A Narrative Review of Clinical researches of Acupuncture treatment for Depression using Neuroimaging method: Focusing on SCI papers

Objectives: The purpose of this article was to investigate the current status of clinical studies of acupuncture treatment for depression using neuroimaging method, focusing on SCI papers.Methods: We searched for clinical trial studies of acupuncture treatment for depression using neuroimaging method in the MEDLINE (Pubmed), OASIS, and RISS database. Once the online search was finished, studies were selected manually by the inclusion criteria. Finally, we analyzed the characteristics of selected articles and reviewed the neural substrates of acupuncture treatment in depression.Results: Total eight studies were included in this study. The most frequently utilized modality was functional MRI. The most frequently selected acupoint for depression was GV20. Several studies revealed that acupuncture treatment could improve the symptoms of depression. In this manuscript, we demonstrated that neuroimaging techniques could capture the neural substrates associated with depression and acupuncture treatment may modulate the activation of brain areas which were impaired in depression in a different way from sham acupuncture.Conclusions: Utilizing neuroimaging methods to explore neural mechanism of acupuncture treatment on depression would be helpful in clinical trials and more efforts should be needed in this fields.

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Fiske & Holmboe (2018): Neural Substrates of Early Executive Function Development

10.31234/osf.io/vr4fz ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Abigail Fiske ◽

Karla Holmboe

Keyword(s):

Working Memory ◽

Prefrontal Cortex ◽

Executive Function ◽

Inhibitory Control ◽

Neural Substrates ◽

Set Shifting ◽

Brain Areas ◽

Recent Developments ◽

Neural Underpinnings ◽

Neuroimaging Techniques

In the last decade, advances in neuroimaging technologies have given rise to a large number of research studies that investigate the neural underpinnings of executive function (EF). EF has long been associated with the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and involves both a unified, general element, as well as the distinct, separable elements of working memory, inhibitory control and set shifting. We will highlight the value of utilising advances in neuroimaging techniques to uncover answers to some of the most pressing questions in the field of early EF development. First, this review will explore the development and neural substrates of each element of EF. Second, the structural, anatomical and biochemical changes that occur in the PFC during infancy and throughout childhood will be examined, in order to address the importance of these changes for the development of EF. Third, the importance of connectivity between regions of the PFC and other brain areas in EF development is reviewed. Finally, throughout this review more recent developments in neuroimaging techniques will be addressed alongside the implications for further elucidating the neural substrates of early EF development in the future.

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The Value of Neuroimaging Techniques in the Translation and Transdiagnostic Validation of Psychiatric Diagnoses - Selective Review

Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry ◽

10.2174/1568026620666200131095328 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 (7) ◽

pp. 540-553 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Anna Todeva-Radneva ◽

Rositsa Paunova ◽

Sevdalina Kandilarova ◽

Drozdstoy St. Stoyanov

Keyword(s):

Psychiatric Disorders ◽

Psychiatric Symptoms ◽

Medical Science ◽

Self Report ◽

Current Status ◽

Diagnostic Tools ◽

Main Concept ◽

Directional Change ◽

The Mind ◽

Neuroimaging Techniques

: Psychiatric diagnosis has long been perceived as more of an art than a science since its foundations lie within the observation, and the self-report of the patients themselves and objective diagnostic biomarkers are lacking. Furthermore, the diagnostic tools in use not only stray away from the conventional medical framework but also remain invalidated with evidence-based concepts. However, neuroscience, as a source of valid objective knowledge has initiated the process of a paradigm shift underlined by the main concept of psychiatric disorders being “brain disorders”. It is also a bridge closing the explanatory gap among the different fields of medicine via the translation of the knowledge within a multidisciplinary framework. : The contemporary neuroimaging methods, such as fMRI provide researchers with an entirely new set of tools to reform the current status quo by creating an opportunity to define and validate objective biomarkers that can be translated into clinical practice. Combining multiple neuroimaging techniques with the knowledge of the role of genetic factors, neurochemical imbalance and neuroinflammatory processes in the etiopathophysiology of psychiatric disorders is a step towards a comprehensive biological explanation of psychiatric disorders and a final differentiation of psychiatry as a well-founded medical science. : In addition, the neuroscientific knowledge gained thus far suggests a necessity for directional change to exploring multidisciplinary concepts, such as multiple causality and dimensionality of psychiatric symptoms and disorders. A concomitant viewpoint transition of the notion of validity in psychiatry with a focus on an integrative validatory approach may facilitate the building of a collaborative bridge above the wall existing between the scientific fields analyzing the mind and those studying the brain.

