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Annals of Palliative Medicine Nov 2021This meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Chinese patent medicines in the treatment of subacute thyroiditis (SAT). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
This meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Chinese patent medicines in the treatment of subacute thyroiditis (SAT).
METHODS
Chinese databases were searched using a combination of "patent Chinese medicine", "traditional Chinese medicine", "traditional Chinese and western medicine", "sub-thyroiditis", and "subacute thyroiditis". Studies that set Chinese patent medicine treatment of SAT as the experimental group were selected. Then, meta-analysis was performed by RevMan 5.3.
RESULTS
A total of 12 studies were included, and most of them had a high risk of bias (low quality). The heterogeneity test results of clinical efficacy showed that Chi2=6.21, df=7, P=0.52>0.1, and I2=0%<50%. Then, the fixed effects model (FEM) was used, with OR =2.80; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.89-4.13. The heterogeneity test of recurrence rate showed that Chi2=10.69, df=9, P=0.30>0.1, and I2=16%<50%. The heterogeneity test of erythrocyte sedimentation rate showed that I2=97%, P<0.00001, MD =-10.02; 95% CI: -12.88 to -7.16, and P<0.00001. The heterogeneity test of free triiodothyronine showed that Chi2=500.75, I2=99%>50%, P<0.00001, MD =-2.88; 95% CI: -3.85 to -1.91; Z=5.83, and P<0.00001. The heterogeneity test of free thyroid hormone showed that Chi2=25.15, I2=72%>50%, P=0.0007, MD =-2.48; 95% CI: -3.69 to -1.26; Z=3.99, and P<0.0001. The heterogeneity test of the occurrence of adverse reactions showed that Chi2=11.28, df=11, P=0.42>0.1, and I2=3%<50%, and the combined effect size was Z=6.49 and P<0.00001, with OR =0.21; 95% CI: 0.13-0.34.
DISCUSSION
The meta-analysis of this study confirms that Chinese patent medicines have considerable clinical effects in the treatment of SAT. They can reduce the recurrence rate, adjust the levels of free triiodothyronine and free thyroid hormone, and have good safety.
Topics: China; Humans; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; Nonprescription Drugs; Thyroiditis, Subacute; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 34872266
DOI: 10.21037/apm-21-2248 -
International Journal of Environmental... Jan 2021Community care nurses educate adolescents about body image, but their interventions appear to be ineffective. Body dissatisfaction predicts unhealthy behaviors among... (Review)
Review
Community care nurses educate adolescents about body image, but their interventions appear to be ineffective. Body dissatisfaction predicts unhealthy behaviors among adolescents. This study aimed to understand the meanings and factors that influence the concept of body image through a systematic review and meta-ethnography of qualitative studies from the perspective of adolescents. Ten studies published from 2009-2019 were identified by a search of relevant systematic databases between September and December 2019. The review followed the seven steps of meta-ethnography developed by Noblit and Hare, including a line-of-argument. The synthesis revealed six themes: self-perception of body image; opinions of friends and colleagues; opinions of family; specific features of the school environment; expectations perceived across the mass-media; and strategies, practices, and self-management of body image. An explanatory model was developed that showed adolescents' development of body image and the path towards its establishment. In conclusion, these results should be considered to implement strategies to promote a healthy body image in adolescents by community health and mental health nurses.
Topics: Adolescent; Anthropology, Cultural; Body Image; Health Status; Humans; Qualitative Research; Self Concept
PubMed: 33561092
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18031140 -
The British Journal of Clinical... Nov 2018Rates of self-harm and suicide are increasing in young people. The literature suggests that individuals who identify with alternative subcultures (e.g., Goth) may be at... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Rates of self-harm and suicide are increasing in young people. The literature suggests that individuals who identify with alternative subcultures (e.g., Goth) may be at a greater risk.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the prevalence of self-harm and suicide in alternative subcultures and the factors that might contribute to this increased risk.
