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Heliyon Jun 2024Cryostimulation involves using water environments and low temperatures as intervention mediums, with main methods including CWI (cold water immersion), CWT (contrast...
A evidence-based approach to selecting post-exercise cryostimulation techniques for improving exercise performance and fatigue recovery: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
RATIONALE
Cryostimulation involves using water environments and low temperatures as intervention mediums, with main methods including CWI (cold water immersion), CWT (contrast water therapy), and WBC (whole-body cryostimulation). Previous systematic reviews focused on the effect of cryostimulation on muscle fatigue and sports performance. However, studies on the selection of different cryostimulation methods and their intervention effects present inconsistent results.
INTRODUCTION
To systematically review and methodologically appraise the quality and effectiveness of existing intervention studies that the effects of various cryostimulation methods, including CWI, CWT, and WBC, on exercise performance and fatigue recovery.
METHODS
Following PRISMA guidelines, we conducted searches in PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and EBSCO databases to gather randomized controlled trials or self-controlled trials involving CWI/CWT/WBC and their effects on exercise performance or fatigue recovery. The search period ranged from November 2013 to November 2, 2023. Literature screening was performed using EndNote X9.1, and the quality of included studies was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool. Meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.3 software.
RESULTS
This study included a total of 18 articles, included a total of 499 healthy participants, comprising 479 males and 20 females. Among them, participants underwent cryostimulation, including 102 using CWT, using CWI, and 58 using WBC. Compared to the control group, cryostimulation can significantly alleviate muscle pain intensity (SMD -0.45, 95% CL -0.82 to 0.09, P = 0.01). Specifically, CWI significantly reduced muscle pain intensity (SMD = -0.45, 95% CI: 0.820.09, P = 0.01), WBC significantly decreased C-reactive protein levels (SMD = -1.36, 95% CI: 2.350.36, P = 0.008). While, CWT showed no significant differences from the control group in exercise performance and fatigue recovery indicators (P > 0.05).
CONCLUSION
Cryostimulation can significantly reduce muscle pain intensity and perceived fatigue. Specifically, CWI significantly alleviates muscle pain intensity, WBC significantly lowers markers of inflammation caused by fatigue after exercise, in contrast, CWT does not significantly improve exercise performance and fatigue recovery. After exercise, compared with rest, using cryostimulation may have more noticeable benefits for muscle fatigue and muscle pain, with recommendations prioritizing WBC and CWI particularly for addressing inflammation and muscle pain. However, all cryostimulation may have no significant influence on exercise performance.
PubMed: 38933969
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32196 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Jun 2024Glioblastoma is a primary malignant brain tumor; it is aggressive with a high degree of malignancy and unfavorable prognosis and is the most common type of malignant... (Review)
Review
Glioblastoma is a primary malignant brain tumor; it is aggressive with a high degree of malignancy and unfavorable prognosis and is the most common type of malignant brain tumor. Glioblastomas can be located in the brain, cerebellum, brainstem, and spinal cord, originating from glial cells, particularly astrocytes. The databases MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and CINAHL were researched up to January 2024. Two authors independently performed the search, study selection, and data extraction. Methodological quality was evaluated with an assurance tool for anatomical studies (AQUA). The statistical mean, standard deviation, and difference of means calculated with the Student's -test for presence between hemispheres and presence in the frontal and temporal lobes were analyzed. A total of 123 studies met the established selection criteria, with a total of 6224 patients. In relation to the mean, GBM between hemispheres had a mean of 33.36 (SD 58.00) in the right hemisphere and a mean of 34.70 (SD 65.07) in the left hemisphere, due to the difference in averages between hemispheres. There were no statistically significant differences, = 0.35. For the comparison between the presence of GBM in the frontal lobe and the temporal lobe, there was a mean in the frontal lobe of 23.23 (SD 40.03), while in the temporal lobe, the mean was 22.05 (SD 43.50), and for the difference in means between the frontal lobe and the temporal lobe, there was no statistically significant difference for the presence of GBM, = 0.178. : We believe that before a treatment, it will always be correct to know where the GBM is located and how it behaves clinically, in order to generate correct conservative or surgical treatment guidelines for each patient. We believe that more detailed studies are also needed to show why GBM is associated more with some regions than others, despite the brain structure being homologous to other regions in which GMB occurs less frequently, which is why knowing its predominant presence in brain regions is very important.
