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F1000Research 2023Despite significant advancements in closing the global gender gap, there is still much progress to be made, particularly in the field of science and scientific research....
BACKGROUND
Despite significant advancements in closing the global gender gap, there is still much progress to be made, particularly in the field of science and scientific research. Numerous studies have addressed this issue and identified a variety of factors that contribute to gender asymmetries in research.
METHODS
This study aimed to identify the determinants of gender gaps in scientific research present in the most cited studies of the past ten years as a first step towards closing these differences. Through a systematic literature review that incorporated the Proknow-C Knowledge Development Process and Constructivism methodology.
RESULTS
The results lead us to identify four dimensions to classify the determinants of the gaps in scientific research: academic supply, research policies, scientific production and researcher profile with their respective quantitative or qualitative indicators.
CONCLUSIONS
As a potential basis for further modeling that offers greater analytical and correlational depth, as well as the identification of targeted strategies aimed at reducing gender gaps in research.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Research Personnel; Research; Sexism; Sex Factors
PubMed: 38939831
DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.140694.3 -
Przeglad Gastroenterologiczny 2024Because not all liver dysfunction patients are suitable for transplantations and there is a shortage of grafts, liver support therapies have gained interest. In this... (Review)
Review
Safety and efficacy of Single-Pass Albumin Dialysis (SPAD), Prometheus, and Molecular Adsorbent Recycling System (MARS) liver haemodialysis vs. Standard Medical Therapy (SMT): meta-analysis and systematic review.
INTRODUCTION
Because not all liver dysfunction patients are suitable for transplantations and there is a shortage of grafts, liver support therapies have gained interest. In this regard, extracorporeal albumin dialysis devices such as single-pass albumin dialysis (SPAD), Prometheus, and molecular adsorbent recycling system (MARS) have been valuable in supplementing standard medical therapy (SMT). However, the efficacy and safety of these devices is often questioned.Aim: We performed a systematic review to summarize the efficacy and safety of MARS, SPAD, and Prometheus as supportive treatments for liver dysfunction.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
PubMed, Medline, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Google Scholar electronic databases were extensively searched for all randomized trials published in English. In addition, meta-analytic analyses were performed with Review Manager software, and Cochrane's risk of bias tool embedded in this software was used for bias assessment.
RESULTS
Twelve trials including a total of 653 patients were eligible for inclusion. Subgroup analyses of data from these trials revealed that MARS and Prometheus were associated with significant removal of bilirubin (MD = -5.14 mg/dl; 95% CI: -7.26 - -3.02; < 0.00001 and MD = -8.11 mg/dl; 95% CI: -12.40 - -3.82; = 0.0002, respectively) but not bile acids and ammonia when compared to SMT. Furthermore, MARS was as effective as Prometheus and SPAD in the reduction of bilirubin (MD = 2.98 mg/dl; 95% CI: -4.26 - 10.22; = 0.42 and MD = 0.67 mg/dl; 95% CI: -2.22 - 3.56; = 0.65), bile acids (MD = -17.06 µmol/l; 95% CI: -64.33 - 30.20; = 0.48 and MD = 16.21 µmol/l; 95% CI: -17.26 - 49.68; = 0.34), and ammonia (MD = 26 µmol/l; 95% CI: -12.44 - 64.44; = 0.18). In addition, MARS had a considerable effect in improving hepatic encephalopathy (HE) (RR = 1.54; 95% CI: 1.15-2.05; = 0.004). However, neither MARS nor Prometheus had a mortality benefit compared to SMTRR (0.86; 95% CI: 0.71-1.03; = 0.11 and RR = 0.87; 95% CI: 0.66-1.14; = 0.31, respectively).
CONCLUSIONS
MARS, SPAD, and Prometheus, as liver support therapies, are equally effective in reducing albumin-bound and water-soluble substances. Moreover, MARS is associated with HE improvement. However, none of the therapies was associated with a significant reduction in mortality or adverse events.
PubMed: 38939063
DOI: 10.5114/pg.2024.139297 -
JMIR Mental Health Jun 2024Text-based digital media platforms have revolutionized communication and information sharing, providing valuable access to knowledge and understanding in the fields of... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Text-based digital media platforms have revolutionized communication and information sharing, providing valuable access to knowledge and understanding in the fields of mental health and suicide prevention.
OBJECTIVE
This systematic review aimed to determine how machine learning and data analysis can be applied to text-based digital media data to understand mental health and aid suicide prevention.
METHODS
A systematic review of research papers from the following major electronic databases was conducted: Web of Science, MEDLINE, Embase (via MEDLINE), and PsycINFO (via MEDLINE). The database search was supplemented by a hand search using Google Scholar.
