scholarly journals Cognitive Remediation in Schizophrenia: Current Status and Future Perspectives

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefano Barlati ◽  
Giacomo Deste ◽  
Luca De Peri ◽  
Cassandra Ariu ◽  
Antonio Vita
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Cognitive Deficits ◽  
Scientific Literature ◽  
Cognitive Remediation ◽  
Intervention Programs ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Early Course ◽  
Electronic Search ◽  
Pubmed Database ◽  
Meta Analyses

Objectives. This study is aimed to review the current scientific literature on cognitive remediation in schizophrenia. In particular, the main structured protocols of cognitive remediation developed for schizophrenia are presented and the main results reported in recent meta-analyses are summarized. Possible benefits of cognitive remediation in the early course of schizophrenia and in subjects at risk for psychosis are also discussed.Methods. Electronic search of the relevant studies which appeared in the PubMed database until April 2013 has been performed and all the meta-analyses and review articles on cognitive remediation in schizophrenia have been also taken into account.Results. Numerous intervention programs have been designed, applied, and evaluated, with the objective of improving cognition and social functioning in schizophrenia. Several quantitative reviews have established that cognitive remediation is effective in reducing cognitive deficits and in improving functional outcome of the disorder. Furthermore, the studies available support the usefulness of cognitive remediation when applied in the early course of schizophrenia and even in subjects at risk of the disease.Conclusions. Cognitive remediation is a promising approach to improve real-world functioning in schizophrenia and should be considered a key strategy for early intervention in the psychoses.

Cognitive Enhancement in Schizophrenia

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Gilleen
Keyword(s):  
Drug Development ◽  
Cognitive Training ◽  
Cognitive Deficits ◽  
Negative Symptoms ◽  
Cognitive Enhancement ◽  
Cognitive Impairments ◽  
Cognitive Remediation ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Positive Symptoms ◽  
Social Deficits

Schizophrenia is characterized by a constellation of heterogeneous symptoms including hallucinations and delusions, motivational and social deficits, and cognitive impairments. Although positive symptoms have historically been the target for drug development, in recent years, attention has turned to cognitive and negative symptoms. Cognitive deficits in schizophrenia are associated with significant impairments in functional, social, and employment outcomes, and although they are widely researched and relatively well understood, there are no currently approved compounds to treat them. This chapter provides a selective review of the current status of approaches developed to improve cognition in schizophrenia. It covers pharmacological approaches as well as cognitive training and cognitive remediation techniques. It also explores the various study design issues and challenges that contribute to the difficulties in discovering reliable ways to improve the cognitive deficits present in schizophrenia.

scholarly journals Current Status of Animal-Assisted Interventions in Scientific Literature: A Critical Comment on Their Internal Validity

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 985 ◽  
Author(s):  
Javier López-Cepero
Keyword(s):  
Scientific Literature ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Internal Validity ◽  
Critical Comment ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Action Mechanisms ◽  
Urgent Task ◽  
Research Designs ◽  
Animal Interaction ◽  
Meta Analyses

Many meta-analyses and systematic reviews have tried to assess the efficacy of animal-assisted interventions (AAIs), reaching inconsistent conclusions. The present work posits a critical exploration of the current literature, using some recent meta-analyses to exemplify the presence of unattended threats. The present comment illustrates that the field (1) comprehends inconsistencies regarding the terms and definitions of AAIs; (2) pays more attention to the characteristics of the animals than to the action mechanisms of AAIs; (3) does not provide a clear connection between anthrozoology (how humans and non-human animals interact in communities), benefits of the human–animal interaction (HAI), and the design of AAIs; and (4) implicitly reinforces these phenomena through research designs. Thus, some conclusions extracted from these meta-analyses need further discussion. Increasing the internal validity of AAIs in empirical studies is an urgent task, which can be addressed by (1) developing a better understanding of how anthrozoology, the HAI, and AAIs relate to each other; (2) highlighting the mechanisms that explain the results in an empirical and specific way; and (3) changing the design of interventions, adopting a component-centered approach, and focusing on the incremental efficacy and efficiency of AAI programs.

