-
Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland) Nov 2023Tandem solar cells (TSCs) perform a better adaptation of the incident photons in different-energy-level bandgap materials, and overcome the Shockley-Queisser limit, but... (Review)
Review
Tandem solar cells (TSCs) perform a better adaptation of the incident photons in different-energy-level bandgap materials, and overcome the Shockley-Queisser limit, but they require advanced control over the management of light for optimum performance. Nanomaterials and nanostructures offer a vastly improved control over the management of light. Through different optimization techniques, researchers can gain valuable insights regarding the optimization of various parameters of nano-optical designs. Over the past years, the number of studies on this topic has been continuously increasing. The present study reviews various current state-of-the-art optical designs, and provides an overview of the optimization techniques and numerical modeling of TSCs. This paper collected and analyzed different studies published within the years 2015-2022, using systematic literature review techniques, such as specific protocol screening and a search strategy. Seven different optical designs were extracted, along with their advanced local and global optimization methods, which offer a solution to the optical limitations of TSCs.
PubMed: 38063680
DOI: 10.3390/nano13232985 -
Complementary Therapies in Medicine Dec 2023Tuina is an effective complementary and alternative therapy. However, no bibliometric analysis has explored the global research status and emerging trends of tuina....
OBJECTIVES
Tuina is an effective complementary and alternative therapy. However, no bibliometric analysis has explored the global research status and emerging trends of tuina. Therefore, our study aimed to provide a perspective on the current state and frontier trends in the field.
DESIGN
Bibliometric analysis SETTING: Tuina-related publications between January 1, 2003, and December 31, 2022, were obtained from the Web of Science Core Collection database.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
The knowledge graph software CiteSpace and VOSViewer were used to quantitatively analyse annual trends in annual publication volume, journals, countries, institutions, authors, cited references, and keywords.
RESULTS
Overall, 1877 articles were obtained. Consequently, the number of annual publications in tuina gradually increased. China published the most articles (1402 articles, 58.01%), followed by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (110 articles, 2.57%). Original and review articles were the two main types of publications. Photonics Research ranked first (101 articles, 5.38%) as the most influential affiliate and productive journal. These articles come from 8423 authors, among whom Min Fang published the most publications, and Ernst E was co-cited most often. According to the keyword co-occurrence analysis, the new research frontiers were meta-analyses.
CONCLUSION
This comprehensive bibliometric study analysed the publications on tuina and presented them visually, revealing new research trends, pivotal points, research hotspots, and frontiers. Prospective strategies and potential directions for further studies were also provided.
Topics: Bibliometrics; China; Massage; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; Pattern Recognition, Automated; Prospective Studies
PubMed: 37972695
DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2023.103005 -
European Archives of... May 2024To analyze and compare the available data about the outcomes of endoscopic and microscopic type I tympanoplasty. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
To analyze and compare the available data about the outcomes of endoscopic and microscopic type I tympanoplasty.
DATA SOURCES
PubMed, Cochrane library Ovid, Scopus, Google scholar, and ClinicalTrials.
METHODS
We conducted a meta-analysis in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We included comparative studies describing type I tympanoplasty, and comparing surgical outcomes of the endoscope with the microscope in terms of efficacy and safety.
RESULTS
Our systematic search yielded 22 studies meeting the inclusion criteria and eligible for analysis. The pooled graft uptake rates and audiological results of endoscopic and microscopic tympanoplasty demonstrated non-significant differences. In contrast, endoscopic type I tympanoplasty outperforms microscopic tympanoplasty regarding a highly significant decrease not only in pooled mean operative time but also in the pooled complications rate.
CONCLUSIONS
Based on our meta-analysis, the surgical outcomes of endoscope-assisted and microscope-assisted type I tympanoplasty in terms of postoperative hearing outcomes and the graft uptake rate were comparable. On the contrary, operative time and complications rate proved to be significantly reduced with endoscopy compared to microscopy. Hence, the endoscope is as efficient as the microscope in type I tympanoplasty but less invasive, fewer in complications and shorter in operative time.
Topics: Humans; Tympanoplasty; Microscopy; Treatment Outcome; Myringoplasty; Endoscopy; Endoscopes; Tympanic Membrane Perforation; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 37966540
DOI: 10.1007/s00405-023-08305-1 -
Frontiers in Oncology 2023Radiotherapy has significantly improved cancer survival rates, but it also comes with certain unavoidable complications. Breast and thoracic irradiation, for instance,...
INTRODUCTION
Radiotherapy has significantly improved cancer survival rates, but it also comes with certain unavoidable complications. Breast and thoracic irradiation, for instance, can unintentionally expose the heart to radiation, leading to damage at the cellular level within the myocardial structures. Detecting and monitoring radiation-induced heart disease early on is crucial, and several radionuclide imaging techniques have shown promise in this regard.
METHOD
In this 10-year review, we aimed to identify nuclear medicine imaging modalities that can effectively detect early cardiotoxicity following radiation therapy. Through a systematic search on PubMed, we selected nineteen relevant studies based on predefined criteria.
