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Open Mind : Discoveries in Cognitive... 2024An increasing number of psychological experiments with children are being conducted using online platforms, in part due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Individual replications...
An increasing number of psychological experiments with children are being conducted using online platforms, in part due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Individual replications have compared the findings of particular experiments online and in-person, but the general effect of data collection method on data collected from children is still unknown. Therefore, the goal of the current meta-analysis is to estimate the average difference in effect size for developmental studies conducted online compared to the same studies conducted in-person. Our pre-registered analysis includes 211 effect sizes calculated from 30 papers with 3282 children, ranging in age from four months to six years. The estimated effect size for studies conducted online was slightly smaller than for their counterparts conducted in-person, a difference of = -.05, but this difference was not significant, 95% CI = [-.17, .07]. We examined several potential moderators of the effect of online testing, including the role of dependent measure (looking vs verbal), online study method (moderated vs unmoderated), and age, but none of these were significant. The literature to date thus suggests-on average-small differences in results between in-person and online experimentation.
PubMed: 38957506
DOI: 10.1162/opmi_a_00147 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2024Diabetic gastroparesis is a common complication in patient with diabetes. Dietary intervention has been widely used in the treatment of diabetic gastroparesis. The aim... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Diabetic gastroparesis is a common complication in patient with diabetes. Dietary intervention has been widely used in the treatment of diabetic gastroparesis. The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of diet in the treatment of diabetic gastroparesis.
METHODS
This systematic review was conducted a comprehensive search of randomized controlled trials using dietary interventions for the treatment of diabetic gastroparesis up to 9 November 2023. The primary outcomes were gastric emptying time and clinical effect, while fasting blood glucose, 2-hour postprandial blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin were secondary outcomes. Data analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software, and publication bias test was performed using Stata 15.1 software.
RESULTS
A total of 15 randomized controlled trials involving 1106 participants were included in this review. The results showed that patients with diabetic gastroparesis benefit from dietary interventions (whether personalized dietary care alone or personalized dietary care+routine dietary care). Compared with routine dietary care, personalized dietary care and personalized dietary care+routine dietary care can shorten the gastric emptying time, improve clinical efficacy, and reduce the level of fasting blood glucose, 2-hour postprandial blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin.
CONCLUSIONS
Limited evidence suggests that dietary intervention can promote gastric emptying and stabilize blood glucose control in patients with diabetic gastroparesis. Dietary intervention has unique potential in the treatment of diabetic gastroparesis, and more high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to further validate our research results.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42023481621.
Topics: Humans; Gastroparesis; Gastric Emptying; Blood Glucose; Diabetes Complications; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Treatment Outcome; Diabetes Mellitus
PubMed: 38957444
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1379398 -
Frontiers in Pharmacology 2024Natural products are widely used for primary insomnia (PI). This systematic review with trial sequential analysis (TSA) aimed to summarize evidence pertaining to the...
Natural products are widely used for primary insomnia (PI). This systematic review with trial sequential analysis (TSA) aimed to summarize evidence pertaining to the effectiveness and safety of Zao Ren An Shen (ZRAS) prescription, a commercial Chinese polyherbal preparation, for treating PI. Controlled clinical trials appraising ZRAS compared to controls or as an add-on treatment were systematically searched across seven databases until January 2024. Cochrane ROB 2.0 and ROBINS-I tools were adopted to determine risk of bias. Quality of evidence was assessed using the GRADE framework. We analyzed 22 studies, involving 2,142 participants. The effect of ZRAS in reducing Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores was found to be comparable to benzodiazepines [ = 0.39, 95% (-0.12, 0.91), = 0.13] and superior to Z-drugs [ = -1.31, 95% (-2.37, -0.24), = 0.02]. The addition of ZRAS to hypnotics more significantly reduced polysomnographically-recorded sleep onset latency [ = -4.44 min, 95% (-7.98, -0.91), = 0.01] and number of awakenings [ = -0.89 times, 95% (-1.67, -0.10), = 0.03], and increased total sleep time [ = 40.72 min, 95% (25.14, 56.30), < 0.01], with fewer adverse events than hypnotics alone. TSA validated the robustness of these quantitative synthesis results. However, the quality of evidence ranged from very low to low. The limited data available for follow-up did not support meta-synthesis. While ZRAS prescription shows promising effectiveness in treating PI, the overall quality of evidence is limited. Rigorously-designed randomized control trials are warranted to confirm the short-term efficacy of ZRAS and explore its medium-to-long-term efficacy. (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=471497), identifier (CRD42023471497).
