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Journal of Neuroengineering and... Jun 2024Repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) could induce alterations in cortical excitability and promote neuroplasticity. To precisely quantify these effects,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Impact of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on cortical activity: a systematic review and meta-analysis utilizing functional near-infrared spectroscopy evaluation.
BACKGROUND
Repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) could induce alterations in cortical excitability and promote neuroplasticity. To precisely quantify these effects, functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), an optical neuroimaging modality adept at detecting changes in cortical hemodynamic responses, has been employed concurrently alongside rTMS to measure and tailor the impact of diverse rTMS protocols on the brain cortex.
OBJECTIVE
This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to elucidate the effects of rTMS on cortical hemodynamic responses over the primary motor cortex (M1) as detected by fNIRS.
METHODS
Original articles that utilized rTMS to stimulate the M1 cortex in combination with fNIRS for the assessment of cortical activity were systematically searched across the PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases. The search encompassed records from the inception of these databases up until April, 2024. The assessment for risk of bias was also conducted. A meta-analysis was also conducted in studies with extractable raw data.
RESULTS
Among 312 studies, 14 articles were eligible for qualitative review. 7 studies were eligible for meta-analysis. A variety of rTMS protocols was employed on M1 cortex. In inhibitory rTMS, multiple studies observed a reduction in the concentration of oxygenated hemoglobin [HbO] at the ipsilateral M1, contrasted by an elevation at the contralateral M1. Meta-analysis also corroborated this consistent trend. Nevertheless, certain investigations unveiled diminished [HbO] in bilateral M1. Several studies also depicted intricate inhibitory or excitatory interplay among distinct cortical regions.
CONCLUSION
Diverse rTMS protocols led to varied patterns of cortical activity detected by fNIRS. Meta-analysis revealed a trend of increasing [HbO] in the contralateral cortices and decreasing [HbO] in the ipsilateral cortices following low frequency inhibitory rTMS. However, due to the heterogeneity between studies, further research is necessary to comprehensively understand rTMS-induced alterations in brain activity.
Topics: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation; Spectroscopy, Near-Infrared; Humans; Motor Cortex
PubMed: 38915003
DOI: 10.1186/s12984-024-01407-9 -
International Ophthalmology Jun 2024This research conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the effectiveness of ultrasonic elastography (USE) in detecting lacrimal gland involvement in individuals suffering... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
This research conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the effectiveness of ultrasonic elastography (USE) in detecting lacrimal gland involvement in individuals suffering from primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS).
METHODS
A comprehensive search was undertaken across multiple databases including PubMed, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Wanfang, Web of Science, and the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, to gather relevant literature pertaining to the application of USE in diagnosing pSS from January 1, 2000, to October 1, 2023. Pooled data were used to calculate sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratios. Several summary metrics were used to evaluate SWE's performance in detecting pSS, including the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, diagnostic odds ratios, sensitivities, and specificities.
RESULTS
Five pertinent studies included a total of 273 patients. Shear wave elastography (SWE) demonstrated a pooled sensitivity of 0.88 (95% CI 0.77-0.94) and specificity of 0.94 (95% CI 0.88-0.98), with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.97 (95% CI 0.95-0.98). SWE exhibited a positive likelihood ratio of 15.86 (95% CI 6.99-36.00) and a negative likelihood ratio of 0.13 (95% CI 0.07-0.25). No evidence of publication bias was observed (p = 0.70).
CONCLUSION
SWE demonstrates a remarkable degree of precision in detecting lacrimal gland involvement in individuals suffering from pSS.
Topics: Humans; Sjogren's Syndrome; Elasticity Imaging Techniques; Lacrimal Apparatus; ROC Curve
PubMed: 38914728
DOI: 10.1007/s10792-024-03185-8 -
Ophthalmology and Therapy Jun 2024We conducted a systematic review of research in artificial intelligence (AI) for retinal fundus photographic images. We highlighted the use of various AI algorithms,... (Review)
Review
We conducted a systematic review of research in artificial intelligence (AI) for retinal fundus photographic images. We highlighted the use of various AI algorithms, including deep learning (DL) models, for application in ophthalmic and non-ophthalmic (i.e., systemic) disorders. We found that the use of AI algorithms for the interpretation of retinal images, compared to clinical data and physician experts, represents an innovative solution with demonstrated superior accuracy in identifying many ophthalmic (e.g., diabetic retinopathy (DR), age-related macular degeneration (AMD), optic nerve disorders), and non-ophthalmic disorders (e.g., dementia, cardiovascular disease). There has been a significant amount of clinical and imaging data for this research, leading to the potential incorporation of AI and DL for automated analysis. AI has the potential to transform healthcare by improving accuracy, speed, and workflow, lowering cost, increasing access, reducing mistakes, and transforming healthcare worker education and training.
