Medicine
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Assistive technology (AT) is an umbrella term that refers to different devices that facilitate the performance of activity for people. Future occupational therapists (OT) must acquire specific competencies to undertake the correct selection of such devices, specifically for those that facilitate access and use the computer. To create a didactic unit to improve the competencies of OT students about assessment of AT to access computers. ⋯ The evaluation of the students was continuous, where 48.6% of them achieved a score of between 1.9 and 2.00 (the maximum). The application of the didactic unit allowed to check that students have improved their competencies and knowledge about assessment and prescription of AT for access to a computer. The selection of competencies and learning results helped in determining and embedding expertise and professional skills concerning AT for computer access.
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Meta Analysis
Vagus nerve stimulation for upper limb motor impairment after ischemic stroke: A meta-analysis.
Upper limb motor impairment is a common complication following stroke. Although few treatments are used to enhance motor function, still approximately 60% of survivors are left with upper limb motor impairment. Several studies have investigated vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) as a potential technique for upper limb function. However, the efficacy and safety of VNS on upper limb motor function after ischemic stroke have not been systematically evaluated. Therefore, a meta-analysis based on randomized controlled trial will be conducted to determine the efficacy and safety of VNS on upper limb motor function after ischemic stroke. ⋯ VNS resulted in improvement of motor function in patients after ischemic stroke, especially in the sub-chronic stage. Moreover, compared with implanted VNS, transcutaneous VNS exhibited greater efficacy in poststroke patients. Based on this meta-analysis, VNS could be a feasible and safe therapy for upper limb motor impairment.
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Review Case Reports
Synchronous double primary hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: A case report and review of the literature.
Presence of synchronous double hepatocelluar carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) (sdpHCC-ICC) located separately within a single liver is extremely rare. The purpose of this study is to investigate the clinical, imaging, pathological characteristics, and prognosis of patients with sdpHCC-ICC, in order to enhance our understanding of the disease and improve diagnostic and therapeutic effect. ⋯ The clinical characteristics of sdpHCC-ICC are usually atypical and nonspecific making its preoperative diagnosis quite difficult. Hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus infection were both the independent risk factor for the development of sdpHCC-ICC. In patients with chronic liver disease, careful observation with imaging is of utmost necessity. Tumor markers may also play a valuable role in the diagnosis. The definite diagnosis depends on pathological examination. Hepatic resection is considered the most effective mode of treatment. The prognosis of synchronous occurrence of double hepatic cancers is worse than either HCC or ICC, and the origin of the disease needs further study.
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Meta Analysis
Association between helicobacter pylori infection and subclinical atherosclerosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
The relationship between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and subclinical atherosclerosis has been confirmed, but these conclusions are still controversial. Therefore, we have performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the association between H. pylori infection and subclinical atherosclerosis. ⋯ This meta-analysis confirmed a significant association between H. pylori and subclinical atherosclerosis, which will help H. pylori patients to establish effective strategies for the prevention and control of cardiovascular events.
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Meta Analysis
The impact of plant-based diets on female bone mineral density: Evidence based on seventeen studies.
An increase in awareness of plant-based diets has brought forth numerous studies on bone mineral density (BMD). The present systematic review and meta-analysis was designed to compare the effect between plant-based diets and omnivores on female BMD. ⋯ The present meta-analysis indicated that plant-based diets may be correlated with lower BMD of women when compared with omnivore population. However, this does not diminish the fact that a plant-based diet can be a harmful option to the overall bone health of population and more prospective researches are needed to clear the impact of plant-based diets on bone health.