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Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Dec 2021: Cognitive performance is essential for children, given this is a critical stage of brain growth and development. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Effects of Physical Activity and Micronutrients on Cognitive Performance in Children Aged 6 to 11 Years: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
: Cognitive performance is essential for children, given this is a critical stage of brain growth and development. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to ascertain if physical activity or micronutrients impact cognitive performance in children. : Electronic databases (PubMed and Scopus) were searched for relevant articles published between 2012 and 2021. We emphasized randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that examined the effect of physical activity and micronutrients on cognitive performance. Data from eligible studies were gathered and evaluated using random-, fixed- or pooled-effects models with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). : Physical activity appeared to improve both Mathematics ( = 1.12, 95% CI: 0.56, 1.67) and attention ( = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.15, 1.14) performances. The micronutrient vitamin B12 had a positive effect on Mathematics ( = 2.39, 95% CI: 0.79, 3.98), English ( = 5.29, 95% CI: 2.76, 7.83), Geography ( = 5.29, 95% CI: 2.76, 7.83), Science ( = 3.39, 95% CI: 2.62, 4.16) and Arts ( = 3.32, 95% CI: 1.84, 4.79). Zinc was found to positively affect English ( = 3.78, 95% CI: 0.44, 7.13), Geography ( = 4.77, 95% CI: 0.56, 8.98) and Arts ( = 2.39, CI: 0.33, 4.45). Iron positively affected Mathematics ( = 1.29, 95% CI: 0.54, 2.06), English ( = 1.29, 95% CI: 0.44, 7.13), Geography ( = 4.77, 95% CI: 0.56, 8.98) and Arts ( = 2.39, 95% CI: 0.33, 4.45). : A more comprehensive intervention with a specific dose/level of physical activity, an increased range of cognitive performance, and a well-designed study design that accounts for dietary intake and other health outcomes are required for future studies.
Topics: Cognition; Exercise; Humans; Micronutrients; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Research
PubMed: 35056365
DOI: 10.3390/medicina58010057 -
Malaria Journal Aug 2018Much of the extensive research regarding transmission of malaria is underpinned by mathematical modelling. Compartmental models, which focus on interactions and... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Much of the extensive research regarding transmission of malaria is underpinned by mathematical modelling. Compartmental models, which focus on interactions and transitions between population strata, have been a mainstay of such modelling for more than a century. However, modellers are increasingly adopting agent-based approaches, which model hosts, vectors and/or their interactions on an individual level. One reason for the increasing popularity of such models is their potential to provide enhanced realism by allowing system-level behaviours to emerge as a consequence of accumulated individual-level interactions, as occurs in real populations.
METHODS
A systematic review of 90 articles published between 1998 and May 2018 was performed, characterizing agent-based models (ABMs) relevant to malaria transmission. The review provides an overview of approaches used to date, determines the advantages of these approaches, and proposes ideas for progressing the field.
RESULTS
The rationale for ABM use over other modelling approaches centres around three points: the need to accurately represent increased stochasticity in low-transmission settings; the benefits of high-resolution spatial simulations; and heterogeneities in drug and vaccine efficacies due to individual patient characteristics. The success of these approaches provides avenues for further exploration of agent-based techniques for modelling malaria transmission. Potential extensions include varying elimination strategies across spatial landscapes, extending the size of spatial models, incorporating human movement dynamics, and developing increasingly comprehensive parameter estimation and optimization techniques.
CONCLUSION
Collectively, the literature covers an extensive array of topics, including the full spectrum of transmission and intervention regimes. Bringing these elements together under a common framework may enhance knowledge of, and guide policies towards, malaria elimination. However, because of the diversity of available models, endorsing a standardized approach to ABM implementation may not be possible. Instead it is recommended that model frameworks be contextually appropriate and sufficiently described. One key recommendation is to develop enhanced parameter estimation and optimization techniques. Extensions of current techniques will provide the robust results required to enhance current elimination efforts.
