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Bioengineering (Basel, Switzerland) Dec 2023The use of machine learning (ML) in anaerobic digestion (AD) is growing in popularity and improves the interpretation of complex system parameters for better operation... (Review)
Review
The use of machine learning (ML) in anaerobic digestion (AD) is growing in popularity and improves the interpretation of complex system parameters for better operation and optimisation. This systematic literature review aims to explore how ML is currently employed in AD, with particular attention to the challenges of implementation and the benefits of integrating ML techniques. While both lab and industry-scale datasets have been used for model training, challenges arise from varied system designs and the different monitoring equipment used. Traditional machine-learning techniques, predominantly artificial neural networks (ANN), are the most commonly used but face difficulties in scalability and interpretability. Specifically, models trained on lab-scale data often struggle to generalize to full-scale, real-world operations due to the complexity and variability in bacterial communities and system operations. In practical scenarios, machine learning can be employed in real-time operations for predictive modelling, ensuring system stability is maintained, resulting in improved efficiency of both biogas production and waste treatment processes. Through reviewing the ML techniques employed in wider applied domains, potential future research opportunities in addressing these challenges have been identified.
PubMed: 38136001
DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10121410 -
Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine Apr 2017Anaerobic capacity assessment in rehabilitation has received increasing scientific attention in recent years. However, anaerobic capacity is not tested consistently in...
OBJECTIVE
Anaerobic capacity assessment in rehabilitation has received increasing scientific attention in recent years. However, anaerobic capacity is not tested consistently in clinical rehabilitation practice. This study reviews tests and protocols for anaerobic capacity in adults with various disabilities (spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, cerebral vascular accident, lower-limb amputation(s)) and (able-bodied) wheelchair users.
DATA SOURCES
PubMed, CINAHL and Web of Science.
STUDY SELECTION
Papers were screened by 2 independent assessors, and were included when anaerobic exercise tests were performed on the above-selected subject groups.
DATA EXTRACTION
Included articles were checked for methodological quality.
DATA SYNTHESIS
A total of 57 papers was included. Upper-body testing [56 protocols] was conducted with arm crank [16] and wheelchair tests [40]. With a few [2] exceptions, modified Wingate (Wingate) protocols and wheelchair sprint tests dominated upper-body anaerobic testing. In lower-body anaerobic work [11], bicycle [3] and recumbent [1], and overground tests [7] were used, in which Wingate, sprint or jump protocols were employed.
CONCLUSION
When equipment is available a Wingate protocol is advised for assessment of anaerobic capacity in rehabilitation. When equipment is not avail-able a 20-45 s sprint test is a good alternative. Future research should focus on standardized tests and protocols specific to different disability groups.
Topics: Adult; Anaerobiosis; Exercise; Exercise Test; Humans; Male; Rehabilitation
PubMed: 28350415
DOI: 10.2340/16501977-2213 -
PloS One 2022To determine cardiorespiratory fitness and neuromuscular function of people with CFS and FMS compared to healthy individuals. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndromes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of cardiorespiratory fitness and neuromuscular function compared with healthy individuals.
OBJECTIVE
To determine cardiorespiratory fitness and neuromuscular function of people with CFS and FMS compared to healthy individuals.
DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis.
DATA SOURCES
PubMed, Medline, CINAHL, AMED, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and PEDro from inception to June 2022.
ELIGIBLE CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES
Studies were included if presenting baseline data on cardiorespiratory fitness and/or neuromuscular function from observational or interventional studies of patients diagnosed with FMS or CFS. Participants were aged 18 years or older, with results also provided for healthy controls. Risk of bias assessment was conducted using the Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies (EPHPP).
RESULTS
99 studies including 9853 participants (5808 patients; 4405 healthy controls) met our eligibility criteria. Random effects meta-analysis showed lower cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max, anaerobic threshold, peak lactate) and neuromuscular function (MVC, fatigability, voluntary activation, muscle volume, muscle mass, rate of perceived exertion) in CFS and FMS compared to controls: all with moderate to high effect sizes.
