-
Ageing Research Reviews Jun 2024Exergame-based training is currently considered a more promising training approach than conventional physical and/or cognitive training. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Exergame-based training is currently considered a more promising training approach than conventional physical and/or cognitive training.
OBJECTIVES
This study aimed to provide quantitative evidence on dose-response relationships of specific exercise and training variables (training components) of exergame-based training on cognitive functioning in middle-aged to older adults (MOA).
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review with meta-analysis including randomized controlled trials comparing the effects of exergame-based training to inactive control interventions on cognitive performance in MOA.
RESULTS
The systematic literature search identified 22,928 records of which 31 studies were included. The effectiveness of exergame-based training was significantly moderated by the following training components: body position for global cognitive functioning, the type of motor-cognitive training, training location, and training administration for complex attention, and exercise intensity for executive functions.
CONCLUSION
The effectiveness of exergame-based training was moderated by several training components that have in common that they enhance the ecological validity of the training (e.g., stepping movements in a standing position). Therefore, it seems paramount that future research focuses on developing innovative novel exergame-based training concepts that incorporate these (and other) training components to enhance their ecological validity and transferability to clinical practice. We provide specific evidence-based recommendations for the application of our research findings in research and practical settings and identified and discussed several areas of interest for future research.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42023418593; prospectively registered, date of registration: 1 May 2023.
PubMed: 38914262
DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102385 -
International Journal of Colorectal... Jun 2024Locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) typically involves neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) followed by surgery (total mesorectal excision, TME). While achieving a... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) typically involves neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) followed by surgery (total mesorectal excision, TME). While achieving a complete pathological response (pCR) is a strong indicator of a positive prognosis, the specific benefits of adjuvant chemotherapy after pCR remain unclear. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the potential advantages of adjuvant therapy in patients who achieve pCR.
METHODS
In this study, we searched Medline, Embase, and Web of Science databases for relevant research. We focused on binary outcomes, analyzing them using odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). To account for potential variability between studies, all endpoints were analyzed with DerSimonian and Laird random-effects models. We assessed heterogeneity using the I statistic and employed the R statistical software (version 4.2.3) for all analyses.
RESULTS
Thirty-four studies, comprising 31,558 patients, were included. The outcomes demonstrated a significant difference favoring the AC group in terms of overall survival (OS) (HR 0.75; 95% CI 0.60-0.94; p = 0.015; I = 0%), and OS in 5 years (OR 1.65; 95% CI 1.21-2.24; p = 0.001; I = 39%). There was no significant difference between the groups for disease-free survival (DFS) (HR 0.94; 95% CI 0.76-1.17; p = 0.61; I = 17%), DFS in 5 years (OR 1.19; 95% CI 0.82-1.74; p = 0.36; I = 43%), recurrence-free survival (RFS) (HR 1.10; 95% CI 0.87-1.40; p = 0.39; I = 0%), and relapse-free survival (OR 1.08; 95% CI 0.78-1.51; p = 0.62; I = 0%).
CONCLUSION
This systematic review and meta-analysis found a significant difference in favor of the ACT group in terms of survival after pCR. Therefore, the administration of this treatment as adjuvant therapy should be encouraged in clinical practice.
Topics: Humans; Rectal Neoplasms; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; Treatment Outcome; Survival Analysis; Disease-Free Survival; Neoadjuvant Therapy
PubMed: 38913175
DOI: 10.1007/s00384-024-04668-x -
Frontiers in Oncology 2024The prognostic relevance of the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in gastric cancer (GC) patients undergoing immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) treatment remains...
OBJECTIVES
The prognostic relevance of the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in gastric cancer (GC) patients undergoing immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) treatment remains unclear. This meta-analysis aimed to determine the prognostic impact of PLR in this specific patient cohort.
METHODS
We searched the PubMed, Cochrane Library, CNKI, and EMBASE databases, including literature published up to September 2023, to investigate the prognostic implications of PLR in patients with gastric cancer undergoing immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. Outcome measures encompassed overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR), and disease control rates (DCR).
RESULTS
Nine studies from seven articles comprising 948 eligible patients were selected. The results revealed a significant correlation between elevated PLR and poorer OS and progression-free survival (PFS) (OS: HR 1.67, 95% CI 1.39-2.00, p < 0.001; PFS: HR 1.51, 95% CI 1.29-1.76, p < 0.001). Subgroup analyses were performed to validate the robustness of the results. Moreover, a meta-analysis of four studies investigating the correlation between the PLR in gastric cancer (GC) patients and the objective response rate/disease control rate (ORR/DCR), showed no significant association between the PLR and ORR/DCR (ORR: RR = 1.01, p = 0.960; DCR: RR = 0.96, p = 0.319).
