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Journal of Alzheimer's Disease : JAD Jun 2024Portable digital health technologies (DHTs) could help evaluate non-cognitive symptoms, but evidence to support their use in patients with dementia with Lewy bodies...
BACKGROUND
Portable digital health technologies (DHTs) could help evaluate non-cognitive symptoms, but evidence to support their use in patients with dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is uncertain.
OBJECTIVE
1) To describe portable or wearable DHTs used to obtain digital biomarkers in patients with DLB, 2) to assess the digital biomarkers' ability to evaluate non-cognitive symptoms, and 3) to assess the feasibility of applying digital biomarkers in patients with DLB.
METHODS
We systematically searched databases MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science from inception through February 28, 2023. Studies assessing digital biomarkers obtained by portable or wearable DHTs and related to non-cognitive symptoms were eligible if including patients with DLB. The quality of studies was assessed using a modified check list based on the NIH Quality assessment tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-sectional Studies. A narrative synthesis of data was carried out.
RESULTS
We screened 4,295 records and included 20 studies. Seventeen different DHTs were identified for assessment of most non-cognitive symptoms related to DLB. No thorough validation of digital biomarkers for measurement of non-cognitive symptoms in DLB was reported. Studies did not report on aspects of feasibility in a systematic way.
CONCLUSIONS
Knowledge about feasibility and validity of individual digital biomarkers remains extremely limited. Study heterogeneity is a barrier for establishing a broad evidence base for application of digital biomarkers in DLB. Researchers should conform to recommended standards for systematic evaluation of digital biomarkers.
PubMed: 38943394
DOI: 10.3233/JAD-240327 -
GeroScience Jun 2024A growing body of research suggested that there was a link between poor periodontal health and systemic diseases, particularly with the early development of cognitive... (Review)
Review
A growing body of research suggested that there was a link between poor periodontal health and systemic diseases, particularly with the early development of cognitive disorders, dementia, and depression. This is especially true in cases of changes in diet, malnutrition, loss of muscular endurance, and abnormal systemic inflammatory response. Our study aimed to determine the extent of these associations to better target the multi-level healthy aging challenge investigating the impact of periodontal disease on cognitive disorders (cognitive impairment and cognitive decline), dementia, and depression. We conducted a comprehensive literature search up to November 2023 using six different electronic databases. Two independent researchers assessed the eligibility of 7363 records against the inclusion criteria and found only 46 records that met the requirements. The study is registered on PROSPERO (CRD42023485688). We generated random effects pooled estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CI) to evaluate whether periodontal disease increased the risk of the investigated outcomes. The quality assessment revealed moderate quality of evidence and risk of bias. Periodontal disease was found to be associated with both cognitive disorders (relative risk (RR) 1.25, 95% CI 1.11-1.40, in the analysis of cross-sectional studies); cognitive impairment (RR 3.01, 95% CI 1.52-5.95 for longitudinal studies, cognitive decline); and dementia (RR 1.22, 95% CI 1.10-1.36). However, no significant increased risk of depression among subjects with periodontal disease was found (RR 1.07, 95% CI 0.95-1.21). Despite the association with two of the three explored outcomes, the available evidence on periodontal diseases and dementia, cognitive disorders, and depression is controversial due to several limitations. Therefore, further investigations involving validated and standardized tools are required.
PubMed: 38943006
DOI: 10.1007/s11357-024-01243-8 -
Annals of Agricultural and... Jun 2024As globalization and modernization continue to impact people's lives, a significant shift in lifestyle has taken place, resulting in a worldwide decrease in physical... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE
As globalization and modernization continue to impact people's lives, a significant shift in lifestyle has taken place, resulting in a worldwide decrease in physical activity and an increase in unhealthy eating patterns. Physical inactivity has become the fourth leading cause of death globally. The aim of this scoping review is to analyze the concept and development of integrating physical activity into healthcare (IPAHc), based on the principles of sports and exercise medicine (SEM) and exercise is medicine (EIM).
REVIEW METHODS
A systematic search was conducted of relevant published studies with full text using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Academic Search Ultimate, Medline, and SPORTDiscus, via the EBSCO search platform.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE STATE OF KNOWLEDGE
Twenty-nine studies met the inclusion criteria. The integration pathway centres around physical activity consultation and/or referral, and information technology which has been extensively utilized in IPAHc, including websites, electronic medical records, social media, wearable devices, mobile software, and referral tools. SEM and EIM face numerous implementation challenges, such as time constraints, education/training, resources, and tools.
SUMMARY
The concept of IPAHc involves the integration of Physical Activity Vital Signs (PAVS) into electronic medical records to evaluate the physical activity levels of the general population. This can assist individuals in achieving fitness goals, preventing diseases, treating existing illnesses, and undergoing rehabilitation. IPAHc has been in development for many years and is now being explored in practice. Despite the widespread use of information technology in this integration process, a number of challenges still need addressing.