DISCUSSION
Our results demonstrate lower cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle function in those living with FMS or CFS when compared to controls. There were indications of dysregulated neuro-muscular interactions including heightened perceptions of effort, reduced ability to activate the available musculature during exercise and reduced tolerance of exercise.
TRAIL REGISTRATION
PROSPERO registration number: (CRD42020184108).
Topics: Humans; Fibromyalgia; Cardiorespiratory Fitness; Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic; Exercise; Lactates
PubMed: 36264901
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0276009 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jun 2015Physical exercise training may form an important part of regular care for people with cystic fibrosis. This is an update of previously published reviews. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Physical exercise training may form an important part of regular care for people with cystic fibrosis. This is an update of previously published reviews.
OBJECTIVES
To determine the effects of physical exercise training compared to no training on aerobic exercise capacity, forced expiratory volume in one second, health-related quality of life and other patient-relevant (secondary) outcomes in cystic fibrosis.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group Trials Register which comprises references identified from comprehensive electronic database searches and handsearches of relevant journals and abstract books of conference proceedings.Date of the most recent search: 10 March 2015.
SELECTION CRITERIA
All randomised and quasi-randomised controlled clinical trials comparing exercise training of any type and duration with conventional care in people with cystic fibrosis.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two authors independently selected studies for inclusion, assessed methodological quality and extracted data.
MAIN RESULTS
Of the 48 studies identified, 13 studies which included 402 participants, met the inclusion criteria. The numbers in each study ranged from nine up to 72 participants; one study was in adults, six were in children and adolescents and six studies included all age ranges. Four studies of hospitalised participants lasted less than one month and nine studies were outpatient-based, lasting between two months and three years. The studies included participants with a wide range of disease severity and employed differing levels of supervision with a mixture of types of training. There was also wide variation in the quality of the included studies.This systematic review shows limited evidence from both short- and long-term studies that in people with cystic fibrosis aerobic or anaerobic physical exercise training or a combination of both has a positive effect on aerobic exercise capacity, pulmonary function and health-related quality of life. Although improvements are not consistent between studies and ranged from no effects to clearly positive effects, the most consistent effects of the heterogeneous exercise training modalities and durations were found for maximal aerobic exercise capacity (in four out of six studies) with unclear effects on FEV1 (in two out of 10 studies) and health-related quality of life (in two out of five studies).
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Evidence about the efficacy of physical exercise training in cystic fibrosis from 13 small studies with low to moderate methodological quality is limited. Exercise training is already part of regular outpatient care offered to most people with cystic fibrosis, and since there is some evidence for beneficial effects on aerobic fitness and no negative side effects exist, there is no reason to actively discourage this. The benefits from including physical exercise training in an individual's regular care may be influenced by the type and duration of the training programme. High quality randomised controlled trials are needed to comprehensively assess the benefits of exercise programmes in people with cystic fibrosis and the relative benefits of the addition of aerobic versus anaerobic versus a combination of both types of physical exercise training to the care of people with cystic fibrosis.
Topics: Cystic Fibrosis; Exercise Therapy; Exercise Tolerance; Humans; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 26116828
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD002768.pub3 -
Revista Espanola de Quimioterapia :... Apr 2023The objective of this study was to perform a systematic review of the characteristics, causative microorganisms and outcome of brain abscesses caused by anaerobic...
The objective of this study was to perform a systematic review of the characteristics, causative microorganisms and outcome of brain abscesses caused by anaerobic bacteria over the past 25 years. We reviewed studies on brain abscesses which included infection due to anaerobic microorganisms published between 1998 and 2022. We excluded reports with polymicrobial infections (more than 2 anaerobic bacteria isolated) and those that do not provide enough information to make comparisons, the reports with only one case of brain abscess due to anaerobes, as well as those focused on an only anaerobic bacterium. Also, we have excluded the cases in pediatric population. We searched the scientific literature through the Cochrane Library, EMBASE and PubMed/MEDLINE databases for studies of this condition. We finally included 28 studies with 6,167 patients, of which 715 (11.5%) were cases caused by anaerobic bacteria. There was a male predominance (70%) and mean age of 40.3 years. Most infections were monomicrobial (59.4%). The most common anaerobic microorganisms isolated were Bacteroides spp (43.4%) and Gram-positive anaerobic cocci (35.1%). Cases of brain abscesses caused by anaerobic bacteria were most frequent in Asia and Europe. The source of infection most frequent was otogenic in 84.6% followed by a neurosurgery procedure infection in 23% of patients. The main symptom observed was headache in 95.6% of patients followed by fever (69.5%). Surgical treatment was performed in 48 % of patients and the percentage of patients in whom antibiotic treatment was applied range 88.8% to 100%. The main limitation of this review is the non-inclusion of studies published before of 1998 in which MALDI-TOF MS system had not been introduced in the majority of laboratories for routine identification. The patient rate with isolation of anaerobic bacteria in brain abscesses is low, but these data could be underestimated mainly due to the fastidious nature of these microorganisms and the difficulties in the identification of some anaerobes.
