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BMC Pulmonary Medicine Jun 2024The risk of asthma in patients with psoriasis has been identified in previous studies, but the bidirectional association between the two has not been fully explored. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The risk of asthma in patients with psoriasis has been identified in previous studies, but the bidirectional association between the two has not been fully explored.
METHODS
We thoroughly searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library to find relevant observational studies published from the inception of these databases to October 2023. All the risk and bias assessments were analyzed by STATA 16.0. Where the heterogeneity was less than 50%, the fixed effect model was utilized. While where the level of heterogeneity was more than 50%, the random effect model was applied. Moreover, to identify publication bias, a visual funnel chart, and Egger's test were applied.
RESULTS
A total of 12,396,911 participants from 16 studies, published between 2011 and 2023 were included in this meta-analysis. We found that psoriasis patients had a higher risk of developing asthma (OR = 1.48, 95%CI 1.28-1.68). Meanwhile, asthma patients also had a higher overall risk of developing psoriasis (OR = 1.33, 95%CI 1.23-1.44). In the subgroup analysis, we found that the type of study, age, and severity of the psoriasis were significant factors in the survey of asthma risk in psoriasis patients.
CONCLUSIONS
In the present systematic review and meta-analysis, we found a bidirectional association between psoriasis and asthma with significantly increased risk. As a result, clinicians should make patients aware of the connection between the two, particularly adolescents or patients with moderate to severe psoriasis who need to be informed about the rising likelihood of developing asthma.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
Registration number CRD42023390111 .
Topics: Psoriasis; Humans; Asthma; Risk Factors
PubMed: 38914981
DOI: 10.1186/s12890-024-03078-7 -
NeuroImage Jun 2024Research into magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-visible perivascular spaces (PVS) has recently increased, as results from studies in different diseases and populations... (Review)
Review
Research into magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-visible perivascular spaces (PVS) has recently increased, as results from studies in different diseases and populations are cementing their association with sleep, disease phenotypes, and overall health indicators. With the establishment of worldwide consortia and the availability of large databases, computational methods that allow to automatically process all this wealth of information are becoming increasingly relevant. Several computational approaches have been proposed to assess PVS from MRI, and efforts have been made to summarise and appraise the most widely applied ones. We systematically reviewed and meta-analysed all publications available up to September 2023 describing the development, improvement, or application of computational PVS quantification methods from MRI. We analysed 67 approaches and 60 applications of their implementation, from 112 publications. The two most widely applied were the use of a morphological filter to enhance PVS-like structures, with Frangi being the choice preferred by most, and the use of a U-Net configuration with or without residual connections. Older adults or population studies comprising adults from 18 years old onwards were, overall, more frequent than studies using clinical samples. PVS were mainly assessed from T2-weighted MRI acquired in 1.5T and/or 3T scanners, although combinations using it with T1-weighted and FLAIR images were also abundant. Common associations researched included age, sex, hypertension, diabetes, white matter hyperintensities, sleep and cognition, with occupation-related, ethnicity, and genetic/hereditable traits being also explored. Despite promising improvements to overcome barriers such as noise and differentiation from other confounds, a need for joined efforts for a wider testing and increasing availability of the most promising methods is now paramount.
PubMed: 38914212
DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2024.120685 -
PloS One 2024Stroke stands as a significant macrovascular complication among individuals with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), often resulting in the primary cause of mortality and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Stroke stands as a significant macrovascular complication among individuals with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), often resulting in the primary cause of mortality and disability within this patient demographic. Presently, numerous studies have been conducted to investigate the underlying causes of stroke in individuals with T2DM, yet the findings exhibit inconsistencies.
OBJECTIVE
This paper aims to consolidate and summarize the available evidence concerning the influential factors contributing to stroke among patients diagnosed with T2DM.
METHODS
We conducted a comprehensive search across multiple databases, including Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web Of Science, Embase, China Biology Medicine (CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang and Weipu up to August 2023. Google Scholar was also searched to retrieve gray literature. We calculated odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) using Stata software.
RESULTS
Our analysis encompassed 43 observational studies, exploring factors across sociodemographic, biochemical, complications, and hypoglycemic agent categories. The findings identified several risk factors for stroke in patients with T2DM: age, gender, T2DM duration, hypertension, body-mass index (BMI), smoking, Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR), albuminuria, Triglycerides (TG), Low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), Coronary heart disease (CHD), Atrial fibrillation (AF), diabetic retinopathy (DR), Peripheral vascular disease (PVD), and carotid plaque. Conversely, exercise, High density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), metformin (MET), pioglitazone, and metformin combination therapy emerged as protective factors.
