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The European Respiratory Journal Jun 2013The 2005 guidelines of the American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society recommend the use of race- and/or ethnic-specific reference standards for spirometry.... (Review)
Review
The 2005 guidelines of the American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society recommend the use of race- and/or ethnic-specific reference standards for spirometry. Yet definitions of the key variables of race and ethnicity vary worldwide. The purpose of this study was to determine whether researchers defined race and/or ethnicity in studies of lung function and how they explained any observed differences. Using the methodology of the systematic review, we searched PubMed in July 2008 and screened 10 471 titles and abstracts to identify potentially eligible articles that compared "white" to "other racial and ethnic groups". Of the 226 eligible articles published between 1922 and 2008, race and/or ethnicity was defined in 17.3%, with the proportion increasing to 70% in the 2000s for those using parallel controls. Most articles (83.6%) reported that "other racial and ethnic groups" have a lower lung capacity compared to "white"; 94% of articles failed to examine socioeconomic status. In the 189 studies that reported lower lung function in "other racial and ethnic groups", 21.8% and 29.4% of explanations cited inherent factors and anthropometric differences, respectively, whereas 23.1% of explanations cited environmental and social factors. Even though researchers sought to determine differences in lung function by race/ethnicity, they typically failed to define their terms and frequently assumed inherent (or genetic) differences.
Topics: Ethnicity; Europe; Humans; Lung Diseases; Pulmonary Medicine; Research Design; Respiratory Function Tests; Socioeconomic Factors; Spirometry; United States
PubMed: 22878881
DOI: 10.1183/09031936.00091612 -
Autoimmunity Reviews Feb 2024Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a debilitating condition characterized by an elusive etiology and pathophysiology. This study aims to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a debilitating condition characterized by an elusive etiology and pathophysiology. This study aims to evaluate the pathological role of neuroinflammation in ME/CFS by conducting an exhaustive analysis of 65 observational studies. Four neuroimaging techniques, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), electroencephalography (EEG), and positron emission tomography (PET), were employed to comparatively assess brain regional structure, metabolite profiles, electrical activity, and glial activity in 1529 ME/CFS patients (277 males, 1252 females) and 1715 controls (469 males, 1246 females). Clinical characteristics, including sex, age, and fatigue severity, were consistent with established epidemiological patterns. Regional alterations were most frequently identified in the cerebral cortex, with a notable focus on the frontal cortex. However, our meta-analysis data revealed a significant hypoactivity in the insular and thalamic regions, contrary to observed frequencies. These abnormalities, occurring in pivotal network hubs bridging reason and emotion, disrupt connections with the limbic system, contributing to the hallmark symptoms of ME/CFS. Furthermore, we discuss the regions where neuroinflammatory features are frequently observed and address critical neuroimaging limitations, including issues related to inter-rater reliability. This systematic review serves as a valuable guide for defining regions of interest (ROI) in future neuroimaging investigations of ME/CFS.
Topics: Female; Humans; Male; Brain; Electroencephalography; Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Neuroimaging; Neuroinflammatory Diseases; Positron-Emission Tomography
PubMed: 38016575
DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2023.103484 -
Medicine Aug 2016Previous studies have warned against the promoting effects of cigarette smoking on benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). In contrast, some have argued that smoking confers... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Previous studies have warned against the promoting effects of cigarette smoking on benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). In contrast, some have argued that smoking confers a protective effect regarding BPH, while others have observed an aggravated effect. Thus, we performed this meta-analysis to determine whether cigarette use is associated with BPH risk.To identify articles from observational studies of relevance, a search was performed concurrent to March 21, 2016, on PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, EBSCO, and EMBASE databases. Random-effect model, according to the heterogeneity, was calculated to reveal the relative risks (RRs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs).Eight articles were included in this meta-analysis, representing data for 44,100 subjects, of which 5221 (11.8%) had BPH as defined according to the criteria. Seven reports are concerned with analysis between nonsmokers and ex-smokers, in which no significant difference was observed (RR = 0.99, 95% CI 0.94-1.05). Another meta-analysis of 7 studies indicated an observable trend, but without significant difference between groups of nonsmokers and current smokers (RR = 1.17, 95% CI 0.98-1.41). Between groups of heavy (6 articles; RR = 1.02, 95% CI 0.84-1.24) and light smokers (5 articles; RR = 0.90, 95% CI 0.71-1.15), again no significant difference appears. Finally, we combined individuals as never-smokers and ever-smokers and still found no significant difference between the 2 groups of patients (RR = 1.03, 95% CI 0.92-1.15). Sensitivity analysis was displayed and confirmed the stability of the present results.Combined evidence from observational studies shows no significant association between cigarette smoking and BPH risk, either for ex-smokers or for current smokers. The trend of elevated BPH risk from smoking was observed only in current smokers compared with nonsmokers, while marginal significance was observed in comparing ever-smokers with never-smokers in operative patients with BPH.
