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European Stroke Journal Jun 2018Pontine haemorrhage comprises approximately 10% of intracerebral haemorrhages. There is a common presumption that pontine haemorrhage is inherently associated with poor... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Pontine haemorrhage comprises approximately 10% of intracerebral haemorrhages. There is a common presumption that pontine haemorrhage is inherently associated with poor outcome.
PURPOSE
The aim of the review was to identify chief predictors of prognosis in (pontine haemorrhage) through systematic review of published literature.
METHODS
A query of PubMed/MEDLINE was conducted in search of studies in English language since, 1980 focusing specifically on outcome in pontine haemorrhage. References for each publication were reviewed for additional studies not detected by the PubMed/MEDLINE probe. Surgical outcome studies were excluded from the review.
FINDINGS
The query identified 7867 titles, after removal of duplicates and irrelevant studies, 20 titles were included in the review. In a total of 1437 pontine haemorrhage patients included in the 20 studies, the overall rate for early all-cause mortality was 48.1%. Level of consciousness on admission and haemorrhage size were the most consistent predictors of mortality in patients with pontine haemorrhage. Haemorrhage localisation within the pons was also a prognostic factor, but not consistently. Age and intraventricular extension were not found to be powerful prognostic predictors.
DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION
Based on this review, level of consciousness on admission and haemorrhage size were the most influential prognostic factors in pontine haemorrhage, whereas age, haemorrhage localisation, and intraventricular haemorrhage did not consistently predict prognosis.
PubMed: 31008342
DOI: 10.1177/2396987317752729 -
Clinical Neurophysiology : Official... Oct 2023Cortico-cortical paired associative stimulation (ccPAS) is a form of dual-site transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) entailing a series of single-TMS pulses paired at...
OBJECTIVE
Cortico-cortical paired associative stimulation (ccPAS) is a form of dual-site transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) entailing a series of single-TMS pulses paired at specific interstimulus intervals (ISI) delivered to distant cortical areas. The goal of this article is to systematically review its efficacy in inducing plasticity in humans focusing on stimulation parameters and hypotheses of underlying neurophysiology.
METHODS
A systematic review of the literature from 2009-2023 was undertaken to identify all articles utilizing ccPAS to study brain plasticity and connectivity. Six electronic databases were searched and included.
RESULTS
32 studies were identified. The studies targeted connections within the same hemisphere or between hemispheres. 28 ccPAS studies were in healthy participants, 1 study in schizophrenia, and 1 in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. 2 additional studies used cortico-cortical repetitive paired associative stimulation (cc-rPAS) in generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) patients. Outcome measures include electromyography (EMG), behavioral measures, electroencephalography (EEG), and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). ccPAS seems to be able to modulate brain connectivity depending on the ISI.
CONCLUSIONS
ccPAS can be used to modulate corticospinal excitability, brain activity, and behavior. Although the stimulation parameters used across studies reviewed in this paper are varied, ccPAS is a promising approach for basic research and potential clinical applications.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recent advances in neuroscience have caused a shift of interest from the study of single areas to a more complex approach focusing on networks of areas that orchestrate brain activity. Consequently, the TMS community is also witnessing a change, with a growing interest in targeting multiple brain areas rather than a single locus, as evidenced by an increasing number of papers using ccPAS. In light of this new enthusiasm for brain connectivity, this review summarizes existing literature and stimulation parameters that have proven effective in changing electrophysiological, behavioral, or neuroimaging-derived measures.
Topics: Humans; Motor Cortex; Evoked Potentials, Motor; Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation; Brain; Neuronal Plasticity
PubMed: 37634335
DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2023.06.016 -
Nutricion Hospitalaria Mar 2014To assess differences in functional foods consumption between European countries. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
To assess differences in functional foods consumption between European countries.
DESIGN
Systematic review. The literature search was conducted in Medlars Online International Literature (MEDLINE), via PubMed© and Scopus. Twenty two studies were identified to examine the differences in functional food consumption between European countries.
RESULTS
Figures on consumers of functional foods reveal differences across European countries. Functional foods are popular in most of European countries like Finland, Sweden, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain and Cyprus, but not so in other countries like Denmark, Italy and Belgium. A high percentage of adolescents in the European Mediterranean countries (Spain and Cyprus, but not Italy) consume functional foods. Evaluation of functional foods consumption according to gender is difficult, because results differ from one study to another.
