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BMC Medical Ethics Feb 2021The use of great apes (GA) in invasive biomedical research is one of the most debated topics in animal ethics. GA are, thus far, the only animal group that has...
BACKGROUND
The use of great apes (GA) in invasive biomedical research is one of the most debated topics in animal ethics. GA are, thus far, the only animal group that has frequently been banned from invasive research; yet some believe that these bans could inaugurate a broader trend towards greater restrictions on the use of primates and other animals in research. Despite ongoing academic and policy debate on this issue, there is no comprehensive overview of the reasons advanced for or against restricting invasive research with GA. To address this gap, we conducted a systematic review of the reasons reported in the academic literature on this topic.
METHODS
Seven databases were searched for articles published in English. Two authors screened the titles, abstracts, and full texts of all articles. Two journals specialized in animal ethics, and the reference lists of included articles were subsequently also reviewed.
RESULTS
We included 60 articles, most of which were published between 2006 and 2016. Twenty-five articles argued for a total ban of GA research, 21 articles defended partial restrictions, and 14 articles argued against restrictions. Overall, we identified 110 reason types, 74 for, and 36 against, restricting GA research. Reasons were grouped into nine domains: moral standing, science, welfare, public and expert attitudes, retirement and conservation, respect and rights, financial costs, law and legal status, and longer-term consequences.
CONCLUSION
Our review generated five main findings. First, there is a trend in the academic debate in favor of restricting GA research that parallels worldwide policy changes in the same direction. Second, in several domains (e.g., moral standing, and respect and rights), the reasons were rather one-sided in favor of restrictions. Third, some prominent domains (e.g., science and welfare) featured considerable engagement between opposing positions. Fourth, there is low diversity and independence among authors, including frequent potential conflicts of interests in articles defending a strong position (i.e., favoring a total ban or arguing against restrictions). Fifth, scholarly discussion was not the norm, as reflected in a high proportion of non-peer-reviewed articles and authors affiliated to non-academic institutions.
Topics: Animals; Biomedical Research; Hominidae; Morals
PubMed: 33593335
DOI: 10.1186/s12910-021-00580-z -
BMC Family Practice Jan 2021Postural hypotension (PH), the reduction in blood pressure when rising from sitting or lying 0to standing, is a risk factor for falls, cognitive decline and mortality.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Postural hypotension (PH), the reduction in blood pressure when rising from sitting or lying 0to standing, is a risk factor for falls, cognitive decline and mortality. However, it is not often tested for in primary care. PH prevalence varies according to definition, population, care setting and measurement method. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of PH across different care settings and disease subgroups.
METHODS
Systematic review, meta-analyses and meta-regression. We searched Medline and Embase to October 2019 for studies based in primary, community or institutional care settings reporting PH prevalence. Data and study level demographics were extracted independently by two reviewers. Pooled estimates for mean PH prevalence were compared between care settings and disease subgroups using random effects meta-analyses. Predictors of PH were explored using meta-regression. Quality assessment was undertaken using an adapted Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.
RESULTS
One thousand eight hundred sixteen studies were identified; 61 contributed to analyses. Pooled prevalences for PH using the consensus definition were 17% (95% CI, 14-20%; I = 99%) for 34 community cohorts, 19% (15-25%; I = 98%) for 23 primary care cohorts and 31% (15-50%; I = 0%) for 3 residential care or nursing homes cohorts (P = 0.16 between groups). By condition, prevalences were 20% (16-23%; I = 98%) with hypertension (20 cohorts), 21% (16-26%; I = 92%) with diabetes (4 cohorts), 25% (18-33%; I = 88%) with Parkinson's disease (7 cohorts) and 29% (25-33%, I = 0%) with dementia (3 cohorts), compared to 14% (12-17%, I = 99%) without these conditions (P < 0.01 between groups). Multivariable meta-regression modelling identified increasing age and diabetes as predictors of PH (P < 0.01, P = 0.13, respectively; R = 36%). PH prevalence was not affected by blood pressure measurement device (P = 0.65) or sitting or supine resting position (P = 0.24), however, when the definition of PH did not fulfil the consensus description, but fell within its parameters, prevalence was underestimated (P = 0.01) irrespective of study quality (P = 0.04).
CONCLUSIONS
PH prevalence in populations relevant to primary care is substantial and the definition of PH used is important. Our findings emphasise the importance of considering checking for PH, particularly in vulnerable populations, to enable interventions to manage it. These data should contribute to future guidelines relevant to the detection and treatment of PH.
PROSPERO
CRD42017075423.
