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Supportive Care in Cancer : Official... Jul 2024Home palliative care service increases the chance of dying at home, particularly for patients with advanced cancer, but late referrals to home palliative care services...
CONTEXT
Home palliative care service increases the chance of dying at home, particularly for patients with advanced cancer, but late referrals to home palliative care services still exist. Indicators for evaluating programs that can facilitate the integration of oncology and home palliative care have not been defined.
OBJECTIVES
This study developed quality indicators for the integration of oncology and home palliative care in Japan.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic literature review (Databases included CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Emcare) and a modified Delphi study to develop the quality indicators. Panelists rated a potential list of indicators using a 9-point scale over three rounds according to two criteria: appropriateness and feasibility. The criterion for the adoption of candidate indicators was set at a total mean score of 7 or more. Final quality indicators with no disagreement were included.
RESULTS
Of the 973 publications in our initial search, 12 studies were included. The preliminary list of quality indicators by systematic literature review comprised 50 items. In total, 37 panelists participated in the modified Delphi study. Ultimately, 18 indicators were identified from the following domains: structure in cancer hospitals, structure in home palliative care services, the process of home palliative care service delivery, less aggressive end-of-life care, patient's psychological comfort, caregiver's psychological comfort, and patient's satisfaction with home palliative care service.
CONCLUSION
Comprehensive quality indicators for the integration of oncology and home palliative care were identified. These indicators may facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration between professional healthcare providers in both cancer hospitals and home palliative care services.
Topics: Humans; Palliative Care; Delphi Technique; Home Care Services; Japan; Quality Indicators, Health Care; Neoplasms; Medical Oncology
PubMed: 38954101
DOI: 10.1007/s00520-024-08684-z -
Neurosurgical Review Jul 2024Given that glioma cells tend to infiltrate and migrate along WM tracts, leading to demyelination and axonal injuries, Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) emerged as a...
Given that glioma cells tend to infiltrate and migrate along WM tracts, leading to demyelination and axonal injuries, Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) emerged as a promising tool for identifying major "high-risk areas" of recurrence within the peritumoral brain zone (PBZ) or at a distance throughout the adjacents white matter tracts. Of our systematic review is to answer the following research question: In patients with brain tumor, is DTI able to recognizes within the peri-tumoral brain zone (PBZ) areas more prone to local (near the surgical cavity) or remote recurrence compared to the conventional imaging techniques?. We conducted a comprehensive literature search to identify relevant studies in line with the PRISMA-P (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols) guidelines. 15 papers were deemed compatible with our research question and included. To enhance the paper's readability, we have categorized our findings into two distinct groups: the first delves into the role of DTI in detecting PBZ sub-regions of infiltration and local recurrences (n = 8), while the second group explores the feasibility of DTI in detecting white matter tract infiltration and remote recurrences (n = 7). DTI values and, within a broader framework, radiomics investigations can provide precise, voxel-by-voxel insights into the state of PBZ and recurrences. Better defining the regions at risk for potential recurrence within the PBZ and along WM bundles will allow targeted therapy.
PubMed: 38954077
DOI: 10.1007/s10143-024-02529-3 -
Cancer Investigation Jul 2024Vitamin B12 (B12) is a molecule involved in several biological. Abnormally high levels are frequently found, but their causes can be multiple, and consequences have not... (Review)
Review
Vitamin B12 (B12) is a molecule involved in several biological. Abnormally high levels are frequently found, but their causes can be multiple, and consequences have not been clearly elucidated. The objective of this review was to summarize the current evidence on the associations of elevated B12 and the development of cancer, and all-cause mortality in adults. Six references looking at mortality and seven looking at cancer risk were included. The evidence suggests an association between elevated B12 with a higher risk of cancer, with risk ratios ranging 1,88 to 5,9. There was less consistent evidence linking vitamin B12 and mortality.
PubMed: 38953509
DOI: 10.1080/07357907.2024.2366907 -
Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology,... Jul 2024This study addresses the gap in the current literature by evaluating the combined treatment of autologous bone grafting and autologous chondrocyte implantation (ABCI)...