RESULTS
Overall, 19 studies were included, with five major themes as to how data analysis and machine learning techniques could be applied: (1) as predictors of personal mental health, (2) to understand how personal mental health and suicidal behavior are communicated, (3) to detect mental disorders and suicidal risk, (4) to identify help seeking for mental health difficulties, and (5) to determine the efficacy of interventions to support mental well-being.
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings show that data analysis and machine learning can be used to gain valuable insights, such as the following: web-based conversations relating to depression vary among different ethnic groups, teenagers engage in a web-based conversation about suicide more often than adults, and people seeking support in web-based mental health communities feel better after receiving online support. Digital tools and mental health apps are being used successfully to manage mental health, particularly through the COVID-19 epidemic, during which analysis has revealed that there was increased anxiety and depression, and web-based communities played a part in reducing isolation during the pandemic. Predictive analytics were also shown to have potential, and virtual reality shows promising results in the delivery of preventive or curative care. Future research efforts could center on optimizing algorithms to enhance the potential of text-based digital media analysis in mental health and suicide prevention. In addressing depression, a crucial step involves identifying the factors that contribute to happiness and using machine learning to forecast these sources of happiness. This could extend to understanding how various activities result in improved happiness across different socioeconomic groups. Using insights gathered from such data analysis and machine learning, there is an opportunity to craft digital interventions, such as chatbots, designed to provide support and address mental health challenges and suicide prevention.
Topics: Humans; Machine Learning; Suicide Prevention; Mental Health; Social Media; Data Analysis
PubMed: 38935419
DOI: 10.2196/55747 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024This systematic review and meta-analysis addresses the effects of minimally invasive surgical techniques, specifically the Reverdin Isham osteotomy, on functional and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
This systematic review and meta-analysis addresses the effects of minimally invasive surgical techniques, specifically the Reverdin Isham osteotomy, on functional and radiological outcomes in patients with moderate Hallux Valgus, a common foot deformity. The review included randomized and non-randomized controlled trials, as well as case reports, assessing the osteotomy in adults with moderate to severe Hallux Valgus. Searches were conducted in electronic databases such as MEDLINE and Web of Science up until July 2023, and the Joanna Briggs Institute's critical appraisal tool was used to assess the risk of bias. Meta-analytical analyses employed a random-effects model with small-sample correction, presenting results as standardized mean differences and mean differences with 95% confidence intervals. Seven studies involving 554 patients and 643 operated feet were included, showing significant improvements in AOFAS scores (an average improvement of 36 points from 28.61 to 45.16) and reductions in radiological angles such as the distal metatarsal angle and hallux valgus angle post-surgery (IMA improved by - 3.07° from - 4.68 to - 1.46, DMAA by - 6.12° from - 9.52 to - 2.71, and HVangle by - 15.27° from - 17.98 to - 12.57). Despite these positive outcomes, most studies exhibited risks of bias and other methodological limitations, impacting the generalizability of the results. Overall, the findings highlight the efficacy of the Reverdin Isham osteotomy in improving both functional and radiological parameters in patients with moderate Hallux Valgus, although further research is warranted to solidify these results. No specific funding was received for this study, and the protocol was registered on PROSPERO with the number CRD-42023445886.
Topics: Hallux Valgus; Osteotomy; Humans; Treatment Outcome; Radiography; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures
PubMed: 38926591
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65440-3 -
British Journal of Sports Medicine Jun 2024To conduct a meta-analytic review of psychosocial predictors of doping intention, doping use and inadvertent doping in sport and exercise settings.
OBJECTIVE
To conduct a meta-analytic review of psychosocial predictors of doping intention, doping use and inadvertent doping in sport and exercise settings.
DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis.
DATA SOURCES
Scopus, Medline, Embase, PsychINFO, CINAHL Plus, ProQuest Dissertations/Theses and Open Grey.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Studies (of any design) that measured the outcome variables of doping intention, doping use and/or inadvertent doping at least one psychosocial determinant of those three variables.
RESULTS
We included studies from 25 experiments (N=13 586) and 186 observational samples (N=3 09 130). Experimental groups reported lower doping intentions (=-0.21, 95% CI (-0.31 to -0.12)) and doping use (=-0.08, 95% CI (-0.14 to -0.03), but not inadvertent doping (=-0.70, 95% CI (-1.95 to 0.55)), relative to comparators. For observational studies, protective factors were inversely associated with doping intentions (=-0.28, 95% CI -0.31 to -0.24), doping use (=-0.09, 95% CI -0.13 to to -0.05) and inadvertent doping (=-0.19, 95% CI -0.32 to -0.06). Risk factors were positively associated with doping intentions (=0.29, 95% CI 0.26 to 0.32) and use (=0.17, 95% CI 0.15 to 0.19), but not inadvertent doping (=0.08, 95% CI -0.06 to 0.22). Risk factors for both doping intentions and use included prodoping norms and attitudes, supplement use, body dissatisfaction and ill-being. Protective factors for both doping intentions and use included self-efficacy and positive morality.
