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Scientific Reports May 2024Malaria infection leads to hematological abnormalities, including deranged prothrombin time (PT). Given the inconsistent findings regarding PT in malaria across... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Malaria infection leads to hematological abnormalities, including deranged prothrombin time (PT). Given the inconsistent findings regarding PT in malaria across different severities and between Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax, this study aimed to synthesize available evidence on PT variations in clinical malaria. A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Ovid, and Medline from 27 November 2021 to 2 March 2023 to obtain studies documenting PT in malaria. Study quality was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist, with data synthesized through both qualitative and quantitative methods, including meta-regression and subgroup analyses, to explore heterogeneity and publication bias. From 2767 articles, 21 studies were included. Most studies reported prolonged or increased PT in malaria patients compared to controls, a finding substantiated by the meta-analysis (P < 0.01, Mean difference: 8.86 s, 95% CI 5.32-12.40 s, I: 87.88%, 4 studies). Severe malaria cases also showed significantly higher PT than non-severe ones (P = 0.03, Hedges's g: 1.65, 95% CI 0.20-3.10, I: 97.91%, 7 studies). No significant PT difference was observed between P. falciparum and P. vivax infections (P = 0.88, Mean difference: 0.06, 95% CI - 0.691-0.8, I: 65.09%, 2 studies). The relationship between PT and malaria-related mortality remains unclear, underscoring the need for further studies. PT is typically prolonged or increased in malaria, particularly in severe cases, with no notable difference between P. falciparum and P. vivax infections. The inconsistency in PT findings between fatal and non-fatal cases highlights a gap in current understanding, emphasizing the need for future studies to inform therapeutic strategies.
Topics: Humans; Malaria, Vivax; Malaria, Falciparum; Plasmodium vivax; Plasmodium falciparum; Prothrombin Time; Severity of Illness Index
PubMed: 38698102
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60170-y -
Iranian Journal of Public Health Jan 2024Various factors are involved in the initiation of drug abuse, such as genetic and social factors. Among the factors that can be mentioned in associated with the tendency... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Various factors are involved in the initiation of drug abuse, such as genetic and social factors. Among the factors that can be mentioned in associated with the tendency to addiction in children is the role of family prediction. This study aimed to explore the relationship between parenting styles and addiction tendency in Iran.
METHODS
We searched Persian database included Magiran, SID, IranDoc and Noormagz for articles from 2007- 2022 in Iran. Seven articles with 1734 subjects were ultimately included in the qualitative and quantitative syntheses. Five subscales (parenting method) were brought up for investigation of the relationship between parenting styles and addiction tendency. The pooled odds ratio (OR) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated for each associated factors using random-effects/fixed-effects models. Publication bias was assessed using funnel plot and the Eggers test and each effect size was calculated manually.
RESULTS
Based on Cohen's interpretation criterion are as follow: the mean effect size of the relationship with the permissive style is 0.33 (average), the mean effect size of the relationship with authoritative style is 0.31 (average), the mean effect size of the relationship with the dependent style is 0.28 (average), the mean effect size of the relationship with the freedom-control is - 0.02 (small), the mean effect size of the relationship with the method based on affection-rejection is 0.33 (moderate).
CONCLUSION
Parenting styles have a significant relationship with addiction tendencies in Iran. Therefore, appropriate programs can be provided to strengthen and educate the correct and suitable parenting methods with their children as safe as possible in order to avoid risky behaviors and injuries such as addiction.
PubMed: 38694850
DOI: 10.18502/ijph.v53i1.14684 -
Frontiers in Neuroscience 2024Internal carotid artery stenosis (ICAS) is a prevalent vascular condition associated with ischemic cerebrovascular disease. The ophthalmic artery is the first branch of...
BACKGROUND
Internal carotid artery stenosis (ICAS) is a prevalent vascular condition associated with ischemic cerebrovascular disease. The ophthalmic artery is the first branch of the internal carotid artery stenosis (ICA). Given the crucial role of the ICA in ocular perfusion, we aimed to assess the thickness and vessel density of the retina and choroid in individuals with ICAS.
METHODS
The PubMed and Embase databases were searched from inception to 10 January 2023 for studies evaluating retinal and choroidal changes between ICAS patients and healthy controls using optical coherence tomography (OCT) or optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Data of interest were extracted and analyzed using Stata software version 16.
