scholarly journals Effects of Non-invasive Brain Stimulation on Multiple System Atrophy: A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mengjie Zhang ◽  
Ting He ◽  
Quan Wang
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Multiple System Atrophy ◽  
Brain Stimulation ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Paired Associative Stimulation ◽  
Non Invasive

Background/Objective: Multiple system atrophy (MSA) refers to a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by autonomic dysfunction, parkinsonism, cerebellar ataxia, as well as cognitive deficits. Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) has recently served as a therapeutic technique for MSA by personalized stimulation. The primary aim of this systematic review is to assess the effects of NIBS on two subtypes of MSA: parkinsonian-type MSA (MSA-P) and cerebellar-type MSA (MSA-C).Methods: A literature search for English articles was conducted from PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CENTRAL, CINAHL, and PsycINFO up to August 2021. Original articles investigating the therapeutics application of NIBS in MSA were screened and analyzed by two independent reviewers. Moreover, a customized form was adopted to extract data, and the quality of articles was assessed based on the PEDro scale for clinical articles.Results: On the whole, nine articles were included, i.e., five for repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), two for transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), one for paired associative stimulation, with 123 patients recruited. The mentioned articles comprised three randomized controlled trials, two controlled trials, two non-controlled trials, and two case reports which assessed NIBS effects on motor function, cognitive function, and brain modulatory effects. The majority of articles demonstrated significant motor symptoms improvement and increased cerebellar activation in the short term after active rTMS. Furthermore, short-term and long-term effects on improvement of motor performance were significant for tDCS. As opposed to the mentioned, no significant change of motor cortical excitability was reported after paired associative stimulation.Conclusion: NIBS can serve as a useful neurorehabilitation strategy to improve motor and cognitive function in MSA-P and MSA-C patients. However, further high-quality articles are required to examine the underlying mechanisms and standardized protocol of rTMS as well as its long-term effect. Furthermore, the effects of other NIBS subtypes on MSA still need further investigation.

scholarly journals Effect of Non-Thermal Atmospheric Plasma on Micro-Tensile Bond Strength at Adhesive/Dentin Interface: A Systematic Review

Materials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 1026
Author(s):  
Mohamed M. Awad ◽  
Feras Alhalabi ◽  
Abdullah Alshehri ◽  
Zaid Aljeaidi ◽  
Ali Alrahlah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Bond Strength ◽  
Atmospheric Plasma ◽  
Tensile Bond Strength ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Etch And Rinse ◽  
Medium Risk

Objective: The objective of this review was to evaluate the effect of non-thermal atmospheric plasma (NTAP) on adhesives resin–dentin micro-tensile bond strength (μTBS) in previously published studies. Methods: Electronic search was conducted using the Medline, Cochrane library, and Scopus databases. The included studies were laboratory studies that investigated the effect of NTAP on adhesives μTBS to coronal dentin. Studies that evaluated the effect of NTAP on bond strength to indirect substrates, enamel or root dentin, were excluded. The methodological quality of included studies was assessed. Results: Thirteen studies were included in this systematic review. All the included studies were considered to have a medium risk of bias. NTAP significantly improved μTBS at 24 h or after short-term aging in five studies (38.5%) and both immediate and after long-term aging in 5 studies (38.5%). In two studies (15.4%), NTAP resulted in a short-term material-dependent effect that was not stable after long-term aging. Interestingly, in one study (7.7%), NTAP had a positive effect only in the etch-and-rinse (ER) mode after long-term aging. Conclusion: Within the limitations of this systematic review, NTAP application could enhance resin–dentin μTBS of ER adhesives or universal adhesives (UAs) applied in the ER mode. In the ER mode, the rewetting step after NTAP seems to be unnecessary. Because of the limited information currently available in the literature, further studies are required to evaluate the effect of the NTAP application on self-etch (SE) adhesives or UAs applied in the SE mode.

scholarly journals Preoperative Somatostatin Analogues in Patients with Newly-diagnosed Acromegaly: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Comparative Studies

