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F1000Research 2022. Bruxism is a topic of much controversy and is continually debated in the field of dentistry due to the multifaceted clinical relationship that results in painful...
. Bruxism is a topic of much controversy and is continually debated in the field of dentistry due to the multifaceted clinical relationship that results in painful conditions and consequences to patients. The aim of this review was to determine the effectiveness of a smartphones app in monitoring awake bruxism. PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42021271190). The eligibility criteria were as followed: observational studies, case-control studies, studies that reported odds ratios, and studies on awake bruxism. The following keywords were searched: [smartphones apps] AND [apps] AND [awake bruxism], OR [sleep bruxism], OR [sleep hygiene], OR [parasomnias], AND [habits]. . All the included studies found that the use of the smartphone app allows controlled awake bruxism monitoring. The results also show that the slepp bruxism and awake bruxism are interactive, having negative synergism and substantially increasing the risks of temporomandibular joint pain and temporomandibular disorders. . In the awake bruxims it was possible to identify 70% symptoms through the different frequencies of behavior provided by the App, within the present technological tools have become daily in young and adult population. The app is effective and easy to use by patients, effectively limiting biases the time of evaluation.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Mobile Applications; Wakefulness; Sleep Bruxism; Temporomandibular Joint Disorders; Habits
PubMed: 36606116
DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.110673.2 -
Neurosurgical Review Dec 2022Augmented and virtual reality (AR, VR) are becoming promising tools in neurosurgery. AR and VR can reduce challenges associated with conventional approaches via the... (Review)
Review
Augmented and virtual reality (AR, VR) are becoming promising tools in neurosurgery. AR and VR can reduce challenges associated with conventional approaches via the simulation and mimicry of specific environments of choice for surgeons. Awake craniotomy (AC) enables the resection of lesions from eloquent brain areas while monitoring higher cortical and subcortical functions. Evidence suggests that both surgeons and patients benefit from the various applications of AR and VR in AC. This paper investigates the application of AR and VR in AC and assesses its prospective utility in neurosurgery. A systematic review of the literature was performed using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Our search results yielded 220 articles. A total of six articles consisting of 118 patients have been included in this review. VR was used in four papers, and the other two used AR. Tumour was the most common pathology in 108 patients, followed by vascular lesions in eight patients. VR was used for intraoperative mapping of language, vision, and social cognition, while AR was incorporated in preoperative training of white matter dissection and intraoperative visualisation and navigation. Overall, patients and surgeons were satisfied with the applications of AR and VR in their cases. AR and VR can be safely incorporated during AC to supplement, augment, or even replace conventional approaches in neurosurgery. Future investigations are required to assess the feasibility of AR and VR in various phases of AC.
Topics: Humans; Wakefulness; Augmented Reality; Virtual Reality; Craniotomy; Neurosurgical Procedures
PubMed: 36529827
DOI: 10.1007/s10143-022-01929-7 -
Sexual Medicine Apr 2023Endometriosis can lead to a state of chronic inflammation marked by the presence of scarring and adhesions within the pelvis and/or other parts of the body. Recent... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Endometriosis can lead to a state of chronic inflammation marked by the presence of scarring and adhesions within the pelvis and/or other parts of the body. Recent estimates suggest that globally this condition affects approximately 10% of women in the reproductive age group.
AIMS
In this study we sought updated evidence on the association between endometriosis and sexual function in female patients.
METHODS
We used standard assessment tools to conduct a systematic search of the PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus databases for observational studies that documented the association of endometriosis with female sexual function. A random-effects model was used for the analysis, and effect sizes were reported as the weighted mean difference (WMD) or OR with 95% CIs.
