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Eating and Weight Disorders : EWD Oct 2022Meat avoidance has long been thought to be related to eating psychopathology; however, research does not necessarily support this notion. Furthermore, commonly used... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Meat avoidance has long been thought to be related to eating psychopathology; however, research does not necessarily support this notion. Furthermore, commonly used eating disorder scales may be picking up on normal meat-avoiding behaviours in vegetarians and vegans. As such, we systematically reviewed the association between vegetarianism, veganism, and disordered eating, and reviewed the psychometric properties of eating disorder scales for use in these populations.
METHODS
We searched electronic databases MEDLINE, PsychINFO, and CINAHL for literature published until June 2021.
RESULTS
Forty-eight studies met eligibility criteria, with no consensus as to whether meat avoidance was associated with higher rates of disordered eating. Most studies reported a significant positive association with both vegetarianism and veganism, and orthorexia nervosa. Six studies provided evidence for the use of eating disorder measures in vegetarians and vegans, reporting poor psychometric fit among all scales.
CONCLUSION
This systematic review highlights the extent to which vegetarians and vegans have been highly understudied, with limited research suggesting higher levels of orthorexia nervosa behaviours in vegetarians and vegans. Furthermore, our results provide tentative evidence that the factorial validity of commonly used eating disorder scales, such as the EDE-Q, may be poor in vegans.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Level I, systematic review.
Topics: Diet, Vegan; Feeding and Eating Disorders; Humans; Meat; Vegans; Vegetarians
PubMed: 35729472
DOI: 10.1007/s40519-022-01428-0 -
The Journal of Pain Oct 2017Activity pacing is ubiquitous in chronic pain management and aims to reduce pain-contingent avoidance of activity to improve functioning. A meta-analysis, however, has... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
UNLABELLED
Activity pacing is ubiquitous in chronic pain management and aims to reduce pain-contingent avoidance of activity to improve functioning. A meta-analysis, however, has linked pacing with higher levels of pain and disability. One potential explanation is an overlap between existing measures of pacing and avoidance, leading to links with poorer outcomes that are typically associated with avoidance. This study systematically reviews the evidence regarding the relationship between measures of pacing and avoidance. A search was conducted for studies measuring both constructs in adults with chronic pain. A meta-analysis of correlations between pacing and avoidance was conducted; 16 studies were included and a small positive correlation was found (r = .290, P < .001) overall. Single-item and multiple-item measures were also compared; a moderate positive correlation was found for multiple-item measures (r = .410, P < .001), which differed significantly from a small positive correlation found for single-item measures (r = .105, P < .001). Due to limited studies, independent analyses of individual subscales were not possible. Existing measures of pacing-particularly multiple-item measures-may partially confound pacing with avoidance. Further research is required to ensure that a reliable measure of pacing that distinguishes this construct from avoidance is available to adequately evaluate pacing instruction and the effect of pacing on key outcomes in chronic pain.
PERSPECTIVE
This meta-analysis examines the correlation between pacing and avoidance in adults with chronic pain. Results indicate that existing measures may partially confound pacing with avoidance. Directions for future research are proposed to ensure that an adequate measure of pacing exists to evaluate its effect on key outcomes in chronic pain.
Topics: Avoidance Learning; Chronic Pain; Humans; Motor Activity
PubMed: 28479209
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2017.04.008 -
JDR Clinical and Translational Research Apr 2023Estimating the risk of dental problems in long-duration space missions to the Moon and Mars is critical for avoiding dental emergencies in an environment that does not... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION
Estimating the risk of dental problems in long-duration space missions to the Moon and Mars is critical for avoiding dental emergencies in an environment that does not support proper treatment. Previous risk estimates were constructed based on the experience in short-duration space missions and isolated environments on Earth. However, previous estimates did not account for potential changes in dental structures due to space travel, even though bone loss is a known problem for long-duration spaceflights. The objective of this study was to systematically analyze the changes in hard tissues of the craniofacial complex during spaceflights.
METHODS
Comprehensive search of Medline, Embase, Scopus, the NASA Technical Report Server, and other sources identified 1,585 potentially relevant studies. After screening, 32 articles that presented quantitative data for skull in humans (6/32) and for calvariae, mandible, and lower incisors in rats (20/32) and mice (6/32) were selected.
