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International Journal of Environmental... Apr 2021COVID-19 is a novel infectious disease which has rapidly spread around the globe, disrupting several aspects of public life over the past year. After numerous infection... (Review)
Review
COVID-19 is a novel infectious disease which has rapidly spread around the globe, disrupting several aspects of public life over the past year. After numerous infection clusters emerged among travelers hosted in ski resorts in early 2020, several European countries closed ski areas. These measures were mostly upheld throughout the 2020 and 2021 winter season, generating significant economic loss for mountain communities. The aim of this rapid systematic review was to explore the association between recreational skiing and the spread of COVID-19. This review was conducted according to the WHO practical guidelines on rapid reviews and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. PubMed, Scopus, MedRxiv and Promed-mail were screened to identify relevant scientific and grey literature published since the emergence of COVID-19. Among the 11 articles included, seven focused on cases recorded during the first epidemic wave, when COVID-19 containment measures were not yet mandatory. Most infection clusters could be directly linked to public gatherings which took place without the enforcement of restrictions. There is currently no evidence to suggest an association between COVID-19 spread and recreational skiing. It may be reasonable to consider the reopening of ski areas in compliance with strict rules and preventive measures.
Topics: COVID-19; Europe; Humans; SARS-CoV-2; Skiing
PubMed: 33923960
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18084349 -
Journal of Medical Internet Research May 2023Cognitive-motor dual-task (CMDT) is defined as the parallel processing of motor (eg, gait) and cognitive (eg, executive functions) activities and is an essential ability... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Cognitive-motor dual-task (CMDT) is defined as the parallel processing of motor (eg, gait) and cognitive (eg, executive functions) activities and is an essential ability in daily life. Older adults living with frailty, chronic conditions (eg, neurodegenerative diseases), or multimorbidity pay high costs during CMDT. This can have serious consequences on the health and safety of older adults with chronic age-related conditions. However, CMDT rehabilitation can provide useful and effective therapies for these patients, particularly if delivered through technological devices.
OBJECTIVE
This review aims to describe the current technological applications, CMDT rehabilitative procedures, target populations, condition assessment, and efficacy and effectiveness of technology-assisted CMDT rehabilitation in chronic age-related conditions.
METHODS
We performed this systematic review, following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, on 3 databases (Web of Science, Embase, and PubMed). Original articles that were published in English; involved older adults (>65 years) with ≥1 chronic condition and/or frailty; and tested, with a clinical trial, a technology-assisted CMDT rehabilitation against a control condition were included. Risk of bias (Cochrane tool) and the RITES (Rating of Included Trials on the Efficacy-Effectiveness Spectrum) tool were used to evaluate the included studies.
RESULTS
A total of 1097 papers were screened, and 8 (0.73%) studies met the predefined inclusion criteria for this review. The target conditions for technology-assisted CMDT rehabilitation included Parkinson disease and dementia. However, little information regarding multimorbidity, chronicity, or frailty status is available. The primary outcomes included falls, balance, gait parameters, dual-task performance, and executive functions and attention. CMDT technology mainly consists of a motion-tracking system combined with virtual reality. CMDT rehabilitation involves different types of tasks (eg, obstacle negotiation and CMDT exercises). Compared with control conditions, CMDT training was found to be pleasant, safe, and effective particularly for dual-task performances, falls, gait, and cognition, and the effects were maintained at midterm follow-up.
CONCLUSIONS
Despite further research being mandatory, technology-assisted CMDT rehabilitation is a promising method to enhance motor-cognitive functions in older adults with chronic conditions.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Frailty; Cognition; Exercise Therapy; Chronic Disease; Technology
PubMed: 37213200
DOI: 10.2196/44484 -
The International Journal of Behavioral... Mar 2022Understanding which strategies have been recommended for the promotion of active and healthy lifestyles through physical education (PE) classes can guide PE policies and... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Understanding which strategies have been recommended for the promotion of active and healthy lifestyles through physical education (PE) classes can guide PE policies and practice. Therefore, we summarized worldwide recommendations regarding strategies for PE classes that have aimed to promote active and healthy lifestyles among school-aged children and adolescents.
METHODS
The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines were utilized. A literature search was carried out in June 2020 in eight peer-reviewed literature databases, in addition to searches in institutional and personal libraries. The eligibility criteria included any online document that included recommendations targeting any dimension of PE classes (e.g., policy and environment, curriculum, appropriate instruction, student assessment, and strategies that interact with PE) published since 2000.
