Comparative study of adipose-derived stem cells and bone marrow-derived stem cells in similar microenvironmental conditions.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which were first isolated from the bone marrow, are now being extracted from various other tissues in the body, including the adipose tissue. The current study presents systematic evidence of how the adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ASCs) and bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (Bm-MSCs) behave when cultured in specific pro-adipogenic microenvironments. The cells were first characterized and identified as MSCs in terms of their morphology, phenotypic expression, self-renewal capabilities and multi-lineage potential.

Negative childbirth experiences and future reproductive decisions: a systematic review protocol.

The objective of this review is to identify, appraise and synthesize quantitative evidence on the effect of negative childbirth experiences on future reproductive decisions of women aged 18 years and above. More specifically, the review question is: what is the impact of negative childbirth experience on future reproductive decisions, including.

Securement of the indwelling urinary catheter for adult patients: a best practice implementation.

Aim: The evidence-based project sought to improve knowledge and practice in the care and securement of indwelling urinary catheters.

Methods: The project utilized a pre and post-implementation audit strategy, with the Joanna Briggs Institute Practical Application of Clinical Evidence System and Getting Research into Practice programs. The best practice recommendations on the care and securement of indwelling urinary catheters were retrieved from the Joanna Briggs Institute Clinical Online Network of Evidence for Care and Therapeutics database.

Effect of storage temperature and equilibration time on polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) bone cement polymerization in joint replacement surgery.

Background: In cemented joint arthroplasty, the handling characteristics (doughing, working, and setting times) of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) bone cement is important as it determines the amount of time surgeons have to optimally position an implant. Storage conditions (temperature and humidity) and the time given for PMMA cement to equilibrate to ambient operating theater (OT) temperatures are often unregulated and may lead to inconsistencies in its handling characteristics. This has not been previously studied.

Experiences of cancer patients in a patient navigation program: a qualitative systematic review.

Background: A patient navigation program is a model of care which entails trained personnel providing individualized and assistive care to adult oncology patients to help the patients overcome barriers. A further aim of the program is to achieve continuity of care as patients experience the complex healthcare system. Patient navigation is a new model of care in many institutions, and as such the experiences of patients in the patient navigation program remains inconclusive.

Sex is associated with the presence of atherosclerotic plaque hemorrhage and modifies the relation between plaque hemorrhage and cardiovascular outcome.

Background And Purpose: Plaque hemorrhage (PH) may lead to accelerated progression of atherosclerotic disease. The presence of local PH in the carotid plaque predicts future cardiovascular events in any vascular territory. We investigated the prevalence of local PH and the predictive value of PH for the occurrence of cardiovascular events in men and women separately.

Aquagenic wrinkling of the palms is due to vasoconstriction of palmar skin vasculature.

Aquagenic wrinkling of the palms is an unusual and rare dermatosis characterized by rapidly appearing edema, whitish papules, and strong wrinkling of the palms after brief immersion in water. Aquagenic wrinkling of the palms is postulated to be a result of abnormal electrolyte fluxes that result in sodium retention within epidermal keratinocytes and osmotically induced cell volume increases. A clear understanding is lacking.

Factors affecting registered nurses' use of medication administration technology in acute care settings: A systematic review.

Background: Information technology to aid reduction in medication errors has been encouraged over the years and one of them is the medication administration technology. It consists of the electronic Medication Administration Record, Bar-Code Medication Administration system and Automated Medication Dispensing system. Studies had examined the effectiveness and impact of this technology to reduce medication error.

The experiences of and meaning for women living and coping with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review of qualitative evidence.

Background: Effective management of diabetes not only relies on lifestyle modification and adherence to a treatment regime, but also the ability to cope with the impact of the disease on daily activities. Stress associated with the multi-caregiver role of women may affect the ability to manage the disease effectively.

Objectives: To explore the experience of women living and coping with type 2 diabetes.

The psychometric properties, feasibility and utility of behavioural-observation methods in pain assessment of cognitively impaired elderly people in acute and long-term care: A systematic review.

Background: The key factor to improving pain management for cognitively impaired elderly patients is accurate pain assessment. Behavioural-observation methods are required for individuals who cannot communicate their pain verbally. A thorough understanding of the key components of behavioural pain assessment and the use of valid and reliable behavioural pain assessment tools would enhance the assessment of pain in this vulnerable population.

The effectiveness of cabbage leaf application (treatment) on pain and hardness in breast engorgement and its effect on the duration of breastfeeding.

Background: Breast engorgement is a condition that affects breastfeeding mothers early in the postpartum. The discomfort and tenderness as a result of the engorgement is a major contributing factor to the early cessation of breastfeeding. Many treatments for breast engorgement have been attempted and explored.

The effectiveness of mental health-related theoretical education and clinical placement in mental health settings in changing the attitudes of health care students towards mental illness: A systematic review.

Background: People with mental illness are subject to stigma, which is the process of stereotyping, prejudice and discrimination. Patients' experience of discrimination from the health care community may be a barrier to help-seeking in mental illness. Mental health-related theoretical education and clinical placement in mental health settings during student years may reduce stigmatising attitudes towards mental illness.

