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Science & Medicine in Football Jun 2024The main objectives of this scoping review were to conduct a systematic search on the physical, technical and tactical demands of rugby league training, consolidate and... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
The main objectives of this scoping review were to conduct a systematic search on the physical, technical and tactical demands of rugby league training, consolidate and summarise key findings and identify any existing gaps in knowledge.
METHODS
A systematic online search of Scopus, PubMed, MEDLINE and SPORTDiscus was conducted from earliest record to 6 August 2023 and supplemented by manually searching reference lists. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) Checklist was followed. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they investigated the physical, technical and/or tactical demands of rugby league training within all levels of competition and included either male or female participants.
RESULTS
The initial search yielded 637 papers, 25 of which were included in the review. Of these studies, the majority ( = 19) exclusively examined the physical demands of training, one paper exclusively examined the technical demands of training, five studies included both physical and technical demands, and no studies examined the tactical demands of training. Small-sided games was the most prevalent drill included within investigations examining the physical and technical demands of various rugby league training drills.
CONCLUSIONS
The present review was the first to scope peer-reviewed literature on the multifaceted demands (i.e. physical, technical and tactical) demands of rugby league training. It is apparent that this area is under researched, specifically in literature examining the technical and tactical elements of rugby league training.
PubMed: 38940239
DOI: 10.1080/24733938.2024.2369526 -
Journal of Integrative Neuroscience Jun 2024The understanding of neuropathic pain remains incomplete, highlighting the need for research on biomarkers for improved diagnosis and treatment. This review focuses on... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The understanding of neuropathic pain remains incomplete, highlighting the need for research on biomarkers for improved diagnosis and treatment. This review focuses on identifying potential biomarkers in blood and cerebrospinal fluid for neuropathic pain in different neuropathies.
METHODS
Searches were performed in six databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and CINAHL. Included were observational studies, namely cross-sectional, cohort, and case-control, that evaluated quantitative biomarkers in blood or cerebrospinal fluid. Data were qualitatively synthesized, and meta-analyses were conducted using R. The study is registered with PROSPERO under the ID CRD42022323769.
RESULTS
The literature search resulted in 16 studies for qualitative and 12 for quantitative analysis, covering patients over 18 years of age with painful neuropathies. A total of 1403 subjects were analyzed, identifying no significant differences in levels of C-Reactive Protein (CRP), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), and Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) between patients with and without pain. Despite the high inter-rater reliability and adequate bias assessment, the results suggest negligible differences in inflammatory biomarkers, with noted publication bias and heterogeneity among studies, indicating the need for further research.
CONCLUSIONS
Our review underscores the complex nature of neuropathic pain and the challenges in identifying biomarkers, with no significant differences found in CRP, IL-6, and TNF-alpha levels between patients with and without pain. Despite methodological robustness, the results are limited by publication bias and heterogeneity. This emphasizes the need for further research to discover definitive biomarkers for improved diagnosis and personalized treatment of neuropathic pain.
Topics: Humans; Neuralgia; Biomarkers; Inflammation Mediators
PubMed: 38940091
DOI: 10.31083/j.jin2306120 -
Frontiers in Pharmacology 2024Danhong injection (DHI) is widely used in the treatment of myocardial infarction (MI). We aimed to systematically review the efficacy and safety of DHI in a randomized...
OBJECTIVE
Danhong injection (DHI) is widely used in the treatment of myocardial infarction (MI). We aimed to systematically review the efficacy and safety of DHI in a randomized controlled experiment on MI.
METHODS
We searched the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of DHI for MI published before 2 April 2023 in China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), Wanfang database, China Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP), PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrance Library, and Embase databases. The methodological quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Cochrane Handbook 5.3 criteria using the RevMan software, and meta-analysis was performed and a forest map was drawn.
RESULTS
A total of 38 trials included 3877 patients, including 2022 cases in the DHI treatment group and 1855 cases in the control group. Meta-analysis showed that the total effective rate (RR = 1.18%, 95% CI [1.14-1.12]) during treatment with DHI was higher than that of the control group. The prevalence of cardiac arrhythmia (RR = 0.55%, 95% CI [0.46-0.65]) was lower than that of the control group. The incidence of heart rate failure (RR = 0.45%, 95% CI [0.30-0.70]) was lower than that of the control group. The prevalence of cardiogenic shock (RR = 0.33%, 95% CI [0.11-1.04]) was > 0.05, and the difference was not statistically significant. There was no statistically significant difference in LVEF between the two groups (MD = 0.00%, 95% CI [0.00-0.00]). CK-MB (MD = -0.81%, 95% CI [-0.92∼ -0.69]) was lower than the control group. hs-CRP (MD = -1.09, 95% CI [-1.22∼ -0.97]) was lower than the control group. The incidence of adverse reactions (RR = 0.37, The 95% CI [0.17-0.82]) was lower than that in the control group.
