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Heliyon Jun 2024Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a behaviorally defined complex neurodevelopmental syndrome characterized by persistent social communication and interaction deficit.... (Review)
Review
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a behaviorally defined complex neurodevelopmental syndrome characterized by persistent social communication and interaction deficit. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a promising and emerging tool for the intervention of ASD by reducing both core and associate symptoms. Several reviews have been published regarding TMS-based ASD treatment, however, a systematic review on study characteristics, specific stimulating parameters, localization techniques, stimulated targets, behavioral outcomes, and neuroimage biomarker changes is lagged behind since 2018. Here, we performed a systematic search on literatures published after 2018 in PubMed, Web of Science, and Science Direct. After screening, the final systematic review included 17 articles, composing seven randomized controlled trial studies and ten open-label studies. Two studies are double-blind, while the other studies have a moderate to high risk of bias attributing to inadequate subject- and evaluator-blinding to treatment allocation. Five studies utilize theta-burst stimulation mode, and the others apply repetitive TMS with low frequency (five studies), high frequency (six studies), and combined low and high frequency stimulation (one study). Most researchers prioritize the bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal lobe as stimulation target, while parietal lobule, inferior parietal lobule, and posterior superior temporal sulci have also emerged as new targets of attention. One third of the studies use neuronavigation based on anatomical magnetic resonance imaging to locate the stimulation target. After TMS intervention, discernible enhancements across a spectrum of scales are evident in stereotyped behavior, repetitive behavior, and verbal social domains. A comprehensive review of literature spanning the last five years demonstrates the potential of TMS treatment for ASD in ameliorating the clinical core symptoms.
PubMed: 38933955
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32251 -
Frontiers in Psychology 2024Anxiety is one of the most prevalent mental health conditions worldwide, and psychotherapeutic techniques can be employed to help manage and mitigate symptoms. While the...
INTRODUCTION
Anxiety is one of the most prevalent mental health conditions worldwide, and psychotherapeutic techniques can be employed to help manage and mitigate symptoms. While the available therapies are numerous, key strategies often involve cognitive and/or embodiment techniques. Within body-centered methods, breathing-oriented approaches are particularly prevalent, using either attention towards or active control of breathing. As the perception of body states (i.e., interoception) is thought to be an integral component of emotion generation, these embodiment and breathing techniques may be key in addressing the miscommunication between the brain and body that is thought to exist with anxiety. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the effects of acute administration of psychological interventions for state anxiety.
RESULTS
This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA statement and registered prospectively in PROSPERO. A literature search for randomized controlled trials was conducted in PubMed, PsycINFO, and Scopus. We considered interventions that focused on cognitive, embodiment or breathing strategies, or a combination of these techniques. Twelve studies met our inclusion criteria, and study characteristics, quality and effect sizes were assessed. A single cognitive study was found to produce a moderate reduction in state anxiety, while moderate to large effects were found across studies assessing embodiment practices. In contrast, studies which utilized breathing-based interventions alone produced inconsistent results, with both attention towards and active control of breathing producing large to no effects depending on the technique employed. Finally, consistent moderate effects were found with combination techniques that involved passive attention (e.g., towards cognitions, body and/or breathing), with active combination techniques producing inconsistent results.
DISCUSSION
While study numbers are limited regarding brief interventions, cognitive and embodiment techniques are consistently helpful for reducing state anxiety, while breathing-based exercises need to consider the specific technique employed, and how successful this may be for each individual. Furthermore, combined practices such as mindfulness can also be successful, although care must be taken when introducing an active change to one or more elements.
PROSPERO SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42024507585 Available from: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42024507585.
PubMed: 38933581
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1412928 -
Children (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Early key visual skills, such as tracking objects, sustaining gaze, and shifting attention, rapidly develop within the first 6 months of infant life. These abilities... (Review)
Review
Early key visual skills, such as tracking objects, sustaining gaze, and shifting attention, rapidly develop within the first 6 months of infant life. These abilities play a significant role in the development of cognitive functions but are frequently compromised in infants at risk of developing neurodevelopmental disorders. This systematic review evaluates the potential of early vision function in the prediction of cognition at or above 12 months. Five databases were searched for relevant articles, and their quality was assessed with the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies tool. Eight studies were suitable, including 521 preterm-born infants at varying risk of developing Cerebral Palsy (CP). Each study showed a significant correlation between vision and cognitive outcome. Predictive analysis including sensitivity and specificity was possible for three studies. Methodological quality was variable. Sensitivity ranged between 57 and 100% in the vision function assessments items, while specificity ranged from 59 to 100%. In conclusion, early vision showed strong correlation with cognition ≥ 12 months. While no single vision assessment was found to be superior, evaluation of specific functions, namely fixation and following, both at term age and between 3 and 6 months, demonstrated strong predictive validity.
