British medical bulletin
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The incidence of vertebral osteomyelitis is increasing, attributed to an ageing population with inherent co-morbidities and improved case ascertainment. ⋯ Further studies are needed to define the most effective technique for spinal biopsies to maximize determining aetiology. High-quality trials are required to provide an evidence base for both the medical and surgical management of vertebral osteomyelitis, including challenging medical management as the default option.
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An unprecedented global effort has been required to tackle the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. In this paper, we describe the contribution of Public Health England (PHE) in West Africa and the UK. ⋯ Ongoing PHE-associated research includes efforts to understand the pathogenicity of Ebola virus disease, improve diagnostic capability, explore therapeutic options and develop new vaccines.
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British medical bulletin · Mar 2016
ReviewHuman amniotic membrane grafts in therapy of chronic non-healing wounds.
Human amniotic membrane (HAM) has been embraced as a natural wound dressing almost exclusively in ophthalmology. Only recently, emergence of commercial HAM products prompted its use in growing range of indications, especially treatment of chronic non-healing wounds. ⋯ In spite of easy procurement and low production costs, to our knowledge, there are currently only a few manufacturers of commercial HAM products tested in clinical trials for cutaneous wounds and all of them are located in the USA.
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Tendinopathies negatively affect the quality of life of millions of people, but we still do not know the factors involved in the development of tendon conditions. ⋯ The influence of hormones on tendon structure and metabolism needs to be further investigated. If found to be significant, multidisciplinary preventive and therapeutic strategies should then be developed.
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The Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in West Africa raised ethical issues about structural disadvantage; the duty to care of healthcare workers; the use and study of unregistered agents; the use of restrictive measures like mass quarantine and the importance of public trust. ⋯ Research is needed on how to restore and enhance health systems and public trust in EVD-affected countries.