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chengxian Yang ◽  
Ge Li ◽  
Shenzhong Jiang ◽  
Xinjie Bao ◽  
Renzhi Wang
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Comparative Studies ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Somatostatin Analogues ◽  
Long Term Results ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Cure Rate ◽  
Short Term

Abstract Biochemical remission after transsphenoidal surgery is still unsatisfied in acromegaly patients with macroadenomas, especially with invasive macroadenomas. Concerning the impact of preoperative somatostatin analogues (SSAs) on surgical outcomes, previous studies with limited cases reported conflicting results. To assess current evidence of preoperative medical treatment, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of comparative studies. A literature search was conducted in Pubmed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. Five randomized controlled trials (RCT) and seven non-RCT comparative studies were included. These studies mainly focused on pituitary macroadenomas though a small number of microadenoma cases were included. For safety, preoperative SSAs were not associated with elevated risks of postoperative complications. With respect to efficacy, the short-term cure rate was improved by preoperative SSAs, but the long-term cure rate showed no significant improvement. For invasive macroadenomas, the short-term cure rate was also improved, but the long-term results were not evaluable in clinical practice because adjuvant therapy was generally required. In conclusion, preoperative SSAs are safe in patients with acromegaly, and the favorable impact on surgical results is restricted to the short-term cure rate in macroadenomas and invasive macroadenomas. Further well-designed RCTs to examine long-term results are awaited to update the finding of this meta-analysis.

scholarly journals Animal-Assisted Interventions for the Improvement of Mental Health Outcomes in Higher Education Students: A Systematic Review of Randomised Controlled Trials

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (20) ◽  
pp. 10768
Author(s):  
Charlotte Parbery-Clark ◽  
Marvellas Lubamba ◽  
Louise Tanner ◽  
Elaine McColl
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Higher Education ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Randomised Controlled Trials ◽  
Mental Health Outcomes ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Randomised Controlled

Background: The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the effectiveness of Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAIs), particularly Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) and Animal-Assisted Activity (AAA), in improving mental health outcomes for students in higher education. The number of students in higher education reporting mental health problems and seeking support from universities’ student support services has risen over recent years. Therefore, providing engaging interventions, such as AAIs, that are accessible to large groups of students are attractive. Methods: MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Embase and Cochrane Library were searched from relative inception to end of April 2020. Additionally, a grey literature search was undertaken. Independent screening, data extraction and risk of bias assessment were completed, with varying percentages, by two reviewers. Results: After de-duplication, 6248 articles were identified of which 11 studies were included in the narrative synthesis. The evidence from randomised controlled trials suggests that AAIs could provide short-term beneficial results for anxiety in students attending higher education but with limited evidence for stress, and inconclusive evidence for depression, well-being and mood. For the non-statistically significant results, the studies either did not include a power calculation or were under-powered. Conclusions: Potential emerging evidence for the short-term benefits of AAI for anxiety, and possibly stress, for students in higher education was found.

scholarly journals The predictive value of lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio in the prognosis of acute coronary syndrome patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiao-Qing Quan ◽  
Run-Chang Wang ◽  
Qing Zhang ◽  
Cun-Tai Zhang ◽  
Lei Sun
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Acute Coronary Syndrome ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Coronary Syndrome ◽  
Lymphocyte To Monocyte Ratio ◽  
Short Term Mortality ◽  
Long Term Mortality

Abstract Background: The association between the lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) and prognosis of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is not fully understood. We performed this systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the correlation between LMR and mortality or major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in patients with ACS. Methods: A systematic search was performed in PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Scopus and Web of science. The association between LMR and mortality or MACE was analyzed in patients with ACS. The search was updated to April 15, 2020. Results: A total of 5 studies comprising 4343 patients were included in this meta-analysis. The results showed that lower LMR predicted short-term mortality/MACE (hazard ratio [HR] = 3.44, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.46–8.14, P < 0.05) and higher long-term mortality/MACE (HR = 1.70, 95% CI: 1.36– 2.13, P < 0.05). According to our subgroup analysis, there is still has a statistical significance for LMR to predict long-term mortality/MACE in any subgroups. Conclusions: This study suggested that lower LMR value might be associated with higher short-term mortality/MACE and long-term mortality/MACE in ACS patients. Especially for younger ACS patients, low LMR was more closely associated with poor prognosis.