RESULTS
In total, 2,408 potentially eligible documents were screened. Of these, 63 were included in the final analysis. The recommended strategies were as follows: six referred to policy and environment (valuing PE, higher frequency and duration of classes, inclusive PE classes, mandatory daily classes, evaluation of PE classes, and qualified teachers), five to curriculum (structure, type of content, cross-cutting themes, and components that improve PE classes), four to appropriate instruction (promotion of physical activities, inclusion of social issues, employment of the use of innovative technologies, and organization of the teaching-learning process), and three to student assessment (understanding human movement concepts, evaluation of contents, and assessment methods to develop an active and healthy lifestyle).
CONCLUSION
Twenty-one strategies recommended for PE classes linked to five dimensions aimed at different target populations were identified. Over half were linked to the dimensions of policy and environment and appropriate instruction. PE is recommended to be mandatory and valued at all educational levels, with weekly frequency that contributes to an active and healthy lifestyle. This review shows that guaranteeing different experiences beyond sports, improving social inclusion, using innovative technologies, and providing adequate materials and spaces to be important challenges and ways to guide policies, programs, and new research in this field of knowledge. Open Science Framework Registration: https://osf.io/harwq/.
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Curriculum; Exercise; Healthy Lifestyle; Humans; Physical Education and Training; Policy
PubMed: 35346232
DOI: 10.1186/s12966-022-01278-0 -
Brain & Spine 2022•Metaplastic meningiomas are rare entities, and intracranial osseous subtype are even more rare.•Gross total resection is considered the best treatment... (Review)
Review
•Metaplastic meningiomas are rare entities, and intracranial osseous subtype are even more rare.•Gross total resection is considered the best treatment choice.•Differential diagnosis is mandatory, including osteoma, osteoblastoma, and calcified giant aneurysms.•This rare entity must be considered in a global approach and tailored surgical technique.
PubMed: 36248170
DOI: 10.1016/j.bas.2022.101189 -
Surgical Neurology International 2023Spontaneous and nontraumatic epidural hematoma (SEDH) is a rare entity. Etiology is various, including vascular malformations of the dura mater, hemorrhagic tumors, and... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Spontaneous and nontraumatic epidural hematoma (SEDH) is a rare entity. Etiology is various, including vascular malformations of the dura mater, hemorrhagic tumors, and coagulation defects. The association between SEDH and craniofacial infections is rather unusual.
METHODS
We performed a systematic review of the available literature using the PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Scopus research databases. Literature research was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. We exclusively included studies reporting demographic and clinical data, published until October 31, 2022. We also report one case from our experience.
RESULTS
A total of 18 scientific publications, corresponding to 19 patients, met the inclusion criteria for the qualitative and quantitative analysis. Patients were mostly adolescents, with a clear male predominance. SEDHs frequently occurred in the frontal area, usually near the site of the infection. Surgical evacuation was the treatment of choice with good postoperative outcomes. Endoscopy of the involved paranasal sinus should be achieved as soon as possible to remove the cause of the SEDH.
CONCLUSION
SEDH may occur as a rare and life-threatening complication of craniofacial infections; therefore, prompt recognition and treatment are mandatory.
PubMed: 36895255
DOI: 10.25259/SNI_1068_2022 -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Aug 2022Uterine sarcomas represents only 3% of all the female genital tract ones. The tumoral stage is the most significant prognostic factor. The role of the bilateral... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Uterine sarcomas represents only 3% of all the female genital tract ones. The tumoral stage is the most significant prognostic factor. The role of the bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO) in the surgical management of FIGO stage IA and IB appears still controversial. This review aims to investigate the impact of bilateral adnexectomy in the treatment of uterine sarcoma. Following the recommendations in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement, we systematically searched the PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, Medline, and Medscape databases in February 2022. We applied no language or geographical restrictions, but we considered only English studies. We included the studies containing data about Recurrence Rate (RR), Disease-free Survival (DFS), and Overall Survival (OS). We used comparative studies for meta-analysis. Seventeen studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria; 2 retrospective observational studies, and 15 retrospective comparative studies, And 14 out of the 15 comparative studies were enrolled in meta-analysis. A total of 3743 patients were analyzed concerning the use of adnexectomy with hysterectomy in patients with uterine sarcoma and compared with those who did not. Meta-analysis highlighted a non-significant worsening of the OS in the BSO group compared to the OP group and showed that adnexectomy does not improve the DFS (BSO OR 1.23 (95% CI 0.81-1.85) = 0.34; I = 24% = 0.22). Most studies selected for our review showed that adnexectomy does not significantly affect the RR, OS, and PFS in treating FIGO stage I uterine sarcomas. Therefore, even if there is a unanimous consensus about bilateral adnexectomy in menopausal patients, preservation of ovarian tissue may be considered in premenopausal women. Nonetheless, there are not enough cases in the literature to recommend this procedure.
