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International Journal of Environmental... Feb 2022For a service robot to serve travelers at an airport or for a social robot to live with a human partner at home, it is vital for robots to possess the ability to... (Review)
Review
For a service robot to serve travelers at an airport or for a social robot to live with a human partner at home, it is vital for robots to possess the ability to empathize with human partners and express congruent emotions accordingly. We conducted a systematic review of the literature regarding empathy in interpersonal, virtual agents, and social robots research with inclusion criteria to analyze empirical studies in a peer-reviewed journal, conference proceeding, or a thesis. Based on the review, we define empathy for human-robot interaction (HRI) as the robot's () capability and process to recognize the human's () emotional state, thoughts, and situation, and produce affective or cognitive responses to elicit a positive perception of humans. We reviewed all prominent empathy theories and established a conceptual framework that illuminates critical components to consider when designing an empathic robot, including the empathy process, outcome, and the and characteristics. This model is complemented by empirical research involving empathic virtual agents and social robots. We suggest critical factors such as domain dependency, multi-modality, and empathy modulation to consider when designing, engineering, and researching empathic social robots.
Topics: Emotions; Empathy; Humans; Robotics; Social Interaction
PubMed: 35162909
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031889 -
Pathology International Jul 2022Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-positive marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) is rare and undefined. It is unclear whether IgG4-positive MZLs have as favorable an outcome as MZLs in...
Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-positive marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) is rare and undefined. It is unclear whether IgG4-positive MZLs have as favorable an outcome as MZLs in general. Also, correlation with IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) and IgG4-positive MZLs is unknown. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews, we searched MEDLINE and EMBASE for all peer-reviewed articles using keywords including"IgG4" and "marginal zone lymphoma" from their inception to February 20, 2022. Twenty-two articles, including six observational studies and 24 cases from 16 case reports and case series, were included. Only one study had a comparative group, and the other five were exploratory observational studies. IgG4-positive MZLs commonly occurred in males (83.3%). It primarily involved ocular adnexa (41.7%) and skin (29.2%). Only 29.2% had concurrent IgG4-RD, and no expiration was noted. While most cases were treated with excision, resection, or clinical observation, 21.7% received rituximab-cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone as a first-line treatment. This systematic review summarizes the current understanding of the characteristics of IgG4-positive MZLs. While there seems to be IgG4-RD-related and de novo IgG4-positive MZLs, future research needs to clearly define MZL with polyclonal IgG4-positive cells and IgG4-producing lymphoma. Further studies are critical to clarifying long-term prognosis and optimal surveillance planning.
Topics: Humans; Immunoglobulin G; Immunoglobulin G4-Related Disease; Lymphoma, B-Cell, Marginal Zone; Male; Prognosis; Rituximab
PubMed: 35678201
DOI: 10.1111/pin.13251 -
Cerebrovascular Diseases (Basel,... 2015Ultrasound is the most commonly used imaging modality for assessing carotid artery stenosis. A number of studies have demonstrated that surface irregularities,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Ultrasound is the most commonly used imaging modality for assessing carotid artery stenosis. A number of studies have demonstrated that surface irregularities, heterogeneous echotexture and hypoechoic plaques are risk factors for acute ischemic stroke. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature to better define the risk of stroke based on the sonographic characteristics of carotid plaques.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We performed a comprehensive search for studies reporting imaging findings of symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid plaques on ultrasound using MEDLINE and EMBASE. We included both case-control and cohort studies examining the relationship between complex plaque and acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack. Complex plaque was defined as plaque that had any of the following characteristics: heterogeneous echogenicity, echolucency, neovascularization, surface irregularity, ulceration, and intraplaque motion. Meta-analyses using the random-effects model were performed for complex plaque and each of the individual complex plaque characteristics. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. We explored the impact of publication bias by constructing funnel plots and testing their symmetry. We conducted the meta-analysis using Comprehensive Meta-analysis version 2.2, Englewood, N.J., USA.