RESULTS
A total of 13 studies were selected for inclusion in our investigation. All of the included studies were cross-sectional in design. The data on sexual function in most of the studies were collected by using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) tool, for which higher scores suggest better sexual function. The risk of sexual dysfunction (based on specific cutoffs for the FSFI score) was higher in women with than in women without endometriosis (OR 1.71; 95% CI, 1.21-2.43). In addition, when we used continuous scores to examine the risk of sexual dysfunction, diagnosis of endometriosis was associated with significantly lower overall FSFI scores (WMD, -3.40; 95% CI, -5.13 to -1.66) and lower scores on all of its 6 domains, ie, desire (WMD, -0.27; 95% CI, -0.53 to -0.02), arousal (WMD, -0.43; 95% CI, -0.79 to -0.07), lubrication (WMD, -0.49; 95% CI, -0.66 to -0.31), orgasm (WMD, -0.65; 95% CI, -1.07 to -0.23), satisfaction (WMD, -0.52; 95% CI, -0.77 to -0.26), and pain (WMD, -1.06; 95% CI, -1.57 to -0.55).
CONCLUSION
The findings of this study suggest that female patients with endometriosis have suboptimal sexual function compared with healthy female subjects. Patients with endometriosis should be offered sexual counseling and supportive care by a multidisciplinary team of gynecologists, psychologists, and sexual therapists.
PubMed: 37256217
DOI: 10.1093/sexmed/qfad026 -
PloS One 2016Awake craniotomy (AC) renders an expanded role in functional neurosurgery. Yet, evidence for optimal anaesthesia management remains limited. We aimed to summarise the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Awake craniotomy (AC) renders an expanded role in functional neurosurgery. Yet, evidence for optimal anaesthesia management remains limited. We aimed to summarise the latest clinical evidence of AC anaesthesia management and explore the relationship of AC failures on the used anaesthesia techniques.
METHODS
Two authors performed independently a systematic search of English articles in PubMed and EMBASE database 1/2007-12/2015. Search included randomised controlled trials (RCTs), observational trials, and case reports (n>4 cases), which reported anaesthetic approach for AC and at least one of our pre-specified outcomes: intraoperative seizures, hypoxia, arterial hypertension, nausea and vomiting, neurological dysfunction, conversion into general anaesthesia and failure of AC. Random effects meta-analysis was used to estimate event rates for four outcomes. Relationship with anaesthesia technique was explored using logistic meta-regression, calculating the odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals [95%CI].
RESULTS
We have included forty-seven studies. Eighteen reported asleep-awake-asleep technique (SAS), twenty-seven monitored anaesthesia care (MAC), one reported both and one used the awake-awake-awake technique (AAA). Proportions of AC failures, intraoperative seizures, new neurological dysfunction and conversion into general anaesthesia (GA) were 2% [95%CI:1-3], 8% [95%CI:6-11], 17% [95%CI:12-23] and 2% [95%CI:2-3], respectively. Meta-regression of SAS and MAC technique did not reveal any relevant differences between outcomes explained by the technique, except for conversion into GA. Estimated OR comparing SAS to MAC for AC failures was 0.98 [95%CI:0.36-2.69], 1.01 [95%CI:0.52-1.88] for seizures, 1.66 [95%CI:1.35-3.70] for new neurological dysfunction and 2.17 [95%CI:1.22-3.85] for conversion into GA. The latter result has to be interpreted cautiously. It is based on one retrospective high-risk of bias study and significance was abolished in a sensitivity analysis of only prospectively conducted studies.
CONCLUSION
SAS and MAC techniques were feasible and safe, whereas data for AAA technique are limited. Large RCTs are required to prove superiority of one anaesthetic regime for AC.
Topics: Anesthesia; Craniotomy; Female; Humans; Male; Wakefulness
PubMed: 27228013
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0156448 -
Life (Basel, Switzerland) Mar 2021Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a complex disorder involving dysregulation of stress-related hormones and neurotransmitter systems. Research focused on the... (Review)
Review
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a complex disorder involving dysregulation of stress-related hormones and neurotransmitter systems. Research focused on the endocannabinoid system (eCBS) for anxiety and stress regulation, cognitive and emotional responses modulation and aversive memories extinction, leading to the hypothesis that it could represent a possible alternative treatment target for PTSD. In this systematic review, we summarize evidence about the efficacy and safety of medicinal cannabidiol (CBD), Δ-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ-THC), and nabilone in PTSD treatment. The PRISMA statement guidelines were followed. A systematic literature search was conducted in MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science by two independent researchers, who also performed data extraction and quality assessment. Among the initial 495 papers, 234 were screened for eligibility and 10 were included. Studies suggested that different medicinal cannabinoids at distinct doses and formulations could represent promising treatment strategies for the improvement of overall PTSD symptomatology as well as specific symptom domains (e.g., sleep disorders, arousal disturbances, suicidal thoughts), also influencing quality of life, pain and social impact. Although there is a robust rationale for treatment with drugs that target the eCBS and the results are promising, further studies are needed to investigate the safety and efficacy profile of their prolonged use.
