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Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews Jun 2024Research has indicated unique challenges in audiovisual integration of speech among autistic individuals, although methodological differences have led to divergent... (Review)
Review
Research has indicated unique challenges in audiovisual integration of speech among autistic individuals, although methodological differences have led to divergent findings. We conducted a systematic literature search to identify studies that measured audiovisual speech integration among both autistic and non-autistic individuals. Across the 18 identified studies (combined N = 952), autistic individuals showed impaired audiovisual integration compared to their non-autistic peers (g = 0.69, 95% CI [0.53, 0.85], p <.001). This difference was not found to be influenced by participants' mean ages, studies' sample sizes, risk-of-bias scores, or paradigms investigated. However, a subgroup analysis suggested that child studies may show larger between-group differences than adult ones. The prevailing pattern of impaired audiovisual speech integration in autism may have cascading effects on communicative and social behavior. However, small samples and inconsistency in design/analysis translated into considerable heterogeneity in findings and opacity regarding the influence of underlying unisensory and attentional factors. We recommend three key directions for future research: larger samples, more research with adults, and standardization of methodology and analytical approaches.
PubMed: 38945419
DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105787 -
Reproductive Health Jun 2024Access to an on-demand pericoital oral contraceptive pill - used to prevent pregnancy within a defined window around sexual intercourse - could offer women more... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Access to an on-demand pericoital oral contraceptive pill - used to prevent pregnancy within a defined window around sexual intercourse - could offer women more reproductive agency. A contraceptive with this indication is not currently available in any market. This review aims to understand international user appeal for an on-demand pericoital oral contraceptive pill.
METHODS
Systematic scoping review, comprising 30 peer-reviewed papers published between 2014-2023.
RESULTS
Data from 30 papers reporting on research from 16 countries across five World Health Organisation regions suggests widespread user appeal for on-demand oral contraceptive pills that can be used peri- or post-coitally, especially among women who are younger, more educated or who have less frequent sex. Women of varying age, wealth, employment or relationship status, and with different prior experience of using modern contraceptives, were also interested. Women identified clear rationale for use and preference of these types of product: close alignment with women's sexual lives that comprised unplanned, spontaneous or occasional sex; perceived convenience and effectiveness; discreet use of pills to negotiate contextual circumstances that constrained their reproductive agency. Factors inhibiting use included knowledge barriers and attitudes of service providers, a lack of knowledge and misinformation among end-users, women's dislike of menstrual side effects and myths related to the effects of hormone content on future fertility.
CONCLUSIONS
Introduction of an on-demand pericoital oral contraceptive pill could expand contraceptive choice for diverse women experiencing unmet need for modern contraception and constrained sexual and reproductive agency. Priorities for future research include: broadening the geographical scope of evidence to include SE Asia and the Pacific, and international rural and peri-urban settings; documenting the perspectives of adolescents and unmarried young people; identifying opportunities for innovation in the supply channels to enhance appropriate, affordable access to on-demand oral contraceptives; and unpacking how to bring new pericoital contraceptives to the market in a variety of international settings.
Topics: Humans; Female; Contraceptives, Oral; Contraception Behavior; Coitus; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Pregnancy; Sexual Behavior; Patient Acceptance of Health Care; Contraception
PubMed: 38943120
DOI: 10.1186/s12978-024-01829-7 -
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 -
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 -
Heliyon Jun 2024Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a behaviorally defined complex neurodevelopmental syndrome characterized by persistent social communication and interaction deficit.... (Review)
Review
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a behaviorally defined complex neurodevelopmental syndrome characterized by persistent social communication and interaction deficit. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a promising and emerging tool for the intervention of ASD by reducing both core and associate symptoms. Several reviews have been published regarding TMS-based ASD treatment, however, a systematic review on study characteristics, specific stimulating parameters, localization techniques, stimulated targets, behavioral outcomes, and neuroimage biomarker changes is lagged behind since 2018. Here, we performed a systematic search on literatures published after 2018 in PubMed, Web of Science, and Science Direct. After screening, the final systematic review included 17 articles, composing seven randomized controlled trial studies and ten open-label studies. Two studies are double-blind, while the other studies have a moderate to high risk of bias attributing to inadequate subject- and evaluator-blinding to treatment allocation. Five studies utilize theta-burst stimulation mode, and the others apply repetitive TMS with low frequency (five studies), high frequency (six studies), and combined low and high frequency stimulation (one study). Most researchers prioritize the bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal lobe as stimulation target, while parietal lobule, inferior parietal lobule, and posterior superior temporal sulci have also emerged as new targets of attention. One third of the studies use neuronavigation based on anatomical magnetic resonance imaging to locate the stimulation target. After TMS intervention, discernible enhancements across a spectrum of scales are evident in stereotyped behavior, repetitive behavior, and verbal social domains. A comprehensive review of literature spanning the last five years demonstrates the potential of TMS treatment for ASD in ameliorating the clinical core symptoms.
