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Frontiers in Neuroscience 2023To systematically review the existing literature that examines the relationship between cognition, hearing, and language in children using cochlear implants and hearing...
PURPOSE
To systematically review the existing literature that examines the relationship between cognition, hearing, and language in children using cochlear implants and hearing aids.
METHOD
The review has been registered in Prospero (Registration: CRD 42020203974). The review was based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis and examined the scientific literature in VHL, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, WOS, and Embase. It included original observational studies in children using hearing aids and/or cochlear implants who underwent cognitive and auditory and/or language tests. Data were extracted from the studies and their level of evidence was graded with the Oxford Center for Evidence-Based Medicine: Levels of Evidence. Meta-analysis could not be performed due to data heterogeneity. Outcomes are described in narrative and tables synthesis.
RESULTS
The systematic search and subsequent full-text evaluation identified 21 studies, conducted in 10 different countries. Altogether, their samples comprised 1,098 individuals, aged 0.16-12.6 years. The studies assessed the following cognitive domains: memory, nonverbal cognition, reasoning, attention, executive functions, language, perceptual-motor function, visuoconstructive ability, processing speed, and phonological processing/phonological memory. Children with hearing loss using cochlear implants and hearing aids scored significantly lower in many cognitive functions than normal hearing (NH) children. Neurocognitive functions were correlated with hearing and language outcomes.
CONCLUSION
Many cognitive tools were used to assess cognitive function in children with hearing devices. Results suggest that children with cochlear implants and hearing aids have cognitive deficits; these outcomes are mainly correlated with vocabulary. This study highlights the need to understand children's cognitive function and increase the knowledge of the relationship between cognition, language, and hearing in children using cochlear implants and hearing aids.
PubMed: 37859761
DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1242949 -
AJOG Global Reports Feb 2024Obstetrical anal sphincter injury describes a severe injury to the perineum and perianal muscles after birth. Obstetrical anal sphincter injury occurs in approximately... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Obstetrical anal sphincter injury describes a severe injury to the perineum and perianal muscles after birth. Obstetrical anal sphincter injury occurs in approximately 4.4% of vaginal births in the United States; however, racial and ethnic inequities in the incidence of obstetrical anal sphincter injury have been shown in several high-income countries. Specifically, an increased risk of obstetrical anal sphincter injury in individuals who identify as Asian vs those who identify as White has been documented among residents of the United States, Australia, Canada, Western Europe, and the Scandinavian countries. The high rates of obstetrical anal sphincter injury among the Asian diaspora in these countries are higher than obstetrical anal sphincter injury rates reported among Asian populations residing in Asia. A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies in high-income, non-Asian countries was conducted to further evaluate this relationship.
DATA SOURCES
MEDLINE, Ovid, Embase, EmCare, and the Cochrane databases were searched from inception to March 2023 for original research studies.
STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Observational studies using keywords and controlled vocabulary terms related to race, ethnicity and obstetrical anal sphincter injury. All observational studies, including cross-sectional, case-control, and cohort were included. 2 reviewers followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and the Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology recommendations.
METHODS
Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan (version 5.4; Cochrane Collaboration, London, United Kingdom) for dichotomous data using the random effects model and the odds ratios as effect measures with 95% confidence intervals. Subgroup analysis was performed among Asian subgroups. The risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tools. Meta-regression was used to determine sources of between-study heterogeneity.
RESULTS
A total of 27 studies conducted in 7 countries met the inclusion criteria encompassing 2,337,803 individuals. The pooled incidence of obstetrical anal sphincter injury was higher among Asian individuals than White individuals (pooled odds ratio, 1.64; 95% confidence interval, 1.48-1.80). Subgroup analyses showed that obstetrical anal sphincter injury rates were highest among South Asians and among population-based vs hospital-based studies. Meta-regression showed that moderate heterogeneity remained even after accounting for differences in studies by types of Asian subgroups included, study year, mode of delivery included, and study setting.
CONCLUSION
Obstetrical anal sphincter injury is more frequent among Asian versus white birthing individuals in multiple high-income, non-Asian countries. Qualitative and quantitative research to elucidate underlying causal mechanisms responsible for this relationship are warranted.
PubMed: 38283323
DOI: 10.1016/j.xagr.2023.100296 -
JMIR Aging Jan 2024It is a contemporary and global challenge that the increasing number of older people requiring care will surpass the available caregivers. Solutions are needed to help... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
It is a contemporary and global challenge that the increasing number of older people requiring care will surpass the available caregivers. Solutions are needed to help older people maintain their health, prevent disability, and delay or avoid dependency on others. Technology can enable older people to age in place while maintaining their dignity and quality of life. Literature reviews on this topic have become important tools for researchers, practitioners, policy makers, and decision makers who need to navigate and access the extensive available evidence. Due to the large number and diversity of existing reviews, there is a need for a review of reviews that provides an overview of the range and characteristics of the evidence on technology for aging in place.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to explore the characteristics and the range of evidence on technologies for aging in place by conducting a scoping review of reviews and presenting an evidence map that researchers, policy makers, and practitioners may use to identify gaps and reviews of interest.