CONCLUSION
This study identified several protective and risk factors for doping intention and use that may be viable intervention targets for antidoping programmes. Protective factors were negatively associated with inadvertent doping; however, the empirical volume is limited to draw firm conclusions.
PubMed: 38925889
DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2023-107910 -
Frontiers in Pediatrics 2024Urethral multiplicity is a rare congenital anomaly characterized by the presence of two or more urethral channels. It is more common in males and can cause double...
INTRODUCTION
Urethral multiplicity is a rare congenital anomaly characterized by the presence of two or more urethral channels. It is more common in males and can cause double urinary stream, incontinence, obstruction, and recurrent urinary infections. Diagnosis is difficult due to diverse clinical manifestations. Implementing an evidence-based treatment plan is challenging due to the need for more concise and informative summary publications. Our paper provides a comprehensive review of the management of this pathology and might serve as a valuable resource for pediatric urologists and specialists in the field.
METHODS
A comprehensive search in four electronic databases, PubMed®, PubMed Central® (PMC), Scopus, and Clarivate Analytics's Web of Science (WoS), was conducted to identify case reports and series published between 2008 and 2023 on urethral multiplicities. The quality of the articles was assessed using qualified instruments. Covidence® tool-guided synthesis was followed by individual patient data extraction. Further classifications and analysis were made using Microsoft Excel®.
RESULTS
Out of the 90 papers included in the review, 62 were case presentations, and 28 were case series. We found 250 boys with urethral multiplicity. Based on Effman's classification, there were 38 cases of type I (15.3%), 21 type IIA1 (8.4%), 55 type IIA2 (22.1%), 91 type IIA2Y (36.5%), 4 type IIB (1.6%), and 6 type III (2.4%) urethral duplications. There were 19 cases of prepubic sinuses (7.6%), 9 triplications (3.6%), and 6 unknown forms (2.4%). We have provided data for each type, including clinical presentation, investigations, surgical management, and outcomes.
CONCLUSIONS
Urethral multiplicities are a rare and varied group of malformations that require high-quality imaging examination for successful management. Treatment is specific to each patient and may depend on the surgeon's preference or skill.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID = CRD42023471685, identifier (CRD42023471685).
PubMed: 38919842
DOI: 10.3389/fped.2024.1404947 -
Critical Care Explorations Jul 2024Older adults may be under-represented in critical care research, and results may not apply to this specific population. Our primary objective was to evaluate the...
OBJECTIVES
Older adults may be under-represented in critical care research, and results may not apply to this specific population. Our primary objective was to evaluate the prevalence of inclusion of older adults across critical care trials focused on common ICU conditions or interventions. Our secondary objective was to evaluate whether older age was used as a stratification variable for randomization or outcome analysis.
DESIGN SETTING AND SUBJECTS
We performed a systematic review of previously published systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in critical care. We searched PubMed, Ovid, CENTRAL, and Cochrane from 2009 to 2022. Systematic reviews of any interventions across five topics: acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), sepsis/shock, nutrition, sedation, and mobilization were eligible.
MAIN RESULTS
We identified 216 systematic reviews and included a total of 253 RCTs and 113,090 patients. We extracted baseline characteristics and the reported proportion of older adults. We assessed whether any upper age limit was an exclusion criterion for trials, whether age was used for stratification during randomization or data analysis, and if age-specific subgroup analysis was present. The most prevalent topic was sepsis (78 trials, 31%), followed by nutrition (62 trials, 25%), ARDS (39 trials, 15%), mobilization (38 trials, 15%), and sedation (36 trials, 14%). Eighteen trials (7%) had exclusion criteria based on older age. Age distribution with information on older adults prevalence was given in six trials (2%). Age was considered in the analysis of ten trials (5%) using analytic methods to evaluate the outcome stratified by age.
CONCLUSIONS
In this systematic review, the proportion of older critically ill patients is undetermined, and it is unclear how age is or is not an effect modifier or to what extent the results are valid for older adult groups. Reporting age is important to guide clinicians in personalizing care. These results highlight the importance of incorporating older critically ill patients in future trials to ensure the results are generalizable to this growing population.
Topics: Humans; Critical Illness; Aged; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Critical Care; Aged, 80 and over; Sepsis; Respiratory Distress Syndrome; Patient Selection; Age Factors; Intensive Care Units
PubMed: 38919511
DOI: 10.1097/CCE.0000000000001107 -
Frontiers in Bioengineering and... 2024Musculoskeletal simulations can be used to estimate biomechanical variables like muscle forces and joint torques from non-invasive experimental data using inverse and...