CONCLUSIONS
Functional foods have become very popular in Europe in recent years, but still huge differences exist between Europeans on consumption of functional foods. Further research is needed to find out the reasons behind these differences and to understand consumers' needs for functional foods.
Topics: Diet Surveys; Europe; Feeding Behavior; Functional Food; Humans
PubMed: 24558987
DOI: 10.3305/nh.2014.29.3.7148 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Apr 2024(1) : Dislocations of the trapeziometacarpal joint (TMC) are uncommon in children and adolescents. Only a few isolated cases are reported in the literature. Therapeutic... (Review)
Review
(1) : Dislocations of the trapeziometacarpal joint (TMC) are uncommon in children and adolescents. Only a few isolated cases are reported in the literature. Therapeutic guidance is minimal and inconclusive. (2) : The authors present four patients treated for this unusual lesion. We evaluated the evolution according to treatment, age, patient activity, and quickDASH. Despite the clear limitation of the small number of patients, it is relevant to try to better understand this lesion and its evolution. A systematic review of the literature was also conducted. (3) : This is the largest published series of TMC dislocations in children and adolescents. Patients included a 12-year-old girl treated conservatively with a poor quickDASH; a 9-year-old girl treated surgically with the Eaton-Littler technique for a new dislocation with a partially modified quickDASH; a 13-year-old boy with two necessary closed reductions for a new dislocation and a very good final quickDASH; and a 12-year-old boy treated with closed reduction and percutaneous fixation with excellent final results with quickDASH. (4) : In the absence of scientific evidence, conservative treatment and ligament reconstruction did not provide good functionality. In contrast, closed reduction with percutaneous fixation provided excellent results. Therefore, the authors would recommend closed reduction and percutaneous needle fixation as an elective method to treat TMC dislocations in pediatric and adolescent patients.
PubMed: 38673470
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13082197 -
Acta Ophthalmologica Mar 2018To evaluate the role of neural integrators (NI) in the oculomotor system. (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
To evaluate the role of neural integrators (NI) in the oculomotor system.
METHODS
A literature search was carried out using several electronic databases during the months of June 2014 to March 2015. The following keywords were used to generate focused results: 'neural integrators', 'gaze-holding', 'oculomotor integration', 'impaired gaze-holding', 'gaze evoked nystagmus' and 'gaze dysfunction'. Further materials were found through searching relevant articles within reference lists. Seventy-one articles were sourced for this review which analysed animal and human subjects and network models; 45 were studies of humans, 16 studies of primates, three studies of felines and one study from rats and network models. The remaining articles were literature reviews.
RESULTS
The horizontal and vertical, including torsional, NI are located logically in the brainstem, nearby their appropriate target extraocular motoneuron nuclei for stable eye position in eccentric position. The nucleus prepositus hypoglossi (NPH) and medial vestibular nuclei (MVN) are closely linked at the caudal pons and dorsal rostral medulla, integrating horizontal conjugate eye movement. The interstitial nucleus of Cajal (INC) integrates vertical and torsional eye movement at the upper midbrain. The integrator time constant is averaged to 25 seconds in human horizontal and animal vertical NI to perform its function. Case reports revealed that dysfunction of horizontal NI also resulted in vertical ocular deviations, indicating some overlap of horizontal and vertical gaze control. Furthermore, pharmacological inactivation of NI exposed a population of inhibitory neurotransmitters that permits its mechanism of action; allowing for smooth conjugate movement.
CONCLUSIONS
Neural integrators operate to integrate eye velocity and eye position information to provide signals to extraocular motoneurons to attain and maintain a new position. Therefore, NI allow image stabilization during horizontal and vertical eye movements at eccentric positions for comfortable single vision.
