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Brain Research Bulletin Jun 2024The Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) causes serious interpersonal problems from childhood to adulthood, one of them being problematic social functioning.... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
The Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) causes serious interpersonal problems from childhood to adulthood, one of them being problematic social functioning. This phenomenon in ADHD should be associated with impairments in the Theory of Mind (ToM). Therefore, understanding the neural correlates of the ToM could be crucial for helping individuals with ADHD with their social functioning. Thus, we aimed to review published literature concerning neuroanatomical and functional correlates of ToM deficits in children and adolescents with ADHD.
METHODS
We reviewed studies published between 1970 and 2023. In accordance with PRISMA guidelines, after data from three databases were collected, two authors (LN and PM) independently screened all relevant records (n=638) and consequently, both authors did the data extraction. The quality of the included studies (n=5) was measured by a modified version of The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and by measures specific for our study. This systematic review was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42020139847).
RESULTS
Results indicated that impairments in performing of the ToM tasks were negatively associated with the grey matter volume in the bilateral amygdala and hippocampus in both, ADHD and control group. In EEG studies, a significantly greater electrophysiological activity during ToM tasks was observed in the, frontal, temporal, parietal and occipital lobes in participants with ADHD as compared to healthy subjects.
CONCLUSION
More research is needed to explore the ToM deficits in children with ADHD. Future research might focus on the neural circuits associated with attention and inhibition, which deficits seems to contribute to the ToM deficits in children and adolescents with ADHD.
PubMed: 38906229
DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2024.111011 -
The Journal of Hospital Infection Jun 2024We aimed to compare which suture devices could reduce the incidence of incisional surgical site infections (SSIs) after gastrointestinal surgery using a systematic... (Review)
Review
AIM
We aimed to compare which suture devices could reduce the incidence of incisional surgical site infections (SSIs) after gastrointestinal surgery using a systematic review and network meta-analysis.
METHODS
The CENTRAL, PubMed, and ICHUSHI-Web databases were searched from January 1st, 2000, to December 31st, 2022, for randomised clinical trials (RCTs) comparing the incidence of incisional SSI after gastrointestinal surgery among patients treated with different surgical suture devices, including non-absorbable sutures, absorbable sutures, skin staplers, and tissue adhesives (last searched in August 23th 2023). The risk of bias was assessed using the criteria of the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. To estimate the pooled odds ratios (ORs) for each comparison, we employed a fixed-effect inverse-variance model based on the Mantel-Haenszel approach. This study was registered in PROSPERO and supported in part by the Japan Surgical Infection Society.
RESULTS
A total of 18 RCTs with 5,496 patients were included in this study. The overall SSIs in absorbable sutures were significantly lower than the ones in skin staplers (OR: 0.77; 95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.63-0.95) and non-absorbable sutures (OR: 0.62; 95% CI: 0.39-0.99). On the other hand, SSIs in absorbable sutures were not statistically different from the SSIs in tissue adhesive. The highest P-score was 0.91 for absorbable sutures. A funnel plot for estimating the heterogeneity of the studies revealed that a publication bias would be minimal (Egger test, P = 0.271).
CONCLUSION
This study showed that absorbable sutures reduced incisional SSIs in gastrointestinal surgical operations compared to any other suture devices.
PubMed: 38901769
DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2024.04.029 -
Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Schizophrenia is characterized by psychiatric symptoms and emotional issues. While pharmacological treatments have limitations, non-pharmacological interventions are... (Review)
Review
Schizophrenia is characterized by psychiatric symptoms and emotional issues. While pharmacological treatments have limitations, non-pharmacological interventions are essential. Art therapy has the potential to enhance emotional expression, communication, and health; however, the effectiveness of visual art therapy remains uncertain. This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesizes the findings of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of visual art therapy on positive symptoms, negative symptoms, and emotions in patients with schizophrenia. This study reviews RCTs published prior to February, 2024. The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CEPS, CNKI, Wanfang, and Yiigle databases were searched, and three independent researchers screened the studies. In this meta-analysis, standardized mean difference (SMD) was employed as a measure to calculate effect sizes for continuous variables using a random effects model, while the meta-regression and subgroup analyses were performed with patient and intervention characteristics. A total of 31 studies revealed visual art therapy had a significant small-to-moderate effect on positive symptoms (SMD = 0.407, 95% CI 0.233 to 0.581), a moderate effect on negative symptoms (SMD = 0.697, 95% CI 0.514 to 0.880), a moderate effect on depression (SMD = 0.610, 95% CI 0.398 to 0.821), and a large effect on anxiety (SMD = 0.909, 95% CI 0.386 to 1.433). The subgroup analysis revealed painting and handcrafts had significant effects on positive symptoms, negative symptoms, and emotions. Combined Chinese calligraphy and painting had significant effects on positive symptoms, depression, and anxiety. Better improvement was noted among the Asian population, and a longer weekly treatment duration was associated with better improvement in positive symptoms. Female participants tended to have more improvements in negative symptoms and anxiety through visual art therapy. The results indicate that visual art therapy has positive effects on the psychiatric symptoms and emotions of individuals with schizophrenia. We recommend future research further investigate art therapy modalities and durations.