PubMed: 38913289
DOI: 10.1007/s40123-024-00981-4 -
Annals of Surgery Open : Perspectives... Jun 2024The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to identify current robotic assistance systems for percutaneous liver ablations, compare approaches, and determine...
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to identify current robotic assistance systems for percutaneous liver ablations, compare approaches, and determine how to achieve standardization of procedural concepts for optimized ablation outcomes.
BACKGROUND
Image-guided surgical approaches are increasingly common. Assistance by navigation and robotic systems allows to optimize procedural accuracy, with the aim to consistently obtain adequate ablation volumes.
METHODS
Several databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, ProQuest, Science Direct, Research Rabbit, and IEEE Xplore) were systematically searched for robotic preclinical and clinical percutaneous liver ablation studies, and relevant original manuscripts were included according to the Preferred Reporting items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The endpoints were the type of device, insertion technique (freehand or robotic), planning, execution, and confirmation of the procedure. A meta-analysis was performed, including comparative studies of freehand and robotic techniques in terms of radiation dose, accuracy, and Euclidean error.
RESULTS
The inclusion criteria were met by 33/755 studies. There were 24 robotic devices reported for percutaneous liver surgery. The most used were the MAXIO robot (8/33; 24.2%), Zerobot, and AcuBot (each 2/33, 6.1%). The most common tracking system was optical (25/33, 75.8%). In the meta-analysis, the robotic approach was superior to the freehand technique in terms of individual radiation (0.5582, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.0167-1.0996, dose-length product range 79-2216 mGy.cm), accuracy (0.6260, 95% CI = 0.1423-1.1097), and Euclidean error (0.8189, 95% CI = -0.1020 to 1.7399).
CONCLUSIONS
Robotic assistance in percutaneous ablation for liver tumors achieves superior results and reduces errors compared with manual applicator insertion. Standardization of concepts and reporting is necessary and suggested to facilitate the comparison of the different parameters used to measure liver ablation results. The increasing use of image-guided surgery has encouraged robotic assistance for percutaneous liver ablations. This systematic review analyzed 33 studies and identified 24 robotic devices, with optical tracking prevailing. The meta-analysis favored robotic assessment, showing increased accuracy and reduced errors compared with freehand technique, emphasizing the need for conceptual standardization.
PubMed: 38911657
DOI: 10.1097/AS9.0000000000000406 -
Journal of the American Medical... Jun 2024To examine relationships between visual function (ie, contrast sensitivity, visual field, color vision, and motion perception) and cognitive impairment, including any... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
To examine relationships between visual function (ie, contrast sensitivity, visual field, color vision, and motion perception) and cognitive impairment, including any definition of "cognitive impairment," mild cognitive impairment, or dementia.
DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analyses.
SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS
Any settings; participants with (cases) or without (controls) cognitive impairment.
METHODS
We searched 4 databases (to January 2024) and included published studies that compared visual function between cases and controls. Standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% CIs were calculated where data were available. Data were sufficient for meta-analyses when cases were people with dementia. The Joanna Briggs Institute checklists were used for quality assessment.
RESULTS
Fifty-one studies/69 reports were included. Cross-sectional evidence shows that people with dementia had worse contrast sensitivity function and color vision than controls: measured by contrast sensitivity (log units) on letter charts, SMD -1.22 (95% CI -1.98, -0.47), or at varied spatial frequencies, -0.92 (-1.28, -0.57); and by pseudoisochromatic plates, -1.04 (-1.59, -0.49); color arrangement, -1.30 (-2.31, -0.29); or matching tests, -0.51 (-0.78, -0.24). They also performed more poorly on tests of motion perception, -1.20 (-1.73, -0.67), and visual field: mean deviation, -0.87 (-1.29, -0.46), and pattern standard deviation, -0.69 (-1.24, -0.15). Results were similar when cases were limited to participants with clinically diagnosed Alzheimer disease. Sources of bias included lack of clarity on study populations or settings and definitions of cognitive impairment. The 2 included longitudinal studies with follow-ups of approximately 10 years were of good quality but reported inconsistent results.
CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS
In the lack of longitudinal data, cross-sectional studies indicate that individuals with cognitive impairment have poorer visual function than those with normal cognition. Additional longitudinal data are needed to understand whether poor visual function precedes cognitive impairment and the most relevant aspects of visual function, dementia pathologies, and domains of cognition.
