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Osteoporosis International : a Journal... Dec 2023The effect of vertebral osteoporosis on disc degeneration is still debated. The purpose of this study was to provide a systematic review of studies in this area to... (Review)
Review
The effect of vertebral osteoporosis on disc degeneration is still debated. The purpose of this study was to provide a systematic review of studies in this area to further reveal the relationship between the two. Relevant studies were searched in electronic databases, and studies were screened according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, and finally, basic information of the included studies was extracted and summarized. This study was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. A total of 34 publications spanning 24 years were included in our study. There were 19 clinical studies, including 12 prospective studies and 7 retrospective studies. Of these, 7 considered vertebral osteoporosis to be positively correlated with disc degeneration, 8 considered them to be negatively correlated, and 4 considered them to be uncorrelated. Two cadaveric studies were included, one considered the two to be negatively correlated and one considered them not to be correlated. Seven animal studies were included, of which five considered a positive correlation between vertebral osteoporosis and disc degeneration and two considered a negative correlation between the two. There were also 6 studies that used anti-osteoporosis drugs for intervention, all of them were animal studies. Five of them concluded that vertebral osteoporosis was positively associated with disc degeneration, and the remaining one concluded that there was no correlation between the two. Our systematic review shows that the majority of studies currently consider an association between vertebral osteoporosis and disc degeneration, but there is still a huge disagreement whether this association is positive or negative. Differences in observation time and follow-up time may be one of the reasons for the disagreement. A large number of clinical and basic studies are still needed in the future to further explore the relationship between the two.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Intervertebral Disc Degeneration; Prospective Studies; Retrospective Studies; Lumbar Vertebrae; Osteoporosis; Intervertebral Disc
PubMed: 37578509
DOI: 10.1007/s00198-023-06880-x -
Cureus Dec 2023Friendships can positively impact students' academic performance and grade point average (GPA) by providing emotional support and reducing stress, thereby leading to... (Review)
Review
Friendships can positively impact students' academic performance and grade point average (GPA) by providing emotional support and reducing stress, thereby leading to improved focus and better concentration on studies. Peer connections and friendships often result in collaborative learning and the exchange of academic ideas, improving comprehension and retention of course materials, ultimately leading to higher GPAs. In contrast, negative friendships or excessive social distractions can adversely affect GPA, which highlights the importance of striking a fine balance between social connections and academic responsibilities. This systematic review and meta-analysis adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. It involved a thorough electronic search on PubMed, Ebsco, and Web of Science databases with no time restrictions. We considered studies from various parts of the world, which examined friendships and relations within the academic setting. This review delved into the substantial impact of friendships in academic settings. Friendships foster a supportive environment for collaboration and knowledge-sharing, ultimately enhancing motivation, reducing stress, and improving GPA, thereby contributing to a successful academic experience. While disparities were noted across studies due to geographical variations, study designs, and outcome measures, the majority of them revealed a positive correlation between friendship and academic performance. Some studies highlighted gender-related differences, with male friendships often proving beneficial for academic performance, though this is not a universal rule, as the quality of friendships mostly depends on compatibility rather than gender. To sum up, the extensive review of research underscores the pivotal role of friendships in academic settings, which act as crucial support systems for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and motivation among students, leading to enhanced academic performance. Despite regional and methodological variations, a consistent positive correlation between friendship and academic success was observed across diverse studies.
PubMed: 38249290
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.50946 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2022Anti-interferon-γ autoantibody (AIGA) positivity is an emerging immunodeficiency syndrome closely associated with intracellular infection in individuals without human...
BACKGROUND
Anti-interferon-γ autoantibody (AIGA) positivity is an emerging immunodeficiency syndrome closely associated with intracellular infection in individuals without human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). However, the information on epidemiology, pathogen spectrum, and immunotherapy among these patients lack a systematic description of large data.
METHODS
This systematic literature review and multicenter retrospective study aimed to describe the pathogen spectrum and review treatment strategies among patients with AIGA positivity.
RESULTS
We included 810 HIV-negative patients with AIGA positivity infected with one or more intracellular pathogens. Excluding four teenagers, all the patients were adults. The most common pathogen was nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) (676/810, 83.5%). A total of 765 NTM isolates were identified in 676 patients with NTM, including 342 (44.7%) rapid-grower mycobacteria, 273 (35.7%) slow-grower mycobacteria, and 150 (19.6%) unidentified NTM subtype. Even with long-term and intensive antimicrobial treatments, 42.6% of patients with AIGA positivity had recurrence and/or persistent infection. Sixty-seven patients underwent immunoregulatory or immunosuppressive therapy, and most (60) achieved remission. The most common treatment strategy was rituximab (27/67, 40.3%) and cyclophosphamide (22/67, 32.8%), followed by cyclophosphamide combined with glucocorticoids (8/67, 11.9%).
