-
Otology & Neurotology Open Dec 2023The suitable electrode array choice is broadly discussed in cochlear implantation surgery. Whether to use a shorter electrode length under the aim of structure...
OBJECTIVE
The suitable electrode array choice is broadly discussed in cochlear implantation surgery. Whether to use a shorter electrode length under the aim of structure preservation versus choosing a longer array to achieve a greater cochlear coverage is a matter of debate. The aim of this review is to identify the impact of the insertion depth of a cochlear implant (CI) electrode array on CI users' speech perception outcomes.
DATABASES REVIEWED
PubMed was searched for English-language articles that were published in a peer-reviewed journal from 1997 to 2022.
METHODS
A systematic electronic search of the literature was carried out using PubMed to find relevant literature on the impact of insertion depth on speech perception. The review was conducted according to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines of reporting. Studies in both, children and adults with pre- or postlingual hearing loss, implanted with a CI were included in this study. Articles written in languages other than English, literature reviews, meta-analyses, animal studies, histopathological studies, or studies pertaining exclusively to imaging modalities without reporting correlations between insertion depth and speech outcomes were excluded. The risk of bias was determined using the "Risk of Bias in Nonrandomized Studies of Interventions" tool. Articles were extracted by 2 authors independently using predefined search terms. The titles and abstracts were screened manually to identify studies that potentially meet the inclusion criteria. The extracted information included: the study population, type of hearing loss, outcomes reported, devices used, speech perception outcomes, insertion depth (linear insertion depth and/or the angular insertion depth), and correlation between insertion depth and the speech perception outcomes.
RESULTS
A total of 215 relevant studies were assessed for eligibility. Twenty-three studies met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed further. Seven studies found no significant correlation between insertion depth and speech perception outcomes. Fifteen found either a significant positive correlation or a positive effect between insertion depth and speech perception. Only 1 study found a significant negative correlation between insertion depth and speech perception outcomes.
CONCLUSION
Although most studies reported a positive effect of insertion depth on speech perception outcomes, one-third of the identified studies reported no correlation. Thus, the insertion depth must be considered as a contributing factor to speech perception rather than as a major decisive criterion.
REGISTRATION
This review has been registered in PROSPERO, the international prospective register of systematic reviews (CRD42021257547), available at https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/.
PubMed: 38516541
DOI: 10.1097/ONO.0000000000000045 -
Cancer Medicine Sep 2023With the rapid increase in the prevalence of cancer worldwide, the utilization of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has increased among cancer patients. This... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
With the rapid increase in the prevalence of cancer worldwide, the utilization of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has increased among cancer patients. This review aimed to understand the perception, attitudes, and knowledge of healthcare professionals toward using CAM for cancer patients.
METHODS
A mixed-methods systematic review was undertaken in four databases. Inclusion criteria were primary studies reporting perception, attitudes, and knowledge of healthcare professionals for using CAM for cancer patients were eligible. A mixed-methods convergent synthesis was carried out, and the findings were subjected to a GRADE-CERQual assessment of confidence.
RESULTS
Forty-two studies were chosen. The majority of the studies were quantitative and had less than 100 participants. Most publications were from European countries, and oncology was the highest among the specialties. The review found the following themes: feasibility of having negative adverse effects, low expectations of using CAM among HCPs, potential positive effects of using CAM, specific CAM training may be helpful, no concrete regulations to promote CAM practice, and poor physician-patient communication.
CONCLUSIONS
Nurses had more positive views than other professions; oncologists were concerned regarding herb-drug interactions; integration of CAM into the healthcare system was favorable; HCPs felt the need to participate in specific CAM training; and HCPs agreed that CAM education should be provided more regularly. Future studies should explore the studies views of cancer patients and details of in-depth evidence of CAM in oncology settings.