PubMed: 38891231
DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12111156 -
Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024According to the World Health Organization, social isolation, particularly of older adults, is a public health issue endangering the well-being of individuals,... (Review)
Review
According to the World Health Organization, social isolation, particularly of older adults, is a public health issue endangering the well-being of individuals, families, and communities. Social isolation affects health through biological, behavioral, and psychological pathways and is associated with physical and psychological/emotional well-being, increases morbidity and mortality rates, and lowers quality of life. This systematic review examined the relationship between social isolation and physical health, including subjective and objective dimensions, and factors that influence this relationship in adults. : This systematic review examined six electronic databases covering the field of health and human services and included results from 1 January 2017 to 10 March 2023 with key terms including adult social connection or social isolation coupled with health, physical, psychological, emotional, mental, or behavioral. The initial search yielded 925 research articles across all databases and was narrowed to 710 when the decision was made to focus on social isolation and physical health. Covidence was used throughout the retrieval and appraisal process, as provided in a PRISMA flow diagram. Twenty-four studies that scored 90 or above in the appraisal process were included in the systematic review. : The studies represented included seven studies conducted in the United States and seventeen studies conducted internationally. Regarding study design, twenty-three studies were quantitative, one was qualitative, and one was mixed methods. The majority of quantitative studies were correlational in design with nine being longitudinal. The majority of studies were based on large national data sets representing in total 298,653 participants aged 50 and older. The results indicate that social isolation is related to increases in inflammatory biomarkers associated with diseases, all-cause mortality, lower expectations of longevity, and frailty. In addition, social isolation was associated with cognitive decline and disruptions in sleep. Poor oral health increased social isolation. The results further indicated that decreased physical performance/function and a decline in physical activity were associated with social isolation, as well as decreased overall physical health, poor health behaviors, and self-care, and decreased health-related quality of life. Further research is warranted to examine the possible bidirectionality of these relationships and possible mediating, moderating, or confounding variables. : Future research is needed to explore the biological and behavioral pathways in which social isolation negatively impacts physical health. Going forward, studies are needed that move beyond descriptive, exploratory methods and integrate data from qualitative and mixed-method designs that will inform the development and testing of a conceptual framework related to social isolation and health. By advancing the science behind social isolation, comprehensive interventions can be identified and tested with implications at the individual, family, community, and societal levels to reduce social isolation, particularly among adults, and improve health and quality of life.
PubMed: 38891210
DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12111135 -
Pain Jun 2024Many patients experience acute pain, which has been associated with numerous negative consequences. Pain education has been proposed as a strategy to improve acute pain...
Many patients experience acute pain, which has been associated with numerous negative consequences. Pain education has been proposed as a strategy to improve acute pain management. However, studies report limited effects with educational interventions for acute pain in adults, which can be explained by the underuse of the person-centered approach. Thus, we aimed to systematically review and synthetize current evidence from quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods studies describing patients' needs and preferences for acute pain education in adults. We searched original studies and gray literature in 7 databases, from January 1990 to October 2023. Methodological quality was assessed with the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. A total of 32 studies were included (n = 1847 patients), two-thirds of which were qualitative studies of high methodological quality. Most of the studies were conducted over the last 15 years in patients with postsurgical and posttraumatic pain, identified as White, with a low level of education. Patients expressed the greatest need for education when it came to what to expect in pain intensity and duration, as well how to take the medication and its associated adverse effects. The most frequently reported educational preferences were for in-person education while involving caregivers and to obtain information first from physicians, then by other professionals. This review has highlighted the needs and preferences to be considered in pain education interventions, which should be embedded in an approach cultivating communication and partnership with patients and their caregivers. The results still need to be confirmed with different patient populations.