scholarly journals Effects of Hyperoxia on Aging Biomarkers: A Systematic Review

2022 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Belay Tessema ◽  
Ulrich Sack ◽  
Zoya Serebrovska ◽  
Brigitte König ◽  
Egor Egorov
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Transcription Factors ◽  
Antioxidant Enzymes ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Telomere Length ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Nuclear Factor ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Age Related

The effects of short-term hyperoxia on age-related diseases and aging biomarkers have been reported in animal and human experiments using different protocols; however, the findings of the studies remain conflicting. In this systematic review, we summarized the existing reports in the effects of short-term hyperoxia on age-related diseases, hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α), and other oxygen-sensitive transcription factors relevant to aging, telomere length, cellular senescence, and its side effects. This review was done as described in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline. A systematic search was done in PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library and from the references of selected articles to identify relevant studies until May 2021. Of the total 1,699 identified studies, 17 were included in this review. Most of the studies have shown significant effects of short-term hyperoxia on age-related diseases and aging biomarkers. The findings of the studies suggest the potential benefits of short-term hyperoxia in several clinical applications such as for patients undergoing stressful operations, restoration of cognitive function, and the treatment of severe traumatic brain injury. Short-term hyperoxia has significant effects in upregulation or downregulation of transcription factors relevant to aging such as HIF-1α, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B-cells (NF-kB), and nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (NRF2) among others. Short-term hyperoxia also has significant effects to increase antioxidant enzymes, and increase telomere length and clearance of senescent cells. Some of the studies have also reported adverse consequences including mitochondrial DNA damage and nuclear cataract formation depending on the dose and duration of oxygen exposure. In conclusion, short-term hyperoxia could be a feasible treatment option to treat age-related disease and to slow aging because of its ability to increase antioxidant enzymes, significantly increase telomere length and clearance of senescent cells, and improve cognitive function, among others. The reported side effects of hyperoxia vary depending on the dose and duration of exposure. Therefore, it seems that additional studies for better understanding the beneficial effects of short-term hyperoxia and for minimizing side effects are necessary for optimal clinical application.

scholarly journals The predictive value of lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio in the prognosis of acute coronary syndrome patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Run-Chang Wang ◽  
Qing Zhang ◽  
Cun-Tai Zhang ◽  
Lei Sun ◽  
Xiao-Qing Quan
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Acute Coronary Syndrome ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Coronary Syndrome ◽  
Lymphocyte To Monocyte Ratio ◽  
Short Term Mortality ◽  
Long Term Mortality

Abstract The association between the lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) and prognosis of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is not fully understood. We performed this systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the correlation between LMR and mortality or major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in patients with ACS.Methods A systematic search was performed in PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Scopus and Web of science. The association between LMR and mortality or MACE was analyzed in patients with ACS. The search was updated to August 1, 2019.Results A total of 5 studies comprising 3122 patients were included in this meta-analysis. The results showed that lower LMR predicted short-term mortality/MACE (odds ratio [OR] = 2.61, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.15–5.94, P = 0.022) and higher long-term mortality/MACE (OR = 2.10, 95% CI: 1.06–4.19, P = 0.035). According to our subgroup analysis, there still has a statistical significance for LMR predict short-term mortality/MACE in lager sample size researches (≥600, OR = 3.50, 95% CI: 1.84–6.67, p < 0.001),Turkey researches (OR = 4.16, 95% CI: 2.32–7.46, p < 0.001), younger patients researches (< 62, OR = 3.76, 95% CI: 2.29–6.18, p < 0.001).Conclusions This study suggested that lower LMR value might be associated with higher short-term mortality/MACE and long-term mortality/MACE in patients with ACS.

