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Children (Basel, Switzerland) Oct 2023Dengue and chikungunya viruses are frequent causes of malarial-like febrile illness in children. The rapid increase in virus transmission by mosquitoes is a global... (Review)
Review
Dengue and chikungunya viruses are frequent causes of malarial-like febrile illness in children. The rapid increase in virus transmission by mosquitoes is a global health concern. This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis of the childhood prevalence of dengue and chikungunya in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). A comprehensive search of the MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), and Cochrane Library (Wiley) databases was conducted on 28 June 2019, and updated on 12 February 2022. The search strategy was designed to retrieve all articles pertaining to arboviruses in SSA children using both controlled vocabulary and keywords. The pooled (weighted) proportion of dengue and chikungunya was estimated using a random effect model. The overall pooled prevalence of dengue and chikungunya in SSA children was estimated to be 16% and 7%, respectively. Prevalence was slightly lower during the period 2010-2020 compared to 2000-2009. The study design varied depending on the healthcare facility reporting the disease outbreak. Importantly, laboratory methods used to detect arbovirus infections differed. The present review documents the prevalence of dengue and chikungunya in pediatric patients throughout SSA. The results provide unprecedented insight into the transmission of dengue and chikungunya viruses among these children and highlight the need for enhanced surveillance and controlled methodology.
PubMed: 37892325
DOI: 10.3390/children10101662 -
Urology Research & Practice Sep 2023Physiotherapy is the most commonly used treatment for stress urinary incontinence including pelvic floor muscle training, biofeedback, and electrical stimulation. This...
Physiotherapy is the most commonly used treatment for stress urinary incontinence including pelvic floor muscle training, biofeedback, and electrical stimulation. This systematic review evaluated the effects of physiotherapy in patients with stress urinary incontinence compared with no treatment, placebo, sham, surgery, or other inactive control treatments. MEDLINE (via PubMed), The Cochrane Library (CENTRAL), Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, PEDro, and Trip Database were explored using applicable vocabularies for all English and Persian language investigations released from inception to January 2021. On one side, trials including physiotherapy of pelvic floor muscle training, biofeedback, and electrical stimulation and on the other, either no treatment, placebo, sham, surgery, or other inactive control treatments were included. Studies were assessed for appropriateness and methodological excellence. Two authors extracted data. Disagreements were resolved by a third opinion. Data were processed as described in the Joanna Briggs Institute Handbook. Twenty-nine trials with 2601 participants were found, but only 16 were included because of data heterogeneity. The results showed that physiotherapy interventions are better than no treatment in terms of urine leakage, but no difference was found for urinary incontinence severity. Also, physiotherapy showed favorable results over comparison groups for International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire, pad test, pelvic floor muscle function, and improvement outcomes. This systematic review supports the widespread use of pelvic physiotherapy as the first-line treatment for adult patients with stress urinary incontinence.
PubMed: 37877877
DOI: 10.5152/tud.2023.23018 -
Does the duration of ambulatory consultations affect the quality of healthcare? A systematic review.BMJ Open Quality Oct 2023The objective is to examine and synthesise the best available experimental evidence about the effect of ambulatory consultation duration on quality of healthcare.
BACKGROUND
The objective is to examine and synthesise the best available experimental evidence about the effect of ambulatory consultation duration on quality of healthcare.
METHODS
We included experimental studies manipulating the length of outpatient clinical encounters between adult patients and clinicians (ie, therapists, pharmacists, nurses, physicians) to determine their effect on quality of care (ie, effectiveness, efficiency, timeliness, safety, equity, patient-centredness and patient satisfaction).
INFORMATION SOURCES
Using controlled vocabulary and keywords, without restriction by language or year of publication, we searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Database of Systematic Reviews and Scopus from inception until 15 May 2023.
RISK OF BIAS
Cochrane Risk of Bias instrument.
DATA SYNTHESIS
Narrative synthesis.
RESULTS
11 publications of 10 studies explored the relationship between encounter duration and quality. Most took place in the UK's general practice over two decades ago. Study findings based on very sparse and outdated evidence-which suggested that longer consultations improved indicators of patient-centred care, education about prevention and clinical referrals; and that consultation duration was inconsistently related to patient satisfaction and clinical outcomes-warrant low confidence due to limited protections against bias and indirect applicability to current practice.
CONCLUSION
Experimental evidence for a minimal or optimal duration of an outpatient consultation is sparse and outdated. To develop evidence-based policies and practices about encounter length, randomised trials of different consultation lengths-in person and virtually, and with electronic health records-are needed.
TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
OSF Registration DOI:10.17605/OSF.IO/EUDK8.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Family Practice; Health Facilities; Quality of Health Care; Referral and Consultation
PubMed: 37875307
DOI: 10.1136/bmjoq-2023-002311 -
Frontiers in Neuroscience 2023To systematically review the existing literature that examines the relationship between cognition, hearing, and language in children using cochlear implants and hearing...
PURPOSE
To systematically review the existing literature that examines the relationship between cognition, hearing, and language in children using cochlear implants and hearing aids.
METHOD
The review has been registered in Prospero (Registration: CRD 42020203974). The review was based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis and examined the scientific literature in VHL, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, WOS, and Embase. It included original observational studies in children using hearing aids and/or cochlear implants who underwent cognitive and auditory and/or language tests. Data were extracted from the studies and their level of evidence was graded with the Oxford Center for Evidence-Based Medicine: Levels of Evidence. Meta-analysis could not be performed due to data heterogeneity. Outcomes are described in narrative and tables synthesis.
RESULTS
The systematic search and subsequent full-text evaluation identified 21 studies, conducted in 10 different countries. Altogether, their samples comprised 1,098 individuals, aged 0.16-12.6 years. The studies assessed the following cognitive domains: memory, nonverbal cognition, reasoning, attention, executive functions, language, perceptual-motor function, visuoconstructive ability, processing speed, and phonological processing/phonological memory. Children with hearing loss using cochlear implants and hearing aids scored significantly lower in many cognitive functions than normal hearing (NH) children. Neurocognitive functions were correlated with hearing and language outcomes.
CONCLUSION
Many cognitive tools were used to assess cognitive function in children with hearing devices. Results suggest that children with cochlear implants and hearing aids have cognitive deficits; these outcomes are mainly correlated with vocabulary. This study highlights the need to understand children's cognitive function and increase the knowledge of the relationship between cognition, language, and hearing in children using cochlear implants and hearing aids.
PubMed: 37859761
DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1242949 -
Cureus Sep 2023The increasing prevalence of smart media usage among children has raised concerns about its potential impact on various aspects of child development. One such area of... (Review)
Review
The increasing prevalence of smart media usage among children has raised concerns about its potential impact on various aspects of child development. One such area of worry is speech delay, as early language acquisition is critical for cognitive, social, and educational development. The purpose of this systematic review was to investigate and synthesize available research data in order to determine the association between speech delay and the usage of smart media in children. To perform this systematic review, a thorough literature search was conducted using relevant keywords in electronic databases, such as PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Embase. We included studies published during the last 10 years investigating the impact of smart media on children's speech delay using various research designs. The findings showed that extended exposure to electronic media for children was negatively associated with expressive vocabulary and language skills in children, in addition to decreased language scores and speech delays. Educational apps and shared media engagement with parents correlated with stronger language skills. The introduction of smart devices at a later stage of development (24 months of age and older) was associated with positive language development, whereas early introduction was associated with speech delay. However, six-month abstinence from devices led to speech improvement in the affected children. These findings highlight the need to balance interactive screen time and other forms of interaction to enhance speech development.
PubMed: 37854747
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.45396 -
Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders Nov 2023Cognitive reserve (CR) describes an individual's ability to adapt cognitive processes in response to brain atrophy, and has been reported to explain some of the... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Cognitive reserve (CR) describes an individual's ability to adapt cognitive processes in response to brain atrophy, and has been reported to explain some of the discrepancy between brain atrophy and cognitive functioning outcomes in multiple sclerosis (MS). CR in MS is typically investigated by assessing an individual's pre- and/or post-diagnosis enrichment, which includes premorbid intellectual abilities, educational level, occupational attainment, and engagement in cognitively enriching leisure activities. Common MS symptoms (e.g., physical disability, fatigue, depression, anxiety) may impact an individual's ability to engage in various CR-enhancing activities post-diagnosis. It is unknown to what extent these MS symptoms have been taken into account in MS research on CR. As such, we identified whether studies assessed CR using measures of premorbid or continuous (including post-diagnosis) enrichment. For studies investigating continuous enrichment, we identified whether studies accounted for MS-impact, which MS symptoms were accounted for, and how, and whether studies acknowledged MS symptoms as potential CR-confounds.