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Single-bone versus both-bone plating of unstable paediatric both-bone forearm fractures. A randomized controlled clinical trial

International Orthopaedics ◽

10.1007/s00264-021-05097-z ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Mohamed Khaled ◽

Amr A. Fadle ◽

Ahmed Khalil Attia ◽

Andrew Sami ◽

Abdelkhalek Hafez ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Trial ◽

Operative Time ◽

Forearm Fractures ◽

Inclusion Criteria ◽

Fracture Union ◽

Exclusion Criteria ◽

Bone Fixation ◽

Fixation Group ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Single Bone

Abstract Purpose This clinical trial compares the functional and radiological outcomes of single-bone fixation to both-bone fixation of unstable paediatric both-bone forearm fractures. Methods This individually randomized two-group parallel clinical trial was performed following the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) statement at a single academic tertiary medical centre with an established paediatric orthopaedics unit. All children aged between nine and 15 years who presented to the emergency department at Assiut university with unstable diaphyseal, both-bone forearm fractures requiring surgical intervention between November 1, 2018, and February 28, 2020, were screened for eligibility against the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Inclusion criteria were diaphyseal unstable fractures defined as shaft fractures between the distal and proximal metaphyses with an angulation of > 10°, and/or malrotation of > 30°, and/or displacement > 10 mm after attempted closed reduction. Exclusion criteria included open fractures, Galeazzi fractures, Monteggia fractures, radial head fractures, and associated neurovascular injuries. Patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomized to either the single-bone fixation group (intervention) or the both-bone fixation group (control). Primary outcomes were forearm range of motion and fracture union, while secondary outcomes were forearm function (price criteria), radius re-angulation, wrist and elbow range of motion, and surgical time Results A total of 50 children were included. Out of these 50 children, 25 were randomized to either arm of the study. All children in either group received the treatment assigned by randomization. Fifty (100%) children were available for final follow-up at six months post-operatively. The mean age of single-bone and both-bone fixation groups was 11.48 ± 1.93 and 13 ± 1.75 years, respectively, with a statistically significant difference (p = 0.006). There were no statistically significant differences in gender, laterality, affection of the dominant hand, or mode of trauma between single-bone and both-bone fixation groups. All patients in both groups achieved fracture union. There mean radius re-angulation of the single-bone fixation groups was 5.36 ± 4.39 (0–20) degrees, while there was no radius re-angulation in the both-bone fixation group, with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001). The time to union in the single-bone group was 6.28 ± 1.51 weeks, while the time to union in the both-bone fixation group was 6.64 ± 1.75 weeks, with no statistically significant difference (p = 0.44). There were no infections or refractures in either group. In the single-bone fixation group, 24 (96%) patients have regained their full forearm ROM (loss of ROM < 15°), while only one (4%) patient lost between 15 and 30° of ROM. In the both-bone fixation group, 23 (92%) patients have regained their full forearm ROM (loss of ROM < 15°), while only two (8%) patients lost between 15 and 30° of ROM. There was no statistically significant difference between groups in loss of forearm ROM (p = 0.55). All patients in both groups regained full ROM of their elbow and wrist joints. On price grading, 24 (96%) and 23 (92%) patients who underwent single bone fixation and both-bone fixation scored excellent, respectively. Only one (4%) patient in the single-bone fixation group and two (8%) patients in the both-bone fixation group scored good, with no statistically significant difference in price score between groups (p = 0.49). The majority of the patients from both groups had no pain on the numerical pain scale; 22 (88%) patients in the single-bone fixation group and 21 (84%) patients in the both-bone fixation groups, with no statistically significant difference between groups (p = 0.38). The single-bone fixation group had a significantly shorter mean operative time in comparison to both-bones plating (43.60 ± 6.21 vs. 88.60 ± 10.56 (min); p < 0.001). Conclusion Single-bone ulna open reduction and plate fixation and casting are safe and had a significantly shorter operative time than both-bone fixation. However, single-bone ORIF had a higher risk radius re-angulation, alas clinically acceptable. Both groups had equally excellent functional outcomes, forearm ROM, and union rates with no complications or refractures. Long-term studies are required.