Topics: Humans; Exercise; Delivery of Health Care
PubMed: 38940098
DOI: 10.26444/aaem/183778 -
Mayo Clinic Proceedings. Digital Health Jun 2024This study aimed to review the application of natural language processing (NLP) in thyroid-related conditions and to summarize current challenges and potential future...
This study aimed to review the application of natural language processing (NLP) in thyroid-related conditions and to summarize current challenges and potential future directions. We performed a systematic search of databases for studies describing NLP applications in thyroid conditions published in English between January 1, 2012 and November 4, 2022. In addition, we used a snowballing technique to identify studies missed in the initial search or published after our search timeline until April 1, 2023. For included studies, we extracted the NLP method (eg, rule-based, machine learning, deep learning, or hybrid), NLP application (eg, identification, classification, and automation), thyroid condition (eg, thyroid cancer, thyroid nodule, and functional or autoimmune disease), data source (eg, electronic health records, health forums, medical literature databases, or genomic databases), performance metrics, and stages of development. We identified 24 eligible NLP studies focusing on thyroid-related conditions. Deep learning-based methods were the most common (38%), followed by rule-based (21%), and traditional machine learning (21%) methods. Thyroid nodules (54%) and thyroid cancer (29%) were the primary conditions under investigation. Electronic health records were the dominant data source (17/24, 71%), with imaging reports being the most frequently used (15/17, 88%). There is increasing interest in NLP applications for thyroid-related studies, mostly addressing thyroid nodules and using deep learning-based methodologies with limited external validation. However, none of the reviewed NLP applications have reached clinical practice. Several limitations, including inconsistent clinical documentation and model portability, need to be addressed to promote the evaluation and implementation of NLP applications to support patient care in thyroidology.
PubMed: 38938930
DOI: 10.1016/j.mcpdig.2024.03.007 -
American Journal of Health-system... Jun 2024In an effort to expedite the publication of articles, AJHP is posting manuscripts online as soon as possible after acceptance. Accepted manuscripts have been...
DISCLAIMER
In an effort to expedite the publication of articles, AJHP is posting manuscripts online as soon as possible after acceptance. Accepted manuscripts have been peer-reviewed and copyedited, but are posted online before technical formatting and author proofing. These manuscripts are not the final version of record and will be replaced with the final article (formatted per AJHP style and proofed by the authors) at a later time.
PURPOSE
Integration of pharmacists into the perioperative practice has the potential to improve patients' clinical outcomes. The aim of this systematic review is to systematically investigate the evidence on the roles of pharmacists in perioperative settings and the effects of pharmacist interventions on clinical outcomes and therapy optimization.
METHODS
A protocol-led (CRD42023460812) systematic review was conducted using search of PubMed, Embase, CINAHL and Google Scholar databases. Studies that investigated the roles and impact of pharmacist-led interventions in the perioperative settings on clinical outcomes were included. Data were extracted and quality assessed independently by two reviewers using the DEPICT-2 (Descriptive Elements of Pharmacist Intervention Characterization Tool) and the Crowe Critical Appraisal Tool (CCAT), respectively. Studies were grouped according to the clinical area into 5 sections: (1) pain control and opioid consumption; (2) venous thromboembolism (VTE); (3) surgery-related gastrointestinal complications; (4) postoperative medication management; and (5) total parenteral nutritional.
RESULTS
Nineteen studies involving a total of 7,168 patients were included; most studies were conducted in gastrointestinal (n = 7) and orthopedics (n = 6) surgical units. Most included studies (n = 14) employed a multicomponent intervention including pharmaceutical care, education, guideline development, drug information services, and recommendations formulation. The processes of developing the implemented interventions and their structures were seldom reported. Positive impacts of pharmacist intervention on clinical outcomes included significant improvement in pain control and reductions in the incidence of VTE, surgery-related stress ulcer, nausea, and vomiting. There is inconsistency in the findings related to medication management (ie, achieving desired therapeutic ranges) and management of chronic conditions (hypertension and type 2 diabetes).
CONCLUSION
Whilst there is some evidence of positive impacts of pharmacist intervention on clinical outcomes and optimizing drug therapy, this evidence is generally of low quality and insufficient volume. While this review suggests that pharmacists have essential roles in improving the care of patients undergoing surgery, more research with rigorous designs is required.
PubMed: 38934846
DOI: 10.1093/ajhp/zxae177 -
Expert Opinion on Biological Therapy Jun 2024We evaluated a potential move from one rapid-acting insulin analog to another, or their biosimilars, to aid better and faster decisions for diabetes management. (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Review
Comparison of the efficacy and safety of rapid-acting insulin analogs, lispro versus aspart, in the treatment of diabetes: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.
