ABSTRACT
Cardiac pacemakers are a critical management option for patients with rhythm disorders. Current efforts to develop leadless pacemakers have two primary goals: to reduce lead-associated post-procedural morbidity and to avoid the surgical scar associated with placement. After extensive studies on animal models and technological advancements, these devices are currently under investigation for human use. Herein, we review the evidence from animal studies and the technological advancements that have ushered in the era of use in humans. We also discuss different leadless pacemakers currently under investigation, along with limitations and future developments of this innovative concept.
Subject(s)
Pacemaker, Artificial , Animals , Arrhythmias, Cardiac/therapy , Equipment Design , HumansABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Citation classics have been published in almost all medical fields. The main objective of this study was to provide the readers with a complete updated guide using two different citation tracking sources in assessing respiratory literature published in respiratory specific or general medical journals. METHODS: Scopus Library database ( www.scopus.com ) was used to determine the 50 most cited articles regarding respiratory medicine using the subject category "respiratory system." The results from the database were sorted using the option "Times cited." RESULTS: The top 50 articles were published during the time period 1987-2008, with most articles (n = 22) published from 1996 to 2000.The topic that had the highest number of articles (n = 15) was chronic obstructive pulmonary disorders (COPD) followed by asthma (n = 10). CONCLUSION: A periodic evaluation of the top cited articles can help researchers identify the quality of work in respiratory system and pinpoint subtopics which have not been given due consideration.
Subject(s)
Bibliometrics , Publishing , Pulmonary Medicine , Databases, FactualABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: In this age, diabetes is one of the most prevalent, incurable diseases present. The aim of this study was to assess knowledge, attitude and self-care practicesrelated to diabetes in an urban population in Pakistan. METHODS: A cross sectional survey to assess the knowledge and practices of people with diabetes was conducted in general urbanpopulace. People with diabetes were interviewed using a structured questionnaire from which data was collected. A total of 139 diabetics were included into the study. Basic knowledge about diabetes and its complications were assessed as well as the frequency of practices such as keeping a blood glucometer at home and checking blood sugar with it. RESULTS: A total of n=139 participants fulfilling the inclusion criteria were recruited in the survey. Only 18.7% had knowledge regarding the complications of diabetes mellitus. Only 8.6% of participants checked their blood glucose levels at homeregularly, and only 4.3% visited their physiciansregularlyfor check-ups. With regard to practices, a minority attested to have changed their lifestyle and commit to basic practices in order to reduce diabetes related complications with women being more prone to changes than men. CONCLUSION: The results show that most participants had a negative attitude and very little knowledge regarding diabetes.There is a need for increased diabetes related education and for developing positive attitudes towards reduction of diabetes related complications. The Pakistani population is seen to be almost completely unprepared to fight against an increase in type 2 diabetes prevalence.
Subject(s)
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/therapy , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Self Care , Adult , Blood Glucose Self-Monitoring , Cross-Sectional Studies , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/epidemiology , Female , Humans , Male , Pakistan/epidemiology , Prevalence , Surveys and Questionnaires , Urban PopulationABSTRACT
The major aim of surgeons has always been a minimalist approach towards surgery, thereby reducing the complications associated with the surgery. The gold standard treatment for cholelithiasis with cholecystitis is currently the four port laparoscopic cholecystectomy (4 PLC). Recently, a newer technique has been introduced which uses a single port, rather than the four ports, for the removal of the gall bladder laparoscopically; it is known as Single Incision Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (SILC). This is a comparatively minimal approach towards surgery. Therefore the purpose of this review is to compare the advantages and the disadvantages of SILC versus 4PLC, and hence, to give an idea of whether SILC is ready to replace the traditional approach as the new treatment of choice.
