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Scientific Reports Nov 2023To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the association between children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or autism... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the association between children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and ocular characteristics. Systematic review with meta-analysis. Six databases (PubMed, Scopus, APA PsycInfo, Embase, EBSCOhost, and Cochrane library) were selected for a systematic literature search from database inception to July 2022. The observational studies assessing and reporting at least one outcome regarding ocular characteristics in children and adolescents with ADHD or ASD aged 6-17 were included. Studies in languages other than English, studies of adult or elderly human populations, and animal studies were excluded. The results were analyzed following the PRISMA guideline 2020. The findings of 15 studies, including 433 participants with ADHD, 253 participants with ASD, and 514 participants with typical development (TD), revealed that there were no significant differences in retinal nerve fiber layer, ganglion cell complex, and macular thickness between the ADHD group and the TD group. In subgroup analysis, significant differences in inferior ganglion cell (MD = - 3.19; 95% CI = [- 6.06, - 0.31], p = 0.03) and nasal macular thickness (MD = 5.88; 95% CI = [- 0.01, 11.76], p = 0.05) were detected between the ADHD group and the TD group. A significant difference in pupillary light reflex (PLR) was also observed between the ASD group and the TD group (MD = 29.7; 95% CI = [18.79, 40.63], p < 0.001). Existing evidence suggests a possible association between children and adolescents with ADHD or ASD and ocular characteristics. Given the limited number of studies, further research on a larger cohort is necessary to claim a possible diagnosis of ADHD or ASD through ocular characteristics.
Topics: Adult; Animals; Aged; Adolescent; Child; Humans; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Face; Retina; Nose; Neurodevelopmental Disorders
PubMed: 37938638
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46206-9 -
NIHR Open Research 2023Guidelines for breech management at term emphasise choice and informed decision-making. Despite this, the choice of vaginal breech birth (VBB), is not always available...
BACKGROUND
Guidelines for breech management at term emphasise choice and informed decision-making. Despite this, the choice of vaginal breech birth (VBB), is not always available or accessible. We aimed to describe the experiences of women seeking a VBB as reported in primary research and to offer strategies for improving this experience that are grounded in evidence.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review and qualitative meta-synthesis of the results, using grounded theory analysis methods (PROSPERO registration CRD42021262380), with literature published between January 2000 and February 2022. Seven databases were searched. Our review included literature about women with breech presentation, who sought a planned or unplanned VBB. Studies considering only experiences of alternative management (e.g. caesarean, external cephalic version), and those investigating healthcare workers' experiences were excluded. Covidence systematic review software was used for screening and quality assessment. Qualitative data were extracted using NVivo software (20.5.0). Data were analysed through an iterative process based on constant comparison methods, with an iterative and reflexive code generation process. Codes were then arranged into 'categories of experience', which gave rise to over-arching themes.
RESULTS
Our review included 19 studies. We present one overarching theory: 'Women who wish to plan a vaginal breech birth seek connected autonomy'. Our schematic, depicting this theory, includes seven main categories of experience: paternalistic healthcare; emotional turmoil; judgement and self-doubt; mother vs society: refusing to conform; isolated but united by breech; welcomed direction; and supported self-determination and self-efficacy.
CONCLUSIONS
Women seeking to plan a VBB feel vulnerable and wish to connect with capable and confident healthcare providers. To meet their needs, services should be designed so that they can connect with clinicians who are willing and able to support their autonomy. Services should also seek to limit their exposure to disrespectful and judgemental interactions with healthcare providers.
PubMed: 37881467
DOI: 10.3310/nihropenres.13329.1 -
Health Expectations : An International... Oct 2023Liver disease is a growing health concern and a major cause of death. It causes multiple symptoms, including financial, psychological and social issues. To address these... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Liver disease is a growing health concern and a major cause of death. It causes multiple symptoms, including financial, psychological and social issues. To address these challenges, palliative care can support people alongside active treatment, and towards the end of life, but little is known about the care experiences of individuals with liver disease in the United Kingdom. This review aimed to explore the palliative and end-of-life care experiences of people with liver disease in the United Kingdom.
METHOD
A systematic review was conducted using a five-stage process and following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses guidelines. Searches were across Web of Science, Scopus, EBSCO and grey literature until 10 May 2023. The review was registered through International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO). NVivo 12.5 was used to facilitate data analysis (systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42022382649).