CONCLUSION
Basing on our study, the use of DHI in the treatment of myocardial infarction patients is effective, can improve cardiac function, reduce the incidence of adverse reactions, and improve the overall quality of life.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42023390973.
PubMed: 38939841
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1371959 -
Gynecologic Oncology Reports Aug 2024Studies suggest a need for new diagnostic approaches for cervical cancer including microRNA technology. In this review, we assessed the diagnostic accuracy of microRNAs...
Studies suggest a need for new diagnostic approaches for cervical cancer including microRNA technology. In this review, we assessed the diagnostic accuracy of microRNAs in detecting cervical cancer and Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN). We performed a systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guideline for protocols (PRISMA-P). We searched for all articles in online databases and grey literature from 01st January 2012 to 16th August 2022. We used the quality assessment of diagnostic accuracy studies tool (QUADAS-2) to assess the risk of bias of included studies and then conducted a Random Effects Meta-analysis. We identified 297 articles and eventually extracted data from 24 studies. Serum/plasma concentration miR-205, miR-21, miR-192, and miR-9 showed highest diagnostic accuracy (AUC of 0.750, 0.689, 0.980, and 0.900, respectively) for detecting CIN from healthy controls. MicroRNA panels (miR-21, miR-125b and miR-370) and (miR-9, miR-10a, miR-20a and miR-196a and miR-16-2) had AUC values of 0.897 and 0.886 respectively for detecting CIN from healthy controls. For detection of cervical cancer from healthy controls, the most promising microRNAs were miR-21, miR-205, miR-192 and miR-9 (AUC values of 0.723, 0.960, 1.00, and 0.99 respectively). We report higher diagnostic accuracy of upregulated microRNAs, especially miR-205, miR-9, miR-192, and miR-21. This highlights their potential as stand-alone screening or diagnostic tests, either with others, in a new algorithm, or together with other biomarkers for purposes of detecting cervical lesions. Future studies could standardize quantification methods, and also study microRNAs in higher prevalence populations like in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Our review protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022313275).
PubMed: 38939506
DOI: 10.1016/j.gore.2024.101424 -
JACC. Advances Feb 2024Antithrombotic therapy (ATT) in patients with infective endocarditis (IE) is challenging.
BACKGROUND
Antithrombotic therapy (ATT) in patients with infective endocarditis (IE) is challenging.
OBJECTIVES
The authors evaluated the impact of anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy on clinical endpoints in IE patients.
METHODS
We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing IE patients with prior and/or ongoing use of ATT vs those without any ATT during IE course. Primary outcome was reported in-hospital cerebrovascular events. Secondary outcomes were in-hospital mortality, intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), systemic thromboembolism (ST), and mortality within 6 months.
RESULTS
Twelve studies, with a total of 12,151 patients, were included. The primary endpoint was not different comparing 10,115 IE patients with or without prior anticoagulation (OR: 1.10; 95% CI: 0.56-2.17; = 0.77) or comparing 838 IE patients with or without prior antiplatelet (OR: 0.90; 95% CI: 0.61-1.33; = 0.61). In-hospital mortality was lower in IE patients with prior anticoagulation compared to those without (OR: 0.74; 95% CI: 0.57-0.96; = 0.03). There was no difference in reported ICH rates between patients with or without prior anticoagulation (OR: 0.54; 95% CI: 0.27-1.09; = 0.09) or between patients with or without prior antiplatelet (OR: 0.35; 95% CI: 0.11-1.10; = 0.07). The rate of ST was lower in IE patients with prior antiplatelet therapy compared to those without (OR: 0.53; 95% CI: 0.38-0.72; < 0.01).
CONCLUSIONS
ATT in IE patients was not associated with higher frequency of cerebrovascular events or ICH. Moreover, we found that the use of anticoagulation was associated with decreased in-hospital mortality and the use of antiplatelets was associated with decreased ST. Due to the limitations of this study, these results should be interpreted cautiously showing the necessity of a randomized setup.