METHOD
Using a systematic strategy, the databases PsycINFO, Scopus, MEDLINE and Web of Science, and the E-Thesis online service (ETHOS) were searched for English language only papers, with no restrictions in terms of date of publication. Papers were selected that included data on the relationship between either alternative subculture identity (e.g., Goth) or preference for alternative music (e.g., Heavy Metal) and self-harm or suicide. Ten quantitative papers were included: seven cross-sectional, two longitudinal and one cross-sectional state-level comparison study. Two qualitative papers were also included. Studies were assessed by two reviewers for risk of bias.
RESULTS
The findings indicated that individuals who associated with alternative subcultures were at a greater risk of self-harm and suicide. Whilst qualitative papers identified potential mechanisms (e.g., exposure to self-harm and the way self-harm is presented or normalized), there remains limited support for these mechanisms.
CONCLUSIONS
More research is required to understand the association between self-harm, suicide and alternative subculture affiliation, and the factors underlying it. Longitudinal studies and studies focusing on mechanism are particularly important.
PRACTITIONER POINTS
The review supports the suggestion that those who identify as belonging to an alternative subculture may be at a higher risk of self-harm and suicidal behaviour. It also presents preliminary evidence that alternative affiliation predicts self-harm over time, and that this effect holds whilst adjusting for a number of likely confounders. The findings highlight the importance of increasing the awareness of the victimization and potential risk that these groups hold and suggests areas for intervention in health, educational, and social services. The review does not, however, indicate specifically what it is about alternative subculture affiliation (or alternative music preference) that could contribute to the risk of self-harm. Consequently, studies with a greater focus on mechanisms are needed. Methodological limitations (e.g., cross-sectional studies, small sample of 'alternative' participants, westernized samples) restricted the reliability and validity of the results which impacted on the extent to which the findings could be generalized more widely.
Topics: Adolescent; Culture; Female; Humans; Male; Self-Injurious Behavior; Suicidal Ideation; Suicide; Suicide, Attempted
PubMed: 29577344
DOI: 10.1111/bjc.12179 -
PloS One 2015Negative attitudes towards people with obesity are common even in health care settings. So far, the attitudes and causal beliefs of dietitians and nutritionists have not... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
AIM
Negative attitudes towards people with obesity are common even in health care settings. So far, the attitudes and causal beliefs of dietitians and nutritionists have not been investigated systematically. The aim of this article was to review the current state of quantitative research on weight-related stigma by dietitians and nutritionists.
METHOD
A systematic literature review was conducted in 2014 using PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science and Cochrane Library.
RESULTS
Eight studies were found that differ in regard to study characteristics, instruments and the origin of the sample. Six out of eight studies reported weight stigma expressed by dietitians and nutritionists. Their believed causes of obesity indicated a defined preference for internal factors rather than genetics or biology.
DISCUSSION
Results of studies were not homogenous. The degree of negative attitudes by dietitians and nutritionists towards people with obesity appeared to be slightly less pronounced compared to the general public and other health care professionals. Stigma and its consequences should be included into educational programs to optimally prepare dietitians and nutritionists.
Topics: Attitude of Health Personnel; Culture; Health Personnel; Humans; Nutritionists; Obesity; Social Stigma
PubMed: 26466329
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0140276 -
Transcultural Psychiatry Aug 2023As psychological resilience has been increasingly recognized as contextually constructed, mixed methods studies that map out local ecologies of resilience have become... (Review)
Review
As psychological resilience has been increasingly recognized as contextually constructed, mixed methods studies that map out local ecologies of resilience have become increasingly common. However, the direct adaptation of quantitative tools for cross-cultural use based on qualitative findings has been relatively lacking. The current review aims to provide an overview of existing measures of resilience used cross-culturally and to synthesize the protective and promotive factors and processes (PPFP) of resilience identified within these measures into a single resource. A January 2021 search of PubMed for studies of the development of psychological resilience measures that excluded studies of non-psychological resilience yielded 58 unique measures. These measures contain 54 unique PPFP of resilience, ranging from individual to communal-level characteristics. This review is intended to serve as a complementary tool for adapting standardized measures for stakeholders requiring an assessment tool that is attuned to their context for mental health risk assessment and intervention evaluation.
