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Heliyon Dec 2022Recurrent hemarthrosis is one of the major complications affecting joint functions, and causing chronic pain in hemophilia patients. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Recurrent hemarthrosis is one of the major complications affecting joint functions, and causing chronic pain in hemophilia patients.
OBJECTIVE
To summarize the existing evidence of the effects of myofascial therapy (MFT) on joint status, joint pain, and hemarthrosis in hemophilic arthropathy.
METHODS
This systematic review and meta-analysis was done according to PRISMA checklist. Finally, four clinical trials included and were pooled using STATA 13. Standardized mean difference (SMD) considered as the effect size.
RESULTS
All patients in the case group received 3 interventions of MFT over a 3-week period and were evaluated for 1-5 months. Joint pain with and without load was significantly decreased after three weeks in the intervention group compared to controls (SMD: -0.61, 95% CI: -1.02, -0.21 and 0.58, 95% CI: -0.88, -0.28 respectively). Also, joint status significantly improved three weeks later in patients with MFT compared to controls. (SMD: -0.49, 95% CI: -0.79, -0.19) and this improvement remained until the end of the follow-up period (SMD: -0.54, 95% CI: -0.84, -0.24).
CONCLUSION
This meta-analysis showed that MFT can be an effective intervention improving the joint status and decreasing pain perception in patients with hemophilic arthropathy. Consequently, it can play an important role in achieving higher functionality and quality of life in these patients. However, due to the small number of studies and other limitations, further well-designed trials and updated meta-analysis are needed for more accurate results and interpretation.
PubMed: 36590485
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e12552 -
International Journal of Transgender... 2021For transgender women, communication and speech characteristics might not be congruent with their gender expressions. This can have a major influence on their... (Review)
Review
For transgender women, communication and speech characteristics might not be congruent with their gender expressions. This can have a major influence on their psychosocial functioning. Higher quality of life scores were observed the more their voice was perceived as feminine. Speech language pathologists may play an important role in this, as the gender affirming hormone treatment for transgender women does not affect the voice. This systematic review aimed to provide speech and language pathologists with the current literature concerning the effects of speech therapy in transgender women in terms of acoustic and perceptual outcomes. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) was used for reporting this systematic review. The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE (using the PubMed interface) and Embase (using the embase.com interface) were used as electronic databases. All individual studies which measured the effects of speech therapy in transgender women were evaluated with a risk of bias assessment tool and levels of evidence. Relevant data were extracted from these studies and a narrative synthesis was performed. 14 studies were identified through the databases and other sources. These studies show positive outcome results concerning pitch elevation, oral resonance, self-perception and listener perception. However, methodological issues contribute to problems with generalization and reproducibility of the studies. There is an urgent need for effectiveness studies using RCT designs, larger sample sizes, multidimensional voice assessments, well-described therapy programs, investigators blinded to study process, and longer-term follow-up data. Speech and language pathologists who work with transgender women may find these results essential for defining therapy goals.
PubMed: 37808532
DOI: 10.1080/26895269.2021.1915224 -
Jornal de Pediatria 2017To analyze the available evidence regarding the efficacy of using therapeutic play on behavior and anxiety in children undergoing invasive procedures. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To analyze the available evidence regarding the efficacy of using therapeutic play on behavior and anxiety in children undergoing invasive procedures.
DATA SOURCE
The systematic review search was performed in the MEDLINE, LILACS, CENTRAL and CINAHL databases. There was no limitation on the year or language.
SYNTHESIS OF DATA
The literature search found 1892 articles and selected 22 for full reading. Eight articles were excluded, as they did not address the objectives assessed in this review. Twelve studies, representing 14 articles, were included. The studies were conducted between 1983 and 2015, five in Brazil, one in the United States, five in China, one in Lebanon, one in Taiwan, and one in Iran. Most studies showed that intervention with therapeutic play promotes reduction in the level of anxiety and promotes collaborative behavior and acceptance of the invasive procedure.
CONCLUSIONS
Evidence related to the use of therapeutic play on anxiety and behavior of children undergoing invasive procedures is still questionable. The absence, in most studies, of the creation of a random sequence to assign the subjects to either the control or the experimental group, as well as allocation concealment, are factors that contribute to these questions. Another issue that characterizes an important source of bias is the absence of blinded evaluators. It is necessary to perform further studies that will take into account greater methodological stringency.
Topics: Anxiety; Child; Elective Surgical Procedures; Humans; Play Therapy; Preoperative Care
PubMed: 27485756
DOI: 10.1016/j.jped.2016.06.005 -
Journal of Visceral Surgery Aug 2016Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) play an important role in the treatment of post-operative pain, particularly in the context of enhanced recovery after... (Review)
Review
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) play an important role in the treatment of post-operative pain, particularly in the context of enhanced recovery after colorectal surgery. Several recent articles have suggested that NSAID may have a deleterious effect on colo-colic or colo-rectal anastomoses. The aim of this review is to analyze the evidence based on meta-analyses and cohort studies in the literature. A systematic review of clinical studies identified twelve studies including two meta-analyses and ten comparative cohort studies that included a large number of patients. The data in these studies are heterogeneous, often biased, and do not permit a formal recommendation based on a high level of evidence. The main conclusion of this review is that the balance of benefit vs. risk (analgesic effect/risk of anastomotic disruption) is acceptable; it appears (with a low level of evidence) that a prescription of NSAID for 48h after surgery may be recommended for elective colon surgery. Nevertheless, it is important to respect the specific contra-indications of NSAID and avoid post-operative NSAID use if there are risk factors for anastomotic leakage: advanced age, malnutrition, severe co-morbidities, intra-operative difficulties.