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Pain-Related Brain Connectivity Changes in Migraine: A Narrative Review and Proof of Concept about Possible Novel Treatments Interference

Brain Sciences ◽

10.3390/brainsci11020234 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (2) ◽

pp. 234

Author(s):

Marina de Tommaso ◽

Eleonora Vecchio ◽

Silvia Giovanna Quitadamo ◽

Gianluca Coppola ◽

Antonio Di Renzo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Vascular System ◽

Brain Connectivity ◽

Preliminary Evidence ◽

Brain Dysfunction ◽

Narrative Review ◽

Neuronal Dysfunction ◽

Case Control Studies ◽

Brain Areas ◽

Novel Treatments ◽

Neuroimaging Techniques

A neuronal dysfunction based on the imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory cortical-subcortical neurotransmission seems at the basis of migraine. Intercritical neuronal abnormal excitability can culminate in the bioelectrical phenomenon of Cortical Spreading Depression (CSD) with secondary involvement of the vascular system and release of inflammatory mediators, modulating in turn neuronal activity. Neuronal dysfunction encompasses the altered connectivity between the brain areas implicated in the genesis, maintenance and chronic evolution of migraine. Advanced neuroimaging techniques allow to identify changes in functional connectivity (FC) between brain areas involved in pain processes. Through a narrative review, we re-searched case-control studies on FC in migraine, between 2015 and 2020, by inserting the words migraine, fMRI, EEG, MEG, connectivity, pain in Pubmed. Studies on FC have shown that cortical processes, in the neurolimbic pain network, are likely to be prevalent for triggering attacks, in response to predisposing factors, and that these lead to a demodulation of the subcortical areas, at the basis of migraine maintenance. The link between brain dysfunction and peripheral interactions through the inhibition of CGRP, the main mediator of sterile migraine inflammation needs to be further investigated. Preliminary evidence could suggest that peripheral nerves inference at somatic and trigeminal levels, appears to change brain FC.

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X-change symposium: status and future of modern radiation oncology—from technology to biology

Radiation Oncology ◽

10.1186/s13014-021-01758-w ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Stefanie Corradini ◽

Maximilian Niyazi ◽

Dirk Verellen ◽

Vincenzo Valentini ◽

Seán Walsh ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Trial ◽

Radiation Oncology ◽

Trial Design ◽

Rapid Development ◽

Clinical Trial Design ◽

Current Status ◽

Treatment Modalities ◽

Special Treatment ◽

Image Guided Radiotherapy

AbstractFuture radiation oncology encompasses a broad spectrum of topics ranging from modern clinical trial design to treatment and imaging technology and biology. In more detail, the application of hybrid MRI devices in modern image-guided radiotherapy; the emerging field of radiomics; the role of molecular imaging using positron emission tomography and its integration into clinical routine; radiation biology with its future perspectives, the role of molecular signatures in prognostic modelling; as well as special treatment modalities such as brachytherapy or proton beam therapy are areas of rapid development. More clinically, radiation oncology will certainly find an important role in the management of oligometastasis. The treatment spectrum will also be widened by the rational integration of modern systemic targeted or immune therapies into multimodal treatment strategies. All these developments will require a concise rethinking of clinical trial design. This article reviews the current status and the potential developments in the field of radiation oncology as discussed by a panel of European and international experts sharing their vision during the “X-Change” symposium, held in July 2019 in Munich (Germany).