RESULTS
Of 6035 papers (excluding duplicates) found from searches, five met the inclusion criteria of primary research related to adults with liver disease receiving palliative and/or end-of-life care in the United Kingdom, published in English. Reflexive thematic analysis of the data was conducted. The themes identified were the experiences of people with liver disease of relating to healthcare professionals, using services, receiving support, and experiences of information and communication. These were connected by an overarching concept of disempowerment versus empowerment, with the notion of person-centred care as an important feature.
CONCLUSION
This review has found variations in the care experiences of people with advanced liver disease towards the end of life and an overall lack of access to specialist palliative care services. Where services are designed to be person-centred, experiences are more empowering. Further research is needed but with recognition that it is often unclear when care for people with liver disease is palliative or end-of-life.
PATIENT AND PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION
An online public involvement workshop was held on 18 April 2023 through Voice (2023). This included four people with liver disease and four carers to discuss the review findings and to design a qualitative research study to further explore the topic.
PubMed: 37855242
DOI: 10.1111/hex.13893 -
Environmental Research Dec 2023Phthalates are a family of industrial chemicals noncovalently bonded to plastic materials to enhance flexibility and durability. These compounds are extensively used in... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Phthalates are a family of industrial chemicals noncovalently bonded to plastic materials to enhance flexibility and durability. These compounds are extensively used in a variety of consumer products and even in many medical devices. Newborns present a higher susceptibility to phthalates.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the short- and long-term health consequences of exposure to phthalates during the neonatal period.
METHODS
Systematic review in accordance with the PRISMA statements. Eligible articles in English language were searched in MEDLINE, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, and Ovid databases using the following terms: "phthalate", "newborn", and "neonate". Unpublished data were searched in ClinicalTrials.gov website. All in vivo studies of any design published before May 16th, 2023 and fulfilling the following criteria were included: 1) investigations in which preterm and/or term newborns underwent one or more measurement of concentrations of phthalates on biological samples taken during the neonatal period; 2) studies in which quantitative measurement of phthalates was related to any kind of health outcome. Subgroup analysis was conducted by type of outcome. The quality assessment was performed according to the criteria from the "NIH Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies".
RESULTS
11,895 records were identified; finally, 5 articles were included for review. A mixture of phthalates was associated with improved performance on the NNNS summary scales of Attention, Handling, and Non-optimal reflexes before NICU discharge. At 2 months' corrected age, some phthalates were positively associated with problem-solving and gross motor abilities; increased levels of mono (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, mono (2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl) phthalate, and sum of di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) metabolites (∑DEHP and ∑DEHP) were associated with worse fine motor performance. Furthermore, DEHP was associated with transient alteration of gut microbiota and increased IgM production after vaccine. A linear positive association between a mixture of phthalates and slope of the first growth spurt was even reported in preterm newborns. No relationship emerged between phthalates and bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Three studies out of 5 had fair quality.
CONCLUSION
Given some methodological issues and the paucity of related studies, further investigations of flawless quality aimed at clarifying the relationship between early exposure to phthalates and health outcomes are needed.
Topics: Infant, Newborn; Humans; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diethylhexyl Phthalate; Databases, Factual
PubMed: 37821060
DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117298 -
BMC Neurology Sep 2023Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS) is a subtype of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) which is characterized by the three components of ophthalmoplegia, ataxia, and areflexia....
BACKGROUND
Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS) is a subtype of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) which is characterized by the three components of ophthalmoplegia, ataxia, and areflexia. Some studies reported MFS as an adverse effect of the COVID-19 vaccination. We aimed to have a detailed evaluation on demographic, clinical, and para-clinical characteristics of subjects with MFS after receiving COVID-19 vaccines.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A thorough search strategy was designed, and PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase were searched to find relevant articles. Each screening step was done by twice, and in case of disagreement, another author was consulted. Data on different characteristics of the patients and types of the vaccines were extracted. The risk of bias of the studies was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) tools.
RESULTS
In this study, 15 patients were identified from 15 case studies. The median age of the patients was 64, ranging from 24 to 84 years. Ten patients (66.6%) were men and Pfizer made up 46.7% of the injected vaccines. The median time from vaccination to symptoms onset was 14 days and varied from 7 to 35 days. Furthermore,14 patients had ocular signs, and 78.3% (11/14) of ocular manifestations were bilateral. Among neurological conditions, other than MFS triad, facial weakness or facial nerve palsy was the most frequently reported side effect that was in seven (46.7%) subjects. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) was the most frequently used treatment (13/15, 86.7%). Six patients received 0.4 g/kg and the four had 2 g/kg. Patients stayed at the hospital from five to 51 days. No fatal outcomes were reported. Finally, 40.0% (4/15) of patients completely recovered, and the rest experienced improvement.
