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Frontiers in Psychology 2023Previous research suggests that altered experiences of agency are an underlying vulnerability in both schizophrenia and autism. Here, we explore agency as a potential...
INTRODUCTION
Previous research suggests that altered experiences of agency are an underlying vulnerability in both schizophrenia and autism. Here, we explore agency as a potential transdiagnostic factor by conducting a systematic review of existing literature investigating agency in autism and schizophrenia individually and together.
METHODS
Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we conducted three systematic searches on PsycINFO, Embase, Medline, PubMed and Web of Science to identify studies that investigated (1) agency in schizophrenia, (2) agency in autism, and (3) agency in both schizophrenia and autism.
RESULTS
A total of 31 articles met eligibility criteria for inclusion and data extraction, with 24 measuring agency in schizophrenia, 7 investigating agency in autism, and no articles comparing the two. Results show that, compared to control populations, agency is significantly different in every identified schizophrenia study and generally not significantly different in autism.
DISCUSSION
Importantly, we identified a lack of studies using common tasks and a disproportionate number of studies investigating different dimensions of agency across the two conditions, resulting in limited grounds for valid comparison.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
Prospero, CRD42021273373.
PubMed: 38187412
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1280622 -
Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery Aug 2022Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive disease. Although great progress has been made in its diagnosis and treatment in recent years, its mortality rate... (Review)
Review
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive disease. Although great progress has been made in its diagnosis and treatment in recent years, its mortality rate is still very significant. The pathophysiology and pathogenesis of PAH are complex and involve endothelial dysfunction, chronic inflammation, smooth muscle cell proliferation, pulmonary arteriole occlusion, antiapoptosis and pulmonary vascular remodeling. These factors will accelerate the progression of the disease, leading to poor prognosis. Therefore, accurate etiological diagnosis, treatment and prognosis judgment are particularly important. Here, we systematically review the pathophysiology, diagnosis, genetics, prognosis and treatment of PAH.
Topics: Animals; Cell Proliferation; Disease Models, Animal; Familial Primary Pulmonary Hypertension; Humans; Hypertension, Pulmonary; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular; Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension; Pulmonary Artery
PubMed: 36038916
DOI: 10.1186/s13019-022-01947-y -
International Journal of Pediatrics &... Sep 2021The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), with a predominant 'youth bulge' among its 54 million people, has witnessed an exponential increase in research pertinent to child... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), with a predominant 'youth bulge' among its 54 million people, has witnessed an exponential increase in research pertinent to child and adolescent mental health (CAMH). Aside from a few narrative reviews, to date, no critical appraisal examining the magnitude of CAMH has emerged from this region.
AIMS
This study aimed to report the prevalence rates of CAMH disorders in the GCC through a systematic review of the existing literature followed by a meta-analysis.
METHODS
A systematic review of the literature from the six GCC countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates) was conducted. The databases used included Scopus, ProQuest, Pubmed, and a final check was performed on Google Scholar to account for any remaining studies that may have still been under review. Meta analytic techniques were then used to estimate prevalence rates of each specific mental disorder, i.e. ADHD, depression, anxiety, stress, eating disorders, and tobacco use disorder.
RESULTS
A total of 33 studies from the six countries were included. The pooled prevalence of ADHD as per the Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Rating Scale , clinical judgments, (ADDES), and the (SDQ) was found to be 13.125%, 13.38%, 26.135%, and 12.83%, respectively. The pooled prevalence of depressive symptoms solicited by the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), (DASS), and Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview for Children and Adolescents (MINI Kid) was 44.684%, 45.09%, and 26.12%, respectively. The pooled prevalence of anxiety according to the DASS and the MINI Kid was 57.04% and 17.27%, respectively, while the pooled prevalence of stress as per the DASS was found to be 43.15%. The pooled prevalence of disordered eating solicited by the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) was 31.55%. Lastly, the pooled prevalence of tobacco use disorder per the Global Youth Tobacco Survey was 19.39%.
DISCUSSION
To date, this is the first systematic review and meta-analysis of its kind from the GCC. The prevalence rate of CAMH disorders appears to be in the upper range of international trends. The higher rates could be attributed to the existing studies using suboptimal methodological approaches and instruments to solicit the presence of CAMH.
