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Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews Jun 2024Similar to addictive substances, addictive behaviours such as gambling and gaming are associated with maladaptive modulation of key brain areas and functional networks... (Review)
Review
Similar to addictive substances, addictive behaviours such as gambling and gaming are associated with maladaptive modulation of key brain areas and functional networks implicated in learning and memory. Therefore, this review sought to understand how different learning and memory processes relate to behavioural addictions and to unravel their underlying neural mechanisms. Adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we systematically searched four databases - PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science using the agreed-upon search string. Findings suggest altered executive function-dependent learning processes and enhanced habit learning in behavioural addiction. Whereas the relationship between working memory and behavioural addiction is influenced by addiction type, working memory aspect, and task nature. Additionally, long-term memory is incoherent in individuals with addictive behaviours. Consistently, neurophysiological evidence indicates alterations in brain areas and networks implicated in learning and memory processes in behavioural addictions. Overall, the present review argues that, like substance use disorders, alteration in learning and memory processes may underlie the development and maintenance of behavioural addictions.
PubMed: 38870547
DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105747 -
PLOS Global Public Health 2024The incongruity between South Asia's economic growth and extreme poverty has led to a growing interest in social protection and subsequent implementation of anti-poverty...
The incongruity between South Asia's economic growth and extreme poverty has led to a growing interest in social protection and subsequent implementation of anti-poverty initiatives. However, many programs have consistently fallen short of their full potential in reaching the poor. We reviewed the literature to understand the factors behind this failure. A search of EconLit, Global Health Database, MEDLINE and SocINDEX, supplemented by an external search, yielded 42 papers evaluating 23 programs. Inclusion criteria included social and political determinants of program outcomes. Articles were assessed for quality using the GRADE and GRADE CERQual criteria and analyzed using Thomas & Harding's thematic synthesis approach. We identified five themes: (1) structurally flawed program theories overlook the complexities of poverty and are rooted in simplistic cause-and-effect approaches; (2) elite capture through appropriation of benefits, powerful positioning in program implementation, and gatekeeping through relationships of patronage; (3) insufficient targeting strategies to reach the poorest; (4) neglect of gendered restrictions, hidden costs, lack of legal documentation, and physical and social exclusion; (5) active self-exclusion from social protection to maintain dignity, a perception that programs are substandard, and a lack of resources required. The review highlights the well-documented disconnect between South Asian social protection program designs and the ground realities of their 'ideal' beneficiaries. This stems from a dominance of Western-led poverty discourse that disregards the influence of caste, the challenge of effective engagement with a group whose identity remains unclear, and fast-paced funding calls that do not lend themselves to meaningful identification and collaboration with the invisible poor. We suggest this disconnect is intentional and reflects a broader power dynamic rooted in geopolitical interests and national priorities. Study limitations reflect the shortcomings of the existing literature, which largely uses quantitative research methods that fail to capture the multidimensional experiences of the poor.
PubMed: 38870219
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002710 -
Journal of Bone and Mineral Metabolism Jun 2024Osteoporosis (OP) is a chronic bone metabolic disease, which causes a great social and economic burden. The gut microbiota (GM) has become a recent topic of interest in...
INTRODUCTION
Osteoporosis (OP) is a chronic bone metabolic disease, which causes a great social and economic burden. The gut microbiota (GM) has become a recent topic of interest in the role of many disease states. Changes in the GM are correlated with the maintenance of bone mass and bone quality. However, research results in this field remain highly controversial. We performed a mate-analysis to explore and compare the alterations of GM in OP patients.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
According to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), we comprehensively searched the databases of PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI, VIP, CBM, and Wanfang. In addition, we applied the Stata 17.0 software for data analysis. Bias controls were evaluated with the Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS), funnel plot analysis, and Egger's and Begg's tests.
RESULTS
This research ultimately considered 16 studies, which included the fecal GM data of 2340 people (664 with OP and 1676 healthy controls). The pooled estimate showed an increase of borderline significance on ACE index in patients with OP compared with control participants (SMD = 1.05; 95% CI 0.00-2.10; P = 0.05). There were no significant differences in Chao1, Shannon and Simpson indices. At the phylum level, no significant differences were observed between the OP patients and HCs in the overall analysis. At the genus level, the relative abundance of Blautia presented a decrease of borderline significance between OP and the control group (SMD = - 0.32, 95% CI - 0.65 to - 0.00, P = 0.05).
