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Radiation Protection Dosimetry Apr 2024This study reviews recent research on Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Field (RF-EMF) exposure in confined environments, focusing on methodologies and parameters. Studies... (Review)
Review
This study reviews recent research on Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Field (RF-EMF) exposure in confined environments, focusing on methodologies and parameters. Studies typically evaluate RF-EMF exposure using an electric field and specific absorption rate but fail to consider temperature rise in the tissues in confined environments. The study highlights the investigation of RF-EMF exposure in subterranean environments such as subways, tunnels and mines. Future research should evaluate the exposure of communication devices in such environments, considering the surrounding environment. Such studies will aid in understanding the risks and developing effective mitigation strategies to protect workers and the general public.
Topics: Electromagnetic Fields; Humans; Radio Waves; Environmental Exposure; Radiation Monitoring; Occupational Exposure
PubMed: 38491820
DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncae045 -
Journal of Alzheimer's Disease : JAD 2024The growing number of older adults in recent decades has led to more prevalent geriatric diseases, such as strokes and dementia. Therefore, Alzheimer's disease (AD), as...
BACKGROUND
The growing number of older adults in recent decades has led to more prevalent geriatric diseases, such as strokes and dementia. Therefore, Alzheimer's disease (AD), as the most common type of dementia, has become more frequent too.
BACKGROUND
Objective: The goals of this work are to present state-of-the-art studies focused on the automatic diagnosis and prognosis of AD and its early stages, mainly mild cognitive impairment, and predicting how the research on this topic may change in the future.
METHODS
Articles found in the existing literature needed to fulfill several selection criteria. Among others, their classification methods were based on artificial neural networks (ANNs), including deep learning, and data not from brain signals or neuroimaging techniques were used. Considering our selection criteria, 42 articles published in the last decade were finally selected.
RESULTS
The most medically significant results are shown. Similar quantities of articles based on shallow and deep ANNs were found. Recurrent neural networks and transformers were common with speech or in longitudinal studies. Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) were popular with gait or combined with others in modular approaches. Above one third of the cross-sectional studies utilized multimodal data. Non-public datasets were frequently used in cross-sectional studies, whereas the opposite in longitudinal ones. The most popular databases were indicated, which will be helpful for future researchers in this field.
CONCLUSIONS
The introduction of CNNs in the last decade and their superb results with neuroimaging data did not negatively affect the usage of other modalities. In fact, new ones emerged.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Alzheimer Disease; Cross-Sectional Studies; Neuroimaging; Prognosis; Biomarkers; Cognitive Dysfunction; Early Diagnosis; Magnetic Resonance Imaging
PubMed: 38489188
DOI: 10.3233/JAD-231271 -
Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging :... Feb 2024Beta-catenin-mutated hepatocellular adenomas (β-HCAs) can appear iso- to hyperintense at the hepatobiliary phase (HBP) at magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Given the...
BACKGROUND
Beta-catenin-mutated hepatocellular adenomas (β-HCAs) can appear iso- to hyperintense at the hepatobiliary phase (HBP) at magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Given the relatively lower prevalence of β-HCAs, prior studies had limited power to show statistically significant differences in the HBP signal intensity between different subtypes.
PURPOSE
To assess the diagnostic performance of HBP MRI to discriminate β-HCA from other subtypes.
STUDY TYPE
Systemic review and meta-analysis.
POPULATION
Ten original studies were included, yielding 266 patients with 397 HCAs (9%, 36/397 β-HCAs and 91%, 361/397 non-β-HCAs).
FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE
1.5 T and 3.0 T, HBP.
ASSESSMENT
PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases were searched from January 1, 2000, to August 31, 2023, for all articles reporting HBP signal intensity in patients with histopathologically proven HCA subtypes. QUADAS-2 was used to assess risk of bias and concerns regarding applicability.
STATISTICAL TESTS
Univariate random-effects model was used to calculate pooled estimates. Heterogeneity estimates were assessed with I heterogeneity index. Meta-regression (mixed-effect model) was used to test for differences in the prevalence of HBP signal between HCA groups. The threshold for statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.
