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Brain Topography Mar 2024A growing body of clinical and cognitive neuroscience studies have adapted a broadband EEG microstate approach to evaluate the electrical activity of large-scale... (Review)
Review
A growing body of clinical and cognitive neuroscience studies have adapted a broadband EEG microstate approach to evaluate the electrical activity of large-scale cortical networks. However, the functional aspects of these microstates have not yet been systematically reviewed. Here, we present an overview of the existing literature and systematize the results to provide hints on the functional role of electrical brain microstates. Studies that evaluated and manipulated the temporal properties of resting-state microstates and utilized questionnaires, task-initiated thoughts, specific tasks before or between EEG session(s), pharmacological interventions, neuromodulation approaches, or localized sources of the extracted microstates were selected. Fifty studies that met the inclusion criteria were included. A new microstate labeling system has been proposed for a comprehensible comparison between the studies, where four classical microstates are referred to as A-D, and the others are labeled by the frequency of their appearance. Microstate A was associated with both auditory and visual processing and links to subjects' arousal/arousability. Microstate B showed associations with visual processing related to self, self-visualization, and autobiographical memory. Microstate C was related to processing personally significant information, self-reflection, and self-referential internal mentation rather than autonomic information processing. In contrast, microstate E was related to processing interoceptive and emotional information and to the salience network. Microstate D was associated with executive functioning. Microstate F is suggested to be a part of the Default Mode Network and plays a role in personally significant information processing, mental simulations, and theory of mind. Microstate G is potentially linked to the somatosensory network.
Topics: Humans; Brain Mapping; Electroencephalography; Brain; Cognition; Visual Perception
PubMed: 37162601
DOI: 10.1007/s10548-023-00958-9 -
Journal of Optometry 2023To analyse the scientific evidence about the efficacy of Syntonic phototherapy for producing changes in visual function. (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
To analyse the scientific evidence about the efficacy of Syntonic phototherapy for producing changes in visual function.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
A systematic review was performed to obtain studies on the effects of Syntonic phototherapy on vision. A search in health science databases (Medline, Scopus, Web of Science and PsycINFO) for studies published between 1980 and 2022 was conducted in accordance with the principles of Cochrane approach. The search identified 197 articles. Only clinical studies which used the Syntonic phototherapy as a vision therapy for any visual condition were included. Clinical cases and case series were excluded. Following the inclusion criteria, 8 clinical studies met inclusion, 5 of them being pseudo-experimental studies with an equivalent control group and 3 pre-post pseudo-experimental studies. GRADE tool was used to assess the certainty of the evidence of the studies. The GRADE evidence profile for the studies through the Soft table was made to analyse data.
RESULTS
The studies analysed seven outcomes: visual symptoms, functional visual fields, visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, deviation (phoria/tropia), stereopsis and reading abilities. Finding table about results (Soft Table) showed that for all outcomes reviewed, all studies yielded very low certainty of evidence. Results revealed a lack of scientific evidence of the efficacy of Syntonic optometric phototherapy to produce changes in the visual function.
CONCLUSION
This systematic review found no consistent evidence for the efficacy of Syntonic phototherapy to cause changes in visual function. There is no scientific evidence to support its clinical use for treating any type of visual anomalies.
Topics: Humans; Phototherapy; Visual Acuity; Vision Disorders; Contrast Sensitivity; Vision, Low
PubMed: 37230932
DOI: 10.1016/j.optom.2023.03.002 -
Clinical Oral Investigations Dec 2023The aim of this systematic review was to compare the expectation and perception of pain reported by patients before and after the installation of interradicular... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVES
The aim of this systematic review was to compare the expectation and perception of pain reported by patients before and after the installation of interradicular mini-implants.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Electronic search was performed in six databases. Inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or non-randomized controlled clinical trials (nRCTs); studies using mini-implants in the interradicular region; assessment of pain intensity by visual analogue or numerical scale. The risk of bias assessment was based on the Rob 2 tool and Robins-I.
RESULTS
A total of 1566 articles were retrieved, and 21 met the eligibility criteria. Six were classified as high risk, one as critical and the other one as uncertain, according to the Robins-I tool. In articles evaluated by the Rob2 tool, ten were classified as serious risk and three as moderate risk. A meta-analysis was also performed. Weighted means were calculated among the studies using the random-effects model and forest plots were generated. Heterogeneity was assessed through the Q test and I statistics. It was observed, with moderate evidence, that on a scale of 0 to 10, the pain expectation (effect size 4.75) is higher than that effectively pain generated by the procedure (effect size 1.94).
CONCLUSION
Pain expectation was greater than that actually generated by the procedure, being almost non-existent 7 days postoperatively.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
This study may help the clinician to reassure the patient regarding the sensations that could be experienced during and after the installation.