PubMed: 38908397
DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2024.105098 -
Sleep Medicine Jun 2024Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, involving motor and non-motor symptoms (NMS). Sleep disturbances (SD) are the second most common... (Review)
Review
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, involving motor and non-motor symptoms (NMS). Sleep disturbances (SD) are the second most common NMS in PD and include rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (RBD), excessive daytime sleepiness and insomnia. Freezing of gait (FOG) is a gait impairment frequently reported in people with PD greatly hampering functional independence and quality of life. Presence of FOG has been associated with increased frequency and severity of NMS, including SD. Thus, the aim of this study was to systematically review the literature comparing the number of people with FOG in PD with (PD + SD) and without SD (PD-SD). By systematically searching PubMed and Web of Science databases to identify original peer-reviewed articles, 8 studies including 5251 people with PD (2025 PD + SD and 3226 PD-SD) met eligibility criteria and were included in the review. In 6 studies (4 studies investigating RBD, 2 studies investigating overall sleep quality), the group of PD + SD had higher prevalence of FOG compared with PD-SD. Although a limited number of studies, our findings suggest that PD + SD present more frequently FOG than PD-SD. More studies are required to investigate the possible mechanism underlying this association between FOG and sleep.
PubMed: 38908269
DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2024.06.001 -
International Journal of Surgery... Jun 2024Endoscopic thyroidectomy (ET) and robotic thyroidectomy (RT) yield similar perioperative outcomes. This study investigated how the learning curve (LC) affects...
BACKGROUD
Endoscopic thyroidectomy (ET) and robotic thyroidectomy (RT) yield similar perioperative outcomes. This study investigated how the learning curve (LC) affects perioperative outcomes between ET and RT, identifying factors that influence the LC.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Two researchers individually searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library for relevant studies published until February 2024. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale assessed study quality. Random effects model was used to compute the odds ratio and weighted mean difference (WMD). Poisson regression comparison of the number of surgeries (NLC) was required for ET and RT to reach the stable stage of the LC. Heterogeneity was measured using Cochran's Q. Publication bias was tested using funnel plots, and sensitivity analysis assessed findings robustness. Subgroup analysis was done by operation type and patient characteristics.
RESULTS
This meta-analysis involved 33 studies. The drainage volume of ET was higher than that of RT (WMD=-17.56 [30.22, -4.49]). After reaching the NLC, the operation time of ET and RT was shortened (ET: WMD=28.15[18.04, 38.26]; RT: WMD=38.53[29.20, 47.86]). Other perioperative outcomes also improved to varying degrees. Notably, RT showed more refined central lymph node resection(5.67 vs. 4.71), less intraoperative bleeding (16.56 mL vs. 42.30 mL), and incidence of transient recurrent laryngeal nerve injury(24.59 vs. 26.77). The NLC of RT was smaller than that of ET(Incidence-rate ratios [IRR]=0.64[0.57, 0.72]). CUSUM analysis (ET: IRR=0.84[0.72, 0.99]; RT: IRR=0.55[0.44, 0.69]) or a smaller number of respondents (ET: IRR=0.26[0.15, 0.46]; RT: IRR=0.51[0.41, 0.63]) was associated with smaller NLC. In RT, transoral approach (IRR=2.73[1.96, 4.50]; IRR=2.48[1.61, 3.84]) and retroauricular approach (RAA) (IRR=2.13[1.26, 3.60]; IRR=1.78[1.04, 3.05]) had smaller NLC compared to bilateral axillo-breast and transaxillary approach (TAA). In ET, the NLC of RAA was smaller than that of TAA (IRR=1.61[1.04, 2.51]), breast approach(IRR=1.67[1.06, 2.64]), and subclavian approach(IRR=1.80[1.03, 3.14]).
CONCLUSIONS
Rich surgical experience can improve surgical results of ET and RT. After reaching the NLC, the perioperative outcomes of RT are better than those of ET. Study subjects, surgical approaches, and analysis methods can affect NLC.
PubMed: 38905504
DOI: 10.1097/JS9.0000000000001852 -
International Ophthalmology Jun 2024This meta-analysis reviews the evidence for the risks and benefits associated with orthokeratology (OK) treatment compared with other methods of myopia control in... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
This meta-analysis reviews the evidence for the risks and benefits associated with orthokeratology (OK) treatment compared with other methods of myopia control in children and adults.