Topics: Blood Pressure; Blood Pressure Determination; Humans; Hypertension; Hypotension, Orthostatic; Prevalence
PubMed: 33388038
DOI: 10.1186/s12875-020-01313-8 -
Sports Medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) Mar 2021The standing broad jump (SBJ) is an excellent functional measure of explosive lower-body strength that is significantly related to health among children and adolescents.
BACKGROUND
The standing broad jump (SBJ) is an excellent functional measure of explosive lower-body strength that is significantly related to health among children and adolescents.
OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study was to estimate national (country-level) and international (pooled global data) temporal trends in SBJ performance for children and adolescents, and to examine the relationships between national trends in SBJ performance and national trends in health-related and socioeconomic/demographic indicators.
METHODS
Data were obtained from a systematic search of studies reporting temporal trends in SBJ performance for 9- to 17-year-olds, and by examining national fitness datasets. Sample-weighted regression models estimated trends at the study/dataset-country-sex-age level, with national and international trends estimated by a post-stratified population-weighting procedure. Pearson's correlations quantified relationships between national trends in SBJ performance and national trends in health-related and socioeconomic/demographic indicators.
RESULTS
Data from 34 studies/datasets were extracted to estimate trends for 10,940,801 children and adolescents from 24 high-, 4 upper-middle-, and 1 low-income countries between 1960 and 2017. Collectively, there was a negligible (per decade) improvement in SBJ performance of 1.73 cm (95% CI 1.71-1.75), 0.99% (95% CI 0.97-1.01) or a standardized effect size of 0.07 (0.07-0.07) over the entire period, with the rate of improvement steady from the 1960s to the 1980s, slowing in the 1990s, before declining. Sex- and age-related temporal differences were negligible. Trends differed between countries, with most countries experiencing declines. National trends in SBJ performance were not significantly related to national trends in health-related and socioeconomic/demographic indicators.
CONCLUSIONS
SBJ performance of children and adolescents has declined since 2000 (at least among most of the countries in this analysis) and is suggestive of a modern decline in functional explosive lower-body strength. Growing recognition of the importance of muscular fitness as a marker of population health highlights the need for continued tracking of temporal trends in SBJ, especially among low- and lower-middle-income countries for which temporal data are lacking.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42013003657.
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Exercise; Humans; Income; Socioeconomic Factors; Standing Position
PubMed: 33368030
DOI: 10.1007/s40279-020-01394-6 -
International Journal of Environmental... Dec 2020Active design is an emerging concept to incorporate physical activity into daily life through thoughtful design, and is often implemented in new building designs. It is,...
Active design is an emerging concept to incorporate physical activity into daily life through thoughtful design, and is often implemented in new building designs. It is, however, not known what evidence base there is to support the claims. Through this systematic review, the current evidence for active design was investigated. Seven databases were searched. A range of search terms relating to active design, physical activity, sitting, performance and wellbeing were used. After title and abstract screening of 1174 papers and full-text screening, 17 were selected for inclusion. The papers provided promising evidence of active design aiding a reduction in sitting and increase in standing time. Limited evidence was found for physical activity; a few studies reported an increase in step counts. Musculoskeletal effects were investigated in few studies, but there is some evidence of benefits to lower back pain. There was consistent evidence for better light and air quality, but no evidence for other features of the workplace environment. No conclusive evidence was found on associations between active design features and work performance. There is hence some evidence to support the benefit of active design on physical health; however, the dearth and heterogeneity of the study designs, measures and findings warrant further research.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Cross-Sectional Studies; Exercise; Humans; Interior Design and Furnishings; Sitting Position; Workplace
PubMed: 33321818
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17249228 -
Journal of Investigative Surgery : the... Jan 2022: Platypnoea-Orthodeoxia Syndrome is an uncommon phenomenon characterized by dyspnea/arterial desaturation in the standing position, resolving in recumbency. Some...