PubMed: 38888742
DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003288 -
Translational Oncology Jun 2024Hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) cancers encompassing malignancies of the liver, pancreas, gall bladder, and bile ducts pose a significant health burden in Africa. While the...
INTRODUCTION
Hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) cancers encompassing malignancies of the liver, pancreas, gall bladder, and bile ducts pose a significant health burden in Africa. While the association of certain occupational carcinogens in cancer is well established globally, their potential role in HPB cancers remains understudied, especially in an African context.
AIM
This systematic review delves into the association between occupational carcinogens and HPB cancer in Africa. It examines the current state of research on occupational carcinogens and HPB cancers in Africa, identifying key challenges and knowledge gaps.
METHODS
This systematic review examined publications (published between 01 January 2012 and 31 May 2023) that highlight occupational carcinogens and HBP cancers in Africa. The search was conducted on electronic databases namely PubMed, Web of Science, and Africa Wide Information.
RESULT
Due to the lack of information on the association between occupational carcinogens and HPB cancers in Africa, as a result of the paucity of published studies, only four articles were included in this study. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was the predominant cancer associated with the occupational carcinogen, aflatoxin. Agricultural workers, especially those involved in the production and processing of maize and peanuts, appear to be the most exposed to aflatoxin.
CONCLUSION
Despite the sample size limitations due to the paucity of research studies on occupational carcinogens and HPB cancers in Africa, this study provides a reasonable tool for subsequent epidemiological studies. There is a need for more research on the association of occupational carcinogens and HPB cancers in Africa, especially with the growing industrialization.
PubMed: 38878612
DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2024.102036 -
Musculoskeletal Surgery Jun 2024Chronic low back pain (LBP) represents a leading cause of absenteeism from work. An accurate knowledge of complex interactions is essential in understanding the... (Review)
Review
Chronic low back pain (LBP) represents a leading cause of absenteeism from work. An accurate knowledge of complex interactions is essential in understanding the difficulties of return to work (RTW) experienced by workers affected by chronic LBP. This study aims to identify factors related to chronic LBP, the worker, and the psycho-social environment that could predict and influence the duration of an episode of sick leave due to chronic LBP.Studies reporting the relation between prognostic factors and absenteeism from work in patients with LBP were included. The selected studies were grouped by prognostic factors. The results were measured in absolute terms, relative terms, survival curve, or duration of sick leave. The level of evidence was defined by examining the quality and the appropriateness of findings across studies in terms of significance and direction of relationship for each prognostic factor.A total of 20 studies were included. Prognostic factors were classified in clinical, psycho-social, and social workplace, reaching a total of 31 constructs. Global conditions with less favorable repercussions on worker's lives resulted in a delay in time to RTW. Older age, female, higher pain or disability, depression, higher physical work demands, and abuse of smoke and alcohol have shown strong level of evidence for negative outcomes.High global health well-being, great socioeconomic status, and good mental health conditions are decisive in RTW outcomes. Interventions that aim at RTW of employee's sick-listed with LBP should focus on psycho-social aspects, health behaviors, and workplace characteristics.
PubMed: 38864993
DOI: 10.1007/s12306-024-00828-y -
Toxicology and Industrial Health Jun 2024Benzene is associated with diverse occupational and public health hazards. It exhibits an ability to rapidly permeate the skin and contaminate water and food sources,... (Review)
Review
Benzene is associated with diverse occupational and public health hazards. It exhibits an ability to rapidly permeate the skin and contaminate water and food sources, leading to dermal and ingestion exposures. Despite numerous studies examining the associations between benzene and various indicators of harm, the findings have yielded inconsistent results. Furthermore, relying solely on air concentration as a measure of benzene exposure is limited, as it fails to account for internal exposure dose and individual susceptibility. This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive review in order to present current knowledge on benzene biomarkers and their significance in evaluating exposure levels and associated health hazards. The search methodology adhered to the PRISMA guidelines and involved the application of specific inclusion and exclusion criteria across multiple databases including PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. Two researchers independently extracted and evaluated the relevant data based on predetermined criteria. Following the screening process, a total of 80 articles were considered eligible out of the initially retrieved 1053 articles after undergoing screening and assessment for inclusion. As the level of exposure decreased, specific biomarkers demonstrated a gradual increase in limitations, including heightened background concentrations and vulnerability to confounding factors. The advancement of sampling and analysis techniques will yield new biomarkers. Additionally, when conducting practical work, it is crucial to employ a comprehensive utilization of diverse biomarkers while excluding individual metabolic variations and combined exposure factors.