Topics: Animals; Disease Transmission, Infectious; Host-Parasite Interactions; Humans; Malaria; Models, Statistical; Mosquito Vectors
PubMed: 30119664
DOI: 10.1186/s12936-018-2442-y -
Child Development Jul 2022This systematic review and meta-analysis considered evidence of guided play compared to direct instruction or free play to support children's learning and development.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
This systematic review and meta-analysis considered evidence of guided play compared to direct instruction or free play to support children's learning and development. Interventions from 39 studies were reviewed (published 1977-2020); 17 were included in meta-analysis (N = 3893; M = 1-8 years; M 49.8%; M White 41%, African American/Black 28%, Hispanic 19%). Guided play had a greater positive effect than direct instruction on early maths skills (g = 0.24), shape knowledge (g = 0.63), and task switching (g = 0.40); and than free play on spatial vocabulary (g = 0.93). Differences were not identified for other key outcomes. Narrative synthesis highlighted heterogeneity in the conceptualization and implementation of guided play across studies.
Topics: Black or African American; Child; Female; Humans; Knowledge; Learning; Mathematics; Vocabulary
PubMed: 35018635
DOI: 10.1111/cdev.13730 -
Journal of Pediatric Surgery Sep 2021Laparoscopic surgery is increasingly used to repair paediatric inguinal hernias and can be divided into intra- or extra-corporeal closing techniques. No statement... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Laparoscopic surgery is increasingly used to repair paediatric inguinal hernias and can be divided into intra- or extra-corporeal closing techniques. No statement regarding the superiority of one of the two techniques can be made. This study aims to provide evidence supporting the superiority of intra- or extra-corporeal suturing technique.
METHODS
A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library databases. Randomised controlled trials and prospective studies comparing different laparoscopic techniques were eligible for inclusion. Data were pooled using a random-effects model, comparing single-port extra-peritoneal closure to intra-peritoneal purse string suture closing. Primary outcome was recurrence rate. Secondary outcomes were duration of surgery (min), peri‑ and post-operative complications (i.e. injury of spermatic vessels or spermatic cord, tuba lesions, bleeding and apnoea, haematoma/scrotal oedema, hydrocele, wound infection, iatrogenic ascent of the testis and testicular atrophy), contralateral patent processus vaginalis (CPPV) rate, post-operative pain, length of hospital stay and cosmetic appearance of the wound.
RESULTS
Fifteen studies (n = 3680 patients, age range 0.5-12 years, follow-up range 3-10 months) were included is this systematic review. Intra-corporeal hernia repair was performed in 738 children and extra-corporeal repair was performed in 2942 children. A pooled data analysis could only be performed for the single port extra-corporeal closing technique and the three port intra-corporeal closing technique. We found that recurrence rate was lower in the single-port extra-corporeal closing technique compared to the intra-corporeal purse suture closing technique (0.6% vs 5.5%, 95% CI 0.107 (0.024-0.477); p < 0.001). Operation time was shorter for extra-corporeal unilateral and bilateral inguinal hernia repair compared with intra-corporeal approach, but no pooled data analysis could be performed. Due to the presence of substantial heterogeneity, it was not possible to assess other outcome measures.
CONCLUSION
Single-port extra-corporeal closure seems to result in less recurrent hernias and a shorter operative time compared to intra-corporeal purse suture closing technique. No difference regarding peri‑ and post-operative complications could be found and no statements regarding the length of hospital admission, post-operative pain and cosmetics could be made due to substantial heterogeneity.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Level II.
Topics: Child; Data Analysis; Hernia, Inguinal; Herniorrhaphy; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Laparoscopy; Male; Prospective Studies; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 33674123
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2021.01.049 -
PloS One 2018To examine the use of the term 'metric' in health and social sciences' literature, focusing on the interval scale implication of the term in Modern Test Theory (MTT). (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To examine the use of the term 'metric' in health and social sciences' literature, focusing on the interval scale implication of the term in Modern Test Theory (MTT).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A systematic search and review on MTT studies including 'metric' or 'interval scale' was performed in the health and social sciences literature. The search was restricted to 2001-2005 and 2011-2015. A Text Mining algorithm was employed to operationalize the eligibility criteria and to explore the uses of 'metric'. The paradigm of each included article (Rasch Measurement Theory (RMT), Item Response Theory (IRT) or both), as well as its type (Theoretical, Methodological, Teaching, Application, Miscellaneous) were determined. An inductive thematic analysis on the first three types was performed.