METHODS
The review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews). Literature searches were conducted in Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus using a search string that consisted of the terms "older people" and "technology for ageing in place," with alternate terms using Boolean operators and truncation, adapted to the rules for each database.
RESULTS
A total of 5447 studies were screened, with 344 studies included after full-text screening. The number of reviews on this topic has increased dramatically over time, and the literature is scattered across a variety of journals. Vocabularies and approaches used to describe technology, populations, and problems are highly heterogeneous. We have identified 3 principal ways that reviews have dealt with populations, 5 strategies that the reviews draw on to conceptualize technology, and 4 principal types of problems that they have dealt with. These may be understood as methods that can inform future reviews on this topic. The relationships among populations, technologies, and problems studied in the reviews are presented in an evidence map that includes pertinent gaps.
CONCLUSIONS
Redundancies and unexploited synergies between bodies of evidence on technology for aging in place are highly likely. These results can be used to decrease this risk if they are used to inform the design of future reviews on this topic. There is a need for an examination of the current state of the art in knowledge on technology for aging in place in low- and middle-income countries, especially in Africa.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Independent Living; Quality of Life; Aging; Technology; Administrative Personnel
PubMed: 38252472
DOI: 10.2196/50286 -
Gaceta Sanitaria 2023To synthesize the social inequalities related to mortality from traffic accidents reported in scientific publications.
OBJECTIVE
To synthesize the social inequalities related to mortality from traffic accidents reported in scientific publications.
METHOD
A scoping review following the PRISMA-ScR guide was carried out. Using the MesH vocabulary, we systematically searched for articles in English, Portuguese and Spanish published in the EBSCO, Scielo, Scopus, Ovid, and PubMed databases.
RESULTS
We identified 47,790 records in the initial search, of which 35 articles met the selection criteria. Nine out ten publications are in high-income countries; there is a greater interest in analyzing mortality in occupants and drivers of vehicles and motorcyclists. Half of the publications use race-ethnicity and geolocation as socioeconomic position variables. The articles included in this review indicate that groups of people with low socioeconomic positions have higher mortality due to traffic accidents.
CONCLUSIONS
The highest mortality from traffic accidents occurs in people with low socioeconomic positions which suggests the development of road safety actions from a comprehensive, integrative perspective and linked to other political agendas to reduce their incidence by 2030. Although road traffic fatalities are higher in low and middle-income countries, few publications are available in these countries. It is necessary to strengthen the research capacities in these countries.
Topics: Humans; Accidents, Traffic; Bibliometrics; Incidence; Income; Socioeconomic Factors
PubMed: 37352821
DOI: 10.1016/j.gaceta.2023.102313 -
Imaging Science in Dentistry Dec 2021The clivus is a region in the anterior section of the occipital bone that is commonly imaged on large-volume cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). There have been... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
The clivus is a region in the anterior section of the occipital bone that is commonly imaged on large-volume cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). There have been several reports of incidental clivus variations and certain pathological entities that have been attributed to the variations. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of these variations within the scope of dentistry.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Medical databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) were searched using a controlled vocabulary (clival anomalies, cone-beam CT, canalis basilaris medianus, fossa navicularis magna, clival variation). The search was limited to English language, humans, and studies published in the last 25 years. The articles were exported into RefWorks® and duplicates were removed. The remaining articles were screened and reviewed for supporting information on variations of the clivus on CBCT imaging.
RESULTS
Canalis basilaris medianus and fossa navicularis magna were the most common anomalies noted. Many of these variations were asymptomatic, with most patients unaware of the anomaly. In certain cases, associated pathologies ranged from developmental (Tornwaldt cyst), to acquired (recurrent meningitis). While no distinct pathognomonic aspects were noted, there were unique patterns of radiographic diagnosis and treatment modalities. Most patients had a normal course of follow-up.
CONCLUSION
Interpretation of CBCT volumes is a skill every dentist must possess. When reviewing large-volume CBCT scans, the clinician should be able to distinguish pathology from normal anatomic variations within the skull base. The majority of clivus variations are asymptomatic and will remain undetected unless incidentally noted on radiographic examinations.
PubMed: 34987995
DOI: 10.5624/isd.20210039 -
The Primary Care Companion For CNS... Jun 2022To provide an overview of the role of umbilical cord blood (UCB) in managing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms in children aged 4-8 years. A systematic...