PubMed: 38929990
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13123460 -
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 -
Journal of Functional Morphology and... May 2024Sport Vision is a speciality of multidisciplinary interest aimed at improving the performance of the visual system to achieve benefits in practiced sports, as well as in... (Review)
Review
Sport Vision is a speciality of multidisciplinary interest aimed at improving the performance of the visual system to achieve benefits in practiced sports, as well as in daily life and in preventive care. The type of training practiced by the athlete, his or her physical condition, cognitive level, and level of fatigue condition affects the speed of the reaction time and, consequently, the speed of motor response. Specific orthoptic exercises, the use of technological devices, the recovery of static and dynamic postural stability by using unstable platforms and the dual-task paradigm can help to achieve the expected results. The aim of this systematic review of Sport Vision was to assess the overall existing literature on Sport Vision, paying particular attention to the effects of visual training and its application in different sports and in rehabilitation and preventive settings. We analysed published English language studies about the role of sport vision in athletic performance from 1950 to 2023. We searched through the Medline database. The PRISMA 2020 checklist was used to assess the transparency and reproducibility of this review. The enrolled papers were evaluated with the Jadad Scale, Amstar 2 Scale and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. 25 (16 studies, 5 reviews, 2 comments, 1 editorial, 1 descriptive paper) out of 476 studies met the inclusion criteria. Due to the variability in the age of the samples, the different techniques, the treatments among the participants in the studies and the finding of non-evaluable articles, a meta-analysis was not conducted. The limitations of this review are the single database research, the studies analyzed contain a non-statistically representative sample size and the lack of a control group. There is no standardized test to measure performance. It was shown that the development of visual skills can benefit athletes in injury prevention, and can lead to improved sports performance and motor function at any age, acquiring adaptive motor behaviour even when the visual system is impaired, due to task repetition and familiarity of the gesture. We intended to identify a multidisciplinary approach and a manual treatment scheme to optimize the circuitry involved in sport vision in order to increase the results that are achieved, but further studies will be needed to this end.
PubMed: 38921628
DOI: 10.3390/jfmk9020092 -
Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024This systematic review aims to comprehensively examine all existing knowledge on psychosocial interventions for family caregivers for ALS patients. Also, the study will... (Review)
Review
PROPOSAL
This systematic review aims to comprehensively examine all existing knowledge on psychosocial interventions for family caregivers for ALS patients. Also, the study will present the gaps in knowledge, recommendations for future research, and guidelines for psychosocial interventions that are focused and adapted to the needs of family caregivers of ALS patients.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines and identified studies on psychosocial intervention for family caregivers of ALS patients, using five electronic databases: PsychNET, PubMed, EBSCO, PRIMO, and PROQUEST. Seven articles met the criteria and were included in the review. A thematic analysis was conducted to extract major themes.
RESULTS
Three major themes emerged from the data: (1) Personal benefits; (2) Interpersonal benefits; and (3) Charting challenges and pathways to improve psychosocial interventions.
CONCLUSIONS
Based on the findings, practical guidelines were formulated that focus on the group's composition, the facilitator's role, the contents, the relationships within the group, and the opportunities and limitations of online interventions.
PubMed: 38921286
DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12121171 -
Frontiers in Oral Health 2024People experiencing homelessness are often marginalised and encounter structural barriers when seeking healthcare. Community-based oral health interventions highlighted...
INTRODUCTION
People experiencing homelessness are often marginalised and encounter structural barriers when seeking healthcare. Community-based oral health interventions highlighted the need of well-trained practitioners for the successful engagement of service users and behaviour change. However, a lack of adequate information and specific training has been previously reported. The adoption of inclusive approaches, such as co-design, to develop tailored and meaningful health promotion training and educational materials capable of addressing the specific needs of this group is required. Co-design entails active involvement of different groups in research processes that acknowledge participants' needs and expectations. This scoping review aims to identify the available literature on the participation of people experiencing homelessness and/or their support workers in co-designing health and oral health promotion training/educational materials, approaches adopted, and barriers and enablers to develop these materials.
METHODS
The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Scoping Review Methodology informed the development of the scoping review. The protocol was registered on the Open Science Framework. Six electronic databases (Medline (OVID), PsychInfo (OVID), Scopus, Web of Science, Applied Social Sciences Index and Abstracts (ASSIA) (ProQuest) and CINHAL) were systematically searched using MeSH terms. An extensive grey literature search, consultation with experts and hand searching of reference lists took place. Records were screened independently and in duplicate using the Rayyan Qatar Computing Research Institute (QCRI) online tool, followed by qualitative content analysis involving descriptive data coding.