RESULTS
A total of 1,013 articles were screened and 23 studies with 6,706 carotid plaques were included. Ultrasound plaque characteristics with a higher prevalence in individuals with symptomatic compared to asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis included plaque neovascularity (OR = 19.68, 95% CI = 3.14-123.16), complex plaque (OR = 5.12, 95% CI = 3.42-7.67), plaque ulceration (OR = 3.58, 95% CI = 1.66-7.71), plaque echolucency (OR = 3.99, 95% CI = 3.06-5.19) and intraplaque motion (OR = 1.57, 95% CI = 1.02-2.41). Variables not associated with symptom status included heterogenous echotexture (OR = 2.68, 95% CI = 0.56-12.80) and surface irregularity without ulceration (OR = 2.38, 95% CI = 0.70-8.11). No evidence of publication bias was observed based on Eggers test (p value of 0.05 for complex plaque and 0.53 for plaque echolucency). The remaining plaque features had insufficient data to assess for publication bias.
CONCLUSIONS
Our meta-analysis and systematic review of the literature demonstrated that plaques with complex features, particularly those with echolucency, neovascularization, ulceration and intraplaque motion are associated with ischemic symptoms. Assessment of carotid plaque on ultrasound may provide stroke risk information beyond measurement of luminal stenosis. Thus, sonographic evaluation of carotid artery stenosis should focus on the detection of these plaque characteristics in addition to quantifying the degree of stenosis.
Topics: Carotid Arteries; Carotid Stenosis; Humans; Ischemic Attack, Transient; Plaque, Atherosclerotic; Risk Factors; Stroke; Ultrasonography
PubMed: 26279159
DOI: 10.1159/000437339 -
Journal of Gastroenterology and... Jun 2016Tonsillectomy remains a controversial environmental factor in the etiology of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This meta-analysis aims to elucidate a more defined role... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND AND AIM
Tonsillectomy remains a controversial environmental factor in the etiology of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This meta-analysis aims to elucidate a more defined role of tonsillectomy in the development of IBD.
METHODS
Four databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science, were searched for studies exploring the association between tonsillectomy and the risk of IBD. The pooled estimates of odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed using chi-squared and I(2) statistical analysis. A funnel plot was performed to assess publication bias.
RESULTS
A total of 23 observational studies involving 19 569 patients were included in our meta-analysis. Of these, 17 studies investigated the association between tonsillectomy and Crohn's disease (CD), and 22 studies explored its relationship with ulcerative colitis (UC). Overall, a positive relationship between tonsillectomy and development of CD (OR 1.37, 95% CI: 1.16-1.62) was observed, while there was no association between tonsillectomy and UC (OR 0.94, 95% CI: 0.84-1.05). When ORs were adjusted for smoking, the pooled OR for CD increased to 1.66 (95% CI: 1.03-2.68) and, for UC, changed to 1.03 (95% CI: 0.74-1.44).
CONCLUSIONS
This meta-analysis demonstrates that tonsillectomy is associated with an increased risk of developing CD. We found no evidence to suggest that tonsillectomy exerts a protective effect on the development of UC, as is the case with appendectomy. Further prospective studies are required to confirm the validity of these observations.
Topics: Chi-Square Distribution; Colitis, Ulcerative; Crohn Disease; Humans; Odds Ratio; Prognosis; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Time Factors; Tonsillectomy
PubMed: 26678358
DOI: 10.1111/jgh.13273 -
Acta Obstetricia Et Gynecologica... Sep 2023Ectopic pregnancy is an important health condition which affects up to 1 in 100 women. Women who present with mild symptoms and low serum human chorionic gonadotrophin... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION
Ectopic pregnancy is an important health condition which affects up to 1 in 100 women. Women who present with mild symptoms and low serum human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) are often treated with methotrexate (MTX), but expectant management with close monitoring is a feasible alternative. Studies comparing the two treatments have not shown a statistically significant difference in uneventful resolution of ectopic pregnancy, but these studies were too small to define whether certain subgroups could benefit more from either treatment.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
We performed a systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis (IPD-MA) of randomized controlled trials comparing systemic MTX and expectant management in women with tubal ectopic pregnancy and low hCG (<2000 IU/L). A one-stage IPD-MA was performed to assess overall treatment effects of MTX and expectant management to generate a pooled intervention effect. Subgroup analyses and exploratory multivariable analyses were undertaken according to baseline serum hCG and progesterone levels. Primary outcome was treatment success, defined as resolution of clinical symptoms and decline in level of serum hCG to <20 IU/L, or a negative urine pregnancy test by the initial intervention strategy, without any additional treatment. Secondary outcomes were need for blood transfusion, surgical intervention, additional MTX side-effects and hCG resolution times.
TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
PROSPERO: CRD42021214093.
RESULTS
1547 studies reviewed and 821 remained after duplicates removed. Five studies screened for eligibility and three IPD requested. Two randomized controlled trials supplied IPD, leading to 153 participants for analysis. Treatment success rate was 65/82 (79.3%) after MTX and 48/70 (68.6%) after expectant management (IPD risk ratio [RR] 1.16, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.95-1.40). Surgical intervention rates were not significantly different: 8/82 (9.8%) vs 13/70 (18.6%) (RR 0.65, 95% CI 0.23-1.14). Mean time to success was 19.7 days (95% CI 17.4-22.3) after MTX and 21.2 days (95% CI 17.8-25.2) after expectant management (P = 0.25). MTX specific side-effects were reported in 33 MTX compared to four in the expectant group.
CONCLUSIONS
Our IPD-MA showed no statistically significant difference in treatment efficacy between MTX and expectant management in women with tubal ectopic pregnancy with low hCG. Initial expectant management could be the preferred strategy due to fewer side-effects.
Topics: Pregnancy; Humans; Female; Methotrexate; Watchful Waiting; Pregnancy, Tubal; Pregnancy, Ectopic; Chorionic Gonadotropin; Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 37345445
DOI: 10.1111/aogs.14617 -
Trauma, Violence & Abuse Dec 2016Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) widely occurs among victims or witness of disasters. With flashbacks, hyperarousal, and avoidance being the typical symptoms, PTSD... (Review)
Review
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) widely occurs among victims or witness of disasters. With flashbacks, hyperarousal, and avoidance being the typical symptoms, PTSD became a focus of psychological research. The earthquake in Wenchuan, China, on May 12, 2008, was without precedent in magnitude and aftermath and caused huge damage, which drew scientists' attention to mental health of the survivors. We conducted a systematic overview by collecting published articles from the PubMed database and classifying them into five points: epidemiology, neuropathology, biochemistry, genetics and epigenetics, and treatment. The large body of research during the past 6 years showed that adolescents and adults were among the most studied populations with high prevalence rates for PTSD. Genomic and transcriptomic studies focusing on gene × environment studies as well as epigenetics are still rare, although a few available data showed great potential to better understand the pathophysiology of PTSD as multifactorial disease. Phytotherapy with Chinese herbs and acupuncture are rarely reported as of yet, although the first published data indicated promising therapy effects. Future studies should focus on the following points: (1) The affected populations under observation should be better defined concerning individual risk factor, time of observation, spatial movement, and individual disease courses of patients. (2) The role of social support for prevalence rates of PTSD should be observed in more detail. (3) Efficacy and safety of Chinese medicine should be studied to find potential interventions and effective treatments of PTSD.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Brain; Child; China; Earthquakes; Female; Humans; Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System; Male; Mass Casualty Incidents; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; Pituitary-Adrenal System; Prevalence; Risk Factors; Social Support; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; Survivors; Time Factors
PubMed: 26028651
DOI: 10.1177/1524838015585313 -
Gynecologic Oncology Apr 2020The role of adjuvant chemotherapy in surgically staged stage I clear cell ovarian cancer (OCCC) is unclear. Here, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis in... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
The role of adjuvant chemotherapy in surgically staged stage I clear cell ovarian cancer (OCCC) is unclear. Here, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis in order to evaluate the role of chemotherapy vs. observation in stage I OCCC. This systematic review was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO; ID: #129628). A protocol was defined prior to the search include the population criteria, description of interventions, comparisons, and the outcomes of interest, according to the PRIMA guidelines. Overall, the study population included 5073 women. Stage I OCCC experienced a 5-year disease-free survival and a 5-year overall survival of 83.7% and 86.9%, respectively. Pooled data suggested that in the overall population adjuvant chemotherapy did not impact on 5-year disease free survival (test for overall effect, Z = 0.18; p = 0.86) and 5-year overall survival (test for overall effect, Z = 0.62; p = 0.53). Focusing on 2264 stage IC OCCC we observed that adjuvant correlated with an improvement in overall survival (OR: 0.70 (95%CI: 0.52 to 0.93); Z = 2.44; p = 0.01). In conclusion our study underlines that adjuvant chemotherapy could be reserved for patients with stage IC OCCC; while in stage IA and IB it could be safely omitted. Owing to the inherent biases of the studies included in the meta-analysis further prospective evidences are needed.