RESULTS
HBP iso- to hyperintensity was associated with β-HCAs (pooled prevalence was 72.3% in β-HCAs and 6.3% in non-β-HCAs). Pooled sensitivity and specificity were 72.3% (95% confidence interval 54.1-85.3) and 93.7% (93.8-97.7), respectively. Specificity had substantial heterogeneity with I of 83% due to one study, but not for sensitivity (I = 0). After excluding this study, pooled sensitivity and specificity were 77.4% (59.6-88.8) and 94.1% (88.9-96.9), with no substantial heterogeneity. One study had high risk of bias for patient selection and two studies were rated unclear for two domains.
DATA CONCLUSION
Iso- to hyperintensity at HBP MRI may help to distinguish β-HCA subtype from other HCAs with high specificity. However, there was heterogeneity in the pooled estimates.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
3 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 2.
PubMed: 38465878
DOI: 10.1002/jmri.29279 -
International Journal of Yoga 2023Stress is an enormous concern in our culture because it is the root cause of many health issues. Yoga asanas and mindfulness-based practices are becoming increasingly... (Review)
Review
Stress is an enormous concern in our culture because it is the root cause of many health issues. Yoga asanas and mindfulness-based practices are becoming increasingly popular for stress management; nevertheless, the biological effect of these practices on stress reactivity is still a research domain. The purpose of this review is to emphasize various biosignals that reflect stress reduction through various yoga-based practices. A comprehensive synthesis of numerous prior investigations in the existing literature was conducted. These investigations undertook a thorough examination of numerous biosignals. Various features are extracted from these signals, which are further explored to reflect the effectiveness of yoga practice in stress reduction. The multifaceted character of stress and the extensive research undertaken in this field indicate that the proposed approach would rely on multiple modalities. The notable growth of the body of literature pertaining to prospective yoga processes is deserving of attention; nonetheless, there exists a scarcity of research undertaken on these mechanisms. Hence, it is recommended that future studies adopt more stringent yoga methods and ensure the incorporation of suitable participant cohorts.
PubMed: 38463652
DOI: 10.4103/ijoy.ijoy_218_23 -
Progress in Biophysics and Molecular... May 2024The emergence, evolution, and spread of life on Earth have all occurred in the geomagnetic field, and its extensive biological effects on living organisms have been... (Review)
Review
The emergence, evolution, and spread of life on Earth have all occurred in the geomagnetic field, and its extensive biological effects on living organisms have been documented. The charged characteristics of metal ions in biological fluids determine that they are affected by electromagnetic field forces, thus affecting life activities. Iron metabolism, as one of the important metal metabolic pathways, keeps iron absorption and excretion in a relatively balanced state, and this process is precisely and completely controlled. It is worth paying attention to how the iron metabolism process of living organisms is changed when exposed to electromagnetic fields. In this paper, the processes of iron absorption, storage and excretion in animals (mammals, fish, arthropods), plants and microorganisms exposed to electromagnetic field were summarized in detail as far as possible, in order to discover the regulation of iron metabolism by electromagnetic field. Studies and data on the effects of electromagnetic field exposure on iron metabolism in organisms show that exposure profiles vary widely across species and cell lines. This process involves a variety of factors, and the complexity of the results is not only related to the magnetic flux density/operating frequency/exposure time and the heterogeneity of the observed object. A systematic review of the biological regulation of iron metabolism by electromagnetic field exposure will not only contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of its biological effects and mechanism, but also is necessary to improve human awareness of the health related risks of electromagnetic field exposure.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Electromagnetic Fields; Mammals; Time; Iron
PubMed: 38447710
DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2024.03.001 -
European Neurology 2024This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of cerebellar repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in the rehabilitation of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Effects of Cerebellar Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in the Treatment of Post-Stroke Dysphagia: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.
INTRODUCTION
This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of cerebellar repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in the rehabilitation of post-stroke dysphagia (PSD).