Topics: Humans; Male; Observational Studies as Topic; Prostatic Hyperplasia; Smoking
PubMed: 27512883
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000004565 -
Journal of Vascular Surgery. Venous and... May 2018Venous aneurysms are uncommon vascular abnormalities that may be identified anywhere in the body. Historically, they were often misdiagnosed as soft tissue lesions, but... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Venous aneurysms are uncommon vascular abnormalities that may be identified anywhere in the body. Historically, they were often misdiagnosed as soft tissue lesions, but with the advent of readily available noninvasive imaging (such as duplex ultrasound), they can now be easily identified. Our aim was to review the presentation of venous aneurysms, available imaging modalities for defining them, and management.
METHODS
The English-language literature before March 2017 was reviewed, and only reports of primary venous aneurysms of the deep veins were included. Reports were subdivided on the basis of the location of the venous aneurysm, and reports containing sample imaging studies were referenced from Elsevier publications.
RESULTS
In total, our review identified reports of 35 head and neck venous aneurysms, 42 thoracic venous aneurysms, 152 intra-abdominal venous aneurysms, and 279 venous aneurysms of the extremities. Venous aneurysms of the lower extremity deep veins were most likely to be manifested by venous thromboembolic events, with approximately 25% to 50% of popliteal vein aneurysms presenting with pulmonary embolism. Diagnosis can be made by duplex ultrasound, computed tomography venography, magnetic resonance venography, or invasive venography. Management varies by location; most thoracic and head and neck aneurysms are observed, whereas venous aneurysms of the extremities are treated with surgical intervention, given the potential for venous thromboembolism. Few reports describe endovascular management of these lesions, so open surgical intervention remains the standard of care.
CONCLUSIONS
Venous aneurysms are rare vascular malformations that occur throughout the body. Many are identified on routine imaging ordered for other indications, whereas venous aneurysms of the deep veins of the extremities are often manifested with venous thromboembolism. Management of these lesions is determined largely by location and the potential morbidity and mortality of the untreated aneurysms vs surgery; aneurysms of the head and neck and thorax are managed with observation and serial imaging over time, whereas those of the abdomen and extremities are treated with surgical intervention. Endovascular techniques continue to lack a defined role in their management, and the standard of care remains open repair, when indicated.
Topics: Aneurysm; Humans; Jugular Veins; Magnetic Resonance Angiography; Mesenteric Veins; Phlebography; Popliteal Vein; Subclavian Vein; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Ultrasonography, Doppler, Duplex
PubMed: 29661366
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvsv.2017.11.014 -
Ginekologia Polska 2020The aim of the study is to review systematic cohort and randomized trials on the relationship between periodontitis and preeclampsia. Periodontitis is an independent...
OBJECTIVES
The aim of the study is to review systematic cohort and randomized trials on the relationship between periodontitis and preeclampsia. Periodontitis is an independent risk factor for preeclampsia (PE), and periodontal treatment could play a significant role in the prevention of this pregnancy complication.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
A total of 821 items (published until March 2019), thematically related to the relationship between periodontitis, its treatment and the incidence of preeclampsia, were collected from the databases of PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar and the Polish Database of Medical Bibliography and analyzed. In the end, 6 cohort studies and 3 randomized controlled trials (from the years 2003-2016) were deemed eligible for the review. The main exclusion criteria were as follows: case-control and cross-sectional studies, medical and dental conditions.
RESULTS
A significant relationship between periodontitis and the risk for developing preeclampsia was demonstrated in 5 cohort trials, which was not confirmed by only 1 study. A total of 2724 pregnant women, including 195 (7.16%) with PE, were analyzed. In 3 randomized trials which assessed the impact of non-surgical treatment (scaling and root planing = SRP) on the occurrence of preeclampsia, the preventive effects of the implemented treatment was not confirmed. A total of 116 women from the group of 1825 pregnant subjects undergoing the non-surgical treatment (SRP) and 116 women from the control group of 1827 pregnant women were subsequently diagnosed with PE, which amounted to 6.30% and 6.35%, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
The cohort studies indicated that periodontitis may result in an increased risk for developing PE. A more detailed analysis regarding the impact of potential risk factors and modification of further studies (clarification of how periodontitis and preeclampsia should be defined in observations, consideration of disease severity, earlier at 12-16 weeks of gestation - implementation of the non-surgical treatment, modification and extension of the classical protocol of the non-surgical treatment of periodontal diseases, as well as conducting European studies), are necessary due to considerable discrepancies in the available literature sources (cohort and randomized observations).