Pharmacological Targeting of Neuronal Kv7.2/3 Channels: A Focus on Chemotypes and Receptor Sites

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (23) ◽  
pp. 2637-2660 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesco Miceli ◽  
Maria V. Soldovieri ◽  
Paolo Ambrosino ◽  
Laura Manocchio ◽  
Ilaria Mosca ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Metabolic Diseases ◽  
Scientific Literature ◽  
New Drugs ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Functional Heterogeneity ◽  
Molecular Scaffolds ◽  
Kv7 Channels ◽  
Receptor Sites ◽  
Pharmacological Targets ◽  
Pharmacological Potential

Background: The Kv7 (KCNQ) subfamily of voltage-gated potassium channels consists of 5 members (Kv7.1-5) each showing characteristic tissue distribution and physiological roles. Given their functional heterogeneity, Kv7 channels represent important pharmacological targets for the development of new drugs for neuronal, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. <p> Objective: In the present manuscript, we focus on describing the pharmacological relevance and potential therapeutic applications of drugs acting on neuronally-expressed Kv7.2/3 channels, placing particular emphasis on the different chemotypes, and highlighting their pharmacodynamic and, whenever possible, pharmacokinetic peculiarities. <p> Methods: The present work is based on an in-depth search of the currently available scientific literature, and on our own experience and knowledge in the field of neuronal Kv7 channel pharmacology. Space limitations impeded to describe the full pharmacological potential of Kv7 channels; thus, we have chosen to focus on neuronal channels composed of Kv7.2 and Kv7.3 subunits, and to mainly concentrate on their involvement in epilepsy. <p> Results: An astonishing heterogeneity in the molecular scaffolds exploitable to develop Kv7.2/3 modulators is evident, with important structural/functional peculiarities of distinct compound classes. <p> Conclusion: In the present work we have attempted to show the current status and growing potential of the Kv7 pharmacology field. We anticipate a bright future for the field, and express our hopes that the efforts herein reviewed will result in an improved treatment of hyperexcitability (or any other) diseases.

Is Atherothromboaspiration a Possible Solution for the Prevention of No-Reflow Phenomenon in Acute Coronary Syndromes? Single Centre Experience and Review of the Literature

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 164-179
Author(s):  
Antonis S. Manolis
Keyword(s):  
Coronary Intervention ◽  
Covered Stent ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
Single Centre ◽  
Total N ◽  
No Reflow ◽  
Clinical Benefits ◽  
Meta Analyses

Background: Intracoronary thrombus in acute Myocardial Infarction (MI) confers higher rates of no-reflow with attendant adverse consequences. Earlier Randomized-Controlled-Trials (RCTs) of routine thromboaspiration during Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) indicated a clinical benefit, but more recent RCTs were negative. However, data of selective use of this adjunctive approach remain scarce. </P><P> Objective: The aim of this single-centre prospective study was to report the results of selective thromboaspiration during PCI in patients with intracoronary thrombi, and also to provide an extensive literature review on current status of thromboaspiration. </P><P> Methods: The study included 90 patients (77 men; aged 59.3±12.7 years) presenting with acute MI (STElevation MI (STEMI) in 74, non-STEMI in 16) who had intracoronary thrombi and were submitted to thromboaspiration. </P><P> Results: Total (n=67) or subtotal (n=18) vessel occlusions were present in 85 (94%) patients. Thromboaspiration and subsequent PCI were successful in 89/90 (98.9%) patients, with coronary stenting in 86 (96.6%). In 4 patients with residual thrombus, a mesh-covered stent was implanted. IIb/IIIa-inhibitors were administered in 57 (63.3%) patients. No-reflow occurred in only 1 (1.1%) patient. The postprocedural course was uneventful. Review of the literature revealed several early observational and RCTs and meta-analyses favouring manual, not mechanical, thrombectomy. However, newer RCTs and meta-analyses significantly curtailed the initial enthusiasm for the clinical benefits of routine use of thromboaspiration. </P><P> Conclusion: Selective thromboaspiration for angiographically visible thrombi in MI patients undergoing PCI, as an adjunct to mechanical reperfusion and to IIb/IIIa-inhibitors, may be an option since this manoeuvre may improve procedural and clinical outcome.