Topics: Animals; Eye Movements; Fixation, Ocular; Humans; Oculomotor Nerve; Sensory Receptor Cells; Visual Fields
PubMed: 27874249
DOI: 10.1111/aos.13307 -
Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews Dec 2017The locus coeruleus (LC), the major origin of noradrenergic modulation of the central nervous system, innervates extensive areas throughout the brain and is implicated... (Review)
Review
The locus coeruleus (LC), the major origin of noradrenergic modulation of the central nervous system, innervates extensive areas throughout the brain and is implicated in a variety of autonomic and cognitive functions. Alterations in the LC-noradrenergic system have been associated with healthy ageing and neuropsychiatric disorders including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and depression. The last decade has seen advances in imaging the structure and function of the LC, and this paper systematically reviews the methodology and outcomes of sixty-nine structural and functional MRI studies of the LC in humans. Structural MRI studies consistently showed lower LC signal intensity and volume in clinical groups compared to healthy controls. Within functional studies, the LC was activated by a variety of tasks/stimuli and had functional connectivity to a range of brain regions. However, reported functional LC location coordinates were widely distributed compared to previously published neuroanatomical locations. Methodological and demographic factors potentially contributing to these differences are discussed, together with recommendations to optimize the reliability and validity of future LC imaging studies.
Topics: Humans; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; Locus Coeruleus; Magnetic Resonance Imaging
PubMed: 29107830
DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.10.023 -
PloS One 2015Reports of outbreaks in Canada and the United States (U.S.) indicate that approximately 50% of all waterborne diseases occur in small non-community drinking water... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Reports of outbreaks in Canada and the United States (U.S.) indicate that approximately 50% of all waterborne diseases occur in small non-community drinking water systems (SDWSs). Summarizing these investigations to identify the factors and conditions contributing to outbreaks is needed in order to help prevent future outbreaks.
OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this study were to: 1) identify published reports of waterborne disease outbreaks involving SDWSs in Canada and the U.S. since 1970; 2) summarize reported factors contributing to outbreaks, including water system characteristics and events surrounding the outbreaks; and 3) identify terminology used to describe SDWSs in outbreak reports.
METHODS
Three electronic databases and grey literature sources were searched for outbreak reports involving SDWSs throughout Canada and the U.S. from 1970 to 2014. Two reviewers independently screened and extracted data related to water system characteristics and outbreak events. The data were analyzed descriptively with 'outbreak' as the unit of analysis.
RESULTS
From a total of 1,995 citations, we identified 50 relevant articles reporting 293 unique outbreaks. Failure of an existing water treatment system (22.7%) and lack of water treatment (20.2%) were the leading causes of waterborne outbreaks in SDWSs. A seasonal trend was observed with 51% of outbreaks occurring in summer months (p<0.001). There was large variation in terminology used to describe SDWSs, and a large number of variables were not reported, including water source and whether water treatment was used (missing in 31% and 66% of reports, respectively).
CONCLUSIONS
More consistent reporting and descriptions of SDWSs in future outbreak reports are needed to understand the epidemiology of these outbreaks and to inform the development of targeted interventions for SDWSs. Additional monitoring of water systems that are used on a seasonal or infrequent basis would be worthwhile to inform future protection efforts.
Topics: Canada; Disease Outbreaks; Drinking Water; Humans; United States; Water Microbiology; Water Supply; Waterborne Diseases
PubMed: 26513152
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0141646 -
Revista Espanola de Cardiologia Jul 2004Antiproliferative drug-coated stents are a possible solution for post-angioplasty coronary restenosis. Here we analyze their efficacy, effectiveness and safety, and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES
Antiproliferative drug-coated stents are a possible solution for post-angioplasty coronary restenosis. Here we analyze their efficacy, effectiveness and safety, and estimate the economic impact of their use in Spain.
MATERIAL AND METHOD
Systematic review (meta-analysis) of the scientific evidence available up to January 2004, and analysis of hospital costs within a 1-year time horizon.
RESULTS
We identified 12 published studies (5 clinical series and 7 RCTs) comparing coated stents (sirolimus or paclitaxel) with conventional stents in patient with de novo single lesions < 30 mm in 2.5-3.5 mm vessels. In nearly all cases the rates of angiographic restenosis and major adverse cardiac events were lower in the coated stent group after 6-12 months. Meta-analysis showed a 69% decrease in revascularization rate (RR=0.31; 95%CI, 0.19-0.51). For every 1000 patients with de novo lesions, the use of a coated stent involved an additional average cost of Euro 818718. The estimated neutral price of a new stent was Euro 1448 at a market price per unit of Euro 2000.
CONCLUSIONS
At 12-month follow-up, sirolimus- or paclitaxel-eluting stents were effective and safe in patients with de novo lesions and low or medium risk of restenosis. At current market prices, the widespread use of these stents would involve an increase in health care expenditure for the different sensitivity scenarios we evaluated. More studies are needed to specify the type of patients and lesions likely to obtain the greatest clinical benefit.