Topics: Humans; Protective Factors; Cross-Cultural Comparison; Resilience, Psychological
PubMed: 37097913
DOI: 10.1177/13634615231167661 -
Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal =... Jul 2022Gastric cancer (GC) is the fourth most common cancer worldwide, characterized by multifactorial pathogenesis and a heterogeneous geographic distribution. The complexity... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Gastric cancer (GC) is the fourth most common cancer worldwide, characterized by multifactorial pathogenesis and a heterogeneous geographic distribution. The complexity of this malignancy has evolved, with environmental and genetic factors and treatment strategies being more studied.
AIMS
We aimed to group and organize the clinicopathological and epidemiological features of GC in the Arab World and compare with data from Western countries.
METHODS
To obtain the highest number of topic-related articles, an extensive electronic search was conducted in the PubMed MEDLINE and Cochrane databases up to March 2022 using Boolean operators with a combination of keywords and MeSH terms. A total of 42 articles were retained after screening in accordance with the objectives of the study. The estimated age-standardized incidence rates in the Arab World were collected from the GLOBOCAN 2020 database.
RESULTS
A total of 46 articles were retrieved from 11 countries in the Arab World. Epidemiological elements were collected, especially tumour attributes, risk factors and population characteristics, in addition to some therapeutic strategies. Results were regrouped by theme and then organized in tables and charts, allowing a global and regional approach to the subject.
CONCLUSION
This review shows that the Arab World is considered a low-rate GC incidence region, presenting almost the same tumour characteristics as the Western countries. The lack of GC data in the Arab World should trigger a rise in research on this type of malignancy to better understand the subject.
Topics: Arab World; Databases, Factual; Humans; Incidence; Risk Factors; Stomach Neoplasms
PubMed: 35959668
DOI: 10.26719/emhj.22.051 -
Pharmaceutical Biology Dec 2023Chaihu Jia Longgu Muli Decoction (CLMD) is a traditional Chinese medicine for treating depression. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Effect-enhancing and toxicity-reducing effects of Chaihu Jia Longgu Muli decoction in the treatment of multimorbidity with depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
CONTEXT
Chaihu Jia Longgu Muli Decoction (CLMD) is a traditional Chinese medicine for treating depression.
OBJECTIVE
This study investigated the effect of CLMD combined with antidepressants on multimorbidity with depression (MMD).
METHOD
Published randomized controlled trials were collected from PubMed, Web of Science, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Science and Technology Journal, Wanfang and China Biomedical Literature Service System Databases. Participants were divided into study groups (CLMD combined with antidepressants) and control groups (antidepressants). RevMan5.4 software was used for data analysis.
RESULTS
Hamilton's Depression Scale score was significantly lower (MD = -5.62, 95%CI [-5.86, -5.37], < 0.00001), and the effective rate was significantly higher (RR = 1.23, 95%CI [1.17, 1.29], < 0.00001) in study groups. National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score of study groups were significantly lower (MD = -2.82, 95%CI [-3.84, -1.81], < 0.00001; MD = -2.26, 95%CI [-3.19, -1.34], < 0.00001). 5-HT, DA, NE and IL-1β level were significantly lower (SMD = 1.99, = 0.003; SMD = 1.99, < 0.00001; SMD = 0.86, < 0.00001; MD = -14.64, = 0.003) in study groups. Adverse reaction rate in study groups was significantly lower (RR = 0.47, 95%CI [0.24, 0.91], = 0.03). The gastrointestinal tract and autonomic nervous system disorders were reduced in study groups.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS
CLMD combined with antidepressants enhances the effect of antidepressants and reduces their adverse reactions, performing a synergistic effect; it may be considered as an effective option in the treatment of MMD.