PubMed: 38864232
DOI: 10.1177/07482337241259053 -
Neurological Sciences : Official... Jun 2024Neurobrucellosis presents diverse clinical challenges and risks of long-term complications.
Neurobrucellosis Presenting with Motor Damage or Hearing Loss, and Use of Steroids are Associated with a Higher Risk of Sequelae or Relapse: A Systematic Review of Individual Participant Data.
BACKGROUND
Neurobrucellosis presents diverse clinical challenges and risks of long-term complications.
OBJECTIVE
We aimed to assess the relationship between the duration of antibiotic therapy, clinical factors, and the outcome of neurobrucellosis with a case report combined with a systematic review of the literature.
METHODS
We present a case of a 31 years-old man successfully treated at our Institution. We then searched Ovid MEDLINE, Embase and Scopus for articles that encompassed neurobrucellosis cases, duration of treatment, and outcome. The primary outcome was to assess an association between the duration of treatment and the risk of sequelae or relapses. Univariate, multivariate and sensitivity analysis were carried out to define which variables affected the clinical outcome. Quality assessment was performed using a dedicated tool.
RESULTS
A total of 123 studies were included, totaling 221 patients. Median duration of treatment was 4 months (IQR 3 - 6), 69% patients recovered without sequelae, 27% had sequelae. Additionally, five patients had a relapse, and 4 patients died. Multivariate analysis found that the duration of treatment, age, and the use of ceftriaxone were not associated with a higher risk of sequelae or relapses. A significant association was found for corticosteroids use (OR 0.39, 95% IC 0.16 - 0.96, p = 0.038), motor impairment (OR 0.29, 95% IC 0.14 - 0.62, p = 0.002), and hearing loss (OR 0.037, 95% IC 0.01 - 0.11, p < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
This study highlights the variability in clinical presentations and treatment approaches for neurobrucellosis. Patients with factors indicating higher sequelae risk require meticulous follow-up.
PubMed: 38858237
DOI: 10.1007/s10072-024-07621-6 -
Journal of Safety Research Jun 2024Nurses have a high prevalence of low back pain due to ergonomic hazards in healthcare workplaces. While exercise programs have been suggested as an intervention... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
Nurses have a high prevalence of low back pain due to ergonomic hazards in healthcare workplaces. While exercise programs have been suggested as an intervention strategy, the effectiveness of low back pain programs has been inconsistent in the research literature. The purpose of study is to determine the effect of exercise programs to reduce low back pain among nursing staff.
METHODS
A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted with five databases and systematically searched. Following the PRISMA guidelines, included studies evaluated low back pain relief among nurses or nursing assistants and described the exercise program. Two reviewers independently appraised, extracted, and synthesized all available studies. The study protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022359511).
RESULTS
A total of 296 articles with 1,355 nursing staff from nine countries were obtained. Nine randomized controlled trials with a moderate to low risk of bias quality were included. Exercise programs had a small but significant effect on low back pain of nursing staff (SMD = -0.48; 95% CI = -0.76 to -0.19; p = 0.03, I = 62%, p = 0.001). A subgroup analysis of nurses and nursing assistants showed moderate and small effects, respectively (I = 0% p < 0.0001, SMD -0.73 CI 95% [-0.97 to -0.48], p = 0.76, and I = 0% p = 0.002, SMD -0.23 CI 95% [-0.38 to -0.08], p < 0.88). Exercise for back and trunk exhibited a moderate effect on low back pain (SMD -0.56 CI 95% [-0.86 to -0.25], p = 0.01, I = 66%, p < 0.0004). A subgroup analysis comparing age, under 40 years old revealed a moderate effect size (SMD = -0.59; 95% CI = -0.83to -0.35; p = 0.06; I = 64%, p < 0.0001).
CONCLUSIONS
Exercise programs are an effective treatment to reduce low back pain in nurses and nursing assistants, especially among younger staff.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
Back and trunk exercise programs should be recommended for nursing staff with low back pain.
Topics: Humans; Low Back Pain; Nursing Assistants; Exercise Therapy; Nurses; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Occupational Diseases; Exercise
PubMed: 38858055
DOI: 10.1016/j.jsr.2024.01.001