RESULTS
The data suggest that incidental irradiation of the heart during breast or thoracic radiotherapy can cause early metabolic and perfusion changes. Nuclear imaging plays a prominent role in detecting these subclinical effects, which could potentially serve as predictors of late cardiac complications.
DISCUSSION
However, further studies with larger populations, longer follow-up periods, and specific heart dosimetric data are needed to better understand the relationship between early detection of cardiac abnormalities and radiation-induced heart disease.
PubMed: 37876964
DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1240889 -
Osteoporosis International : a Journal... Mar 2024This review aims to evaluate the accuracy of various mandibular radiomorphometric indices in comparison with DEXA BMD measurements in the diagnosis of osteopenia and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
This review aims to evaluate the accuracy of various mandibular radiomorphometric indices in comparison with DEXA BMD measurements in the diagnosis of osteopenia and osteoporosis based on a meta-analysis of the sensitivity and specificity of the indices. PRISMA statement was followed. The materials for analysis were collected in August 2023 by searching three databases: PubMed Central, Web of Science, and Scopus. The selection of studies consisted of three selection stages, and 64 articles were finally obtained. Quality assessment was performed with the QUADAS-2 tool, and the general methodological quality of retrieved studies was low. Statistical analysis was performed based on 2 × 2 tables and estimated sensitivity and specificity were obtained using SROC curves. The most used indices were MCI, MCW and PMI. The best results in detecting reduced BMD obtained for MCW ≤ 3 mm, estimated sensitivity and specificity were 0.712 (95% CI, 0.477-0.870) and 0.804 (95% CI, 0.589-0.921), respectively. The most prone to the risk of bias is the MCI due to the examiner's subjectivism. Radiomorphometric indices of the mandible can be useful as a screening tool to identify patients with low BMD, but should not be used as a diagnostic method. Further research needs to focus on analysing the ability of the indices to detect osteoporosis and also in combination the indices with clinical parameters.
Topics: Humans; Bone Density; Absorptiometry, Photon; Radiography, Panoramic; Osteoporosis; Mandible
PubMed: 37870561
DOI: 10.1007/s00198-023-06949-7 -
Cancers Oct 2023Radiotherapy (RT) plays an important role in the treatment of patients with previously irradiated locally recurrent rectal cancer (LRRC). Over the years, numerous... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Radiotherapy (RT) plays an important role in the treatment of patients with previously irradiated locally recurrent rectal cancer (LRRC). Over the years, numerous technologies and different types of RT have emerged. The aim of our systematic literature review was to determine whether the new techniques have led to improvements in both outcomes and toxicities.
METHODS
A computerized search was performed by MEDLINE and the Cochrane database. The studies reported data from patients treated with carbon ion radiotherapy (CIRT), intensity-modulated photon radiotherapy (IMRT), and stereotactic radiotherapy (SBRT).
RESULTS
Seven publications of the 126 titles/abstracts that emerged from our search met the inclusion criteria and presented outcomes of 230 patients. OS was reported with rates of 90.0% and 73.0% at 1 and 2 years, respectively; LC was 89.0% and 71.6% at 1 and 2 years after re-RT, respectively. Toxicity data vary widely, with emphasis on acute and chronic gastrointestinal and urogenital toxicity, even with modern techniques.
CONCLUSION
data on toxicity and outcomes of re-RT for LRRC with new technologies are promising compared with 3D techniques. Comparative studies are needed to define the best technique, also in relation to the site of recurrence.
PubMed: 37835532
DOI: 10.3390/cancers15194838 -
Journal of Psychopharmacology (Oxford,... Nov 2023Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a leading cause of global disability. Several lines of evidence implicate the dopamine system in its pathophysiology. However, the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a leading cause of global disability. Several lines of evidence implicate the dopamine system in its pathophysiology. However, the magnitude and consistency of the findings are unknown. We address this by systematically reviewing in vivo imaging evidence for dopamine measures in MDD and meta-analysing these where there are sufficient studies.
METHODS
Studies investigating the dopaminergic system using positron emission tomography or single photon emission computed tomography in MDD and a control group were included. Demographic, clinical and imaging measures were extracted from each study, and meta-analyses and sensitivity analyses were conducted.
RESULTS
We identified 43 studies including 662 patients and 801 controls. Meta-analysis of 38 studies showed no difference in mean or mean variability of striatal D receptor availability ( = 0.06, = 0.620), or combined dopamine synthesis and release capacity ( = 0.19, = 0.309). Dopamine transporter (DAT) availability was lower in the MDD group in studies using DAT selective tracers ( = -0.56, = 0.006), but not when tracers with an affinity for serotonin transporters were included ( = -0.21, = 0.420). Subgroup analysis showed greater dopamine release ( = 0.49, = 0.030), but no difference in dopamine synthesis capacity ( = -0.21, = 0.434) in the MDD group. Striatal D receptor availability was lower in patients with MDD in two studies.