RESULTS
70.6% of the 1337 included articles were allocated to RMT, and 68.4% were application papers. Among the number of uses of 'metric', it was predominantly a synonym of 'scale'; as adjective, it referred to measurement or quantification. Three incompatible themes 'only RMT/all MTT/no MTT models can provide interval measures' were identified, but 'interval scale' was considerably more mentioned in RMT than in IRT.
CONCLUSION
'Metric' is used in many different ways, and there is no consensus on which MTT metric has interval scale properties. Nevertheless, when using the term 'metric', the authors should specify the level of the metric being used (ordinal, ordered, interval, ratio), and justify why according to them the metric is at that level.
Topics: Data Mining; Humans; Research; Statistics as Topic; Terminology as Topic
PubMed: 29509813
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0193861 -
The British Journal of Radiology Jan 2018Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Treatment pathways include regular cross-sectional imaging, generating large data sets which present... (Review)
Review
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Treatment pathways include regular cross-sectional imaging, generating large data sets which present intriguing possibilities for exploitation beyond standard visual interpretation. This additional data mining has been termed "radiomics" and includes semantic and agnostic approaches. Textural analysis (TA) is an example of the latter, and uses a range of mathematically derived features to describe an image or region of an image. Often TA is used to describe a suspected or known tumour. TA is an attractive tool as large existing image sets can be submitted to diverse techniques for data processing, presentation, interpretation and hypothesis testing with annotated clinical outcomes. There is a growing anthology of published data using different TA techniques to differentiate between benign and malignant lung nodules, differentiate tissue subtypes of lung cancer, prognosticate and predict outcome and treatment response, as well as predict treatment side effects and potentially aid radiotherapy planning. The aim of this systematic review is to summarize the current published data and understand the potential future role of TA in managing lung cancer.
Topics: Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Humans; Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; Lung Neoplasms; Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 28869399
DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20170267 -
The Lancet. Planetary Health Jul 2021Transmission of many infectious diseases depends on interactions between humans, animals, and the environment. Incorporating these complex processes in transmission... (Review)
Review
Transmission of many infectious diseases depends on interactions between humans, animals, and the environment. Incorporating these complex processes in transmission dynamic models can help inform policy and disease control interventions. We identified 20 diseases involving environmentally persistent pathogens (ie, pathogens that survive for more than 48 h in the environment and can cause subsequent human infections), of which indirect transmission can occur from animals to humans via the environment. Using a systematic approach, we critically appraised dynamic transmission models for environmentally persistent zoonotic diseases to quantify traits of models across diseases. 210 transmission modelling studies were identified and most studies considered diseases of domestic animals or high-income settings, or both. We found that less than half of studies validated their models to real-world data, and environmental data on pathogen persistence was rarely incorporated. Model structures varied, with few studies considering the animal-human-environment interface of transmission in the context of a One Health framework. This Review highlights the need for more data-driven modelling of these diseases and a holistic One Health approach to model these pathogens to inform disease prevention and control strategies.
Topics: Animals; Communicable Diseases; Humans; Zoonoses
PubMed: 34245717
DOI: 10.1016/S2542-5196(21)00137-6 -
PloS One 2017Over the last century, sporadic research has suggested that people whose hand, eye, foot, or ear dominances are not consistently right- or left-sided are at special risk... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Over the last century, sporadic research has suggested that people whose hand, eye, foot, or ear dominances are not consistently right- or left-sided are at special risk of suffering academic difficulties. This phenomenon is known as crossed laterality. Although the bulk of this research dates from 1960's and 1970's, crossed laterality is becoming increasingly popular in the area of school education, driving the creation of several interventions aimed at restoring or consolidating lateral dominance. However, the available evidence is fragmentary. To determine the impact of crossed laterality on academic achievement and intelligence, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of articles published since 1900. The inclusion criteria for the review required that studies used one or more lateral preference tasks for at least two specific parts of the body; they included a valid measure of crossed laterality; they measured the impact of crossed laterality on academic achievement or intelligence; and they included participants between 3 and 17 years old. The final sample included 26 articles that covered a total population of 3578 children aged 5 to 12. Taken collectively, the results of these studies do not support the claim that there is a reliable association between crossed laterality and either academic achievement or intelligence. Along with this, we detected important shortcomings in the literature, such as considerable heterogeneity among the variables used to measure laterality and among the tasks utilized to measure the outcomes. The educational implications of these results are discussed.