CONCLUSIONS
This meta-analysis indicates that elevated PLR in GC patients undergoing ICI treatment is significantly linked to worse OS and PFS. Therefore, PLR can serve as a prognostic indicator of post-treatment outcomes in patients with GC receiving ICIs. Further prospective studies are required to assess the reliability of these findings.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://inplasy.com/, identifier INPLASY2023120103.
PubMed: 38912061
DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1367990 -
Cureus May 2024Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body's immune response to infection becomes unregulated, causing organ dysfunction and a heightened risk of... (Review)
Review
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body's immune response to infection becomes unregulated, causing organ dysfunction and a heightened risk of mortality. Despite increased awareness campaigns, its prevalence escalates, annually afflicting over 1.7 million adults in the United States. This research explores the potential of therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) in septic shock management, aiming to highlight its capacity to improve patient outcomes and reduce mortality. Adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines, our comprehensive search across 51,534 studies, using keywords such as plasmapheresis, plasma exchange therapy, therapeutic plasma exchange, septic shock, and reduction in mortality integrated with medical subject headings terms, led to the meticulous selection of six pivotal studies. Through rigorous evaluation with tools such as the revised Cochrane Risk-of-Bias tool, Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, and Assessment of Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews, we extracted strong evidence supporting TPE's significant impact on decreasing mortality in septic shock patients compared to standard care, as demonstrated in three randomized controlled trials and one cohort study, with an odds ratio (OR) of 0.43 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.26-0.72). Additionally, two meta-analyses further validate TPE's effectiveness, showing a mortality reduction with an OR of 0.30 (95% CI = 0.20-0.46). This advantage also extends to critically ill COVID-19 patients, underscoring TPE's crucial role in modulating the coagulation cascade, decreasing sepsis-related complications, and reducing the risk of bleeding and organ failure. Nevertheless, the benefits of TPE must be carefully balanced against potential risks such as hypocalcemia, hypotension, and citrate toxicity, especially in patients with underlying renal or liver issues, emphasizing the importance of shared decision-making. While TPE emerges as a promising therapy, its formal integration into standard care protocols awaits further confirmation, highlighting the critical need for more in-depth research to conclusively determine its efficacy and safety in septic shock management.
PubMed: 38910774
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.60947 -
European Journal of Clinical... Jun 2024This meta-analysis was dedicated to evaluating the effectiveness and safety of Atezolizumab plus Bevacizumab (Atez/Bev) and Lenvatinib (LEN) as first-line systematic... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
This meta-analysis was dedicated to evaluating the effectiveness and safety of Atezolizumab plus Bevacizumab (Atez/Bev) and Lenvatinib (LEN) as first-line systematic therapy for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (u-HCC).
METHODS
The prospective protocol for this study was registered with the PROSPERO (Registration number: CRD42022356874). Literature searches were conducted in PubMed, EMBASE database Cochrane Library, and Web Science to determine all clinical controlled studies that reported Atez/Bev and LEN for treating u-HCC. We. evaluated as primary end-point overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), as well as other outcomes such as tumor response and adverse events (AEs).Quality assessment and data extraction of studies were conducted independently by three reviewers. Mean difference (MD) and odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using a fixed-effects or random-effects model. The meta-analysis was performed with RevMan 5.3 software.
RESULTS
12 retrospective cohort studies (RCSs) involving a total of 4948 patients were finally included. The results showed that compared with LEN, Atez/Bev can improve the patient's PFS (HR = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.72 ~ 0.88; p < 0.0001) and reduce the rate of overall AEs (OR = 0.46 95% CI: 0.38 ~ 0.55, p < 0.00001) and grade ≥ 3 AEs (OR = 0.43; 95% CI: 0.36 ~ 0.51, p < 0.00001), while there is no difference between OS and treatment responses rate (objective response rate, disease control rate, complete response, partial response, progressive disease, and stable disease) between two groups. In addition, the subgroup analysis shows that Atez/Bev can promote the OS of patients with viral hepatitis. (HR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.67 ~ 0.95; p = 0.01), while LEN has an advantage in improving OS in patients with Child-Pugh grade B liver function (HR = 1.98, 95% CI: 1.50 ~ 2.63; p < 0.00001).
