-
Children (Basel, Switzerland) Oct 2021Sleep is a biological process that impacts nearly every domain of a child's life. Sleep-wake regulation influences and it is highly influenced by developmental variables... (Review)
Review
Sleep is a biological process that impacts nearly every domain of a child's life. Sleep-wake regulation influences and it is highly influenced by developmental variables related to parent-child relationships, such as attachment. The main goal of the present systematic review is to analyze and integrate the findings of empirical studies investigating the relations between attachment and sleep in preschool age, a period marked by important developmental changes that challenge both attachment system and sleep-wake regulation. A database search was performed using a combination of relevant keywords, leading to the identification of 524 articles, with 19 manuscripts assessed for eligibility; finally, seven studies (2344 children) were included. Overall, the findings were not consistent, with some studies reporting significant associations between attachment security and sleep quality, as well as between attachment insecurity and sleep problems, whereas others did not find significant associations. The results are discussed in light of the available theoretical models and integrated in the context of measurement approaches to attachment and sleep heterogeneity, aiming to guide future research on the topic.
PubMed: 34682160
DOI: 10.3390/children8100895 -
Tobacco Induced Diseases 2023Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) is associated with several congenital anomalies, including non-syndromic orofacial clefts (NSOFCs). This systematic review aimed to... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) is associated with several congenital anomalies, including non-syndromic orofacial clefts (NSOFCs). This systematic review aimed to update the literature on the association between ETS and NSOFCs.
METHODS
Four databases were searched up to March 2022, and studies that evaluated the association between ETS and NSOFCs were selected. Two authors selected the studies, extracted the data, and evaluated the risk of bias. Comparing the association of maternal exposure to ETS and active parental smoking with NSOFCs allowed for the creation of pooled effect estimates for the included studies.
RESULTS
Twenty-six studies were deemed eligible for this review, of which 14 were reported in a previous systematic review. Twenty five were case-control studies, and one was a cohort study. In total, these studies included 2142 NSOFC cases compared to 118129 controls. All meta-analyses showed an association between ETS and the risk of having a child with NSOFC, based on the cleft phenotype, risk of bias, and year of publication, with a pooled increased odds ratio of 1.80 (95% CI: 1.51-2.15). These studies had a marked heterogeneity, which decreased upon subgrouping based on the recent year of publication and the risk of bias.
CONCLUSIONS
ETS exposure was associated with more than a 1.5-fold increase in the risk of having a child with NSOFC, showing a higher odds ratio than paternal and maternal active smoking.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
The study is registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews database # CRD42021272909.
PubMed: 37313116
DOI: 10.18332/tid/163177 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Jun 2021All corneal cross-linking techniques attenuated disease progression in patients with pediatric keratoconus for at least one year based on a meta-analysis. A standard and... (Review)
Review
All corneal cross-linking techniques attenuated disease progression in patients with pediatric keratoconus for at least one year based on a meta-analysis. A standard and accelerated technique led to marked improvement in visual acuity. We determined the efficacy and safety of corneal cross-linking (CXL) in pediatric keratoconus by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis. The PubMed and Cochrane databases were searched for relevant studies on the effects of standard, transepithelial, and/or accelerated CXL protocols in patients aged 18 years or younger. Standardized mean differences with 95% confidence intervals were calculated to compare the data collected at baseline and 12 months. The primary outcomes were maximum keratometry (Kmax) and uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), and the secondary outcomes were the thinnest corneal thickness (TCT), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and manifest refraction spherical equivalent or cylindrical refraction. Our search yielded 7913 publications, of which 26 were included in our systematic review and 21 were included in the meta-analysis. Standard CXL significantly improved the Kmax, UCVA, and BCVA, and significantly decreased the TCT. Accelerated CXL significantly improved UCVA and BCVA. In the transepithelial and accelerated-transepithelial CXL methods, each measurable parameter did not change after treatments. All CXL techniques attenuated disease progression in patients with pediatric keratoconus for at least one year. Standard and accelerated CXL led to marked improvement in visual acuity.