METHODS
Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we systematically searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science to identify relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the application of cerebellar rTMS in the treatment of PSD. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were rigorously applied during the screening process, and pertinent characteristics of the included RCTs were meticulously extracted. The I2 statistic was employed to assess heterogeneity, and meta-analysis was conducted using Stata 17 software. The Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool and PEDro scale were utilized to evaluate bias risk and literature quality.
RESULTS
Our analysis encompassed a total of 5 RCTs involving 673 patients with dysphagia who met the inclusion criteria. The findings indicated a significant positive impact of cerebellar rTMS when combined with traditional swallowing exercises on PSD, demonstrating superior efficacy compared to conventional swallowing exercises in isolation. Furthermore, the study revealed no statistically significant differences based on stimulation site (unilateral vs. bilateral cerebellum), stimulation mode (rTMS vs. intermittent theta-burst stimulation), and stimulation frequency (5 Hz vs. 10 Hz).
CONCLUSION
The amalgamation of cerebellar rTMS with conventional swallowing exercises demonstrates notable efficacy, surpassing the outcomes achievable with traditional exercises alone. The sustained effectiveness observed underscores the potential of cerebellar rTMS as an innovative avenue in the field of neurorehabilitation for PSD. This study contributes valuable insights into the prospect of utilizing cerebellar rTMS as an adjunctive therapeutic strategy in the management of PSD, emphasizing its relevance for further exploration and clinical application.
Topics: Humans; Deglutition Disorders; Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Stroke; Cerebellum; Stroke Rehabilitation
PubMed: 38432194
DOI: 10.1159/000538130 -
Neurotherapeutics : the Journal of the... Apr 2024Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a complex, genetic disorder characterized by multisystem involvement, including hyperphagia, maladaptive behaviors and endocrinological... (Review)
Review
Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a complex, genetic disorder characterized by multisystem involvement, including hyperphagia, maladaptive behaviors and endocrinological derangements. Recent developments in advanced neuroimaging have led to a growing understanding of PWS as a neural circuit disorder, as well as subsequent interests in the application of neuromodulatory therapies. Various non-invasive and invasive device-based neuromodulation methods, including vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), and deep brain stimulation (DBS) have all been reported to be potentially promising treatments for addressing the major symptoms of PWS. In this systematic literature review, we summarize the recent literature that investigated these therapies, discuss the underlying circuits which may underpin symptom manifestations, and cover future directions of the field. Through our comprehensive search, there were a total of 47 patients who had undergone device-based neuromodulation therapy for PWS. Two articles described VNS, 4 tDCS, 1 rTMS and 2 DBS, targeting different symptoms of PWS, including aberrant behavior, hyperphagia and weight. Multi-center and multi-country efforts will be required to advance the field given the low prevalence of PWS. Finally, given the potentially vulnerable population, neuroethical considerations and dialogue should guide the field.
Topics: Humans; Prader-Willi Syndrome; Vagus Nerve Stimulation; Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation; Deep Brain Stimulation; Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation
PubMed: 38430811
DOI: 10.1016/j.neurot.2024.e00339 -
Annals of Coloproctology Feb 2024The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and magnetic resonance imaging in rectal cancer has the potential to enhance diagnostic accuracy by identifying subtle... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and magnetic resonance imaging in rectal cancer has the potential to enhance diagnostic accuracy by identifying subtle patterns and aiding tumor delineation and lymph node assessment. According to our systematic review focusing on convolutional neural networks, AI-driven tumor staging and the prediction of treatment response facilitate tailored treat-ment strategies for patients with rectal cancer.
METHODS
This paper summarizes the current landscape of AI in the imaging field of rectal cancer, emphasizing the performance reporting design based on the quality of the dataset, model performance, and external validation.
RESULTS
AI-driven tumor segmentation has demonstrated promising results using various convolutional neural network models. AI-based predictions of staging and treatment response have exhibited potential as auxiliary tools for personalized treatment strategies. Some studies have indicated superior performance than conventional models in predicting microsatellite instability and KRAS status, offer-ing noninvasive and cost-effective alternatives for identifying genetic mutations.
