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Frontiers in Human Neuroscience 2022This meta-analysis investigated (1) whether ethnic minority and majority members have a neural inter-group bias toward each other, and (2) whether various ethnic groups...
INTRODUCTION
This meta-analysis investigated (1) whether ethnic minority and majority members have a neural inter-group bias toward each other, and (2) whether various ethnic groups (i.e., White, Black, and Asian) are processed in the brain differently by the other respective ethnicities.
METHODS
A systematic coordinate-based meta-analysis of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies was conducted using Web of Science, PubMed, and PsycINFO (altogether 50 datasets, = 1211, 50.1% female).
RESULTS
We found that ethnic minority members did not show any signs of neural inter-group bias (e.g., no majority-group derogation). Ethnic majority members, in turn, expressed biased responses toward minority (vs. majority) members in frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital regions that are known to be involved in e.g., facial processing, attention, and perspective-taking. We also found differences in neural response patterns toward different ethnic groups (White, Black, and Asian); broadest biases in neural response patterns were evident toward Black individuals (in non-Black individuals). Heterogeneity was mostly minor or low.
DISCUSSION
Overall, the findings increase understanding of neural processes involved in ethnicity perception and cognition as well as ethnic prejudices and discrimination. This meta-analysis provides explanations for previous behavioral reports on ethnic discrimination toward minority groups.
PubMed: 36684846
DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.1072345 -
Journal of the International AIDS... Jan 2023Sexualized drug use (SDU), the use of psychoactive drugs in the context of sexual intercourse, has been identified as a risk factor for HIV among men who have sex with... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION
Sexualized drug use (SDU), the use of psychoactive drugs in the context of sexual intercourse, has been identified as a risk factor for HIV among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Asia. Given the distinct social and cultural context of same-sex relationships and drug-using practice in Asia, we aimed to describe the prevalence of SDU in East and South Asian countries and its associations with condomless anal sex (CAI) and HIV status. Synthesizing SDU research in this region, including SDU definitions, prevalence and outcomes, provides insights to inform future research and improved programme planning, resourcing and advocacy.
METHODS
We systematically searched OVID Medline, OVID EMBASE, OVID Global Health, CINAHL, PsycINFO and SCOPUS publication databases for scientific articles published from 1990 to 2022 measuring SDU among MSM in East and South Asian countries. A narrative synthesis was utilized to describe key study attributes and findings, and meta-analyses using random pooled effect models were used to estimate SDU prevalence and its associations with CAI and HIV status. Subgroup meta-analyses, sensitivity analysis and assessment of publication bias examined potential sources of heterogeneity for the pooled SDU prevalence estimates.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Of the 1788 publications screened, 49 publications met the selection criteria and 18 were suitable for meta-analyses. Findings highlight SDU definitions distinct from other regions but inconsistencies in the definition of SDU between studies that have been highlighted in research elsewhere. The pooled prevalence of recent SDU (past 12 months) was 13% (95% CI = 10-16%; I = 97.6) but higher when studies utilized self-administered surveys (15%; 95% CI = 12-19%; p<0.05). SDU was associated with greater odds of CAI (pooled odds ratio [OR] = 3.21; 95% CI = 1.82-5.66) and living with diagnosed HIV (OR = 4.73; 95% CI = 2.27-8.21).
CONCLUSIONS
SDU is common among MSM in East and South Asian countries, but varying SDU definitions limit between-study comparisons. Responses to SDU-related harms should consider local contexts, including specific drug types used and their relative risks.
Topics: Humans; Male; HIV Infections; Homosexuality, Male; Prevalence; Sexual and Gender Minorities; Substance-Related Disorders; Unsafe Sex; Risk-Taking
PubMed: 36600479
DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26054 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2022A novel systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) has been proven to be associated with outcomes in patients with cancer. Although some studies have shown that the SII is... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
A novel systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) has been proven to be associated with outcomes in patients with cancer. Although some studies have shown that the SII is a potential and valuable tool to diagnose and predict the advise outcomes in stroke patients. Nevertheless, the findings are controversial, and their association with clinical outcomes is unclear. Consequently, we conducted a comprehensive review and meta-analysis to explore the relationship between SII and clinical outcomes in stroke patients.
