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American Journal of Human Biology : the... Mar 2024Population-based variations have been reported in permanent teeth eruption but only sparse literature exists on the same. A systematic review and meta-analysis were... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
Population-based variations have been reported in permanent teeth eruption but only sparse literature exists on the same. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to assess the global variations in eruption chronology of permanent teeth in children and adolescents and the role of sexes, jaws and classes of socio-economic status (SES) on timing of eruption was explored.
METHODS
The protocol for the systematic review was registered in PROSPERO. An extensive search of PubMed, EMBASE, Google Scholar, EBSCO, Cochrane library, and anthropology databases was carried out until April 2023. Additionally, grey literature search and hand-searching of relevant key journals was done.
RESULTS
Overall, 3797 cross-sectional and longitudinal studies were retrieved from multiple databases. A total of 939, 191 participants were included from 80 studies of which, 41 were carried out in Asia, 26 in Europe, 5 in Africa, 4 in North America, and 4 in Oceania. The mandibular first molar eruption was found to be as early as 4.09 years while the maxillary second molar erupted as late as 13.45 years. Using a random effects model, 28 forest plots were generated. Meta-regression interpreted tooth eruption to be earlier in females and in the mandible.
CONCLUSIONS
The findings of this study show that the ages of permanent teeth eruption was advanced in the European population followed by Africa and Asia.
PubMed: 38426348
DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.24060 -
History of Psychiatry Jun 2024We present a social-historical perspective on the evolution of the voice-hearing phenomenon in Western society. Based upon a systematic search from a selection of nine...
We present a social-historical perspective on the evolution of the voice-hearing phenomenon in Western society. Based upon a systematic search from a selection of nine databases, we trace the way hearing voices has been understood throughout the ages. Originally, hearing voices was considered a gifted talent for accessing the divine, but the progressive influence of monotheistic religion gradually condemned the practice to social marginalization. Later, the medical and psychiatric professions of secular society were instrumental in attaching stigma to both voice hearers and the phenomenon itself, thereby reinforcing social exclusion. More recently, the re-integration of voice hearers into the community by health authorities in various countries appears to have provided a new, socially acceptable setting for the phenomenon.
Topics: Humans; Hallucinations; History, 16th Century; History, 17th Century; History, 18th Century; History, 19th Century; History, 20th Century; History, 21st Century; History, Ancient; History, Medieval; Psychotic Disorders; Social Stigma; Western World
PubMed: 38424509
DOI: 10.1177/0957154X241231690 -
Drug Discoveries & Therapeutics Mar 2024Endometriosis (EM), also known as Zhengjia in traditional Chinese medicine, is a common disease that significantly impacts women's health. An integrated treatment...
Endometriosis (EM), also known as Zhengjia in traditional Chinese medicine, is a common disease that significantly impacts women's health. An integrated treatment approach combining traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and western medicine has demonstrated significant clinical efficacy in the management of this condition. Specifically, it has been effective in addressing blood circulation and other diseases. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), which are molecules important in gene regulation, have been implicated in various physiologic and pathologic processes. In this review, we systematically summarized the potential mechanisms underlying the integrated EM treatment, with a focus on the role of microRNAs (miRNAs). Current research suggests that integrated TCM and western medicine treatment may exert their therapeutic effects on EM by influencing the expression of miRNAs. Through miRNA modulation, such a treatment approach may inhibit the growth of ectopic lesions and alleviate clinical symptoms. This review will shed light on the specific miRNAs that have been implicated in the integrated treatment of EM, as well as their potential mechanisms of action. By consolidating the existing evidence, we aim to provide clinicians and researchers with a clearer understanding of the therapeutic benefits of the integrated approach and potentially identify new avenues for improving clinical treatment outcomes. Ultimately, this review will contribute to the growing body of knowledge in this field, providing a basis for further research and the development of more targeted and efficient treatment strategies for EM.
Topics: Humans; Female; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; MicroRNAs; Endometriosis; Treatment Outcome; Drugs, Chinese Herbal
PubMed: 38417896
DOI: 10.5582/ddt.2024.01004 -
Zhen Ci Yan Jiu = Acupuncture Research Feb 2024Neuroimaging technology provides objective and visualized research tool to study the mechanisms of acupuncture effects. Building on a systematic review of previous...
