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Frontiers in Pediatrics 2023Anti-VEGF drugs like ranibizumab can be used to treat retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) by halting the formation of abnormal blood vessels, or lasers can be used to burn... (Review)
Review
UNLABELLED
Anti-VEGF drugs like ranibizumab can be used to treat retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) by halting the formation of abnormal blood vessels, or lasers can be used to burn the edges of the retina where these vessels are present. The objective is to compare the efficacy for ROP between ranibizumab and laser therapy.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Electronic searches will be carried out in medical databases with key words and controlled vocabulary terms. Randomized controlled trials (RCT) will be assessed. The primary outcome will be the full ROP regression. Two reviewers will extract the data using predefined forms and, to assess the quality of the study, we will use RoB 2.0, the tool for randomized controlled trials developed by the Cochrane Collaboration. We used a combination of the inverse-variance approach and random-effects models for the meta-analysis.
RESULTS
The eyes of 182 preterm infants who had ranibizumab treatment were assessed in a total of 364 eyes, and 135 infants received laser therapy. The follow-up period was between 6 and 24 months. Ranibizumab was not associated with greater regression of ROP compared to laser therapy in preterm infants (RR: 1.09, CI 95%: 0.95-1.24; : 0.22). Also, ranibizumab was not associated with recurrence of ROP compared to laser therapy in preterm infants (RR: 3.77, CI 95%: 0.55-25.81; : 0.22).
CONCLUSIONS
The efficacy of ranibizumab compared to laser is very uncertain in terms of ROP regression and decreased ROP recurrence in preterm infants.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
identifier PROSPERO (CRD42022324150).
PubMed: 37601137
DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1202927 -
BMC Public Health Aug 2023The objective of this systematic review is to identify tuberculosis (TB) high-risk among the general population globally. The review was conducted using the following...
INTRODUCTION
The objective of this systematic review is to identify tuberculosis (TB) high-risk among the general population globally. The review was conducted using the following steps: elaboration of the research question, search for relevant publications, selection of studies found, data extraction, analysis, and evidence synthesis.
METHODS
The studies included were those published in English, from original research, presented findings relevant to tuberculosis high-risk across the globe, published between 2017 and 2023, and were based on geospatial analysis of TB. Two reviewers independently selected the articles and were blinded to each other`s comments. The resultant disagreement was resolved by a third blinded reviewer. For bibliographic search, controlled and free vocabularies that address the question to be investigated were used. The searches were carried out on PubMed, LILACS, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science. and Google Scholar.
RESULTS
A total of 79 published articles with a 40-year study period between 1982 and 2022 were evaluated. Based on the 79 studies, more than 40% of all countries that have carried out geospatial analysis of TB were from Asia, followed by South America with 23%, Africa had about 15%, and others with 2% and 1%. Various maps were used in the various studies and the most used is the thematic map (32%), rate map (26%), map of temporal tendency (20%), and others like the kernel density map (6%). The characteristics of the high-risk and the factors that affect the hotspot's location are evident through studies related to poor socioeconomic conditions constituting (39%), followed by high population density (17%), climate-related clustering (15%), high-risk spread to neighbouring cities (13%), unstable and non-random cluster (11%).
CONCLUSION
There exist specific high-risk for TB which are areas that are related to low socioeconomic conditions and spectacular weather conditions, these areas when well-known will be easy targets for intervention by policymakers. We recommend that more studies making use of spatial, temporal, and spatiotemporal analysis be carried out to point out territories and populations that are vulnerable to TB.
Topics: Humans; Tuberculosis; Africa; Asia; Cities; Climate
PubMed: 37598144
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16493-y -
Acta Psychologica Sep 2023Previous reviews of the nature and consequences of adult-child book reading have focused on seeking impacts of interactive reading on the acquisition of vocabulary and...