PubMed: 34203646
DOI: 10.3390/jcm10122626 -
International Journal of Environmental... Dec 2022Despite numerous initiatives and resources to save and protect the health and sexual rights of girls and women, the persistently high rate of unwanted pregnancy,... (Review)
Review
Despite numerous initiatives and resources to save and protect the health and sexual rights of girls and women, the persistently high rate of unwanted pregnancy, abortion, and sexual violence in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has remain a topical public health challenge. This study hypothesised that the continuous conspicuous omission of boys/men in the interventions to combat this menace could be a long-life impediment to the realisation of sustainable health for girls and women in the region. The study adopted a systematic review of extant population-based published studies from Scopus, Google Scholars, PubMed, EMBASE, and AJOL. Literature coverage included the post-United Nations' coordinated International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), Cairo, 1994, which marked the beginning of a massive campaign for women/girls sexual rights. The obtained qualitative data were appraised and synthesised towards spurring policy recommendations for gender balanced initiatives on the sexual and reproductive health rights in SSA. The study highlighted that unwanted pregnancy occurs only when a boy/man has unprotected sex with a girl/woman without considering her choice or rights. It is considered ironic that the dominant factors are boys and men but many enlightenment initiatives/campaigns are concentrated on girls and women. The study developed a schematic save-a-girl-child framework that illustrated the possible dividends inherent in the training of a boy-child to achieve a safer world for the girls/women. It recommends increase in the exposure of boys and men to sexual education and counselling, which can motivate them to be supporters of family planning, supporters of only wanted pregnancy, wanted fatherhood, marital fidelity, intimate partners' harmonious living rather than violence, and wife or partner empowerment.
Topics: Humans; Pregnancy; Male; Female; Health Services Accessibility; Human Rights; Women's Rights; Family Planning Services; United Nations
PubMed: 36498385
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192316313 -
Nutrients Apr 2023The purpose of this study is to understand the conflicting results from previous studies on the association between carbohydrate intake and cardiovascular disease (CVD)... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The purpose of this study is to understand the conflicting results from previous studies on the association between carbohydrate intake and cardiovascular disease (CVD) by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize the most recent scientific evidence. A systematic review used three electronic databases to gather literature on the association between carbohydrate intake and CVD. Considering the discrepancies, either fixed or random effect models were chosen to determine the effect size, and sensitivity analysis results, as well as publication bias, were also presented. The meta-analysis found that individuals with the highest carbohydrate intake had a 1.15-fold increased risk of CVD compared to those with the lowest intake (hazard ratio, HR: 1.15, 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.07-1.23). Further subgroup analysis revealed that this association was only present in Asia, with a 1.52-fold increased risk (HR: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.17-1.97), while no associations were seen in the Americas, Europe, and Oceania. The relationship between carbohydrate intake and CVD was non-linear, with a marked escalation beyond 60% of total energy from carbohydrates. Our findings suggest that a high-carbohydrate diet may raise the risk of CVD, particularly in Asian populations. This association may be due to the higher carbohydrate consumption and genetic variations found in Asia.
Topics: Humans; Prospective Studies; Cardiovascular Diseases; Europe; Carbohydrates; Asia; Risk Factors
PubMed: 37049580
DOI: 10.3390/nu15071740 -
Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine Nov 2021There is a paucity of data regarding osteochondral lesions of the tibial plafond (OLTPs), in part because they are far less common than osteochondral lesions of the... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
There is a paucity of data regarding osteochondral lesions of the tibial plafond (OLTPs), in part because they are far less common than osteochondral lesions of the talus.
PURPOSE
To evaluate the topographical characteristics of OLTPs and outcomes after surgical intervention, while analyzing the level of evidence (LOE) and quality of evidence (QOE) of the included studies.
STUDY DESIGN
Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.
METHODS
A systematic review of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases was performed in accordance with PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Studies reporting clinical data for OLTPs were included. The LOE and QOE of the included studies were evaluated using a 5-level grading system and the modified Coleman Methodology Score, respectively.