CONCLUSIONS
The meta-analysis indicates striatal DAT availability is lower, but D receptor availability is not altered in people with MDD compared to healthy controls. There may be greater dopamine release and lower striatal D receptors in MDD, although further studies are warranted. We discuss factors associated with these findings, discrepancies with preclinical literature and implications for future research.
Topics: Humans; Dopamine; Depressive Disorder, Major; Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon; Positron-Emission Tomography; Receptors, Dopamine D2; Dopamine Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins
PubMed: 37811803
DOI: 10.1177/02698811231200881 -
Schizophrenia (Heidelberg, Germany) Sep 2023This systematic review aimed to review neuroimaging studies comparing clozapine-resistant schizophrenia patients with clozapine-responding patients, and with first-line... (Review)
Review
This systematic review aimed to review neuroimaging studies comparing clozapine-resistant schizophrenia patients with clozapine-responding patients, and with first-line antipsychotic responding (FLR) patients. A total of 19 studies including 6 longitudinal studies were identified. Imaging techniques comprised computerized tomography (CT, n = 3), structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI, n = 7), magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS, n = 5), functional MRI (n = 1), single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT, n = 3) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI, n = 1). The most consistent finding was hypo-frontality in the clozapine-resistant group compared with the clozapine-responding group with possible differences in frontal-striatal-basal ganglia circuitry as well as the GABA level between the two treatment-resistant groups. Additional statistically significant findings were reported when comparing clozapine-resistant patients with the FLR group, including lower cortical thickness and brain volume of multiple brain regions as well as lower Glx/Cr level in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Both treatment-resistant groups were found to have extensive differences in neurobiological features in comparison with the FLR group. Overall results suggested treatment-resistant schizophrenia is likely to be a neurobiological distinct type of the illness. Clozapine-resistant and clozapine-responding schizophrenia are likely to have both shared and distinct neurobiological features. However, conclusions from existing studies are limited, and future multi-center collaborative studies are required with a consensus clinical definition of patient samples, multimodal imaging tools, and longitudinal study designs.
PubMed: 37752161
DOI: 10.1038/s41537-023-00392-7 -
Obesity Surgery Nov 2023This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the short- and medium-term weight loss outcomes and comorbidity resolution following endoscopic sleeve... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the short- and medium-term weight loss outcomes and comorbidity resolution following endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty. Our search identified 35 relevant studies containing data from 7525 patients. Overall, pooled short-term (12 months) total weight loss (TWL) was 16.2% (95% CI 13.1-19.4%) in 23 studies (n = 5659). Pooled medium-term TWL was 15.4% (95% CI 13.7-17.2%) in 10 studies (n = 4040). Diabetes resolution was 55.4% (95% CI 46-64%), hypertension resolution was 62.8% (95% CI 43-82%), dyslipidaemia resolution was 56.3% (95% CI 49-63%), and obstructive sleep apnoea resolution was 51.7% (95% CI 16.2-87.3%) in four studies (n = 480). This pooled analysis demonstrates that ESG can induce durable weight loss and resolution of obesity-associated comorbidities in patients with moderate obesity.
Topics: Humans; Gastroplasty; Obesity, Morbid; Obesity; Comorbidity; Weight Loss; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 37700147
DOI: 10.1007/s11695-023-06778-x -
Obesity Reviews : An Official Journal... Nov 2023This systematic review collates studies of dietary or bariatric surgery interventions for obesity using positron emission tomography and single-photon emission computed... (Review)
Review
Effects of bariatric surgery and dietary interventions for obesity on brain neurotransmitter systems and metabolism: A systematic review of positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) studies.
This systematic review collates studies of dietary or bariatric surgery interventions for obesity using positron emission tomography and single-photon emission computed tomography. Of 604 publications identified, 22 met inclusion criteria. Twelve studies assessed bariatric surgery (seven gastric bypass, five gastric bypass/sleeve gastrectomy), and ten dietary interventions (six low-calorie diet, three very low-calorie diet, one prolonged fasting). Thirteen studies examined neurotransmitter systems (six used tracers for dopamine DRD2/3 receptors: two each for C-raclopride, F-fallypride, I-IBZM; one for dopamine transporter, I-FP-CIT; one used tracer for serotonin 5-HT receptor, F-altanserin; two used tracers for serotonin transporter, C-DASB or I-FP-CIT; two used tracer for μ-opioid receptor, C-carfentanil; one used tracer for noradrenaline transporter, C-MRB); seven studies assessed glucose uptake using F-fluorodeoxyglucose; four studies assessed regional cerebral blood flow using O-H O (one study also used arterial spin labeling); and two studies measured fatty acid uptake using F-FTHA and one using C-palmitate. The review summarizes findings and correlations with clinical outcomes, eating behavior, and mechanistic mediators. The small number of studies using each tracer and intervention, lack of dietary intervention control groups in any surgical studies, heterogeneity in time since intervention and degree of weight loss, and small sample sizes hindered the drawing of robust conclusions across studies.
Topics: Humans; Positron-Emission Tomography; Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon; Bariatric Surgery; Brain; Obesity; Neurotransmitter Agents
PubMed: 37699864
DOI: 10.1111/obr.13620