Previous reviews of the nature and consequences of adult-child book reading have focused on seeking impacts of interactive reading on the acquisition of vocabulary and emergent literacy skills. In this systematic review we examined to what extent there has been systematic study of the effects of interactive reading on four less frequently studied developmental outcomes important to children's academic and life prospects: socio-emotional and socio-cognitive (SEL) skills, narrative skills, grammar, and world knowledge. We identified 67 studies of interactive reading that met the inclusion criteria and that examined the targeted outcomes, using either experimental, quasi-experimental, correlational, or single-group intervention methods. We found that studies of effects on grammar and world knowledge outcomes were very sparsely represented; though narrative was often studied as an outcome, the wide variation in conceptualizing and assessing the construct hampered any clear conclusion about book-reading effects. The most robust research strand focused on SEL skill outcomes, though here too the outcome assessments varied widely. We speculate that better instrumented approaches to assessing vocabulary and emergent literacy have led to the persistent emphasis on these domains, despite robust evidence of only modest associations, and argue that work to develop sound shared measures of narrative and SEL skills would enable cross-study comparison and the accumulation of findings. In addition, we note that the various studies implicated different explanatory principles for the value of reading with children: specific interactional features (open-ended questions, following the child's lead, expanding child utterances) or content features (emotion-enhanced books, talk about mental states, science topics), raising another topic for more focused study in the future.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Child, Preschool; Reading; Vocabulary; Literacy; Linguistics; Books
PubMed: 37562321
DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2023.103997 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Aug 2023Second language (L2) learners are a heterogeneous group. Their L2 skills are highly varied due to internal factors (e.g. cognitive development) and external factors... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Second language (L2) learners are a heterogeneous group. Their L2 skills are highly varied due to internal factors (e.g. cognitive development) and external factors (e.g. cultural and linguistic contexts). As a group, their L2 vocabulary skills appear to be lower than their monolingual peers. This pattern tends to persist over time and may have negative consequences for social interaction and inclusion, learning, and academic achievement.
OBJECTIVES
To examine the immediate and long-term effects of second language (L2) vocabulary interventions targeting L2 learners up to six years of age on vocabulary and social-emotional well-being. To examine the associations between L2 vocabulary interventions and the general characteristics of L2 learners (e.g. age, L2 exposure, and L1 skills).
SEARCH METHODS
We used standard, extensive Cochrane search methods. The latest search date was December 2022.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the effects of vocabulary interventions for L2 learners up to six years of age with standard care.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. Our primary outcomes were 1. receptive and 2. expressive L2 vocabulary (both proximal and distal), and 3. mean length of utterance (MLU; which is a measure of potential adverse effects). Our secondary outcomes were 4. L2 narrative skills, 5. L1 receptive vocabulary (both proximal and distal), 6. L1 expressive vocabulary (both proximal and distal), 7. L1 listening comprehension, 8. L2 grammatical knowledge, 9. L2 reading comprehension (long-term), and 10. socio-emotional well-being (measured with Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire).
MAIN RESULTS
We found 12 studies involving 1943 participants. Two studies were conducted in Norway, seven in the USA, and single studies conducted in Canada, China, and the Netherlands. Ten studies were conducted in preschool settings, with a preschool teacher being the most common delivery agent for the intervention. The interventions were mainly organised as small-group sessions, with three or four children per group. The mean dosage per week was 80 minutes and ranged from 24 to 120 minutes. The studies commonly applied shared book reading (reading aloud with the children), with target words embedded in the books. Standard care differed based on the setting and local conditions in each country or (pre)school. In some studies, the comparison groups received vocabulary instruction in preschool groups. Compared to standard care, the effect of L2 vocabulary interventions varied across outcome measures. For vocabulary measures including words that were taught in the intervention (proximal outcome measures), the intervention effects were large for both receptive L2 vocabulary (i.e. understanding of words; standardised mean difference (SMD) 0.97, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.64 to 1.30; 4 studies, 1973 participants; very low-certainty evidence) and expressive L2 vocabulary (i.e. expressing or producing words; SMD 0.86, 95% CI 0.56 to 1.17; 6 studies, 1121 participants; very low-certainty evidence). However, due to some concerns in the overall risk of bias assessment, substantial heterogeneity, and wide CIs, we have limited confidence in these results. For language measures that did not include taught vocabulary (distal outcome measures), the intervention effects were small for receptive vocabulary (SMD 0.29, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.55; 6 studies, 1074 participants; low-certainty evidence) and probably made little to no difference to expressive vocabulary (SMD 0.10, 95% CI -0.02 to 0.23; 7 studies, 960 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). There was little to no intervention effect on L2 listening comprehension (SMD 0.19, 95% CI -0.31 to 0.68; 2 studies, 294 participants; very low-certainty evidence), but the evidence was uncertain, and the interventions probably increased L2 narrative skills slightly (SMD 0.37, 95% CI 0.14 to 0.59; 2 studies, 487 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). Only one study reported data on MLU, and we were unable to examine the effect of intervention on this outcome. The level of certainty of the evidence was downgraded mainly due to inconsistency and imprecision. We were unable to draw conclusions about socio-emotional well-being, or conduct the planned subgroup analyses to examine the second objective, due to lack of data.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Findings from this review suggest that, compared to standard care, vocabulary interventions may benefit children's L2 vocabulary learning but have little to no effect on their listening comprehension, though the evidence is uncertain. Vocabulary interventions probably improve the children's storytelling skills slightly. Due to the limited number of studies that met our inclusion criteria and the very low- to moderate-certainty evidence as a result of inconsistency and imprecision, implications for practice should be considered with caution. This review highlights the need for more high-quality trials (e.g. RCTs) of vocabulary interventions for L2 learners, particularly studies of learners outside the USA.