PubMed: 33803374
DOI: 10.3390/life11030214 -
Nutrients Dec 2023In recent years, orthodontics, a specialized branch of dentistry, has evolved considerably in terms of both techniques and materials used. Aimed at correcting dental... (Review)
Review
In recent years, orthodontics, a specialized branch of dentistry, has evolved considerably in terms of both techniques and materials used. Aimed at correcting dental malocclusions and craniofacial anomalies, it improves the functionality and aesthetics of the face and oral cavity. However, orthodontic treatment, in its developmental stages, may induce oxidative stress (O.S.) phenomena, with an increase in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), damaging the dental and periodontal tissues involved, affecting the short-, medium- and long-term results. Studies on the antioxidant effects of natural products (e.g., resveratrol, green tea, turmeric, etc.) in the medical field have aroused considerable interest in recent years. A systematic literature review was conducted on the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases using natural products (N.P.s), O.S., and orthodontic as keywords. The study aims to consider the determinants of the increase in ROS occurring during orthodontic treatment and the possibility of natural products being able to control and neutralize biochemical phenomena by restoring the physiological process in which the balance between the production of ROS and the ability of the body's antioxidant system to neutralize them is in favor of the latter.
Topics: Reactive Oxygen Species; Biological Products; Oxidative Stress; Antioxidants; Curcuma
PubMed: 38201943
DOI: 10.3390/nu16010113 -
Journal of Oncology 2021High levels of self-efficacy (SE) in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients and/or caregivers enable patients to cope with cancer, reduce caregiver burden, and promote quality... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
High levels of self-efficacy (SE) in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients and/or caregivers enable patients to cope with cancer, reduce caregiver burden, and promote quality of life (QOL) in patients and caregivers alike. This review aims to (a) identify the SE theory sources covered by SE interventions or interventions, including targeting improved SE for CRC patients and/or caregivers, to guide future development of SE interventions; and (b) explore intervention effects based on SE theory through meta-analysis.
METHODS
Using five electronic databases-CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Embase, PsycINFO, and PubMed-a systematic search was performed in April 2021 to identify English or Chinese literature that studied improving SE interventions for CRC patients and/or caregivers. Manual screening of the articles' references list was also performed.
RESULTS
A total of 18 studies were found to be suitable and included in this review. Of the 18 studies that were included, 10 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) studies with 917 participants were eligible for meta-analysis. Interventions provide support for SE drawing on different sources of information. Performance accomplishment (PA) is the key source, with vicarious experience (VE) and verbal persuasion (VP) assisting in improving PA. Reducing negative emotional arousal (NEA) and improving positive emotional arousal (PEA) are also indispensable factors in improving SE. The meta-analysis results show that interventions based on the SE theory can bring about positive effects for CRC patients and/or caregivers.
CONCLUSIONS
Different sources of information aimed at improving SE, covered by the interventions, including PA, VE, VP, NEA, and PEA, have been explored. Positive intervention outcomes that focused on improving SE for CRC patients and/or caregivers were identified and highlighted. For future SE interventions, we advocate choosing combination sources of SE information to design interventions. It is recommended that future SE improvement interventions should focus on improving PA, supplemented by increasing VE, while reducing NEA and providing useful VP.
PubMed: 34707659
DOI: 10.1155/2021/4553613 -
The Journal of Sexual Medicine Aug 2021Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with sexual difficulties but the nuances of this relationship remain elusive. Research has increased in recent years,... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with sexual difficulties but the nuances of this relationship remain elusive. Research has increased in recent years, most notably following publication of several reviews in 2015.