Neuroimaging technology provides objective and visualized research tool to study the mechanisms of acupuncture effects. Building on a systematic review of previous clinical studies on acupuncture treatment for functional dyspepsia using neuroimaging technology, this paper summarizes and synthesizes past researches from 4 aspects: acupoint-specific effects, factors influencing the effects, different physiological responses, and predictive factors for acupuncture efficacy. It suggests that acupuncture treatment for FD involves central integration with disease-targeted (acupuncture treatment can target and regulate abnormal brain functional activity patterns in patients with FD), meridian-specific (stimulation of specific acupuncture points along the stomach meridian can significantly regulate abnormal brain functional activity patterns in FD patients), and dynamic conditional features(the effects of acupuncture treatment for FD are influenced by multiple factors). Lastly, considering the current research status, this paper outlines prospects in terms of research subjects, influencing factors, and result validation, aiming to provide references for future in-depth research.
Topics: Humans; Dyspepsia; Acupuncture Therapy; Meridians; Acupuncture Points; Neuroimaging
PubMed: 38413041
DOI: 10.13702/j.1000-0607.20221289 -
Complementary Therapies in Medicine May 2024Hypertension is a prevalent condition with significant impacts on human health. Chinese herbal foot bath, a traditional Chinese medicine treatment, is believed to help... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Hypertension is a prevalent condition with significant impacts on human health. Chinese herbal foot bath, a traditional Chinese medicine treatment, is believed to help manage hypertension.
OBJECTIVE
This systematic review aims to assess the efficacy of combining Chinese herbal foot bath with conventional treatment for hypertension.
METHODS
A thorough search across eight databases was conducted to identify relevant studies on Chinese herbal foot bath for hypertension. Randomized controlled trials examining the benefits and risks of using Chinese herbal foot bath combined with conventional treatment for hypertension were included. Blood pressure changes before and after the Chinese herbal foot bath were assessed, and outcomes were analyzed using Review Manager 5.3 software. The certainty of evidence was evaluated using the GRADE tool.
RESULTS
Compared to conventional treatment, Chinese herbal foot bath combined with conventional treatment demonstrated greater effectiveness in reducing systolic blood pressure (MD 6.69, 95% CI: 5.86 to 7.53, p < 0.00001) and diastolic blood pressure (MD 5.83, 95% CI: 5.23 to 6.43, p < 0.00001), which reported fewer adverse effects.These studies commonly present issues such as inadequate randomization, lack of blinding, and absence of independent testing for the purity or potency of herbs.
CONCLUSION
The meta-analysis suggests that Chinese herbal foot bath combined with conventional treatment may effectively manage hypertension, with few adverse effects. However, high-quality clinical trials are still needed to confirm these findings due to methodological weaknesses in randomization, blinding, long-term follow-up, and independent testing for the purity and potency of herbs.
Topics: Humans; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; Phytotherapy; Hypertension; Blood Pressure; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions
PubMed: 38401689
DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2024.103029 -
Medicine Feb 2024Cancer pain is one of the most intolerable and frightening symptoms of cancer patients. However, the clinical effect of the three-step analgesic ladder method (TSAL) is... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Cancer pain is one of the most intolerable and frightening symptoms of cancer patients. However, the clinical effect of the three-step analgesic ladder method (TSAL) is not satisfactory. The combination of external treatment of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can improve the clinical effect.
OBJECTIVE
This study used network meta-analysis to compare the effects of different external treatment methods of TCM combined with TSAL on cancer pain.
METHODS
Databases searched by our team included Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane Library. Randomized controlled trials related to the external treatment of TCM combined with TSAL for cancer pain were screened from the establishment of the database till now. The above literature extracted clinical efficacy, NRS score, KPS score, analgesic onset time, and duration as the main results after the screening. The 95% confidence interval (95% CI) of OR value and SMD value was used as the effect index to compare the difference in efficacy of different interventions, and the ranking was conducted. STATA 17.0 software was used for the statistical analysis of the above data.