METHODS
A search of five English databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science) and four Chinese databases (CNKI, VIP, WanFang, and CBM) was conducted. Our study strictly complied with the PRISMA (the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses). We used the NOS (Newcastle-Ottawa Scale) tool to assess the possible bias of included studies. The endpoints included poor outcome (the modified Rankin Scale [mRS] ≥ 3 points or > 3 points), mortality, the severity of stroke (according to assessment by the National Institute of Health stroke scale [NIHSS] ≥ 5 points), hemorrhagic transformation (HT) were statistically analyzed.
RESULTS
Nineteen retrospective studies met the eligibility criteria, and a total of 18609 stroke patients were included. Our study showed that high SII is significantly associated with poor outcomes (odds ratio [OR] 1.06, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02-1.09, P = 0.001, I = 93%), high mortality (OR 2.16, 95% CI 1.75-2.67, P < 0.00001, I = 49%), and the incidence of HT (OR 2.09, 95% CI 1.61-2.71, P < 0.00001, I = 42%). We also investigated the difference in SII levels in poor/good outcomes, death/survival, and minor/moderate-severe stroke groups. Our analysis demonstrated that the SII level of the poor outcome, death, and moderate-severe stroke group was much higher than that of the good outcome, survival, and minor stroke group, respectively (standard mean difference [SMD] 1.11, 95% CI 0.61-1.61, P < 0.00001 [poor/good outcome]; MD 498.22, 95% CI 333.18-663.25, P < 0.00001 [death/survival]; SMD 1.35, 95% CI 0.48-2.23, P = 0.002 [severity of stroke]). SII, on the other hand, had no significant impact on recanalization (OR 1.50, 95% CI 0.86-2.62, P = 0.16).
DISCUSSION
To the best of our knowledge, this may be the first meta-analysis to look at the link between SII and clinical outcomes in stroke patients. The inflammatory response after a stroke is useful for immunoregulatory treatment. Stroke patients with high SII should be closely monitored, since this might be a viable treatment strategy for limiting brain damage after a stroke. As a result, research into SII and the clinical outcomes of stroke patients is crucial. Our preliminary findings may represent the clinical condition and aid clinical decision-makers. Nonetheless, further research is needed to better understand the utility of SII through dynamic monitoring. To generate more robust results, large-sample and multi-center research are required.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42022371996.
Topics: Humans; Retrospective Studies; Stroke; Inflammation
PubMed: 36591305
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1090305 -
International Emergency Nursing Jan 2023Awareness and prompt recognition of sepsis are essential for nurses working in the emergency department (ED), enabling them to make an initial assessment of patients and... (Review)
Review
Comparison of the systematic Inflammatory response syndrome and the quick sequential organ failure assessment for prognostic accuracy in detecting sepsis in the emergency department: A systematic review.
BACKGROUND
Awareness and prompt recognition of sepsis are essential for nurses working in the emergency department (ED), enabling them to make an initial assessment of patients and then to sort them according to their condition s severity. The aim of this systematic review was to investigate prognostic accuracy in detecting sepsis in the emergency department by comparing the previous sepsis-2 screening tool, the Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) and the current sepsis-3 screening tool, the Quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA).
METHODS
This systematic review used the guideline by Bettany-Saltikov and McSherry and was reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 checklist. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO. A systematic search was conducted using the CINAHL, EMBASE and MEDLINE databases. Study selection and risk of bias was performed independently by pair of authors.
RESULTS
Five articles were included. Overall, SIRS showed higher sensitivity than qSOFA, while qSOFA showed higher specificity than SIRS. The positive predictive value for qSOFA was superior, while there was a minor deviation in negative predictive value between qSOFA and SIRS.
CONCLUSION
The overall recommendation based on the included studies indicates that qSOFA is the better-suited screening tool for prognostic accuracy in detecting sepsis in the emergency department.
Topics: Humans; Organ Dysfunction Scores; Prognosis; Hospital Mortality; Sepsis; Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome; Emergency Service, Hospital; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 36571931
DOI: 10.1016/j.ienj.2022.101242 -
Clinical Psychology Review Mar 2023While Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is recommended as first-line treatment for depression, a significant minority do not show an adequate treatment response.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Comparing the efficacy of mindfulness-based therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy for depression in head-to-head randomized controlled trials: A systematic review and meta-analysis of equivalence.
BACKGROUND
While Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is recommended as first-line treatment for depression, a significant minority do not show an adequate treatment response. Despite evidence for the efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Therapies (MBT) both in treating current depression and preventing relapse, it remains unknown whether MBT and CBT are equivalent in the treatment of current depression.