Topics: Child; Child, Preschool; Humans; Vocabulary; Communication; Emotions; Cognition; Language
PubMed: 37531583
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD014890.pub2 -
Journal of Speech, Language, and... Aug 2023The development of vocabulary size in deaf/hard of hearing (DHH) children and adolescents can be delayed compared to their peers due to lack of access to early language... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
PURPOSE
The development of vocabulary size in deaf/hard of hearing (DHH) children and adolescents can be delayed compared to their peers due to lack of access to early language input. Complementary vocabulary interventions are reported in the literature. Our aim is to evaluate the effectiveness of intervention methods for their vocabulary improvement.
METHOD
Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, we searched five databases for peer-reviewed journal articles in English, published between 2000 and 2022 (inclusive), reporting vocabulary interventions for 2- to 18-year-old DHH children and adolescents without comorbidities. We conducted separate meta-analyses using a random-effects model on receptive oral vocabulary, expressive oral vocabulary, and signed vocabulary. We assessed the methodological quality of each paper. This review is preregistered in PROSPERO (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews) with ID CRD42021243479.
RESULTS
We included 25 group studies in this review out of 1,724 identified records. The quality assessment of the studies revealed risk of bias ranging from some concerns to high risk. Experimental vocabulary instruction produced improvement in receptive oral vocabulary (Hedges's = 1.08, 95% CI [0.25, 1.90], = 93.46, = .01), expressive oral vocabulary (Hedges's = 1.00, 95% CI [0.18, 1.83], = 96.37, = .02), and signed vocabulary (Hedges's = 1.88, 95% CI [1.09, 2.66], = 96.01, < .001) in the experimental groups. Written vocabulary and general vocabulary skills are also reported as a synthesis of results.
CONCLUSIONS
Multisensory and multimodal explicit vocabulary instruction for DHH children and adolescents is helpful in improving vocabulary acquisition with respect to baseline levels. However, its effectiveness must be carefully interpreted due to the lack of proper control groups and details on reported in the studies.
SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL
https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.23646357.
Topics: Child; Humans; Adolescent; Child, Preschool; Vocabulary; Writing; Peer Group; Hearing; Deafness
PubMed: 37437529
DOI: 10.1044/2023_JSLHR-22-00570 -
The Journal of Pediatrics Nov 2023To evaluate the ethics of involving adolescents in HIV research, we conducted a systematic review of the empiric literature.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the ethics of involving adolescents in HIV research, we conducted a systematic review of the empiric literature.
METHODS
Electronic databases Ovid Medline, Embase, and CINAHL were systematically searched using controlled vocabulary terms related to ethics, HIV, specified age groups, and empiric research studies. We reviewed titles and abstracts, including studies that collected qualitative or quantitative data, evaluated ethical issues in HIV research, and included adolescents. Studies were appraised for quality, data were extracted, and studies were analyzed using narrative synthesis.