RESULTS
Eight studies/materials were included. Key approaches adopted to co-design, enablers and barriers were captured. The enablers were inclusivity, a safe environment for positive participation, empowerment and flexibility, the barriers were difficulty in recruiting and sustaining participation, power differentials, and limited resources.
CONCLUSION
The evidence in this area is limited. This scoping review provided foundations for further research to examine the impact of different components of the co-design process including the environment in which the co-design process is conducted. Further studies with experimental design and reported using appropriate study design frameworks detailing active components of the co-design process would strengthen the evidence base in this area.
PubMed: 38919732
DOI: 10.3389/froh.2024.1355349 -
Frontiers in Pharmacology 2024Cancer refers to a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells in the body. Due to its complexity, it has been hard to find...
Cancer refers to a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells in the body. Due to its complexity, it has been hard to find an ideal medicine to treat all cancer types, although there is an urgent need for it. However, the cost of developing a new drug is high and time-consuming. In this sense, drug repurposing (DR) can hasten drug discovery by giving existing drugs new disease indications. Many computational methods have been applied to achieve DR, but just a few have succeeded. Therefore, this review aims to show DR approaches and the gap between these strategies and their ultimate application in oncology. The scoping review was conducted according to the Arksey and O'Malley framework and the Joanna Briggs Institute recommendations. Relevant studies were identified through electronic searching of PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, as well as the grey literature. We included peer-reviewed research articles involving strategies applied to drug repurposing in oncology, published between 1 January 2003, and 31 December 2021. We identified 238 studies for inclusion in the review. Most studies revealed that the United States, India, China, South Korea, and Italy are top publishers. Regarding cancer types, breast cancer, lymphomas and leukemias, lung, colorectal, and prostate cancer are the top investigated. Additionally, most studies solely used computational methods, and just a few assessed more complex scientific models. Lastly, molecular modeling, which includes molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations, was the most frequently used method, followed by signature-, Machine Learning-, and network-based strategies. DR is a trending opportunity but still demands extensive testing to ensure its safety and efficacy for the new indications. Finally, implementing DR can be challenging due to various factors, including lack of quality data, patient populations, cost, intellectual property issues, market considerations, and regulatory requirements. Despite all the hurdles, DR remains an exciting strategy for identifying new treatments for numerous diseases, including cancer types, and giving patients faster access to new medications.
PubMed: 38919258
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1400029 -
Patient Related Outcome Measures 2024Negative symptoms of schizophrenia (NSS) have been linked with poor functional outcomes. A literature review was performed to identify instruments used to assess... (Review)
Review
AIM
Negative symptoms of schizophrenia (NSS) have been linked with poor functional outcomes. A literature review was performed to identify instruments used to assess functional outcomes and quality of life in clinical trials and observational studies conducted in groups of people with NSS.
METHODS
Literature search strings were designed using Medical Subject Headings combined with free-text terms and searches were performed using the PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library databases. For inclusion, articles were required to be published as full-text articles, in English, over the period 2011-2021, include at least one group or treatment arm of people with NSS and report either functional outcomes or quality of life (QoL).
RESULTS
Literature searches identified a total of 3,268 unique hits. After two rounds of screening, 37 publications (covering 35 individual studies) were included in the review. A total of fourteen different instruments were used to assess functional outcomes and eleven different instruments were used to assess QoL. In studies in people with NSS, the most frequently used functional outcome measures were the Personal and Social Performance scale and the Global Assessment of Functioning. The most frequently used QoL instruments included the Manchester Short Assessment of Quality of Life, the Heinrich Carpenter Quality of Life Scale, the Schizophrenia Quality of Life Scale and the EQ-5D.
CONCLUSION
A large number of measures have been used to assess functional outcomes and QoL in people with NSS, these include both generic and condition-specific as well as both interviewer-administered and self-reported instruments.
PubMed: 38911609
DOI: 10.2147/PROM.S454845 -
Campbell Systematic Reviews Jun 2024Investment in mobile devices to support primary or elementary education is increasing and must be informed by robust evidence to demonstrate impact. This systematic... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Investment in mobile devices to support primary or elementary education is increasing and must be informed by robust evidence to demonstrate impact. This systematic review of randomised controlled trials sought to identify the overall impact of mobile devices to support literacy and numeracy outcomes in mainstream primary classrooms.
