-
Journal of Diabetes Science and... Jun 2024The use of insulin pumps (continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion [CSII]) in individuals living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) improves disease control. However, adverse...
Insulin Pump Therapy and Adverse Skin Reactions With Focus on Allergic Contact Dermatitis in Individuals Living With Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Clinical-Based Update.
BACKGROUND
The use of insulin pumps (continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion [CSII]) in individuals living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) improves disease control. However, adverse skin reactions may hamper compliance. We aimed to assess the relationship of insulin pumps, particularly that of infusion set therapy, used in children and adults with T1D and dermatitis including allergic contact dermatitis (ACD).
METHODS
A systematic search of PubMed, and EMBASE, of full-text studies reporting dermatitis in persons with diabetes using a CSII was conducted from 2020 to 2023. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess study quality. The inventory performed at the Department of Occupational and Environmental Dermatology, Malmö, Sweden (YMDA) was also performed highlighting the diagnostic process.
RESULTS
Among the 391 screened abstracts, 21 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Seven studies included data on children only, four studies were on adults, and nine studies reported data on both children and adults. Participants were exposed to a broad range of pumps. Dermatitis was rarely specified. Up to 60% of those referred to a university hospital due to skin reactions possibly related to insulin pumps had an ACD.
CONCLUSIONS
The review and our findings indicate that there is not sufficient focus on contact allergy in the primary toxicological evaluations of substances used also for insulin pump therapy products and that possible adverse skin reactions are not correctly followed up in the clinical setting.
PubMed: 38853748
DOI: 10.1177/19322968241252613 -
BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.) May 2024To determine the efficacy of psilocybin as an antidepressant compared with placebo or non-psychoactive drugs. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To determine the efficacy of psilocybin as an antidepressant compared with placebo or non-psychoactive drugs.
DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis.
DATA SOURCES
Five electronic databases of published literature (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Medline, Embase, Science Citation Index and Conference Proceedings Citation Index, and PsycInfo) and four databases of unpublished and international literature (ClinicalTrials.gov, WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global, and PsycEXTRA), and handsearching of reference lists, conference proceedings, and abstracts.
DATA SYNTHESIS AND STUDY QUALITY
Information on potential treatment effect moderators was extracted, including depression type (primary or secondary), previous use of psychedelics, psilocybin dosage, type of outcome measure (clinician rated or self-reported), and personal characteristics (eg, age, sex). Data were synthesised using a random effects meta-analysis model, and observed heterogeneity and the effect of covariates were investigated with subgroup analyses and metaregression. Hedges' g was used as a measure of treatment effect size, to account for small sample effects and substantial differences between the included studies' sample sizes. Study quality was appraised using Cochrane's Risk of Bias 2 tool, and the quality of the aggregated evidence was evaluated using GRADE guidelines.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Randomised trials in which psilocybin was administered as a standalone treatment for adults with clinically significant symptoms of depression and change in symptoms was measured using a validated clinician rated or self-report scale. Studies with directive psychotherapy were included if the psychotherapeutic component was present in both experimental and control conditions. Participants with depression regardless of comorbidities (eg, cancer) were eligible.
RESULTS
Meta-analysis on 436 participants (228 female participants), average age 36-60 years, from seven of the nine included studies showed a significant benefit of psilocybin (Hedges' g=1.64, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.55 to 2.73, P<0.001) on change in depression scores compared with comparator treatment. Subgroup analyses and metaregressions indicated that having secondary depression (Hedges' g=3.25, 95% CI 0.97 to 5.53), being assessed with self-report depression scales such as the Beck depression inventory (3.25, 0.97 to 5.53), and older age and previous use of psychedelics (metaregression coefficient 0.16, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.24 and 4.2, 1.5 to 6.9, respectively) were correlated with greater improvements in symptoms. All studies had a low risk of bias, but the change from baseline metric was associated with high heterogeneity and a statistically significant risk of small study bias, resulting in a low certainty of evidence rating.
CONCLUSION
Treatment effects of psilocybin were significantly larger among patients with secondary depression, when self-report scales were used to measure symptoms of depression, and when participants had previously used psychedelics. Further research is thus required to delineate the influence of expectancy effects, moderating factors, and treatment delivery on the efficacy of psilocybin as an antidepressant.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
PROSPERO CRD42023388065.