CONCLUSION
This study underscores the multitude of influencing factors contributing to stroke in people with T2DM patients, among which the microvascular complications of T2DM play an most important role. Therefore, we emphasize the importance of screening for microvascular complications in patients with T2DM. However, due to limitations arising from the number of articles reviewed, there remain areas where clarity is lacking. Further research efforts are warranted to expand upon and reinforce our current findings.
Topics: Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Humans; Stroke; Risk Factors; Hypoglycemic Agents; Glycated Hemoglobin
PubMed: 38913694
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0305954 -
PloS One 2024Although a common injury there is a lack of published primary data to inform clinical management of sports related brachial plexus injuries. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Although a common injury there is a lack of published primary data to inform clinical management of sports related brachial plexus injuries.
METHODS
A systematic search was completed in Medline, CINAHL, PubMed, SPORTDiscus and Web of Science databases and Google Scholar from inception to August 2023 according to the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Methodological quality assessment of included articles was with the Joanna Briggs Institute tool. Studies providing primary data as to the rehabilitative management of diagnosed or suspected brachial plexus injuries sustained when playing contact sports were included.
RESULTS
Sixty-five studies were identified and screened, of which, 8 case reports were included, incorporating 10 participants with a mean age of 19.8 (±4.09) years. There was wide heterogeneity in injury severity, injury reporting, physical examination and imaging approaches documented. 9 of 10 participants returned to competitive sports, though follow-up periods also varied widely. Whilst return to play criteria varied between studies, the most consistent indicator was pain-free shoulder range of motion and strength.
CONCLUSIONS
There is a distinct lack of data available to inform evidence-based rehabilitation management of sports related brachial plexus injury. Only 8 individual case reports contain published data reporting on 10 athletes. Further reporting is critical to inform clinical management.
Topics: Humans; Brachial Plexus; Athletic Injuries; Young Adult; Male; Female; Range of Motion, Articular; Adult; Return to Sport; Brachial Plexus Neuropathies; Adolescent
PubMed: 38913647
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298317 -
The Indian Journal of Radiology &... Jul 2024Both computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) play significant roles in assessing patients with dizziness. However, understanding the... (Review)
Review
Comparative Diagnostic Accuracy of Computed Tomography Scan versus Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Emergency Department for the Evaluation of Dizziness: A Systematic Review.
Both computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) play significant roles in assessing patients with dizziness. However, understanding the comparative capabilities of these imaging methods in detecting pathological causes is crucial for determining the most suitable modality. This review aims to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and clinical utility of MRI and CT scans in managing patients with acute dizziness in the emergency department. Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we conducted a comprehensive search in various databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane library, British Medical Journals, and ScienceDirect) from 2010 to 2023. We used the QUADAS-2 tool to assess bias risk, considering MRI as the reference standard and CT scan as the index test. The final analysis included six studies, with 3,993 patients (48% male, 52% female; average age: 56.7 years). Three studies were of high quality, two of medium quality, and one of low quality. Central ischemia was the predominant diagnosis for dizziness. MRI demonstrated higher diagnostic efficacy for stroke compared with CT scans, while mixed results were observed for other multiple diseases when both MRI and CT scans were used. MRI outperforms CT scans in diagnosing dizziness-related strokes. However, for other causes of dizziness, there is no significant difference between these techniques. Nevertheless, it is crucial to acknowledge the limitations associated with MRI. Consequently, to address these concerns, the selection of an imaging technique should be tailored to the individual based on factors such as their clinical presentation, comorbidities, and socioeconomic circumstances.
PubMed: 38912244
DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1778726 -
Revista Brasileira de Ortopedia Jun 2024To investigate the epidemiology of injury types among jiu-jitsu practitioners, as well as the incidence regarding different skill and experience levels, through the...
To investigate the epidemiology of injury types among jiu-jitsu practitioners, as well as the incidence regarding different skill and experience levels, through the question: "What are the characteristics and prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries in Jiu-Jitsu practitioners?". Since the beginning of the study, in August 2020, we conducted a search on the MEDLINE, LILACS, and SciELO electronic databases. We included cross-sectional studies published between 2018 and 2023 on the epidemiology of the types of injuries among jiu-jitsu practitioners that compared their incidence regarding different levels of ability and experience. Two independent researchers performed the data extraction and assessed the risk of bias. Seven studies were included. The common outcomes involved 2,847 jiu-jitsu practitioners. A high prevalence in the knee joint and chest and rib areas was reported. Considering the difference in experience level among the practitioners, we could observe that most of the individuals included were beginners. Among the age groups observed, male practitioners older than 30 years of age were the ones who presented the highest rate of musculoskeletal injury, especially during training sessions. There is a high prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries among jiu-jitsu practitioners. The most affected anatomical segments are the knee joint, the chest, and the rib region, followed by the shoulder joint. The related factors change according to certain variables, being more common during training in male individuals over 30 years of age and beginners in the sport.
