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Medicine Dec 2021Aim of this study was to systematically review the prevailing treatment methods for lumbar spondylolysis.
BACKGROUND:
Aim of this study was to systematically review the prevailing treatment methods for lumbar spondylolysis.
METHODS:
Manuscripts published between 1951 and 2020 were searched by using PubMed, Medline, Scopus, Springer, Web of Science databases. The study protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020218651). The inclusion criteria for all articles of prevailing treatment methods for spondylolysis were: 1. English language; 2. at least 1 relevant treatment method for spondylolysis; 3. Randomized controlled trial (RCT), systematic review, comparative study, cross-sectional, cohort, and/or case control study. 4. pre-diagnosed cases of spondylolysis whereas article was excluded if. 5. any spinal deformity. 6. any neurological condition. Standards have been independently applied by using 2 reviewers and another author resolved disagreements.
RESULTS:
Data extraction screened 12 full-length articles. Description, treatment, outcome, and findings were individually extracted and cross-referenced.
DISCUSSION:
Current review has suggested that the noninvasive treatment method specifically low intensity pulsed ultrasound, electro acupuncture and pulsed electromagnetic filed is effective for bone union while operative treatment specifically pedicle screw fixation +/- interbody fusion depending the extent of disk degeneration and craniocaudal foraminal stenosis is effective for minimizing pain and functional disability in patients with spondylolysis. This review concluded that the noninvasive treatment method specifically low intensity pulsed ultrasound is effective for bone union.
REVIEW REGISTRATION:
PROSPERO (CRD42020218651).
Topics: Humans; Lumbar Vertebrae; Lumbosacral Region; Spondylolysis
PubMed: 34941130
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000028319 -
Computer Methods and Programs in... Jun 2022The optic nerve head (ONH) represents the intraocular section of the optic nerve, which is prone to damage by intraocular pressure (IOP). The advent of optical... (Review)
Review
The optic nerve head (ONH) represents the intraocular section of the optic nerve, which is prone to damage by intraocular pressure (IOP). The advent of optical coherence tomography (OCT) has enabled the evaluation of novel ONH parameters, namely the depth and curvature of the lamina cribrosa (LC). Together with the Bruch's membrane minimum-rim-width (BMO-MRW), these seem to be promising ONH parameters for diagnosis and monitoring of retinal diseases such as glaucoma. Nonetheless, these OCT derived biomarkers are mostly extracted through manual segmentation, which is time-consuming and prone to bias, thus limiting their usability in clinical practice. The automatic segmentation of ONH in OCT scans could further improve the current clinical management of glaucoma and other diseases. This review summarizes the current state-of-the-art in automatic segmentation of the ONH in OCT. PubMed and Scopus were used to perform a systematic review. Additional works from other databases (IEEE, Google Scholar and ARVO IOVS) were also included, resulting in a total of 29 reviewed studies. For each algorithm, the methods, the size and type of dataset used for validation, and the respective results were carefully analysed. The results show a lack of consensus regarding the definition of segmented regions, extracted parameters and validation approaches, highlighting the importance and need of standardized methodologies for ONH segmentation. Only with a concrete set of guidelines, these automatic segmentation algorithms will build trust in data-driven segmentation models and be able to enter clinical practice.
Topics: Bruch Membrane; Glaucoma; Humans; Intraocular Pressure; Optic Disk; Tomography, Optical Coherence
PubMed: 35429812
DOI: 10.1016/j.cmpb.2022.106801 -
Frontiers in Genetics 2022The relationship between CILP (1184T>C) and IL-1α(+889C/T) polymorphisms and intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) have been explored in several studies but the...
The relationship between CILP (1184T>C) and IL-1α(+889C/T) polymorphisms and intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) have been explored in several studies but the results were conflicting. The aim of the study was to evaluate and synthesize the currently available data on the association between CILP (1184T>C) and IL-1α(+889C/T) polymorphisms and susceptibility of phenotype-dependent radiologic IDD (RIDD) and symptomatic intervertebral disk herniation (SIDH). A computerized literature search was in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure database, and Web of Science. The pooled results were presented as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Moreover, the false-positive report probability (FPRP) test and trial sequential analysis (TSA) were applied to estimate the significant results. Our evidence demonstrated that IL-1α(+889C/T) was significant associated with RIDD (allele model: OR = 1.34, 95%CI 1.03-1.74, = 0.029) and SIDH (allele model: OR = 1.28, 95% CI 1.03-1.60, = 0.028). However, the results were not noteworthy under the FPRP test and TSA analysis. Additionally, CILP (1184T>C) polymorphism was significantly associated with RIDD with adequate evidence (allele model: OR = 1.27, 95% CI 1.09-1.48, = 0.002) instead of SIDH. The current meta-analysis illustrated firm evidence that CILP (1184T>C) polymorphism was significantly associated with the susceptibility of RIDD. However, the significant associations between IL-1α(+889C/T) and RIDD and SIDH were less credible. Thus, more multi-center studies with diverse populations were required to verify the results.