Topics: Adenocarcinoma, Clear Cell; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; Female; Humans; Neoplasm Staging; Ovarian Neoplasms; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Watchful Waiting
PubMed: 31980220
DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2019.12.045 -
Human Reproduction Open 2023What is the existing empirical literature on the psychosocial health and wellbeing of the parents and offspring born at an advanced parental age (APA), defined as... (Review)
Review
STUDY QUESTION
What is the existing empirical literature on the psychosocial health and wellbeing of the parents and offspring born at an advanced parental age (APA), defined as 40 years onwards?
SUMMARY ANSWER
Although the studies show discrepancies in defining who is an APA parent and an imbalance in the empirical evidence for offspring, mothers, and fathers, there is a drive towards finding psychotic disorders and (neuro-)developmental disorders among the offspring; overall, the observed advantages and disadvantages are difficult to compare.
WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY
In many societies, children are born to parents at advanced ages and there is rising attention in the literature towards the consequences of this trend.
STUDY DESIGN SIZE DURATION
The systematic search was conducted in six electronic databases (PubMed including Medline, Embase, Scopus, PsycInfo, CINAHL, and SocINDEX) and was limited to papers published between 2000 and 2021 and to English-language articles. Search terms used across all six electronic databases were: ('advanced parental age' OR 'advanced maternal age' OR 'advanced paternal age' OR 'advanced reproductive age' OR 'late parent*' OR 'late motherhood' OR 'late fatherhood') AND ('IVF' OR 'in vitro fertilization' OR 'in-vitro-fertilization' OR 'fertilization in vitro' OR 'ICSI' OR 'intracytoplasmic sperm injection' OR 'reproductive techn*' OR 'assisted reproductive technolog*' OR 'assisted reproduction' OR 'assisted conception' OR 'reproduction' OR 'conception' OR 'birth*' OR 'pregnan*') AND ('wellbeing' OR 'well-being' OR 'psycho-social' OR 'social' OR 'ethical' OR 'right to reproduce' OR 'justice' OR 'family functioning' OR 'parental competenc*' OR 'ageism' OR 'reproductive autonomy' OR 'outcome' OR 'risk*' OR 'benefit*').
PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS SETTING METHODS
The included papers were empirical studies in English published between 2000 and 2021, where the study either examined the wellbeing and psychosocial health of parents and/or their children, or focused on parental competences of APA parents or on the functioning of families with APA parents. A quality assessment of the identified studies was performed with the QATSDD tool. Additionally, 20% of studies were double-checked at the data extraction and quality assessment stage to avoid bias. The variables sought were: the geographical location, the year of publication, the methodological approach, the definitions of APA used, what study group was at the centre of the research, what research topic was studied, and what advantages and disadvantages of APA were found.
MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE
A total number of 5403 articles were identified, leading to 2543 articles being included for title and abstract screening after removal of duplicates. This resulted in 98 articles included for a full-text reading by four researchers. Ultimately, 69 studies were included in the final sample. The key results concerned four aspects relevant to the research goals. (i) The studies showed discrepancies in defining who is an APA parent. (ii) There was an imbalance in the empirical evidence produced for different participant groups (mothers, fathers, and offspring), with offspring being the most studied study subjects. (iii) The research topics studied underlined the increased risks of neuro-developmental and psychotic disorders among offspring. (iv) The observed advantages and disadvantages were varied and could not be compared, especially for the offspring of APA parents.
LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION
Only English-language studies, published between 2000 and 2021, found in the above-mentioned databases were considered for this review.
WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS
More research is necessary to understand the risks and benefits of building a family at an APA for the offspring when they reach adulthood. Furthermore, studies that explore the perspective of older fathers and older parents from non-Western societies would be highly informative.
STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS
The writing of this manuscript was permitted by financial support provided by the Swiss National Science Foundation (Weave/Lead Agency funding program, grant number 10001AL_197415/1, project title 'Family Building at Advanced Parental Age: An Interdisciplinary Approach'). The funder had no role in the drafting of this manuscript and the views expressed therein are those of the authors. The authors have no conflicts of interest.
REGISTRATION NUMBER
This systematic review is registered in Prospero: CRD42022304564.
PubMed: 38045093
DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hoad042 -
LGBT Health Jan 2020Transgender and nonbinary (trans*) people are affected disproportionately by discrimination and violence, contributing to gender minority stress and negative health...
Transgender and nonbinary (trans*) people are affected disproportionately by discrimination and violence, contributing to gender minority stress and negative health effects. Transgender community connection (TCC), defined as (i) emotional connectedness (internal sense of belonging) to the trans* community and/or (ii) behavioral participation in the trans* community (observable interaction with other trans* people, in person, online, or through media) may moderate these negative effects on health. This systematic review synthesizes research on links between TCC and health and wellbeing for trans* people. Twenty research articles (3 quantitative, 3 mixed methods, and 14 qualitative) linking TCC to health and wellbeing were identified from systematic searches of PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO. Data regarding TCC were extracted, synthesized, and grouped by (i) gender transitioning, (ii) mental health, (iii) sexual health, and (iv) access to care to illustrate the findings. TCC was linked to several positive outcomes, including improved mental health, increased connection to care, supported exploration of sexual and gender identities, and informed gender transition. For transgender women, especially, TCC was also linked to increased engagement in sex work (as a worker, not a client) and, in some cases, deterred them from getting sexual health testing and treatment due to fear of being observed at specialized clinics and subsequent loss of confidentiality among peers. These findings highlight the overall protective nature of TCC and a need to consider best practices to ensure confidentiality for community members. The findings can be used to inform the development and adaptation of health care interventions aimed at decreasing the harmful effects of gender minority stress for trans* people.
Topics: Female; Health Status; Humans; Male; Mental Health; Residence Characteristics; Social Identification; Transgender Persons
PubMed: 31794289
DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2019.0014 -
Severe Anaphylaxis in Pregnancy: A Systematic Review of Clinical Presentation to Determine Outcomes.Journal of Personalized Medicine Oct 2021Anaphylactic reactions during pregnancy can range from subjective cutaneous symptoms to anaphylaxis and lethal anaphylactic shock. The fetal and maternal outcomes are... (Review)
Review
Anaphylactic reactions during pregnancy can range from subjective cutaneous symptoms to anaphylaxis and lethal anaphylactic shock. The fetal and maternal outcomes are unpredictable. This study is the first systematic review of the clinical presentation of severe anaphylaxis in pregnancy as defined by the World Allergy Organization to determine maternal and fetal outcomes. We searched PubMed, the Web of Science, and Scopus databases for articles published between 1 January 1985 and 15 April 2021 using the following terms (((anaphylactic shock) AND (pregnancy)) OR ((anaphylaxis) AND (pregnancy))). In 42 studies involving 47 patients, 36.17% of patients were 31-35 years old, and 74.47% of cases occurred peripartum, mostly during cesarean section. Accurate diagnosis with valid and reliable outcome measures was reported for 71.74% of cases. Twenty-two allergens were identified: antibiotics (penicillins and cephalosporins), anesthetic drugs (suxamethonium, mepivacaine), latex, oxytocin, sodium and sucrose iron, laminaria, misoprostol, rubber from Foley catheter, oral phytomenadione, ranitidine, chamomile, and ant sting. Two cases of maternal death related to latex and intravenous iron sucrose, and six infants with neurological disease were reported, mostly related to antibiotics. This review of the currently available literature shows that favorable outcomes are attainable with a high degree of observation, multidisciplinary cooperation, and rapid treatment.
PubMed: 34834412
DOI: 10.3390/jpm11111060