PubMed: 38929326
DOI: 10.3390/children11060747 -
Children (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Neurodevelopmental disorders can be studied from two distinct perspectives: an internal approach, which examines the causes and consequences of these disorders; and a... (Review)
Review
UNLABELLED
Neurodevelopmental disorders can be studied from two distinct perspectives: an internal approach, which examines the causes and consequences of these disorders; and a contextual approach, which considers the role of the family in the lives of children and adolescents. Research has demonstrated that the most significant form of family involvement in families raising a child with NDD is through homework. This involvement has been shown to have an emotional impact on children with neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD or dyslexia. The objective of this study is to review published articles on homework and neurodevelopmental disorders, with particular attention to the role of the family and the emotional health of children and families.
METHOD
The review followed the PRISMA guidelines. The final sample consisted of 11 articles, with samples ranging from less than 30 participants to more than 100 at the international level.
RESULTS
The results demonstrate the complex methodological and bibliometric picture of the final sample, as well as the many emotional and contextual variables that influence the relationship between homework and neurodevelopmental disorders.
CONCLUSIONS
Future research should consider how emotional health affects the engagement of families with children with neurodevelopmental disorders.
PubMed: 38929292
DOI: 10.3390/children11060713 -
International Journal of Environmental... Jun 2024Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that is typically managed with pharmacological and psychotherapeutic... (Review)
Review
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that is typically managed with pharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions. In the general population, exposure to nature has been found to have robust beneficial effects on cognitive performance, including attention. With inattention being a factor of the symptomatology of individuals with ADHD, this provides a rationale to investigate the potential benefits of exposure to nature for this population. Four electronic databases (PubMED, PsycINFO, Embase, and Web of Science) were searched for empirical studies investigating the effects of nature on ADHD prevalence and/or symptom severity in populations of school-aged children. Key characteristics, methodologies, and outcomes of included studies were extracted and evaluated. Out of the 458 studies identified, 7 met the inclusion criteria. Despite the large heterogeneity in methodological approaches, the included articles consistently reported that exposure to nature is associated with reduced ADHD diagnoses and symptom severity. Furthermore, when several covariates, such as age, gender, annual household income, parental income, and education level, as well as several pre-natal factors, were controlled for, the relationship between nature and ADHD remained significant. The reviewed literature provides strong support for the benefits of exposure to nature on ADHD in school-aged children.
Topics: Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity; Humans; Child
PubMed: 38928982
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21060736 -
International Journal of Environmental... May 2024The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) ushered in a transformative era in disability services in Australia, requiring new workforce models to meet evolving... (Review)
Review
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) ushered in a transformative era in disability services in Australia, requiring new workforce models to meet evolving participant needs. Therapy Assistants are utilised to increase the capacity of therapy services in areas of workforce shortage. The governance arrangements required to support this emergent workforce have received limited attention in the literature. This review examined the key components and contextual factors of governance in rural settings, specifically focusing on therapy support workers under the guidance of allied health professionals in rural and remote areas. Guided by the social model of disability and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, a realist perspective was used to analyse 26 papers (after deduplication), mostly Australian and qualitative, with an emphasis on staff capabilities, training, and credentialling. Success measures were often vaguely defined, with most papers focusing on staff improvement and few focusing on client or organisational improvement. Consistent staffing, role clarity, community collaboration, and supportive leadership were identified as enabling contexts for successful governance of disability therapy support workers in rural areas. Investment in capability (soft skills) development, tailored training, competency assessment, credentialling, and supervision were identified as key activities that, when coupled with the identified enabling contexts, were likely to influence staff, client and organisational outcomes. Further research is warranted to explore long-term impacts of governance arrangements, educational program accountability, and activities targeted at enhancing staff capabilities.
