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Complementary Therapies in Medicine Jun 2024Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) is a therapeutic whole-body approach mainly focused on correcting somatic dysfunctions. The aim of this scoping review is to... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) is a therapeutic whole-body approach mainly focused on correcting somatic dysfunctions. The aim of this scoping review is to systematically map the literature regarding the documented biological effects observed following OMT.
METHODS
The 2020 JBIRM version and the PRISMA-ScR were followed for the conceptualization and reporting of this review. The protocol was registered on the "Open Science Framework Registry" (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/MFAUP). We searched for original articles published on Medline, Embase, and Scopus, from inception to the present.
RESULTS
Overall, 10,419 records were identified. After duplicate removal, screening for title and abstract, and specific exclusions with reasons, a total of 146 studies were included. Wide differences were detected among studies in their geographical localization, study design, temporal distribution, participants' condition, OMT protocols, and documented biological effects. Such variety in frequency distribution was properly described through descriptive statistics.
CONCLUSIONS
Biological modifications that appear to be induced by OMT have been detected in several body systems, but mostly in neurophysiological correlates and musculoskeletal changes. Results suggest a growing interest over the years on this topic, especially in the last two decades. More efforts in research are recommended to highlight whether such changes specifically depend on OMT, and to demonstrate its specific contribution to clinical practice.
Topics: Humans; Manipulation, Osteopathic
PubMed: 38685285
DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2024.103043 -
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) Apr 2024Reinforcement learning (RL) has emerged as a dynamic and transformative paradigm in artificial intelligence, offering the promise of intelligent decision-making in... (Review)
Review
Reinforcement learning (RL) has emerged as a dynamic and transformative paradigm in artificial intelligence, offering the promise of intelligent decision-making in complex and dynamic environments. This unique feature enables RL to address sequential decision-making problems with simultaneous sampling, evaluation, and feedback. As a result, RL techniques have become suitable candidates for developing powerful solutions in various domains. In this study, we present a comprehensive and systematic review of RL algorithms and applications. This review commences with an exploration of the foundations of RL and proceeds to examine each algorithm in detail, concluding with a comparative analysis of RL algorithms based on several criteria. This review then extends to two key applications of RL: robotics and healthcare. In robotics manipulation, RL enhances precision and adaptability in tasks such as object grasping and autonomous learning. In healthcare, this review turns its focus to the realm of cell growth problems, clarifying how RL has provided a data-driven approach for optimizing the growth of cell cultures and the development of therapeutic solutions. This review offers a comprehensive overview, shedding light on the evolving landscape of RL and its potential in two diverse yet interconnected fields.
Topics: Robotics; Humans; Algorithms; Artificial Intelligence; Delivery of Health Care; Machine Learning
PubMed: 38676080
DOI: 10.3390/s24082461 -
Children (Basel, Switzerland) Mar 2024The effect of pediatric inguinal hernia repair (IHR) on testicular vascularization remains unclear. Manipulating the spermatic cord during surgery may reduce blood flow... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The effect of pediatric inguinal hernia repair (IHR) on testicular vascularization remains unclear. Manipulating the spermatic cord during surgery may reduce blood flow due to edema and vasoconstriction. This can lead to testicular atrophy. The study aims to review current knowledge of testicular vascular impairment following IHR in children.
METHODS
A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed/Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. Methodological quality was assessed using validated tools. Data were extracted, and a pooled data analysis was performed.
RESULTS
Ten studies were included in the systematic review. Six of these studies were eligible for meta-analysis. This revealed a significant decrease in testicular vascularization during the short-term follow-up (1 day-1 week) after IHR using the open surgical approach. This decrease was not present after laparoscopic intervention. There was no more increased resistance in the vessels at long-term follow-up (1 month-6 months), suggesting that the impaired vascularity is only temporary.
CONCLUSIONS
There seems to be a short-term transient vascular impairment of the testis after open IHR in children. This might be of clinical relevance to prefer the laparoscopic approach for IHR in children, even though the open approach is the gold standard, in contrast to adult IHR. The impact on testicular function and sperm quality later in life remains unclear. Comparative studies of both techniques are needed to determine if there is a significant difference in testicular vascularity. Long-term studies are necessary to assess the impact of transiently reduced vascularity on sperm quality and fertility later in life.