Topics: Humans; Motivation; Dental Implants; Pain; Pain Perception
PubMed: 37864604
DOI: 10.1007/s00784-023-05311-9 -
Journal of Cataract and Refractive... Sep 2023In this meta-analysis and systematic literature review of refractive outcomes after Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK), the extent of the refractive shift... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
In this meta-analysis and systematic literature review of refractive outcomes after Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK), the extent of the refractive shift and an overview of reasons for refractive shift after DMEK are provided. The PubMed library was screened for articles containing the terms "Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty," "DMEK," "Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty combined with cataract surgery," "triple-DMEK" combined with "refractive outcomes," "refractive shift," and "hyperopic shift." The refractive outcomes after DMEK were analyzed and compared using a fixed and random effects model. The overall mean change of the spherical equivalent outcome when compared with the preoperative value in cases of DMEK or when compared with the preoperative target refraction in cases of DMEK combined with cataract surgery was +0.43 diopters (D) (95% CI, 0.31-0.55). When DMEK is combined with cataract surgery, a target refraction of -0.5 D is recommended to achieve emmetropia. Changes in the posterior corneal curvature are identified as the main cause of the refractive hyperopic shift.
Topics: Humans; Visual Acuity; Descemet Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty; Refraction, Ocular; Hyperopia; Cataract; Retrospective Studies; Fuchs' Endothelial Dystrophy; Descemet Membrane; Endothelium, Corneal
PubMed: 37144644
DOI: 10.1097/j.jcrs.0000000000001212 -
Deutsches Arzteblatt International Nov 2023In this systematic review, we address the question whether children and adolescents with developmental visual disorders benefit from computer-assisted visual training.
BACKGROUND
In this systematic review, we address the question whether children and adolescents with developmental visual disorders benefit from computer-assisted visual training.
METHODS
Systematic literature searches were carried out in three bibliographic databases (initial search in October 2021) and trial registries. Included were randomized controlled trials that evaluated the efficacy of computer-assisted visual training in children and adolescents with developmental visual disorders in comparison to no training, sham training, or conservative treatment.
RESULTS
The inclusion criteria were met by 17 trials (with a total of 1323 children and adolescents) focusing on binocular or monocular computer-assisted visual training for the treatment of amblyopia. In these trials, visual training was carried out for 2 to 24 weeks, either as "stand alone" therapy or in addition to occlusion therapy. Six trials showed a statistically significant difference in favor of the visual training for the outcome "best corrected visual acuity of the amblyopic eye." However, this difference was small and mostly below the threshold of clinical relevance of -0.05 logMAR (equivalent to an improvement of 0.5 lines on the eye chart, or 2.5 letters per line). Only few data were available for the outcomes "binocular vision" and "adverse events"; the differences between the groups were similarly small.
CONCLUSION
The currently available data do not permit any firm conclusions regarding the efficacy of visual training in children and adolescents with amblyopia. Moreover, treatment adherence was often insufficient and the treatment durations in the trials was relatively short. No results from randomized trials have yet been published with respect to other developmental visual disorders (refractive errors, strabismus).
Topics: Child; Humans; Adolescent; Amblyopia; Visual Acuity; Vision Disorders; Refractive Errors; Computers; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 37656479
DOI: 10.3238/arztebl.m2023.0191 -
Stem Cell Research & Therapy Oct 2023Stem cell therapy is a promising therapeutic approach for inherited retinal diseases (IRDs). This study aims to quantitatively examine the effectiveness and safety of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
PURPOSE
Stem cell therapy is a promising therapeutic approach for inherited retinal diseases (IRDs). This study aims to quantitatively examine the effectiveness and safety of stem cell therapy for patients with IRDs, including retinitis pigmentosa and Stargardt disease (STGD).
METHODS
We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library databases, and the ClinicalTrials.gov website. The latest retrieval time was August 20, 2023. The primary outcomes were rates and mean difference (MD) of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improvement. Subgroup analyses were conducted according to administration routes and stem cell types. This study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022349271).
RESULTS
Twenty-one prospective studies, involving 496 eyes (404 RP and 92 STGD) of 382 patients (306 RP and 76 STGD), were included in this study. For RP, the rate of BCVA improvement was 49% and 30% at 6 months and 12 months, respectively, and the BCVA was significantly improved in the operative eyes at 6 months post-treatment (MD = - 0.12 logMAR, 95% CI .17 to - 0.06 logMAR; P < 0.001), while there was no significant difference at 12 months post-treatment (MD = -0.06 logMAR; 95% CI - 0.13 to 0.01 logMAR; P = 0.10). For STGD, the rate of BCVA improvement was 60% and 55% at 6 months and 12 months, respectively, and the BCVA was significantly improved in the operative eyes at 6 months (MD = - 0.14 logMAR, 95% CI - 0.22 to - 0.07 logMAR; P = 0.0002) and 12 months (MD = - 0.17 logMAR, 95% CI - 0.29 to - 0.04 logMAR; P = 0.01). Subgroup analyses showed suprachoroidal space injection of stem cells may be more efficient for RP. Eleven treated-related ocular adverse events from three studies and no related systemic adverse events were reported.
CONCLUSIONS
This study suggests stem cell therapy may be effective and safe for patients with RP or STGD. The long-term vision improvement may be limited for RP patients. Suprachoroidal space injection of stem cells may be a promising administration route for RP patients. Limited by the low grade of evidence, large sample size randomized clinical trials are required in the future.