PubMed: 37676102
DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6499 -
Journal of Functional Morphology and... Jan 2024Therapists and strength and conditioning specialists use self-myofascial release (SMR) as an intervention tool through foam rollers or massage rollers for soft tissue... (Review)
Review
Therapists and strength and conditioning specialists use self-myofascial release (SMR) as an intervention tool through foam rollers or massage rollers for soft tissue massage, with the purpose of improving mobility in the muscular fascia. Moreover, the use of SMR by professional and amateur athletes during warm-ups, cool downs, and workouts can have significant effects on their physical performance attributes, such as range of motion (ROM) and strength. The purpose of this study was to analyse the literature pertaining to these types of interventions and their effects found in different physical performance attributes for athletes. A systematic search was carried out using the following databases: PUBMED, ISI Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane, including articles up to September 2023. A total of 25 articles with 517 athletes were studied in depth. SMR seems to have acute positive effects on flexibility and range of motion, without affecting muscle performance during maximal strength and power actions, but favouring recovery perception and decreasing delayed-onset muscle soreness. Some positive effects on agility and very short-range high-speed actions were identified, as well. In conclusion, although there is little evidence of its method of application due to the heterogeneity in that regard, according to our findings, SMR could be used as an intervention to improve athletes' perceptual recovery parameters, in addition to flexibility and range of motion, without negatively affecting muscle performance.
PubMed: 38249097
DOI: 10.3390/jfmk9010020 -
Cancer Medicine Dec 2023The aim of this study was to synthesize qualitative research evidence on cancer survivors' experiences with reproductive concerns (RC). (Review)
Review
AIM
The aim of this study was to synthesize qualitative research evidence on cancer survivors' experiences with reproductive concerns (RC).
METHODS
We conducted a systematic search of qualitative studies and utilized the meta-aggregation approach. The database searches were extended up to May 14, 2023, encompassing 12 databases, specifically MEDLINE, CINAHL, PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science (Core Collection), AMED, PsycINFO, The Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wan Fang Data, and VIP.
RESULTS
Three overarching themes were synthesized from the analysis of 21 studies that explored cancer patients' awareness of reproductive concerns, their perceptions, needs, and coping styles. These themes encapsulate the multifaceted aspects of cancer patients' reproductive concerns: "Gender differences in fertility concerns among cancer patients: Perspectives from men and women"; "The influence of age: Experiences with fertility issues among cancer patients at different life stages"; "The impact of treatment stages on fertility concerns: The evolution of perception and coping strategies in the course of cancer treatment".
CONCLUSION
Our study presents an in-depth exploration of the reproductive concerns experienced by cancer patients from various perspectives. We found that the internal experiences of reproductive concerns, their perceptions, needs, and coping mechanisms differ based on their roles. This comprehensive understanding of the complex emotions and needs of cancer patients when confronted with fertility issues can guide clinicians in providing more effective medical assistance, psychological counseling, and fertility-related information services.
Topics: Male; Humans; Female; Cancer Survivors; Qualitative Research; Neoplasms; Fertility; Counseling
PubMed: 38069669
DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6531 -
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) Jul 2023Despite the substantial progress achieved in the development and integration of augmented reality (AR) in surgical robotic and autonomous systems (RAS), the center of... (Review)
Review
Despite the substantial progress achieved in the development and integration of augmented reality (AR) in surgical robotic and autonomous systems (RAS), the center of focus in most devices remains on improving end-effector dexterity and precision, as well as improved access to minimally invasive surgeries. This paper aims to provide a systematic review of different types of state-of-the-art surgical robotic platforms while identifying areas for technological improvement. We associate specific control features, such as haptic feedback, sensory stimuli, and human-robot collaboration, with AR technology to perform complex surgical interventions for increased user perception of the augmented world. Current researchers in the field have, for long, faced innumerable issues with low accuracy in tool placement around complex trajectories, pose estimation, and difficulty in depth perception during two-dimensional medical imaging. A number of robots described in this review, such as Novarad and SpineAssist, are analyzed in terms of their hardware features, computer vision systems (such as deep learning algorithms), and the clinical relevance of the literature. We attempt to outline the shortcomings in current optimization algorithms for surgical robots (such as YOLO and LTSM) whilst providing mitigating solutions to internal tool-to-organ collision detection and image reconstruction. The accuracy of results in robot end-effector collisions and reduced occlusion remain promising within the scope of our research, validating the propositions made for the surgical clearance of ever-expanding AR technology in the future.
Topics: Humans; Robotics; Augmented Reality; Robotic Surgical Procedures; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; Algorithms; Surgery, Computer-Assisted
PubMed: 37448050
DOI: 10.3390/s23136202 -
World Neurosurgery: X Jan 2024Limitations in the operative microscope (OM)'s mobility and suboptimal ergonomics created the opportunity for the development of the exoscope. This systematic review... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Limitations in the operative microscope (OM)'s mobility and suboptimal ergonomics created the opportunity for the development of the exoscope. This systematic review aims to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of exoscopes and OMs in spine surgery.