PubMed: 38671625
DOI: 10.3390/children11040409 -
SSM - Population Health Jun 2024Data and indicator estimates are considered vital to document persisting challenges in maternal and newborn health and track progress towards global goals. However,... (Review)
Review
Travelling numbers and broken loops: A qualitative systematic review on collecting and reporting maternal and neonatal health data in low-and lower-middle income countries.
Data and indicator estimates are considered vital to document persisting challenges in maternal and newborn health and track progress towards global goals. However, prioritization of standardised, comparable quantitative data can preclude the collection of locally relevant information and pose overwhelming burdens in low-resource settings, with negative effects on the provision of quality of care. A growing body of qualitative studies aims to provide a place-based understanding of the complex processes and human experiences behind the generation and use of maternal and neonatal health data. We conducted a qualitative systematic review exploring how national or international requirements to collect and report data on maternal and neonatal health indicators are perceived and experienced at the sub-national and country level in low-income and lower-middle income countries. We systematically searched six electronic databases for qualitative and mixed-methods studies published between January 2000 and March 2023. Following screening of 4084 records by four reviewers, 47 publications were included in the review. Data were analysed thematically and synthesised from a Complex Adaptive Systems (CAS) theoretical perspective. Our findings show maternal and neonatal health data and indicators are not fixed, neutral entities, but rather outcomes of complex processes. Their collection and uptake is influenced by a multitude of system hardware elements (human resources, relevancy and adequacy of tools, infrastructure, and interoperability) and software elements (incentive systems, supervision and feedback, power and social relations, and accountability). When these components are aligned and sufficiently supportive, data and indicators can be used for positive system adaptivity through performance evaluation, prioritization, learning, and advocacy. Yet shortcomings and broken loops between system components can lead to unforeseen emergent behaviors such as blame, fear, and data manipulation. This review highlights the importance of measurement approaches that prioritize local relevance and feasibility, necessitating participatory approaches to define context-specific measurement objectives and strategies.
PubMed: 38645668
DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2024.101668 -
Obesity Reviews : An Official Journal... Jul 2024Attentional bias modification (ABM) is a novel cognitive-based treatment that may help individuals reduce overeating by decreasing food processing bias and food... (Review)
Review
Attentional bias modification (ABM) is a novel cognitive-based treatment that may help individuals reduce overeating by decreasing food processing bias and food cravings. However, most empirical studies have evaluated the short-term effects of ABM in populations that have body mass indexes that are within healthy ranges; therefore, the extent to which this training method can influence eating behavior in individuals who are overweight or obese remains unclear. This systematic review explored the efficacy of ABM as a tool to support weight management for individuals who are overweight or obese. Ten studies met the inclusion criteria for the review. The findings reveal that although training is effective at manipulating attentional bias to food cues, there is limited evidence that training significantly impacted appetite and eating behaviors or led to maintained weight loss.
Topics: Humans; Obesity; Attentional Bias; Overweight; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Feeding Behavior; Weight Loss
PubMed: 38616171
DOI: 10.1111/obr.13745 -
Nutrients Mar 2024Time-limited eating is a dietary intervention whereby eating is limited to a specific window of time during the day. The usual eating windows of adults, and how these... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Time-limited eating is a dietary intervention whereby eating is limited to a specific window of time during the day. The usual eating windows of adults, and how these can be manipulated for dietary interventions, is well documented. However, there is a paucity of data on eating windows of young people, the manipulation of which may be a useful intervention for reducing obesity. This paper reviewed the existing literature on the eating windows of children and adolescents, aged 5-18 years, plus clock times of first and last intakes and variations by subgroup. Two databases (Medline and Embase) were searched for eligible papers published between February 2013 and February 2023, with forward searching of the citation network of included studies on Web of Science. Articles were screened, and data extracted, in duplicate by two independent reviewers. Ten studies were included, with both observational and experimental designs. Narrative synthesis showed large variations in eating windows with average values ranging from 9.7 h to 16.4 h. Meta-analysis, of five studies, showed a pooled mean daily eating window of 11.3 h (95% CI 11.0, 11.7). Large variations in eating windows exist across different study populations; however, the pooled data suggest that it may be possible to design time-limited eating interventions in paediatric populations aimed at reducing eating windows. Further high-quality research, investigating eating windows and subsequent associations with health outcomes, is needed.