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Child, Preschool; Educational Status; Female; Functional Laterality; Humans; Intelligence; Language; Male; Mathematics; Reading
PubMed: 28846704
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0183618 -
Frontiers in Neurology 2021Students with sickle cell disease are at risk for poor academic performance due to the combined and/or interactive effects of environmental, psychosocial, and...
Students with sickle cell disease are at risk for poor academic performance due to the combined and/or interactive effects of environmental, psychosocial, and disease-specific factors. Poor academic performance has significant social and health consequences. To study academic achievement and attainment in children with sickle cell disease in the United States. Medline, Embase, SCOPUS, CINAHL, ERIC, and PsycINFO were searched for peer-reviewed articles. Studies of children (ages 5-18) diagnosed with sickle cell disease of any genotype reporting academic achievement (standardized tests of reading, math, and spelling) or attainment (grade retention or special education) outcomes were included. Outcomes were analyzed using a random effects model. Achievement scores were compared to within study controls or normative expectations. Prevalence of grade retention and special education services were compared to national (United States) estimates for Black students. Age at assessment and overall IQ were evaluated separately for association with reading and mathematics scores. Subgroup analyses of reading and math scores were analyzed by cerebral infarct status (no cerebrovascular accident, silent infarct, stroke). There were 44 eligible studies. Students with sickle cell disease scored 0.70, 0.87, and 0.80 ( < 0.001) SD below normative expectations on measures of reading, mathematics, and spelling, respectively. Compared to unaffected sibling and/or healthy controls ( = 8, = 508), reading and math scores were 0.40 ( = 0.017) and 0.36 ( = 0.033) SD below expectations. Grade retention was approximately 10 times higher in students with sickle cell disease than Black students nationally. Intellectual functioning explained 97.3 and 85.8% of the variance in reading and mathematics performance, respectively ( < 0.001). Subgroup analyses revealed significant differences in reading ( = 0.034) and mathematics ( < 0.001) based on infarct status, with lower performance associated with presence of a silent infarct or stroke. Students with sickle cell disease demonstrate notable academic difficulties and are at high risk for grade retainment. Development of academic interventions and increased access to school support services are needed for this vulnerable population. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42020179062.
PubMed: 34966350
DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.786065 -
MedEdPublish (2016) 2018This article was migrated. The article was marked as recommended. Learning disabilities (LD) are a mixed group of disorders exhibited by substantial difficulties in the...
This article was migrated. The article was marked as recommended. Learning disabilities (LD) are a mixed group of disorders exhibited by substantial difficulties in the achievement and use of listening, speaking, reading, writing, reasoning, or mathematical skills. The objective of this paper is to highlight different learning disabilities and their effects on medical students and suggest the best assessment strategy for such students. The medical education literature was searched for articles related to learning disabilities and how they effect medical students. Learning disability constitutes to be challenging for the student as well as the faculty because apparently, there is no disability to be seen. It is difficult to diagnose and sometimes it remains unidentified till late adulthood when the compensatory mechanisms crash down leaving the student in despair and low self-confidence. The identification of such a disorder requires appropriate personnel to diagnose such condition which are currently not available in the medical schools. Literature shows that multiple choice questions (MCQs) are the best method of choice in assessment of students with learning disability as it does not discriminate between students with and without LD.
PubMed: 38074584
DOI: 10.15694/mep.2018.0000142.1