CONCLUSION
MFS after COVID-19 immunization has favorable outcomes and good prognosis. However, long interval from disease presentation to treatment in some studies indicates that more attention should be paid to MFS as the adverse effect of the vaccination. Due to the challenging diagnosis, MFS must be considered in list of the differential diagnosis in patients with a history of recent COVID-19 vaccination and any of the ocular complaints, ataxia, or loss of reflexes, specially for male patients in their 60s and 70s.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Young Adult; Ataxia; COVID-19; COVID-19 Vaccines; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; Facial Paralysis; Miller Fisher Syndrome; Prognosis; Vaccination
PubMed: 37735648
DOI: 10.1186/s12883-023-03375-4 -
Frontiers in Pediatrics 2023Massage therapy for preterm newborns has received increasing attention in recent years due to its beneficial clinical outcomes. However, disagreements persist in... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Massage therapy for preterm newborns has received increasing attention in recent years due to its beneficial clinical outcomes. However, disagreements persist in different investigations.
METHOD
We performed a systematic literature search in the Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, Web Science, and CINAHL to retrieve randomized controlled trials of premature infants receiving massage therapy and its impact on maternal and infant outcomes. Outcomes were mother-infant attachment, oxygen saturation, motor funtion, reflex, temperature, and calorie intake. The tool developed by the Cochrane collaboration assessed risk bias. With a 95% confidence interval (CI), the integration's results were presented as the mean difference or standardized mean difference. The registration number was CRD42022337849.
RESULTS
Of 940 records retrieved, 15 trials were included. Massage therapy increased oxygen saturation (standardized mean difference (SMD) = 2.00, 95% CI [1.17 to 2.83], < 0.0001). Massage therapy can strengthen mother-infant attachment [SMD = 2.83, 95% CI (2.31 to 3.35), < 0.00001]. Other outcomes, including motor activity, relaxation, caloric intake, and temperature, did not differ significantly.
CONCLUSION
Massage therapy can significantly improve oxygen saturation and strengthen maternal-infant attachment. However, prior to making a recommendation, additional research with a larger sample size and more rigorous design should be conducted due to the heterogeneity of studies in several outcomes.
PubMed: 37719450
DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1198730 -
Pediatric Reports Aug 2023Rare Diseases (RDs) in adolescents are characterized by low frequency and clinical heterogeneity, are chronic and deliberating and demand a multidisciplinary approach as... (Review)
Review
Rare Diseases (RDs) in adolescents are characterized by low frequency and clinical heterogeneity, are chronic and deliberating and demand a multidisciplinary approach as well as costly and specialized treatments. Comprehending patients' and parents' needs through a mixed systematic review is essential for healthcare system planning. This mixed systematic review explored barriers to and facilitators of effective care for adolescents with RDs as perceived by patients and their parents. Three databases (2008-2023) were searched and twenty-five articles were selected and critically appraised with the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT; version 2018). The review followed a convergent integrated approach for data extraction according to Joanna Briggs Institute's (JBI) mixed method systematic review (MMSR) methodology. Subsequent reflexive thematic analysis categorized the barriers and facilitators into five levels (intrapersonal, interpersonal, institutional, community and public policy) following the conceptual framework of the socio-ecological model for healthcare promotion. Barriers on the institutional and public policy level stood out as the most frequently reported, resulting in unmet care needs and frustrating family dynamics. National and regional healthcare policies are rarely actually linked to pragmatic intervention programs with a measurable impact on patients' welfare. Targeted strategies involving primary care infrastructure and personnel for better coordination and management of the disease are discussed.