AIM
This systematic review examines the relationship between PTSD and sexual difficulties in veterans/military personnel.
METHODS
A systematic review was conducted using PRISMA guidelines in PsycINFO and PubMed databases for studies examining a diagnosis of PTSD or PTSD severity in relation to a range of sexual difficulties. Forty-three studies were identified that met inclusion and exclusion criteria for this review.
RESULTS
PTSD was associated with increased risk of experiencing at least one sexual difficulty. PTSD was most clearly associated with overall sexual function, sexual desire, sexual satisfaction, and sexual distress. Results were mixed for sexual arousal, orgasm function, erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, sexual pain, and frequency of sexual activity. PTSD symptom clusters of avoidance and negative alterations in cognition/mood were most commonly associated sexual difficulties. Few studies compared results by gender and trauma type.
CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS
Clinicians should inquire about sexual health in relation to PTSD symptoms and target avoidance and negative mood symptoms by incorporating sexual exposure assignments and sexual activation exercises when appropriate.
STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS
This systematic review synthesizes an extensive literature that has grown substantially in the past 5 years and includes studies with low to moderate risk of bias. Limitations of the existing literature include challenges differentiating between PTSD and depression, inconsistent measurement of PTSD and trauma histories, inconsistent operationalization and measurement of sexual outcomes, and largely cross-sectional study designs.
CONCLUSION
PTSD is linked to a range of sexual outcomes. The current literature suggests that PTSD is associated with sexual difficulties related to both the sexual response cycle (ie, sexual desire) and one's emotional relationship to sexual activity (eg, sexual distress). More research is needed to increase confidence in findings. Bird ER, Piccirillo M, Garcia N, et al. Relationship Between Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Sexual Difficulties: A Systematic Review of Veterans and Military Personnel. J Sex Med 2021;18:1398-1426.
Topics: Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Male; Military Personnel; Sexual Behavior; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; Veterans
PubMed: 34257051
DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2021.05.011 -
JAMA Psychiatry Mar 2023Abnormal sleep is frequent in psychosis; however, sleep abnormalities in different stages (ie, clinical high risk for psychosis [CHR-P], early psychosis [EP], and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
IMPORTANCE
Abnormal sleep is frequent in psychosis; however, sleep abnormalities in different stages (ie, clinical high risk for psychosis [CHR-P], early psychosis [EP], and chronic psychosis [CP]) have not been characterized.
OBJECTIVE
To identify sleep abnormalities across psychosis stages.
DATA SOURCES
Web of Science and PubMed were searched between inception and June 15, 2022. Studies written in English were included.
STUDY SELECTION
Sleep disturbance prevalence studies and case-control studies reporting sleep quality, sleep architecture, or sleep electroencephalography oscillations in CHR-P, EP, or CP.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
This systematic review and meta-analysis followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) reporting guideline. Stage-specific and pooled random-effects meta-analyses were conducted, along with the assessment of heterogeneity, study quality, and meta-regressions (clinical stage, sex, age, medication status, and psychotic symptoms).
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
Sleep disturbance prevalence, self-reported sleep quality, sleep architecture (total sleep time, sleep latency, sleep efficiency, nonrapid eye movement, rapid eye movement stages, and number of arousals), and sleep electroencephalography oscillations (spindle density, amplitude, and duration, and slow wave density).