PubMed: 34350324
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpam.2021.04.002 -
American Journal of Cardiovascular... Jan 2024Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive, cureless disease, characterized by increased pulmonary vascular resistance and remodeling, with subsequent... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive, cureless disease, characterized by increased pulmonary vascular resistance and remodeling, with subsequent ventricular dilatation and failure. New therapeutic targets are being investigated for their potential roles in improving PAH patients' symptoms and reversing pulmonary vascular pathology.
METHOD
We aimed to address the available knowledge from the published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) regarding the role of Rho-kinase (ROCK) inhibitors, bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) inhibitors, estrogen inhibitors, and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activators on the PAH evaluation parameters. This systematic review (SR) was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) database (CDR42022340658) and followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.
RESULTS
Overall, 5092 records were screened from different database and registries; 8 RCTs that met our inclusion criteria were included. The marked difference in the study designs and the variability of the selected outcome measurement tools among the studies made performing a meta-analysis impossible. However, the main findings of this SR relate to the powerful potential of the AMPK activator and the imminent antidiabetic drug metformin, and the BMP2 inhibitor sotatercept as promising PAH-modifying therapies. There is a need for long-term studies to evaluate the effect of the ROCK inhibitor fasudil and the estrogen aromatase inhibitor anastrozole in PAH patients. The role of tacrolimus in PAH is questionable. The discrepancy in the hemodynamic and clinical parameters necessitates defining cut values to predict improvement. The differences in the PAH etiologies render the judgment of the therapeutic potential of the tested drugs challenging.
CONCLUSION
Metformin and sotatercept appear as promising therapeutic drugs for PAH.
CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION
This work was registered in PROSPERO (CDR42022340658).
Topics: Humans; Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension; Hypertension, Pulmonary; AMP-Activated Protein Kinases; Familial Primary Pulmonary Hypertension; Estrogens; Metformin
PubMed: 37945977
DOI: 10.1007/s40256-023-00613-5 -
Drugs & Aging Oct 2023Managing hypertension in frail older patients is challenging. Several institutions and organizations have published up-to-date hypertension guidelines suggesting frailty...
BACKGROUND
Managing hypertension in frail older patients is challenging. Several institutions and organizations have published up-to-date hypertension guidelines suggesting frailty screening among older hypertensive patients, with new recommendations for blood pressure-lowering treatment among the frail population. However, the quality of current hypertension guidelines and the consistency of antihypertension treatment recommendations for frail older patients and their supporting evidence remain unknown.
OBJECTIVE
In this review, we aimed to systematically collect guidelines with antihypertension treatment recommendations for frail older patients, examine and compare these recommendations, and critically assess reporting and methodology quality of these guidelines.
METHODS
A literature search was conducted on two databases and three major websites of guideline development organizations. The AGREE instrument and RIGHT checklist were used to evaluate the methodology and reporting quality of the guidelines, respectively. The consistency of recommendations within the guidelines were compared using descriptive analysis.
RESULTS
We identified 13 hypertension guidelines. The overall methodology quality scores (range 23.35-79.07%) and reporting rates (range 10/35-29/35) varied among these guidelines. Four guidelines provided an explicit definition of frailty. Considering treatment tolerability or increased likelihood of adverse effects while using pharmacotherapy in frail older patients was mentioned in all guidelines. Ten guidelines recommended adjusting blood pressure targets or specific pharmacotherapy programs. Four guidelines recommended using clinical judgment when prescribing. However, the specific recommendations lacked clarity and unity without sufficient evidence.
CONCLUSIONS
There were considerable variations in methodology and reporting quality across the 13 included hypertension guidelines. Furthermore, the depth and breadth of antihypertension treatment recommendations for frail older patients were varied and inconsistent. Further trials exploring optimal treatment are urgently required to promote the development of specific guidelines for managing frail older hypertensive patients.
Topics: Aged; Humans; Blood Pressure; Databases, Factual; Frail Elderly; Frailty; Hypertension; Practice Guidelines as Topic
PubMed: 37594718
DOI: 10.1007/s40266-023-01053-1 -
Inflammopharmacology Oct 2023Melatonin is a neurohormone secreted predominantly by the pineal gland that is demonstrated to be associated with the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). This... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Melatonin is a neurohormone secreted predominantly by the pineal gland that is demonstrated to be associated with the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). This research desires to evaluate the tolerability and beneficial effects of exogenous melatonin supplementations in patients with MS.
