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Nature Human Behaviour Jan 2023One of today's most controversial and consequential issues is whether the global uptake of digital media is causally related to a decline in democracy. We conducted a...
One of today's most controversial and consequential issues is whether the global uptake of digital media is causally related to a decline in democracy. We conducted a systematic review of causal and correlational evidence (N = 496 articles) on the link between digital media use and different political variables. Some associations, such as increasing political participation and information consumption, are likely to be beneficial for democracy and were often observed in autocracies and emerging democracies. Other associations, such as declining political trust, increasing populism and growing polarization, are likely to be detrimental to democracy and were more pronounced in established democracies. While the impact of digital media on political systems depends on the specific variable and system in question, several variables show clear directions of associations. The evidence calls for research efforts and vigilance by governments and civil societies to better understand, design and regulate the interplay of digital media and democracy.
Topics: Humans; Democracy; Politics; Internet; Government; Causality
PubMed: 36344657
DOI: 10.1038/s41562-022-01460-1 -
Training Periodization, Intensity Distribution, and Volume in Trained Cyclists: A Systematic Review.International Journal of Sports... Feb 2023A well-planned periodized approach endeavors to allow road cyclists to achieve peak performance when their most important competitions are held.
UNLABELLED
A well-planned periodized approach endeavors to allow road cyclists to achieve peak performance when their most important competitions are held.
PURPOSE
To identify the main characteristics of periodization models and physiological parameters of trained road cyclists as described by discernable training intensity distribution (TID), volume, and periodization models.
METHODS
The electronic databases Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science were searched using a comprehensive list of relevant terms. Studies that investigated the effect of the periodization of training in cyclists and described training load (volume, TID) and periodization details were included in the systematic review.
RESULTS
Seven studies met the inclusion criteria. Block periodization (characterized by employment of highly concentrated training workload phases) ranged between 1- and 8-week blocks of high-, medium-, or low-intensity training. Training volume ranged from 8.75 to 11.68 h·wk-1 and both pyramidal and polarized TID were used. Traditional periodization (characterized by a first period of high-volume/low-intensity training, before reducing volume and increasing the proportion of high-intensity training) was characterized by a cyclic progressive increase in training load, the training volume ranged from 7.5 to 10.76 h·wk-1, and pyramidal TID was used. Block periodization improved maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max), peak aerobic power, lactate, and ventilatory thresholds, while traditional periodization improved VO2max, peak aerobic power, and lactate thresholds. In addition, a day-by-day programming approach improved VO2max and ventilatory thresholds.
CONCLUSIONS
No evidence is currently available favoring a specific periodization model during 8 to 12 weeks in trained road cyclists. However, few studies have examined seasonal impact of different periodization models in a systematic way.
Topics: Humans; Athletic Performance; Oxygen Consumption; Oxygen; Lactic Acid; Bibliometrics
PubMed: 36640771
DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2022-0302 -
Journal of the European Academy of... Jul 2021Dermoscopy and trichoscopy are non-invasive methods used as auxiliary tools in diagnostics of different dermatoses. To date, no systematic review concerning the utility... (Review)
Review
Dermoscopy and trichoscopy are non-invasive methods used as auxiliary tools in diagnostics of different dermatoses. To date, no systematic review concerning the utility of dermoscopy and trichoscopy in the diagnostics of primary cutaneous lymphomas has been published. The aim of this study was to summarize the current state of knowledge on this topic based on systematic search of PubMed database and related references published before 8th of August 2020. Besides dermoscopic features, type of dermoscope, polarization mode, magnification, number of cases and histopathological correlation were analysed. A total of 34 records were included into the final analysis, evaluating 141 patients diagnosed with primary cutaneous T-cell lymphomas and 70 patients with primary cutaneous B-cell lymphomas. Most of the analysed records evaluated dermoscopic features (n = 206); trichoscopy was analysed in only 5 cases. Structures most commonly observed in classical mycosis fungoides (n = 108) were fine short linear vessels/linear vessels, spermatozoa-like vessels and orange-yellow patchy areas. In folliculotropic mycosis fungoides (n = 12), most frequently observed were comedonal lesions/comedo openings/central keratotic plugs and white halo around hair follicles/perifollicular accentuation. Primary cutaneous marginal zone B-cell lymphoma (n = 42) and primary cutaneous follicle centre lymphoma (n = 20) most commonly presented with salmon-coloured background and fine short/linear irregular/serpentine vessels. For other PCL, with less than 10 cases reported in the analysed records, details have been provided in the article. Most observations analysed in this systematic review rely on findings from case reports/case series (with the level of evidence V) and lack a control group. A few studies provided information concerning technical aspects of dermoscopic/trichoscopic examination. The role of dermoscopy/trichoscopy in diagnostics of cutaneous lymphomas requires further studies, especially in entities where dermoscopic features have been described in only single or a few cases. However, it seems that this practical, accessory tool in future may provide additional clues during clinical assessment.
