Heliyon
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The global outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is affecting every part of human lives, including the physical world. The measures taken to control the spread of the virus and the slowdown of economic activities have significant effects on the environment. Therefore, this study intends to explore the positive and negative environmental impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, by reviewing the available scientific literatures. ⋯ It seems that, economic activities will return soon after the pandemic, and the situation might change. Hence, this study also outlines possible ways to achieve long-term environmental benefits. It is expected that the proper implementation of the proposed strategies might be helpful for the global environmental sustainability.
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Female genital mutilation affects the social, psychological, spiritual and physical well-being of women. In Ethiopia, studies regarding the female genital mutilation were conducted in various settings and years. ⋯ The prevalence of Female Genital Mutilation is high. Therefore, interventions that are focused on health education, social support and advocacy are recommended.
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Spinal cord injury (SCI) frequently engenders chronic pain which may be classified as occurring above, at, or below the level of injury. Since patients with SCI may have a complex combination of nociceptive and neuropathic pain, pharmacological interventions often fail. Peripheral subcutaneous field stimulation (PSFS) is a novel neuromodulation surgery for pain in which subcutaneous electrodes designed for spinal cord stimulation are placed subcutaneously in a region of pain. ⋯ Chronic pain is a challenging and expensive sequela to manage in SCI patients and newer therapies are needed. Our case suggests that SCI at-level pain may respond durably to PSFS and provides the longest published follow-up on a case of PSFS. Peripheral subcutaneous field stimulation remains an investigational treatment for chronic pain syndrome and larger, long-term follow up studies are needed for the FDA and payers to approve this modality.
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Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a condition of neuropathic pain, which is characterized by significant autonomic and inflammatory features. CRPS occurs in patients who have limb surgery, limb fractures, or trauma. Many patients may have pain resolve within twelve months of the inciting incident; however, a small subset progresses to the chronic form. ⋯ Several peripheral and central mechanisms are involved, which might vary among individuals over a period of time. Other contributors include peripheral and central sensitization, autonomic alterations, inflammatory and immune changes, neurochemical changes, and psychological and genetic factors. Although effective management of the chronic CRPS form is often challenging, there are a few high quality randomized controlled trials that support the efficacy of the most commonly used therapeutic approaches.
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Whether the optimal treatment for tibial shaft fractures is suprapatellar intramedullary nailing or infrapatellar approach is controversial. ⋯ Suprapatellar intramedullary nailing reduced the incidence of knee pain and the average malalignment of fractures compared to infrapatellar intramedullary nailing. It also reduced the operation time and fluoroscopy time. The results of the study should be interpreted with caution due to the heterogeneity of the study designs.