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Cureus Apr 2024There is controversy regarding the most effective primary treatment of choice for prostate cancer (PCa) in terms of patient outcomes, such as surgery or radiotherapy... (Review)
Review
Assessing the Efficacy and Long-Term Outcomes of Surgical Intervention Versus Radiotherapy: A Comprehensive Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Prostate Cancer Treatment Modalities.
There is controversy regarding the most effective primary treatment of choice for prostate cancer (PCa) in terms of patient outcomes, such as surgery or radiotherapy (RT). This study evaluated the comparative efficacy and long-term outcomes of radical prostatectomy (RP) and RT for PCa treatment. A thorough literature review of relevant databases was conducted, focusing on academic and clinical studies published from 2019 onwards. The inclusion criteria included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and other observational studies comparing survival outcomes in patients treated with surgery and RT. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines to provide an overview of the data. We selected 19 studies based on the inclusion criteria. Of the total 19 studies, 12 advocated RP as the preferred treatment to improve survival outcomes in patients with PCa. The results of our synthesis showed that prostate cancer-specific mortality (PCSM) was lower in patients treated with RT. The total effect size for the analysis was calculated as Z=1.19 (p-value=0.23). The heterogeneity in the studies was as follows: Tau2=0.09, Chi2=20.25, df=4, I2=80%. Moreover, overall survival (OS) was shown to be higher in patients who underwent prostatectomy. The combined effect for the analysis was found to be: HR=0.97 (0.93, 1.01). The total effect was calculated as Z=1.33 (p-value= 0.18). The heterogeneity was found to be Tau2=0.00, Chi2=1.33, df=2, and I2=0%. However, overall mortality (OM) was shown to be independent of the treatment modality. RT is the preferred strategy for PCa treatment, as it balances efficacy and long-term outcomes. Clinical decision-making should consider individual patient characteristics and future research should delve into specific subpopulations and long-term outcomes to further refine the treatment guidelines.
PubMed: 38784314
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.58842 -
Journal of the American Medical... Jun 2024Healthcare providers employ heuristic and analytical decision-making to navigate the high-stakes environment of the emergency department (ED). Despite the increasing...
OBJECTIVES
Healthcare providers employ heuristic and analytical decision-making to navigate the high-stakes environment of the emergency department (ED). Despite the increasing integration of information systems (ISs), research on their efficacy is conflicting. Drawing on related fields, we investigate how timing and mode of delivery influence IS effectiveness. Our objective is to reconcile previous contradictory findings, shedding light on optimal IS design in the ED.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We conducted a systematic review following PRISMA across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. We coded the ISs' timing as heuristic or analytical, their mode of delivery as active for automatic alerts and passive when requiring user-initiated information retrieval, and their effect on process, economic, and clinical outcomes.
RESULTS
Our analysis included 83 studies. During early heuristic decision-making, most active interventions were ineffective, while passive interventions generally improved outcomes. In the analytical phase, the effects were reversed. Passive interventions that facilitate information extraction consistently improved outcomes.
DISCUSSION
Our findings suggest that the effectiveness of active interventions negatively correlates with the amount of information received during delivery. During early heuristic decision-making, when information overload is high, physicians are unresponsive to alerts and proactively consult passive resources. In the later analytical phases, physicians show increased receptivity to alerts due to decreased diagnostic uncertainty and information quantity. Interventions that limit information lead to positive outcomes, supporting our interpretation.
CONCLUSION
We synthesize our findings into an integrated model that reveals the underlying reasons for conflicting findings from previous reviews and can guide practitioners in designing ISs in the ED.
Topics: Emergency Service, Hospital; Humans; Heuristics; Decision Support Systems, Clinical; Hospital Information Systems; Clinical Decision-Making
PubMed: 38781289
DOI: 10.1093/jamia/ocae096 -
Breast Cancer : Basic and Clinical... 2024Oncotype-Dx (ODx) is a 21-gene assay used as a prognostic and predictive tool for hormone receptor (HR)-positive and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2... (Review)
Review
Association Between Ki-67 Proliferative Index and Oncotype-Dx Recurrence Score in Hormone Receptor-Positive, HER2-Negative Early Breast Cancers. A Systematic Review of the Literature.
BACKGROUND
Oncotype-Dx (ODx) is a 21-gene assay used as a prognostic and predictive tool for hormone receptor (HR)-positive and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative, node-negative, or 1 to 3 lymph node-positive early breast cancers (EBCs). The cost of the test, which is not available in low-middle income countries (LMICs), is not within the means of most individuals. The Ki-67 index is a marker of tumor proliferation that is cost-effective and easily performed and has been substituted in many cases to obtain prognostic information.