METHODS
Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, a systematic search was conducted in the major research databases. All studies evaluating the exoscopes and/or OMs in spinal procedures were included.
RESULTS
There were 602 patients included in the 16 studies, with 539 spine surgery patients, 19 vascular cases, 1 neural pathology case, 19 cranial cases, and 24 tumor pathologies. When examining surgical outcomes with the exoscope, results were mixed. Compared to the OM, exoscope usage resulted in longer operative times in 7 studies, comparable times in 3 studies, and shorter operative times in 3 studies. Two studies found similar lengths of stay (LOS) for both tools, two reported longer LOS with exoscopes, and one indicated shorter hospital LOS with exoscopes. One study reported higher exoscope-related blood loss (EBL), but four other studies consistently showed reduced EBL. In terms of image quality, illumination, dynamic range, depth perception, ergonomics and cost-effectiveness, the exoscope was consistently rated superior, while findings across studies were mixed regarding the optical zoom ratio and mean scope adjustment (MSA). The learning curve for exoscope use was consistently reported as shorter in all studies.
CONCLUSION
Exoscopes present a viable alternative to OMs in spine surgery, offering multiple advantages, which supports their promising role in modern neurosurgical practice.
PubMed: 38173684
DOI: 10.1016/j.wnsx.2023.100258 -
Frontiers in Neuroscience 2024The acupoint LR3 (Taichong) is frequently utilized in clinical acupuncture. However, its underlying neural mechanisms remain not fully elucidated, with speculations...
OBJECTIVES
The acupoint LR3 (Taichong) is frequently utilized in clinical acupuncture. However, its underlying neural mechanisms remain not fully elucidated, with speculations suggesting its close association with specific brain activity patterns.
METHODS
A comprehensive literature search was undertaken across several online databases, such as PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure), Wanfang Database, VIP Database, and the Chinese Biomedical Database. Two independent researchers handled the study selection, quality assessment, and data extraction processes. Using the seed-based d-mapping meta-analysis approach, we evaluated the brain regions activated by LR3 acupuncture in healthy subjects. Subsequent subgroup analysis was stratified by fMRI types, and regression analyses were performed considering the duration of acupuncture, depth of needle insertion, and needle diameter. The identified active brain regions were then intricately projected onto large-scale functional networks.
RESULTS
A total of 10 studies met the criteria for inclusion, encompassing 319 healthy right-handed participants. The meta-analysis indicates that acupuncture at the LR3 activates regions such as the right postcentral gyrus, left thalamus, left middle frontal gyrus, and right superior frontal gyrus. Additionally, meta-regression analysis highlights that increased acupuncture duration correlates with progressively intensified activation of the right superior frontal gyrus. Subgroup analysis posits that variations in the type of fMRI employed might account for heterogeneity in the pooled results. Concurrently, functional network analysis identifies the primary activated regions as aligning with the Basal ganglia network, Auditory network, Left executive control network, Posterior salience network, Right executive control network, and Sensorimotor networks.
CONCLUSION
Acupuncture at the LR3 in healthy subjects selectively activates brain regions linked to pain perception, emotional processing, and linguistic functions. Extending the needle retention duration intensifies the activation of the right superior frontal gyrus. These findings enrich our comprehension of the neurobiological underpinnings of acupuncture's role in pain mitigation and emotional regulation.
PubMed: 38348133
DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1341567 -
Patient Education and Counseling Nov 2023Risk communication (RC), as part of shared decision making, is challenging with people with limited health literacy (LHL). We aim to provide an overview of strategies to... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
Risk communication (RC), as part of shared decision making, is challenging with people with limited health literacy (LHL). We aim to provide an overview of strategies to communicate benefits and harms of diagnostic and treatment options to this group.
METHODS
We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Cinahl and PsycInfo. We included 28 studies on RC in informed/shared decision making without restriction to a health setting or condition and using a broad conceptualization of health literacy. Two researchers independently selected studies and one researcher performed data extraction. We descriptively compared findings for people with LHL towards recommendations for RC.