CONCLUSION
Current evidence shows that compared with LEN, Atez/Bev has more advantages in PFS and safety in treating u-HCC and can improve the OS of patients with viral. LEN has advantages in improving the OS of patients with grade B liver function. However, more multicenter randomized controlled experiments are needed in the future to verify our results.
PubMed: 38907884
DOI: 10.1007/s00228-024-03718-1 -
Dermatology and Therapy Jun 2024Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a frequently debilitating, inflammatory skin condition. Patients may have a limited response to adalimumab, currently the only Food and...
INTRODUCTION
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a frequently debilitating, inflammatory skin condition. Patients may have a limited response to adalimumab, currently the only Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved biologic treatment for HS. Ustekinumab is an interleukin-12/23 inhibitor that has been utilized in HS, but there is a lack of an updated systematic review on its efficacy and safety. The aim of this study is to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature on the efficacy and safety of ustekinumab for HS.
METHODS
In October 2022, MEDLINE and Embase databases were searched for articles on ustekinumab in HS. Data extraction was performed on relevant articles by two reviewers. The primary study outcome was the pooled response rate of HS to ustekinumab. A fixed-effects meta-analysis was performed, and Cochran's Q statistic and I squared index were used to assess heterogeneity. Statistical significance was determined at p < 0.05. This article is based on previously conducted studies and does not contain any new studies with human participants or animals performed by any of the authors.
RESULTS
From 2012 to 2022, ten articles (nine case series and one prospective trial) with 88 patients met the inclusion criteria. Patients with reported disease severity had Hurley stage II (17.6%, 12/68) or III (82.4%, 56/68) disease. The majority (80.7%, 71/88) had previously failed at least one biologic treatment. A meta-analysis of all ten studies showed a pooled response rate of 67% (95% CI 0.57-0.76). Study limitations include a small number of patients and randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
CONCLUSIONS
Ustekinumab may be a helpful treatment option to consider for HS that is recalcitrant to first-line biologic therapies, but RCTs are needed to determine optimal dosing regimens and the specific patient populations that would benefit the most from this agent.
PubMed: 38907878
DOI: 10.1007/s13555-024-01207-y -
Probiotics and Antimicrobial Proteins Jun 2024The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate musculoskeletal changes in response to prebiotics, probiotics, or synbiotics supplementation in older adults or in...
The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate musculoskeletal changes in response to prebiotics, probiotics, or synbiotics supplementation in older adults or in animal models of aging musculoskeletal disorders. A comprehensive search was conducted on electronic databases, including PubMed/Medline, Cochrane, and Web of Science until April 2024. The quality assessment of clinical trials was conducted using the Cochrane Collaboration tool and for animal studies, the SYRCLE's tool was used. Our literature search resulted in 652 studies. After removing duplicates and screening the articles based on their titles and abstracts, we assessed the full text of 112 articles, which yielded 20 clinical trials and 30 animal studies in our systematic review. Most of human and animal studies reported an improvement in physical performance, a decrease in frailty index, and a lower reduction in bone mineral density in the intervention groups. Body composition tends to increase in muscle ratio, muscle mass, and reduce in appendicular lean mass and muscle atrophy. Also, the intervention induced bone turnover and mineral absorption, significantly increasing Ca, P, and Mg absorption and short-chain fatty acid concentration. Additionally, levels of inflammatory markers such as IL1, IL6, IL17, T helper 17, and TNF-α exhibited a decreasing trend, while an increase in IL10 and IFN-γ was observed. Prebiotics, probiotics, or synbiotics supplementations could effectively improve the physical performance and muscle strength and reduce the risk of bone loss and frailty in the elderly.
PubMed: 38907826
DOI: 10.1007/s12602-024-10306-3 -
Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral Y Cirugia... Jun 2024Oral lichen planus (OLP) is an inmuno-mediated mucocutaneous chronical inflammatory disease. Multiple predisposing factors are considered, such as autoimmune response,...