CONCLUSIONS
Intracellular pathogen was the most common infection in patients with AIGA positivity. The predominant infection phenotypes were NTM, varicella-zoster virus, , and spp., with or without other opportunistic infections. AIGA immunotherapy, including rituximab or cyclophosphamide, has yielded good preliminary results in some cases.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Adolescent; Retrospective Studies; Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous; Autoantibodies; Rituximab; Nontuberculous Mycobacteria; Immunotherapy; Cyclophosphamide; HIV Infections; Multicenter Studies as Topic
PubMed: 36569827
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1051673 -
Dentistry Journal Sep 2021Hyperlipidemia is a well-recognized risk factor for cardiovascular disease, which, in turn, acts as a contributory factor in periodontitis development. Periodontitis has... (Review)
Review
Hyperlipidemia is a well-recognized risk factor for cardiovascular disease, which, in turn, acts as a contributory factor in periodontitis development. Periodontitis has been associated with benign tumors and cancers and withseveral disorders, including hyperlipidemia. Correspondingly, periodontal treatment may exert a positive effect on lipid metabolism, although opposite evidence has also been reported. As a counterpart, the therapy for hyperlipidemia, conventionally based on statins, has been proposed to positively affect periodontal conditions, mainly due to statin pleiotropic effects, reducing periodontal inflammation and promoting osseointegration. Therefore, the present systematic review aimed to evaluate, in subjects with untreated periodontitis and peri-implant disease (Population), the effect of routine systemically administered statins (Intervention), compared to non-statin use (Comparison), on periodontal parameters around natural teeth and implants (Outcome). Discordant results were found in periodontal parameters, and the current lack of such data related to peri-implant tissues and to alveolar bone loss highlights the need for further studies on the topic, potentially paving the way for a more comprehensive approach to periodontitis and peri-implantitis management. Indeed, the validation of the beneficial effect provided by systemically delivered statins on periodontal and peri-implant tissues may direct recall scheduling, predict response to therapy and, therefore, guide treatment strategies of periodontal and peri-implant treatments in statin users.
PubMed: 34562974
DOI: 10.3390/dj9090100 -
PloS One 2017Rats initially fear humans which can increase stress and impact study results. Additionally, studying positive affective states in rats has proved challenging. Rat... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Rats initially fear humans which can increase stress and impact study results. Additionally, studying positive affective states in rats has proved challenging. Rat tickling is a promising habituation technique that can also be used to model and measure positive affect. However, current studies use a variety of methods to achieve differential results. Our objective was to systematically identify, summarize, and evaluate the research on tickling in rats to provide direction for future investigation. Our specific aims were to summarize current methods used in tickling experiments, outcomes from tickling, and moderating factors.
METHODS
We systematically evaluated all articles about tickling identified from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and PsychInfo. Our inclusion criteria were publication in a peer-reviewed journal and collection of original, empirical data on rats using the handling method of tickling. One researcher extracted information from each article. Bias was assessed by 2 investigators using the SYRCLE bias assessment tool.
RESULTS
We identified 32 articles (56 experiments) published in peer-reviewed journals about rat tickling for inclusion. A wide variety of strains, sexes, and ages of rats were included. The most common method used for tickling was cycling through 15 seconds of tickling and 15 seconds of rest for 2 minutes for 3 to 5 days. Experiments with a control for tickling (N = 22) showed that tickling increases positive vocalization, approach behavior, decreases anxiety measures, improves handling, and in some cases decreases stress hormones. Tickling juvenile, individually housed rats with a trait predisposition to respond more positively to tickling, results in the most positive outcomes. Methods to reduce bias were insufficiently reported.
CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that tickling is a promising method for improving rat welfare and investigating positive affect. However, the establishment of tickling best practices is essential as the outcomes from tickling can be moderated by several factors.
Topics: Animal Communication; Animals; Anxiety; Behavior, Animal; Fear; Female; Humans; Male; Rats; Touch
PubMed: 28384364
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0175320 -
Autoimmunity Reviews Jun 2022Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) detected in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) sera are considered to be a biomarker for JIA-related uveitis. There is an unclear consensus... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) detected in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) sera are considered to be a biomarker for JIA-related uveitis. There is an unclear consensus on the screening dilutions of ANA as detected by the HEp-2 indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) that should be used when predicting the risk of uveitis in JIA. The primary aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to summarize the evidence regarding ANA prevalence and performance in JIA and JIA-associated uveitis.