OBJECTIVE
We aimed to identify the correlation between the ODx recurrence score (RS) and the Ki-67 index in HR-positive EBCs and to determine whether Ki-67, like the ODx, can help facilitate clinical decision-making.
DESIGN
Systematic review correlating Ki-67 index and ODx in HR-positive and HER2-negative EBCs as per Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.
DATA SOURCES AND METHODS
We searched different databases between January 2010 and May 2023 and included retrospective/prospective cohorts, clinical trials, case-control, and cross-sectional studies involving HR-positive and HER2-negative EBCs correlating the Ki-67 index and ODx RS categories.
RESULTS
Of the 18 studies included, 16 indicated a positive or weakly positive correlation between ODx and the Ki-67 index. The combined value of the included studies is <0.05 ( = .000), which shows a statistical significance between the 2. Our review also discusses the potential of machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) in Ki-67 assessment, offering a cost-effective and reproducible alternative.
CONCLUSION
Even although there are limitations, studies indicate a favorable association between ODx and the Ki-67 index in specific situations. This implies that Ki-67 can offer important predictive details, especially regarding the likelihood of relapse in HR-positive EBC. This is particularly significant in LMICs where financial constraints often hinder the availability of costly diagnostic tests.
PubMed: 38779417
DOI: 10.1177/11782234241255211 -
F1000Research 2024Health security as a domain has gained tremendous importance in the recent past. Emerging and re-emerging diseases globally, coupled with the derailment of the... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Health security as a domain has gained tremendous importance in the recent past. Emerging and re-emerging diseases globally, coupled with the derailment of the determinants of health mainly the socio-political environment, has made health security a cross-cutting entity in diverse fields including International Relations (IR). With the ongoing global polycrisis, the health-related issues which were previously sidelined as a concept of less strategic importance in the IR field, are now contributing to the shift of the world order. This has instilled an increased participation of IR scholars in the discussions and debates on health security concerns. The field of IR contains numerous theoretical lenses through which scholars analyze such situations, policies, and systems of the world.
METHODS
In this paper, we use a scoping review method to inspect how IR theories have been applied in analyzing health security concerns.
RESULTS
We observed that various diverging IR theories have been used to deliberate on states' actions in tackling the recent pandemic and have also been prescriptive about the changing notions of multilateralism and international governing organizations. Realism, liberalism, and securitization were among the most frequently applied IR theories in the context of health security discussions.
CONCLUSIONS
This work provides an impetus to enhance the interaction among interdisciplinary teams leading to evolving solutions that can address issues of global importance in the contemporary world.
Topics: Humans; Diplomacy; Global Health; Internationality; International Cooperation
PubMed: 38779318
DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.145568.1 -
Journal of Medical Internet Research May 2024Online health communities (OHCs) have given rise to a new e-service known as online medical consultation (OMC), enabling remote interactions between physicians and...
BACKGROUND
Online health communities (OHCs) have given rise to a new e-service known as online medical consultation (OMC), enabling remote interactions between physicians and patients. To address challenges such as patient information overload and uneven distribution of physician visits, OHCs should develop OMC-oriented recommenders.
OBJECTIVE
We aimed to comprehensively investigate what paradigms lead to the success of OMC-oriented recommendations.
METHODS
A literature search conducted through e-databases, including PubMed, ACM Digital Library, Springer, and ScienceDirect from January 2011 to December 2023. This review included all papers directly and indirectly related to the topic of healthcare-related recommendations for online services.
RESULTS
The search identified 313 articles, of which 26 met the inclusion criteria. Despite the growing academic interest in OMC recommendations, there remains a lack of consensus of e-service-oriented recommenders on their definition among researchers. The discussion highlights three key factors influencing recommender success: features, algorithms, and metrics. It advocates for moving beyond traditional e-commerce-oriented recommenders to establish an innovative theoretical framework for e-service-oriented recommenders and addresses critical technical issues in two-sided personalized recommendations.
CONCLUSIONS
The review underscores the essence of e-services, particularly in knowledge-intensive and labor-intensive domains like OMC, where patients seek interpretable recommendations due to their lack of domain knowledge, and physicians must balance their energy levels to avoid overworking. Our study's findings shed light on the importance of customizing e-service-oriented personalized recommendations to meet the distinct expectations of two-sided users, considering their cognitive abilities, decision-making perspectives, and preferences. To achieve this, a paradigm shift is essential to develop unique attributes and explore distinct content tailored for both parties involved.