Topics: Humans; Male; Child; Adult; Female; Anaerobiosis; Base Composition; Phylogeny; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Sequence Analysis, DNA; Brain Abscess; Bacteria, Anaerobic; Gram-Positive Cocci
PubMed: 36733997
DOI: 10.37201/req/114.2022 -
International Journal of Exercise... 2021This review aims to 1) be the first systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature examining the physiology and assessment of goaltenders, and 2) present a... (Review)
Review
This review aims to 1) be the first systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature examining the physiology and assessment of goaltenders, and 2) present a physiological profile of ice-hockey goaltenders. It will 1) highlight physiological differences between goaltenders and players at other positions, 2) determine strengths and weaknesses of ice hockey goaltenders, and 3) offer possible guidelines for strength and conditioning coaches. Six electronic databases were systematically searched in October 2019 using the PRISMA model. A total of twelve scientific articles published in peer-reviewed journals were included. Professional male (PM) goaltenders had the following profile for age (A) 26.8 ± 2.5 years, body weight (BW) 85.64 ± 3.79 kg, height (H) 184.38 ± 2.79 cm, body fat % (BF%) 11.9 ± 2.22, VOmax 49.9 ± 4.45 ml/kg/min, anaerobic power (AP) 12.78 ± 1.63 W/kg, and combined hand grip strength (GS) 120.7 ± 15 kg. Amateur male (AM) goaltenders presented the following: A: 18.2 ± 0.75, BW: 83.85 ± 4.51, H: 184.96 ± 2.06, BF%: 10.51 ± 1.61, VOmax: 55.73 ± 4.57, AP: 10.9 ± 1.2 and GS: 109.08 ± 14.06. Amateur female (AF) goaltenders presented the following: A: 21.04 ± 1.84, BW: 63.4 ± 5.14, H: 164.86 ± 5.73, BF%: 22.12 ± 2.27 and VOmax: 42.84 ± 3.59. Overall, PM goaltenders are heavier, have a higher BF%, and exhibit greater GS and abdominal muscular endurance than AM, while AM goaltenders are heavier, taller, leaner, and can generate greater lower-body muscular power than AF goaltenders. In the current literature, there were a small number of studies on women players and a lack of distinction between player position in reported results. Specific physiological assessments during NHL Combines should be developed for goaltenders in accordance with their specific positional demands.
PubMed: 34567379
DOI: No ID Found -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Aug 2017Malignant wounds are a devastating complication of cancer. They usually develop in the last six months of life, in the breast, chest wall or head and neck regions. They... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Malignant wounds are a devastating complication of cancer. They usually develop in the last six months of life, in the breast, chest wall or head and neck regions. They are very difficult to treat successfully, and the commonly associated symptoms of pain, exudate, malodour, and the risk of haemorrhage are extremely distressing for those with advanced cancer. Treatment and care of malignant wounds is primarily palliative, and focuses on alleviating pain, controlling infection and odour from the wound, managing exudate and protecting the surrounding skin from further deterioration. In malignant wounds, with tissue degradation and death, there is proliferation of both anaerobic and aerobic bacteria. The aim of antibiotic therapy is to successfully eliminate these bacteria, reduce associated symptoms, such as odour, and promote wound healing.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effects of systemic antibiotics for treating malignant wounds.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the following electronic databases on 8 March 2017: the Cochrane Wounds Specialised Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; the Cochrane Library, 2017, Issue 3), Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase and EBSCO CINAHL Plus. We also searched the clinical trial registries of the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (apps.who.int/trialsearch) and ClinicalTrials.gov on 20 March 2017; and OpenSIGLE (to identify grey literature) and ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global (to retrieve dissertation theses related to our topic of interest) on 13 March 2017.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials that assessed the effects of any systemic antibiotics on malignant wounds were eligible for inclusion.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently screened and selected trials for inclusion, assessed risk of bias and extracted study data. A third reviewer checked extracted data for accuracy prior to analysis.
