-
Journal of Clinical Medicine Mar 2024: Children with CP show deficits in executive function compared to their typically developing peers, based on the majority of the available evidence. However, the... (Review)
Review
: Children with CP show deficits in executive function compared to their typically developing peers, based on the majority of the available evidence. However, the magnitude of these deficits, as well as the proportions of the shortfalls in the three main components, have not yet been examined. This is the first meta-analysis to synthesize evidence on the magnitude of differences between patients with cerebral palsy (CP) and typically developing populations in different components of executive function skills (working memory, inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility), and thus makes recommendations on which areas of executive functioning are in greatest need of intervention. : We conducted a systematic literature search of four databases for studies that measured executive functions in these two groups until 31 August 2023. We calculated the standardized mean difference (Hedges' g), an average effect size overall, and for the three components of executive function skills separately, we used several moderator analyses, including methodological differences between the primary studies. : Fifteen articles were included in the meta-analysis. The average mean difference in executive functioning overall was large (g+ = -0.82). Furthermore, large significant differences were found in working memory (g+ = -0.92) and inhibitory control (g+ = -0.82) and a moderate difference was identified in cognitive flexibility (g+ = -0.57). In addition, results of moderator analyses reveal the importance of a rigorous matching of control group participants and CP patients. : The results demonstrate a severe impairment in all executive functions among CP patients compared to typically developing peers, which do not decrease over time.
PubMed: 38610632
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13071867 -
Alzheimer's Research & Therapy Apr 2024Measurement of beta-amyloid (Aβ) and phosphorylated tau (p-tau) levels offers the potential for early detection of neurocognitive impairment. Still, the probability of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Measurement of beta-amyloid (Aβ) and phosphorylated tau (p-tau) levels offers the potential for early detection of neurocognitive impairment. Still, the probability of developing a clinical syndrome in the presence of these protein changes (A+ and T+) remains unclear. By performing a systematic review and meta-analysis, we investigated the risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia in the non-demented population with A+ and A- alone and in combination with T+ and T- as confirmed by PET or cerebrospinal fluid examination.
METHODS
A systematic search of prospective and retrospective studies investigating the association of Aβ and p-tau with cognitive decline was performed in three databases (MEDLINE via PubMed, EMBASE, and CENTRAL) on January 9, 2024. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane QUIPS tool. Odds ratios (OR) and Hazard Ratios (HR) were pooled using a random-effects model. The effect of neurodegeneration was not studied due to its non-specific nature.
RESULTS
A total of 18,162 records were found, and at the end of the selection process, data from 36 cohorts were pooled (n= 7,793). Compared to the unexposed group, the odds ratio (OR) for conversion to dementia in A+ MCI patients was 5.18 [95% CI 3.93; 6.81]. In A+ CU subjects, the OR for conversion to MCI or dementia was 5.79 [95% CI 2.88; 11.64]. Cerebrospinal fluid Aβ42 or Aβ42/40 analysis and amyloid PET imaging showed consistent results. The OR for conversion in A+T+ MCI subjects (11.60 [95% CI 7.96; 16.91]) was significantly higher than in A+T- subjects (2.73 [95% CI 1.65; 4.52]). The OR for A-T+ MCI subjects was non-significant (1.47 [95% CI 0.55; 3.92]). CU subjects with A+T+ status had a significantly higher OR for conversion (13.46 [95% CI 3.69; 49.11]) than A+T- subjects (2.04 [95% CI 0.70; 5.97]). Meta-regression showed that the ORs for Aβ exposure decreased with age in MCI. (beta = -0.04 [95% CI -0.03 to -0.083]).
CONCLUSIONS
Identifying Aβ-positive individuals, irrespective of the measurement technique employed (CSF or PET), enables the detection of the most at-risk population before disease onset, or at least at a mild stage. The inclusion of tau status in addition to Aβ, especially in A+T+ cases, further refines the risk assessment. Notably, the higher odds ratio associated with Aβ decreases with age.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
The study was registered in PROSPERO (ID: CRD42021288100).