PubMed: 38939390
DOI: 10.1016/j.jacadv.2023.100768 -
Journal of Extracellular Biology Nov 2023Parkinsonian disorders, including Parkinson's disease (PD), multiple system atrophy (MSA), dementia with Lewy body (DLB), corticobasal syndrome (CBS) and progressive... (Review)
Review
Parkinsonian disorders, including Parkinson's disease (PD), multiple system atrophy (MSA), dementia with Lewy body (DLB), corticobasal syndrome (CBS) and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) are often misdiagnosed due to overlapping symptoms and the absence of precise biomarkers. Furthermore, there are no current methods to ascertain the progression and conversion of prodromal conditions such as REM behaviour disorder (RBD). Extracellular vesicles (EVs), containing a mixture of biomolecules, have emerged as potential sources for parkinsonian diagnostics. However, inconsistencies in previous studies have left their diagnostic potential unclear. We conducted a meta-analysis, following PRISMA guidelines, to assess the diagnostic accuracy of general EVs isolated from various bodily fluids, including cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), plasma, serum, urine or saliva, in differentiating patients with parkinsonian disorders from healthy controls (HCs). The meta-analysis included 21 studies encompassing 1285 patients with PD, 24 with MSA, 105 with DLB, 99 with PSP, 101 with RBD and 783 HCs. Further analyses were conducted only for patients with PD versus HCs, given the limited number for other comparisons. Using bivariate and hierarchal receiver operating characteristics (HSROC) models, the meta-analysis revealed moderate diagnostic accuracy in distinguishing patients with PD from HCs, with substantial heterogeneity and publication bias. The trim-and-fill method revealed at least two missing studies with null or low diagnostic accuracy. CSF-EVs showed better overall diagnostic accuracy, while plasma-EVs had the lowest performance. General EVs demonstrated higher diagnostic accuracy compared to CNS-originating EVs, which are more time-consuming, labour- and cost-intensive to isolate. In conclusion, while holding promise, utilizing biomarkers in general EVs for PD diagnosis remains unfeasible due to existing challenges. The focus should shift toward harmonizing the field through standardization, collaboration, and rigorous validation. Current efforts by the International Society For Extracellular Vesicles (ISEV) aim to enhance the accuracy and reproducibility of EV-related research through rigor and standardization, aiming to bridge the gap between theory and practical clinical application.
PubMed: 38939363
DOI: 10.1002/jex2.121 -
Frontiers in Oncology 2024To assess the efficacy and safety of nimotuzumab in combination with radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
Nimotuzumab combined with radiotherapy+/- chemotherapy for definitive treatment of locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck: a metanalysis of randomized controlled trials.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the efficacy and safety of nimotuzumab in combination with radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
METHODS
Systematic searches were performed on PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Biomedical Medicine, Wanfang, VIP databases. Seven eligible randomized controlled trials (n = 1012) were selected through rigorous inclusion and exclusion criteria.
RESULTS
A total of 1012 cases were included. including 508 (50.2%) in the nimotuzumab combination treatment group; There were 504 cases (49.8%) in the control group. The results of meta-analysis showed that the overall survival (Hazard Ratio [HR]=0.75, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 0.62-0.90, P<0.05), progression-free survival (HR=0.69, 95% CI: 0.54-0.87, P<0.05), complete response rate (Risk Ratio [RR]=1.52, 95% CI: 1.24-1.86, P<0.05), and objective response rate (RR=1.32, 95% CI: 1.17-1.48, P<0.05) were significantly improved in the nimotuzumab combination treatment group compared with the control group. In terms of the incidence of adverse effects, only the incidence of rash was the nimotuzumab combination group higher than in the treatment alone group, and there was no significant difference between the remaining adverse reactions (neutropenia, anemia, nausea/vomiting, mucositis, dermatitis, dysphagia).
CONCLUSION
Nimotuzumab combined with radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy is more effective than radiotherapy alone or chemoradiotherapy in locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, and the safety profile is controllable. Therefore, the addition of nimotuzumab to treatment is expected to be an effective treatment option for this disease. However, more prospective randomized controlled trials are needed to fully explore the effectiveness of this treatment in patients with locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
identifier PROSPERO (CRD: 42022383313).
PubMed: 38939342
DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1380428 -
Frontiers in Psychology 2024To explore the intervention effect of mindfulness training on athletes' performance using meta-analysis method.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the intervention effect of mindfulness training on athletes' performance using meta-analysis method.
METHODS
A total of 11 articles and 23 effect sizes were included through retrieval of Chinese and English databases, with a total sample size of 582.