CONCLUSION
This systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that patients with OP may exhibit dysbiosis in their gut microbiota, characterized by a reduction in certain anti-inflammatory butyrate-producing bacteria and an enrichment of pro-inflammatory bacterial populations.
PubMed: 38864923
DOI: 10.1007/s00774-024-01517-3 -
Clinical Rehabilitation Jun 2024The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effectiveness of social prescribing interventions in the management of long-term conditions...
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effectiveness of social prescribing interventions in the management of long-term conditions in adults.
DATA SOURCES
Eleven electronic databases were searched for randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials.
REVIEW METHODS
Outcomes of interest were quality of life, physical activity, psychological well-being and disease-specific measures. Bias was assessed with the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool. A narrative synthesis and meta-analysis were performed.
RESULTS
Twelve studies ( = 3566) were included in this review. Social prescribing interventions were heterogeneous and the most common risks of bias were poor blinding and high attrition. Social prescribing interventions designed to target specific long-term conditions i.e., cancer and diabetes demonstrated significant improvements in quality of life ( = 2 studies) and disease-specific psychological outcomes respectively ( = 3 studies). There was some evidence for improvement in physical activity ( = 2 studies) but most changes were within group only ( = 4 studies). Social prescribing interventions did not demonstrate any significant changes in general psychological well-being.
CONCLUSION
Social prescribing interventions demonstrated some improvements across a range of outcomes although the quality of evidence remains poor.
PubMed: 38863236
DOI: 10.1177/02692155241258903 -
PloS One 2024Young people leaving state care often experience hardship in many areas of their life. At a population level, their outcomes in early adulthood are poorer compared to...
Understanding how young people transitioning from out-of-home care acquire and develop independent living skills and knowledge: A systematic review of longitudinal studies.
Young people leaving state care often experience hardship in many areas of their life. At a population level, their outcomes in early adulthood are poorer compared to general populations. Effective preparation for leaving care and post-care support systems is vital to improving outcomes. Individual and systemic support for young people to acquire Independent Living Skills (ILS) in the following eight ILS domains have been identified: Financial Management, Knowledge of Accessing Available Supports, Managing Housing, Education Planning, Job Seeking, Health Risk Management, Domestic and Self-help Task, and Managing Relationships. This systematic review aims to identify, summarise, and appraise longitudinal studies that address ILS across these ILS domains to understand better how outcomes could be improved. Seven databases (CINAHL, Embase, ProQuest, PsychINFO, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) were searched on 20th July 2023. In total, twenty-seven studies published between 1994 and 2022 from various countries met the eligibility criteria. The included studies reported on 2-4 waves and adopted different methodological approaches. Study quality was scored using Qualsyst. Study characteristics and details of the interventions are presented in tables. Studies cover overlapping ILS domains, which are mapped in a matrix. Results revealed that nearly three-quarters (74% or 20 out of 27) of studies explored four or fewer of the eight ILS domains. The most frequent ILS domain covered was 'Knowledge of Accessing Available Supports' (19/27 studies). The main conclusion considers the concept of independence as a misnomer, with ILS covering multiple, intersecting, and interdependent domains, which ultimately help and hinder one another. Further research is required to adopt a more comprehensive approach encompassing all the domains to better inform policy, programs, and practice. A limitation is that a meta-analysis was not conducted for this review. This study registered a 'Protocol' with OSF Registries (DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/MJ3ZX) on June 5th, 2022.
Topics: Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Independent Living; Adolescent; Young Adult
PubMed: 38861497
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304965 -
Disability and Rehabilitation Jun 2024This systematic review aims to examine the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions for improving mental health outcomes among female carers of people living... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
This systematic review aims to examine the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions for improving mental health outcomes among female carers of people living with a neurological condition.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A narrative synthesis of English-language randomized controlled trials was undertaken.
RESULTS
18 unique studies were included. Intervention components that were found to have improved mental health outcomes were: delivered in person, to groups, on an intermittent schedule with ≥10 sessions; had a duration between 3-6 months; and were facilitated by research staff or allied health professionals. As the review had few robust studies, results of mental health outcomes reported in studies assessed as low risk of bias were highlighted in the review. Psychoeducation interventions, cognitive behavioural interventions, and support group interventions were found to improve depression. Psychoeducation interventions were also found to improve burden.