Topics: Humans; Prospective Studies; Retrospective Studies; Amyloidogenic Proteins; Cognitive Dysfunction; Dementia
PubMed: 38610055
DOI: 10.1186/s13195-024-01455-2 -
BMC Oral Health Apr 2024Oral health impacts systemic health, individual well-being, and quality of life. It is important to identify conditions that may exacerbate oral disease to aid public...
BACKGROUND
Oral health impacts systemic health, individual well-being, and quality of life. It is important to identify conditions that may exacerbate oral disease to aid public health and policy development and promote targeted patient treatment strategies. Developmental defects can increase an individual's risk of dental caries, hypersensitivity, premature tooth wear, erosion, and poor aesthetics. As part of an ongoing study assessing oral health in adults with cystic fibrosis at Cork University Dental School and Hospital, a systematic review of available literature was conducted to assess the prevalence of enamel defects in people with cystic fibrosis.
AIMS
To critically evaluate the literature to determine if the prevalence of developmental defects of enamel is higher in people with cystic fibrosis (PwCF).
METHODS
Data Sources: Three online databases were searched Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science Core Collection. Studies that examined an association between cystic fibrosis and developmental defects of enamel were included in this systematic review.
RESULTS
The initial search identified 116 publications from the following databases Embase, Web of Science Core Collection, and Scopus. Eleven studies were included for qualitative analysis. Nine studies concluded that PwCF had a higher prevalence of enamel defects than control people and one study found no difference in cystic fibrosis (CF) status. All studies had a risk of bias that may influence study results and their interpretation.
CONCLUSIONS
The results of the systematic review show a consistent pattern that PwCF have a higher prevalence of DDE than people without CF. Genetic dysfunction, chronic systemic infections, and long-term antibiotic use are possible aetiological causes. This review highlights the need for future studies to investigate if DDEs are caused by the underlying CFTR mutation or as a consequence of disease manifestations and/or management.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Prevalence; Cystic Fibrosis; Dental Caries; Quality of Life; Dental Enamel; Developmental Defects of Enamel
PubMed: 38609911
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-024-04227-4 -
Seminars in Thrombosis and Hemostasis Apr 2024Khorana score (KS) is an established risk assessment model for predicting cancer-associated thrombosis. However, it ignores several risk factors and has poor...
Khorana score (KS) is an established risk assessment model for predicting cancer-associated thrombosis. However, it ignores several risk factors and has poor predictability in some cancer types. Machine learning (ML) is a novel technique used for the diagnosis and prognosis of several diseases, including cancer-associated thrombosis, when trained on specific diagnostic modalities. Consolidating the literature on the use of ML for the prediction of cancer-associated thrombosis is necessary to understand its diagnostic and prognostic abilities relative to KS. This systematic review aims to evaluate the current use and performance of ML algorithms to predict thrombosis in cancer patients. This study was conducted per Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. Databases Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane, and ClinicalTrials.gov, were searched from inception to September 15, 2023, for studies evaluating the use of ML models for the prediction of thrombosis in cancer patients. Search terms "machine learning," "artificial intelligence," "thrombosis," and "cancer" were used. Studies that examined adult cancer patients using any ML model were included. Two independent reviewers conducted study selection and data extraction. Three hundred citations were screened, of which 29 studies underwent a full-text review, and ultimately, 8 studies with 22,893 patients were included. Sample sizes ranged from 348 to 16,407 patients. Thrombosis was characterized as venous thromboembolism ( = 6) or peripherally inserted central catheter thrombosis ( = 2). The types of cancer included breast, gastric, colorectal, bladder, lung, esophageal, pancreatic, biliary, prostate, ovarian, genitourinary, head-neck, and sarcoma. All studies reported outcomes on the ML's predictive capacity. The extreme gradient boosting appears to be the best-performing model, and several models outperform KS in their respective datasets.
PubMed: 38604227
DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1785482 -
Annals of Surgical Oncology Jul 2024Standard lymphadenectomy for pancreatoduodenectomy is defined for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and adopted for patients with non-pancreatic periampullary cancer...