METHODS
Five databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) directly comparing MBT with CBT and including depression as primary or secondary outcome.
RESULTS
When pooling the results of 30 independent RCTs with a total of 2750 participants, MBT and CBT were statistically significantly equivalent at both post-intervention (Hedges's g = -0.009; p < .001) and follow-up (g = -0.033; p = .001). Supplementary Bayesian analyses provided further support for the alternative hypothesis of no difference between MBT and CBT. When exploring possible sources of heterogeneity, the differences at follow-up were smaller between CBT and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) than between CBT and mindfulness-based stress-reduction (MBSR) (Slope = 0.37;p = .022).
CONCLUSION
The currently available evidence suggests that that MBT and CBT are equally efficacious in treating current adult depression. It remains unclear whether the similar effects of the two intervention types are due to different mechanisms or common factors.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Mindfulness; Depression; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 36527794
DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2022.102234 -
PloS One 2022We have reviewed over 60 years of studies on healthcare education outreach programs that are aimed to support first-generation, low-income, as well as underrepresented...
A systematic review of the 60 year literature: Effects of outreach programs in supporting historically marginalized and first-generation, low-income students in healthcare education.
We have reviewed over 60 years of studies on healthcare education outreach programs that are aimed to support first-generation, low-income, as well as underrepresented racial and ethnic minority groups (historically marginalized students) to pursue pre-health professions. As a systematic literature review, we present the challenges studies on healthcare education outreach programs had as three main categories: 1) Design, 2) Evaluation, and 3) Analysis. 1) Designs of studies on healthcare education outreach programs often lacked theoretical foundations whereby a) the interventions did not present theories underlying a causal mechanism of inequity in health professions; and/or 1b) the defined outcome measures were not clearly aligned with the problem the intervention tried to address. 2) Evaluations of studies on healthcare education outreach programs were not always conducted effectively whereby: 2a) controlled groups were commonly absent for comparison with the intervention group; and/or 2b) post measures were solely used without pre-measures. 3) Analyses of studies on healthcare education outreach programs were not adequate whereby: 3a) the response rates and effect size were commonly low; and/or 3b) qualitative results commonly did not supplement quantitative results. Overall, our findings reveal studies on healthcare education outreach programs have common challenges that hinder the reliability of their effects supporting historically marginalized students in pursuing pre-health professions. To address such challenges with studies on healthcare education outreach programs aimed at supporting historically marginalized students, we created a decision flow chart for researchers to ask themselves: 1) how is the design guided by theoretical goals; 2) how are measurements used to evaluate success; and 3) how does the analysis lead to reliable results?
Topics: Humans; Ethnicity; Reproducibility of Results; Minority Groups; Students; Delivery of Health Care
PubMed: 36454878
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278453 -
Obesity Reviews : An Official Journal... Jan 2023This narrative systematic review examined effectiveness of interventions during pregnancy and up to 2 years of age in improving energy balance-related behaviors or... (Review)
Review
The effectiveness of interventions during the first 1,000 days to improve energy balance-related behaviors or prevent overweight/obesity in children from socio-economically disadvantaged families of high-income countries: a systematic review.
This narrative systematic review examined effectiveness of interventions during pregnancy and up to 2 years of age in improving energy balance-related behaviors or prevent overweight/obesity in children from families experiencing socio-economic disadvantage. We identified 24 interventions, from 33 articles, since 1990. Overall, despite their heterogeneity and variability in internal and external validity, there was some evidence of beneficial impact of interventions on obesity risk (4/15), and associated behaviors, e.g.: breastfeeding (9/18), responsive feeding (11/16), diet (7/8), sedentary (1/3) and movement (4/7) behaviors, and sleep (1/2). The most effective interventions aimed at promoting breastfeeding commenced antenatally; this was similar for the prevention of obesity, provided the intervention continued for at least 2 years postnatally and was multi-behavioral. Effective interventions were more likely to target first-time mothers and involve professional delivery agents, multidisciplinary teams and peer groups. Among ethnic/racial minorities, interventions delivered by lay agents had some impact on dietary behavior but not weight outcomes. Co-creation with stakeholders, including parents, and adherence to theoretical frameworks were additional ingredients for more pragmatic, inclusive, non-judgmental, and effective programs. The growing body of evidence on obesity prevention interventions targeting families experiencing socio-economic disadvantage is promising for reducing early inequalities in obesity risk.