: Platypnoea-Orthodeoxia Syndrome is an uncommon phenomenon characterized by dyspnea/arterial desaturation in the standing position, resolving in recumbency. Some patients present with Platypnoea-Orthodeoxia Syndrome in the early-or-late post-operative period after major lung resection (lobectomy/pneumonectomy). The main cause of Platypnoea-Orthodeoxia Syndrome is an intracardiac anomaly (Patent Foramen Ovalis/Atrial Septal Defect) leading to right-to-left shunt.: To identify the causes of post-lobectomy Platypnoea-Orthodeoxia Syndrome, and the possible pathophysiologic mechanism. A Pubmed database-EMBASE systematic review was performed in order to find all reports, reporting the occurrence of dyspnea/hypoxemia after lobectomy.: 8 studies were found concerning ten patients during the period from 1983-2019.There was 6 male/4 female. The mean age was 62 years. All patients underwent resection of the right lung. The time-interval between the operation and the Platypnoea-Orthodeoxia Syndrome was from 2 days to 3 years. A Patent Foramen Ovalis was present in 90% and in 10% an Atrial Septal Defect was diagnosed. The mean Right Atrial Pressure was 7.5 mmHg, the mean Left Atrial Pressure was 6.6 mmHg and the mean Pulmonary artery pressure was 18.5 mmHg. The mean size of the interatrial communication was 1.62 cm. The inter-atrial communication was closed by open-chest surgical procedure in 3 cases (30%) and in 7 patients (70%) a percutaneous transcatheter device was implanted.: Platypnoea-Orthodeoxia Syndrome after lobectomy is a rare cause of post-operative dyspnea/hypoxia. It is the result of right-to-left shunt via an interatrial communication. Mediastinal relocation, stretching of the atrial septum and aortic root dilatation are among the functional elements necessary for the Platypnoea-Orthodeoxia Syndrome manifestation.
Topics: Achilles Tendon; Female; Foramen Ovale, Patent; Humans; Hypoxia; Lung; Male; Middle Aged; Posture; Surgeons
PubMed: 33263463
DOI: 10.1080/08941939.2020.1825883 -
Bone & Joint Open Aug 2020To analyze outcomes reported in studies of Ponseti correction of idiopathic clubfoot.
AIMS
To analyze outcomes reported in studies of Ponseti correction of idiopathic clubfoot.
METHODS
A systematic review of the literature was performed to identify a list of outcomes and outcome tools reported in the literature. A total of 865 studies were screened following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, and 124 trials were included in the analysis. Data extraction was completed by two researchers for each trial. Each outcome tool was assigned to one of the five core areas defined by the Outcome Measures Recommended for use in Randomized Clinical Trials (OMERACT). Bias assessment was not deemed necessary for the purpose of this paper.
RESULTS
In total, 20 isolated outcomes and 16 outcome tools were identified representing five OMERACT domains. Most outcome tools were appropriately designed for children of walking age but have not been embraced in the literature. The most commonly reported isolated outcomes are subjective and qualitative. The quantitative outcomes most commonly used are ankle range of motion (ROM), foot position in standing, and muscle function.
CONCLUSIONS
There is a diverse range of outcomes reported in studies of Ponseti correction of clubfoot. Until outcomes can be reported unequivocally and consistently, research in this area will be limited. Completing the process of establishing and validating COS is the much-needed next step.Cite this article: 2020;1-8:457-464.
PubMed: 33215139
DOI: 10.1302/2633-1462.18.BJO-2020-0109.R1 -
International Journal of Impotence... Nov 2020A phalloplasty is a complex genital reconstruction procedure of creating a neophallus. Several techniques to create a neophallus are described, based on different... (Review)
Review
A phalloplasty is a complex genital reconstruction procedure of creating a neophallus. Several techniques to create a neophallus are described, based on different vascularized flaps, and each of them has its advantages and drawbacks. The aim of this study is to present musculocutaneous latissimus dorsi (MLD) flap as a viable option for total phalloplasty, with an interest in clinical outcomes and complications. A comprehensive literature review of all available reports about MLD flap phalloplasty was made. The following keywords were used on PubMed: latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous/myocutaneous free flap and phalloplasty. Research criteria revealed five articles and the results of 182 patients were analyzed. A total number of the patients, indications, operative technique, follow-up period, postoperative results, and complications were presented. In conclusion, MLD free flap presents a good choice for phalloplasty providing sufficient amount of tissue for safe implantation of penile prosthesis and successful penetrative sexual intercourse. The erogenous sensitivity is preserved with clitoris or glans penis incorporated into the base of the neophallus, and voiding in a standing position is achievable after urethral reconstruction. The main drawback is the lack of tactile sensation of the neophallus and the significant advantage is a well-concealed donor site.
Topics: Female; Humans; Male; Penile Prosthesis; Penis; Plastic Surgery Procedures; Surgical Flaps; Urethra
PubMed: 33184508
DOI: 10.1038/s41443-020-00371-x -
Research in Developmental Disabilities Dec 2020Studying sit-to-stand (STS) in children with Cerebral Palsy addressing the domains of ICF allows determining the factors influencing STS in this population. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Studying sit-to-stand (STS) in children with Cerebral Palsy addressing the domains of ICF allows determining the factors influencing STS in this population.