METHODS
Three electronic databases (PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus) were searched. Eligible studies investigated CR proxies (e.g., estimated premorbid intellectual abilities, vocabulary knowledge, educational level, occupational attainment, cognitively enriching leisure activities, or a combination thereof) in relation to cognitive, brain atrophy or connectivity, or daily functioning outcomes in adult participants with MS. We extracted data on methods and measures used, including any MS symptoms taken into account. Objectives were addressed using frequency analyses and narrative synthesis.
RESULTS
115 studies were included in this review. 47.8% of all studies investigated continuous enrichment. Approximately half of the studies investigating continuous enrichment accounted for potential MS-impact in their analyses, with only 31.0% clearly identifying that they treated MS symptoms as potential confounds for CR-enhancement. A narrative synthesis of studies which investigated CR with and without controlling statistically for MS-impact indicated that accounting for MS symptoms may impact findings concerning the protective nature of CR.
CONCLUSION
Fewer than half of the studies investigating CR proxies in MS involved continuous enrichment. Just over half of these studies accounted for potential MS-impact in their analyses. To achieve a more complete and accurate understanding of CR in MS, future research should investigate both pre-MS and continuous enrichment. In doing so, MS symptoms and their potential impact should be considered. Establishing greater consistency and rigour across CR research in MS will be crucial to produce an evidence base for the development of interventions aimed at improving quality of care and life for pwMS.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Multiple Sclerosis; Cognitive Reserve; Brain; Depression; Anxiety; Atrophy; Fatigue
PubMed: 37806233
DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2023.105017 -
Heliyon Oct 2023To compare the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on adults with overweight and obesity. Outcomes,...
Effect of high-intensity interval training compared to moderate-intensity continuous training on body composition and insulin sensitivity in overweight and obese adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on adults with overweight and obesity. Outcomes, including changes in insulin sensitivity, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and body fat, were analyzed.
METHODS
A systematic literature review was conducted. This review is registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) under the number CRD42021281899. Clinical trials involving individuals who are overweight and obese and comparing HIIT with MICT effects on insulin sensitivity, weight, BMI, body fat percentage, and waist circumference were included. PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Scopus databases were searched using controlled vocabulary and free-text terms related to HIIT, obesity, and overweight. The search included studies published until September 2022. The Rob2 tool was used to assess the risk of bias. The results were presented through meta-analyses that provided summary estimators and confidence intervals. Subgroup analyses were conducted to assess the effect of the risk of bias on the outcomes. This research did not receive any specific funding.
RESULTS
Of the 2534 articles, 30 met the eligibility criteria. The intervention duration ranged from 4 to 16 weeks. The observed effects for each outcome were as follows: insulin sensitivity (p = 0.02), weight (p = 0.58), BMI (p = 0.53), waist circumference (p = 0.87), body fat percentage (p = 0.07), body fat mass in kilograms (p = 0.39). The level of evidence obtained was moderate except for waist circumference, which was rated as low. Limitations included heterogeneity in training protocols, measurements, and study duration. Additionally, a risk of bias was identified in these studies.
CONCLUSION
HIIT and MICT did not significantly differ in their effects on weight, BMI, waist circumference, or body fat mass in adults with overweight and obesity. However, a moderate beneficial effect of HIIT was observed on insulin sensitivity. Therefore, further evidence is required to confirm these findings.
PubMed: 37800068
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20402 -
Heliyon Oct 2023With the rapid development of English as a medium of instruction (EMI), many education researchers have attempted to examine the extent to which EMI courses contribute... (Review)
Review
With the rapid development of English as a medium of instruction (EMI), many education researchers have attempted to examine the extent to which EMI courses contribute to students' academic success. In a similar vein, several scholars have endeavored to locate the determinants of students' academic success in these courses. Given the fact that recognizing the predictors of academic success is of great help to educational administrators, teachers, and students, we aimed to uncover the various predictors of EMI students' academic success by scrutinizing the related research. In doing so, the relevant studies conducted on the antecedents of EMI students' academic success were identified through eight databases. Having gathered the related articles, we systematically reviewed the earlier investigations and their main findings. The review outcomes illuminated that English proficiency, vocabulary knowledge, academic self-concept, and self-efficacy are the important determinants of students' academic success. Finally, the limitations of prior studies, the directions for future inquiries, and the practical implications of the current study are briefly discussed.
PubMed: 37790980
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20421 -
Supportive Care in Cancer : Official... Sep 2023The purpose of this study was to identify and evaluate the use of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System in patients with gastrointestinal cancer,... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to identify and evaluate the use of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System in patients with gastrointestinal cancer, as well as provide references for analyzing treatment outcomes, gauging prognostic risk, and assessing clinical symptoms and function in gastrointestinal cancer patients.