scholarly journals Effects of soy isoflavones on cognitive function: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

2019 ◽  
Vol 78 (2) ◽  
pp. 134-144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chendi Cui ◽  
Rahel L Birru ◽  
Beth E Snitz ◽  
Masafumi Ihara ◽  
Chikage Kakuta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Soy Isoflavones ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Design Characteristics

Abstract Context The results of preclinical and observational studies support the beneficial effect of soy isoflavones on cognition. Objective This review aimed to evaluate the effects of soy isoflavones on cognition in adults. Data Sources The PUBMED, EMBASE, Ovid Medline, Cochrane Library, and clinicaltrials.gov databases were searched. Study Selection Two researchers independently screened 1955 records, using the PICOS criteria: participants were adults; intervention was dietary sources with soy isoflavones or isolated soy isoflavones; comparator was any comparator; outcome was cognitive function; study type was randomized controlled trials (RCTs). A third researcher was consulted to resolve any discrepancies. Sixteen RCTs were included and their quality assessed. Data Extraction Information on study design, characteristics of participants, and outcomes was extracted. PRISMA guidelines were followed. Data Analysis A random-effects meta-analysis was used to pool estimates across studies. In the 16 RCTs (1386 participants, mean age = 60 y), soy isoflavones were found to improve overall cognitive function (standardized mean difference [SMD], 0.19; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.07–0.32) and memory (SMD, 0.15; 95%CI, 0.03–0.26). Conclusion The results showed that soy isoflavones may improve cognitive function in adults. Systematic Review Registration PROSPERO registration no. CRD42018082070.

scholarly journals A Systematic Review of the Effectiveness of Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation Techniques to Reduce Violence Proneness by Interfering in Anger and Irritability

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 882 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ángel Romero-Martínez ◽  
Sara Bressanutti ◽  
Luis Moya-Albiol
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Brain Stimulation ◽  
Cortical Excitability ◽  
Closed Head Injury ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Pilot Studies ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
The Right ◽  
Meta Analyses

The field of neurocriminology has proposed several treatments (e.g., pharmacological, brain surgery, androgen-deprivation therapy, neurofeedback) to reduce violence proneness, but unfortunately, their effectiveness has been limited due to their side-effects. Therefore, it is necessary to explore alternative techniques to improve patients’ behavioural regulation with minimal undesirable effects. In this regard, non-invasive brain stimulation techniques, which are based on applying changing magnetic fields or electric currents to interfere with cortical excitability, have revealed their usefulness in alleviating the symptomatology of several mental disorders. However, to our knowledge, there are no reviews that assess whether these techniques are useful for reducing violence proneness. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria using the following databases: PsycINFO, PubMed, Dialnet, Psicodoc, Web of Knowledge, and the Cochrane Library. We initially identified 3746 entries, and eventually included 56 publications. Most of the studies were unanimous in concluding that the application of these techniques over the prefrontal cortex (PFC) was not sufficient to promote anger and irritability reductions in euthymic individuals of both genders. Nevertheless, the application of non-invasive brain stimulation techniques, especially transcranial direct current stimulation, over the right PFC seemed to reduce violent reactions in these individuals by interfering with the interpretation of the unfavourable situations (e.g., threating signals) or inner states that evoked anger. In antisocial and pathological populations, the conclusions were provided by a few pilot studies with important methodological weaknesses. The main conclusion of these studies was that bilateral stimulation of the PFC satisfactorily reduced anger and irritability only in inmates, patients with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), people who suffered a closed-head injury, and agitated patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Moreover, combining these techniques with risperidone considerably reduced aggressiveness in these patients. Therefore, it is necessary to be cautious about the benefits of these techniques to control anger, due the methodological weaknesses of these studies. Nonetheless, they offer valuable opportunities to prevent violence by designing new treatments combining brain stimulation with current strategies, such as psychotherapy and psychopharmacology, in order to promote lasting changes.

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