Differences in Lymph Node Metastases Patterns Among Non-pancreatic Periampullary Cancers and Histologic Subtypes: An International Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study and Systematic Review.
BACKGROUND
Standard lymphadenectomy for pancreatoduodenectomy is defined for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and adopted for patients with non-pancreatic periampullary cancer (NPPC), ampullary adenocarcinoma (AAC), distal cholangiocarcinoma (dCCA), or duodenal adenocarcinoma (DAC). This study aimed to compare the patterns of lymph node metastases among the different NPPCs in a large series and in a systematic review to guide the discussion on surgical lymphadenectomy and pathology assessment.
METHODS
This retrospective cohort study included patients after pancreatoduodenectomy for NPPC with at least one lymph node metastasis (2010-2021) from 24 centers in nine countries. The primary outcome was identification of lymph node stations affected in case of a lymph node metastasis per NPPC. A separate systematic review included studies on lymph node metastases patterns of AAC, dCCA, and DAC.
RESULTS
The study included 2367 patients, of whom 1535 had AAC, 616 had dCCA, and 216 had DAC. More patients with pancreatobiliary type AAC had one or more lymph node metastasis (67.2% vs 44.8%; P < 0.001) compared with intestinal-type, but no differences in metastasis pattern were observed. Stations 13 and 17 were most frequently involved (95%, 94%, and 90%). Whereas dCCA metastasized more frequently to station 12 (13.0% vs 6.4% and 7.0%, P = 0.005), DAC metastasized more frequently to stations 6 (5.0% vs 0% and 2.7%; P < 0.001) and 14 (17.0% vs 8.4% and 11.7%, P = 0.015).
CONCLUSION
This study is the first to comprehensively demonstrate the differences and similarities in lymph node metastases spread among NPPCs, to identify the existing research gaps, and to underscore the importance of standardized lymphadenectomy and pathologic assessment for AAC, dCCA, and DAC.
Topics: Humans; Lymphatic Metastasis; Retrospective Studies; Ampulla of Vater; Pancreaticoduodenectomy; Common Bile Duct Neoplasms; Duodenal Neoplasms; Male; Female; Pancreatic Neoplasms; Adenocarcinoma; Lymph Node Excision; Cholangiocarcinoma; Aged; Middle Aged; Prognosis; Follow-Up Studies; Lymph Nodes; Bile Duct Neoplasms; Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal
PubMed: 38602578
DOI: 10.1245/s10434-024-15213-z -
Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine Apr 2024An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear is a risk factor for early osteoarthritis (OA) onset. Generally, ACL reconstruction (ACLR) is associated with better outcomes.... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear is a risk factor for early osteoarthritis (OA) onset. Generally, ACL reconstruction (ACLR) is associated with better outcomes. However, there is a lack of evidence regarding the effect of operative versus nonoperative treatment for preventing premature knee OA in isolated ACL tears while achieving good functional outcomes.
PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS
The purpose of the study was to compare the outcomes of ACLR to primarily nonoperative management of isolated ACL tears. It was hypothesized that the outcomes between treatment types would be similar.
STUDY DESIGN
Systematic review; Level of evidence, 3.
METHODS
This systematic review was registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) (registration No. CRD42021285901) and was conducted according to the Cochrane Handbook guidelines. We systematically searched for randomized and nonrandomized studies that compared ACLR with nonoperative treatments in isolated ACL tears in 3 databases until October 25, 2021. The risk of bias and quality of evidence of the included studies was assessed in accordance with the Cochrane guidelines. The primary outcome was radiologic signs of OA, and the secondary outcomes were functional parameters. Using the common effects model, we calculated pooled mean differences (MDs) and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CIs.
RESULTS
Five studies-2 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 3 retrospective non-RCTs-were included. There was a moderate risk of bias in 2 studies and a serious risk of bias in 1 study. The quality of evidence was rated low because of the higher risk of bias and inconsistency. Nonoperatively treated knees showed a trend toward lower odds of developing radiological signs of OA (OR, 1.84 [95% CI, 0.90 to 3.75]); however, surgically reconstructed knees had significantly better stability (MD, -2.44 [95% CI, -3.21 to -1.66 ]) and a trend toward better but clinically not meaningful Lysholm scores (MD, 2.88 [95% CI, -1.09 to 6.85]). The qualitative synthesis showed that surgical reconstruction was protective against subsequent injuries but not superior when returning to previous activity levels or various functional tests.