RESULT
Mindfulness training improves the level of mindfulness [SMD =1.08, 95%CI (0.30, 1.86), < 0.01], fluency (The optimal competitive psychological state of the athlete, the athlete's attention is all focused on the task, and other things no longer attract their attention) [SMD =1.47, 95%CI (0.87, 2.08), < 0.001] and performance [SMD =0.92, 95% CI (0.40, 1.43), < 0.01], reduced psychological anxiety [SMD = -0.87, 95% CI (-1.54, -0.20), < 0.05], and all reached the level of large effect size.
CONCLUSION
The effect of mindfulness training on athletes' sports performance is effective, and it can be used as an effective psychological skill intervention method to improve athletes' sports performance. In the future, we should further expand the sample size, strengthen the comparative study of different sports and intervention modes, and pay attention to the difference between the time effect and trait mindfulness level in fluency state.
PubMed: 38939219
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1375608 -
Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine Aug 2024Cervical cancer is a major global health concern. Prognostic markers for cervical cancer have traditionally focused on tumor characteristics. However, there is a growing...
Cervical cancer is a major global health concern. Prognostic markers for cervical cancer have traditionally focused on tumor characteristics. However, there is a growing recognition of the importaxnce of the nutritional status of the patient as a possible prognostic indicator. The present meta-analysis aims to estimate the role of the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) in predicting overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with cervical cancer. Medline, Google Scholar, Science Direct and Cochrane Central databases were systematically searched for studies reporting PNI in patients with cervical cancer. Inclusion criteria were applied to select relevant studies and data extraction was performed by two independent investigators. Risk of bias was assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). The present meta-analysis included 10 studies with 2,352 participants. The pooled analysis showed that in patients with cervical cancer PNI did not have a significant prognostic utility in predicting OS [univariate hazard ration (HR): 1.38; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.77-2.48) or PFS (univariate HR: 1.12; 95% CI: 0.44-2.68). These results were consistent even after adjusting for other confounders using multivariate analysis (pooled HR: 1.06 for OS; 95% CI: 0.64-1.76; pooled HR: 1.22 for PFS; 95% CI: 0.65-2.30). Subgroup analyses were also performed based on region, PNI cut-off, sample size, grade of evidence and treatment protocol and did not demonstrate any significant prognostic value of PNI. The funnel plot demonstrated symmetry, suggesting the absence of publication bias. The present meta-analysis indicated that PNI does not have a significant prognostic utility in predicting OS or PFS in women with cervical cancer. Further research is warranted to explore alternative nutritional indicators and identify reliable prognostic markers in this patient population.
PubMed: 38939175
DOI: 10.3892/etm.2024.12605 -
Health Care Science Feb 2024Remarkable progress has been made in infection prevention and control (IPC) in many countries, but some gaps emerged in the context of the coronavirus disease 2019... (Review)
Review
Remarkable progress has been made in infection prevention and control (IPC) in many countries, but some gaps emerged in the context of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Core capabilities such as standard clinical precautions and tracing the source of infection were the focus of IPC in medical institutions during the pandemic. Therefore, the core competences of IPC professionals during the pandemic, and how these contributed to successful prevention and control of the epidemic, should be studied. To investigate, using a systematic review and cluster analysis, fundamental improvements in the competences of infection control and prevention professionals that may be emphasized in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. We searched the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, WanFang Data, and CBM databases for original articles exploring core competencies of IPC professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic (from January 1, 2020 to February 7, 2023). Weiciyun software was used for data extraction and the Donohue formula was followed to distinguish high-frequency technical terms. Cluster analysis was performed using the within-group linkage method and squared Euclidean distance as the metric to determine the priority competencies for development. We identified 46 studies with 29 high-frequency technical terms. The most common term was "infection prevention and control training" (184 times, 17.3%), followed by "hand hygiene" (172 times, 16.2%). "Infection prevention and control in clinical practice" was the most-reported core competency (367 times, 34.5%), followed by "microbiology and surveillance" (292 times, 27.5%). Cluster analysis showed two key areas of competence: Category 1 (program management and leadership, patient safety and occupational health, education and microbiology and surveillance) and Category 2 (IPC in clinical practice). During the COVID-19 pandemic, IPC program management and leadership, microbiology and surveillance, education, patient safety, and occupational health were the most important focus of development and should be given due consideration by IPC professionals.
PubMed: 38939168
DOI: 10.1002/hcs2.81