Frontiers in medicine
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Frontiers in medicine · Jan 2019
ReviewAssessment of Regional Perfusion and Organ Function: Less and Non-invasive Techniques.
Sufficient organ perfusion essentially depends on preserved macro- and micro-circulation. The last two decades brought substantial progress in the development of less and non-invasive monitoring of macro-hemodynamics. However, several recent studies suggest a frequent incoherence of macro- and micro-circulation. ⋯ This approach is promising with regard to several studies which demonstrated the potential to guide therapy in different types of shock. Finally several organs have specific patterns of circulation related to their special anatomy (liver) or their auto-regulatory capacities (brain, kidney). Therefore, this review also discusses specific issues of monitoring liver, brain, and kidney circulation and function.
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Frontiers in medicine · Jan 2019
ReviewMethotrexate-Associated Pneumonitis and Rheumatoid Arthritis-Interstitial Lung Disease: Current Concepts for the Diagnosis and Treatment.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a type of inflammatory arthritis that affects ~1% of the general population. Although arthritis is the cardinal symptom, many extra-articular manifestations can occur. Lung involvement and particularly interstitial lung disease (ILD) is among the most common. ⋯ Diagnosis is based on clinical and radiologic findings while pulmonary function tests may demonstrate a restrictive pattern. Although no clear guidelines exist for RA-ILD treatment, glucocorticoids and conventional disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) like MTX or leflunomide, as well as treatment with biologic DMARDs can be effective. There is limited evidence that rituximab, abatacept, and tocilizumab are better options compared to TNF-inhibitors.
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There has been an exponential growth in the application of AI in health and in pathology. This is resulting in the innovation of deep learning technologies that are specifically aimed at cellular imaging and practical applications that could transform diagnostic pathology. ⋯ The clearance of digital pathology for primary diagnosis in the US by some manufacturers provides the platform on which to deliver practical AI. AI and computational pathology will continue to mature as researchers, clinicians, industry, regulatory organizations and patient advocacy groups work together to innovate and deliver new technologies to health care providers: technologies which are better, faster, cheaper, more precise, and safe.
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Frontiers in medicine · Jan 2019
Frailty and Intrinsic Capacity: Two Distinct but Related Constructs.
Frailty is a clinical condition characterized by the individual's increased vulnerability to endogenous and exogenous stressors. It is determined by the reduction of homeostatic capacities of the organism and responsible for a marked risk of adverse health outcomes (including functional loss and mortality). Frailty originates from the geriatric background and may pave the way toward a model of care centered on the person, deviating from the traditional and obsolete disease-focused approach. ⋯ With the aim of promoting a more comprehensive and appropriate assessment of the aging population, the World Health Organization introduced the concept of intrinsic capacity (IC), defined as the composite of all physical and mental capacities that an individual can draw upon during his/her life. Frailty and IC are two constructs stemming from the same need of overcoming traditional medical paradigms that negatively impact on the correct way clinical and research practice should be conducted in older persons. In this article, we describe the similarities and differences between the two constructs, highlighting how geriatric medicine contributed to their development and will be crucial for their further integration in future healthcare models.
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Frontiers in medicine · Jan 2019
Building a Professional Identity and an Academic Career Track in Translational Medicine.
Biomedical scientists aim to contribute to further understanding of disease pathogenesis and to develop new diagnostic and therapeutic tools that relieve disease burden. Yet the majority of biomedical scientists do not develop their academic career or professional identity as "translational scientists," and are not actively involved in the continuum from scientific concept to development of new strategies that change medical practice. The collaborative nature of translational medicine and the lengthy process of bringing innovative findings from bench to bedside conflict with established pathways of building a career in academia. ⋯ Training programs that are specifically geared to prepare scientists for a career in translational medicine are not widespread. In addition, the legal, regulatory, scientific and clinical infrastructure and support required for translational research is often underdeveloped in academic institutions and funding organizations, further discouraging the development and success of translational scientists in the academic setting. In this perspective we discuss challenges and potential solutions that could allow for physicians, physician scientists and basic scientists to develop a professional identity and a fruitful career in translational medicine.