Topics: Dermoscopy; Humans; Lymphoma, B-Cell; Lymphoma, T-Cell, Cutaneous; Male; Mycosis Fungoides; Skin Neoplasms
PubMed: 33710688
DOI: 10.1111/jdv.17219 -
Journal of Personality Assessment 2022During the last decade, intellectual humility has gone from a topic of philosophical inquiry to one of serious scientific investigation. It has been variously described... (Review)
Review
During the last decade, intellectual humility has gone from a topic of philosophical inquiry to one of serious scientific investigation. It has been variously described as a remedy for political polarization, a tool for advancing scientific credibility, and a disposition that promotes learning. However, less attention has been paid to how intellectual humility has been defined and measured or how well psychologists' definitions and measures align with one another or with philosophers' accounts. Through a systematic review of empirical intellectual humility research, we identified 18 separate definitions and 20 measures including16 unique questionnaires. We then synthesized this research to advance a new framework of intellectual humility. Implications of this framework for measurement and future research on intellectual humility are discussed.
Topics: Humans; Personality; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 34569872
DOI: 10.1080/00223891.2021.1975725 -
Clinical and Experimental Dental... Jun 2023Macrophages are among the first cells to interact with the dental implant surface and are critical regulators for controlling the immune response toward biomaterials.... (Review)
Review
A systematic review comparing the macrophage inflammatory response to hydrophobic and hydrophilic sandblasted large grit, acid-etched titanium or titanium-zirconium surfaces during in vitro studies.
OBJECTIVES
Macrophages are among the first cells to interact with the dental implant surface and are critical regulators for controlling the immune response toward biomaterials. Macrophages can polarize between two main phenotypes: proinflammatory M1 macrophages and anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages. This systematic review aims to determine if a differing macrophage inflammatory response exists on hydrophilic sandblasted large grit, acid-etched (SLActive) surfaces compared to sandblasted large grit, acid-etched (SLA) titanium or titanium-zirconium surfaces during in vitro studies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic search of three electronic databases, Medline, DOSS (Dentistry and Oral Sciences Source), and WoS (Web of Science), was performed. Only in vitro studies were included in this systematic review. The electronic search was supplemented with a search of the references. Genetic expression and production of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory proteins were assessed. The synthesis of quantitative data was completed by narrative synthesis.
RESULTS
A total of 906 studies were found with the systematic search. Eight studies remained after the application of inclusion and exclusion criteria. Six studies used murine macrophages, while two used human macrophages. Discs were used in six studies, while dental implants were used in the remaining two studies. Genetic expression and cytokine production of proinflammatory cytokines on SLActive surfaces were reduced compared to SLA. Anti-inflammatory genetic expression and cytokine production was increased on SLActive surfaces. The overall quality of the included studies was low to moderate.
CONCLUSIONS
SLActive surfaces modulate macrophages to reduce proinflammatory and increase anti-inflammatory gene expression and cytokine production compared to SLA surfaces. The in vitro nature of the included studies does not replicate the in vivo healing cascade. Further in vivo studies are required to assess the macrophage response toward SLActive implant surfaces compared to SLA surfaces.
Topics: Mice; Humans; Animals; Dental Implants; Titanium; Zirconium; Surface Properties; Macrophages; Cytokines; Anti-Inflammatory Agents
PubMed: 36991526
DOI: 10.1002/cre2.730 -
Biomedicines Jan 2023Accumulating evidence considers psoriasis a systemic inflammatory disorder that is associated with comorbidities such as psoriatic arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and... (Review)
Review
Accumulating evidence considers psoriasis a systemic inflammatory disorder that is associated with comorbidities such as psoriatic arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic syndrome. Although the precise pathogenetic links between psoriasis and atherosclerosis warrants further investigation, it is believed that chronic systemic inflammation along with the T helper (Th)-1 and Th17 polarization are associated with endothelial dysfunction and subsequent acceleration of atherosclerosis. Considering the above, several studies have evaluated if optimal control of the inflammation in psoriasis by inhibiting interleukins targeting the Interleukin (IL)-23/Th17 axis could subsequently reduce the atherosclerotic process during anti-psoriatic treatment by using a variety of surrogate markers of subclinical atherosclerosis. This systematic review summarizes current knowledge on the pathogenetic mechanisms and diagnostic evaluation of atherosclerosis in the context of psoriasis and provides a systematic review of the literature on the impact of treatment with biologics targeting the IL-23/Th17 axis on subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with plaque psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis.
PubMed: 36830855
DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020318 -
Disaster Medicine and Public Health... May 2023To assess gaps and barriers to effective health communication during epidemics, pandemics, and mass health emergencies. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To assess gaps and barriers to effective health communication during epidemics, pandemics, and mass health emergencies.
METHODS
A systematic literature review was conducted in PubMed (National Library of Medicine, Maryland, USA), SCOPUS (Elsevier, Amsterdam, Netherlands), Cochrane (Cochrane, London, UK), and grey literature between 2000 to 2020.