PubMed: 36276953
DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1005393 -
Ophthalmic Research 2024Anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION) can mimic glaucoma and consequently cause difficulties in differential diagnosis. The purpose of this paper was to summarize... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION) can mimic glaucoma and consequently cause difficulties in differential diagnosis. The purpose of this paper was to summarize differences in diagnostic tests that can help perform a correct diagnosis.
METHODS
The search strategy was performed according to the PRISMA 2009 guidelines, and four databases were used: MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane. Totally, 772 references were eligible; 39 were included after screening with respect to inclusion criteria that included English language and published in the 20 years before search date.
RESULTS
Ninety percent (n = 35) of included studies used optical coherence tomography (OCT). Glaucomatous eyes had a significantly greater cup area, volume and depth, cup-to-disk ratio, a lower rim volume and area, and a thinner Bruch's membrane opening-minimum rim width. Retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thinning in glaucomatous eyes occurred primarily at the superotemporal, inferotemporal, and inferonasal sectors, while AION eyes demonstrated mostly superonasal thinning. Glaucoma eyes showed greater macular ganglion cell layer thickness, except at the inferotemporal sector. OCT angiography measurements demonstrated a significant decrease in superficial and deep macular vessel density (VD) in glaucoma compared to AION with similar degree of visual field damage; the parapapillary choroidal VD was spared in AION eyes compared to glaucomatous eyes.
CONCLUSION
By use of OCT imaging, optic nerve head parameters seem most informative to distinguish between glaucoma and AION. Although both diseases affect the RNFL thickness, it seems to do so in different sectors. Differences in structure and vascularity of the macula can also help in making the differential diagnosis.
Topics: Humans; Optic Neuropathy, Ischemic; Diagnosis, Differential; Tomography, Optical Coherence; Nerve Fibers; Retinal Ganglion Cells; Optic Disk; Glaucoma; Visual Fields; Intraocular Pressure
PubMed: 38262372
DOI: 10.1159/000535568 -
Acta Ophthalmologica Mar 2022To evaluate microvascular alterations with optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in eyes with non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION) and the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
PURPOSE
To evaluate microvascular alterations with optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in eyes with non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION) and the unaffected fellow eyes.
DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis.
METHODS
A comprehensive literature search was conducted in the PubMed and Embase databases through 6 September 2020, to identify the studies on NAION and the unaffected fellow eyes using OCTA. Eligible studies and data of interest were extracted and analysed by RevMan Software v. 5.4 and Stata Software v.14.0. The weighted mean differences and 95% confidence intervals were used to assess the strength of the association.
RESULTS
Seventeen observational comparative studies, including 379 eyes with NAION, 175 unaffected contralateral eyes and 470 eyes of healthy controls, were identified. Compared to those of the healthy controls, the perfusion density (PD) of radial peripapillary capillary (RPC) and peripapillary superficial capillary plexus (ppSCP) of NAION were significantly lower. Moreover, the PD of the macular SCP (mSCP) in NAION was significantly reduced in the whole image, superior quadrant and temporal quadrant, while the macular deep capillary plexus (mDCP) showed a decreasing PD only within the whole image. Between unaffected fellow eyes and healthy eyes, significant differences of PD were demonstrated in the whole image and some peripapillary regions of the RPC and ppSCP.
CONCLUSION
Our results suggested that compared to those of healthy controls, the eyes affected by NAION and unaffected fellow eyes demonstrated significant microvascular impairments in different regions. Between acute and non-acute NAION, macular OCTA parameters showed different characteristic patterns.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Observational Studies as Topic; Optic Disk; Optic Neuropathy, Ischemic; Retinal Vessels; Tomography, Optical Coherence
PubMed: 34155823
DOI: 10.1111/aos.14930 -
Infection and Drug Resistance 2019Antimicrobial resistance is a serious public health problem worldwide. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of antibiotic resistance in strains simultaneously... (Review)
Review
Antimicrobial resistance is a serious public health problem worldwide. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of antibiotic resistance in strains simultaneously isolated from humans, animals, food, and the environment. Studies on PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library published from January 1, 2000 to January 1, 2018 were searched. The quality of the included studies was assessed by the modified critical appraisal checklist recommended by the Joanna Briggs Institute. All analyses were conducted using Biostat's Comprehensive Meta-Analysis version 2.0. Depending on the heterogeneity test for each antibiotic, we used a random- or fixed-effect model for pooled prevalence of drug resistance. Studies were eligible if they had investigated and reported resistance in two or more isolation sources (human, animal, food, or environment). To decrease heterogeneity and bias, we excluded studies that had reported drug resistance isolated from one source only. We included publications that reported drug resistance with minimum inhibitory concentration or disk diffusion method (DDM) as antibiotic-susceptibility tests. Of the 39 included studies, 20 used the DDM and 19 minimum inhibitory concentration for their antibiotic-susceptibility testing. Colistin had the lowest prevalence, with 0.8% (95% CI 0.2%-3.8%) and amoxicillin the highest, with 70.5% (95% CI 57.5%-81%) in isolated human strains tested with the DDM. To assess historical changes in antimicrobial drug resistance, subgroup analysis from 2000 to 2018 showed a significant increase in ciprofloxacin resistance. Monitoring and evaluating antibiotic-sensitivity patterns and preparation of reliable antibiotic strategies may lead to better outcomes for inhibition and control of infections in different regions of the world.