Autologous bone grafting in combination with autologous chondrocyte implantation yields favourable outcomes in the treatment of osteochondral defects of the knee: A systematic literature review.
PURPOSE
This study addresses the gap in the current literature by evaluating the combined treatment of autologous bone grafting and autologous chondrocyte implantation (ABCI) for osteochondral defects of the knee. It aims to evaluate clinical outcomes against methodological quality and to summarize histological results and surgical techniques.
METHODS
A thorough search was conducted across Pubmed, Cochrane and Embase databases. Studies reporting clinical outcomes of ABCI for osteochondral defects of the knee were included. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), failure rates, methodological quality and potential conflicts of interest were evaluated. Histological results and surgical techniques were summarized.
RESULTS
Eighteen studies with 344 analyzed patients met the eligibility criteria for inclusion. All studies showed a significant improvement (p < 0.05) across different PROMs (subjective International Knee Documentation Committee score, Cincinnati Knee Rating System, Visual Analogue Scale, Lysholm Score, Tegner Activity Scale, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score and Knee Society Score) compared to the preoperative status. Failure rates ranged from 0% to 17.6%, with a mean follow-up of 73.2 months (range: 9.0-143.6 months). Methodological quality was low to medium, including only one comparative study. Six studies reviewed reported a potential conflict of interest. The histological assessment showed effective bonding between autologous chondrocytes and bone graft. A large degree of variability was observed in the operative technique used.
CONCLUSION
The current literature suggests that ABCI yields good clinical outcomes at mid- to long-term follow-up with favourable histological results for osteochondral defects of the knee. However, future research should focus on high-quality comparative studies to better guide treatment choices. Introducing ABCI as the standard abbreviation may enhance clarity in future research.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Level IV.
PubMed: 38953161
DOI: 10.1002/ksa.12342 -
Sexual Medicine Jun 2024Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and erectile dysfunction (ED) frequently co-occur, significantly affecting the quality of life of individuals. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and erectile dysfunction (ED) frequently co-occur, significantly affecting the quality of life of individuals.
AIM
To assess the impact of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) on ED in patients with CVD through a systematic review and meta-analysis.
METHODS
This study analyzed randomized controlled trials and other studies comparing CR with usual care for adult males (≥18 years) with any cardiac disease. Literature searches were extensive, and the risk of bias was evaluated by the Cochrane Collaboration tool. Data from 6 studies involving 668 participants were included in the meta-analysis.
OUTCOMES
The primary outcome was the improvement in ED, as measured with the International Index of Erectile Function.
RESULTS
A statistically significant improvement in erectile function was observed across 6 studies, with a Morris dppc2 effect size of 0.38 (95% CI, 0.17-0.59). Despite initial high heterogeneity ( = 95.7%), identification and correction for selective outcome reporting bias mitigated this issue.
CLINICAL TRANSLATION
CR has a modest but statistically significant impact on improving ED in patients with CVD, indicating its potential positive contribution to the quality of life of this group.
STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS
The study's strengths include a comprehensive literature search and a rigorous methodological approach. Limitations involve high heterogeneity among studies and a low level of evidence due to small sample sizes and study quality; however, the source of heterogeneity was identified and mitigated following risk-of-bias assessment.
CONCLUSION
The results suggest that CR has a statistically significant but modest impact on improving ED in patients with CVD. Clinicians should consider the integration of CR into the clinical management of these individuals. This study underscores the potential for CR to contribute positively to the quality of life for patients with CVD by addressing associated ED (PROSPERO: CRD42022374625).
PubMed: 38953013
DOI: 10.1093/sexmed/qfae043 -
Frontiers in Clinical Diabetes and... 2024With diabetes self-management continuing to become more complex for older adults, self-management programs have been shown to support this population in meeting their...
OBJECTIVES
With diabetes self-management continuing to become more complex for older adults, self-management programs have been shown to support this population in meeting their multifaceted medical needs. Building on our previous systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to update the literature on the effectiveness of diabetes self-management programs and investigate the impact of specific self-management interventions on clinical and patient-reported outcomes.