OBJECTIVES
The aim of this systematic review was to understand how mobile devices are used in primary/elementary education around the world, and in particular, determine how activities undertaken using mobile devices in the primary classroom might impact literacy and numeracy attainment for the pupils involved. Within this context, mobile devices are defined as tablets (including iPads and other branded devices), smartphones (usually those with a touchscreen interface and internet connectivity) and handheld games consoles (again usually with touchscreen and internet-enabled). The interventions of interest were those aimed at improving literacy and/or numeracy for children aged 4-12 within the primary/elementary school (or equivalent) classroom.Specifically, the review aimed to answer the following research questions: -What is the effect of mobile device integration in the primary school classroom on children's literacy and numeracy outcomes?-Are there specific devices which are more effective in supporting literacy and numeracy? (Tablets, smartphones, or handheld games consoles)-Are there specific classroom integration activities which moderate effectiveness in supporting literacy and numeracy?-Are there specific groups of children for whom mobile devices are more effective in supporting literacy and numeracy? (Across age group and gender).-Do the benefits of mobile devices for learning last for any time beyond the study?-What is the quality of available evidence on the use of mobile devices in primary/elementary education, and where is further research needed in this regard? An Expert Advisory Group supported the review process at key stages to ensure relevance to current practice.
SEARCH METHODS
The search strategy was designed to retrieve both published and unpublished literature, and incorporated relevant journal and other databases with a focus on education and social sciences. Robust electronic database searches were undertaken (12 databases, including APA PsychInfo, Web of Science, ERIC, British Education Index and others, and relevant government and other websites), as well as a hand-search of relevant journals and conference proceedings. Contact was also made with prominent authors in the field to identify any ongoing or unpublished research. All searches and author contact took place between October and November 2020. The review team acknowledges that new studies will likely have emerged since and are not captured at this time. A further update to the review in the future is important and would build on the evidence reflected here.
SELECTION CRITERIA
The review included children within mainstream primary/elementary/kindergarten education settings in any country (aged 4-12), and interventions or activities initiated within the primary school classroom (or global equivalent) that used mobile devices (including tablets, smartphones, or hand-held gaming devices) to intentionally support literacy or numeracy learning. In terms of study design, only Randomised Controlled Trials were included in the review.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
A total of 668 references were identified through a robust search strategy including published and unpublished literature. Following duplicate screening, 18 relevant studies, including 11,126 participants, 14 unique interventions, and 46 relevant outcome measures were synthesised using Robust Variance Estimation and a random effects meta-analysis model. Risk of Bias assessment was undertaken by three reviewers using the ROB2 tool to assess the quality of studies, with 13 studies rated as having some concerns, and 5 as having high risk of bias. Qualitative data was also extracted and analysed in relation to the types of interventions included to allow a comparison of the key elements of each.
MAIN RESULTS
A positive, statistically significant combined effect was found (Cohen's = 0.24, CI 0.0707 to 0.409, < 0.01), demonstrating that in the studies and interventions included, children undertaking maths or literacy interventions using mobile devices achieved higher numeracy or literacy outcomes than those using an alternative device (e.g., a laptop or desktop computer) or no device (class activities as usual). However these results should be interpreted with caution given the risk of bias assessment noted above (5 studies rated high risk of bias and 13 rated as having some concerns). As the interventions and classroom circumstances differed quite widely, further research is needed to understand any potential impact more fully.Sensitivity analysis aimed to identify moderating factors including age or gender, screen size, frequency/dosage of intervention exposure, and programme implementation features/activities (based on Puentedura's [2009] SAMR model of technology integration). There were too few studies identified to support quantitative analysis of sufficient power to draw robust conclusions on moderating factors, and insufficient data to determine impact beyond immediate post-test period. Sensitivty analysis was also undertaken to exclude the five studies identified as having a high risk of bias, to identify any impact they may have on overall findings.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Overall, this review demonstrates that for the specific interventions and studies included, mobile device use in the classroom led to a significant, positive effect on literacy and numeracy outcomes for the children involved, bringing positive implications for their continued use in primary education. However given the concerns on risk of bias assessment reported above, the differing circumstances, interventions and treatment conditions and intensities, the findings must be interpreted with caution. The review also supports the need for further robust research to better understand what works, under what circumstances, and for whom, in the use of mobile devices to support learning.
PubMed: 38911050
DOI: 10.1002/cl2.1417