Eastern regions differently from things such as religion (Said 2-8). Since the West views the Eastern region as uncertain or different, there is an urgency to label them as bad or unstable (Said 2-8). Western Society becomes uncertain about the East, creating a sense of danger and distress; this is especially relevant during the 2003 Iraq conflict, when it concerns the speeches given by George Bush and Tony Blair. This paper aims to answer the question, “Did Tony Blair’s and George Bush’s speeches have any Orientalism consistency that may be influential with concern to the Iraq crisis?” The hypothesis proceeds that Tony Blair’s and George Bush’s speeches did in fact have an Orientalist tone. The data that was gathered and looked at was through a collection of Tony Blair’s and George Bush’s speeches which started around the 9/11 attacks carried through the start of the United Kingdom\u27s and United States’ participation in the Iraq conflict. The findings support the hypothesis, the language used in their speeches revealed an Orientalism tone