Topics: Cohort Studies; Female; Humans; Periodontitis; Pre-Eclampsia; Pregnancy; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Risk Factors
PubMed: 32266957
DOI: 10.5603/GP.2020.0024 -
Frontiers in Psychology 2022Parental reflective functioning (PRF) refers to parents' mental capacity to understand their own and their children's behaviors in terms of envisioned mental states. As...
BACKGROUND
Parental reflective functioning (PRF) refers to parents' mental capacity to understand their own and their children's behaviors in terms of envisioned mental states. As part of a broader concept of parental mentalization, PRF has been identified as one of the central predictors for sensitive parenting. However, the unique contribution of PRF to the quality of various parenting behaviors has not yet been addressed systematically. Thus, the present article provides a systematic overview of current research on the associations between PRF or its sub-dimensions and observed parenting behaviors in infancy and early childhood, while considering the influence of contextual factors.
METHODS
The review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Systematic searches were carried out in five electronic databases. The eligibility and methodological quality of the identified studies were assessed using pre-defined criteria and a standardized checklist.
RESULTS
Sixteen studies with moderate to high quality on a total of 15 parenting behaviors were included, the majority of which examined positive parenting behaviors, while negative parenting behaviors were rarely investigated. Most of the associations indicated a positive effect of PRF on parenting behavior, with mostly small-sized effects. The strength and direction of the associations varied depending on the dimensionality of PRF, observation settings, sample types, socioeconomic factors, and cultural background. Moreover, five assessment instruments for PRF and 10 observation instruments for parenting behaviors were identified.
CONCLUSION
In summary, PRF has shown a positive association with parenting quality. However, its complex interaction with further contextual factors emphasizes the need for differentiation of PRF dimensions and the consideration of the observation settings, assessment time points, psychosocial risks, and sample types in observational as well as intervention studies. Further high-quality studies with multivariate analyses and diverse study settings are required.
PubMed: 35310277
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.765312 -
Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology Oct 2013AIM. The aim of the article is to systematically review the current evidence on the diagnostic use of narrow band imaging (NBI), flexible spectral imaging color... (Review)
Review
AIM. The aim of the article is to systematically review the current evidence on the diagnostic use of narrow band imaging (NBI), flexible spectral imaging color enhancement (FICE) and endoscopic image enhancement technology i-scan endoscopies for gastric precancerous and cancerous lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Original manuscripts were searched in PubMed until October 2012. Pertinent data were collected and pooled diagnostic accuracy measures were estimated when possible. RESULTs. In total, 38 studies were evaluated. Thirty-one studies were included for NBI and 7 studies for FICE assessment in this systematic review. No article was found meeting inclusion criteria for i-scan endoscopy. The most defined and evaluated outcomes were cancer-related (n = 26). Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies score varied from 9 to 12 (out of 14). Only few studies assessed the interobserver reliability. On a patient level analysis, NBI's pooled sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic odds ratio were 0.67 (95% CI: 0.61-0.73), 0.81 (95% CI: 0.76-0.85) and 22.71 (95% CI: 12.53-41.1), respectively for diagnosing normal mucosa; 0.86 (95% CI: 0.82-0.90), 0.77 (95% CI: 0.73-0.80) and 17.01 (95% CI: 1.4-207.2) for intestinal metaplasia and 0.90 (95% CI: 0.84-0.94), 0.83 (95% CI: 0.80-0.86) and 47.61 (95% CI: 4.61-491.34) for dysplasia. Owing to the insufficient data and different definitions, we could not aggregate the results for FICE. CONCLUSION. Gastric pattern descriptions have been proposed for NBI and FICE studies by gathering all descriptions in one single description. The classification systems varied between studies, a single description of gastric mucosal features with HR--scopes or at least per technology--will have to be agreed on.
Topics: Adenocarcinoma; Gastric Mucosa; Gastroscopy; Humans; Image Enhancement; Models, Statistical; Narrow Band Imaging; Observer Variation; Precancerous Conditions; Reproducibility of Results; Sensitivity and Specificity; Stomach Neoplasms
PubMed: 24047392
DOI: 10.3109/00365521.2013.825315 -
Scandinavian Journal of Work,... Jan 2010This systematic review aimed to identify published observational methods assessing biomechanical exposures in occupational settings and evaluate them with reference to... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
This systematic review aimed to identify published observational methods assessing biomechanical exposures in occupational settings and evaluate them with reference to the needs of different users.
METHODS
We searched scientific databases and the internet for material from 1965 to September 2008. Methods were included if they were primarily based on the systematic observation of work, the observation target was the human body, and the method was clearly described in the literature. A systematic evaluation procedure was developed to assess concurrent and predictive validity, repeatability, and aspects related to utility. At least two evaluators independently carried out this evaluation.