AIMS
To systematically review the literature on STS in children with CP, identifying which ICF domains have been assessed and how they relate to sit-to-stand.
METHODS AND PROCEDURES
A literature search was conducted in electronic databases by combining the keywords (child OR children OR adolescent) AND ("Cerebral Palsy") AND (sit-to-stand). We included cross-sectional articles published in English, that assessed STS movements in children with CP up to 18 years old.
OUTCOMES AND RESULTS
25 articles met the inclusion criteria. All of them assessed Body Functions and Structure. According to them, body alignment, muscle strength and postural sway affect STS movement. Six studies related Activity and Participation with STS, demonstrating that worse scores in scales that evaluate activities and participation are related to the poorer STS execution. Contextual factors were addressed in 15 studies: children's age, bench height, manipulation of sensory information and mechanical restriction impact the way children execute STS.
CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS
Contextual factors and Body Functions and Structure impact the STS in children with CP. However, few studies have evaluated the participation of these children. Based on the theoretical framework of the ICF, it is important that future studies evaluate functional tasks in children with CP and the components that can affect them. The adoption of the biopsychosocial model strengthens the understanding of functioning, which can contribute to rehabilitation planning.
Topics: Adolescent; Cerebral Palsy; Child; Cross-Sectional Studies; Disabled Persons; Humans; International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health; Movement
PubMed: 33160191
DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2020.103804 -
Sports Medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) Feb 2021Perineal pressure associated with bicycle riding is the cause of several genitourinary pathologies, most notably Alcock's syndrome and subsequent perineal numbness. The... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
Perineal pressure associated with bicycle riding is the cause of several genitourinary pathologies, most notably Alcock's syndrome and subsequent perineal numbness. The possible link between cycling-induced perineal numbness and erectile dysfunction makes the development of strategies for perineal protection in bicycle users critical.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effectiveness of strategies for reducing the impact of cycling on the perineum in healthy males.
METHODS
We have conducted a systematic review and a meta-analysis of studies examining various means of reducing the impact of cycling on the perineum under the PRISMA guidelines.
RESULTS
Out of 2217 screened studies, 22 met our inclusion criteria, and 6 qualified for meta-analysis. The strategies included various designs of saddles, changes in the cycling position, seat shock absorber, shorts with different padding, using the recumbent bike. Using the no-nose saddle and recumbent bike resulted in a significant reduction of perineal pressure and higher penile oxygen pressure compared with a standard saddle. Indirect evidence supports the protective effect of standing on the pedals every few minutes during cycling. More evidence is needed to support-or dismiss-other strategies.
CONCLUSIONS
Current evidence supports the use of no-nose saddles as a mean to reduce the negative impact of cycling on the perineum in healthy males at the cost of worse stability and increase of posterior seat pressure. Standing on the pedals every ten minutes might be an effective and potentially widely applicable strategy. The use of a recumbent bike appears to protect the perineum, but several concerns prevent its widespread use.
Topics: Bicycling; Erectile Dysfunction; Humans; Male; Oxygen; Penis; Perineum
PubMed: 33074460
DOI: 10.1007/s40279-020-01363-z -
Work (Reading, Mass.) 2020Prolonged sitting has been shown to induce transient low back pain (LBP). Height adjustable office desks now present the opportunity to replace sitting with standing in... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Prolonged sitting has been shown to induce transient low back pain (LBP). Height adjustable office desks now present the opportunity to replace sitting with standing in the workplace. Since standing has also been associated with LBP, this may not be an advisable alternative.
OBJECTIVE
To determine if objectively measured prolonged exposures to desk work while standing, compared to sitting, results in lower perceived LBP in healthy adults.
METHODS
A systematic search of several databases was conducted. Two independent reviewers screened titles/abstracts and conducted a quality assessment. The results of three studies were pooled using an inverse variance random-effects meta-analysis. Heterogeneity was tested using the Chi-squared test and I2 statistic.
RESULTS
Objectively measured prolonged standing postures during desk work did not induce significantly less perceived LBP compared to seated postures (standardized mean difference 0.60, 95% CI -0.68 to 1.87, p = 0.36.) There was significant heterogeneity, I2 = 90%).
CONCLUSIONS
It appears that replacing seated desk work postures with standing for prolonged periods of time would not be recommended. Larger studies, including a wider age range and health history, conducted in the field with objective measures is recommended to obtain more generalizable data on which to base ergonomic standards for work postures.
Topics: Adult; Ergonomics; Humans; Low Back Pain; Posture; Standing Position; Workplace
PubMed: 33074206
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203292