METHODS
This study was executed following the PRISMA 2020 statement. Both observational and interventional studies which reported the clinical effectiveness and/or safety of melatonin supplementation in patients with MS were included in this systematic review. Ovid, PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched and the risk of bias in included studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tools based on study design.
RESULTS
Out of 1304 results of database searches, finally, 14 articles, including 7 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), 6 case-control studies, and one quasi-experimental study, were included based on the full-text review. Included phenotypes of MS were mostly relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) (in 11 studies); it was secondary progressive MS (SPMS) in only one study, and two other studies had a mixture of the different phenotypes. The course of treatment with melatonin supplementation was between 2 weeks and 12 months. There were no substantial safety issues. Although melatonin was associated with enhanced oxidative stress and inflammation status, concerning the clinical benefits, limited studies suggested improvements in sleep conditions, cognitive outcomes, and fatigue in MS.
DISCUSSION
There are insufficient data to support the regular melatonin prescription in MS. Limitations such as the small number of included studies, the diversity of the dosage, route, and duration of melatonin administration, and the diversity of assessment tests lead to unconvincing findings in this study. There is a need for future studies to achieve a comprehensive judgment on this subject.
Topics: Humans; Melatonin; Multiple Sclerosis; Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting; Treatment Outcome; Dietary Supplements
PubMed: 37429996
DOI: 10.1007/s10787-023-01271-4 -
The British Journal of Social Psychology Oct 2023The role of empathy in morality is a subject of ongoing scientific debate due to the lack of systematic reviews and meta-analyses on this topic. To address this gap, we... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
The role of empathy in morality is a subject of ongoing scientific debate due to the lack of systematic reviews and meta-analyses on this topic. To address this gap, we conducted a PRISMA-based systematic quantitative review to investigate the role of empathy in moral judgements, decision-making, and inclinations using trolley problems and variants, which are popular types of moral dilemmas that explore utilitarianism and deontology. We searched for articles in four databases (PsycINFO, Pubmed, WorldWideScience, and Scopus) and performed citation searches. Out of 661 records, we selected 34 that studied the associations between empathy and moral judgements, moral decision-making, and/or moral inclinations. Six meta-analyses and systematic reviews of these records consistently showed small to moderate associations between affective empathy and these moral parameters, particularly in personal moral dilemmas involving intentional harm (although some approaches highlighted more complex associations between these parameters). Regarding other empathy domains, most studies found limited or insignificant links between cognitive empathy domains and moral judgements, decision-making, and inclinations. We discuss the nuances and implications of these results.
Topics: Humans; Empathy; Decision Making; Judgment; Morals; Ethical Theory
PubMed: 37314211
DOI: 10.1111/bjso.12654 -
Cureus Sep 2023Artificial intelligence (AI) has been cited as being helpful in the diagnosis of diseases, the prediction of prognoses, and the development of patient-specific... (Review)
Review
Artificial intelligence (AI) has been cited as being helpful in the diagnosis of diseases, the prediction of prognoses, and the development of patient-specific therapeutic strategies. AI can help dentists, in particular, when they need to make important judgments quickly. It can eliminate human mistakes in making decisions, resulting in superior and consistent medical treatment while lowering the workload on dentists. The existing studies relevant to the study and application of AI in the diagnosis of various forms of mouth ulcers are reviewed in this work. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) standards were followed in the preparation of the review. There were no rule violations, with the significant exception of the use of a better search method that led to more accurate findings. Using search terms mainly such as AI, oral health, oral ulcers, oral herpes simplex, oral lichen planus, pemphigus vulgaris, recurrent aphthous ulcer (RAU), oral cancer, premalignant and malignant disorders, etc., a comprehensive search was carried out in the reliable sources of literature, namely PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, Ovid, Global Health, and PsycINFO. For all papers, exhaustive searches were done using inclusion criteria as well as exclusion criteria between June 28, 2018, and June 28, 2023. An AI framework for the automatic categorization of oral ulcers from oral clinical photographs was developed by the authors, and it performed satisfactorily. The newly designed AI model works better than the current convolutional neural network image categorization techniques and shows a fair level of precision in the classification of oral ulcers. However, despite being useful for identifying oral ulcers, the suggested technique needs a broader set of data for validation and training purposes before being used in clinical settings. Automated OCSCC identification using a deep learning-based technique is a quick, harmless, affordable, and practical approach to evaluating the effectiveness of cancer treatment. The categorization and identification of RAU lesions through the use of non-intrusive oral pictures using the previously developed ResNet50 and YOLOV algorithms demonstrated better accuracy as well as adequate potential for the future, which could be helpful in clinical practice. Moreover, the most reliable projections for the likelihood of the presence or absence of RAU were made by the optimized neural network. The authors also discovered variables associated with RAU that might be used as input information to build artificial neural networks that anticipate RAU.