PubMed: 38957383
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1376637 -
Ethiopian Journal of Health Sciences Jan 2024Visual Inspection with Acetic acid (VIA) is the best feasible method of screening and early detecting for cervical dysplasia for resource limited settings like Africa.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Visual Inspection with Acetic acid (VIA) is the best feasible method of screening and early detecting for cervical dysplasia for resource limited settings like Africa. There is no study that can represent Africa on VIA positivity. Therefore, this metaanalysis was planned to verify the best available articles to pool the visual inspection with acetic acid positivity in screening and early detection of cervical dysplasia in Africa.
METHODS
The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, free Google database search engines, Google Scholar, and Science Direct databases were used to conduct a true search of this research article. STATA version 14.0 was used to do the metaanalysis. This meta-analysis was registered in PROSPERO database under the identity pf CRD42023392197.
RESULT
This meta-analysis analyzed data from 21,066 women who had VIA examination to estimate the pooled VIA positivity in Africa. The overall pooled effect estimate of VIA positivity in Africa was 11.93 (95%CI: 11.48-12.37). Age <16 year during first intercourse 2.58(95%CI: 1.53-3.62), lifetime sexual partner ≥2 3.92(95%CI: 2.05-5.78) and HIV positivity 2.92(95%CI: 1.72-4.12) were the significant variables which influence VIA positivity.
CONCLUSION
Overall pooled effect estimate of VIA positivity in Africa was high compared to other continents. The main factors that affect VIA positivity are age at first sexual contact being under 16 years old, the number of lifetime sexual partners being at least two, and HIV positivity. Therefore, the WHO's goal of creating Africa free of cervical cancer is still one that requires significant effort.
Topics: Humans; Female; Acetic Acid; Uterine Cervical Dysplasia; Early Detection of Cancer; Africa; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms; Mass Screening; Adult
PubMed: 38957338
DOI: 10.4314/ejhs.v34i1.2 -
Frontiers in Oncology 2024The performance of artificial intelligence (AI) in the prediction of lymph node (LN) metastasis in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has not been...
Application of CT and MRI images based on artificial intelligence to predict lymph node metastases in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma: a subgroup meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
The performance of artificial intelligence (AI) in the prediction of lymph node (LN) metastasis in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has not been quantitatively evaluated. The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of published data on the diagnostic performance of CT and MRI based on AI algorithms for predicting LN metastases in patients with OSCC.
METHODS
We searched the Embase, PubMed (Medline), Web of Science, and Cochrane databases for studies on the use of AI in predicting LN metastasis in OSCC. Binary diagnostic accuracy data were extracted to obtain the outcomes of interest, namely, the area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity, and compared the diagnostic performance of AI with that of radiologists. Subgroup analyses were performed with regard to different types of AI algorithms and imaging modalities.
RESULTS
Fourteen eligible studies were included in the meta-analysis. The AUC, sensitivity, and specificity of the AI models for the diagnosis of LN metastases were 0.92 (95% CI 0.89-0.94), 0.79 (95% CI 0.72-0.85), and 0.90 (95% CI 0.86-0.93), respectively. Promising diagnostic performance was observed in the subgroup analyses based on algorithm types [machine learning (ML) or deep learning (DL)] and imaging modalities (CT vs. MRI). The pooled diagnostic performance of AI was significantly better than that of experienced radiologists.
DISCUSSION
In conclusion, AI based on CT and MRI imaging has good diagnostic accuracy in predicting LN metastasis in patients with OSCC and thus has the potential for clinical application.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/#recordDetails, PROSPERO (No. CRD42024506159).
PubMed: 38957322
DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1395159 -
Biological Psychiatry Global Open... Jul 2024Sex-differential biology may contribute to the consistently male-biased prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Gene expression differences between males and...
BACKGROUND
Sex-differential biology may contribute to the consistently male-biased prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Gene expression differences between males and females in the brain can indicate possible molecular and cellular mechanisms involved, although transcriptomic sex differences during human prenatal cortical development have been incompletely characterized, primarily due to small sample sizes.