INTRODUCTION
We evaluated a potential move from one rapid-acting insulin analog to another, or their biosimilars, to aid better and faster decisions for diabetes management.
METHODS
A systematic literature review was performed according to PRISMA reporting guidelines. The MEDLINE/EMBASE/COCHRANE databases were searched for randomized control trials (RCTs) comparing aspart/lispro in type-1 (T1D) and type-2 (T2D) diabetes. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias assessment criteria.
RESULTS
Of the 753 records retrieved, the six selected efficacy/safety RCTs and the additional three hand-searched pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics RCTs showed some heterogeneity in the presentation of the continuous variables; however, collectively, the outcomes demonstrated that lispro and aspart had comparable efficacy and safety in adult patients with T1D and T2D. Both treatments yielded a similar decrease in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and had similar dosing and weight changes, with similar treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAE) and serious adverse event (SAE) reporting, similar hypoglycemic episodes in both T1D and T2D populations, and no clinically significant differences for hyperglycemia, occlusions or other infusion site/set complications.
CONCLUSIONS
Aspart and lispro demonstrate comparative safety and efficacy in patients with T1D/T2D. Since both are deemed equally suitable for controlling prandial glycemic excursions and both have similar safety attributes, they may be used interchangeably in clinical practice.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42023376793.
Topics: Humans; Insulin Lispro; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Insulin Aspart; Hypoglycemic Agents; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Treatment Outcome; Glycated Hemoglobin; Blood Glucose
PubMed: 38934226
DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2024.2371046 -
American Journal of Clinical Oncology Jun 2024Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a severe immunologic disorder that can be fatal if left untreated. The condition is characterized by excessive immune system...
BACKGROUND
Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a severe immunologic disorder that can be fatal if left untreated. The condition is characterized by excessive immune system activation and is often triggered by infections such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Rituximab, an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, has been suggested as a treatment, particularly for EBV-associated HLH.
METHODS
A systematic review was conducted using PRISMA guidelines, with a literature search spanning PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. The inclusion criteria focused on studies that assessed rituximab's efficacy in treating HLH. Quality assessment was performed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Case Reports.
RESULTS
Of 783 identified records, 24 studies were included in the final analysis. Rituximab was typically administered at 375 mg/m2, with varying doses and treatment frequency. Clinical response, often seen within 1 month, was assessed by improvements in clinical symptoms and laboratory findings. Survival rates posttreatment displayed a wide range, with instances of complete remission and disease-free periods, as well as reports of relapse and mortality.
CONCLUSION
Rituximab demonstrates the potential for significant clinical benefit in treating HLH, particularly when associated with EBV, showing promise in reducing disease activity and contributing to remission. These findings encourage further research and clinical trials to refine the therapeutic protocols and better understand the long-term effects of rituximab in HLH management.
PubMed: 38934172
DOI: 10.1097/COC.0000000000001119 -
Frontiers in Epidemiology 2024Despite several interventions on the control of cholera, it still remains a significant public health problem in Africa. According to the World Health Organization,...
INTRODUCTION
Despite several interventions on the control of cholera, it still remains a significant public health problem in Africa. According to the World Health Organization, 251,549 cases and 4,180 deaths (CFR: 2.9%) were reported from 19 African countries in 2023. Tools exist to enhance the surveillance of cholera but there is limited evidence on their deployment and application. There is limited evidence on the harmonization of the deployment of tools for the evaluation of cholera surveillance. We systematically reviewed available literature on the deployment of these tools in the evaluation of surveillance systems in Africa.
METHOD
Three electronic databases (PubMed, Medline and Embase) were used to search articles published in English between January 2012 to May 2023. Grey literature was also searched using Google and Google Scholar. Only articles that addressed a framework used in cholera surveillance in Africa were included. The quality of articles was assessed using the appropriate tools. Data on the use of surveillance tools and frameworks were extracted from articles for a coherent synthesis on their deployment.
RESULT
A total of 13 records (5 frameworks and 8 studies) were fit for use for this study. As per the time of the study, there were no surveillance frameworks specific for the evaluation of surveillance systems of cholera in Africa, however, five frameworks for communicable diseases and public health events could be adapted for cholera surveillance evaluation. None (0%) of the studies evaluated capacities on cross border surveillance, multisectoral one health approach and linkage of laboratory networks to surveillance systems. All (100%) studies assessed surveillance attributes even though there was no synergy in the attributes considered even among studies with similar objectives. There is therefore the need for stakeholders to harmoniously identify a spectrum of critical parameters and attributes to guide the assessment of cholera surveillance system performance.