CONCLUSION
Findings indicated that there is no certain evidence that ACLR for an isolated ACL tear is superior to nonoperative treatment. Clinicians should consider nonoperative treatments with a well-designed rehabilitative program as a primary option. However, these findings must be interpreted with caution because of low study quality and high risk of bias.
PubMed: 38601190
DOI: 10.1177/23259671241239665 -
Arthroscopy : the Journal of... Apr 2024We conducted our network meta-analysis to compare the efficacy of the steroid injections to other injectable therapies in partial-thickness rotator cuff tears (PTRCTs).
Hyaluronate acid plus platelet-rich plasma is superior to steroids for pain relief less than 6 months using injection therapy of partial rotator cuff tears: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.
PURPOSE
We conducted our network meta-analysis to compare the efficacy of the steroid injections to other injectable therapies in partial-thickness rotator cuff tears (PTRCTs).
METHODS
A systematic literature search was performed until October 25, 2021 in three databases (CENTRAL, Embase, MEDLINE). Eligible studies compared the efficacy of steroid, hyaluronic acid (HA), platelet-rich plasma (PRP), the combination of HA and PRP (HA+PRP), and adipose-derived regenerative cells (ADRC) in RC tears. The primary outcomes were the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Constant Murley Score (CMS), and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form. Using paired and network meta-analysis, we calculated pooled mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
RESULTS
We included a total of seven articles in the quantitative synthesis. In shorter periods, the HA+PRP combination was superior to the other substances we investigated (HA+PRP: VAS (0-4 weeks): MD: -0.99 [CI = -1.62, -0.36]; CMS (0-3 months): 20.56 [CI = 16.18, 24.94]. This combination was followed by the use of HA or PRP alone, depending on the duration of follow-up and the outcome being studied. In our study, short-term results suggest that saline is superior to steroids for partial tears, but this trend is reversed at six-month follow-up.
CONCLUSION
Our results suggest the combination of HA and PRP to be a more effective therapeutic option for partial RC ruptures for short terms, but there is no significant difference after 6 months.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
II, Included of Level of Evidence studies I-II.
PubMed: 38599539
DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2024.03.035 -
American Journal of Surgery Aug 2024There remains a lack of consensus regarding the benefits of stent placement following pancreaticojejunostomy in terms of clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
There remains a lack of consensus regarding the benefits of stent placement following pancreaticojejunostomy in terms of clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistulas (CR-POPFs). This study was aimed at analyzing the effects of stent placement, stent technique (internal and external), stent size, and dilation of the main pancreatic duct on CR-POPFs.
METHODS
Our study comprised a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials involving patients undergoing pancreaticojejunostomy. The primary outcome was defined as the incidence of CR-POPFs. Additionally, subgroup analyses were conducted, and pooled analyses were performed to provide comparative references.
RESULTS
Twelve randomized controlled trials, including a total of 1117 patients, were included. Compared with no stent placement, stenting did not exhibit a significant association with reduced CR-POPF incidence (odds ratio [OR] = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.34-1.04, P = 0.07). Subgroup analysis revealed that only external stents, and not internal stents, were significantly associated with a reduced CR-POPF incidence compared with no stent placement (OR = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.28-0.99, P = 0.05 vs. OR = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.28-3.05, P = 0.89). Furthermore, stent placement in patients with a main pancreatic duct diameter of ≤3 mm, and not in those with a main pancreatic duct diameter of >3 mm, was associated with a significantly reduced CR-POPF incidence compared with no stent placement (OR = 0.24, 95% CI: 0.07-0.78, P = 0.02 vs. OR = 1.58, 95% CI: 0.41-6.06, P = 0.50).