Topics: Humans; Antidepressive Agents; Depression; Hallucinogens; Psilocybin; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38692686
DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2023-078084 -
Therapeutic Advances in Ophthalmology 2024New developments in artificial intelligence, particularly with promising results in early detection and management of keratoconus, have favorably altered the natural... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
New developments in artificial intelligence, particularly with promising results in early detection and management of keratoconus, have favorably altered the natural history of the disease over the last few decades. Features of artificial intelligence in different machine such as anterior segment optical coherence tomography, and femtosecond laser technique have improved safety, precision, effectiveness, and predictability of treatment modalities of keratoconus (from contact lenses to keratoplasty techniques). These options ingrained in artificial intelligence are already underway and allow ophthalmologist to approach disease in the most non-invasive way.
OBJECTIVES
This study comprehensively describes all of the treatment modalities of keratoconus considering machine learning strategies.
DESIGN
A multidimensional comprehensive systematic narrative review.
DATA SOURCES AND METHODS
A comprehensive search was done in the five main electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane), without language and time or type of study restrictions. Afterward, eligible articles were selected by screening the titles and abstracts based on main mesh keywords. For potentially eligible articles, the full text was also reviewed.
RESULTS
Artificial intelligence demonstrates promise in keratoconus diagnosis and clinical management, spanning early detection (especially in subclinical cases), preoperative screening, postoperative ectasia prediction after keratorefractive surgery, and guiding surgical decisions. The majority of studies employed a solitary machine learning algorithm, whereas minor studies assessed multiple algorithms that evaluated the association of various keratoconus staging and management strategies. Last but not least, AI has proven effective in guiding the implantation of intracorneal ring segments in keratoconus corneas and predicting surgical outcomes.
CONCLUSION
The efficient and widespread clinical translation of machine learning models in keratoconus management is a crucial goal of potential future approaches to better visual performance in keratoconus patients.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
The article has been registered through PROSPERO, an international database of prospectively registered systematic reviews, with the ID: CRD42022319338.
PubMed: 38516169
DOI: 10.1177/25158414241232258 -
Sichuan Da Xue Xue Bao. Yi Xue Ban =... Jan 2024Disease control priority (DCP) is an important public health intervention strategy. Diseases that should be prioritized for prevention and control are first screened...
Disease control priority (DCP) is an important public health intervention strategy. Diseases that should be prioritized for prevention and control are first screened with a series of criteria, including the severity of the disease burden, the effectiveness of disease control technologies, the prevention and control capacity of the existing health system, etc. Then, the prevention and control technologies for these diseases undergo qualitative evaluation (eg, face-to-face interviews, expert consultation, workshops, etc) and quantitative evaluation (eg, cost-benefit analysis, multi-criteria decision analysis, etc). Finally, the public health initiatives that should be prioritized are identified. From the conception of the idea, to the formal proposition of the concept, to guidance for practice, DCP has gone through more than 70 years of development. Through DCP, significant contributions has been made to improving the efficiency of health care service systems and promoting the health of populations in developing countries. Herein, we systematically reviewed the background, development history, realization method, and practical applications of DCP, focusing on exploring the application potential of DCP in health governance and providing technical support and decision-making reference for the comprehensive promotion of the Healthy China Initiative.
Topics: China; Health Priorities; Health Status; Public Health; Communicable Disease Control
PubMed: 38322541
DOI: 10.12182/20240160603 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Jan 2024: Interest in 3D printing for orthopedic surgery has been increasing since its progressive adoption in most of the hospitals around the world. The aim of the study is to... (Review)
Review
: Interest in 3D printing for orthopedic surgery has been increasing since its progressive adoption in most of the hospitals around the world. The aim of the study is to describe all the current applications of 3D printing in patients undergoing hip surgery of any type at the present time. : We conducted a systematic narrative review of publications indexed in MedLine through the search engine PubMed, with the following parameters: 3D printing AND (orthopedics OR traumatology) NOT tissue engineering NOT scaffold NOT in vitro and deadline 31 July 2023. After reading the abstracts of the articles, papers were selected according to the following criteria: full text in English or Spanish and content related to hip surgery. Those publications involving experimental studies (in vitro or with anatomical specimens) or 3D printing outside of hospital facilities as well as 3D-printed commercial implants were excluded. Results are presented as a reference guide classified by disease, including the used software and the steps required for the development of the idea. : We found a total of 27 indications for in-house 3D printing for hip surgery, which are described in the article. : There are many surgical applications of 3D printing in hip surgery, most of them based on CT images. Most of the publications lack evidence, and further randomized studies should be encouraged to assess the advantages of these indications.