PubMed: 38933955
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32251 -
Children (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Traditional pharmacological treatments, although effective, often carry potential side effects, which positions art therapy and music therapy as promising... (Review)
Review
Interventions through Art Therapy and Music Therapy in Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Language Disorders, and Learning Disabilities in Pediatric-Aged Children: A Systematic Review.
Traditional pharmacological treatments, although effective, often carry potential side effects, which positions art therapy and music therapy as promising non-pharmacological alternatives to alleviate symptoms and improve social, cognitive, and emotional skills without the associated risks. Through a review in the SCOPUS and WOS databases following the PRISMA protocol, a total of 80 articles were analyzed through a series of determined categories and subcategories of analysis. The aim of this study is to evaluate and synthesize the existing evidence on the efficacy and applicability of art therapy and music therapy in the treatment of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), hyperactivity disorder (HSDD), developmental language disorders, and language learning difficulties, identifying best practices and key areas for future research. Among the main findings is that art therapy and music therapy have a significant impact on symptomatology, behavior, and communication as well as social, cognitive, and emotional skills in the pediatric populations studied. These therapies are highly valued by the participants with a large majority recognizing their adaptability to different educational and clinical contexts. It is concluded that these therapies have a high potential as viable alternatives or complements to traditional pharmacological treatments, justifying their application and further study in broader therapeutic contexts.
PubMed: 38929285
DOI: 10.3390/children11060706 -
International Journal of Environmental... Jun 2024The suicide rates in Guyana, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago are among the highest in the Americas, containing significant Indo-Caribbean populations that are suggested... (Review)
Review
The suicide rates in Guyana, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago are among the highest in the Americas, containing significant Indo-Caribbean populations that are suggested to be most vulnerable to suicide. This systematic review analyzes the existing literature and identifies knowledge gaps in risk and protective factors against suicide in these countries. The literature search conducted followed PRISMA guidelines using the PubMed and APA PsycInfo databases. The PRISMA flow diagram illustrated that eight scholarly papers were eligible for inclusion. Included literature examined stratified data focused on the aforementioned countries, as well as their Indo-Caribbean adolescent populations. Excluded literature did not mention suicidality, adolescents, Indo-Caribbeans, or the focal countries or was focused on the Jonestown mass murder-suicide event. The studies encompassed 6581 individuals. Identified risk factors include social stigma regarding suicide, mental health resource scarcity, and difficult socioeconomic conditions. The identified protective factors for youth include religious/spiritual practices and group activities. Limitations include database quantity, risk of publication bias, and the small sample for each study. A prevailing social stigma regarding suicide was identified. Greater research is needed relating to effects of suicide legislation, bereavement experiences, sociocultural contexts, geography, migration patterns, and culturally compatible interventions to aid future suicide prevention efforts. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023417494).
Topics: Humans; Adolescent; Suicide; Risk Factors; Suicidal Ideation
PubMed: 38929047
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21060801 -
BMC Public Health Jun 2024Although physical activity (PA) is associated with significant health benefits, only a small percentage of adolescents meet recommended PA levels. This systematic review... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
DE-PASS best evidence statement (BESt): determinants of adolescents' device-based physical activity and sedentary behaviour in settings: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
Although physical activity (PA) is associated with significant health benefits, only a small percentage of adolescents meet recommended PA levels. This systematic review with meta-analysis explored the modifiable determinants of adolescents' device-based PA and/or sedentary behaviour (SB), evaluated in previous interventions and examined the associations between PA/SB and these determinants in settings.
METHODS
A search was conducted on five electronic databases, including papers published from January 2010 to July 2023. Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) or Controlled Trials (CTs) measuring adolescents' device-based PA/SB and their modifiable determinants at least at two time points: pre- and post-intervention were considered eligible. PA/SB and determinants were the main outcomes. Modifiable determinants were classified after data extraction adopting the social-ecological perspective. Robust Bayesian meta-analyses (RoBMA) were performed per each study setting. Outcomes identified in only one study were presented narratively. The risk of bias for each study and the certainty of the evidence for each meta-analysis were evaluated. The publication bias was also checked.