RESULTS
Skull bone mineral density showed a significant increase in spacefaring humans. In spacefaring rodents, calvariae bone volume to tissue volume (BV/TV) demonstrated a trend toward increasing that did not reach statistical significance, while in mandibles, there was a significant decrease in BV/TV. Dentin thickness and incisor volume of rodent incisors were not significantly different between spaceflight and ground controls.
DISCUSSION
Our study demonstrates significant knowledge gaps regarding many structures of the craniofacial complex such as the maxilla, molar, premolar, and canine teeth, as well as small sample sizes for the studies of mandible and incisors. Understanding the effects of microgravity on craniofacial structures is important for estimating risks during long-duration spaceflight and for formulating proper protocols to prevent dental emergencies.
KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER STATEMENT
Avoiding dental emergencies in long-duration spaceflights is critical since this environment does not support proper treatment. Prior risk estimates did not account for changes in dental structures due to space travel. We reviewed and synthesized the literature for changes in craniofacial complex associated with spaceflight. The results of our study will help clinicians and scientists to better prepare to mitigate potential oral health issues in space travelers on long-duration missions.
Topics: Humans; Mice; Rats; Animals; Emergencies; Space Flight; Head; Skull; Incisor
PubMed: 35311413
DOI: 10.1177/23800844221084985 -
Cureus Oct 2023Our comprehensive systematic review aimed to examine gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a disorder that occurs when stomach contents flow back into the esophagus.... (Review)
Review
Our comprehensive systematic review aimed to examine gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a disorder that occurs when stomach contents flow back into the esophagus. It may manifest as either non-erosive reflux disease or erosive esophagitis. The activity depicts the assessment and medical management of GERD and emphasizes the interprofessional team's involvement to enhance care for people with this ailment. Data sources were PubMed/Medline and Embase. Our review investigated English-language articles (from 2014 to 2023) according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Overall, there were seven articles. Surveys and analyses of national databases were the most widely used methods (n=7). The search identified 3,730 studies, and seven were eligible for inclusion in the analysis. Further understanding of GERD and treatment protocols may help improve evaluation and management in the future. Millions of individuals worldwide suffer from GERD, a common clinical condition. Patients can be identified by symptoms that are both common and uncommon. For many GERD patients, acid suppression treatment reduces symptoms and avoids clinical complications. Our capacity to recognize and treat disease consequences has improved with the advancement of diagnostic and treatment methods. Here, we go into the etiology and consequences of GERD and offer details on the treatment strategy for this prevalent illness.
PubMed: 38022211
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.47420 -
Journal of Aging Research 2022Vascular dementia (VD) is a neurocognitive disorder whose precise definition is still up for debate. VD generally refers to dementia that is primarily caused by... (Review)
Review
Vascular dementia (VD) is a neurocognitive disorder whose precise definition is still up for debate. VD generally refers to dementia that is primarily caused by cerebrovascular disease or impaired cerebral blood flow. It is a subset of vascular cognitive impairment, a class of diseases that relate any cerebrovascular injury as a causal or correlating factor for cognitive decline, most commonly seen in the elderly. Patients who present with both cognitive impairment and clinical or radiologic indications of cerebrovascular pathology should have vascular risk factors, particularly hypertension, examined and treated. While these strategies may be more effective at avoiding dementia than at ameliorating it, there is a compelling case for intensive secondary stroke prevention in these patients. Repeated stroke is related to an increased chance of cognitive decline, and poststroke dementia is connected with an increased risk of death. In general, most physicians follow recommendations for secondary stroke prevention in patients with VD, which can be accomplished by the use of antithrombotic medicines such as antiplatelets (aspirin, clopidogrel, ticlopidine, cilostazol, etc.). In individuals with a high risk of atherosclerosis and those with documented symptomatic cerebrovascular illness, antiplatelets treatment lowers the risk of stroke. While this therapy strategy of prevention and rigorous risk management has a compelling justification, there is only limited and indirect data to support it. The following systematic review examines the role of antiplatelets in the management of vascular dementia in published clinical trials and studies and comments on the current evidence available to support their use and highlights the need for further study.