RESULTS
Health literacy levels varied in the included studies. Most studies used experimental designs, primarily on visual RC. Findings show verbal RC alone should be avoided. Framing of risk information influences risk perception (less risky when positively framed, riskier when negatively framed). Most studies recommended the use of icon arrays. Graph literacy should be considered when using visual RC.
CONCLUSIONS
The limited available evidence suggests that recommended RC strategies seem mainly to be valid for people with LHL, but more research is required.
PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS
More qualitative research involving people with LHL is needed to gain further in-depth insights into optimal RC strategies.
PROTOCOL REGISTRATION
PROSPERO ID 275022.
Topics: Humans; Health Literacy; Decision Making, Shared; Qualitative Research; Communication; Patients; Decision Making
PubMed: 37619376
DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2023.107944 -
BMJ Open Respiratory Research May 2024People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are more likely to adopt a sedentary lifestyle. Increased sedentary behaviour is associated with adverse health...
BACKGROUND
People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are more likely to adopt a sedentary lifestyle. Increased sedentary behaviour is associated with adverse health consequences and reduced life expectancy.
AIM
This mixed-methods systematic review aimed to report the factors contributing to sedentary behaviour in people with COPD.
METHODS
A systematic search of electronic databases (Medline, CINAHL, PsycINFO and Cochrane Library) was conducted and supported by a clinician librarian in March 2023. Papers were identified and screened by two independent researchers against the inclusion and exclusion criteria, followed by data extraction and analysis of quality. Quantitative and qualitative data synthesis was performed.
RESULTS
1037 records were identified, 29 studies were included (26 quantitative and 3 qualitative studies) and most studies were conducted in high-income countries. The most common influencers of sedentary behaviour were associated with disease severity, dyspnoea, comorbidities, exercise capacity, use of supplemental oxygen and walking aids, and environmental factors. In-depth findings from qualitative studies included a lack of knowledge, self-perception and motivation. However, sedentarism in some was also a conscious approach, enabling enjoyment when participating in hobbies or activities.
CONCLUSIONS
Influencers of sedentary behaviour in people living with COPD are multifactorial. Identifying and understanding these factors should inform the design of future interventions and guidelines. A tailored, multimodal approach could have the potential to address sedentary behaviour.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42023387335.
Topics: Humans; Sedentary Behavior; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Exercise Tolerance; Exercise
PubMed: 38789283
DOI: 10.1136/bmjresp-2023-002261 -
World Journal of Clinical Pediatrics Mar 2024Infants' nutrition significantly influences their growth, development, and overall well-being. With the increasing demand for organic infant formula driven by the...
BACKGROUND
Infants' nutrition significantly influences their growth, development, and overall well-being. With the increasing demand for organic infant formula driven by the perception of health benefits and growing awareness of natural feeding options, it is crucial to conduct a comparative analysis of the gastrointestinal tolerability between organic and traditional infant formulas.
AIM
To provide a concise and precise analysis of the gastrointestinal tolerability of organic infant formula compared to traditional infant formula. Due to limited direct comparisons, the review synthesizes available literature on each formula type, presenting insights into their potential effects on infants' digestive health.
METHODS
An extensive literature search was conducted, compiling studies on organic and traditional infant formulas, their compositions, and reported effects on gastrointestinal tolerability. We searched academic databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar and specialized nutrition, paediatrics, and infant health journals using relevant keywords till October 1, 2023. .
RESULTS
Although specific comparative studies are scarce and formula heterogeneity is a significant limitation, this systematic review provides an in-depth understanding of organic infant formulas' composition and potential benefits. While scientific evidence directly comparing gastrointestinal tolerability is limited, organic formulas strive to use carefully selected organic ingredients to imitate breast milk composition. Potential benefits include improved lipid profiles, higher methionine content, and decreased antibiotic-resistant bacteria levels. Understanding the gastrointestinal tolerability of organic and traditional infant formulas is crucial for parents and healthcare providers to make informed decisions.
CONCLUSION
Despite limitations in direct comparisons, this systematic review provides insights into the composition and potential benefits of organic infant formulas. It emphasizes the need for further research to elucidate their gastrointestinal effects comprehensively.
PubMed: 38596433
DOI: 10.5409/wjcp.v13.i1.88783