CONCLUSION
Image-based AI studies for rectal can-cer have shown acceptable diagnostic performance but face several challenges, including limited dataset sizes with standardized data, the need for multicenter studies, and the absence of oncologic relevance and external validation for clinical implantation. Overcoming these pitfalls and hurdles is essential for the feasible integration of AI models in clinical settings for rectal cancer, warranting further research.
PubMed: 38414120
DOI: 10.3393/ac.2023.00892.0127 -
Arthroscopy : the Journal of... Feb 2024To investigate the accuracy and reliability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in identifying and grading chondral lesions and explore the optimal imaging technique to... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
To investigate the accuracy and reliability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in identifying and grading chondral lesions and explore the optimal imaging technique to image cartilage.
METHOD
A comprehensive search was conducted on Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library. Eligible cohort studies published before August 2022 were included. The study reports used MRI to diagnose and grade cartilage lesions, with intraoperative findings as the reference standard. Summary estimates of diagnostic performance were obtained. The reliability of MRI interpretation was summarized. Subgroup analyses were performed based on assessed imaging techniques, field strength, and joint surface.
RESULTS
Forty-three trials and 3,706 patients were included in the systematic review. The overall area under curve for hierarchical summarized receiver operating characteristics was 0.91 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.88-0.93). The pooled sensitivity for quantitative MRI, 3-dimensional MRI, and 2-dimensional MRI was 0.82 (95% CI 0.64-0.92), 0.79 (95% CI 0.74-0.83), and 0.63 (95% CI 0.51-0.73), respectively. The pooled sensitivity of 3 Tesla (3T), 1.5 Tesla (1.5T), and <1.5 Tesla MRI was 0.79 (95% CI 0.72-0.85), 0.67 (95% CI 0.60-0.74), and 0.55 (95% CI 0.39-0.71), respectively. There were differences in interobserver consistency across different studies.
CONCLUSIONS
In general, MRI had high specificity in discriminating normal cartilage, but its sensitivity for identifying chondral lesions is less optimal. Further analysis showed that quantitative MRI, 3D MRI, and 3T MRI demonstrate greater sensitivity compared with 2D MRI, 1.5T MRI, and <1.5 Tesla MRI.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Level III, systematic review of Level II-III studies.
PubMed: 38336108
DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2024.01.035 -
Topics in Magnetic Resonance Imaging :... Feb 2024Currently, there is no evidence that MRI produces harmful effects on premature newborns, as well as short-term and long-term safety issues regarding radiofrequency...
BACKGROUND
Currently, there is no evidence that MRI produces harmful effects on premature newborns, as well as short-term and long-term safety issues regarding radiofrequency fields and loud acoustic environment, while the examination that is being performed has not been clearly investigated. MRI of the brain conducted on preterm infants should be part of the diagnostic workup, when necessary. This article is intended to evaluate the short-term safety of MRI performed in preterm infants, when required, by analyzing all vital parameters available before, during, and after the MRI procedures.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review of the literature on electronic medical databases (PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov) following the Preferred Reported Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We included all preterm infants who underwent MRI whose clinical, hemodynamic, and respiratory parameters were reported. The quality of the included articles was assessed using QUADAS-2 (Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies) tool.
RESULTS
Six studies were included with a total of 311 preterm infants. No severe adverse event, such as death, occurred during MRI procedures. Vital signs remained stable in about two-thirds of all patients.
CONCLUSIONS
Given the general clinical safety of MRI, we suggest it as a tool to be used in preterm infants in Neonatal Intensive Care Units, when necessary. We further suggest the development of standard protocols to guide the use of MRI in preterm infants to maximize the clinical safety of the procedure.
Topics: Infant, Newborn; Infant; Humans; Infant, Premature; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Brain; Radio Waves
PubMed: 38329378
DOI: 10.1097/RMR.0000000000000310