Topics: Anastomosis, Surgical; Anastomotic Leak; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Colon; Humans; Pain, Postoperative; Rectum; Risk Factors; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 27480526
DOI: 10.1016/j.jviscsurg.2016.06.011 -
Borderline Personality Disorder and... Dec 2021The gap between treatment need and treatment availability is particularly wide for individuals seeking Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and mobile apps based on DBT...
BACKGROUND
The gap between treatment need and treatment availability is particularly wide for individuals seeking Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and mobile apps based on DBT may be useful in increasing access to care and augmenting in-person DBT. This review examines DBT based apps, with a specific focus on content quality and usability.
METHODS
All apps referring to DBT were identified in Google Play and iOS app stores and were systematically reviewed for app content and quality. The Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS) was used to evaluate app usability and engagement.
RESULTS
A total of 21 free to download apps were identified. The majority of apps (71%) included a component of skills training, five apps included a diary card feature. Most (76.19%) apps were designed to function without help from a therapist. The average user "star" rating was 4.39 out of 5. The mean overall MARS score was 3.41, with a range of 2.15 to 4.59, and 71.43% were considered minimally 'acceptable,' as defined by a score of 3 or higher. The average star rating was correlated with the total MARS score (r = .51, p = .02). Estimates of app usage differed substantially between popular and unpopular apps, with the three most popular apps accounting for 89.3% of monthly active users.
CONCLUSIONS
While the present study identified many usable and engaging apps in app stores designed based on DBT, there are limited apps for clinicians. DBT based mobile apps should be carefully developed and clinically evaluated.
PubMed: 34857035
DOI: 10.1186/s40479-021-00167-5 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) May 20231,3,5-triazine derivatives, also called s-triazines, are a series of containing-nitrogen heterocyclic compounds that play an important role in anticancer drug design and... (Review)
Review
1,3,5-triazine derivatives, also called s-triazines, are a series of containing-nitrogen heterocyclic compounds that play an important role in anticancer drug design and development. To date, three s-triazine derivatives, including altretamine, gedatolisib, and enasidenib, have already been approved for refractory ovarian cancer, metastatic breast cancer, and leukemia therapy, respectively, demonstrating that the s-triazine core is a useful scaffold for the discovery of novel anticancer drugs. In this review, we mainly focus on s-triazines targeting topoisomerases, tyrosine kinases, phosphoinositide 3-kinases, NADP+-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenases, and cyclin-dependent kinases in diverse signaling pathways, which have been extensively studied. The medicinal chemistry of s-triazine derivatives as anticancer agents was summarized, including discovery, structure optimization, and biological applications. This review will provide a reference to inspire new and original discoveries.
Topics: Humans; Female; Triazines; Antineoplastic Agents; Drug Design; Breast Neoplasms; Structure-Activity Relationship; Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor
PubMed: 37298753
DOI: 10.3390/molecules28114278 -
Nutrients Feb 2022Recently, it has been discovered that anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative pathways play a role in depression and anxiety. Lower serum levels of antioxidants, such as... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Recently, it has been discovered that anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative pathways play a role in depression and anxiety. Lower serum levels of antioxidants, such as vitamin E, have been implicated in both depression and anxiety.
METHODS
This PROSPERO-registered systematic review (Reference: CRD42021260058) is reported according to PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, PsycINFO, and CINAHL were searched from inception to June 2021.
RESULTS
Twelve studies were included in this systematic review, and nine in meta-analysis of vitamin E versus placebo. For depression, meta-analysis of 354 participants showed a standardised mean difference of -0.88 (95% CI: -1.54, -0.21; I2 = 87%) favouring vitamin E. For anxiety, meta-analysis of 306 participants showed a standardised mean difference of -0.86 (95% CI: -2.11, 0.40; I2 = 95%) favouring vitamin E. Three of the studies involved a pure comparison of vitamin E against placebo, while others included constituents such as omega-3 fatty acids. Nine of the studies were at low risk of bias, two had some concerns, and one was at high risk of bias.
CONCLUSION
Vitamin E supplementation has shown inconclusive results in ameliorating both depression and anxiety. Containing a reassuring safety profile and low cost, future studies would be of promise, and they would benefit from both larger sample sizes and from excluding other constituents, such as omega-3 fatty acids, from experimental and comparator arms.