scholarly journals How Effective Is Auditory–Verbal Therapy (AVT) for Building Language Development of Children with Cochlear Implants? A Systematic Review

Life ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 239
Author(s):  
Paris Binos ◽  
Elina Nirgianaki ◽  
George Psillas
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Young Children ◽  
Cochlear Implants ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Voice Quality ◽  
Receptive Vocabulary ◽  
Pubmed Database ◽  
Mainstream Society ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
Auditory Verbal Therapy

This systematic review sheds light on the effectiveness of auditory–verbal therapy (AVT) outcomes in children with cochlear implants (CIs). The presented outcome is based on research findings from the last 10 years. The systematic review was designed based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and Critical Appraisal of Treatment Evidence (CATE) checklist. Specific keywords were chosen based on the research question and searched on the PubMed database. All searched papers were analysed based on specific exclusion criteria and classified into four evidence levels. The results revealed that children who participated in AV therapy can achieve linguistic skills at the same level as their hearing peers. Voice quality seemed positively affected, placing young children with CIs in the normal range for receptive vocabulary development. In contrast, reading skills seemed less benefited. AV therapy seems to contribute to integration into mainstream society. Despite the recorded speech and language improvements of young children with CIs, the aim of AV therapy is still not fulfilled. AV therapy can be seen as the best clinical practice for young children with CIs till now, but the lack of well-controlled studies is undermining.

scholarly journals Women in surgery: a systematic review of 25 years

BMJ Leader ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. leader-2019-000199
Author(s):  
Charleen Singh ◽  
Caitlin Loseth ◽  
Noordeen Shoqirat
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Work Life ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Leadership Roles ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
Life Balance ◽  
Surgical Residency ◽  
Meta Analyses

The number of women entering medicine significantly increased over the last decades. Currently, over half of the medical students are women but less than half are applying to surgery and even less go on to surgical specialties. Even fewer women are seen in leadership roles throughout the profession of surgery and surgical residency. Our purpose of the literature review is to identify any themes, which would provide insight to the current phenomenon. We used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systemic Reviews and Meta-Analyses method for a systematic review of the literature over a 20-year period (1998–2018). Five broad themes were identified: education and recruitment, career development, impact of/on life around the globe and surgical subspecialties as areas of barriers for women entering or considering surgery. The systematic review suggests there are opportunities to improve and encourage women entering the profession of surgery as well as the quality of life for surgeons. Creating systems for mentorship across programmes, having policies to support work–life balance and recognising surgical training overlaps with childbearing years are key opportunities for improvement. Improving the current status in surgery will require direction from leadership.

scholarly journals The Effect of Helicobacter pylori Eradication on Lipid Levels: A Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 904
Author(s):  
Jun Watanabe ◽  
Masato Hamasaki ◽  
Kazuhiko Kotani
Keyword(s):  
Helicobacter Pylori ◽  
Cardiovascular Diseases ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Low Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Lipoprotein Cholesterol ◽  
Lipid Levels ◽  
Pubmed Database ◽  
H Pylori ◽  
Meta Analyses

Introduction: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is positively associated with cardiovascular diseases, but the involvement of lipids in this association remains unclear. The present study reviewed the changes in circulating lipid levels following H. pylori eradication. Methods: A PubMed database was searched until December 2020 to identify randomized control trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs investigating the effect of H. pylori eradication on the lipid levels in inverse variance-weighted, random-effects meta-analyses. Results: A total of 24 studies (four RCTs and 20 non-RCTs) with 5270 participants were identified. The post-eradication levels were increased for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C; mean difference (MD) 2.28 mg/dL, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.90 to 2.66) and triglyceride (TG; MD 3.22 mg/dL, 95% CI 1.13 to 5.31) compared with the pre-eradication levels. H. pylori eradication resulted in little to no difference in the low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels (MD −2.33 mg/dL, 95% CI −4.92 to 0.26). In the analyses of RCTs only, the findings for elevated HDL-C levels, but not TG, were robust. Conclusions: H. pylori eradication increases the HDL-C levels. Further studies are needed to elucidate the effects of lipid changes following H. pylori eradication on cardiovascular diseases.