RESULTS
Fifty-nine studies with up to 6710 patients (n = 5135 for prevalence) and 977 controls were included. Sleep disturbance prevalence in pooled cases was 50% (95% CI, 40%-61%) and it was similar in each psychosis stage. Sleep quality was worse in pooled cases vs controls (standardized mean difference [SMD], 1.00 [95% CI, 0.70-1.30]). Sleep architecture alterations included higher sleep onset latency (SMD [95% CI]: pooled cases, 0.96 [0.62-1.30]; EP, 0.72 [0.52-0.92]; CP, 1.36 [0.66-2.05]), higher wake after sleep onset (SMD [95% CI]: pooled cases, 0.5 [0.29-0.71]; EP, 0.62 [0.34-0.89]; CP, 0.51 [0.09-0.93]), higher number of arousals (SMD [95% CI]: pooled cases, 0.45 [0.07-0.83]; CP, 0.81 [0.30-1.32]), higher stage 1 sleep (SMD [95% CI]: pooled cases, 0.23 [0.06-0.40]; EP, 0.34 [0.15-0.53]), lower sleep efficiency (SMD [95% CI]: pooled cases, -0.75 [-0.98 to -0.52]; EP, -0.90 [-1.20 to -0.60]; CP, -0.73 [-1.14 to -0.33]), and lower rapid eye movement density (SMD [95% CI]: pooled cases, 0.37 [0.14-0.60]; CP, 0.4 [0.19-0.77]). Spindle parameter deficits included density (SMD [95% CI]: pooled cases, -1.06 [-1.50 to -0.63]; EP, -0.80 [-1.22 to -0.39]; CP, -1.39 [-2.05 to -0.74]; amplitude: pooled cases, -1.08 [-1.33 to -0.82]; EP, -0.86 [-1.24 to -0.47]; CP, -1.25 [-1.58 to -0.91]; and duration: pooled cases: -1.2 [-1.69 to -0.73]; EP, -0.71 [-1.08 to -0.34]; CP, -1.74 [-2.10 to -1.38]). Individuals with CP had more frequent arousals vs CHR-P (z = 2.24, P = .02) and reduced spindle duration vs EP (z = -3.91, P < .001).
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
In this systematic review and meta-analysis, sleep disturbances were found to be prevalent throughout the course of psychosis, and different psychosis stages showed both shared and distinct abnormalities in sleep quality, architecture, and spindles. These findings suggest that sleep should become a core clinical target and research domain from at-risk to early and chronic stages of psychosis.
Topics: Humans; Psychotic Disorders; Sleep; Sleep Wake Disorders; Case-Control Studies
PubMed: 36652243
DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2022.4599 -
Psychology Research and Behavior... 2019The aims of this study were to assess the effectiveness of self-efficacy-focused education on health outcomes in persons with diabetes and review the strategies employed... (Review)
Review
AIMS
The aims of this study were to assess the effectiveness of self-efficacy-focused education on health outcomes in persons with diabetes and review the strategies employed in the interventions.
BACKGROUND
The traditional educational interventions for persons with diabetes were insufficient to achieve the desired outcomes. Self-efficacy-focused education has been used to regulate the blood sugar level, behaviors, and psychosocial indicators for persons with diabetes.
DESIGN
This study is a systematic review and meta-analysis.
METHODS
Studies on the effectiveness of self-efficacy-focused education in persons with diabetes were searched in six databases from inception until January 2018. The data were extracted and the quality of literature was assessed independently. Review Manager 5.3 was applied for the meta-analysis. Besides, the findings were summarized for narrative synthesis.
RESULTS
Sixteen trials with 1,745 participants were included in the systematic review and ten trails with 1,308 participants in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis for A1C, self-efficacy, self-management behaviors, knowledge, and quality of life (QOL) were represented in four, six, six, three, and three studies, respectively. The findings indicated that self-efficacy-focused education would probably reduce A1C, enhance self-efficacy, regulate self-management behaviors, increase knowledge, and improve the QOL for patients with diabetes. Weak quality studies, limited participants, and heterogeneity hindered the results pooled of the other secondary outcomes of fasting blood glucose, 2-hour plasma glucose, weight, weight circumference, body mass index, plasma lipid profile, and other psychological indicators. Goal setting, self-management skills practicing and recording, peer models, demonstration, persuasion by health providers, and positive feedback were the most commonly used strategies in the interventions. However, physiological/emotion arousal strategies were relatively less applied and varied significantly.
CONCLUSION
Individuals with diabetes may benefit a lot from the self-efficacy-focused education. However, insufficient high-quality studies, short-term follow-up period, relatively deficient physiological/emotion strategies, and incomplete outcome assessments were the drawbacks in most studies. Establishing satisfactory self-efficacy-focused education and better evaluating the effects were required in further studies.
PubMed: 30774486
DOI: 10.2147/PRBM.S192571