METHODS
We performed a meta-analysis of sex-differential expression and co-expression network analysis in 2 independent bulk RNA sequencing datasets generated from cortex of 273 prenatal donors without known neuropsychiatric disorders. To assess the intersection between neurotypical sex differences and neuropsychiatric disorder biology, we tested for enrichment of ASD-associated risk genes and expression changes, neuropsychiatric disorder risk genes, and cell type markers within identified sex-differentially expressed genes (sex-DEGs) and sex-differential co-expression modules.
RESULTS
We identified 101 significant sex-DEGs, including Y-chromosome genes, genes impacted by X-chromosome inactivation, and autosomal genes. Known ASD risk genes, implicated by either common or rare variants, did not preferentially overlap with sex-DEGs. We identified 1 male-specific co-expression module enriched for immune signaling that is unique to 1 input dataset.
CONCLUSIONS
Sex-differential gene expression is limited in prenatal human cortex tissue, although meta-analysis of large datasets allows for the identification of sex-DEGs, including autosomal genes that encode proteins involved in neural development. Lack of sex-DEG overlap with ASD risk genes in the prenatal cortex suggests that sex-differential modulation of ASD symptoms may occur in other brain regions, at other developmental stages, or in specific cell types, or may involve mechanisms that act downstream from mutation-carrying genes.
PubMed: 38957312
DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsgos.2024.100321 -
Cureus Jun 2024Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a metabolic condition where vascular inflammation and oxidative stress contribute to disease progression and associated complications.... (Review)
Review
A Comparison of Rosuvastatin Monotherapy and Rosuvastatin Plus Ezetimibe Combination Therapy in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a metabolic condition where vascular inflammation and oxidative stress contribute to disease progression and associated complications. Although statins are recommended for managing dyslipidemia in diabetes, additional therapies are often required to achieve target lipid levels. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy of rosuvastatin monotherapy versus combination therapy with ezetimibe in patients with type 2 diabetes. A systematic literature search was conducted across multiple databases until April 2024, identifying six randomized controlled trials meeting the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis revealed that the rosuvastatin plus ezetimibe combination resulted in significantly greater reductions in total cholesterol (mean difference, or MD: 19.49; 95% CI: 13.99 to 24.99), triglycerides (MD: 13.44; 95% CI: 2.04 to 24.85), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (MD: -17.68; 95% CI: 12.85 to 22.51) compared to rosuvastatin monotherapy. Conversely, rosuvastatin monotherapy achieved a greater reduction in HbA1c levels (MD: -0.11; 95% CI: -0.17 to -0.04). Subgroup analysis demonstrated that using the same dose of rosuvastatin in both groups led to more significant improvements in lipid parameters with lower heterogeneity. The findings suggest that the rosuvastatin-ezetimibe combination may be a more effective lipid-lowering strategy for patients with type 2 diabetes, though larger studies are needed to assess long-term safety and optimal dosing. Additionally, while rosuvastatin monotherapy provided modest HbA1c reductions, the clinical relevance remains uncertain, and potential risks with high-dose statins should be considered.
PubMed: 38957250
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.61526 -
Cureus Jun 2024Sleep duration has been proposed as a potential and important modifiable risk factor, yet its precise relationship with hypertension among Asian adults remains unclear.... (Review)
Review
Sleep duration has been proposed as a potential and important modifiable risk factor, yet its precise relationship with hypertension among Asian adults remains unclear. This meta-analysis aims to elucidate the impact of short sleep duration on hypertension risk within the adult Asian population. A systematic search of databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect, was conducted to identify relevant studies published up to January 4, 2024. Eligible studies comprised observational cohort studies and cross-sectional studies that compared short sleep duration to normal sleep duration in relation to hypertension risk among Asian adults. The definitions for short and normal sleep durations were derived from the respective studies. The random effects model was utilized to pool effect estimates, and all statistical analyses were conducted using Review Manager 5.4 software (RevMan) (Cochrane Collaboration, Oxford, UK). Results from a systematic search obtained seven studies assessing sleep duration and hypertension risk in Asian populations. Based on a meta-analysis of six studies, short sleep duration is associated with a higher hypertension risk when compared to normal sleep duration (OR: 1.36; 95% CI: 1.13-1.64; p: 0.0010; I: 75%). Subgroup analysis based on sex showed that the association is evident across males (OR: 1.12; 95% CI: 1.01-1.25; p: 0.03; I: 64%) and females (OR: 1.22; 95% CI: 1.10-1.35; p: 0.0003; I: 82%). In conclusion, based on the analyzed studies, short sleep duration is associated with a higher mild risk of hypertension, irrespective of sex. Thus, short sleep duration can be a modifiable risk factor that can be prevented to reduce the risk of hypertension. By incorporating sleep hygiene practices and promoting healthy sleep habits, significant improvement in cardiovascular health can be made, especially in hypertension risk at a population level. Further studies on the effect of sleep duration in different age populations should be conducted to confirm the impact of short sleep duration.