RESULTS
Thirteen studies involving 419 ICAS eyes and 398 healthy eyes were included. The pooled results demonstrated that the average thickness of peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) (WMD = -0.26, 95% CI: -0.45 to -0.08, = 0.005), ganglion cell complex (GCC) (WMD = -0.36, 95% CI: -0.65 to -0.06, = 0.017), and choroid (WMD = -1.06, 95% CI: -1.59 to -0.52, = 0.000), were significantly thinner in patients with ICAS than in healthy controls. The overall vessel density of the radial peripapillary capillaries (RPC) in whole-image scans was lower in ICAS patients than in healthy control subjects (WMD = -0.94, 95% CI: -1.49 to -0.39, = 0.001). No differences were detected in the vessel density of the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) (WMD = -0.84, 95% CI: -1.15 to -0.53, = 0.092), the deep capillary plexus (DCP) (WMD = -0.27, 95% CI: -0.56 to 0.03, = 0.074), or the choriocapillaris (CC) (WMD = -0.39, 95% CI: -1.12 to 0.35, = 0.300).
CONCLUSION
This systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrated that ICAS can reduce the vessel density of the RPC and the thickness of the retina and choroid. The retinal and choroidal microvasculature is a potential biomarker of the initial signal of ICAS.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://inplasy.com/, identifier NPLASY202410038.
PubMed: 38686328
DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1368957 -
BMC Emergency Medicine Apr 2024The inflammatory response to burn injuries can lead to organ dysfunction that ultimately results in increased mortality and morbidity. This meta-analysis was conducted... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
The inflammatory response to burn injuries can lead to organ dysfunction that ultimately results in increased mortality and morbidity. This meta-analysis was conducted to determine the efficacy of inflammatory biomarkers, including the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), procalcitonin (PCT), and C-reactive protein (CRP) as predictive tools of mortality among burn patients.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
The biomarker levels of survivors and non-survivors were consolidated according to guidelines for Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Three main databases were searched electronically: PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus, on December 8, 2022. The Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale (NOS) was used to evaluate and score the methodological quality of the included studies. The standard mean difference (SMD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was utilized.
RESULTS
Twenty-four studies were included in our systematic review and meta-analysis, (3636 total burn patients), of whom 2878 survived. We found that deceased burn patients had elevated levels of NLR (SMD = 0.60, 95% CI; 0.19-1.00, P < 0.001), CRP (SMD = 0.80, 95% CI; 0.02-1.58, P = 0.04), and PCT (SMD = 0.85, 95% CI; 0.45-1.24, P < 0.001), compared to survivors. However, we found no association between PLR and mortality among burn patients (SMD = 0.00, 95% CI; -0.14-0.15, P < 0.001). In addition, CRP was significantly higher in non-survivors (SMD = 0.80, 95% CI; 0.02-1.58, P =0.04). Similar results were also found about PCT (SMD = 0.85, 95% CI; 0.45-1.24, P < 0.001). When we analyzed the PCT data, collected in the first 24-48 hours, we found similar results; the PCT level was significantly higher in non-survivors in the immediate postinjury-period (SMD = 0.67, 95% CI; 0.31-1.02, P < 0.001). There was no publication bias among studies on the role of NLR in burn (Egger's test P = 0.91). The based cut-off values for NLR (13), CRP (71), and PCT (1.77) yielded sensitivities of 69.2%, 100%, and 93.33%, and specificities of 76%, 72.22%, and 72.22% respectively.
DISCUSSION/CONCLUSIONS
PCT is a marker of sepsis, therefore its elevated level is presumably associated with a higher incidence and severity of sepsis among non-survivors. In addition, NLR and CRP are promising biomarkers for predicting and guiding prevention against burn deaths in clinical settings.
Topics: Humans; Burns; Biomarkers; C-Reactive Protein; Procalcitonin; Inflammation; Neutrophils
PubMed: 38684973
DOI: 10.1186/s12873-024-00988-x -
Brain Sciences Mar 2024Agency is central to remote actions, and it may enhance skills learning due to a partial overlap between brain structures and networks, the promotion of confidence... (Review)
Review
Agency is central to remote actions, and it may enhance skills learning due to a partial overlap between brain structures and networks, the promotion of confidence towards a telemanipulator, and the feeling of congruence of the motor choice to the motor plan. We systematically reviewed studies aiming to verify the role of agency in improving learning. Fifteen studies were selected from MEDLINE and Scopus. When a mismatch is introduced between observed and performed actions, the decrease in agency and learning is proportional to the intensity of the mismatch, which is due to greater interference with the motor programming. Thanks to multisensory integration, agency and learning benefit both from sensory and performance feedback and from the timing of feedback based on control at the goal level or the perceptual-motor level. This work constitutes a bedrock for professional teleoperation settings (e.g., robotic surgery), with particular reference to the role of agency in performing complex tasks with remote control.