PubMed: 31190907
DOI: 10.2147/IDR.S201324 -
International Journal of Preventive... Dec 2014We did this systematic review to determine diagnostic accuracy of sono-elastography in evaluating cervical lymph nodes (LNs). A highly sensitive search for... (Review)
Review
We did this systematic review to determine diagnostic accuracy of sono-elastography in evaluating cervical lymph nodes (LNs). A highly sensitive search for sono-elastography and LNs was performed in MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, ACP Journal Club, EMBASE, Health Technology assessment, and ISI web of knowledge for studies published prior to December 2012. SPSS version 18 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) used for descriptive analysis and meta-disk version 1.4 applied for meta-analysis. Forest plots for pooled estimates and summery of receiver operating characteristic plots for different cut-offs were produced. The literature and manual search yielded 69 articles, of which 10 were eligible to include. A total of 578 individuals with a total number of 936 cervical LNs was evaluated (502 malignant and 434 benign). The summary sensitivity of the scoring and strain ratio (SR) measurements for the differentiation of benign and malignant LNs were 0.76 (95% CI: 0.71-0.8) and 0.83 (95% CI: 0.78-0.87). The summary specificities were 0.8 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.75-0.84) and 0.84 (95% CI: 0.79-0.88), respectively. Area under the curve for scoring system was 0.86 (standard error [SE] = 0.03) and 0.95 (SE = 0.02) for SR measurement. Sono-elastograohy has high accuracy in differentiating benign and malignant cervical LNs.
PubMed: 25709787
DOI: No ID Found -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... May 2011Some sports, for example basketball and soccer, have a very high incidence of ankle injuries, mainly sprains. Consequently, ankle sprains are one of the most commonly... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Some sports, for example basketball and soccer, have a very high incidence of ankle injuries, mainly sprains. Consequently, ankle sprains are one of the most commonly treated injuries in acute care.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effects of interventions used for the prevention of ankle ligament injuries or sprains in physically active individuals from adolescence to middle age.
SEARCH STRATEGY
We searched the Cochrane Bone, Joint and Muscle Trauam Group's specialised register, MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, the National Research Register and bibliographies of study reports. We also contacted colleagues and some trialists. The most recent search was conducted in July 2000.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised or quasi-randomised trials of interventions for the prevention of ankle sprains in physically active individuals from adolescence to middle age were included provided that ankle sprains were recorded. Interventions included use of modified footwear, external ankle supports, co-ordination training and health education. These could be applied as a supplement to treatment provided that prevention of re-injury was the primary objective.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
At least two reviewers independently assessed methodological quality and extracted data. Wherever possible, results of outcome measures were pooled and sub-grouped by history of previous sprain. Relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) are reported for individual and pooled data.