To provide an overview of the role of umbilical cord blood (UCB) in managing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms in children aged 4-8 years. A systematic literature search was conducted using the terms ( OR AND OR ). The review was limited to articles published in the English language from 1945 to September 2020. The database search included PubMed, Scopus, and EMBASE. The initial search revealed 165 hits of potential relevance. The articles were analyzed to obtain clinical information relevant to meeting the review objectives. After title, abstract, and full article review, 3 UCB studies were selected for analysis. The systematic review showed mixed results. In the first study, improvements were seen in the socialization and communication domains and adaptive behavior with UCB infusion. The Pervasive Developmental Disorder Behavior Inventory composite T score and Expressive One-Word Picture Vocabulary Test (EOWPVT) score also improved. Symptomatic improvement was seen in half of the patients. The second study showed no improvement in the EOWPVT, Receptive One-Word Picture Vocabulary Test, Clinical Global Impressions scale, or Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (VABS), second edition. The third study showed nonsignificant improvement in the VABS, third edition socialization scale scores; however, major improvement in the communication domain was seen for those with nonverbal IQ ≥ 70. No serious adverse events were reported in any of the studies. Few studies have evaluated the role of UCB infusion in addressing symptoms of ASD. Due to the limited number of studies, more research is warranted.
Topics: Adaptation, Psychological; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Autistic Disorder; Child; Communication; Fetal Blood; Humans
PubMed: 35666592
DOI: 10.4088/PCC.21r03042 -
JAMA Otolaryngology-- Head & Neck... Feb 2021Zenker diverticulum (ZD) can cause significant dysphagia, and symptoms can return or persist after surgery. This systematic review and network meta-analysis is the first... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
IMPORTANCE
Zenker diverticulum (ZD) can cause significant dysphagia, and symptoms can return or persist after surgery. This systematic review and network meta-analysis is the first to our knowledge to compare 3 common surgical techniques for ZD.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the 3 most common surgical techniques-endoscopic laser-assisted diverticulotomy, endoscopic stapler-assisted diverticulotomy, and transcervical diverticulectomy with cricopharyngeal myotomy-in adult patients with ZD.
DATA SOURCES
The published literature was searched using strategies designed by a medical librarian (search performed September 21, 2018). Strategies were established using a combination of controlled vocabulary terms and keywords and were executed in Ovid MEDLINE (1946 to September 21, 2018), Embase (1947 to September 21, 2018), Scopus (1823 to September 21, 2018), Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov. Results were limited to English using database-supplied filters, which generated studies from 1997 to 2017.
STUDY SELECTION
Inclusion criteria were cohort studies or randomized clinical trials. Studies that included patients needing revision surgery or undergoing an alternative technique were excluded.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses-Network Meta-analyses (PRISMA-NMA) checklist was used to report the study findings. Two authors independently reviewed the studies.
MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURE
The primary outcome measure was the incidence of persistent or recurrent symptoms following surgery. The primary study outcome was planned before data collection began.
RESULTS
The search generated 529 studies. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 9 cohort studies remained, consisting of 903 patients treated with either laser-assisted diverticulotomy (n = 283), transcervical diverticulectomy (n = 150), or stapler-assisted diverticulotomy (n = 470). A network meta-analysis was performed. Between endoscopic laser-assisted diverticulotomy and open diverticulectomy, the open approach showed a statistically lower likelihood of persistent/recurrent symptoms following treatment (odds ratio [OR], 0.20; 95% CI, 0.04-0.91). Comparing laser-assisted diverticulotomy with the stapler-assisted technique, there was not a significant difference between the 2 techniques (OR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.43-1.60). The consistency model for the network meta-analysis was supported (χ21 = 0.12; P = .73).
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
This systematic review and meta-analysis compared 3 common techniques for treating ZD. The open approach showed a decreased likelihood of persistent or recurrent symptoms following surgery compared with the 2 other techniques.