CONCLUSIONS
The findings suggest a potential role for external stent placement in the prevention of CR-POPFs after pancreaticojejunostomy, particularly in patients with undilated pancreatic ducts. The reliability of our findings is constrained by the limited number of studies included.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42022380103.
Topics: Humans; Stents; Pancreaticojejunostomy; Pancreatic Fistula; Postoperative Complications; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Pancreatic Ducts
PubMed: 38594142
DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2024.04.002 -
Clinical Research in Cardiology :... Apr 2024Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) assessed by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) can evaluate myocardial scar associated with a higher risk of sudden cardiac death...
Evaluating the predictive value of late gadolinium enhancement assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance on sudden cardiac death in patients selected for implantable cardioverter defibrillator and cardiac resynchronization therapy implantation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
AIMS
Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) assessed by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) can evaluate myocardial scar associated with a higher risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD), which can guide the selection between cardiac resynchronization therapy with or without a defibrillator (CRT-P/CRT-D). Our aim was to investigate the association between LGE and SCD risk in patients with CRT using the LGE-CMR technique.
METHODS AND RESULTS
We performed a systematic literature search using four databases. The target population was CRT candidates. The primary endpoint was SCD. The risk of bias was assessed using the QUIPS tool. Fifteen eligible articles were included with a total of 2494 patients, of whom 27%, 56%, and 19% had an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), CRT-D, and CRT-P, respectively. Altogether, 54.71% of the cohort was LGE positive, who had a 72% higher risk for SCD (HR 1.72; 95% CI 1.18-2.50) compared to LGE negatives. In non-ischemic patients, the proportion of LGE positivity was 46.6%, with a significantly higher risk for SCD as compared to LGE negatives (HR 2.42; 95% CI 1.99-2.94). The subgroup of CRT-only patients showed no difference between the LGE-positive vs. negative candidates (HR 1.17; 95% CI 0.82-1.68). Comparable SCD risk was observed between articles with short- (OR 7.47; 95% CI 0.54-103.12) vs. long-term (OR 6.15; 95% CI 0.96-39.45) follow-up time.
CONCLUSION
LGE-CMR positivity was associated with an increased SCD risk; however, in CRT candidates, the difference in risk reduction between LGE positive vs. negative patients was statistically not significant, suggesting a role of reverse remodeling. LGE-CMR before device implantation could be crucial in identifying high-risk patients even in non-ischemic etiology.
PubMed: 38587562
DOI: 10.1007/s00392-024-02441-2 -
Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery :... Apr 2024Biliary tract cancer (BTC) is an invasive adenocarcinoma affecting the hepatobiliary system, but high recurrence rates highlight the need for more effective adjuvant... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Biliary tract cancer (BTC) is an invasive adenocarcinoma affecting the hepatobiliary system, but high recurrence rates highlight the need for more effective adjuvant approaches. The modified Glasgow prognostic score (mGPS) has been explored as an independent prognostic indicator in patients with BTC. However, consensus on its prognostic value is lacking. This meta-analysis aimed to comprehensively assess the association between mGPS and diverse clinical outcomes in BTC by systematically analyzing relevant studies.
METHODS
A systematic search approach was used to look for eligible papers published until June 2023 in PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase, with a focus on overall survival (OS) and disease-free/recurrence-free survival (DFS/RFS). The prognostic potential of mGPS was assessed using hazard ratios (HRs) with corresponding 95% CIs.
RESULTS
A total of 15 papers comprising 2447 patients were included in this meta-analysis. The results demonstrated that, in patients with BTC, the high mGPS was associated with poorer OS (HR=1.49, 95% CI=1.35-1.65, P<0.001) and DFS/RFS (HR=3.23, 95%CI=1.98-5.26, P=0.193).
CONCLUSION
According to this meta-analysis, our study found that high mGPS was associated with poorer OS and DFS/RFS in patients with BTC.
Topics: Humans; Prognosis; Biliary Tract Neoplasms; Proportional Hazards Models
PubMed: 38583910
DOI: 10.1016/j.gassur.2024.01.023