Adipose-Derived Regenerative Cell Transplantation for the Treatment of Hand Dysfunction in Systemic Sclerosis: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Objective: Hand dysfunction is common in systemic sclerosis (SSc). We undertook this study to evaluate the capacity of autologous adipose-derived regenerative cells (ADRCs) to improve hand function in SSc patients.

Methods: The Scleroderma Treatment with Celution Processed Adipose Derived Regenerative Cells Trial was a prospective, randomized, double-blind trial of ADRCs, in which ADRCs were obtained from patients with SSc by small-volume adipose tissue harvest, and the fingers of each patient were injected with ADRCs.

Safety and Efficacy of Intravenous Golimumab in Adults with Ankylosing Spondylitis: Results through 1 Year of the GO-ALIVE Study.

Objective: Evaluate safety and efficacy of intravenous (IV) golimumab (GOL) in patients with active ankylosing spondylitis (AS) through 1 year.

Methods: A total of 208 patients were randomized to IV infusions of GOL 2 mg/kg (n = 105) at weeks 0, 4, and every 8 weeks thereafter or placebo (n = 103) at weeks 0, 4, and 12, then crossover to GOL at weeks 16, 20, and every 8 weeks thereafter through Week 52. Efficacy was assessed using the Assessment of Spondyloarthritis international Society (ASAS) criteria, the Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS), the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), and the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI).

Applying global standards to short-term global health clinical experiences: the case of Project Salud y Paz.

This case study was extracted from an administrative report generated for Project Salud y Paz (SYP), a non-governmental organization (NGO) that supports short term global health clinical experiences (STGHCE) in Guatemala. As a basis to generate criticisms and offer recommendations, the analysis used the shared themes of two sets of standards recently published by Globalization and Health (GH) and the American College of Physicians (ACP). These standards respectively address the ethical responsibilities of organizations and of physicians in the conduct of STGHCE.

Guidelines for responsible short-term global health activities: developing common principles.

Background: Growing concerns about the value and effectiveness of short-term volunteer trips intending to improve health in underserved Global South communities has driven the development of guidelines by multiple organizations and individuals. These are intended to mitigate potential harms and maximize benefits associated with such efforts.

Method: This paper analyzes 27 guidelines derived from a scoping review of the literature available in early 2017, describing their authorship, intended audiences, the aspects of short term medical missions (STMMs) they address, and their attention to guideline implementation.

Why do they care? Narratives of physician volunteers on motivations for participation in short-term medical missions abroad.

Background: Short-term medical missions (STMMs) refer to the provision of direct pro bono medical services in lower and middle income countries for periods ranging from days to a few weeks by physicians from rich countries. Survey data have provided limited information on demographic and professional profiles of physicians as well as monetary and manpower inputs. Understanding why physicians participate, however, remains incomplete.