RESULTS
Included were 20 studies with 426 OLTPs; 4 studies were LOE 2 and 16 studies were LOE 4. Overall, 86.7% of OLTPs were associated with a traumatic history and/or previous ankle sprain. OLTPs were most commonly located in the centromedial region of the tibial plafond (30.4%), with the fewest number of OLTPs found in the anteromedial region of the tibial plafond (3.9%). In 17 of the studies, a total of 46.9% of OLTPs were associated with coexisting osteochondral lesions of the talus. The most frequently used surgical technique to treat OLTPs was microfracture, which resulted in good clinical outcomes at midterm follow-up.
CONCLUSION
The results of this systematic review indicated that OLTPs are frequently preceded by ankle trauma and are often associated with coexisting osteochondral lesions of the talus. Clinical outcomes after arthroscopic intervention appear to produce good results in the midterm, but the low LOE, poor QOE, marked heterogeneity, and underreporting of the data confound any recommendation based on this systematic review.
PubMed: 34778469
DOI: 10.1177/23259671211029208 -
International Journal of Surgery... Sep 2016The marked improvements in medical technology and healthcare, lead an increasing number of elderly patients to take advantage of even complex surgical. Recently,... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
The marked improvements in medical technology and healthcare, lead an increasing number of elderly patients to take advantage of even complex surgical. Recently, laparoscopic surgery has been accepted as a minimally invasive treatment to reduce the morbidity after conventional surgery, and a number of studies have demonstrated the feasibility of laparoscopy with significant advantages also in the elderly. On the other side, the laparoscopic procedure has some drawbacks, including prolonged operation time and impact of carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum on circulatory and respiratory dynamics. This paper will review the physiopathological implications of laparoscopy, as well as the current literature concerning the most common laparoscopic procedures that are increasingly performed in elderly patients.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A systematic review of the current literature was performed using the search engines EMBASE and PubMed to identify all studies reporting the physiopathological implications of laparoscopy in the elderly. The MeSH search terms used were "laparoscopy in the elderly", "physiopathology of laparoscopy", and "pneumoperitoneum". Multiple combinations of the keywords and MeSH terms were used with particular reference to elderly patients.
RESULTS
Although laparoscopy is minimally invasive in its dissection techniques, the increased physiologic demands present particular challenges among elderly patients.
CONCLUSIONS
Laparoscopy and its safety in the elderly patients remains a challenge and the evaluation of this approach is therefore mandatory. Although many studies have demonstrated the applicability and advantages of the laparoscopy also in the geriatric population, with low rates of morbidity and mortality, in elderly patients undergoing general surgical procedures the physiologic demands of laparoscopy should be carefully considered.
Topics: Abdominal Wall; Aged; Carbon Dioxide; Health Services for the Aged; Humans; Italy; Laparoscopy; Postoperative Complications
PubMed: 27255126
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2016.05.044 -
Schizophrenia Bulletin Oct 2017Ample evidence supports a neurodevelopmental origin in some cases of schizophrenia (SZ). More inconsistent information is available for bipolar disorder (BD). We herein... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Review
Ample evidence supports a neurodevelopmental origin in some cases of schizophrenia (SZ). More inconsistent information is available for bipolar disorder (BD). We herein review studies with a focus on premorbid (adjustment and functionality) and early developmental milestones that include both SZ and BD patients. A search was performed in the PubMed electronic database, retrieving 619 abstracts; 30 were ultimately included in this systematic review. Eight prospective cohorts, 15 retrospective studies, and 7 studies based on national registries. Psychomotor developmental deviations and general adjustment problems characterize the childhood of subjects later diagnosed with SZ or BD; they are more marked in those later diagnosed with SZ vs BD, earlier onset vs later onset, and psychotic vs nonpsychotic disorders. Cognitive impairment follows a linear risk trend for SZ and a U-shaped trend for BD. Social isolation and visuoperceptual/reading anomalies more frequently antecede SZ. Pervasive developmental disorders increase the risk for both SZ and BD, more so in cases with normal intelligence. The predictive risk of each isolated developmental marker is low, but a significant percentage of subjects with SZ and a minority of adults with BD showed signs of premorbid abnormalities in childhood. The great limitation is still the lack of studies comparing SZ and BD that include psychotic and nonpsychotic bipolar cases separately. There are many cases, even in childhood/adolescent SZ, where no premorbid anomalies are found, and immunological disorders or other etiologies should be searched for. At least in cases with clear neurodevelopmental markers, rare genetic variants should be investigated.