PubMed: 38276105
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13020599 -
Journal of Family Medicine and Primary... Oct 2023Primary care physicians are crucial in identifying SARS-CoV-2 infection and transferring suspected cases since they are on the front lines of health care. Micronutrients...
BACKGROUND
Primary care physicians are crucial in identifying SARS-CoV-2 infection and transferring suspected cases since they are on the front lines of health care. Micronutrients are used as an adjunctive treatment for viral respiratory infections. Because there is currently no effective antiviral therapy for COVID-19, micronutrients such as iron, zinc, and vitamin D may be important for the survival of critically ill patients.
OBJECTIVE
To establish and emphasize a relationship between iron, zinc, and vitamin D to COVID-19.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
PubMed database was used for articles selection. All relevant articles to our review with the topics regarding the use of iron, zinc and vitamin D in COVID-19 patients. We excluded other articles, which are not related to this field and did not match inclusion criteria. The data extracted according to specific form and double reviewed by the group members.
RESULTS
The search of the mentioned database returned a total of 3614 studies that were included for title screening. 2910 of them were included for abstract screening, which lead to the exclusion of 1064 articles. The remaining 1846 publications full texts were reviewed. The full-text revision led to the exclusion of 1812 studies, and 34 were enrolled for final data extraction.
CONCLUSION
This study raised the idea of employing zinc, iron, and vitamin D as ingredients to either protect SARS-CoV-2 patients or to speed up recovery, decrease symptoms severity and decrease mortality rates.
PubMed: 38074276
DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_2460_22 -
Medical Teacher Nov 2023Concept maps (CMs) visually represent hierarchical connections among related ideas. They foster logical organization and clarify idea relationships, potentially aiding...
BACKGROUND
Concept maps (CMs) visually represent hierarchical connections among related ideas. They foster logical organization and clarify idea relationships, potentially aiding medical students in critical thinking (to think clearly and rationally about what to do or what to believe). However, there are inconsistent claims about the use of CMs in undergraduate medical education. Our three research questions are 1) What studies have been published on concept mapping in undergraduate medical education; 2) What was the impact of CMs on students' critical thinking; 3) How and why have these interventions had an educational impact?
METHODS
Eight databases were systematically searched (plus a manual and an additional search were conducted). After eliminating duplicate entries, titles and abstracts and full-texts were independently screened by two authors. Data extraction and quality assessment of the studies were independently performed by two authors. Qualitative and quantitative data were integrated using mixed-methods. The results were reported using the STructured apprOach to the Reporting In healthcare education of Evidence Synthesis statement and BEME guidance.
RESULTS
Thirty-nine studies were included from 26 journals (19 quantitative, 8 qualitative and 12 mixed-methods studies). CMs were considered as a tool to promote critical thinking, both in the perception of students and tutors, as well as in assessing students' knowledge and/or skills. In addition to their role as facilitators of knowledge integration and critical thinking, CMs were considered both a teaching and a learning methods.
CONCLUSIONS
CMs are teaching and learning tools which seem to help medical students develop critical thinking. This is due to the flexibility of the tool as a facilitator of knowledge integration, as a learning and teaching method. The wide range of contexts, purposes, and variations in how CMs and instruments to assess critical thinking are used increases our confidence that the positive effects are consistent.
PubMed: 37980607
DOI: 10.1080/0142159X.2023.2281248 -
Cyclodextrin inclusion complexes improving antibacterial drug profiles: an update systematic review.Future Microbiology Dec 2023The study aimed to review experimental models using cyclodextrins to improve antibacterial drugs' physicochemical characteristics and biological activities. The...