Tourism research for the GCC region: Current status and future research directions

2021 ◽  
pp. 135481662199996
Author(s):  
Ali Salman Saleh ◽  
Charbel Bassil ◽  
Arsalan Safari
Keyword(s):  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Research Directions ◽  
Regional Tourism ◽  
Research Theme ◽  
Tourism Sector ◽  
Future Research Directions ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
The Impact

Tourism in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries has recently been considered by policymakers as a new avenue for economic diversification. Despite the considerable literature concerning the impact of tourism worldwide, only a limited number of studies have looked at the tourism sector in the GCC region or analyzed its economic, sociocultural, and environmental impacts. This article therefore conducts a systematic review of the state of the literature related to tourism in the GCC region. It provides effective insights about the current status, gaps, and challenges and proposes future research directions in this area for academics, practitioners, and policymakers with an interest in regional tourism development. The preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses approach was used to identify and select the papers. Some 23 papers were identified and analyzed. The majority of these studies focused on the United Arab Emirates, specifically the Dubai emirate. We found the most dominant research theme to be tourism planning.

scholarly journals Anxiety as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease independent of depression: A narrative review of current status and conflicting findings

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 205510292098746
Author(s):  
Håvard R Karlsen ◽  
Florian Matejschek ◽  
Ingvild Saksvik-Lehouillier ◽  
Eva Langvik
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Study Design ◽  
Empirical Support ◽  
Narrative Review ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Evidential Support ◽  
Meta Analyses

The aim of this paper is to summarise and evaluate the empirical support for the association between anxiety and cardiovascular disease (CVD) and to address challenges related to method and study design. We review results from meta-analyses and more recent findings on the association of anxiety and the risk of CVD. Depression and anxiety are often listed as psychosocial risk markers of CVD, but the role of anxiety as a risk factor for CVD has not received the same evidential support as the effects of depression. Through a narrative review we identified six meta-analyses as well as 15 recent large studies of anxiety and CVD that we summarise. Some of the conflicting findings may be artefacts of study design or population the sample is drawn from. Researchers should take care to be population specific, measurement specific and outcome specific, and to control for comorbid depression.

Reporting Quality in Math Meta-Analyses for Students with or at Risk of Disabilities

2021 ◽  
pp. 001440292110508
Author(s):  
Gena Nelson ◽  
Soyoung Park ◽  
Tasia Brafford ◽  
Nicole A. Heller ◽  
Angela R. Crawford ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Students With Disabilities ◽  
Reporting Quality ◽  
Quality Of Reporting ◽  
Mathematics Interventions ◽  
Screening Process ◽  
Mathematics Intervention ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
Abstract Screening

Researchers and practitioners alike often look to meta-analyses to identify effective practices to use with students with disabilities. The number of meta-analyses in special education has also expanded in recent years. The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate the quality of reporting in meta-analyses focused on mathematics interventions for students with or at risk of disabilities. We applied 53 quality indicators (QIs) across eight categories based on recommendations from Talbott et al. to 22 mathematics intervention meta-analyses published between 2000 and 2020. Overall, the meta-analyses met 61% of QIs and results indicated that meta-analyses most frequently met QIs related to providing a clear purpose (95%) and data analysis plan (77%), whereas meta-analyses typically met fewer QIs related to describing participants (39%) and explaining the abstract screening process (48%). We discuss the variation in quality indicator scores within and across the quality categories and provide recommendations for future researchers.

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