Topics: Bipolar Disorder; Cognitive Dysfunction; Human Development; Humans; Psychotic Disorders; Schizophrenia
PubMed: 29045744
DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbx126 -
Journal of Applied Oral Science :... 2015The aim of this study was to review the reliability and reproducibility of 3D-CBCT (cone beam computed tomography) cephalometric landmark identification. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to review the reliability and reproducibility of 3D-CBCT (cone beam computed tomography) cephalometric landmark identification.
METHODS
Electronic databases (Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science) were searched for papers published from 1998 to October 2014. Specific strategies were developed for each database, with the guidance of a librarian. Two reviewers independently analyzed the titles and abstracts for inclusion. The articles that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected for full-text reading, and the selected articles went through methodological quality evaluation. After the exclusion of repeated articles, the titles of the remaining ones were read and 1,328 of them were excluded. The abstracts of 173 articles were read, of which 43 were selected, read in full and submitted to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Fourteen articles or studies with reliable methodology and reproducibility remained. The data were collected, organized into figures and analyzed for determination of the reliability and reproducibility of the three-dimensional cephalometric landmarks.
RESULTS
Overall, the landmarks on the median sagittal line and dental landmarks had the highest reliability, while the landmarks on the condyle, porion and the orbitale presented lower levels of reliability. Point S must be marked in the multiplanar views associated with visualization in 3D reconstruction. Further studies are necessary for evaluating soft tissue landmarks.
Topics: Anatomic Landmarks; Cephalometry; Cone-Beam Computed Tomography; Humans; Imaging, Three-Dimensional; Reference Values; Reproducibility of Results
PubMed: 26018303
DOI: 10.1590/1678-775720140336 -
Journal of the American Society of... Jun 2017The implementation of patient-centered care requires an individualized approach to hemodialysis vascular access, on the basis of each patient's unique balance of risks... (Review)
Review
The implementation of patient-centered care requires an individualized approach to hemodialysis vascular access, on the basis of each patient's unique balance of risks and benefits. This systematic review aimed to summarize current literature on fistula risks, including rates of complications, to assist with patient-centered decision making. We searched Medline from 2000 to 2014 for English-language studies with prospectively captured data on ≥100 fistulas. We assessed study quality and extracted data on study design, patient characteristics, and outcomes. After screening 2292 citations, 43 articles met our inclusion criteria (61 unique cohorts; >11,374 fistulas). Median complication rates per 1000 patient days were as follows: 0.04 aneurysms (14 unique cohorts; =1827 fistulas), 0.11 infections (16 cohorts; >6439 fistulas), 0.05 steal events (15 cohorts; >2543 fistulas), 0.24 thrombotic events (26 cohorts; =4232 fistulas), and 0.03 venous hypertensive events (1 cohort; =350 fistulas). Risk of bias was high in many studies and event rates were variable, thus we could not present pooled results. Studies generally did not report variables associated with fistula complications, patient comorbidities, vessel characteristics, surgeon experience, or nursing cannulation skill. Overall, we found marked variability in complication rates, partly due to poor quality studies, significant heterogeneity of study populations, and inconsistent definitions. There is an urgent need to standardize reporting of methods and definitions of vascular access complications in future clinical studies to better inform patient and provider decision making.
Topics: Arteriovenous Shunt, Surgical; Humans; Incidence; Postoperative Complications
PubMed: 28031406
DOI: 10.1681/ASN.2016040412