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Background: Systematic reviewing is a time‐consuming and resource‐intensive process. Information specialists are maintaining study‐based registers to facilitate efficient conduct of systematic reviews. Classification of study‐level meta‐data ‐such as interventions –can result in much more accurate searches, saving time in the early steps of systematic reviewing. Objective: To classify all pharmacological interventions from all schizophrenia trials. Methods: We used Cochrane Schizophrenia's Study‐based Register as the source of trials, Emtree and MeSH for synonyms, AdisInsight and CT.gov for research drugs and WHO ATC for marketed drugs. Results: One third of tested interventions on patients with schizophrenia are pharmacological (816; belonging to 106 clinical classes) with antipsychotic drugs being the most researched (15.1%). Only 528 of these medications are listed in WHO ATC. Around one third of these drug interventions are seen only in research (236; from 21 pharmacological/biochemical classes). Within the pharmacological interventions, we identified 28 'qualifiers' including dose, route and timing of drug delivery. Conclusion: Identification and classification of pharmacological interventions from trials require use of many sources of information none of which are inclusive of all drugs. Limitations of each source are helpful to understand. Classification of non‐pharmacological interventions is now a priority for clinical and information scientists and professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Striae distensae, also known as stretch marks, particularly associated with female sex, pregnancy, obesity, and/or hormonal change, are linear bands of benign dermal lesions. Although not posing any health risk, aesthetically unpleasing stretch marks can cause significant psychological distress among those affected. In abundance of therapeutic approaches, some literature sources proclaim platelet‐rich plasma to be a promising treatment modality for striae distensae. We aimed to shed some light on the current literature evidence of platelet‐rich plasma for treating stretch marks and performed an English literature analysis with two independent reviewers in accordance with PRISMA guidelines searching the PubMed and Web of Science databases in June 2019. Of the 12 found studies, 6 matched inclusion criteria. With no control groups in two, just two other reports used intraindividual comparisons, and all but one publication performed histopathological assessments. All studies observed clinical and subjective improvements without using validated scores or patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs). The main findings were that multiple treatments with platelet‐rich plasma demonstrated increased epidermal thickness, rete ridges formation, and collagen/elastin formation, while decreasing the inflammatory cell infiltrate. The current literature evidence supporting the use of platelet‐rich plasma for striae distensae is poor. We propose in this review an outline for a study protocol with intraindividual control groups, standardised scores, validated PROMs, and participant incentives to enhance the scientific power in future clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/aim: Hands are commonly involved in burn trauma. Occupational therapy in the acute phase aims to reduce the risk of deformities and facilitate return to usual occupations. This study aimed to describe usual occupational therapy care at a major adult burns service, and measure recovery from hand burns in the first six months post‐acute hospital discharge. Method: To describe usual occupational therapy care, an audit of patient contact statistics over six months was undertaken, and occupational therapy staff were interviewed. To measure recovery, a prospective cohort study recruited adults hospitalised with hand/upper limb burns at the Victorian Adult Burns Service. Recruitment occurred over a four month period. Functional recovery was measured at three time points: discharge, three and six months post‐discharge. Instruments included the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand and the Functional Assessment for Burns. Results: Usual care was calculated to be one 30 minute session of daily occupational therapy. Interventions were described using the Template for Intervention Description and Replication. Participants (N = 10) were aged 22–65 years and were treated for burns ranging from 2% to 40% total body surface area. Scores on the Functional Assessment for Burns suggested high functional independence at discharge. Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand scores improved significantly at each time point, with most substantial improvement occurring between discharge and three months. Involvement of the first web‐space was associated with poorer recovery in the first three months post‐discharge (P = 0.04). Six participants (60%) had returned to work at the three month follow‐up, and seven (70%) at six months. Conclusion: The Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand was responsive to recovery in the post‐discharge period. Further research into upper limb recovery following burns is needed, including exploration of the relationship between recovery and first web space hand burns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: An increasing number of patients need reconstructive surgery after massive weight loss. The hypothesis was that surgical experience together with standardised management guidelines significantly decreases early complication rates after abdominoplasty for massive weight loss. The primary aim was to assess the 30-day complication rate after abdominoplasty following increased surgical training and experience. The secondary aim was to assess whether optimised management guidelines have an impact on the complication rate and patient safety.Methods: The outcome of 69 consecutive abdominoplasties operated by surgeons in 2011 (Group A) and 70 consecutive patients operated by plastic surgeons in 2010-2012 (Group B) was compared. Another Group of 70 consecutive patients operated by surgeons in 2013-2014 (Group C) was assessed since standardised guidelines for pre- and post-operative treatments and refinement of surgical technique had been introduced. The same surgeons participated in operations of Groups A and C. χ2-test and Fisher’s exact test were applied to dichotomous data. Logistic regression test and ANOVA were used.Results: Group C had more comorbidities and was significantly older. 48 patients in Group A (70%), 31 in Group B (44%) and 13 patients in Group C (19%) had early complications. A significantly decreased rate of complications occurred with improved guidelines and surgical training and experience. (A vs. C p < 0.001 and A vs. B p = 0.008).Conclusions: Our results indicate that the rate of early complications after abdominoplasty for massive weight loss can be significantly reduced with improved surgical experience and standardised management guidelines.Registered at Clinical Trial.gov (ID: NCT02679391). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Individuals who undergo bariatric surgery generally experience rapid and dramatic weight loss. While the weight loss typically confers significant health benefits, an undesirable consequence is often excessive quantities of hanging, surplus skin. Some patients undergo body-contouring surgery (BCS) in order to improve health, mobility, appearance and psychological adjustment. While the majority of post-bariatric patients desire BCS in one or more body regions, a small percentage of patients receive such surgeries. Lack of knowledge about procedures, cost and (in the USA and several other countries) difficulty obtaining insurance reimbursement likely prevents many patients from undergoing BCS. Those who do undergo BCS appear to be at heightened risk for wound-healing complications. Despite these complications, the majority of patients report satisfactory BCS outcomes. The extant literature in this area provides a great deal of information about these issues; nevertheless, additional research is needed to further inform clinical management and improve patient outcomes. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Please cite this paper as: Regenerative medicine in dermatology: biomaterials, tissue engineering, stem cells, gene transfer and beyond. Experimental Dermatology 2010; 19: 697-706. Abstract: The term 'regenerative medicine' refers to a new and expanding field in biomedical research that focuses on the development of innovative therapies allowing the body to replace, restore and regenerate damaged or diseased cells, tissues and organs. It combines several technological approaches including the use of soluble molecules, biomaterials, tissue engineering, gene therapy, stem cell transplantation and the reprogramming of cell and tissue types. Because of its easy accessibility, skin is becoming an attractive model organ for regenerative medicine. Here, we review recent developments in regenerative medicine and their potential relevance for dermatology with a particular emphasis on biomaterials, tissue engineering, skin substitutes and stem cell-based therapies for skin reconstitution in patients suffering from chronic wounds and extensive burns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is a theoretical and empirical study of the ways in which different South Asian groups, Bangladeshi, Indian, and Pakistani, achieve entry into the selective education system, taking into consideration the factors of social class, ethnicity and culture. In-depth interviews with 42 South Asian school pupils from three single-sex selective schools (one independent and two grammar), 47 South Asian school pupils from three secondary modern schools, and 25 South Asian parents are used to interpret perceptions, attitudes towards, and experiences of selective school entry. It is found that that certain working-class South Asian parents possess strong middle-class attitudes towards selective education, irrespective of their ability to facilitate it as a function of their financial, cultural, or social capital. Middle-class South Asians were not only highly motivated but also possessed the economic, social and cultural capital to ensure successful selective school entry. In general, social class status was the strongest factor in the likelihood of gaining entry into selective schools. This research contributes to the literature on selective education as well as on the intricacies of the British South Asian educational experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]