Topics: Anxiety; Anxiety Disorders; Depression; Humans; Vitamin E; alpha-Tocopherol
PubMed: 35277015
DOI: 10.3390/nu14030656 -
Epilepsia Open Apr 2024Antiseizure medications (ASMs) constitute the principal of treatment for patients with epilepsy, where long-term treatment is usually necessary. The purpose of this... (Review)
Review
Antiseizure medications (ASMs) constitute the principal of treatment for patients with epilepsy, where long-term treatment is usually necessary. The purpose of this systematic review is to provide practical and useful information regarding various aspects of the interactions between ASMs and foods and drinks. MEDLINE and ScienceDirect, from the inception to July 15, 2023, were searched for related publications. In both electronic databases, the following search strategy was applied, and the following keywords were used (in title/abstract): "food OR drink" AND "antiepileptic OR antiseizure." The primary search yielded 738 studies. After implementing our inclusion and exclusion criteria, we could identify 19 studies on the issue of interest for our endeavor. Four studies were identified in the recheck process and not by the primary search. All studies provided low level of evidence. Interactions between foods and ASMs are a common phenomenon. Many factors may play a role for such an interaction to come to play; these include drug properties, administration route, and administration schedule, among others. Drugs-foods (-drinks) interactions may change the drug exposure or plasma levels of drugs (e.g., grapefruit juice increases carbamazepine concentrations and the bioavailability of cannabidiol is increased 4-5 folds with concomitant intake of fat-rich food); this may require dosage adjustments. Interactions between ASMs and foods and drinks may be important. This should be taken seriously into consideration when consulting patients and their caregivers about ASMs. Future well-designed investigations should explore the specific interactions between foods (and drinks) and ASMs to clarify whether they are clinically important. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: Interactions between antiseizure medications and foods and drinks may be important. This should be taken into consideration in patients with epilepsy.
Topics: Humans; Anticonvulsants; Biological Availability; Benzodiazepines; Food; Epilepsy
PubMed: 38345419
DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12918 -
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Jul 2023Exposure therapy is effective but widely underused. Numerous studies indicate therapist factors that might explain this pattern of underuse. This systematic review and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Exposure therapy is effective but widely underused. Numerous studies indicate therapist factors that might explain this pattern of underuse. This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesised those previous research findings, to identify which therapist factors are clearly associated with their intent to use exposure therapy. A systematic review and six random-effects meta-analyses synthesised studies identified in three databases (Scopus, PsychINFO, Web of Science) and through reference lists and citation searches. Most studies relied on a survey design, resulting in weak quality of research. Twenty-six eligible studies were included in the narrative synthesis, (including 5557 participants), while 21 studies yielded sufficient data to enter the meta-analysis. Medium to large pooled effect sizes indicated that therapists with more positive beliefs, a CBT orientation, and training in exposure therapy were significantly more likely to use exposure. Small pooled effect sizes indicated that older and more anxious therapists were less likely to use exposure. Therapist years of experience was not significantly associated with exposure use. There was no evidence of publication bias. Therapist characteristics clearly play a role in the use of exposure therapy, and future clinical and research work is required to address this limitation in the delivery of this effective therapy.
Topics: Humans; Implosive Therapy; Anxiety; Narration
PubMed: 36974519
DOI: 10.1080/16506073.2023.2191824 -
Journal of Parkinson's Disease 2016Although vitamin D may have both protective and symptomatic effects in Parkinson's disease (PD), the evidence is scarce and not well understood. Also, 25-hydroxyvitamin... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Although vitamin D may have both protective and symptomatic effects in Parkinson's disease (PD), the evidence is scarce and not well understood. Also, 25-hydroxyvitamin D (vitamin D) is suggested to play a neuroprotective and neurotrophic role in the brain. Therefore, this review investigates the relationship between vitamin D and PD.
OBJECTIVE
Investigate the evidence for a relationship between vitamin D and PD by summarizing observational and interventional studies in humans, as well as relevant experimental studies.
METHODS
A systematic search was made in the Medline, Cochrane and Embase databases (from inception to March 2014). All identified titles were independently evaluated by two reviewers. Articles were selected based on the presence of PD-related outcome data. Included were observational studies (including genetic studies) and interventional studies in humans, as well as relevant animal studies.
RESULTS
A total of 20 studies (14 observational, 1 interventional and 5 rodent studies) were selected for analysis. Eight observational studies showed that serum 25(OH) D levels tend to be low in PD. One observational study indicated that low serum 25(OH) D may worsen automatic postural responses and one interventional study suggested that vitamin D supplementation can prevent worsening (based on the Hoehn and Yahr rating scale). Studies in rodent models of PD showed a protective effect of vitamin D treatment on dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. Results of genetic studies on the association between vitamin D receptor polymorphisms and the risk of PD were contradictory.
CONCLUSION
The literature supports possible protective and symptomatic effects of vitamin D in PD. However, more observational and interventional studies in humans are needed to confirm and further elucidate the suggested beneficial effect of vitamin D on PD.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Neuroprotective Agents; Parkinson Disease; Vitamin D
PubMed: 26756741
DOI: 10.3233/JPD-150615