RESULTS
16043 of 16535 identified citations were eliminated through title/ abstracts screening, 437 through full-text review and 55 articles were assessed qualitatively. Key barriers to effective health communication included misinformation, distrust, limited collaboration, and messaging inconsistency. Lack of information/ research was not the primary challenge. Major gaps were in mass and social media strategies, characteristics of messages, sociocultural contexts, digital communication, rapid response, providers' attitude and perception, and information source characteristics. Health messaging should be adaptable to information outlets and tailored for the most vulnerable. Denigration of individuals with inaccurate beliefs increases misinformation and baseline knowledge differences and fears should be addressed without polarization. Involving frontline providers in health communication strategies is crucial.
CONCLUSIONS
Primary reason for misinformation is the failure of health sector to convincingly convey accurate information. With input from all stakeholders, especially trusted members of communities and providers, health communication should include reinvestment in methods, multidimensional and multidisciplinary approaches, consistent frameworks, improved social media usage, clear, simple, and targeted messaging, and addressing systematic disinformation and misinformation with intention.
Topics: Humans; Public Health; Pandemics; Health Communication; Delivery of Health Care; Communication; Text Messaging; Social Media
PubMed: 37202845
DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2023.61 -
Journal of the European Academy of... Oct 2022Besides classic applications, dermoscopy has gained significant appreciation also for non-tumoral dermatoses (general dermatology). In this field, skin parasitoses... (Review)
Review
Besides classic applications, dermoscopy has gained significant appreciation also for non-tumoral dermatoses (general dermatology). In this field, skin parasitoses (infestations), bites and stings have been reported among the conditions that may benefit most from dermoscopic examination. However, published data on this topic are sparse and often lack a standardized analytical approach. In this systematic review of the literature, we sought to summarize available data on dermoscopy of cutaneous parasitoses, bites and stings, analysing dermoscopic features and used setting (polarization or not/magnification), pathological correlation and level of evidence of published studies as well as trying to align dermoscopic terminology of reported findings following a standardized methodology. A total of 150 publications addressing 29 different dermatoses and reporting 96 different dermoscopic findings were included in the analysis. Most of them displayed a level of evidence of V (113 single case reports and 36 case series), with only one study featuring a level of evidence of IV (case-control study). Additionally, our analysis also displayed poor uniformity in the terminology used in published articles (even for the same dermatosis). Therefore, albeit promising, dermoscopy of cutaneous parasitoses, bites and stings needs future systematized studies for a better characterization.
Topics: Bites and Stings; Case-Control Studies; Dermoscopy; Humans; Skin Diseases, Parasitic
PubMed: 35735046
DOI: 10.1111/jdv.18352 -
Biomedicines Dec 2022Producing tremendous amounts of stress and financial burden on the global patient population and healthcare systems around the world, most current modalities of... (Review)
Review
Producing tremendous amounts of stress and financial burden on the global patient population and healthcare systems around the world, most current modalities of treatment for musculoskeletal ailments often do not address the etiopathogenetic causes of these disorders. Regenerative medicine for musculoskeletal disorders relies on orthobiologics derived from either allogenic or autologous sources. Multiple drawbacks are associated with autologous sources, including donor-site morbidity, a dearth of studies, and variability in both patient reported and clinical/functional outcomes. On the other hand, allogenic sources address several of these concerns, and continue to be a suitable source of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). This review qualitatively reports both the preclinical and clinical outcomes of publications studying the applications of umbilical cord (-derived Wharton's jelly), amniotic suspension allograft, amniotic membrane, and amniotic fluid in musculoskeletal medicine. A systematic review was conducted utilizing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines on studies published between January 2010 and October 2022 that used allogeneic perinatal tissues. Further randomized controlled clinical studies are necessary to properly evaluate the safety and efficacy of these tissues in orthopedic surgery.
PubMed: 36551929
DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10123173 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2022Lung cancer is a disease with remarkable heterogeneity. A deep understanding of the tumor microenvironment (TME) offers potential therapeutic strategies against this... (Review)
Review
Lung cancer is a disease with remarkable heterogeneity. A deep understanding of the tumor microenvironment (TME) offers potential therapeutic strategies against this malignant disease. More and more attention has been paid to the roles of macrophages in the TME. This article briefly summarizes the origin of macrophages, the mutual regulation between anti-tumoral immunity and pro-tumoral statuses derived from macrophage polarization, and the therapeutic opportunities targeting alternately activated macrophages (AAM)-type macrophage polarization. Among them, cellular components including T cells, as well as acellular components represented by IL-4 and IL-13 are key regulators driving the polarization of AAM macrophages. Novel treatments targeting macrophage-associated mechanisms are mainly divided into small molecule inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, and other therapies to re-acclimate AMM macrophages. Finally, we paid special attention to an immunosuppressive subgroup of macrophages with T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-3 (TIM-3) expression. Based on cellular interactions with cancer cells, TIM3+ macrophages facilitate the proliferation and progression of cancer cells, yet this process exposes targets blocking the ligand-receptor recognition. To sum up, this is a systematic review on the mechanism of tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) polarization, therapeutic strategies and the biological functions of Tim-3 positive macrophages that aims to provide new insights into the pathogenesis and treatment of lung cancer.
Topics: Humans; Hepatitis A Virus Cellular Receptor 2; Lung Neoplasms; Macrophages; Tumor Microenvironment; Tumor-Associated Macrophages
PubMed: 36439090
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1007812