RESULTS
We included 41 studies: 24 qualitative, 11 quantitative, 6 mixed methods; 22 from high-income countries (HIC), 18 from low- or middle-income countries (LMIC), and 1 from both HIC and LMIC. Adolescent, parent, and community perspectives assert the benefits of involving minors in HIV research. Participants in LMIC expressed mixed views regarding parental consent requirements and confidentiality, given adolescents' both increasing autonomy and continued need for adult support. In studies in HIC, sexual or gender minority youth would not participate in research if parental consent were required or if there were confidentiality concerns. There was variation in the comprehension of research concepts, but adolescents generally demonstrated good comprehension of informed consent. Informed consent processes can be improved to increase comprehension and study accessibility. Vulnerable participants face complex social barriers that should be considered in study design.
CONCLUSIONS
Data support the inclusion of adolescents in HIV research. Empiric research can inform consent processes and procedural safeguards to ensure appropriate access.
Topics: Adult; Adolescent; Humans; Informed Consent; Minors; Parental Consent; Parents; Confidentiality; HIV Infections
PubMed: 37399918
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2023.113589 -
American Journal of Perinatology May 2024Superior vena cava (SVC) flow has been considered a surrogate marker of systemic blood flow in neonates. We conducted a systematic review to evaluate the association...
Superior vena cava (SVC) flow has been considered a surrogate marker of systemic blood flow in neonates. We conducted a systematic review to evaluate the association between low SVC flow recorded during the early neonatal period and neonatal outcomes. We searched the following databases (until December 9, 2020; updated October 21, 2022): PROSPERO, OVID Medline, OVID EMBASE, Cochrane Library (CDSR and Central), Proquest Dissertations and Theses Global, and SCOPUS using controlled vocabulary and key words representing the concepts "superior vena cava" and "flow" and "neonate." Results were exported to COVIDENCE review management software. The search retrieved 593 records after the removal of duplicates, of which 11 studies (nine cohorts) met the inclusion criteria. The majority of the studies included infants born at <30 weeks of gestation. The included studies were assessed as high risk of bias in terms of the incomparability of the study groups, with infants in the low SVC flow group noted to be more immature than those in the normal SVC flow group or subjected to different cointerventions. We did not conduct meta-analyses in view of the significant clinical heterogeneity noted in the included studies. We found little evidence to suggest that SVC flow in the early neonatal period is an independent predictor for adverse clinical outcomes in preterm infants. Included studies were assessed at high risk of bias. We conclude that SVC flow interpretation for prognostication or for making treatment decisions should be restricted to the research setting for now. We highlight the need for strengthened methods in future research studies. KEY POINTS: · We studied whether low SVC flow in the early neonatal period is a marker for adverse outcomes in preterm infants.. · There is insufficient evidence to conclude that low SVC flow is a valid predictor of adverse outcomes.. · There is insufficient evidence to conclude that SVC flow-directed hemodynamic management improves clinical outcomes..
Topics: Humans; Infant, Newborn; Vena Cava, Superior; Infant, Premature; Gestational Age
PubMed: 37339677
DOI: 10.1055/a-2113-8621 -
Journal of Perianesthesia Nursing :... Dec 2023The aims of current meta-analysis was to combine data and statistics on the global prevalence of OSA and related factors in older adults. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
PURPOSE
The aims of current meta-analysis was to combine data and statistics on the global prevalence of OSA and related factors in older adults.
DESIGN
A systematic review and meta-analysis.
METHODS
To find related studies, various databases were searched including Embase, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science (WoS), MagIran, and SID (two local databases) using appropriate keywords, MeSH and controlled vocabulary, with no time limitation up to June, 2021. Heterogeneity of studies was evaluated using I, and Egger's regression intercept was used to detect publication bias.
FINDINGS
39 studies with a total sample size of 33,353 people were included. The pooled prevalence of OSA in older adults was 35.9% (95% confidence interval: 28.7%-43.8%; I = 98.81%). Considering the high heterogeneity of included studies, subgroup analysis was conducted and yielded the most prevalent in Asia continent with 37.0% (95% CI: 22.4%-54.5%; I = 97.32%). However, heterogeneity was remained at high level. In the majority of studies, OSA was significantly and positively related to obesity, increased BMI, age, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and daytime sleepiness.