METHODS
A systematic search of Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Pubmed, Embase and Ovid was conducted from database inception to 22nd August 2021. Studies that reported on risks, visual and ocular biometric effects of OK in patients > 5 years of age with myopia (- 0.75 to - 6.00D) were included. Main outcomes are change in axial length and any adverse event.
RESULTS
Fourty-five papers were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The quality of data was variable and of moderate certainty, and selection bias likely skewed the results towards a relative benefit for OK. The rate of axial elongation in children was lower for OK treatment compared to other treatment modalities at one year (MD - 0.16 mm, 95% CI - 0.25 to - 0.07). Rate of change in axial length in children rebounded after OK discontinuation compared to participants who continued treatment (MD 0.10 mm, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.14). Adults and children wearing OK were up to 3.79 times more likely to experience an adverse event when compared with conventional contact lenses (OR 3.79, 95% CI 1.24 to ll.), though this evidence base is underdeveloped and requires additional well-designed studies for substantial conclusions to be drawn.
CONCLUSIONS
OK arrests myopia progression while in use, however, there remain unanswered questions about the optimal duration of treatment, discontinuation effects and long-term risk for adverse events.
Topics: Humans; Orthokeratologic Procedures; Myopia; Refraction, Ocular; Visual Acuity; Axial Length, Eye; Contact Lenses; Child; Risk Assessment
PubMed: 38904856
DOI: 10.1007/s10792-024-03175-w -
Obesity Science & Practice Jun 2024The prevalence of excess weight and obesity is increasing in an extremely concerning manner worldwide, with highly diverse therapies for current treatment. This review...
BACKGROUND
The prevalence of excess weight and obesity is increasing in an extremely concerning manner worldwide, with highly diverse therapies for current treatment. This review evaluated the scientific evidence of the past 10 years on the use of probiotics in treating excess weight and obesity in the absence of dieting.
MATERIALS
A systematic review was conducted by searching for clinical trials on humans published in English in the PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane Central databases, using the combination of keywords "Overweight", "Probiotics" and "Obesity", and published between 2012 and 2022.
RESULTS
Six published studies met the inclusion criteria. The review showed that, although there is a lack of consensus in the literature, the use of probiotics in the absence of dieting produced a significant reduction in body weight and body mass index in 66.6% of the reviewed studies, a significant reduction in waist circumference in 80.0% of the reviewed studies, and an improvement in total body fat mass and waist circumference.
CONCLUSIONS
This review showed evidence of a trend in preventing body weight gain and reducing weight through the use of probiotics in individuals with excess weight or obesity. A combination of various strains of the genera and was the most effective.
PubMed: 38903852
DOI: 10.1002/osp4.759 -
Seminars in Ophthalmology Jun 2024The use of virtual reality (VR) is expected to increase exponentially in next years, and it is important to study whether VR can generate oculomotor, accommodative and... (Review)
Review
UNLABELLED
The use of virtual reality (VR) is expected to increase exponentially in next years, and it is important to study whether VR can generate oculomotor, accommodative and binocular alterations in future users. Visual symptoms after the immersion inside VR have been widely reported, specifically in the case of simulator sickness, but the causes are still in study. Some authors have reported changes on accommodative and binocular parameters, but differences between studies made conclusions difficult.
PURPOSE
The aim of this study is to analyze the scientific literature about the effect of VR on the accommodative and binocular function of healthy subjects with both normal visual conditions and binocular anomalies assessing the quality of the existing studies to detect possible limitations and improve future study designs.
METHODS
A search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus databases with the search equation (Virtual reality OR head-mounted displays) AND (accommodation OR accommodative) AND (vergence* OR convergence OR divergence OR binocular vision). A limitation was made in terms of the date of publication from 2010 onwards, identifying a total of 198 publications. Finally, 15 publications were included in the quality analysis. After a comprehensive analysis of the publications, a quality assessment was performed using a Quality Appraisal Checklist.
RESULTS
Research on effects of immersive VR on accommodative and binocular function to this date was focused on quasi-experimental pre-post studies well written and with results supporting their conclusions. Unfortunately, this scientific evidence provides heterogeneous outcomes, being the results in some cases even contradictory.
CONCLUSIONS
Information about the devices, its interpupillary distance adjustment, the software characteristics and type of task performed by users should be better controlled in future studies. Additionally, participants accommodative and binocular baseline characteristics should be better analyzed to obtain firm conclusions about the consequences of the proper immersive VR experience on visual function.
PubMed: 38900011
DOI: 10.1080/08820538.2024.2368013