METHODS
A search of five databases identified 1766 abstracts, using the search terms juvenile idiopathic arthritis; pediatric; sensitivity or diagnostic; and ANA. Studies that met inclusion/exclusion criteria were analyzed for the proportion of JIA patients with a positive ANA. Forest plots and pooled estimates were generated for the proportion of JIA patients and those with uveitis who were positive for ANA stratified by screening dilution. Study heterogeneity was also assessed.
RESULTS
Twenty-eight studies met inclusion criteria yielding 6250 unique patients; 5902 had JIA and 348 were healthy controls or were known to have other autoimmune diseases. The most reported IFA serum screening dilution was ≥1:80, representing 41.9% of patients and this screening dilution had the highest proportion of JIA ANA positivity (41.0%; 95% CI 25.0%-57.0%). ANA screening for JIA uveitis had a sensitivity and specificity of ANA at ≥1:40 of 75% (95% CI 46%-100%) and 66% (95% CI 39%-93%), respectively. There was significant study heterogeneity across both JIA subtypes and ANA titres.
CONCLUSIONS
Although there was a large variation of ANA IFA screening dilutions used for investigation of JIA, the most common dilution was 1:80. The current literature has several important deficiencies that are identified in this review requiring additional studies to inform the ANA screening dilutions of clinical value in JIA and JIA-associated uveitis.
Topics: Antibodies, Antinuclear; Arthritis, Juvenile; Child; Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect; Humans; Prevalence; Retrospective Studies; Uveitis
PubMed: 35398272
DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2022.103086 -
Canadian Medical Education Journal Sep 2023Training future doctors in the skills of evidence-based medicine (EBM) is clearly important. Journal club (JCs) are well-recognized educational interventions for... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Training future doctors in the skills of evidence-based medicine (EBM) is clearly important. Journal club (JCs) are well-recognized educational interventions for teaching EBM. In contrast to postgraduate medical education, JCs use in undergraduate medical education (UME) has not been adequately explored. We conducted a realist review of the effectiveness of JCs in UME to unpack the underlying mechanisms by which the intervention works (or fails) in teaching EBM.
METHODS
The scope of review was the evaluation of the effectiveness of JCs in UME settings. We searched major bibliographic databases - MEDLINE, Embase, ERIC, PSYCInfo, CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Science and found fifteen articles eligible for inclusion. Data was extracted aided by a modified Kirkpatrick framework and presented in evidence tables. Themes and chains of inference were identified, and finally, we formulated new hypotheses on how and why JC intervention works.
RESULTS
Mandatory vs. voluntary JC did not differentially impact attendance of JC in UME settings though JC duration beyond two hours decreased attendees' self-reported satisfaction. Coupling lectures to JCs positively impacts knowledge gain and retention. Coupled Mentorship or using critical appraisal worksheets helped the achievement of manuscript writing skills and a positive attitude towards EBM.
CONCLUSIONS
Journal clubs are effective interventions to teach EBM in UME settings and are well-received by learners. They improve specific learning outcomes of knowledge gain and retention, skills of manuscript writing and critical appraisal. However, we found no evidence that these translates to the practice of EBM nor impacts patient outcomes.
Topics: Humans; Students; Education, Medical; Databases, Bibliographic; Education, Medical, Undergraduate; Evidence-Based Medicine
PubMed: 37719396
DOI: 10.36834/cmej.72758 -
BMC Geriatrics Dec 2023Sedentary behaviour is considered to contribute to sarcopenia when combined with physical inactivity. Whether sedentary behaviour is independently associated with... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Sedentary behaviour is considered to contribute to sarcopenia when combined with physical inactivity. Whether sedentary behaviour is independently associated with sarcopenia remains controversial. The aim of this study is to explore the association between sedentary behaviour and sarcopenia in older adults in community and long-term care facility settings.
METHODS
Eight electronic databases including MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Wanfang were searched from inception until August 2023. The review included cross-sectional and longitudinal studies concerning the association between sedentary behaviour and sarcopenia among participants over 60 years old. Evidence was pooled by both random-effects meta-analysis and narrative synthesis. Subgroup analyses explored variation according to adjustment of physical activity, settings, and measurements of sedentary behaviour and sarcopenia. Quality assessment for individual studies was performed with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist.