Topics: Humans; Prospective Studies; Visual Acuity; Retinitis Pigmentosa; Choroidal Effusions; Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy
PubMed: 37798796
DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03526-x -
Psychonomic Bulletin & Review Mar 2024We conducted a systematic review investigating the influence of visual perspective and body ownership (BO) on vicarious brain resonance and vicarious sensations during... (Review)
Review
We conducted a systematic review investigating the influence of visual perspective and body ownership (BO) on vicarious brain resonance and vicarious sensations during the observation of pain and touch. Indeed, the way in which brain reactivity and the phenomenological experience can be modulated by blurring the bodily boundaries of self-other distinction is still unclear. We screened Scopus and WebOfScience, and identified 31 articles, published from 2000 to 2022. Results show that assuming an egocentric perspective enhances vicarious resonance and vicarious sensations. Studies on synaesthetes suggest that vicarious conscious experiences are associated with an increased tendency to embody fake body parts, even in the absence of congruent multisensory stimulation. Moreover, immersive virtual reality studies show that the type of embodied virtual body can affect high-order sensations such as appropriateness, unpleasantness, and erogeneity, associated with the touched body part and the toucher's social identity. We conclude that perspective plays a key role in the resonance with others' pain and touch, and full-BO over virtual avatars allows investigation of complex aspects of pain and touch perception which would not be possible in reality.
PubMed: 38429591
DOI: 10.3758/s13423-024-02477-5 -
Progress in Neuro-psychopharmacology &... Dec 2023Facial emotion (or expression) recognition (FER) is a domain of affective cognition impaired across various psychiatric conditions, including bipolar disorder (BD). We... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Facial emotion (or expression) recognition (FER) is a domain of affective cognition impaired across various psychiatric conditions, including bipolar disorder (BD). We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis searching for eligible articles published from inception to April 26, 2023, in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, EMBASE, and PsycINFO to examine whether and to what extent FER would differ between people with BD and those with other mental disorders. Thirty-three studies comparing 1506 BD patients with 1973 clinical controls were included in the present systematic review, and twenty-six of them were analyzed in random-effects meta-analyses exploring the discrepancies in discriminating or identifying emotional stimuli at a general and specific level. Individuals with BD were more accurate in identifying each type of emotion during a FER task compared to individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia (SCZ) (SMD = 0.27; p-value = 0.006), with specific differences in the perception of anger (SMD = 0.46; p-value = 1.19e-06), fear (SMD = 0.38; p-value = 8.2e-04), and sadness (SMD = 0.33; p-value = 0.026). In contrast, BD patients were less accurate than individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD) in identifying each type of emotion (SMD = -0.24; p-value = 0.014), but these differences were more specific for sad emotional stimuli (SMD = -0.31; p-value = 0.009). No significant differences were observed when BD was compared with children and adolescents diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. FER emerges as a potential integrative instrument for guiding diagnosis by enabling discrimination between BD and SCZ or MDD. Enhancing the standardization of adopted tasks could further enhance the accuracy of this tool, leveraging FER potential as a therapeutic target.
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Humans; Bipolar Disorder; Depressive Disorder, Major; Facial Recognition; Emotions; Anger
PubMed: 37625644
DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2023.110847 -
Neuropsychology Review Dec 2023Although attention and early associative learning in preverbal children is predominantly driven by rapid eye-movements in response to moving visual stimuli and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Although attention and early associative learning in preverbal children is predominantly driven by rapid eye-movements in response to moving visual stimuli and sounds/words (e.g., associating the word "bottle" with the object), the literature examining the role of visual attention and memory in ongoing vocabulary development across childhood is limited. Thus, this systematic review and meta-analysis examined the association between visual memory and vocabulary development, including moderators such as age and task selection, in neurotypical children aged 2-to-12 years, from the brain-based perspective of cognitive neuroscience. Visual memory tasks were classified according to the visual characteristics of the stimuli and the neural networks known to preferentially process such information, including consideration of the distinction between the ventral visual stream (processing more static visuo-perceptual details, such as form or colour) and the more dynamic dorsal visual stream (processing spatial temporal action-driven information). Final classifications included spatio-temporal span tasks, visuo-perceptual or spatial concurrent array tasks, and executive judgment tasks. Visuo-perceptual concurrent array tasks, reliant on ventral stream processing, were moderately associated with vocabulary, while tasks measuring spatio-temporal spans, associated with dorsal stream processing, and executive judgment tasks (central executive), showed only weak correlations with vocabulary. These findings have important implications for health professionals and researchers interested in language, as they advocate for the development of more targeted language learning interventions that include specific and relevant aspects of visual processing and memory, such as ventral stream visuo-perceptual details (i.e., shape or colour).
Topics: Child; Humans; Vocabulary; Memory; Visual Perception; Brain; Language
PubMed: 36136174
DOI: 10.1007/s11065-022-09561-4 -
Telemedicine Journal and E-health : the... Jun 2024(Review)
Review
Topics: Humans; Visual Acuity; Telemedicine; Vision Tests; Mobile Applications; Internet; Male
PubMed: 38564179
DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2023.0368