PubMed: 38911890
DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1785662 -
Revista Brasileira de Ortopedia Jun 2024Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is considered the most severe and common spinal deformity, affecting children and adolescents still in the neuropsychomotor development...
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is considered the most severe and common spinal deformity, affecting children and adolescents still in the neuropsychomotor development phase before they reach skeletal maturity. This study aimed to evaluate the surgical approach to adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), considering the results associated with the reduction of pathological curvature, pulmonary function, and repercussions on the quality of life of adolescents undergoing such treatment. Systematic literature review, with a quantitative and qualitative approach to the data collected, structured according to the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), carried out in the databases linked to the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE) and Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS). The total sample of the studies was 638 adolescents with AIS, with a mean age of 14.93 years ± 1.24. The mean correction of the main pathological curvature in the studies was 55.06% ± 12.24. In all of the selected studies using posterior spinal fusion to correct AIS, there was a significant reduction in pathological curvatures (> 49%), and the recurrence of curvature in none of the studies exceeded a pathological gain of more than 5%. As for lung function, the studies showed significant increases in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) in patients with severe AIS, and no pulmonary function losses were reported after surgery to correct AIS.
PubMed: 38911885
DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1785658 -
Frontiers in Psychiatry 2024In our times of smartphone ubiquity, mobile applications are an inescapable daily life tool, including in health care. Music therapy has already proven its worth,...
CONTEXT
In our times of smartphone ubiquity, mobile applications are an inescapable daily life tool, including in health care. Music therapy has already proven its worth, notably in mental health. Hence, we were interested in the mobile app format for this type of therapy, its level of evidence, how to use it in daily psychiatric care and the leads for future research and innovation.
METHOD
This study carries out a systematic review of scientific literature of this topic on two search engines, PubMed and PubPsych, using these key-words: [(web-application) OR (web-app) OR (smartphone) OR (apps) OR (app)) AND ((music) OR (music therapy) OR (melody)].
OUTCOME
Out of a total of 282 studies found by keyword, 31 are included in this review. Several outcomes emerge. These studies relate to existing applications like Music Care, Calm or Unwind, on application prototypes or a potential use of music streaming applications on health care. They involve many different populations and clinical situations, including in hospital environments, for patients with chronic illnesses, different age ranges or for the general population. These musical interventions show a significant effect mainly for anxious symptoms, but also for depression, sleep disorders, pain and other psychiatric or psycho-somatic syndromes. These applications have no significant adverse effects.
CONCLUSION
This review shows that music therapy apps have several potentials for improving mental health care. It could assist psychiatric usual care and could potentially lower medication intake. Nevertheless, the studies on the topic are limited and recent but they open prospects for future research.
PubMed: 38911704
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1366575 -
Campbell Systematic Reviews Jun 2024Investment in mobile devices to support primary or elementary education is increasing and must be informed by robust evidence to demonstrate impact. This systematic... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Investment in mobile devices to support primary or elementary education is increasing and must be informed by robust evidence to demonstrate impact. This systematic review of randomised controlled trials sought to identify the overall impact of mobile devices to support literacy and numeracy outcomes in mainstream primary classrooms.
OBJECTIVES
The aim of this systematic review was to understand how mobile devices are used in primary/elementary education around the world, and in particular, determine how activities undertaken using mobile devices in the primary classroom might impact literacy and numeracy attainment for the pupils involved. Within this context, mobile devices are defined as tablets (including iPads and other branded devices), smartphones (usually those with a touchscreen interface and internet connectivity) and handheld games consoles (again usually with touchscreen and internet-enabled). The interventions of interest were those aimed at improving literacy and/or numeracy for children aged 4-12 within the primary/elementary school (or equivalent) classroom.Specifically, the review aimed to answer the following research questions: -What is the effect of mobile device integration in the primary school classroom on children's literacy and numeracy outcomes?-Are there specific devices which are more effective in supporting literacy and numeracy? (Tablets, smartphones, or handheld games consoles)-Are there specific classroom integration activities which moderate effectiveness in supporting literacy and numeracy?-Are there specific groups of children for whom mobile devices are more effective in supporting literacy and numeracy? (Across age group and gender).-Do the benefits of mobile devices for learning last for any time beyond the study?-What is the quality of available evidence on the use of mobile devices in primary/elementary education, and where is further research needed in this regard? An Expert Advisory Group supported the review process at key stages to ensure relevance to current practice.
SEARCH METHODS
The search strategy was designed to retrieve both published and unpublished literature, and incorporated relevant journal and other databases with a focus on education and social sciences. Robust electronic database searches were undertaken (12 databases, including APA PsychInfo, Web of Science, ERIC, British Education Index and others, and relevant government and other websites), as well as a hand-search of relevant journals and conference proceedings. Contact was also made with prominent authors in the field to identify any ongoing or unpublished research. All searches and author contact took place between October and November 2020. The review team acknowledges that new studies will likely have emerged since and are not captured at this time. A further update to the review in the future is important and would build on the evidence reflected here.