Topics: Endoscopy; Humans; Laser Therapy; Myotomy; Postoperative Complications; Recurrence; Reoperation; Surgical Stapling; Zenker Diverticulum
PubMed: 33270099
DOI: 10.1001/jamaoto.2020.4091 -
Journal of Personalized Medicine May 2024Over the years, various researchers have attempted to compare digital cephalometry with the conventional manual approach. There is a need to comprehensively analyze the... (Review)
Review
Over the years, various researchers have attempted to compare digital cephalometry with the conventional manual approach. There is a need to comprehensively analyze the findings from the earlier studies and determine the potential advantages and limitations of each method. The present systematic review aimed to compare the accuracy of digital and manual tracing in cephalometric analysis for the identification of skeletal and dental landmarks. A systematic search was performed using the keywords "Digital" AND "Manual" AND "Cephalometry" to identify relevant studies published in the English language in the past decade. The electronic data resources consulted for the elaborate search included the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Scopus, ERIC, and ScienceDirect with controlled vocabulary and free text terms. A total of = 20 studies were identified that fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria within the timeframe of 2013 to 2023. The data extracted from the included articles and corresponding meta-analyses are presented in the text. The findings of the present systematic review and meta-analysis revealed trends suggesting that digital tracing may offer reliable measurements for specific cephalometric parameters efficiently and accurately. Orthodontists must consider the potential benefits of digital cephalometry, including time-saving and user-friendliness.
PubMed: 38929786
DOI: 10.3390/jpm14060566 -
Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis :... May 2020Clinically unsuspected venous thromboembolic events (uVTE) detected during routine imaging pose a management challenge due to limited knowledge about their clinical...
BACKGROUND
Clinically unsuspected venous thromboembolic events (uVTE) detected during routine imaging pose a management challenge due to limited knowledge about their clinical significance. Unsuspected VTE are often referred as "asymptomatic," "incidental," or "clinically silent/occult" VTE.
OBJECTIVE
To understand the epidemiology, management, and outcomes of uVTE in children.
METHODS
A systematic review was performed according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. The search criteria included controlled vocabulary and keywords for VTE, incidental findings, and children (ages ≤ 21 years).
RESULTS
Among 10 875 articles, 51 studies (8354 children with 758 uVTE) were selected. The studies were heterogeneous, I 96%; P < .0001. Unsuspected VTE were diagnosed in two settings: first, asymptomatic VTE (aVTE) diagnosed through surveillance imaging for VTE (46 studies; n = 5894; aVTE: 715, pooled frequency: 19%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 13%-24%); second, incidental VTE (iVTE) diagnosed during imaging performed for indications without primary suspicion for VTE (6 studies; n = 2460; iVTE: 43). The majority (94%) of aVTE were associated with central venous lines (CVL). Non-CVL settings included post-spinal surgery, post-splenectomy, trauma, nephrotic syndrome, and newborns. In general, aVTE were reported to have a benign clinical course, were mostly transient, and resolved without intervention and with few immediate or long-term functional complications. Incidental VTE were primarily detected in children with cancer and ranged from tumor-associated thrombi to pulmonary embolism (PE) with insufficient evidence to draw meaningful conclusions about their management.
CONCLUSION
Clinically uVTE were predominantly diagnosed with CVL and their outcomes were generally favorable implying limited benefit of routine surveillance and thromboprophylaxis. Prospective research is needed to clarify the optimal management of iVTE.
Topics: Adult; Anticoagulants; Child; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Prospective Studies; Pulmonary Embolism; Venous Thromboembolism; Venous Thrombosis; Young Adult
PubMed: 31984669
DOI: 10.1111/jth.14739 -
Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine 2022Health Technology Assessment (HTA) is a comprehensive and important tool for assessment and decision-making in public health and healthcare practice. It is recommended... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Health Technology Assessment (HTA) is a comprehensive and important tool for assessment and decision-making in public health and healthcare practice. It is recommended by the WHO and has been applied in practice in many countries, mostly the developed ones. HTA might be an important tool to achieve universal health coverage (UHC), especially beneficial to low-and-middle-income countries (LMIC). Even though the Package for Essential Non-communicable Diseases (PEN) has already been initiated, there is a clear policy gap in the HTA of any health device, service, or procedure, including the assessment of cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) in Nepal. Hence, we carried out the review to document the HTA supported evidence of hypertension and diabetes screening, as CVRFs in Nepal.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We searched in PubMed, Cochrane, and Google Scholar, along with some gray literature published in the last 6 years (2016-2021) in a systematic way with a controlled vocabulary using a well-designed and pilot tested search strategy, screened them, and a total of 53 articles and reports that matched the screening criteria were included for the review. We then, extracted the data in a pre-designed MS-Excel format, first in one, and then, from it, in two, with more specific data.
RESULTS
Of 53 included studies, we reported the prevalence and/or proportion of hypertension and diabetes with various denominators. Furthermore, HTA-related findings such as cost, validity, alternative tool or technology, awareness, and intervention effectiveness have been documented and discussed further, however, not summarized due to their sparingness.
CONCLUSION
Overall, the prevalence of DM (4.4-18.8%) and HTN (17.2-70.0%) was reported in most studies, with a few, covering other aspects of HTA of DM/HTN. A national policy for establishing an HTA agency and some immediately implementable actions are highly recommended.
PubMed: 35979024
DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.898225