British medical bulletin
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British medical bulletin · Sep 2014
ReviewNon-communicable diseases in South Asia: contemporary perspectives.
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as metabolic, cardiovascular, cancers, injuries and mental health disorders are increasingly contributing to the disease burden in South Asia, in light of demographic and epidemiologic transitions in the region. Home to one-quarter of the world's population, the region is also an important priority area for meeting global health targets. In this review, we describe the current burden of and trends in four common NCDs (cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) in South Asia. ⋯ Opportunities for innovative structural and behavioral interventions that promote maintenance of healthy lifestyles-such as moderate caloric intake, adequate physical activity and avoidance of tobacco-in the context of socioeconomic development are abundant. Testing of health care infrastructure and systems that best provide low-cost and effective detection and treatment of NCDs is a priority for policy researchers.
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British medical bulletin · Jun 2014
Review Meta AnalysisPlatelet-rich plasma in the conservative treatment of painful tendinopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled studies.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) seeks to meet the multifaceted demand of degenerated tendons providing several molecules capable of boosting healing. ⋯ Further studies circumventing heterogeneity are needed to reach firm conclusions. Available evidence can help to overcome hurdles to future clinical research and bring forward PRP therapies.
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British medical bulletin · Jun 2014
ReviewThe role of eccentric exercise in sport injuries rehabilitation.
Sports injuries frequently involve tendons, muscles and ligaments. The variable outcome of surgery and medical treatment support early functional treatments. Eccentric exercise (EE) showed effectiveness in the management of Achilles tendinopathy (AT), patellar tendinopathy (PT) and lateral epicondyle tendinopathy (LET). Preliminary results of EE in other tendinopathies and sports injuries suggest its wide prescription in the sport rehabilitation field. ⋯ New randomized controlled trials should test the effectiveness of standardized EE regimens to various sites of sports injuries.
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British medical bulletin · Jan 2013
ReviewHealth of China's rural-urban migrants and their families: a review of literature from 2000 to 2012.
Socioeconomic transformation in China at the beginning of the twenty-first century has led to rapid urbanization and accelerated rural-urban migration. As a result, the concerns about public health problems triggered by increasing internal population mobility have been more widely studied in recent years. ⋯ Social, economic, emotional, environmental and behavioural risk factors that impact on health of migrants and their families call for more attention from health policy-makers and researchers in contemporary China.
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British medical bulletin · Jan 2013
ReviewUpdate on the long-term complications of renal transplantation.
Powerful immunosuppressive regimens have reduced rejection risk, leading to an expanding cohort of long-term kidney transplant recipients who are likely to encounter practitioners in other specialties. ⋯ Markers to guide individualized optimal immunosuppression and predict the development of complications would allow for targeted early intervention.