Topics: Adult; Child; Humans; Adolescent; Databases, Factual; MEDLINE; Obesity; Research Design
PubMed: 38613026
DOI: 10.3390/nu16070993 -
The Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports... Jun 2024We aimed to quantify the proportion not attributable to the specific effects (PCE) of physical therapy interventions for musculoskeletal pain. Intervention systematic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Which Portion of Physiotherapy Treatments' Effect Is Not Attributable to the Specific Effects in People With Musculoskeletal Pain? A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trials.
We aimed to quantify the proportion not attributable to the specific effects (PCE) of physical therapy interventions for musculoskeletal pain. Intervention systematic review with meta-analysis. We searched Ovid, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus, PEDro, Cochrane Controlled Trials Registry, and SPORTDiscus databases from inception to April 2023. Randomized placebo-controlled trials evaluating the effect of physical therapy interventions on musculoskeletal pain. Risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2). The proportion of physical therapy interventions effect that was not explained by the specific effect of the intervention was calculated, using the proportion not attributable to the specific effects (PCE) metric, and a quantitative summary of the data from the studies was conducted using the random-effects inverse-variance model (Hartung-Knapp-Sidik-Jonkman method). Sixty-eight studies were included in the systematic review (participants: n = 5238), and 54 placebo-controlled trials informed our meta-analysis (participants: n = 3793). Physical therapy interventions included soft tissue techniques, mobilization, manipulation, taping, exercise therapy, and dry needling. Placebo interventions included manual, nonmanual interventions, or both. The proportion not attributable to the specific effects of mobilization accounted for 88% of the immediate overall treatment effect for pain intensity (PCE = 0.88, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.57, 1.20). In exercise therapy, this proportion accounted for 46% of the overall treatment effect for pain intensity (PCE = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.41, 0.52). The PCE in manipulation excelled in short-term pain relief (PCE = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.62, 1.01) and in mobilization in long-term effects (PCE = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.76, 0.96). In taping, the PCE accounted for 64% of disability improvement (PCE = 0.64, 95% CI: 0.48, 0.80). The outcomes of physical therapy interventions for musculoskeletal pain were significantly influenced by factors not attributable to the specific effects of the interventions. Boosting these factors consciously to enhance therapeutic outcomes represents an ethical opportunity that could benefit patients. .
Topics: Humans; Musculoskeletal Pain; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Physical Therapy Modalities; Exercise Therapy
PubMed: 38602164
DOI: 10.2519/jospt.2024.12126 -
European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery... Apr 2024To determine the necessity of reduction in the treatment of overriding metaphyseal distal radius fractures (DRF) in children under 11 years. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To determine the necessity of reduction in the treatment of overriding metaphyseal distal radius fractures (DRF) in children under 11 years.
METHODS
In this systematic review and meta-analysis, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched to retrieve studies published from inception to 2023. Two reviewers independently screened for studies with observational or randomized control design comparing two treatments for overriding metaphyseal DRF in patients under 11 years: simple casting without reduction (SC group) versus closed reduction plus casting or pin fixation (CRC/F group); with varying outcomes reported (CRD471761). The risk of bias was assessed using the ROBINS-I tool.
RESULTS
Out of 3,024 screened studies, three met the inclusion criteria, 180 children (mean age 7.1 ± 0.9 years) with overriding metaphyseal DRF: SC-group (n = 79) versus CRC/F-group (n = 101). Both treatment groups achieved 100% fracture consolidation without requiring further manipulation. The SC-group showed significantly fewer complications (mean difference [MD] 0.08; 95% CI [0.01, 0.53]; I2 = 22%; P < 0.009) and trends towards better sagittal alignment (MD 5.11; 95% CI [11.92, 1.71]; I2 = 94%; P < 0.14), less reinterventions (MD 0.31; 95% CI [0.01, 8.31]; P < 0.48), and fewer patients with motion limitation at the end of follow-up (MD 0.23; 95% CI [0.03, 1.98]; P < 0.18), although these findings were not statistically significant.