Musculoskeletal simulations can be used to estimate biomechanical variables like muscle forces and joint torques from non-invasive experimental data using inverse and forward methods. Inverse kinematics followed by inverse dynamics (ID) uses body motion and external force measurements to compute joint movements and the corresponding joint loads, respectively. ID leads to residual forces and torques (residuals) that are not physically realistic, because of measurement noise and modeling assumptions. Forward dynamic simulations (FD) are found by tracking experimental data. They do not generate residuals but will move away from experimental data to achieve this. Therefore, there is a gap between reality (the experimental measurements) and simulations in both approaches, the sim2real gap. To answer (patho-) physiological research questions, simulation results have to be accurate and reliable; the sim2real gap needs to be handled. Therefore, we reviewed methods to handle the sim2real gap in such musculoskeletal simulations. The review identifies, classifies and analyses existing methods that bridge the sim2real gap, including their strengths and limitations. Using a systematic approach, we conducted an electronic search in the databases Scopus, PubMed and Web of Science. We selected and included 85 relevant papers that were sorted into eight different solution clusters based on three aspects: how the sim2real gap is handled, the mathematical method used, and the parameters/variables of the simulations which were adjusted. Each cluster has a distinctive way of handling the sim2real gap with accompanying strengths and limitations. Ultimately, the method choice largely depends on various factors: available model, input parameters/variables, investigated movement and of course the underlying research aim. Researchers should be aware that the sim2real gap remains for both ID and FD approaches. However, we conclude that multimodal approaches tracking kinematic and dynamic measurements may be one possible solution to handle the sim2real gap as methods tracking multimodal measurements (some combination of sensor position/orientation or EMG measurements), consistently lead to better tracking performances. Initial analyses show that motion analysis performance can be enhanced by using multimodal measurements as different sensor technologies can compensate each other's weaknesses.
PubMed: 38919383
DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1386874 -
Frontiers in Neurology 2024Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are rare vascular anomalies involving a disorganization of arteries and veins with no intervening capillaries. In the past 10 years,...
BACKGROUND
Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are rare vascular anomalies involving a disorganization of arteries and veins with no intervening capillaries. In the past 10 years, radiomics and machine learning (ML) models became increasingly popular for analyzing diagnostic medical images. The goal of this review was to provide a comprehensive summary of current radiomic models being employed for the diagnostic, therapeutic, prognostic, and predictive outcomes in AVM management.
METHODS
A systematic literature review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines, in which the PubMed and Embase databases were searched using the following terms: (cerebral OR brain OR intracranial OR central nervous system OR spine OR spinal) AND (AVM OR arteriovenous malformation OR arteriovenous malformations) AND (radiomics OR radiogenomics OR machine learning OR artificial intelligence OR deep learning OR computer-aided detection OR computer-aided prediction OR computer-aided treatment decision). A radiomics quality score (RQS) was calculated for all included studies.
RESULTS
Thirteen studies were included, which were all retrospective in nature. Three studies (23%) dealt with AVM diagnosis and grading, 1 study (8%) gauged treatment response, 8 (62%) predicted outcomes, and the last one (8%) addressed prognosis. No radiomics model had undergone external validation. The mean RQS was 15.92 (range: 10-18).
CONCLUSION
We demonstrated that radiomics is currently being studied in different facets of AVM management. While not ready for clinical use, radiomics is a rapidly emerging field expected to play a significant future role in medical imaging. More prospective studies are warranted to determine the role of radiomics in the diagnosis, prediction of comorbidities, and treatment selection in AVM management.
PubMed: 38915798
DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1398876 -
ACS Omega Jun 2024Heavy metal ions (HMIs) are very harmful to the ecosystem when they are present in excess of the recommended limits. They are carcinogenic in nature and can cause... (Review)
Review
Heavy metal ions (HMIs) are very harmful to the ecosystem when they are present in excess of the recommended limits. They are carcinogenic in nature and can cause serious health issues. So, it is important to detect the metal ions quickly and accurately. The metal ions arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg) are considered to be very toxic among other metal ions. Standard analytical methods like atomic absorption spectroscopy, atomic fluorescence spectroscopy, and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy are used to detect HMIs. But these methods necessitate highly technical equipment and lengthy procedures with skilled personnel. So, electrochemical sensing methods are considered to be more advantageous because of their quick analysis with precision and simplicity to operate. They can detect a wide range of heavy metals providing real-time monitoring and are cost-effective and enable multiparametric detection. Various sensing applications necessitate severe regulation regarding the modification of electrode surfaces. Numerous nanomaterials such as graphene, carbon nanotubes, and metal nanoparticles have been extensively explored as interface materials in electrode modifiers. These nanoparticles offer excellent electrical conductivity, distinctive catalytic properties, and high surface area resulting in enhanced electrochemical performance. This review examines different HMI detection methods in an aqueous medium by an electrochemical sensing approach and studies the recent developments in interface materials for altering the electrodes.
PubMed: 38911761
DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c00933