PubMed: 38957247
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.61508 -
Aesthetic Surgery Journal Jul 2024Various surgical techniques have been devised for the surgical cosmetic enhancement of female outer genitalia. The selection of an optimal method should be based on...
BACKGROUND
Various surgical techniques have been devised for the surgical cosmetic enhancement of female outer genitalia. The selection of an optimal method should be based on satisfaction rates and safety; however, a comprehensive, contemporary systematic assessment of these factors in has been limited in the literature.
OBJECTIVES
Our aim was to conduct a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the overall satisfaction rates and risk factors associated with various labiaplasty techniques and tools.
METHODS
The authors performed a systematic literature search in three medical databases: PubMed, Elsevier and Cochrane Library (CENTRAL) with the closing date of October 2023. Original articles with quantitative satisfaction rates and frequencies of most common complications (hematoma, dehiscence, swelling, bleeding and infection) were included.
RESULTS
Systematic search provided a total of 3954 records. After selection and review of the articles, 86 eligible, peer-reviewed studies were identified, of which 53 provided quantitative data. High overall satisfaction rate was found for all methods (Prop: 94%; CI: 93-95%), with highest satisfaction for deepithelization (Prop: 97%; CI: 85%-99%). Complications were generally rare, with elevated incidences for some techniques (wedge resection - dehiscence: Prop: 8%; CI: 5%-13% and composite reduction - swelling: Prop: 13%; CI: 2%-54%). Scalpel has significantly higher incidence of complications than laser, namely for bleeding, swelling and hematoma.
CONCLUSIONS
Labiaplasty can be considered a generally effective approach to outer female genitalia beautification, with low associated risks. Surgeons must tailor their approach to the patients' needs and anatomy to achieve maximal satisfaction, given the differences in the frequency of complications for each method.
PubMed: 38957153
DOI: 10.1093/asj/sjae143 -
Colorectal Disease : the Official... Jul 2024Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome (SRUS) is a benign and poorly understood disorder with complex management. Typical symptoms include straining during defaecation, rectal... (Review)
Review
AIM
Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome (SRUS) is a benign and poorly understood disorder with complex management. Typical symptoms include straining during defaecation, rectal bleeding, tenesmus, mucoid secretion, anal pain and a sense of incomplete evacuation. Diagnosis is based on characteristic clinical symptoms and endoscopic/histological findings. Several treatments have been reported in the literature with variable ulcer healing rates. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of different treatments for SRUS.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A systematic review and network meta-analysis were performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. Studies in English, French and Spanish languages were included. Papers written in other languages were excluded. Other exclusion criteria were reviews, case reports or clinical series enrolling less than five patients, study duplications, no clinical data of interest and no article available. A systematic literature search was conducted from January 2000 to March 2024 using the following databases: PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Scopus. The biases of the studies were assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale or the Jadad scale when appropriate. Types of treatment and their efficacy for the cure of SRUS were collected and critically assessed. The study's primary outcome was to estimate the rate of patients with ulcer healing.
RESULTS
A total of 22 studies with 911 patients (men 361, women 550) diagnosed with SRUS were analysed in the final meta-analysis. The pooled effect estimates of treatment efficacy revealed that surgery showed the highest ulcer healing rate (70.5%; 95% CI 0.57-0.83). Surgery was superior in the cure of ulcers with respect to medical therapies and biofeedback (OR 0.09 and OR 0.14).
CONCLUSION
Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome is a challenging clinical entity to manage. Proficient results have been reported with the surgical approach, suggesting its positive role in cases refractory to medical and biofeedback therapy. Further studies in homogeneous populations are required to evaluate the efficacy of surgery in this setting. (PROSPERO registration number CRD42022331422).
PubMed: 38957108
DOI: 10.1111/codi.17080