SELECTION CRITERIA
The review included children within mainstream primary/elementary/kindergarten education settings in any country (aged 4-12), and interventions or activities initiated within the primary school classroom (or global equivalent) that used mobile devices (including tablets, smartphones, or hand-held gaming devices) to intentionally support literacy or numeracy learning. In terms of study design, only Randomised Controlled Trials were included in the review.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
A total of 668 references were identified through a robust search strategy including published and unpublished literature. Following duplicate screening, 18 relevant studies, including 11,126 participants, 14 unique interventions, and 46 relevant outcome measures were synthesised using Robust Variance Estimation and a random effects meta-analysis model. Risk of Bias assessment was undertaken by three reviewers using the ROB2 tool to assess the quality of studies, with 13 studies rated as having some concerns, and 5 as having high risk of bias. Qualitative data was also extracted and analysed in relation to the types of interventions included to allow a comparison of the key elements of each.
MAIN RESULTS
A positive, statistically significant combined effect was found (Cohen's = 0.24, CI 0.0707 to 0.409, < 0.01), demonstrating that in the studies and interventions included, children undertaking maths or literacy interventions using mobile devices achieved higher numeracy or literacy outcomes than those using an alternative device (e.g., a laptop or desktop computer) or no device (class activities as usual). However these results should be interpreted with caution given the risk of bias assessment noted above (5 studies rated high risk of bias and 13 rated as having some concerns). As the interventions and classroom circumstances differed quite widely, further research is needed to understand any potential impact more fully.Sensitivity analysis aimed to identify moderating factors including age or gender, screen size, frequency/dosage of intervention exposure, and programme implementation features/activities (based on Puentedura's [2009] SAMR model of technology integration). There were too few studies identified to support quantitative analysis of sufficient power to draw robust conclusions on moderating factors, and insufficient data to determine impact beyond immediate post-test period. Sensitivty analysis was also undertaken to exclude the five studies identified as having a high risk of bias, to identify any impact they may have on overall findings.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Overall, this review demonstrates that for the specific interventions and studies included, mobile device use in the classroom led to a significant, positive effect on literacy and numeracy outcomes for the children involved, bringing positive implications for their continued use in primary education. However given the concerns on risk of bias assessment reported above, the differing circumstances, interventions and treatment conditions and intensities, the findings must be interpreted with caution. The review also supports the need for further robust research to better understand what works, under what circumstances, and for whom, in the use of mobile devices to support learning.
PubMed: 38911050
DOI: 10.1002/cl2.1417 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2024Hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) is a complex disorder caused by genetic and environmental factors that frequently results from loss-of-function variants in the gene encoding...
INTRODUCTION
Hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) is a complex disorder caused by genetic and environmental factors that frequently results from loss-of-function variants in the gene encoding lipoprotein lipase (LPL). Heterozygous patients have a range of symptoms, while homozygous LPL deficiency presents with severe symptoms including acute pancreatitis, xanthomas, and lipemia retinalis.
METHODS
We described the clinical characteristics of three Slovenian patients (an 8-year-old female, an 18-year-old man, and a 57-year-old female) and one Pakistani patient (a 59-year-old male) with LPL deficiency. We performed next-generation sequencing (NGS) targeting all coding exons and intron-exon boundaries of the gene, and Sanger sequencing for variant confirmation. In addition, we performed a systematic literature review of all cases with three identified variants and described their clinical characteristics.
RESULTS
Two Slovenian patients with a heterozygous pathogenic variant NM_000237.3:c.984G>T (p.Met328Ile) were diagnosed within the first three years of life and had triglyceride (TG) values of 16 and 20 mmol/L. An asymptomatic Pakistani patient with TG values of 36.8 mmol/L until the age of 44 years, was identified as heterozygous for a pathogenic variant NM_000237.3:c.724G>A (p.Asp242Asn). His TG levels dropped to 12.7 mmol/L on dietary modifications and by using fibrates. A Slovenian patient who first suffered from pancreatitis at the age of 18 years with a TG value of 34 mmol/L was found to be homozygous for NM_000237.3:c.337T>C (p.Trp113Arg).
CONCLUSIONS
Patients with LPL deficiency had high TG levels at diagnosis. Homozygous patients had worse outcomes. Good diet and medication compliance can reduce severity.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Slovenia; Adolescent; Middle Aged; Lipoprotein Lipase; Child; Pakistan; Hyperlipoproteinemia Type I; Mutation
PubMed: 38911039
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1387419