The study aimed to review experimental models using cyclodextrins to improve antibacterial drugs' physicochemical characteristics and biological activities. The following terms and their combinations were used: cyclodextrins and antibacterial agents in title or abstract, and the total study search was conducted over a period up to October 2022. The review was carried out using PubMed, Scopus and Embase databases. A total of 1580 studies were identified, of which 27 articles were selected for discussion in this review. The biological results revealed that the antibacterial effect of the inclusion complexes was extensively improved. Cyclodextrins can enhance the therapeutic effects of antibiotics already existing on the market, natural products and synthetic molecules. Overall, CDs as drug-delivery vehicles have been shown to improve antibiotics solubility, stability, and bioavailability, leading to enhanced antibacterial activity.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Cyclodextrins; Solubility
PubMed: 37910070
DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2023-0124 -
Rehabilitacion 2023Since 2020 we have lived an exceptional situation that made us experience a complete lockdown due to SARS-CoV-2, what affected the treatments of different pathologies,... (Review)
Review
Since 2020 we have lived an exceptional situation that made us experience a complete lockdown due to SARS-CoV-2, what affected the treatments of different pathologies, such as the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Because of those reasons, it has arisen the idea of implementing the tele-rehabilitation program as a treatment of these pathologies. The search was done between the months of October and November 2020, with the aim of analyzing and updating the efficacy of the tele-rehabilitation in patients who have COPD, finding eight articles which met the inclusion criteria. The pulmonary tele-rehabilitation is able to improve the quality of life and physical state, and decreasing the number of hospitalizations and exacerbations. Furthermore, patients showed a great level of satisfaction and adherence to this treatment program. The pulmonary tele-rehabilitation can achieve similar results as of pulmonary rehabilitation. For this reason, people who have difficulties to go to their outpatients clinic or even in a lockdown can use it. However, it is necessary to investigate which tele-rehabilitation program is better.
Topics: Humans; Telerehabilitation; Quality of Life; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Hospitalization
PubMed: 37329647
DOI: 10.1016/j.rh.2022.100781 -
Journal of Global Health May 2023Performance-based financing (PBF) assumes that subsidizing user fees for maternal health services to reduce out-of-pocket expenses will expand coverage and reduce...
A systematic review of the effect of performance-based financing interventions on out-of-pocket expenses to improve access to, and the utilization of, maternal health services across health sectors in sub-Saharan Africa.
BACKGROUND
Performance-based financing (PBF) assumes that subsidizing user fees for maternal health services to reduce out-of-pocket expenses will expand coverage and reduce inequities in access to maternal health services. It is usually associated with process changes, and the idea that increasing a facility's resources from PBF interventions can improve the availability of equipment, drugs, and medical supplies at the facility, has an indirect effect on out-of-pocket expenses. Assessment of complex interventions such as PBF requires consideration of specific underlying assumption or theories of change. Such assessment will allow a better and broader understanding of the system's strengths and weaknesses, where the gaps lie, whether the theory of change is sound, and will inform policy design and implementation.
METHODS
Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA 2020) checklist, we performed a systematic review and a critical appraisal of selected studies using the risk-of-bias criteria developed by the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organisation of Care. We used the Grading of Recommendation and Evaluation, Development and Assessment framework for assessing the overall strength of the evidence.
RESULTS
After the abstract screening (n = 9873), we deemed 302 as relevant for full-text screening and assessed 85 studies for review eligibility. Finally, we included 17 studies in the review. We could not conduct a meta-analysis, so we report a narrative synthesis. As an add-on to an existing payment mechanism, PBF may facilitate the removal of operational barriers to enhance utilization of certain maternal health services in some contexts, especially in public facilities.
CONCLUSIONS
PBF strategies may potentially decrease out-of-pocket expenses for specific maternal health services, especially in settings that have already instituted some form of user fee exemption policies on maternal health services. The implementation of PBF can be considered a potential access instrument in reducing out-of-pocket expenses to stimulate demand for maternal services. However, the implementation approaches employed will determine utilization, taking into consideration existing equitable and inequitable access characteristics which vary by context.
REGISTRATION
PROSPERO CRD42020222893.
Topics: Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Africa South of the Sahara; Health Expenditures; Health Services Accessibility; Maternal Health Services; Policy
PubMed: 37143430
DOI: 10.7189/jogh.13.04035