PubMed: 37842407
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.45187 -
Journal of Speech, Language, and... Sep 2022Systematic review and meta-analysis are regarded as standard and valuable tools for providing an objective and reproducible synthesis of research findings in the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
PURPOSE
Systematic review and meta-analysis are regarded as standard and valuable tools for providing an objective and reproducible synthesis of research findings in the literature. Their increasing popularity has led to heightened expectations for comprehensiveness and rigor in conducting scientific reviews and analyses. The purpose of this tutorial is to provide an overview and guidance on how to address the key elements for conducting a high-quality systematic review with meta-analysis.
METHOD
This tutorial describes practical guidelines to conduct systematic review and meta-analysis for researchers who are interested in learning and applying the method. Drawing on previous meta-analytic reviews of second-language learning as illustrative examples, it discusses the methodological choices and judgment calls in each step of the review and analysis process. As a hands-on tutorial, it uses a published data set concerning the role of talker variability in speech training studies as a running example to elucidate the statistical process and interpret the results of meta-analysis with freely available R software.
RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS
This tutorial provides a walk-through of the methodological choices, controversial issues, and common practices in conducting systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The data set and R codes are offered as publicly accessible supplementary materials (https://osf.io/e9bkf/) for replication and practice, which we hope will motivate more applications in the speech, language, and hearing sciences field as well as behavioral and social sciences research in general.
Topics: Hand; Humans; Research Design; Software
PubMed: 36001816
DOI: 10.1044/2022_JSLHR-21-00607 -
The Journal of Sexual Medicine Aug 2014Many studies of lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth have demonstrated that individuals reporting a bisexual orientation have a particularly high risk of suicidal behavior... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Many studies of lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth have demonstrated that individuals reporting a bisexual orientation have a particularly high risk of suicidal behavior and substance abuse. It has been also suggested that bisexual individuals (both men and women) have higher rates of depression and anxiety compared with homosexual and heterosexual groups.
AIM
The aim of the present article was to determine whether or not an association between bisexuality and suicidal behavior exists and to analyze risk factors for suicidal behavior in bisexual individuals.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
The combined search strategies yielded a total of 339 records screened from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Knowledge. Duplicate articles, articles that were not in English, and those that did not analyze bisexuality separately from homosexuality were excluded. A quality assessment was performed for each study included.
METHODS
A careful systematic review of the literature was conducted investigating the potential bisexuality-suicidal behavior link. A total of 77 articles from peer-reviewed journals were considered, and the most relevant (N=19) were selected for this review.
RESULTS
Individuals reporting a bisexual orientation had an increased risk of suicide attempts and ideation compared with their homosexual and heterosexual peers. Risk factors included related victimization, peer judgments, and family rejection. Bisexual individuals also reported higher rates of mental illness and substance abuse.
CONCLUSIONS
Bisexual individuals may experience more psychological distress and mental health problems than individuals who identify with a homosexual or heterosexual orientation. Clinicians should consider the potential for suicidal behaviors in bisexual individuals and be alert for increased mental health problems and poor social integration.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Anxiety Disorders; Bisexuality; Crime Victims; Depressive Disorder; Female; Humans; Male; Risk Factors; Substance-Related Disorders; Suicidal Ideation; Suicide, Attempted
PubMed: 24839908
DOI: 10.1111/jsm.12581