PubMed: 37606447
DOI: 10.3390/pediatric15030043 -
Journal of Neuroengineering and... Aug 2023Understanding of the human body's internal processes to maintain balance is fundamental to simulate postural control behaviour. The body uses multiple sensory systems'... (Review)
Review
Understanding of the human body's internal processes to maintain balance is fundamental to simulate postural control behaviour. The body uses multiple sensory systems' information to obtain a reliable estimate about the current body state. This information is used to control the reactive behaviour to maintain balance. To predict a certain motion behaviour with knowledge of the muscle forces, forward dynamic simulations of biomechanical human models can be utilized. We aim to use predictive postural control simulations to give therapy recommendations to patients suffering from postural disorders in the future. It is important to know which types of modelling approaches already exist to apply such predictive forward dynamic simulations. Current literature provides different models that aim to simulate human postural control. We conducted a systematic literature research to identify the different approaches of postural control models. The different approaches are discussed regarding their applied biomechanical models, sensory representation, sensory integration, and control methods in standing and gait simulations. We searched on Scopus, Web of Science and PubMed using a search string, scanned 1253 records, and found 102 studies to be eligible for inclusion. The included studies use different ways for sensory representation and integration, although underlying neural processes still remain unclear. We found that for postural control optimal control methods like linear quadratic regulators and model predictive control methods are used less, when models' level of details is increasing, and nonlinearities become more important. Considering musculoskeletal models, reflex-based and PD controllers are mainly applied and show promising results, as they aim to create human-like motion behaviour considering physiological processes.
Topics: Humans; Postural Balance; Gait; Motion; Muscles; Reflex
PubMed: 37605197
DOI: 10.1186/s12984-023-01235-3 -
Psicologia, Reflexao E Critica :... Aug 2023Music-based interventions are promising for cognitive rehabilitation in Parkinson's disease; however, systematic reviews covering the topic are scarce. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Music-based interventions are promising for cognitive rehabilitation in Parkinson's disease; however, systematic reviews covering the topic are scarce.
OBJECTIVE
To analyze the effectiveness of music-based interventions for cognitive rehabilitation in PD.
METHOD
Systematic review study based on PRISMA criteria. The descriptors Parkinson's disease, Parkinson's disease, idiopathic Parkinson's disease, music-based interventions, music therapy, music training, auditory stimulation, music, rhythm, rhythmic, cognition, and cognitive were used. Five databases were searched PubMed/MEDLINE, PsycInfo, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane in May 2022. Only randomized controlled trials with no limit on publication date or language were included. Risk of bias was assessed following Cochrane Collaboration criteria for development of systematic intervention reviews.
RESULTS
Nine hundred nineteen articles were found by the descriptors; 266 were excluded for being repeated; 650 for not meeting the inclusion criteria. The remaining three articles were included and analyzed. The interventions consisted of practices with emphasis on rhythm and were conducted in groups. Risks of important biases were observed, such as lack of blinding in the allocation of participants and in the assessment of outcomes, as well as incomplete data for some outcomes.
CONCLUSION
Overall, the results showed no evidence of efficacy of music-based interventions for cognitive outcomes in PD.
PubMed: 37561275
DOI: 10.1186/s41155-023-00259-x -
BMC Psychology Aug 2023Psychopathological research is moving from a specific approach towards transdiagnosis through the analysis of processes that appear transversally to multiple...
BACKGROUND
Psychopathological research is moving from a specific approach towards transdiagnosis through the analysis of processes that appear transversally to multiple pathologies. A phenomenon disrupted in several disorders is prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the startle response, in which startle to an intense sensory stimulus, or pulse, is reduced if a weak stimulus, or prepulse, is previously presented.
OBJECTIVE AND METHODS
The present systematic review analyzed the role of PPI deficit as a possible transdiagnostic process for four main groups of neuropsychiatric disorders: (1) trauma-, stress-, and anxiety-related disorders (2) mood-related disorders, (3) neurocognitive disorders, and (4) other disorders such as obsessive-compulsive, tic-related, and substance use disorders. We used Web of Science, PubMed and PsycInfo databases to search for experimental case-control articles that were analyzed both qualitatively and based on their potential risk of bias. A total of 64 studies were included in this systematic review. Protocol was submitted prospectively to PROSPERO 04/30/2022 (CRD42022322031).
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION
The results showed a general PPI deficit in the diagnostic groups mentioned, with associated deficits in the dopaminergic neurotransmission system, several areas implied such as the medial prefrontal cortex or the amygdala, and related variables such as cognitive deficits and anxiety symptoms. It can be concluded that the PPI deficit appears across most of the neuropsychiatric disorders examined, and it could be considered as a relevant measure in translational research for the early detection of such disorders.
Topics: Humans; Prepulse Inhibition; Reflex, Startle; Cognition Disorders; Mood Disorders; Anxiety Disorders; Acoustic Stimulation
PubMed: 37550772
DOI: 10.1186/s40359-023-01253-9