RESULTS
We identified 30 eligible observational methods. Of these, 19 had been compared with some other method(s), varying from expert evaluation to data obtained from video recordings or through the use of technical instruments. Generally, the observations showed moderate to good agreement with the corresponding assessments made from video recordings; agreement was the best for large-scale body postures and work actions. Postures of wrist and hand as well as trunk rotation seemed to be more difficult to observe correctly. Intra- and inter-observer repeatability were reported for 7 and 17 methods, respectively, and were judged mostly to be good or moderate.
CONCLUSIONS
With training, observers can reach consistent results on clearly visible body postures and work activities. Many observational tools exist, but none evaluated in this study appeared to be generally superior. When selecting a method, users should define their needs and assess how results will influence decision-making.
Topics: Biomechanical Phenomena; Humans; Observation; Occupational Medicine; Posture; Risk Assessment; Task Performance and Analysis; Upper Extremity; Workload
PubMed: 19953213
DOI: 10.5271/sjweh.2876 -
Global Advances in Health and Medicine Jul 2013Review the operational definitions of health and wellness coaching as published in the peer-reviewed medical literature. (Review)
Review
PRIMARY OBJECTIVE
Review the operational definitions of health and wellness coaching as published in the peer-reviewed medical literature.
BACKGROUND
As global rates of preventable chronic diseases have reached epidemic proportions, there has been an increased focus on strategies to improve health behaviors and associated outcomes. One such strategy, health and wellness coaching, has been inconsistently defined and shown mixed results.
METHODS
A Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA)-guided systematic review of the medical literature on health and wellness coaching allowed for compilation of data on specific features of the coaching interventions and background and training of coaches.
RESULTS
Eight hundred abstracts were initially identified through PubMed, with 284 full-text articles ultimately included. The majority (76%) were empirical articles. The literature operationalized health and wellness coaching as a process that is fully or partially patient-centered (86% of articles), included patient-determined goals (71%), incorporated self-discovery and active learning processes (63%) (vs more passive receipt of advice), encouraged accountability for behaviors (86%), and provided some type of education to patients along with using coaching processes (91%). Additionally, 78% of articles indicated that the coaching occurs in the context of a consistent, ongoing relationship with a human coach who is trained in specific behavior change, communication, and motivational skills.
CONCLUSIONS
Despite disparities in how health and wellness coaching have been operationalized previously, this systematic review observes an emerging consensus in what is referred to as health and wellness coaching; namely, a patient-centered process that is based upon behavior change theory and is delivered by health professionals with diverse backgrounds. The actual coaching process entails goal-setting determined by the patient, encourages self-discovery in addition to content education, and incorporates mechanisms for developing accountability in health behaviors. With a clear definition for health and wellness coaching, robust research can more accurately assess the effectiveness of the approach in bringing about changes in health behaviors, health outcomes and associated costs that are targeted to reduce the global burden of chronic disease.
PubMed: 24416684
DOI: 10.7453/gahmj.2013.042 -
Sleep Medicine Reviews Jun 2021Despite several high-quality reviews of insomnia and incidence of mental disorders, prospective longitudinal relationships between a wider range of sleep disturbances... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Despite several high-quality reviews of insomnia and incidence of mental disorders, prospective longitudinal relationships between a wider range of sleep disturbances and first onset of a depressive, bipolar, or psychotic disorders during the peak age range for onset of these conditions has not been addressed. Database searches were undertaken to identify publications on insomnia, but also on other sleep problems such as hypersomnia, short sleep duration, self-identified and/or generic 'sleep problems' and circadian sleep-wake cycle dysrhythmias. We discovered 36 studies that were eligible for systematic review and from these publications, we identified 25 unique datasets that were suitable for meta-analysis (Number>45,000; age ∼17). Individuals with a history of any type of sleep disturbance (however defined) had an increased odds of developing a mood or psychotic disorder in adolescence or early adulthood (Odds ratio [OR]:1.88; 95% Confidence Intervals:1.67, 2.25) with similar odds for onset of bipolar disorders (OR:1.72) or depressive disorders (OR:1.62). The magnitude of associations differed according to type of exposure and was greatest for sleep disturbances that met established diagnostic criteria for a sleep disorder (OR: 2.53). However, studies that examined observer or self-rated symptoms, also reported a significant association between hypersomnia symptoms and the onset of a major mental disorder (OR:1.39). Overall study quality was moderate with evidence of publication bias and meta-regression identified confounders such as year of publication. We conclude that evidence indicates that subjective, observer and objective studies demonstrate a modest but significant increase in the likelihood of first onset of mood and psychotic disorders in adolescence and early adulthood in individuals with broadly defined sleep disturbances. Although findings support proposals for interventions for sleep problems in youth, we suggest a need for greater consensus on screening strategies and for more longitudinal, prospective studies of circadian sleep-wake cycle dysrhythmias in youth.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Humans; Mental Disorders; Prospective Studies; Sleep; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders; Sleep Wake Disorders
PubMed: 33549912
DOI: 10.1016/j.smrv.2021.101429