METHODS
We updated our literature search in the following databases: Medline, EMBASE, PsychINFO, CINAHL and Cochrane Database of Randomized Controlled Trials from November 2013 to July 2023 for studies that may fit our inclusion criteria. Two independent reviewers screened and extracted data from the included group of studies.
RESULTS
A total of 17 studies with 21 comparison arms met the inclusion criteria, totalling 5976 older adults (3510 individuals randomized to self-management programming and 2466 to usual care). The pooled effectiveness of diabetes self-management programs in older adults on glycemic control (hemoglobin A1C) was a reduction of -0.32 (95% CI -0.44, -0.19). Specifically, the most effective approach on glycemic control (A1C) was the use of feedback (-0.52%; 95% CI -0.68, -0.36). Overall, self-management programs improved behaviour change outcomes, with feedback interventions being most effective (standardized mean difference [SMD] 0.91; 95% CI 0.39, 1.43). The effect of self-management programs on body mass index, weight and lipids were statistically and clinically significant.
CONCLUSIONS
The evidence for diabetes self-management programs for older adults demonstrates a small but clinically meaningful reduction in A1C, improvement in patient-reported outcomes (behaviour, self-efficacy, knowledge), and other clinical outcomes (BMI, weight and lipids). The specific strategy used in diabetes self-management programs for older adults should be considered to achieve optimal results on outcomes.
PubMed: 38952998
DOI: 10.3389/fcdhc.2024.1348104 -
Biology of Sport Jul 2024The aim of this study was to systematically review the current literature on blood flow restriction (BFR) as a post-exercise recovery strategy. Experimental studies... (Review)
Review
The aim of this study was to systematically review the current literature on blood flow restriction (BFR) as a post-exercise recovery strategy. Experimental studies investigating the effect of BFR on recovery after exercise were included. Only studies meeting the following inclusion criteria were selected: (a) studies investigating about BFR as a post-exercise recovery strategy in athletes and healthy individuals; (b) the full text being available in English; (c) experimental research study design. Studies that exclusively analyzed BFR as a recovery strategy during the exercise (e.g., recovery strategy between bouts of exercise) were excluded. A literature review was conducted on the PubMed, Cochrane, and Web of Science electronic databases up until May 7, 2023. The main findings were that (i) 9 studies investigated passive BFR as a post-exercise recovery strategy, which shows a significant lack of research in both team and individual sports (especially in female populations), and only 2 studies used active BFR protocols; (ii) although a high quality range of studies was observed, there were methodological limitations such as BFR interventions that were usually conducted after fatiguing protocols or fitness tests, which may not represent the real exercise (e.g., a sprint session of 6 sets of 50 m may induce muscle damage but it does not represent the demands of a team sport like rugby or soccer); (iii) there is a lack of consistency in BFR protocols (e.g., number of cycles or duration of the occlusion-reperfusion periods) for recovery; (iv) some studies showed beneficial effects while others found no positive or detrimental effects of BFR as a post-exercise recovery strategy in comparison with the control/SHAM group. In conclusion, only 11 studies investigated BFR as a post-exercise recovery strategy and there is not any significant amount of evidence in team or individual sports (especially in female populations). BFR could be a potential post-exercise recovery strategy, but practitioners should use caution when applying this method of recovery for their athletes and clients. In addition, it would be of interest for high performance-related practitioners to have a better understanding of the benefits of BFR interventions combined with either active or passive forms of exercise as a post-exercise recovery strategy.
PubMed: 38952909
DOI: 10.5114/biolsport.2024.133664 -
Frontiers in Medicine 2024The role of macrophages in the symptomatic and structural progression of pulmonary fibrosis (PF) has garnered significant scholarly attention in recent years. This study...
BACKGROUND
The role of macrophages in the symptomatic and structural progression of pulmonary fibrosis (PF) has garnered significant scholarly attention in recent years. This study employs a bibliometric approach to examine the present research status and areas of focus regarding the correlation between macrophages and PF, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of their relationship.
METHODOLOGY
The present study employed VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and Microsoft Excel software to visualize and analyze various aspects such as countries, institutions, authors, journals, co-cited literature, keywords, related genes, and diseases. These analyses were conducted using the Web of Science core collection database.