BACKGROUND
Oral lichen planus (OLP) is an inmuno-mediated mucocutaneous chronical inflammatory disease. Multiple predisposing factors are considered, such as autoimmune response, microorganisms, medications, dental materials, psychological stress, genetic predisposition or nutritional deficiencies. The deficiency of vitamin D has been related to various autoimmune diseases like OLP.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
The electronic search was conducted in the MEDLINE (Pubmed), Scopus, Cochrane Library and Web of Science databases. To assess any potential risk of bias, the authors critically appraised each study by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for cohort and case-control studies. Pooled analyses were performed using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity of the studies was assessed by the I2 statistics. Forest Plots were performed to graphically represent the difference between vitamin D concentrations in the OLP compared to healthy group, with a 95% confidence interval.
RESULTS
After applying our inclusion and exclusion criteria, 7 articles were included in our review. The median concentration vitamin D in ng/ml found in serum for patients with OLP was of 26,6311,75ng/ml and for healthy patients was of 31,438,7ng/ml. Regarding the quantitative analysis, 7 studies were included. The difference in the concentration of vitamin D in healthy patients and patients with OLP statistically significant (Weighted Mean Difference (WMD): -6.20, 95% CI: -11.24 to -1.15, p=0.02 and I2 heterogeneity: 94%, p<0.00001).
CONCLUSIONS
The patients with OLP have statistically lower vitamin D levels than healthy patients.
PubMed: 38907640
DOI: 10.4317/medoral.26603 -
Endoscopy International Open Jun 2024There is limited consensus on the optimal method for measuring disease severity in familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). We aimed to systematically review the operating... (Review)
Review
There is limited consensus on the optimal method for measuring disease severity in familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). We aimed to systematically review the operating properties of existing endoscopic severity indices for FAP. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library from inception to February 2023 to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that utilized endoscopic outcomes or studies that evaluated the operating properties of endoscopic disease severity indices in FAP. A total of 134 studies were included. We evaluated scoring indices and component items of scoring indices, such as polyp count, polyp size, and histology. Partial validation was observed for polyp count and size. The most commonly reported scoring index was the Spigelman classification system, which was used for assessing the severity of duodenal involvement. A single study reported almost perfect interobserver and intra-observer agreement for this system. The InSIGHT polyposis staging system, which was used for assessing colorectal polyp burden, has been partially validated. It showed substantial interobserver reliability; however, the intra-observer reliability was not assessed. Novel criteria for high-risk gastric polyps have been developed and assessed for interobserver reliability. However, these criteria showed a poor level of agreement. Other scoring indices assessing the anal transition zone, duodenal, and colorectal polyps have not undergone validation. There are no fully validated endoscopic disease severity indices for FAP. Development and validation of a reliable and responsive endoscopic disease severity instrument will be informative for clinical care and RCTs of pharmacological therapies for FAP.
PubMed: 38904059
DOI: 10.1055/a-2330-8037 -
Journal of Global Health Jun 2024Oral diseases affect nearly half of the global population, presenting significant challenges in fragile and conflict-affected states. Despite comprising a population of...
BACKGROUND
Oral diseases affect nearly half of the global population, presenting significant challenges in fragile and conflict-affected states. Despite comprising a population of over one billion people, oral health data and comprehensive evidence on oral health system strengthening on these countries are limited. This study, therefore, aims to explore oral health system strengthening in fragile and conflict-affected states by synthesising evidence from relevant global literature.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review of literature across Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, Global Health, Scopus, Web of Science, and grey literature databases. The methodological quality of published literature was assessed using the relevant Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools. The findings were narratively synthesised and presented using the Lancet's high-quality health system framework.
RESULTS
The review included 23 papers from 12 countries. The evidence documented impacts of armed conflicts, political crisis, pandemics, and natural disasters on oral health systems, and initiatives to strengthen them focusing on the 'foundations' domain. The initiatives included: workforce development and career opportunities; health service platforms such as mobile dental services and teledentistry; integration of oral health into national health systems and emergency responses; contingency planning and adaptability; and effective governance such as financing systems and infrastructures. Collaborative action, both local and international, including monitoring and evaluation were emphasised as key strategies for health system strengthening to ensure an equitable distribution of responsibilities and resources.
CONCLUSIONS
Whilst evidence on oral health system strengthening in fragile and conflict-affected states is limited, our findings suggest the need for integrated action, such as mobilising local resources and engaging stakeholders equitably. Further research, with particular focus in the area of processes of care and quality impacts, is necessary to explore comprehensive strategies for strengthening the oral health system.
Topics: Humans; Oral Health; Armed Conflicts; Delivery of Health Care; Global Health
PubMed: 38902973
DOI: 10.7189/jogh-14-04132