CONCLUSIONS
There is a clear need for adequately powered, high-quality randomised controlled trials to determine the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions for female carers of people living with a neurological condition.
PubMed: 38859798
DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2024.2360648 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024The effectiveness of psychological interventions (PI) for malignant diseases is controversial. We aimed to investigate the effect of PI on survival and quality of life... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
The effectiveness of psychological interventions (PI) for malignant diseases is controversial. We aimed to investigate the effect of PI on survival and quality of life (QoL) in patients with cancer. We performed a systematic search of MEDLINE, Cochrane, and Embase databases to identify randomized controlled trials comparing PI to standard care (PROSPERO registration number CRD42021282327). Outcomes were overall survival (OS), recurrence-free survival (RFS), and different domains of QoL. Subgroup analysis was performed based on the provider-, type-, environment-, duration of intervention; cancer stage, and type. Pooled hazard ratios (HR) and standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using a random-effects model. The OS and RFS did not differ significantly between the two groups (OS:HR = 0.97; CI 0.87-1.08; RFS:HR = 0.99; CI 0.84-1.16). However, there was significant improvement in the intervention group in all the analyzed domains of QoL; in the global (SMD = 0.65; CI 0.35-0.94), emotional (SMD = 0.64; CI 0.33-0.95), social (SMD = 0.32; CI 0.13-0.51) and physical (SMD = 0.33; CI 0.05-0.60) domains. The effect of PI on QoL was generally positive immediately, 12 and 24 weeks after intervention, but the effect decreased over time and was no longer found significant at 48 weeks. The results were better in the breast cancer group and early stages of cancer. PIs do not prolong survival, but they significantly improve the QoL of cancer patients. PI should be added as standard of care 3-4 times a year, at least for patients with early-stage cancer.
Topics: Humans; Quality of Life; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Neoplasms; Psychosocial Intervention; Neoplasm Staging; Female
PubMed: 38853187
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63431-y -
BMJ Open Jun 2024This study aimed to identify the types of transparency interventions in the health systems of the low-income and middle-income countries and the outcomes of such...
OBJECTIVES
This study aimed to identify the types of transparency interventions in the health systems of the low-income and middle-income countries and the outcomes of such interventions in those systems.
METHOD
We searched major medical databases including PubMed, Embase and Scopus, for any kind of interventional study on transparency in health systems. We also looked for additional sources of information in organisational websites, grey literature and reference checking. Using the PRISMA algorithm for identifying related studies, we included 24 articles.
RESULTS
Our initial search, from 1980 to August 2021, retrieved 407 articles, 24 of which were narratively analysed. Response to a problem (mostly corruption) was the main reason for the initiation of a transparency intervention. Transparency interventions differed in terms of types, performance methods, collaboration partners and outcomes. They help improve the health system mostly in the short term and in some cases, long term.
CONCLUSION
Although our findings revealed that transparency initiatives could reduce some problems such as counterfeit drugs and corruption, and improve health indicators in a short term, still their sustainability remains a concern. Health systems need robust interventions with clearly defined and measured outcomes, especially sustainable outcomes to tackle corruption fundamentally.
Topics: Humans; Developing Countries; Delivery of Health Care; Quality Improvement
PubMed: 38844391
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-081152 -
International Journal For Equity in... Jun 2024The provision of diversity-sensitive care is a promising approach towards reducing health disparities. Recent criticism and a scientific gap demonstrate the need for the...
BACKGROUND
The provision of diversity-sensitive care is a promising approach towards reducing health disparities. Recent criticism and a scientific gap demonstrate the need for the patient perspective on diversity-sensitive care. This systematic review aims to describe the patient perspective, including patient experiences, expectations, and satisfaction with diversity-sensitive care provided by healthcare providers.
METHODS
In December 2022 the Medline ALL, Embase, Web of Science Core Collection, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CINAHL, PsycINFO and additionally Google Scholar were searched for original studies that described or measured patient expectations, experiences, and/or satisfaction, specifically focusing on cultural or diversity competence of healthcare providers. Analysis of the collected data was performed using a convergent mixed-methods design based on thematic synthesis.