PubMed: 38672002
DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14040350 -
Journal of Intensive Care Apr 2024The prognostic nutritional index (PNI), integrating nutrition and inflammation markers, has been increasingly recognized as a prognostic predictor in diverse patient...
Prognostic nutritional index as a predictive marker for acute kidney injury in adult critical illness population: a systematic review and diagnostic test accuracy meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
The prognostic nutritional index (PNI), integrating nutrition and inflammation markers, has been increasingly recognized as a prognostic predictor in diverse patient cohorts. Recently, its effectiveness as a predictive marker for acute kidney injury (AKI) in various clinical settings has gained attention. This study aims to assess the predictive accuracy of the PNI for AKI in critically ill populations through systematic review and meta-analysis.
METHODS
A systematic review was conducted using the databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure up to August 2023. The included trials reported the PNI assessment in adult population with critical illness and its predictive capacity for AKI. Data on study characteristics, subgroup covariates, and diagnostic performance of PNI, including sensitivity, specificity, and event rates, were extracted. A diagnostic test accuracy meta-analysis was performed. Subgroup analyses and meta-regression were utilized to investigate the sources of heterogeneity. The GRADE framework evaluated the confidence in the meta-analysis's evidence.
RESULTS
The analysis encompassed 16 studies with 17 separate cohorts, totaling 21,239 patients. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of PNI for AKI prediction were 0.67 (95% CI 0.58-0.74) and 0.74 (95% CI 0.67-0.80), respectively. The pooled positive likelihood ratio was 2.49 (95% CI 1.99-3.11; low certainty), and the negative likelihood ratio was 0.46 (95% CI 0.37-0.56; low certainty). The pooled diagnostic odds ratio was 5.54 (95% CI 3.80-8.07), with an area under curve of summary receiver operating characteristics of 0.76. Subgroup analysis showed that PNI's sensitivity was higher in medical populations than in surgical populations (0.72 vs. 0.55; p < 0.05) and in studies excluding patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) than in those including them (0.75 vs. 0.56; p < 0.01). Overall, diagnostic performance was superior in the non-chronic kidney disease group.
CONCLUSION
Our study demonstrated that PNI has practical accuracy for predicting the development of AKI in critically ill populations, with superior diagnostic performance observed in medical and non-CKD populations. However, the diagnostic efficacy of the PNI has significant heterogeneity with different cutoff value, indicating the need for further research.
PubMed: 38671543
DOI: 10.1186/s40560-024-00729-z -
BMC Nursing Apr 2024The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the prevalence of needle-stick injury among Iranian nurses.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the prevalence of needle-stick injury among Iranian nurses.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the prevalence of needle-stick injury among Iranian nurses. A comprehensive search of Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Scientific Information Database, and MagIran was performed, yielding 29 observational articles comprising 8842 nurses. The studies ranged from 2006 to 2023, with sample sizes varying from 68 to 1555 individuals. Methodological quality was assessed using the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology checklist. The pooled prevalence was calculated using the random-effects model, and subgroup analyses were conducted based on hospital type and gender. The data was analyzed using Stata software version 16.
RESULTS
The pooled prevalence of needle-stick injury among Iranian nurses was found to be 46% (95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 39-53%). Subgroup analysis revealed significant difference in prevalence between teaching hospitals (47%; 95% CI: 39-54%) and military hospitals (38%; 95% CI: 31.1-44%). The prevalence of NSI in region 1 (Tehran and surrounding provinces) and other regions was 45.1% (95% CI: 37-54%) and 49.17% (95% CI: 36.5-61.7%). Gender-based analysis showed higher prevalence in women (58%; 95% CI: 44-71%) compared to men (55%; 95% CI: 43-66%).
CONCLUSION
Needle stick injuries has a high prevalence among Iranian nurses, especially nurses working in teaching hospitals. Therefore, it seems necessary to use interventions to reduce it.