METHODS
PubMed, Web of Science, ProQuest, Embase, and CINAHL were systematically searched using keywords and controlled vocabulary through January 2023.
RESULTS
The scoping review collected 30 studies published from 2012 to 2022, including observational studies (n = 21), interventional studies (n = 4), and mixed studies (n = 5). Outcome indicators included mood, pain, fatigue, sleep, the ability to perform activities of daily living, social functioning, and other health problems.
CONCLUSION
Being a self-report questionnaire, the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System offers a full assessment of patient's symptoms and quality of life, and accurately captures their actual thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Individuals with gastrointestinal cancer made frequent use of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System to provide an accurate measure of their health status.
Topics: Humans; Activities of Daily Living; Quality of Life; Gastrointestinal Neoplasms; Patient Reported Outcome Measures; Information Systems
PubMed: 37682320
DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-08010-z -
Pain Practice : the Official Journal of... Jan 2024Dietary interventions, vitamins, and nutritional supplementation are playing an increasingly important role in the management of neuropathic pain. Current... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND/IMPORTANCE
Dietary interventions, vitamins, and nutritional supplementation are playing an increasingly important role in the management of neuropathic pain. Current pharmacological treatments are poorly tolerated and ineffective in many cases.
OBJECTIVE
This systematic review aims to study the efficacy of dietary interventions, vitamins, and nutritional supplementation in the management of chronic neuropathic pain in adults.
EVIDENCE REVIEW
The review followed PRISMA guidelines and was registered with PROSPERO (#CRD42022300312). Ten databases and gray literature, including Embase.com, MEDLINE and Web of Science, were systematically searched using a combination of keywords and controlled vocabulary related to chronic neuropathic pain and oral non-pharmacological supplements. Studies on adult humans published between 2000 and 2021 were considered for inclusion. The Cochrane Handbook was used to assess risk of bias, and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation was used to determine overall quality of evidence.
FINDINGS
Forty studies were included in the final review, and results were categorized according to pain type including pain related to chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN, 22 studies, including 3 prospective cohorts), diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN, 13 studies, including 2 prospective), complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS-I, 3 studies, including 1 prospective), and other (2 studies, both RCT). The CIPN studies used various interventions including goshajinkigan (4 studies), vitamin E (5), vitamin B12 (3), glutamine (3), N-acetyl-cysteine (2), acetyl-l-carnitine (2), guilongtonluofang (1), ninjin'yoeito (1), alpha-lipoic acid (1), l-carnosine (1), magnesium and calcium (1), crocin (1), and antioxidants (1), with some studies involving multiple interventions. All CIPN studies involved varying cancers and/or chemotherapies, advising caution for generalizability of results. Interventions for DPN included alpha-lipoic acid (5 studies), vitamin B12 (3), acetyl-l-carnitine (3), vitamin E (1), vitamin D (2), and a low-fat plant-based diet (1). Vitamin C was studied to treat CRPS-I (3 studies, including 1 prospective). Magnesium (1) and St. John's wort (1) were studied for other or mixed neuropathologies.
CONCLUSIONS
Based on the review, we cannot recommend any supplement use for the management of CIPN, although further research into N-acetyl-cysteine, l-carnosine, crocin, and magnesium is warranted. Acetyl-l-carnitine was found to be likely ineffective or harmful. Alpha-lipoic acid was not found effective. Studies with goshajinkigan, vitamin B12, vitamin E, and glutamine had conflicting results regarding efficacy, with one goshajinkigan study finding it harmful. Guilongtonluofang, ninjin'yoeito, and antioxidants showed various degrees of potential effectiveness. Regarding DPN, our review supports the use of alpha-lipoic acid, acetyl-l-carnitine, and vitamin D. The early use of vitamin C prophylaxis for the development of CRPS-I also seems promising. Further research is warranted to confirm these findings.
Topics: Humans; Adult; Acetylcarnitine; Magnesium; Thioctic Acid; Carnosine; Glutamine; Cysteine; Prospective Studies; Dietary Supplements; Vitamins; Neuralgia; Vitamin E; Ascorbic Acid; Diet; Antioxidants; Vitamin B 12; Complex Regional Pain Syndromes; Vitamin D
PubMed: 37654090
DOI: 10.1111/papr.13291