CONCLUSIONS
Results of this study showed that global prevalence of OSA in older adults is high and is significantly related to obesity, increased BMI, age, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and daytime sleepiness. These findings can be used by experts working on the diagnosis and management of OSA in the geriatric population. These findings can be used by experts on the diagnosis and treatment of OSA in the older adults. Due to high heterogeneity, findings should be interpreted with great caution.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Risk Factors; Prevalence; Cardiovascular Diseases; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive; Obesity; Disorders of Excessive Somnolence; Diabetes Mellitus
PubMed: 37318436
DOI: 10.1016/j.jopan.2023.01.018 -
Endocrine Practice : Official Journal... Oct 2023Behavioral therapy, gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT), and surgery are all components of a successful gender transition, but due to a historical lack of access,...
OBJECTIVE
Behavioral therapy, gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT), and surgery are all components of a successful gender transition, but due to a historical lack of access, there is paucity of long-term data in this population. We sought to better characterize the risk of hepatobiliary neoplasms in transgender males undergoing GAHT with testosterone.
METHODS
In addition to the 2 case reports, a systematic literature review of hepatobiliary neoplasms in the setting of testosterone administration or endogenous overproduction across indications was conducted. The medical librarian created search strategies using keywords and controlled vocabulary in Ovid Medline, Embase.com, Scopus, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and clinicaltrials.gov. A total of 1273 unique citations were included in the project library. All unique abstracts were reviewed, and abstracts were selected for complete review. Inclusion criteria were articles reporting cases of hepatobiliary neoplasm development in patients with exogenous testosterone administration or endogenous overproduction. Non-English language articles were excluded. Cases were collated into tables based on indication.
RESULTS
Forty-nine papers had cases of hepatocellular adenoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma, or other biliary neoplasm in the setting of testosterone administration or endogenous overproduction. These 49 papers yielded 62 unique cases.
CONCLUSION
Results of this review are not sufficient to conclude that there is an association between GAHT and hepatobiliary neoplasms. This supports current evaluation and screening guidelines for initiation and continuation of GAHT in transgender men. The heterogeneity of testosterone formulations limits the translation of risks of hepatobiliary neoplasms in other indications to GAHT.
Topics: Humans; Male; Gastrointestinal Neoplasms; Liver Neoplasms; Testosterone; Transgender Persons
PubMed: 37286102
DOI: 10.1016/j.eprac.2023.05.011 -
Evidence-based Dentistry Sep 2023Systematic review and meta-analysis. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
TYPE OF STUDY DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis.
DATA SOURCES
MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science for English studies published until December 2017 using a controlled vocabulary (MeSH, Emtree) with no time restrictions were searched. The system for information on Grey literature in Europe (SIGLE), a manual search of all issues since 2000 of several implant-related journals, and reference list of all included studies were additionally surveyed by two reviewers in duplicate.
STUDY SELECTION
Two reviewers assessed papers for eligibility by title and abstract and then by full text in duplicate. Disagreements were solved by a discussion with a third reviewer where agreement was almost perfect (κ = 0.91). Randomized (RCTs) and non-randomized clinical studies with a minimum follow-up of 3 years and minimum sample size of 20 patients reporting on biological, prosthetic complications, and patient-related outcome measures (PROMs) were eligible. The primary outcome was the biological complication of implant failure and the main secondary outcome was peri-implant marginal bone loss (MBL).
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
No RCTs were found and eligible Non RCTs were assessed for risk of bias using ROBINS-I Tool. Implant failure and peri-implant MBL measured radiographically in mm were assessed between the two groups using relative risk and mean difference respectively with 95% confidence interval. Meta-analysis was conducted using a random effects model with Paule-Mandle estimator as wide variation of true effects was expected. Additional subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed as well as rating the quality of meta-evidence using GRADE approach.
MAIN RESULTS
17 non-randomized studies (8 prospective and 9 retrospective) including a total of 7568 implants were included. Meta-analysis showed no difference in implant failure in 8 studies (RR = 0.95; 95% CI = 0.7 to 1.28; p = 0.74). Also, no significant difference was found in MBL in 16 studies (MD = 0.03 mm; 95% CI = -0.03 to 0.10 mm; p = 0.32).
CONCLUSIONS
Considering the serious risk of bias of included studies, heterogeneity, and lack of randomized controlled clinical studies, the placement of tilted implants showed no added risk of failure or increased MBL compared to straight implants.
Topics: Humans; Prospective Studies; Retrospective Studies; Dental Implants; Bone Diseases, Metabolic; Dissent and Disputes
PubMed: 37169963
DOI: 10.1038/s41432-023-00896-2