MAIN RESULTS
In this review update, a further nine new trials were included. Overall, 14 randomised trials with data for 8279 participants were included. Twelve trials involved active, predominantly young, adults participating in organised, generally high-risk, activities. The other two trials involved injured patients who had been active in sports before their injury. The prophylactic interventions under test included the application of an external ankle support in the form of a semi-rigid orthosis (three trials), air-cast brace (one trial) or high top shoes (one trial); ankle disk training; taping; muscle stretching; boot inserts; health education programme and controlled rehabilitation.The main finding was a significant reduction in the number of ankle sprains in people allocated external ankle support (RR 0.53, 95% CI 0.40 to 0.69). This reduction was greater for those with a previous history of ankle sprain, but still possible for those without prior sprain. There was no apparent difference in the severity of ankle sprains or any change to the incidence of other leg injuries. The protective effect of 'high-top' shoes remains to be established.There was limited evidence for reduction in ankle sprain for those with previous ankle sprains who did ankle disk training exercises. Various problems with data reporting limited the interpretation of the results for many of the other interventions.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
This review provides good evidence for the beneficial effect of ankle supports in the form of semi-rigid orthoses or air-cast braces to prevent ankle sprains during high-risk sporting activities (e.g. soccer, basketball). Participants with a history of previous sprain can be advised that wearing such supports may reduce the risk of incurring a future sprain. However, any potential prophylactic effect should be balanced against the baseline risk of the activity, the supply and cost of the particular device, and for some, the possible or perceived loss of performance.Further research is indicated principally to investigate other prophylactic interventions, their cost-effectiveness and general applicability.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Affective Symptoms; Age Factors; Child; Cohort Studies; Female; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Maternal Deprivation; New York; Object Attachment; Personality Development; Prospective Studies; Risk Factors; Schizotypal Personality Disorder
PubMed: 21563126
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD000018.pub2 -
Clinical Oral Investigations Nov 2022To identify the antifungal susceptibility profile of Candida spp. isolated from the human oral cavity was assessed with meta-analyses of observational studies that... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
AIM
To identify the antifungal susceptibility profile of Candida spp. isolated from the human oral cavity was assessed with meta-analyses of observational studies that collected samples from the oral cavity of human subjects.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Isolated Candida albicans tested by E-test®; disk diffusion test; microdilution and macrodilution; Sensititre YeastOne; and/or FungiTest. Search strategies were conducted on the MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Dentistry, and Oral Sciences, Central, Scopus, and LILACS databases, and gray literature sources. Articles were initially screened by title and then their abstracts. Articles that met the conditions for inclusion were read in full, followed by data extraction. A descriptive analysis was conducted of each study, and the data were tabulated. A first meta-analysis was conducted to assess the resistance of antifungals regardless of systemic comorbidities. An additional stratified analysis was conducted by systemic comorbidity groups for the outcome "resistance" to the antifungals.
RESULTS
When not grouping Candida albicans isolates by systemic conditions, the lowest resistance rates to the antifungals tested were observed for amphotericin B, nystatin, flucytosine, and caspofungin. In contrast, the highest resistance rates were observed for miconazole and econazole. There was a high degree of heterogeneity and low resistance in general in all analyses, except for the "several associated comorbidities" group, which had high resistance rates.
CONCLUSIONS
Clinical C. albicans isolates had low antifungal resistance.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
The presence of concomitant systemic comorbidities appears to be an essential factor that should be considered when evaluating resistance to antifungals for oral isolates.
Topics: Humans; Antifungal Agents; Candida albicans; Candidiasis; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Drug Resistance, Fungal; Mouth
PubMed: 36167858
DOI: 10.1007/s00784-022-04716-2 -
The Nigerian Postgraduate Medical... 2023Carbapenem antibiotics are considered one of the most effective and the last-resort antibiotics for the treatment of infections caused by multidrug-resistant... (Review)
Review
Carbapenem antibiotics are considered one of the most effective and the last-resort antibiotics for the treatment of infections caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. However, with the advent of carbapenem resistance, it becomes obvious that quality health-care delivery will be hampered if adequate measure is not put in place. This review assessed the prevalence of carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (CR-GNB) and also provided an up-to-date position on carbapenem resistance (CR) in Nigeria. Three electronic databases (Google Scholar, PubMed and African Journal online) were searched for relevant literatures, and 38 articles published between January 2013 and June 2022 that met the criteria for inclusion were recruited into the study. The mean prevalence of CR in Nigeria stands at 21.3%, with the southern and northern regions documenting a mean prevalence of 22.0% and 20.9%, respectively. Most of the reviewed articles were from clinical settings (81.6%), with urine samples (38.7%) constituting the most prevalent clinical sample in which CR-GNB were detected. The preponderance of phenotypic methods (55.3%) over molecular method (44.7%), particularly the use of disk diffusion test breakpoint and Modified Hodge test was documented. The most prevalent carbapenem-resistant bacteria were Escherichia coli (50.0%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (26.3%). The blaNDM and blaVIM were the major reported carbapenemase-encoded genes, particularly among E. coli, K. pneumoniae and Pseudomonas species. This systematic review revealed a mean prevalence of CR-GNB in Nigeria that required urgent attention. Furthermore, the detection of clinically and epidemiologically important carbapenemase coding genes is of public health importance.
Topics: Humans; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bacterial Proteins; Carbapenems; Escherichia coli; Gram-Negative Bacteria; Klebsiella pneumoniae; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Nigeria; Public Health; Drug Resistance, Bacterial
PubMed: 36814157
DOI: 10.4103/npmj.npmj_240_22