Topics: Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary; Coronary Restenosis; Coronary Stenosis; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Drug Delivery Systems; Drug Implants; Humans; Paclitaxel; Sirolimus; Spain; Stents
PubMed: 15274846
DOI: No ID Found -
PloS One 2018The aim of this study was to report the metrological qualities of techniques currently used to quantify skeletal muscle volume and 3D shape in healthy and pathological...
AIMS
The aim of this study was to report the metrological qualities of techniques currently used to quantify skeletal muscle volume and 3D shape in healthy and pathological muscles.
METHODS
A systematic review was conducted (Prospero CRD42018082708). PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane and Scopus databases were searched using relevant keywords and inclusion/exclusion criteria. The quality of the articles was evaluated using a customized scale.
RESULTS
Thirty articles were included, 6 of which included pathological muscles. Most evaluated lower limb muscles. Partially or completely automatic and manual techniques were assessed in 10 and 24 articles, respectively. Manual slice-by-slice segmentation reliability was good-to-excellent (n = 8 articles) and validity against dissection was moderate to good(n = 1). Manual slice-by-slice segmentation was used as a gold-standard method in the other articles. Reduction of the number of manually segmented slices (n = 6) provided good to excellent validity if a sufficient number of appropriate slices was chosen. Segmentation on one slice (n = 11) increased volume errors. The Deformation of a Parametric Specific Object (DPSO) method (n = 5) decreased the number of manually-segmented slices required for any chosen level of error. Other automatic techniques combined with different statistical shape or atlas/images-based methods (n = 4) had good validity. Some particularities were highlighted for specific muscles. Except for manual slice by slice segmentation, reliability has rarely been reported.
CONCLUSIONS
The results of this systematic review help the choice of appropriate segmentation techniques, according to the purpose of the measurement. In healthy populations, techniques that greatly simplified the process of manual segmentation yielded greater errors in volume and shape estimations. Reduction of the number of manually segmented slices was possible with appropriately chosen segmented slices or with DPSO. Other automatic techniques showed promise, but data were insufficient for their validation. More data on the metrological quality of techniques used in the cases of muscle pathology are required.
Topics: Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Muscle, Skeletal; Organ Size; Reproducibility of Results
PubMed: 30496308
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0207847 -
Clinical Rehabilitation Sep 2018To determine the effects of ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) on gait, balance, gross motor function and activities of daily living in children with cerebral palsy. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effects of ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) on gait, balance, gross motor function and activities of daily living in children with cerebral palsy.
DATA SOURCES
Five databases were searched (Pubmed, Psycinfo, Web of Science, Academic Search Premier and Cochrane Library) before January 2018.
REVIEW METHODS
Studies of the effect of AFOs on gait, balance, gross motor function and activities of daily living in children with cerebral palsy were included. Articles with a modified PEDRO score ≥ 5/9 were selected. Data regarding population, AFO, interventions and outcomes were extracted. When possible, standardized mean differences (SMDs) were calculated from the outcomes.
RESULTS
Thirty-two articles, corresponding to 56 studies (884 children) were included. Fifty-one studies included children with spastic cerebral palsy. AFOs increased stride length (SMD = 0.88, P < 0.001) and gait speed (SMD = 0.28, P < 0.001), and decreased cadence (SMD = -0.72, P < 0.001). Gross motor function scores improved (Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) D (SMD = 0.30, P = 0.004), E (SMD = 0.28, P = 0.02), Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI) (SMD = 0.57, P < 0.001)). Data relating to balance and activities of daily living were insufficient to conclude. Posterior AFOs (solid, hinged, supra-malleolar, dynamic) increased ankle dorsiflexion at initial contact (SMD = 1.65, P < 0.001) and during swing (SMD = 1.34, P < 0.001), and decreased ankle power generation in stance (SMD = -0.72, P < 0.001) in children with equinus gait.
CONCLUSION
In children with spastic cerebral palsy, there is strong evidence that AFOs induce small improvements in gait speed and moderate evidence that AFOs have a small to moderate effect on gross motor function. In children with equinus gait, there is strong evidence that posterior AFOs induce large changes in distal kinematics.
Topics: Cerebral Palsy; Child; Foot Orthoses; Gait Disorders, Neurologic; Humans; Postural Balance; Walking Speed
PubMed: 29714066
DOI: 10.1177/0269215518771824