PubMed: 38933896
DOI: 10.3389/fepid.2024.1353826 -
Frontiers in Pharmacology 2024Antibiotic resistance has emerged as a global concern. Xiyanping injection (XYP), a traditional Chinese medicine injection, has been extensively utilized for the...
Potential efficacy and safety of Xiyanping injection as adjuvant therapy in treatment of suppurative acute tonsillitis: a meta-analysis, trial sequential analysis, and certainty of evidence.
Antibiotic resistance has emerged as a global concern. Xiyanping injection (XYP), a traditional Chinese medicine injection, has been extensively utilized for the treatment of suppurative acute tonsillitis (SAT) in China, exhibiting clinical efficacy. Consequently, there is a need for further evaluation of the potential effectiveness and safety of this treatment. This meta-analysis consolidated data from multiple independent studies to assess the overall treatment efficacy of XYP as adjuvant therapy in patients with SAT. The search for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) encompassed databases from their inception to 1 April 2024, including the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, SinoMed, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, and CBM. Data extraction, methodological quality assessment, and meta-analysis were performed independently by two researchers. Review Manager 5.4 was used for data analysis. Various tools were employed for assessment, including forest plots to visualize results, funnel plots to detect publication bias, trial sequential analysis to estimate sample size, and GRADE to evaluate evidence quality. A comprehensive analysis of 32 RCTs involving 4,265 cases was conducted. When compared to conventional treatments (CTs; β-lactams/clindamycin hydrochloride injection/ribavirin) alone, the combination of XYP with CTs demonstrated significant reductions in symptom duration. This included sore throat (MD = -21.08, 95% CI: -24.86 to -17.29, < 0.00001), disappearance of tonsillar redness and swelling (mean difference [MD] = -20.28, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -30.05 to -10.52, < 0.0001), tonsil purulent discharge (MD = -22.40, 95% CI: -28.04 to -16.75, < 0.00001), and normalization of temperature (MD = -19.48, 95% CI: -22.49 to -16.47, < 0.00001). Furthermore, patients receiving CTs combined with XYP exhibited lower levels of interleukin-6 (MD = -7.64, 95% CI: 8.41 to -6.87, < 0.00001) and interleukin-8 (MD = -5.23, 95% CI: -5.60 to -4.86, < 0.00001) than those receiving CTs alone. Additionally, the combination therapy significantly improved the recovery rate (relative risk [RR] = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.37 to 1.77, < 0.00001), white blood cell count recovery rate (RR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.04 to 1.23, = 0.004), and disappearance rate of tonsillar redness and swelling (RR = 0.51, 95% CI: 1.14 to 1.38, < 0.00001), with no significant increase in adverse events (RR = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.20 to 1.10, = 0.08). The current systematic review and meta-analysis tentatively suggest that the combination of XYP and CTs yields superior clinical outcomes for patients with SAT compared to CTs alone, with a favorable safety profile. Nonetheless, these findings warrant further confirmation through more rigorous RCTs, given the notable heterogeneity and publication bias observed in the included studies. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=296118, identifier CRD42022296118.
PubMed: 38933666
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1327856 -
Journal of Diabetes and Metabolic... Jun 2024Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a constellation of coexisting cardiovascular risk factors. This study aimed to assess the evidence for the association between the... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a constellation of coexisting cardiovascular risk factors. This study aimed to assess the evidence for the association between the apolipoprotein B/A1 ratio, apolipoprotein B, and apolipoprotein A1, and the MetS in children and adolescents.
METHODS
The English electronic databases including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched up to February 28, 2022. To ascertain the validity of eligible studies, modified JBI scale was used. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled using the random-effects model to evaluate the association between the apolipoprotein B/A1 ratio, apolipoprotein B, and apolipoprotein A1 and the MetS. Heterogeneity amongst the studies was determined by the use of the Galbraith diagram, Cochran's Q-test, and I test. Publication bias was assessed using Egger's and Begg's tests.
RESULTS
From 7356 records, 5 studies were included in the meta-analysis, representing a total number of 232 participants with MetS and 1320 participants as control group. The results indicated that increased levels of apolipoprotein B/A1 ratio (SMD 1.26; 95% CI: 1.04, 1.47) and apolipoprotein B (SMD 0.75; 95% CI: 0.36, 1.14) and decreased levels of apolipoprotein A1 (SMD -0.53; 95% CI: -0.69, -0.37) are linked to the presence of MetS. The notable findings were, children and adolescents with MetS had elevated levels of the apolipoprotein B/A1 ratio, apolipoprotein B, and decreased levels of apolipoprotein A1.
CONCLUSIONS
Our results suggest the need to evaluate the levels of apolipoproteins for detecting the risk of MetS in children and adolescents.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40200-023-01235-z.
PubMed: 38932877
DOI: 10.1007/s40200-023-01235-z