RESULTS
A comprehensive collection of 3,479 records pertaining to macrophages and PF from the period of 1990 to 2023 was obtained. Over the years, there has been a consistent increase in research literature on this topic. Notably, the United States and China exhibited the highest level of collaboration in this field. Through careful analysis, the institutions, authors, and prominent journals that hold significant influence within this particular field have been identified as having the highest publication output. The pertinent research primarily concentrates on the domains of Biology and Medicine. The prevailing keywords encompass pulmonary fibrosis, acute lung injury, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and others. Notably, TGFβ1, TNF, and CXCL8 emerge as the most frequently studied targets, primarily associated with signaling pathways such as cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction. Additionally, cluster analysis of related diseases reveals their interconnectedness with ailments such as cancer.
CONCLUSION
The present study employed bibliometric methods to investigate the knowledge structure and developmental trends in the realm of macrophage and PF research. The findings shed light on the introduction and research hotspots that facilitate a more comprehensive understanding of macrophages and PF.
PubMed: 38952862
DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1374177 -
Can transcranial photobiomodulation improve cognitive function in TBI patients? A systematic review.Frontiers in Psychology 2024Transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) is a non-invasive neuromodulation technology which has become a promising therapy for treating many brain diseases. Although it...
INTRODUCTION
Transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) is a non-invasive neuromodulation technology which has become a promising therapy for treating many brain diseases. Although it has been confirmed in studies targeting neurological diseases including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's that tPBM can improve cognitive function, the effectiveness of interventions targeting TBI patients remains to be determined. This systematic review examines the cognitive outcomes of clinical trials concerning tPBM in the treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI).
METHODS
We conducted a systematic literature review, following the PRISMA guidelines. The PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched before October 31, 2023.
RESULTS
The initial search retrieved 131 articles, and a total of 6 studies were finally included for full text-analysis after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria.
CONCLUSION
Results showed improvements in cognition for patients with chronic TBI after tPBM intervention. The mechanism may be that tPBM increases the volume of total cortical gray matter (GM), subcortical GM, and thalamic, improves cerebral blood flow (CBF), functional connectivity (FC), and cerebral oxygenation, improving brain function. However, due to the significant heterogeneity in application, we cannot summarize the optimal parameters for tPBM treatment of TBI. In addition, there is currently a lack of RCT studies in this field. Therefore, given this encouraging but uncertain finding, it is necessary to conduct randomized controlled clinical trials to further determine the role of tPBM in cognitive rehabilitation of TBI patients.
PubMed: 38952831
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1378570 -
Frontiers in Psychology 2024The purpose of the systematic review was to synthesize literature on eating disorders (ED) and non-interpersonal traumatic events (NTE) and consolidate the reported...
OBJECTIVES
The purpose of the systematic review was to synthesize literature on eating disorders (ED) and non-interpersonal traumatic events (NTE) and consolidate the reported prevalence of NTE in patients with an ED.
METHODS
The literature search was performed in Embase, PsycInfo, and PubMed. The keywords in the search were "eating disorder," "trauma" and "non-interpersonal," using index-terms and free-search keywords related to NTE and ED. The PRISMA guidelines were followed. Relevant studies were screened using Rayyan.
RESULTS
Of the 16 studies included in the quantitative synthesis, five overall types of NTE were identified: , , , and . Findings provided tentative evidence for and being more prevalent in patients suffering from an ED compared to controls. The remaining subtypes of NTE did not show a higher prevalence in patients with an ED when compared to controls. Findings also suggest that those with binge/purge subtype of anorexia nervosa (AN) had a higher prevalence of non-interpersonal traumatic events compared to the restrictive subtype of AN.
DISCUSSION
This systematic review provided a clear synthesis of previous findings related to NTE among patients with an ED. Noteworthy, is that many studies do not take into account if the trauma happened prior or after to ED onset, which may affect the association. Furthermore, the body of research on NTE in patients with ED is exceedingly limited, and more research is needed.
PubMed: 38952827
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1397952