RESULTS
A total of 78 studies were included, including 8 interventions and 5742 participants. Based on ranking probability, the clinical effective rate of manual acupuncture combined with TSAL was the best when the intervention time was set at 4 weeks [OR = 5.42, 95% CI (1.99,14.81)], and the improvement effect on KPS score was also the best [SMD = 0.97, 95% CI (0.61, 1.33)]. Acupoint external application was the best intervention in reducing NRS score [SMD = -1.14, 95% CI (-1.90, -0.93)]. Acupoint moxibustion combined with TSAL was considered to be the most effective intervention to prolong the duration of analgesia [SMD = 1.69, 95% CI (0.84, 2.54)] and shortening the onset time of analgesia [SMD = -3.00, 95% CI (-4.54, -1.47)].
CONCLUSIONS
TSAL combined with manual acupuncture is the best in terms of clinical efficacy and improvement of patients' functional activity status. With the extension of treatment time, the intervention of this kind of treatment on the clinical effect is more pronounced. Acupoint external application also has a unique advantage in reducing the pain level of patients. From the point of view of analgesic duration and duration of analgesia, combined acupoint moxibustion has the best effect.
Topics: Humans; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; Cancer Pain; Network Meta-Analysis; Acupuncture Therapy; Pain; Analgesics; Neoplasms
PubMed: 38394488
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000037024 -
BMC Palliative Care Feb 2024Barriers to accessing hospice and palliative care have been well studied. An important yet less researched area is why people approaching the end-of-life decline a...
BACKGROUND
Barriers to accessing hospice and palliative care have been well studied. An important yet less researched area is why people approaching the end-of-life decline a referral when they are offered services. This review focused on synthesising literature on patients in the last months of life due to a cancer diagnosis who have declined a referral to end-of-life care.
METHODS
Six academic databases were systematically searched for qualitative literature published between 2007 and 2021. Two researchers independently reviewed and critically appraised the studies. Using meta-ethnographic methods of translation and synthesis, we set out to identify and develop a new overarching model of the reasons patients decline end-of-life care and the factors contributing to this decision.
RESULTS
The search yielded 2060 articles, and nine articles were identified that met the review inclusion criteria. The included studies can be reconceptualised with the key concept of 'embodied decisions unfolding over time'. It emphasises the iterative, dynamic, situational, contextual and relational nature of decisions about end-of-life care that are grounded in people's physical experiences. The primary influences on how that decision unfolded for patients were (1) the communication they received about end-of-life care; (2) uncertainty around their prognosis, and (3) the evolving situations in which the patient and family found themselves. Our review identified contextual, person and medical factors that helped to shape the decision-making process.
CONCLUSIONS
Decisions about when (and for some, whether at all) to accept end-of-life care are made in a complex system with preferences shifting over time, in relation to the embodied experience of life-limiting cancer. Time is central to patients' end-of-life care decision-making, in particular estimating how much time one has left and patients' embodied knowing about when the right time for end-of-life care is. The multiple and intersecting domains of health that inform decision-making, namely physical, mental, social, and existential/spiritual as well as emotions/affect need further exploration. The integration of palliative care across the cancer care trajectory and earlier introduction of end-of-life care highlight the importance of these findings for improving access whilst recognising that accessing end-of-life care will not be desired by all patients.
Topics: Humans; Terminal Care; Hospice Care; Palliative Care; Anthropology, Cultural; Neoplasms; Qualitative Research
PubMed: 38369452
DOI: 10.1186/s12904-024-01342-5 -
Medicine Feb 2024The mechanism of action of fire acupuncture and Chinese medicine in psoriasis is unclear. In this paper, the efficacy of the 2 therapies was compared through a... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The mechanism of action of fire acupuncture and Chinese medicine in psoriasis is unclear. In this paper, the efficacy of the 2 therapies was compared through a comprehensive analysis of their recurrence rates for clinical reference.
METHODS
In this meta-analysis, we searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang, CQVIP, and CBM data from the establishment of the databases to May 2023. The study proposed to use randomized controlled trial research methods, excluding published literature, unpublished literature, literature with incomplete or inadequate information, animal experiments, literature reviews and systematic studies. Data were processed using STATA 15.1 software.
