COPD is uniquely situated as a chronic disease at the beginning of the 21st century; it is not only an established major cause of mortality and morbidity but is increasing in prevalence despite current medical interventions. In addition COPD is not a stable disease but its natural history is punctuated by periods of acute deterioration or exacerbations. Exacerbations generate considerable addit...

The global burden of stroke is substantial with world-wide estimates suggesting the incidence of first ever strokes increased from 16 million in 2005 to 23 million in 2013 [1]. It is expected that more than 25% (7.8 million) of those suffering a stroke in 2030 will also experience a stroke-related death [1]. Incidence and outcomes data suggest there are significant discrepancies in incidence an...

Vitamin D inadequacy is pandemic among rehabilitation patients in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Male and female patients of all ages and ethnic backgrounds are affected. Vitamin D deficiency causes osteopenia, precipitates and exacerbates osteoporosis, causes the painful bone disease osteomalacia, and worsens proximal muscle strength and postural sway. Vitamin D inadequacy can be prev...

Osteoporotic fractures have become one of the most prevalent trauma conditions seen daily in clinical practice [1]. They are also known as ‘fragi lity fractures’ and they are defined as those occurring after a low-energy trauma, traditionally interpreted as a fall from a standing height or less [2]. Contributing factors are the susceptibility to falls and underlying osteoporosis, which is chara...

Until recently, the posterolateral corner of the knee was noted both for its complex anatomy and diagnostic challenges. To improve the understanding of the posterolateral knee, we completed a comprehensive and stepwise research program with a focus on five primary areas: (1) surgical approach and relevant anatomy; (2) diagnosis; (3) clinically relevant biomechanics; (4) natural history; and (5)...

OBJECTIVE Nonadherence in diabetes is a problem leading to wasted resources and preventable deaths each year. Remedies for diminishing nonadherence are many but marginally effective, and outcomes remain suboptimal. AIM The aim of this study was to test a new iOS "app", PatientPartner. Derived from complexity theory, this novel technology has been extensively used in other fields; this is the ...

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Asthma is the most common chronic disease of childhood. Treatment adherence by adolescents is often poor, and their outcomes are worse than those of younger patients. We conducted a quality improvement initiative to improve asthma control and outcomes for high-risk adolescents treated in a primary care setting. METHODS Interventions were guided by the Chronic Care Mod...

objectives: goal-directed subsidies because of its nature can affect all aspects of iranian life. this scheme is not only an economic program but also affects other aspects of social life including: welfare and economic situation of society, labor market, income, expenditure and consumption pattern models of family and social problems such as poverty and inequality, drug abuse, family problem, ...