PubMed: 36245899
DOI: 10.1155/2022/9780067 -
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) Oct 2022The Internet of Things (IoT) is a complete ecosystem encompassing various communication technologies, sensors, hardware, and software. IoT cutting-edge technologies and... (Review)
Review
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a complete ecosystem encompassing various communication technologies, sensors, hardware, and software. IoT cutting-edge technologies and Artificial Intelligence (AI) have enhanced the traditional healthcare system considerably. The conventional healthcare system faces many challenges, including avoidable long wait times, high costs, a conventional method of payment, unnecessary long travel to medical centers, and mandatory periodic doctor visits. A Smart healthcare system, Internet of Things (IoT), and AI are arguably the best-suited tailor-made solutions for all the flaws related to traditional healthcare systems. The primary goal of this study is to determine the impact of IoT, AI, various communication technologies, sensor networks, and disease detection/diagnosis in Cardiac healthcare through a systematic analysis of scholarly articles. Hence, a total of 104 fundamental studies are analyzed for the research questions purposefully defined for this systematic study. The review results show that deep learning emerges as a promising technology along with the combination of IoT in the domain of E-Cardiac care with enhanced accuracy and real-time clinical monitoring. This study also pins down the key benefits and significant challenges for E-Cardiology in the domains of IoT and AI. It further identifies the gaps and future research directions related to E-Cardiology, monitoring various Cardiac parameters, and diagnosis patterns.
Topics: Artificial Intelligence; Ecosystem; Wireless Technology; Delivery of Health Care; Technology
PubMed: 36298423
DOI: 10.3390/s22208073 -
Life (Basel, Switzerland) Dec 2022Metagenomic Next Generation Sequencing (mNGS) allows the evaluation of complex microbial communities, avoiding isolation and cultivation of each microbial species, and... (Review)
Review
Metagenomic Next Generation Sequencing (mNGS) allows the evaluation of complex microbial communities, avoiding isolation and cultivation of each microbial species, and does not require prior knowledge of the microbial sequences present in the sample. Applications of mNGS include virome characterization, new virus discovery and full-length viral genome reconstruction, either from virus preparations enriched in culture or directly from clinical and environmental specimens. Here, we systematically reviewed studies that describe novel virus identification through mNGS from samples of different origin (plant, animal and environment). Without imposing time limits to the search, 379 publications were identified that met the search parameters. Sample types, geographical origin, enrichment and nucleic acid extraction methods, sequencing platforms, bioinformatic analytical steps and identified viral families were described. The review highlights mNGS as a feasible method for novel virus discovery from samples of different origins, describes which kind of heterogeneous experimental and analytical protocols are currently used and provides useful information such as the different commercial kits used for the purification of nucleic acids and bioinformatics analytical pipelines.
PubMed: 36556413
DOI: 10.3390/life12122048 -
International Journal of Environmental... Aug 2022It is well established that access to preventative care, such as breast or cervical cancer screening, can reduce morbidity and mortality. Certain groups may be missed... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
It is well established that access to preventative care, such as breast or cervical cancer screening, can reduce morbidity and mortality. Certain groups may be missed out of these healthcare services, such as women with disabilities, as they face many access barriers due to underlying inequalities and negative attitudes. However, the data have not been reviewed on whether women with disabilities face inequalities in the uptake of these services. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to compare the uptake of breast and cervical cancer screening in women with and without disabilities. A search was conducted in July 2021 across four databases: PubMed, MEDLINE, Global Health, and CINAHL. Quantitative studies comparing the uptake of breast or cervical cancer screening between women with and without disabilities were eligible. Twenty-nine studies were included, all from high-income settings. One third of the 29 studies (34.5%, 10) were deemed to have a high risk of bias, and the remainder a low risk of bias. The pooled estimates showed that women with disabilities have 0.78 (95% CI: 0.72-0.84) lower odds of attending breast cancer screening and have 0.63 (95% CI: 0.45-0.88) lower odds of attending cervical cancer screening, compared to women without disabilities. In conclusion, women with disabilities face disparities in receipt of preventative cancer care. There is consequently an urgent need to evaluate and improve the inclusivity of cancer screening programs and thereby prevent avoidable morbidity and mortality.