RESULTS
From initially 5,387 articles, 117 were selected for full-text screening, and ultimately, 34 articles were included in this study. The concept of diversity-sensitive care was observed to comprise three components. The first component is focused on patient-centered care and includes competencies such as clear and direct communication, shared decision-making, individualized care, empathy, and consideration. The second component centers on providing culturally tailored information, adjusting care to cultural needs, working with interpreters, allyship, community partnerships, self-awareness, and cultural knowledge, and builds upon the first component. Across the first two components of diversity-sensitive care, patients have reported experiencing dissatisfaction and encountering shortcomings in their healthcare providers, sometimes resulting in the third and final component pertaining to provider care. This component underscores the importance of linguistic, ethnic, cultural, and gender concordance in delivering quality care.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the patient perspective on diversity-sensitive care encompasses multiple components, from patient-centered care to concordant care. The components incorporate various competencies as communication skills, empathy, self-awareness and adjusting care to cultural needs. Patients reported experiencing dissatisfaction and shortcomings across all components of diversity-sensitive care provided by healthcare providers.
Topics: Humans; Cultural Diversity; Patient-Centered Care; Cultural Competency; Patient Satisfaction; Empathy; Health Personnel; Communication
PubMed: 38840119
DOI: 10.1186/s12939-024-02189-1 -
Journal of Medical Internet Research Jun 2024Social media use has potential to facilitate the rapid dissemination of research evidence to busy health and social care practitioners. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Social media use has potential to facilitate the rapid dissemination of research evidence to busy health and social care practitioners.
OBJECTIVE
This study aims to quantitatively synthesize evidence of the between- and within-group effectiveness of social media for dissemination of research evidence to health and social care practitioners. It also compared effectiveness between different social media platforms, formats, and strategies.
METHODS
We searched electronic databases for articles in English that were published between January 1, 2010, and January 10, 2023, and that evaluated social media interventions for disseminating research evidence to qualified, postregistration health and social care practitioners in measures of reach, engagement, direct dissemination, or impact. Screening, data extraction, and risk of bias assessments were carried out by at least 2 independent reviewers. Meta-analyses of standardized pooled effects were carried out for between- and within-group effectiveness of social media and comparisons between platforms, formats, and strategies. Certainty of evidence for outcomes was assessed using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations) framework.
RESULTS
In total, 50 mixed-quality articles that were heterogeneous in design and outcome were included (n=9, 18% were randomized controlled trials [RCTs]). Reach (measured in number of practitioners, impressions, or post views) was reported in 26 studies. Engagement (measured in likes or post interactions) was evaluated in 21 studies. Direct dissemination (measured in link clicks, article views, downloads, or altmetric attention score) was analyzed in 23 studies (8 RCTs). Impact (measured in citations or measures of thinking and practice) was reported in 13 studies. Included studies almost universally indicated effects in favor of social media interventions, although effect sizes varied. Cumulative evidence indicated moderate certainty of large and moderate between-group effects of social media interventions on direct dissemination (standardized mean difference [SMD] 0.88; P=.02) and impact (SMD 0.76; P<.001). After social media interventions, cumulative evidence showed moderate certainty of large within-group effects on reach (SMD 1.99; P<.001), engagement (SMD 3.74; P<.001), and direct dissemination (SMD 0.82; P=.004) and low certainty of a small within-group effect on impacting thinking or practice (SMD 0.45; P=.02). There was also evidence for the effectiveness of using multiple social media platforms (including Twitter, subsequently rebranded X; and Facebook), images (particularly infographics), and intensive social media strategies with frequent, daily posts and involving influential others. No included studies tested the dissemination of research evidence to social care practitioners.
CONCLUSIONS
Social media was effective for disseminating research evidence to health care practitioners. More intense social media campaigns using specific platforms, formats, and strategies may be more effective than less intense interventions. Implications include recommendations for effective dissemination of research evidence to health care practitioners and further RCTs in this field, particularly investigating the dissemination of social care research.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews CRD42022378793; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=378793.
INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)
RR2-10.2196/45684.
Topics: Humans; Health Personnel; Information Dissemination; Social Media
PubMed: 38838330
DOI: 10.2196/51418