PubMed: 38777810
DOI: 10.2196/46073 -
Experimental Gerontology Aug 2024Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is common in older adults with hypertension. Antihypertensive treatment (AHT) prevents cardio- and cerebrovascular events. However,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is common in older adults with hypertension. Antihypertensive treatment (AHT) prevents cardio- and cerebrovascular events. However, physicians are concerned to cause OH, making them hesitant to initiate or augment AHT in older adults with hypertension.
METHODS
We systematically researched electronic databases for trials with older participants (≥65 years) with hypertension and OH assessment after initiating, discontinuing, or augmenting AHT. Study quality was assessed using the ROBINS-I tool. Meta-analyses on OH prevalence and postural blood pressure (BP) drop were performed.
RESULTS
Twenty-five studies (26,695 participants) met inclusion criteria, of which fifteen could be included in the meta-analyses. OH prevalence decreased after AHT initiation or augmentation (risk ratio 0.39 (95 % CI = 0.21-0.72; I = 47 %; p < 0.01), n = 6 studies), but also after AHT discontinuation (risk ratio 0.39 (95 % CI = 0.28-0.55; I = 0 %; p < 0.01), n = 2 studies). Postural BP drop did not change after initiation or augmentation of AHT (mean difference 1.07 (95 % CI = -0.49-2.64; I = 92 %; p = 0.18), n = 11 studies). The main reason for ten studies not to be included in the meta-analyses was absence of baseline OH data. Most of these studies reported OH incidences between 0 and 2 %. Studies were heterogeneous in OH assessment methods (postural change, timing of BP measurements, and OH definition). Risk of bias was moderate to serious in twenty studies.
CONCLUSION
Results suggest that AHT initiation or augmentation decreases OH prevalence, implying that the risk of inducing OH may be overestimated in current AHT decision-making in older adults. However, the overall low level of evidence and the finding that AHT discontinuation reduces OH prevalence limit firm conclusions at present and highlight an important research gap. Future AHT trials in older adults should measure OH in a standardized protocol, adhering to consensus guidelines to overcome these limitations.
Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Humans; Antihypertensive Agents; Blood Pressure; Hypertension; Hypotension, Orthostatic; Prevalence
PubMed: 38772447
DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2024.112461 -
Health Economics Review May 2024With the increasing demand for fertility services, it is urgent to select the most cost-effective assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment plan and include it in... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
With the increasing demand for fertility services, it is urgent to select the most cost-effective assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment plan and include it in medical insurance. Economic evaluation reports are an important reference for medical insurance negotiation. The aim of this study is to systematically evaluate the economic evaluation research of ART, analyze the existing shortcomings, and provide a reference for the economic evaluation of ART.
METHODS
PubMed, EMbase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and ScienceDirect databases were searched for relevant articles on the economic evaluation of ART. These articles were screened, and their quality was evaluated based on the Comprehensive Health Economics Evaluation Report Standard (CHEERS 2022), and the data on the basic characteristics, model characteristics and other aspects of the included studies were summarized.
RESULTS
One hundred and two related articles were obtained in the preliminary search, but based on the inclusion criteria, 12 studies were used for the analysis, of which nine used the decision tree model. The model parameters were mainly derived from published literature and included retrospective clinical data of patients. Only two studies included direct non-medical and indirect costs in the cost measurement. Live birth rate was used as an outcome indicator in half of the studies.
CONCLUSION
Suggesting the setting of the threshold range in the field of fertility should be actively discussed, and the monetary value of each live birth is assumed to be in a certain range when the WTP threshold for fertility is uncertain. The range of the parameter sources should be expanded. Direct non-medical and indirect costs should be included in the calculation of costs, and the analysis should be carried out from the perspective of the whole society. In the evaluation of clinical effect, the effectiveness and safety indexes should be selected for a comprehensive evaluation, thereby making the evaluation more comprehensive and reliable. At least subgroup analysis based on age stratification should be considered in the relevant economic evaluation.
PubMed: 38767759
DOI: 10.1186/s13561-024-00509-3 -
La Clinica Terapeutica 2024Artificial intelligence (AI) is the ability of a computer machine to display human capabilities such as reasoning, learning, planning, and creativity. Such processing...