Topics: Breast Neoplasms; Disabled Persons; Early Detection of Cancer; Female; Humans; Mammography; Mass Screening; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms
PubMed: 35954824
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19159465 -
Turkish Neurosurgery 2018Although endoscopic techniques have many advantages including improved visualization and magnification, they are also associated with limitations. The objective of this... (Review)
Review
Although endoscopic techniques have many advantages including improved visualization and magnification, they are also associated with limitations. The objective of this review is to discuss the practical aspects that can reduce complications after endoscopic procedures, and their management. The review is based on the personal experience of more than 2000 neuroendoscopic procedures performed by the senior author. Topic search was made on PubMed using Neuroendoscopy, complications and neuroendoscopy, complication avoidance and neuroendoscopy, endoscopic neurosurgery, and minimally invasive neurosurgery. Relevant articles were selected after analyzing abstracts and/or topics. Endoscopic procedures are also associated with limitations such as obstruction in instruments manipulation, steep learning curve, blind area, difficulty in visualization, disorientation, loss of stereoscopic image and others. Neuroendoscopy is distinct from microsurgery and the surgeon has to learn endoscopic skills in addition to microsurgical techniques. Difficulties in controlling bleeding, working in a limited area, higher complication rate during the initial learning curve and longer operative time are some of the limitations. Attending live workshops, practicing on models, and hands on cadaveric workshops can reduce the learning curve. Proper case selection, multidisciplinary team approach, watching operative video, visiting other departments, observing a skillful endoscopic surgeon, lab training, and simulators can improve results and shorten the learning curve. Limitations of this review are that the search is limited to the English literature and personal experience of a single surgeon that may create some bias. Although neuroendoscopic techniques are associated with improved results in some indications, they have many limitations. Neuroendoscopic skills need to be learned to improve results.
Topics: Humans; Microsurgery; Neuroendoscopy
PubMed: 27943227
DOI: 10.5137/1019-5149.JTN.18923-16.1 -
International Journal of Behavioral... Oct 2023People with advanced cancer experience psychological distress due to physical symptoms, functional decline, and a limited prognosis. Difficult thoughts, feelings, and... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
People with advanced cancer experience psychological distress due to physical symptoms, functional decline, and a limited prognosis. Difficult thoughts, feelings, and emotions may exacerbate distress and lead to avoidance of these experiences which is sometimes referred to as experiential avoidance (EA). Advanced cancer patients may be more likely to engage in EA especially when no obvious solutions to their problems exist. This study aims to examine the terms used to describe EA, the processes that might indicate EA, associations between EA and psychological distress, and to understand why individuals might engage in EA.
METHODS
A mixed-methods review. Literature search of Medline, Embase, Psych INFO, and CINAHL 1980-October 2019.
INCLUSION
adults ≥ 18 years; advanced cancer not amenable to cure.
EXCLUSION
no measures of EA or psychological distress. Risk of bias and study quality assessed. Evidence of statistical techniques collected. Themes coded, grouped, and developed based on meaning.
RESULTS
Nineteen studies identified, 13 quantitative studies and 6 qualitative. The quantitative of which 6 compared early-stage cancers with advanced cancers and examined subscales of EA alongside mood, quality of life, and psychological distress. EA covers a range or terms of which 'avoidant coping' is the commonest. EA is manifest as cognitive, behavioural, and emotional avoidance. A thematic synthesis suggests the function of EA is to protect people from distress, and from confronting or expressing difficult emotions by avoiding communication about cancer, controlling negative information, and maintaining normality and hope and optimism.
CONCLUSIONS
EA may be beneficial in the short term to alleviate distress, but in the longer term, it can impair function and limit engagement in life. Greater clinical awareness of the complexity of EA behaviours is needed. Clinicians and researchers should define EA precisely and be aware of the function it may serve in the short and longer term. Future research studies may consider using specific measures of EA as a primary outcome, to assess the impact of psychological interventions such as ACT.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Stress, Psychological; Quality of Life; Emotions; Affect; Neoplasms
PubMed: 36284042
DOI: 10.1007/s12529-022-10131-4