Topics: Female; Humans; Hysterectomy; Neoplasm Staging; Retrospective Studies; Sarcoma; Uterine Neoplasms
PubMed: 36143817
DOI: 10.3390/medicina58091140 -
SAGE Open Medicine 2022In Ethiopia, there is low enrollment and a wide discrepancy in willingness to pay for community-based health insurance schemes, and there is a lack of nationally... (Review)
Review
In Ethiopia, there is low enrollment and a wide discrepancy in willingness to pay for community-based health insurance schemes, and there is a lack of nationally representative data on willingness to pay for community-based health insurance. Thus, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of willingness to pay for community-based health insurance and associated factors in Ethiopia. This was developed using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Databases such as PubMed/Medline, CINAHL, African Journals Online, and Google Scholar searches were performed to retrieve available published and unpublished studies from December 15 to May 17, 2022. Two independent reviewers screened the retrieved articles. Critical quality appraisal was performed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument. To investigate the sources of heterogeneity, subgroup analysis and meta-regression were performed based on region, study setting (rural/urban), and sample size. RevMan software and STATA 14 software were used for the statistical analysis. A random-effect model was used to estimate the effect size at a 95% confidence interval. A total of 190 studies were retrieved, and six studies were included in the final meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of willingness to pay for community-based health insurance was 78 (95% confidence interval: 74, 81). A subgroup analysis by region indicated the lowest proportion of willingness to pay community-based health insurance in the Oromia region, 76% (95% confidence interval: 68, 84), and the highest in the Amhara region, 79% (95% confidence interval: 77, 81). Nearly three in four households were willing to pay for community-based health insurance in Ethiopia. Thus, awareness of willingness to pay community-based health insurance is mandatory to improve the implementation of community-based health insurance.
PubMed: 36385794
DOI: 10.1177/20503121221135876 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2021Kidney Exchange Programs can play an important role to increase access to the life saving and most cost-effective treatment for End Stage Renal Disease. The rise of...
Kidney Exchange Programs can play an important role to increase access to the life saving and most cost-effective treatment for End Stage Renal Disease. The rise of national KEPs in Europe brings a need for standardized performance reporting to facilitate the development of an international evidence base on program practices. We systematically searched and reviewed the literature to extract kidney exchange program performance measures. Reported measures were initially categorized as structure, process, and outcome measures. Expert feedback was used to redefine categories and extend the set of measures to be considered. Using the Delphi method and a panel of 10 experts, the resulting measures were subsequently classified as mandatory (Base set), optional (Extended set), or deleted. Out of the initial 1,668 articles identified by systematic literature search, 21 European publications on kidney exchange programs were included to collect performance measures, accompanied by three national program reports. The final measurement categories were Context, Population, Enrollment, Matching, Transplantation, and Outcomes. The set of performance measures resulting from the literature review was modified and classified as mandatory or optional. The resulting Base set and Extended set form the kidney exchange program reporting standard. The evidence-based and consensus-based kidney exchange program reporting standard can harmonize practical and scientific reporting on kidney exchange programs, thus facilitating the advancement of national programs. In addition, the kidney exchange program reporting standard can promote and align cross-national programs.
Topics: Consensus; Europe; Humans; Kidney; Kidney Failure, Chronic; Outcome Assessment, Health Care
PubMed: 33681134
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.623966 -
Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology :... Jan 2023To compare the reported rate of any congenital anomaly and perinatal outcome of pregnancy following blastocyst- vs cleavage-stage embryo transfer using a pairwise... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVES
To compare the reported rate of any congenital anomaly and perinatal outcome of pregnancy following blastocyst- vs cleavage-stage embryo transfer using a pairwise meta-analysis and to evaluate the same outcomes following fresh-blastocyst, frozen-blastocyst, fresh-cleavage or frozen-cleavage embryo transfer using a network meta-analysis.