Topics: Child; Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Overweight; Pediatric Obesity; Developed Countries; Diet; Breast Feeding
PubMed: 36394375
DOI: 10.1111/obr.13524 -
Genes Nov 2022Polymorphism (rs1805086), , () of the myostatin gene () has been associated with a skeletal muscle phenotype (hypertrophic response in muscles due to strength training).... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Polymorphism (rs1805086), , () of the myostatin gene () has been associated with a skeletal muscle phenotype (hypertrophic response in muscles due to strength training). However, there are not enough reliable data to demonstrate whether rs1805086 K and R allelic variants are valid genetic factors that can affect the strength phenotype of athletes' skeletal muscles. The aim is to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the association of rs1805086 polymorphism with the strength phenotype of athletes. This study analyzed 71 research articles on and performed a meta-analysis of rs1805086 polymorphism in strength-oriented athletes and a control (non-athletes) group. It was found that athletes in the strength-oriented athlete group had a higher frequency of the minor variant than that in the control group (OR = 2.02, = 0.05). Thus, the obtained results convincingly demonstrate that there is an association between the studied polymorphism and strength phenotype of athletes; therefore, further studies on this association are scientifically warranted.
Topics: Myostatin; Genotype; Polymorphism, Genetic; Muscle, Skeletal; Mutation
PubMed: 36360291
DOI: 10.3390/genes13112055 -
Nutricion Hospitalaria Dec 2022Previous studies have pointed to a possible relationship between vitamin D deficiency and the severity of the disease promoted by SARS-CoV-2, reducing respiratory and...
Previous studies have pointed to a possible relationship between vitamin D deficiency and the severity of the disease promoted by SARS-CoV-2, reducing respiratory and cardiovascular complications caused by a hyperreaction of the immune system known as "cytokine storm". This vitamin exerts multiple functions that depend on the presence and levels of different proteins, such as the vitamin D receptor (VDR) and the vitamin D binding protein (DBP), and the existence of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the genes that encode these proteins. The objective of this review is to assess whether some VDR and GC SNPs are risk factors for the most severe forms of COVID-19 disease and whether they condition the response to vitamin D supplementation. A search was performed in PubMed, Google Scholar and Scielo, finding that genotypes in patients affected by COVID-19, were rarely performed, although some studies find a relationship between different alleles and the severity of the disease. The ApaI polymorphism of the VDR gene stands out, as the minor allele "a" increases the risk of mortality from COVID-19 (OR = 11.828, CI: 2,493-56,104, p = 0.002). Results divergency in the efficacy of vitamin D supplementation suggest the need for a larger number of studies. In conclusion, the study of VDR and GC polymorphisms seems essential to effectively treat vitamin D deficiency and particularly to protect against COVID-19. Well-designed studies are needed to elucidate whether plasma vitamin D levels play a role of casuality or causality.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Genotype; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Receptors, Calcitriol; SARS-CoV-2; Vitamin D; Vitamin D Deficiency; Vitamin D-Binding Protein
PubMed: 36327123
DOI: 10.20960/nh.04299 -
Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) Oct 2022No data addressing issues concerning disparities in participant and trial characteristics and trial outcome reporting have been established in clinical trials for... (Review)
Review
No data addressing issues concerning disparities in participant and trial characteristics and trial outcome reporting have been established in clinical trials for H1-antihistamine-refractory chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). To better harmonize and compare the different treatment interventions, we systematically evaluated the overall landscape of pharmacological treatments for H1-antihistamine-refractory CSU clinical trials published between 2000 and 2021. This systematic review included 23 randomized clinical trials involving 2480 participants from 22 countries. We found significant increases in the number of globally published and newly tested drugs, especially biologic drugs. Regarding relatively small trials, we found that people living with H1-antihistamine-refractory CSU who were identified as members of minority groups (non-white population), populations of regions other than North America/Europe, and populations of low- to lower/upper-middle-income countries are underrepresented. Most trials were designed to evaluate treatment efficacy and safety profiles; however, less than half of the included trials reported the patient's perspective in terms of patient-reported outcomes. Disparities in outcome reporting, including clinimetric tools for assessing treatment response and outcome sets, were observed. To close the evidence gap in H1-antihistamine-refractory CSU trials, strategies for improving trial and participant enrollment and standardizing core outcome sets for trial reporting are needed.
PubMed: 36297357
DOI: 10.3390/ph15101246