PubMed: 38658903
DOI: 10.1186/s12912-024-01914-z -
Cureus Mar 2024This study aimed to assess the efficacy of human amniotic membranes (HAM) in treating venous and diabetic ulcers, which often pose challenges in healing. A systematic... (Review)
Review
Assessing the Application and Effectiveness of Human Amniotic Membrane in the Management of Venous and Diabetic Ulcers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
This study aimed to assess the efficacy of human amniotic membranes (HAM) in treating venous and diabetic ulcers, which often pose challenges in healing. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted, evaluating 10 relevant studies involving 633 participants. Findings revealed that HAM treatment significantly accelerated ulcer closure, demonstrating over 90% complete healing compared to standard care. Despite moderate heterogeneity among studies, the results strongly suggested the effectiveness and safety of HAM therapy for venous and diabetic leg ulcers. Further research with larger study cohorts is recommended to bolster the existing evidence supporting HAM in managing these challenging wounds.
PubMed: 38646232
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.56659 -
BMC Public Health Apr 2024The prevalence of tobacco use among various cancer types in Iran remains a significant concern, necessitating a comprehensive analysis to understand the extent and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The prevalence of tobacco use among various cancer types in Iran remains a significant concern, necessitating a comprehensive analysis to understand the extent and patterns of consumption. This study aimed to systematically review and analyze existing literature to delineate the prevalence of tobacco use across different cancer types in Iran, thereby providing a robust basis for future interventions and policy formulations.
METHODS
Adhering to the PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of literature available in PubMed and Scopus databases. The initial search identified 351 records, out of which 44 studies were selected based on their relevance and design. These studies spanned various time frames, starting from the 2001s up until 2022, and encompassed diverse geographical locations and cancer types in Iran. To avoid bias and potential data overlap, we opted to incorporate a single comprehensive study from the Golestan Cohort, encompassing all data, while excluding 10 other studies. Our final analysis incorporated data from 34 studies, which accounted for 15,425 patients and 5,890 reported smokers. Statistical analyses were performed to calculate the overall proportion of tobacco consumption and to conduct subgroup analyses based on different variables such as cancer types, gender, geographical locations, and types of tobacco used.
RESULTS
The analysis revealed a substantial prevalence of tobacco use among cancer patients in Iran, with an overall consumption rate of 43%. This rate varied significantly, ranging from 10 to 88% across individual studies. Subgroup analyses further highlighted disparities in tobacco consumption rates across different demographics, geographic areas, and cancer types. Notably, the 'ever' smokers category exhibited the highest prevalence of tobacco use. The study also identified a worrying trend of high cigarette smoking rates, along with variable consumption patterns of other forms of tobacco, including waterpipe, 'Naas', and 'Pipe'.
CONCLUSIONS
This systematic review and meta-analysis underscores a significant association between tobacco consumption and various cancer types in Iran, with a prevalence rate among cancer patients being three times higher than the average Iranian population. The findings indicate substantial heterogeneity in tobacco use patterns, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to address this pressing health issue. The study serves as a critical resource for shaping future policies and strategies aimed at curbing tobacco use and mitigating its adverse effects on cancer prevalence in Iran.
Topics: Humans; Cigarette Smoking; Iran; Neoplasms; Prevalence; Tobacco Use
PubMed: 38637741
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18594-8 -
Clinical Psychology Review Jun 2024Children can experience significant distress during hospitalisation, as a result of the treatment process and due to psychosocial factors impacting their adjustment to... (Review)
Review
Children can experience significant distress during hospitalisation, as a result of the treatment process and due to psychosocial factors impacting their adjustment to the hospital environment. Such factors can contribute to negative outcomes for the child. Despite this, limited research focus has been placed on understanding the psychosocial factors that contribute to a child's distress to inform support strategies that can improve the experience of hospitalisation across paediatric conditions. The objectives of this review were to synthesise the qualitative and quantitative literature on psychosocial factors associated with hospital adjustment and to identify risk and protective factors that influence the adjustment process. The literature search (1980 to February 2024: CINAHL / Embase / Medline / PsychINFO and Web of Science databases) identified thirty-four studies. Poor hospital adjustment, anxiety, depression and homesickness, were reported by the majority of hospitalised children. Several demographic and psychosocial factors were identified in the quantitative synthesis to contribute to poor adjustment. Child age, temperament, attachment style, past negative hospital experiences, homesickness and fear cognitions, were all associated with adjustment to the hospital environment. Homesickness was identified as a particularly understudied and important construct. Theoretical and methodological considerations are discussed, and recommendations made for future research that can further support inpatient children and their families.
Topics: Humans; Child; Child, Hospitalized; Loneliness; Adolescent; Adaptation, Psychological; Anxiety; Hospitalization
PubMed: 38626645
DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2024.102431