CONCLUSIONS
Despite a limited number of studies comparing SC versus CRC/F in overriding DRF in children under 11 years, this study suggests that anatomical reduction is not necessary. Treating these fractures with SC, even when presenting with an overriding position, leads to reduced complications, shows a trend towards fewer reinterventions, improved sagittal alignment, and less limitation in patient motion.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Level III, Systematic review of Level-III studies.
PubMed: 38594456
DOI: 10.1007/s00590-024-03936-4 -
Journal of Neuroscience Research Apr 2024Neurodegenerative diseases are progressive disorders characterized by synaptic loss and neuronal death. Optogenetics combines optical and genetic methods to control the... (Review)
Review
Neurodegenerative diseases are progressive disorders characterized by synaptic loss and neuronal death. Optogenetics combines optical and genetic methods to control the activity of specific cell types. The efficacy of this approach in neurodegenerative diseases has been investigated in many reviews, however, none of them tackled it systematically. Our study aimed to review systematically the findings of optogenetics and its potential applications in animal models of chronic neurodegenerative diseases and compare it with deep brain stimulation and designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs techniques. The search strategy was performed based on the PRISMA guidelines and the risk of bias was assessed following the Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory Animal Experimentation tool. A total of 247 articles were found, of which 53 were suitable for the qualitative analysis. Our data revealed that optogenetic manipulation of distinct neurons in the brain is efficient in rescuing memory impairment, alleviating neuroinflammation, and reducing plaque pathology in Alzheimer's disease. Similarly, this technique shows an advanced understanding of the contribution of various neurons involved in the basal ganglia pathways with Parkinson's disease motor symptoms and pathology. However, the optogenetic application using animal models of Huntington's disease, multiple sclerosis, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis was limited. Optogenetics is a promising technique that enhanced our knowledge in the research of neurodegenerative diseases and addressed potential therapeutic solutions for managing these diseases' symptoms and delaying their progression. Nevertheless, advanced investigations should be considered to improve optogenetic tools' efficacy and safety to pave the way for their translatability to the clinic.
Topics: Animals; Optogenetics; Neurodegenerative Diseases; Brain; Basal Ganglia; Parkinson Disease
PubMed: 38588013
DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25321 -
ENeuro Apr 2024This systematic review presented a comprehensive survey of studies that applied transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial electrical stimulation to parietal and... (Review)
Review
This systematic review presented a comprehensive survey of studies that applied transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial electrical stimulation to parietal and nonparietal areas to examine the neural basis of symbolic arithmetic processing. All findings were compiled with regard to the three assumptions of the triple-code model (TCM) of number processing. Thirty-seven eligible manuscripts were identified for review (33 with healthy participants and 4 with patients). Their results are broadly consistent with the first assumption of the TCM that intraparietal sulcus both hold a magnitude code and engage in operations requiring numerical manipulations such as subtraction. However, largely heterogeneous results conflicted with the second assumption of the TCM that the left angular gyrus subserves arithmetic fact retrieval, such as the retrieval of rote-learned multiplication results. Support is also limited for the third assumption of the TCM, namely, that the posterior superior parietal lobule engages in spatial operations on the mental number line. Furthermore, results from the stimulation of brain areas outside of those postulated by the TCM show that the bilateral supramarginal gyrus is involved in online calculation and retrieval, the left temporal cortex in retrieval, and the bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and cerebellum in online calculation of cognitively demanding arithmetic problems. The overall results indicate that multiple cortical areas subserve arithmetic skills.
Topics: Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Brain; Learning; Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation; Parietal Lobe; Brain Mapping
PubMed: 38580452
DOI: 10.1523/ENEURO.0318-23.2024