RESULTS
Seventeen articles (16 cross-sectional studies and 1 longitudinal study) of 25,788 participants from community or long-term care facility settings were included. The overall quality of the included studies was rated high. Meta-analysis of 14 cross-sectional studies showed that sedentary behaviour was independently positively associated with sarcopenia: pooled odd ratio 1.36 (95% confidence interval, 1.18-1.58). The independent positive association remained in subgroup analyses by adjustment of physical activity, settings, and measurements of sedentary behaviour and sarcopenia. The narrative analysis corroborated the findings of the meta-analysis and provided additional evidence suggesting that interruptions in sedentary periods were linked to a decreased likelihood of developing sarcopenia.
CONCLUSIONS
The findings support the hypothesis that sedentary behaviour is independently positively associated with sarcopenia in older adults, providing vital indications for the development of strategies to prevent sarcopenia.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
The systematic review protocol has been registered with the PROSPERO database (CRD42022311399).
Topics: Aged; Humans; Cross-Sectional Studies; Longitudinal Studies; Sarcopenia; Sedentary Behavior
PubMed: 38124026
DOI: 10.1186/s12877-023-04489-7 -
Circulation Reports Jul 2022The aim of this study was to assess and discuss the diagnostic accuracy of prehospital ECG interpretation through systematic review and meta-analyses. Relevant... (Review)
Review
The aim of this study was to assess and discuss the diagnostic accuracy of prehospital ECG interpretation through systematic review and meta-analyses. Relevant literature published up to July 2020 was identified using PubMed. All human studies of prehospital adult patients suspected of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction in which prehospital electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation by paramedics or computers was evaluated and reporting all 4 (true-positive, false-positive, false-negative, and true-negative) values were included. Meta-analyses were conducted separately for the diagnostic accuracy of prehospital ECG interpretation by paramedics (Clinical Question [CQ] 1) and computers (CQ2). After screening, 4 studies for CQ1 and 6 studies for CQ2 were finally included in the meta-analysis. Regarding CQ1, the pooled sensitivity and specificity were 95.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] 82.5-99.0%) and 95.8% (95% CI 82.3-99.1%), respectively. Regarding CQ2, the pooled sensitivity and specificity were 85.4% (95% CI 74.1-92.3%) and 95.4% (95% CI 87.3-98.4%), respectively. This meta-analysis suggests that the diagnostic accuracy of paramedic prehospital ECG interpretations is favorable, with high pooled sensitivity and specificity, with an acceptable estimated number of false positives and false negatives. Computer-assisted ECG interpretation showed high pooled specificity with an acceptable estimated number of false positives, whereas the pooled sensitivity was relatively low.
PubMed: 35860351
DOI: 10.1253/circrep.CR-22-0002 -
Drug Safety Sep 2021Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been discouraged for the treatment of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections, fearing... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been discouraged for the treatment of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections, fearing that they could increase the risk of infection or the severity of SARS-CoV-2.
METHODS
Original studies providing information on exposure to NSAIDs and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outcomes were retrieved and were included in a descriptive analysis and a meta-analysis with Cochrane Revue Manager (REVMAN 5.4), using inverse variance odds ratio (OR) with random- or fixed-effects models.
RESULTS
Of 92,853 papers mentioning COVID-19, 266 mentioned NSAIDs and 61 mentioned ibuprofen; 19 papers had analysable data. Three papers described NSAID exposure and the risk of SARS-CoV-2 positivity, five papers described the risk of hospital admission in positive patients, 10 papers described death, and six papers described severe composite outcomes. Five papers studied exposure to ibuprofen and death. Using random-effects models, there was no excess risk of SARS-CoV-2 positivity (OR 0.86, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.71-1.05). In SARS-CoV-2-positive patients, exposure to NSAIDs was not associated with excess risk of hospital admission (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.80-1.17), death (OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.80-0.98), or severe outcomes (OR 1.14, 95% CI 0.90-1.44). With ibuprofen, there was no increased risk of death (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.78-1.13). Using a fixed-effect model did not modify the results, nor did the sensitivity analyses.
CONCLUSION
The theoretical risks of NSAIDs or ibuprofen in SARS-CoV-2 infection are not confirmed by observational data.
Topics: Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; COVID-19; Hospitalization; Humans; Observational Studies as Topic; Odds Ratio; SARS-CoV-2; Severity of Illness Index; COVID-19 Drug Treatment
PubMed: 34339037
DOI: 10.1007/s40264-021-01089-5