MAIN RESULTS
We identified only one study for inclusion in this review. This study was a prospective, double-blind cross-over trial that compared the effect of systemic metronidazole with a placebo on odour in malignant wounds. Nine participants with a fungating wound and for whom the smell was troublesome were recruited and six of these completed both the intervention and control (placebo) stages of the trial. Each stage lasted fourteen days, with a fourteen day gap (washout period) between administration of the metronidazole and the placebo.The study, in comparing metronidazole and placebo, reported on two of this review's pre-specified primary outcomes (malodour and adverse effects of the treatment) and on none of the review's pre-specified secondary outcomes.MalodourThe mean malodour (smell) scores for the metronidazole group was 1.17 (standard deviation (SD) 1.60) and the mean for the placebo group was 3.33 (SD 0.82). It is unclear if systemic antibiotics were associated with a difference in malodour (1 study with 6 participants; MD -2.16, 95% CI -3.6 to -0.72) as the quality of the evidence (GRADE) was very low for this outcome. The study was downgraded due to high risk of attrition bias (33% loss to follow-up) and very serious imprecision due to the small sample size.Adverse effectsNo adverse effects of the treatment were reported in either the intervention or control group by the trial authors.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
It is uncertain whether systemic metronidazole leads to a reduction in malodour in patients with malignant wounds. This is because we were only able to include a single study at high risk of bias with a very small sample size, which focused only on patients with breast cancer. More research is needed to substantiate these findings and to investigate the effects of systemic metronidazole and other antibiotics on quality of life, pain relief, exudate and tumour containment in patients with malignant wounds.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Anti-Infective Agents; Double-Blind Method; Humans; Metronidazole; Neoplasms; Odorants; Prospective Studies; Soft Tissue Injuries; Wounds and Injuries
PubMed: 28837757
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD011609.pub2 -
International Journal of Environmental... Apr 2021Municipal solid waste (MSW) can pose a threat to public health if it is not safely managed. Despite prior research, uncertainties remain and refurbished evidence is... (Review)
Review
Municipal solid waste (MSW) can pose a threat to public health if it is not safely managed. Despite prior research, uncertainties remain and refurbished evidence is needed along with new approaches. We conducted a systematic review of recently published literature to update and expand the epidemiological evidence on the association between MSW management practices and resident populations' health risks. Studies published from January 2005 to January 2020 were searched and reviewed following PRISMA guidelines. Eligible MSW treatment or disposal sites were defined as landfills, dumpsites, incinerators, waste open burning, transfer stations, recycling sites, composting plants, and anaerobic digesters. Occupational risks were not assessed. Health effects investigated included mortality, adverse birth and neonatal outcomes, cancer, respiratory conditions, gastroenteritis, vector-borne diseases, mental health conditions, and cardiovascular diseases. Studies reporting on human biomonitoring for exposure were eligible as well. Twenty-nine studies were identified that met the inclusion criteria of our protocol, assessing health effects only associated with proximity to landfills, incinerators, and dumpsites/open burning sites. There was some evidence of an increased risk of adverse birth and neonatal outcomes for residents near each type of MSW site. There was also some evidence of an increased risk of mortality, respiratory diseases, and negative mental health effects associated with residing near landfills. Additionally, there was some evidence of increased risk of mortality associated with residing near incinerators. However, in many cases, the evidence was inadequate to establish a strong relationship between a specific exposure and outcomes, and the studies rarely assessed new generation technologies. Evidence gaps remain, and recommendations for future research are discussed.