OBJECTIVE
Artificial intelligence (AI) is the ability of a computer machine to display human capabilities such as reasoning, learning, planning, and creativity. Such processing technology receives the data (already prepared or collected), processes them, using models and algorithms, and answers questions about forecasting and decision-making. AI systems are also able to adapt their behavior by analyzing the effects of previous actions and working then autonomously. Artificial intelligence is already present in our lives, even if it often goes unnoticed (shopping networked, home automation, vehicles). Even in the medical field, artificial intelligence can be used to analyze large amounts of medical data and discover matches and patterns to improve diagnosis and prevention. In forensic medicine, the applications of AI are numerous and are becoming more and more valuable.
METHOD
A systematic review was conducted, selecting the articles in one of the most widely used electronic databases (PubMed). The research was conducted using the keywords "AI forensic" and "machine learning forensic". The research process included about 2000 Articles published from 1990 to the present.
RESULTS
We have focused on the most common fields of use and have been then 6 macro-topics were identified and analyzed. Specifically, articles were analyzed concerning the application of AI in forensic pathology (main area), toxicology, radiology, Personal identification, forensic anthropology, and forensic psychiatry.
CONCLUSION
The aim of the study is to evaluate the current applications of AI in forensic medicine for each field of use, trying to grasp future and more usable applications and underline their limitations.
Topics: Artificial Intelligence; Humans; Forensic Medicine; Machine Learning; Forecasting
PubMed: 38767078
DOI: 10.7417/CT.2024.5062 -
Journal of Bone Oncology Jun 2024Skeletal metastases make up 17% of all metastases from advanced-stage melanoma. Bone metastases are associated with increased morbidity and mortality and decreased... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Skeletal metastases make up 17% of all metastases from advanced-stage melanoma. Bone metastases are associated with increased morbidity and mortality and decreased quality of life due to their association with skeletal-related events (SREs), including pathological fracture, spinal cord compression, hypercalcemia, radiotherapy, and surgery. The study aimed to determine the incidence of bone metastases and SREs in melanoma, identify possible risk factors for the development of bone metastases and SREs, and investigate survival rates in this patient population.
METHODS
A computer-based literature search was conducted using Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials up to July 2023. The Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale (NOS) was utilized for quality assessment. Study characteristics, patient information, risk factors for developing bone metastases and SREs, and characteristics for survival were recorded.
RESULTS
We included 29 studies. The average bone metastasis-free interval ranged from four to 72 months. Incidence of bone metastases varied from 2 % to 49 % across 14 studies. 69 % (20/29) of studies described the location of bone metastases, with 24 % (7/29) focusing solely on spinal metastases. In one study, 129 SREs were recorded in 71 % (59/83) of the patient cohort, with various manifestations. The use of bone-directed agents was independently associated with lower risk of SREs. Survival after detection of bone metastasis ranged from three to 13 months. Factors associated with survival included clinical, tumor-related, and treatment features.
CONCLUSION
This review highlights the notable prevalence and risk factors of developing bone metastases and subsequent SREs in patients with melanoma. The surge in bone metastases poses a challenge in complication management, given the high prevalence of SREs. While this study offers a comprehensive overview of the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes associated with bone metastases and SREs in melanoma patients that may guide patient and physician decision-making, a notable gap lies in the limited availability of high-quality data and the heterogeneous design of the existing literature. Future research should address predictive factors for bone metastases and SREs in melanoma to facilitate patient and physician decision-making and ultimately improve outcomes in this patient population.
PubMed: 38765703
DOI: 10.1016/j.jbo.2024.100603 -
Heliyon May 2024Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) has gained significant adoption in diverse fields and applications, mainly due to its proficiency in resolving complicated...
Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) has gained significant adoption in diverse fields and applications, mainly due to its proficiency in resolving complicated decision-making problems in spaces with high-dimensional states and actions. Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (DDPG) is a well-known DRL algorithm that adopts an actor-critic approach, synthesizing the advantages of value-based and policy-based reinforcement learning methods. The aim of this study is to provide a thorough examination of the latest developments, patterns, obstacles, and potential opportunities related to DDPG. A systematic search was conducted using relevant academic databases (Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect) to identify 85 relevant studies published in the last five years (2018-2023). We provide a comprehensive overview of the key concepts and components of DDPG, including its formulation, implementation, and training. Then, we highlight the various applications and domains of DDPG, including Autonomous Driving, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, Resource Allocation, Communications and the Internet of Things, Robotics, and Finance. Additionally, we provide an in-depth comparison of DDPG with other DRL algorithms and traditional RL methods, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses. We believe that this review will be an essential resource for researchers, offering them valuable insights into the methods and techniques utilized in the field of DRL and DDPG.
PubMed: 38765095
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30697