PROSPERO ID
CRD42021282874.
RESULTS
Fourteen RCTs (eight in school, three in school and family, and one in the family setting) and one CT (in the school setting) were included. Fifty-four modifiable determinants were identified and were combined into 33 broader determinants (21 individual-psychological, four individual-behavioural, seven interpersonal, and one institutional). RoBMAs revealed none or negligible pooled intervention effects on PA/SB or determinants in all settings. The certainty of the evidence of the impact of interventions on outcomes ranged from very low to low. Narratively, intervention effects in favour of the experimental group were detected in school setting for the determinants: knowledge of the environment for practicing PA, d = 1.84, 95%CI (1.48, 2.20), behaviour change techniques, d = 0.90, 95%CI (0.09, 1.70), choice provided, d = 0.70, 95%CI (0.36, 1.03), but no corresponding effects on PA or SB were found.
CONCLUSIONS
Weak to minimal evidence regarding the associations between the identified modifiable determinants and adolescents' device-based PA/SB in settings were found, probably due to intervention ineffectiveness. Well-designed and well-implemented multicomponent interventions should further explore the variety of modifiable determinants of adolescents' PA/SB, including policy and environmental variables.
Topics: Humans; Sedentary Behavior; Adolescent; Exercise; Adolescent Behavior; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 38926707
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19136-y -
BMC Geriatrics Jun 202440-60% of persons living with dementia (PLWD) experience agitation and/or aggression symptoms. There is a need to understand the best method to detect agitation and/or...
OBJECTIVE
40-60% of persons living with dementia (PLWD) experience agitation and/or aggression symptoms. There is a need to understand the best method to detect agitation and/or aggression in PLWD. We aimed to identify agitation and/or aggression tools that are validated against a reference standard within the context of PLWD.
METHODS
Our study was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42020156708). We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycINFO up to April 22, 2024. There were no language or date restrictions. Studies were included if they used any tools or questionnaires for detecting either agitation or aggression compared to a reference standard among PLWD, or any studies that compared two or more agitation and/or aggression tools in the population. All screening and data extraction were done in duplicates. Study quality was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 (QUADAS-2) tool. Data extraction was completed in duplicates by two independent authors. We extracted demographic information, prevalence of agitation and/or aggression, and diagnostic accuracy measures. We also reported studies comparing the correlation between two or more agitation and/or aggression tools.
RESULTS
6961 articles were screened across databases. Six articles reporting diagnostic accuracy measures compared to a reference standard and 30 articles reporting correlation measurements between tools were included. The agitation domain of the Spanish NPI demonstrated the highest sensitivity (100%) against the agitation subsection of the Spanish CAMDEX. Single-study evidence was found for the diagnostic accuracy of commonly used agitation scales (BEHAVE-AD, NPI and CMAI).
CONCLUSIONS
The agitation domain of the Spanish NPI, the NBRS, and the PAS demonstrated high sensitivities, and may be reasonable for clinical implementation. However, a limitation to this finding is that despite an extensive search, few studies with diagnostic accuracy measurements were identified. Ultimately, more research is needed to understand the diagnostic accuracy of agitation and/or aggression detection tools among PLWD.
Topics: Humans; Aggression; Psychomotor Agitation; Dementia
PubMed: 38926638
DOI: 10.1186/s12877-024-05143-6 -
Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024This study aimed to identify the impact of nutrition education on various health-related components of hemodialysis patients. A systematic review was conducted according... (Review)
Review
This study aimed to identify the impact of nutrition education on various health-related components of hemodialysis patients. A systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. Relevant literature published between 2013 and 2023 was identified across two databases (PubMed and Science Direct). The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023460681). Two independent reviewers retrieved the data, and 41 studies were selected. Nine components related to the impact of nutrition education in hemodialysis patients were identified. Each component was clarified by mentioning each study and its results. This study enabled us to characterize the various components of the impact of nutritional education in hemodialysis patients, namely biological markers, quality of life, cost of care, adherence to dietary recommendations, knowledge, malnutrition inflammation, dietary intake, weight change, and behavior change. This systematic review enables healthcare providers to assess the impact of nutritional education on hemodialysis patients. Also, it gives professionals an exact idea of the impact of nutrition education on hemodialysis patients, with knowledge of new methods using behavior change theories and innovative technological tools.
PubMed: 38921311
DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12121197