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The Impact of Race/Ethnicity on the Outcomes of Burn Patients: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Journal of Burn Care & Research ◽

10.1093/jbcr/irab174 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Jasmine Peters ◽

Mariel S Bello ◽

Leigh Spera ◽

T Justin Gillenwater ◽

Haig A Yenikomshian

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Native American ◽

The United States ◽

Current Status ◽

Surgical Trauma ◽

Insurance Status ◽

Inclusion Criteria ◽

Burn Care ◽

Race Ethnicity ◽

The Impact

Abstract Racial and ethnic disparities are endemic to the United States and are only beginning to attract the attention of researchers. With an increasingly diverse population, focused and tailored medicine to provide more equitable care is needed. For surgical trauma populations, this topic is a small but expanding field and still rarely mentioned in burn medicine. Disparities in prevention, treatment, and recovery outcomes between different racial and ethnic minorities who are burned are rarely discussed. The purpose of this study is to determine the current status of identified disparities of care in the burn population literature and areas of future research. A systematic review was conducted of literature utilizing PubMed for articles published between 2000-2020. Searches were used to identify articles that crossed the burn term (burn patient OR burn recovery OR burn survivor OR burn care) and a race/ethnicity and insurance status-related term (race/ethnicity OR African-American OR Black OR Asian OR Hispanic OR Latino OR Native American OR Indigenous OR Mixed race OR 2 or more races OR socioeconomic status OR insurance status). Inclusion criteria were English studies in the US that discussed disparities in burn injury outcomes or risk factors associated with race/ethnicity. 1,169 papers were populated, 55 were reviewed, and 36 articles met inclusion criteria. Most studies showed minorities had poorer inpatient and outpatient outcomes. While this is a concerning trend, there is a paucity of literature in this field and more research is needed to create culturally-tailored medical care and address the needs of disadvantaged burn survivors.

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Canadian Recommendations for Clinical Trials of Pharmacologic Interventions in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Inclusion Criteria and Study Design: Table 1.

The Journal of Rheumatology ◽

10.3899/jrheum.110188 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 38 (10) ◽

pp. 2095-2104 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

JACOB KARSH ◽

EDWARD C. KEYSTONE ◽

BOULOS HARAOUI ◽

J. CARTER THORNE ◽

JANET E. POPE ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽

Clinical Trial ◽

Clinical Trials ◽

Disease Activity ◽

Study Design ◽

New Drugs ◽

Nominal Group ◽

Consensus Method ◽

Inclusion Criteria ◽

Design Features

Objective.Current clinical trial designs for pharmacologic interventions in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) do not reflect the innovations in RA diagnosis, treatment, and care in countries where new drugs are most often used. The objective of this project was to recommend revised entry criteria and other study design features for RA clinical trials.Methods.Recommendations were developed using a modified nominal group consensus method. Canadian Rheumatology Research Consortium (CRRC) members were polled to rank the greatest challenges to clinical trial recruitment in their practices. Initial recommendations were developed by an expert panel of rheumatology trialists and other experts. A scoping study methodology was then used to examine the evidence available to support or refute each initial recommendation. The potential influence of CRRC recommendations on primary outcomes in future trials was examined. Recommendations were finalized using a consensus process.Results.Recommendations for clinical trial inclusion criteria addressed measures of disease activity [Disease Activity Score 28 using erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28-ESR) > 3.2 PLUS ≥ 3 tender joints using 28-joint count (TJC28) PLUS ≥ 3 swollen joint (SJC28) OR C-reactive protein (CRP) or ESR > upper limit of normal PLUS ≥ 3 TJC28 PLUS ≥ 3 SJC28], functional classification, disease classification and duration, and concomitant RA treatments. Additional recommendations regarding study design addressed rescue strategies and longterm extension.Conclusion.There is an urgent need to modify clinical trial inclusion criteria and other study design features to better reflect the current characteristics of people living with RA in the countries where the new drugs will be used.