A systematic review on the role of extremity skin temperature as a non-invasive marker for hypoperfusion in critically ill adults in the intensive care setting.

Background: Haemodynamic monitoring is the cornerstone of critical care management. The adequacy of peripheral perfusion has been used as a determinant of cardiovascular system status. Poor cardiac function leads to increased vascular resistance, contributing to reduced tissue perfusion, and it is said to cause a large temperature gradient between the core and the skin.

Anxiety and pain in children undergoing elective surgical procedures: a systematic review.

Background: Anxiety and pain are two significant problems experienced by children undergoing elective surgical procedures, which may lead to suboptimal postoperative outcomes. Previous studies have shown a correlation between perioperative anxiety and pain in children.

Objectives: This review aimed to present the best available evidence on the correlation between perioperative anxiety and pain in children undergoing elective surgical procedures, and to determine the relationship between children's demographics, their anxiety and pain level in the perioperative period.

A systematic review of differences between brain temperature and core body temperature in adult patients with severe traumatic brain injury.

Background: Studies have shown that temperature at the extremes of the thermoregulatory physiological range, commensurate with a clinical diagnosis of hypothermia (at the lower end) and hyperthermia or fever (at the upper end) increase the risk of a poor neurological outcome and contribute to higher mortality. The tissue most at risk is nervous tissue. That said however, precise measurement of cerebral tissue temperature is seldom made during routine clinical care.

A comprehensive systematic review of factors influencing women's birthing preferences.

Background: Although many women prefer a vaginal birth, caesarean deliveries have risen dramatically, reaching more than 50% in some countries, despite a lack of evidence of any increase in obstetric emergencies. Some authors concluded that maternal request is a significant factor in the rising caesarean section rates. There is a need to examine factors that influence women's birthing preferences for normal vaginal birth or caesarean delivery.

The effectiveness of physical restraints in reducing falls among adults in acute care hospitals and nursing homes: a systematic review.

Background: Physical restraint was introduced as the primary measure to maintain patient safety in preventing falls. However, physical restraints may lead to complications such as functional loss, immobility, delirium, pressure sore, and even falls or injuries. Despite all these negative effects and many alternatives that are available, physical restraint is still commonly used in hospitals and nursing homes.

Factors affecting caregiver burden of terminally ill adults in the home setting - A systematic review.

Executive Summary: Background: Terminally ill people have complex physical and psychological needs. As a result, their caregivers may experience high levels of burden, and some caregivers are unable to cope with the burden. Thus, it is important to determine the various factors that may influence caregiver burden, so that healthcare professionals may implement strategies to reduce caregiver burden.

Exploring the quality of life and the impact of the disease among patients with colorectal cancer: A systematic review.

Executive Summary: Background: Colorectal cancer has emerged as the most common cancer in Singapore. The quality of life has become increasing important in measuring the outcomes of colorectal cancer patients and the impact of the disease on a person's life.

Objectives: The objective of this review was to synthesize the best available evidence on the factors that have an impact on the Quality of Life of patients with colorectal cancer.

Quality of life in women during and after treatment for breast cancer: a systematic review of qualitative evidence.

Executive Summary: Background Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. With increasing numbers of women surviving breast cancer, there is a need to move beyond the traditional ways of evaluating clinical outcomes and include patient-based outcomes such as the quality of life.Objectives To integrate and summarise the best evidence related to the quality of life of women diagnosed with breast cancer during and up to ten years after treatment for breast cancer.

A comprehensive systematic review on the perception and experience of stigma among people with schizophrenia.

Background: Research has shown that stigma associated with mental illness is pervasive in many countries. Schizophrenia is considered one of the most highly stigmatised psychiatric disorders due to an array of negative stereotypes associated with it. Stigma has deleterious consequences for people suffering a mental illness.

A qualitative systematic review on the experiences of self-management in community-dwelling older women living with chronic illnesses.

Background: With the risk of chronic conditions increasing with age, older women are likely to have co-morbid chronic conditions. In addition, they may have to contend with socioeconomic issues unique to their gender which can challenge their self-management.

Objective: The aim of the systematic review was to determine the best available evidence related to the experiences of self-management among community-dwelling older women with chronic conditions, specifically non-communicable illnesses which include cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes mellitus and arthritis.

The role of family and friends in providing social support towards enhancing the wellbeing of postpartum women: a comprehensive systematic review.

Background: Maternal postpartum health is a neglected area both in research and practice. This aspect warrants more attention as the health of postpartum mothers has a considerable influence on her infant and also other family members. Social support provided by family and friends has been identified as a buffer against the many stressors faced by the women.

A systematic review of the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions on quality of life (QoL) for adult vitiligo patients.

Background: Vitiligo is the most common pigmentation disorder. It is an acquired, progressive disorder, presenting with white macules that can appear anywhere on the skin. Presently, there is no cure for vitiligo.