British medical bulletin
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British medical bulletin · Mar 2015
ReviewStrengthening routine immunization systems to improve global vaccination coverage.
Global coverage with the third dose of diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine among children under 1 year of age stagnated at ∼ 83-84% during 2008-13. ⋯ Immunization programmes should identify, monitor and evaluate gaps and interventions within the GVAP framework.
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British medical bulletin · Mar 2015
ReviewPharmacological interventions for the treatment of Achilles tendinopathy: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.
Several pharmacological interventions have been proposed for the management of Achilles tendinopathy, with no agreement on which is the overall best option available. This systematic review investigates the efficacy and safety of different local pharmacological treatments for Achilles tendinopathy. ⋯ There is a need for more long-term investigations, studying large enough cohort with standardized scores and evaluations shared by all the investigations to confirm the healing potential, and provide a stronger statistical comparison of the available treatments.
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British medical bulletin · Mar 2015
ReviewTuberculous meningitis: advances in diagnosis and treatment.
Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is the most severe form of infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, causing death or disability in more than half of those affected. The aim of this review is to examine recent advances in our understanding of TBM, focussing on the diagnosis and treatment of this devastating condition. ⋯ The use of biomarkers to improve the rapid diagnosis of TBM warrants further investigation. The role of novel antituberculosis drugs, such as bedaquiline and PA-824, in the treatment of TBM remains to be explored. Human genetic polymorphisms may explain the heterogeneity of response to anti-inflammatory therapies and could potentially be used to tailor therapy.
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British medical bulletin · Jan 2015
ReviewClinical trial transparency: many gains but access to evidence for new medicines remains imperfect.
Although selective and incomplete publication is widely acknowledged to be a problem, full access to clinical trial data remains illusive. ⋯ Documenting the effects of prospective trial registration and requirements for proactive clinical trial publication on healthcare decisions, public health and rational resource allocation.
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British medical bulletin · Jan 2015
ReviewThe development of urban community health centres for strengthening primary care in China: a systematic literature review.
This review outlines the development of China's primary care system, with implications for improving equitable health care. ⋯ Future prospective studies should aim to provide solutions for strengthening the leading role of CHCs in providing equitable care in response to population ageing and multimorbidity challenges.