Topics: Humans; Depression; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; Multimorbidity
PubMed: 37439185
DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2023.2228356 -
Sleep Health Jun 2023The United States (US) has more immigrants than any other country in the world, with an estimated 44 million non-US-born individuals residing in the country as of 2018.... (Review)
Review
The United States (US) has more immigrants than any other country in the world, with an estimated 44 million non-US-born individuals residing in the country as of 2018. Previous studies have linked US acculturation to both positive and negative health outcomes, including sleep. However, the relationship between US acculturation and sleep health is not well understood. This systematic review aims to identify and synthesize scientific studies on acculturation and sleep health among adult immigrants in the US. A systematic search of the literature was performed in PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, and Web of Science in 2021 and 2022 with no date limiters. Quantitative studies published anytime in a peer-reviewed journal in English among an adult immigrant population with an explicit measure of acculturation and a sleep health dimension, sleep disorder, or daytime sleepiness measure were considered for inclusion. The initial literature search yielded 804 articles for review; after removing duplicates, applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, and searching reference lists, 38 total articles were included. We found consistent evidence that acculturative stress was associated with worse sleep quality/continuity, daytime sleepiness, and sleep disorders. However, we discovered limited consensus on the association of acculturation scales and acculturation proxy measures with sleep. Our review demonstrated that compared to US-born adult populations, there is a high prevalence of adverse sleep health among immigrant populations, and acculturation likely plays an important role in shaping this disparity, particularly through acculturative stress.
Topics: Humans; Adult; United States; Acculturation; Emigrants and Immigrants; Sleep; Disorders of Excessive Somnolence
PubMed: 36849283
DOI: 10.1016/j.sleh.2023.01.007 -
Alternative Therapies in Health and... Sep 2023Mammary gland hyperplasia is a common gynecological disease, which seriously affects the patient's physical and mental health. Therapeutic strategies to treat the... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Mammary gland hyperplasia is a common gynecological disease, which seriously affects the patient's physical and mental health. Therapeutic strategies to treat the disease include endocrine therapy and surgery. Compared to Western treatment, traditional Chinese medicine prescription shows its superiority in treatment. The purpose of this review was to provide a reference for the determination of the pathogenesis, treatment principles, and treatment methods of mammary gland hyperplasia.
METHOD
This article comprehensively reviewed the records on mammary gland hyperplasia in ancient Chinese medical literature.
RESULTS
The present review discussed the disease and summarizes the information on mammary gland hyperplasia, including the disease name, the traditional Chinese medicine analysis, etiology, pathogenesis, treatment methods, prognosis, and nursing care.
CONCLUSION
We clearly described the research history of mammary gland hyperplasia, and the analysis and treatment of this disease by physicians in past dynasties. This information will help modern physicians to fully understand the disease development and treatment process.
Topics: Humans; Hyperplasia; Mammary Glands, Human; Medicine, Chinese Traditional
PubMed: 37235489
DOI: No ID Found -
Journal of Urban Health : Bulletin of... Feb 2020Despite a proliferation of research on neighborhood effects on health, how neighborhood economic development, in the form of gentrification, affects health and...
Despite a proliferation of research on neighborhood effects on health, how neighborhood economic development, in the form of gentrification, affects health and well-being in the USA is poorly understood, and no systematic assessment of the potential health impacts has been conducted. Further, we know little about whether health impacts differ for residents of neighborhoods undergoing gentrification versus urban development, or other forms of neighborhood socioeconomic ascent. We followed current guidelines for systematic reviews and present data on the study characteristics of the 22 empirical articles that met our inclusion criteria and were published on associations between gentrification, and similar but differently termed processes (e.g., urban regeneration, urban development, neighborhood upgrading), and health published between 2000 and 2018. Our results show that impacts on health vary by outcome assessed, exposure measurement, the larger context-specific determinants of neighborhood change, and analysis decisions including which reference and treatment groups to examine. Studies of the health impacts of gentrification, urban development, and urban regeneration describe similar processes, and synthesis and comparison of their results helps bridge differing theoretical approaches to this emerging research. Our article helps to inform the debate on the impacts of gentrification and urban development for health and suggests that these neighborhood change processes likely have both detrimental and beneficial effects on health. Given the influence of place on health and the trend of increasing gentrification and urban development in many American cities, we discuss how future research can approach understanding and researching the impacts of these processes for population health.
Topics: Cities; Humans; Knowledge; Population Health; Residence Characteristics; Social Change; Socioeconomic Factors; Urban Renewal
PubMed: 31938975
DOI: 10.1007/s11524-019-00400-1