METHODS
A literature search was performed in PubMed, Scopus and CENTRAL and registers for ongoing studies, from inception to February 2022, for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with any sample size and observational studies including at least 100 live births per group, comparing the rates of any congenital anomaly and perinatal outcome of pregnancy following fresh/frozen embryo transfer at cleavage (day 2-3) vs blastocyst (day 5-7) stage. Risk ratios (RRs) along with their 95% CIs were pooled via a random-effects model meta-analysis. Within a frequentist network meta-analysis framework, outcomes of all four treatment modalities (i.e. fresh-blastocyst, fresh-cleavage, frozen-blastocyst, frozen-cleavage) were compared further. Any congenital anomaly constituted the primary outcome, whereas preterm delivery (delivery < 37 weeks), low birth weight (LBW; < 2500 g), gender of the neonate (male), perinatal death and healthy neonate (defined as liveborn neonate, delivered at term, weighing ≥ 2500 g, surviving for at least 28 days postbirth and without any congenital anomaly) were considered as secondary outcomes. Subgroup analyses by plurality (liveborn singleton vs multiple pregnancy) were conducted in the pairwise and network meta-analyses. The risk of bias was assessed using the RoB2 tool for RCTs and the ROBINS-I tool for non-randomized studies. Certainty of evidence was assessed using GRADE.
RESULTS
Through the literature search, 550 studies were retrieved and 33 were included in the systematic review. We found no significant difference in the risk for any congenital anomaly between blastocyst- and cleavage-stage transfer (RR, 0.80 (95% CI, 0.63-1.03); 10 studies; n = 192 442; I = 85.5%). An increased probability of a male neonate was observed following blastocyst- vs cleavage-stage transfer (RR, 1.07 (95% CI, 1.06-1.09); 18 studies; n = 227 530; I = 32.7%). No significant differences in other secondary outcomes or significant subgroup differences between liveborn singletons and multiple pregnancies were observed. The network meta-analysis showed a significantly lower risk for LBW following frozen-blastocyst vs fresh-blastocyst (RR, 0.76 (95% CI, 0.60-0.95)) or fresh-cleavage (RR, 0.74 (95% CI, 0.59-0.93)) transfer. Frozen-blastocyst transfer was associated with an increased risk for perinatal death compared with the fresh-cleavage method (RR, 2.06 (95% CI, 1.10-3.88)). The higher probability of a male neonate following blastocyst transfer remained evident in the network comparisons. All outcomes were assessed to be of very-low certainty of evidence.
CONCLUSIONS
Current very-low certainty of evidence shows that there may be little-to-no difference in the risk for congenital anomaly or adverse perinatal outcome of pregnancy following blastocyst- vs cleavage-stage embryo transfer, although there was a slightly increased probability of a male neonate following blastocyst transfer. When considering cryopreservation, frozen-blastocyst transfer was associated with a reduction in the risk for LBW compared with both fresh-transfer modalities, and fresh-cleavage transfer may be associated with a reduction in the risk for perinatal death compared with frozen-blastocyst transfer. High-quality RCTs with separate data on fresh and frozen cycles and consistent reporting of culture conditions and freezing methods are mandatory. Individual participant data meta-analyses are required to address the substantial inconsistency resulting from current aggregate data approaches. © 2022 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Topics: Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Pregnancy; Blastocyst; Embryo Transfer; Network Meta-Analysis; Perinatal Death; Pregnancy Rate; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Observational Studies as Topic
PubMed: 35751886
DOI: 10.1002/uog.26019 -
Palliative Medicine Apr 2023Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) individuals experience discrimination throughout the care continuum, including during serious illness... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) individuals experience discrimination throughout the care continuum, including during serious illness and at end of life. High-quality palliative care requires that health professionals deliver individualized services that reflect the needs, experiences, and preferences of LGBTQ+ persons.
AIM
To identify and appraise existing evidence related to the needs, experiences, and preferences for palliative and end of life care among LGBTQ+ individuals with serious illness.
DESIGN
Data-based convergent synthesis design reported per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.
DATA SOURCES
PubMed, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Scopus from January 1, 2010 to November 6, 2020.
RESULTS
Of 4875 results captured, 69 articles underwent full-text review and 13 were retained for analysis. Most studies were from North America with trans individuals represented in 10 of 13 studies. Needs ( = 6) included increased social support, institutional safety, economic and legal supports, and advocacy to mitigate health barriers.Experiences ( = 12) were driven by fear and worry associated with discrimination/stigma,providers' hetero-/cisnormative assumptions, homophobia and transphobia, social isolation, and an undignified death. Preferences ( = 6) pertained to inclusion of chosen families in decision-making, disclosure of LGBTQ+ identity based on safety of the clinical environment, and a desire to maintain autonomy.
CONCLUSIONS
The robustness of the science has improved regarding the needs, experiences, and preferences of trans individuals. Actionable, inclusive policies coupled with sustained and integrated cultural sensitivity training for health workers are mandatory. Interventional research is critical to enhance tailored palliative care for LGBTQ+ people and their chosen families.
Topics: Female; Humans; Sexual Behavior; Terminal Care; Sexual and Gender Minorities; Hospice Care; Palliative Care
PubMed: 36475950
DOI: 10.1177/02692163221124426