Topics: Humans; Disabled Persons; Australia; Rural Health Services; Rural Population; Allied Health Personnel
PubMed: 38928939
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21060693 -
Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024The issue of bacterial infections in COVID-19 patients has received increasing attention. Scant data are available on the impact of bacterial superinfection and... (Review)
Review
The issue of bacterial infections in COVID-19 patients has received increasing attention. Scant data are available on the impact of bacterial superinfection and antibiotic administration on the outcome of hospitalized COVID-19 patients. We conducted a literature review from 1 January 2022 to 31 March 2024 to assess the current burden of bacterial infection and the evidence for antibiotic use in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Published articles providing data on antibiotic use in COVID-19 patients were identified through computerized literature searches with the search terms [(antibiotic) AND (COVID-19)] or [(antibiotic treatment) AND (COVID-19)]. PubMed and SCOPUS databases were searched from 1 January 2022 to 31 March 2024. No attempt was made to obtain information about unpublished studies. English language restriction was applied. The quality of the included studies was evaluated by the tool recommended by the Joanna Briggs Institute. Both quantitative and qualitative information were summarized by means of textual descriptions. Five hundred fifty-one studies were identified, and twenty-nine studies were included in this systematic review. Of the 29 included studies, 18 studies were on the prevalence of bacterial infection and antibiotic use in hospitalized COVID-19 patients; 4 studies reported on the efficacy of early antibiotic use in COVID-19; 4 studies were on the use of sepsis biomarkers to improve antibiotic use; 3 studies were on the efficacy of antimicrobial stewardship programs and predictive models among COVID-19-hospitalized patients. The quality of included studies was high in 35% and medium in 62%. High rates of hospital-acquired infections were reported among COVID-19 patients, ranging between 7.5 and 37.7%. A high antibiotic resistance rate was reported among COVID-19 patients developing hospital-acquired infections, with a high in-hospital mortality rate. The studies evaluating multi-faceted antimicrobial stewardship interventions reported efficacy in decreasing antibiotic consumption and lower in-hospital mortality.
PubMed: 38927211
DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13060545 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024Classic psychedelics and MDMA have a colorful history of recreational use, and both have recently been re-evaluated as tools for the treatment of psychiatric disorders.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Classic psychedelics and MDMA have a colorful history of recreational use, and both have recently been re-evaluated as tools for the treatment of psychiatric disorders. Several studies have been carried out to assess potential long-term effects of a regular use on cognition, delivering distinct results for psychedelics and MDMA. However, to date knowledge is scarce on cognitive performance during acute effects of those substances. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we investigate how cognitive functioning is affected by psychedelics and MDMA during the acute drug effects and the sub-acute ("afterglow") window. Our quantitative analyses suggest that acute cognitive performance is differentially affected by psychedelics when compared to MDMA: psychedelics impair attention and executive function, whereas MDMA primarily affects memory, leaving executive functions and attention unaffected. Our qualitative analyses reveal that executive functioning and creativity may be increased during a window of at least 24 h after the acute effects of psychedelics have subsided, whereas no such results have been observed for MDMA. Our findings may contribute to inform recommendations on harm reduction for recreational settings and to help fostering differential approaches for the use of psychedelics and MDMA within a therapeutic framework.
Topics: Humans; Hallucinogens; N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine; Cognition; Executive Function; Attention; Memory
PubMed: 38926480
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65391-9 -
Endokrynologia Polska Jun 2024Iron is one of the essential microelements necessary for maintaining the body's homeostasis. It serves various roles, including being a crucial component in the proper...
Iron is one of the essential microelements necessary for maintaining the body's homeostasis. It serves various roles, including being a crucial component in the proper structure of many enzymes and supporting the transport of oxygen and electrons. Its deficiency can lead to anaemia, which is a common clinical condition often associated with thyroid diseases. Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies, and its prevalence is strongly associated with socioeconomic status. It is the primary cause of anaemia in 42% of children and 50% of women. Importantly, iron deficiency is placed among the top 5 causes of disability in women. Thyroid peroxidase (TPO) is an enzyme essential for the production of thyroid hormones, and iron is a key factor in its proper functioning. Therefore, in the case of iron deficiency, the activity of this enzyme is also reduced. Iron is also a factor that is important in epigenetic modification processes, and its deficiency may contribute to genomic changes potentially promoting the development of autoimmune thyroid diseases. Adequate supplementation in patients with Hashimoto's disease is one of the crucial elements of effective therapy. In addition to iodine, selenium, and magnesium supplementation, attention should be paid to proper iron intake. Iron is an element that is a component of the heme enzyme- thyroid peroxidase, which owes its activity to the binding of haem, and its function is the production of thyroid hormones. Iron can be delivered to the body in haem and non-haem forms. The haem form is found particularly in haemoglobin-rich red meat, but also in eggs, fish, and poultry. On the other hand, non-haem iron can be found in legumes, grains, fruits, and vegetables. Our study aimed to gather and summarise knowledge from scientific literature regarding iron deficiency anaemia and its association with hypothyroidism in women, as well as the possible mechanisms and pathogenesis of these conditions. The paper also aims to highlight that considering the high risk of iron deficiency, assessing iron status along with ferritin should be an integral part of additional diagnostic measures in cases of hypothyroidism, particularly Hashimoto's disease.
PubMed: 38923898
DOI: 10.5603/ep.97860 -
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