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Effects of Alternative Assessment in EFL Classroom: A Systematic Review

American International Journal of Education and Linguistics Research ◽

10.46545/aijelr.v3i2.152 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 3 (2) ◽

pp. 7-18

Author(s):

Wali Khan Monib ◽

Abdul Qudos Karimi ◽

Nazifullah Nijat

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Language Learning ◽

Alternative Assessment ◽

Focal Point ◽

Empirical Studies ◽

Inclusion Criteria ◽

Online Search ◽

Learning Skills ◽

Positive Effects ◽

Efl Context

Alternative assessment has been the focus of many educational researches in EFL classroom. This study was carried out to highlight the definition, characteristics and effects of alternative assessment in EFL context by reviewing current research on assessment. The research consisted of a systematic review of the empirical studies on alternative assessment in EFL classroom. Focusing solely on online search, many studies were found but only (n=24) met the inclusion criteria involving a total of (n=1588) participants. Also, it aimed to scrutinize the methods, participants and findings of the selected studies as well as the locations where they were conducted. The findings indicated that most of the studies (18 out of 24) reported positive effects of employing alternative assessment on language learning skills in EFL classroom. The results also show that the dominant method employed in the articles was quantitative where students were the main focal point involved in the research as their participants. The study is further concluded with a discussion on definition, characteristics and effects of alternative assessment in EFL context.

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Current status of therapeutic approaches and vaccines for SARS-CoV-2

Future Microbiology ◽

10.2217/fmb-2020-0147 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Braira Wahid ◽

Anam Amir ◽

Ayesha Ameen ◽

Muhammad Idrees

Keyword(s):

Clinical Trial ◽

Clinical Trials ◽

Review Article ◽

Experimental Designs ◽

Current Status ◽

Therapeutic Approaches ◽

Efficacious Treatment ◽

Rapid Pace ◽

Global Health Challenge

SARS-CoV-2, declared a pandemic in March 2020, is the current global health challenge. The global bioburden of this virus is increasing at a rapid pace. Many antiviral drugs and vaccines have been registered for clinical trials because of their inhibitory activity observed in vitro. Currently, five types of vaccines have successfully passed Phase IV clinical trial and are being administered in populations worldwide. A plethora of experimental designs have been proposed worldwide in order to find a safe and efficacious treatment option. Therefore, it is necessary to provide baseline data and information to clinicians and researchers so that they can review the current status of therapeutics and efficacy of already developed vaccines. This review article summarizes all therapeutic options that may help to combat SARS-CoV-2.

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Strategi monitoring kepatuhan penggunaan antiretroviral pre-exposure prophilaxis pada pasangan serodiscordant

Berita Kedokteran Masyarakat ◽

10.22146/bkm.35359 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 35 (1) ◽

pp. 29

Author(s):

Ni Kadek Diah Purnamayanti ◽

Nurma Yuni Pari Usemahu ◽

Fatih Haris M ◽

Marina Kristi Layun R

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Clinical Trial ◽

Monitoring Strategy ◽

Inclusion Criteria ◽

Serodiscordant Couple ◽

Data Bases ◽

Social Commitment ◽

Homosexual Orientation ◽

Exposure Prophylaxis ◽

Level Monitoring

Monitoring strategy of antiretroviral pre-exposure prophylaxis adherence among serodiscordant couple Antiretroviral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has been recommended as HIV prevention but poor medical adherence can cause suboptimal therapy. This study explored the strategies of monitoring PrEP adherence among the serodiscordant couples. This systematic review based on 4 data bases (Scopus, Pubmed, Ebsco and Sage Journal), included clinical trial studies articles between 2013-2018, in English, and available in full-text. Papers, which not met the inclusion criteria, will be excluded. Keywords used in this study are ‘serodiscordant couple’ AND ‘method’ OR ‘strategy’ OR ‘approach’ AND ‘pre-exposure prophylaxis intention’ OR ‘pre-exposure prophylaxis adherence’. This study discovered various strategies applied based on the type of delivering process, the variance of dose, and variance of preference of the couple. Preference of PrEP dose and type of application related to heterosexual or homosexual orientation and their social commitment. The paper explains the advantage of M-health and biomarker level monitoring.

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