Topics: Humans; Incineration; Infant, Newborn; Recycling; Refuse Disposal; Solid Waste; Waste Disposal Facilities; Waste Management
PubMed: 33921868
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18084331 -
International Journal of Environmental... Sep 2022Recovery between efforts is critical to achieving optimal physical and sports performance. In this sense, many nutritional supplements that have been proven to improve... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Recovery between efforts is critical to achieving optimal physical and sports performance. In this sense, many nutritional supplements that have been proven to improve recovery and physical and physiological performance are widely used. Supplements such as nitrates (NO), including organic foods such as beets, promote muscle recovery and relieve fatigue. This study aimed to comprehensively summarise the available literature on the effect of NO consumption on exercise-related fatigue and muscle damage.
METHODS
A systematic search was carried out based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) using electronic databases (e.g., PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science). From a total of 1634 studies identified, 15 studies were included in this review.
RESULTS
Based on the review, NO intake provokes physiological and metabolic responses that could potentially boost exercise-related recovery. NO could improve recovery indicators related to strength, pain, inflammation, and muscle damage.
CONCLUSIONS
Despite the relative proven effectiveness of NO on recovery after aerobic and anaerobic efforts, based on the heterogeneity of the procedures (e.g., dosage, chronic vs. acute intake, participants' characteristics, variables and outcomes), it could be premature to suggest its extended use in sports.
Topics: Athletic Performance; Dietary Supplements; Exercise; Humans; Muscle Fatigue; Nitrates
PubMed: 36231323
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912021 -
PloS One 2023Exercise capacity should be determined in all patients undergoing lung resection for lung cancer surgery and cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) remains the gold... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
The association between cardiopulmonary exercise testing and postoperative outcomes in patients with lung cancer undergoing lung resection surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
Exercise capacity should be determined in all patients undergoing lung resection for lung cancer surgery and cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) remains the gold standard. The purpose of this study was to investigate associations between preoperative CPET and postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing lung resection surgery for lung cancer through a review of the existing literature.
METHODS
A search was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library and CINAHL from inception until December 2022. Studies investigating associations between preoperative CPET and postoperative outcomes were included. Risk of bias was assessed using the QUIPS tool. A random effect model meta-analysis was performed. I2 > 40% indicated a high level of heterogeneity.
RESULTS
Thirty-seven studies were included with 6450 patients. Twenty-eight studies had low risk of bias. [Formula: see text] peak is the oxygen consumption at peak exercise and serves as a marker of cardiopulmonary fitness. Higher estimates of [Formula: see text] peak, measured and as a percentagege of predicted, showed significant associations with a lower risk of mortality [MD: 3.66, 95% CI: 0.88; 6.43 and MD: 16.49, 95% CI: 6.92; 26.07] and fewer complications [MD: 2.06, 95% CI: 1.12; 3.00 and MD: 9.82, 95% CI: 5.88; 13.76]. Using a previously defined cutoff value of > 15mL/kg/min for [Formula: see text] peak, showed evidence of decreased odds of mortality [OR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.28-0.81] and but not decreased odds of postoperative morbidity [OR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.64-1.00]. There was no relationship between [Formula: see text] slope, which depicts ventilatory efficiency, with mortality [MD: -9.60, 95% CI: -27.74; 8.54] however, patients without postoperative complications had a lower preoperative [Formula: see text] [MD: -2.36, 95% CI: -3.01; -1.71]. Exercise load and anaerobic threshold did not correlate with morbidity or mortality. There was significant heterogeneity between studies.
CONCLUSIONS
Estimates of cardiopulmonary fitness as evidenced by higher [Formula: see text] peak, measured and as a percentage of predicted, were associated with decreased morbidity and mortality. A cutoff value of [Formula: see text] peak > 15mL/kg/min was consistent with improved survival but not with fewer complications. Ventilatory efficiency was associated with decreased postoperative morbidity but not with improved survival. The heterogeneity in literature could be remedied with large scale, prospective, blinded, standardised research to improve preoperative risk stratification in patients with lung cancer scheduled for lung resection surgery.
Topics: Humans; Exercise Test; Lung Neoplasms; Prospective Studies; Oxygen Consumption; Lung
PubMed: 38060569
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295430