RESULTS
Our group previous study found that the clinical efficacy of the fire-acupuncture group was significantly improved compared to that of Chinese herbal medicine alone (RR = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.13-1.27). Also, there were significant reductions in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score (SMD = -1.04,95% CI: -1.48 to -0.60), area of skin damage (SMD = -0.40,95% CI: -0.75 to -0.04), and pruritus (SMD = -1.04,95% CI: -1.32 to -0.76). Our previous study found that Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) was significantly lower in the fire acupuncture group compared to herbal medicine alone (SMD = -1.61,95% CI: -3.08 to -0.15). The combined analysis found that the recurrence rate was significantly lower in the fire-acupuncture group compared to herbal medicine alone (RR = 0.21,95% CI:0.07-0.60).
CONCLUSION
Fire needle can improve the efficacy of TCM in the treatment of psoriasis, including the area, severity and itching of skin lesions, and reduce the recurrence rate, which is worthy of clinical promotion.
Topics: Animals; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; Acupuncture Therapy; Psoriasis; Pruritus; Plant Extracts
PubMed: 38363920
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000035832 -
Phytotherapy Research : PTR Apr 2024Morinda citrifolia L., commonly known as Noni, has a longstanding history in traditional medicine for treating various diseases. Recently, there has been an increased... (Review)
Review
Morinda citrifolia L., commonly known as Noni, has a longstanding history in traditional medicine for treating various diseases. Recently, there has been an increased focus on exploring Noni extracts and phytoconstituents, particularly for their effectiveness against cancers such as lung, esophageal, liver, and breast cancer, and their potential in cancer chemoprevention. This study aims to provide a comprehensive review of in vitro and in vivo studies assessing Noni's impact on cancer, alongside an exploration of its bioactive compounds. A systematic review was conducted, encompassing a wide range of scientific databases to gather pertinent literature. This review focused on in vitro and in vivo studies, as well as clinical trials that explore the effects of Noni fruit and its phytoconstituents-including anthraquinones, flavonoids, sugar derivatives, and neolignans-on cancer. The search was meticulously structured around specific keywords and criteria to ensure a thorough analysis. The compiled studies highlight Noni's multifaceted role in cancer therapy, showcasing its various bioactive components and their modes of action. This includes mechanisms such as apoptosis induction, cell cycle arrest, antiangiogenesis, and immune system modulation, demonstrating significant anticancer and chemopreventive potential. The findings reinforce Noni's potential as a safe and effective option in cancer prevention and treatment. This review underscores the need for further research into Noni's anticancer properties, with the hope of stimulating additional studies and clinical trials to validate and expand upon these promising findings.
Topics: Humans; Female; Morinda; Plant Extracts; Antineoplastic Agents; Medicine, Traditional; Breast Neoplasms; Biological Products; Fruit
PubMed: 38358681
DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8137 -
International Wound Journal Feb 2024Postoperative wound infections (PWIs) pose a significant challenge in colorectal cancer surgeries, leading to prolonged hospital stays and increased morbidity. This... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Evaluating traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) Jie Geng and Huang Qi combination on reducing surgical site infections in colorectal cancer surgeries: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Postoperative wound infections (PWIs) pose a significant challenge in colorectal cancer surgeries, leading to prolonged hospital stays and increased morbidity. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy of the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) combination of Jie Geng and Huang Qi in reducing PWIs following colorectal cancer surgeries. Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, we focused on seven randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 1256 patients, examining the incidence of PWIs within 30 days post-surgery, alongside secondary outcomes such as length of hospital stay and antibiotic use. The analysis revealed a significant reduction in PWI incidence in the TCM-treated group compared to controls, with a Risk Ratio of 0.21 (95% CI: 0.14 to 0.30, p < 0.01), a notable decrease in hospital stay (Mean Difference: 1.2 days, 95% CI: 0.15 to 1.28 days, p < 0.01) and a significant reduction in antibiotic use (Risk Ratio: 0.24, 95% CI: 0.16 to 0.36, p < 0.01). These findings suggest that Jie Geng and Huang Qi in TCM could be an effective adjunct in postoperative care for colorectal cancer surgeries, underscoring the need for further high-quality RCTs to substantiate these results and explore the underlying mechanisms.
Topics: Humans; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; Surgical Wound Infection; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Colorectal Neoplasms; Astragalus propinquus
PubMed: 38351506
DOI: 10.1111/iwj.14769