Articles In PubMed Research Articles

Targeting senescence to prevent diabetic kidney disease: Exploring molecular mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets for disease management.

As a microvascular complication, diabetic kidney disease is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease worldwide. While the underlying pathophysiology driving transition of diabetic kidney disease to renal failure is yet to be fully understood, recent studies suggest that cellular senescence is central in disease development and progression. Consequently, understanding the molecular mechanisms which initiate and drive senescence in response to the diabetic milieu is crucial in developing targeted therapies that halt progression of renal disease. To understand the mechanistic pathways underpinning cellular senescence in the context of diabetic kidney disease, we reviewed the literature using PubMed for English language articles that contained key words related to senescence, inflammation, fibrosis, senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), autophagy, and diabetes. Aberrant accumulation of metabolically active senescent cells is a notable event in the progression of diabetic kidney disease. Through autocrine- and paracrine-mediated mechanisms, resident senescent cells potentiate inflammation and fibrosis through increased expression and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemoattractants, recruitment of immune cells, myofibroblast activation, and extracellular matrix remodelling. Compounds that eliminate senescent cells and/or target the SASP - including senolytic and senomorphics drugs - demonstrate promising results in reducing the senescent cell burden and associated pro-inflammatory effect. Here we evidence the link between senescence and diabetic kidney disease and highlight underlying molecular mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets that could be exploited to delay disease progression and improve outcomes for individuals with the disease. Trials are now required to translate their therapeutic potential to a clinical setting.

Application and Efficacy of Virtual Sailing as an Exercise Therapy: A Narrative Review

Abstract Purpose The concept of virtual exercise is still a nascent domain for therapeutic intervention. In light of the importance of exercise and the fast development of digital technologies, virtual exercise possesses a promising potential for future development. Sailing is a recreational exercise that has helped the rehabilitation of patients with neurological and physiological disorders and improved their quality of life. However, challenges exist in implementing physical sailing as an intervention, due to the cost and the extent of uncertainty of this sport. While studies remain limited, over the past twenty years, simulated sailing that combines virtual reality with complex motor learning and optimum decision-making is emerging as a potential digital exercise that possesses broad therapeutic applications for future exploration. This review aims to have a more complete understanding of the clinical application of virtual sailing as an emerging exercise therapy. Methods Literature searches were performed using PubMed, EMBASE and MEDLINE bibliographic databases for research articles published from January 1994 to January 2024 (inclusive). We performed a Strength, Weakness, Opportunity and Threat (SWOT) analysis to evaluate the implementation of virtual sailing as a new therapeutic intervention, opening unanswered questions for future investigation. Results Out of 205 articles searched from databases, 31 advanced to full-text screening and 7 articles were eligible for inclusion in this narrative review. This review summarises the application and therapeutic efficacy of virtual sailing in improving both motor and psychosocial functions. We also shared our perspectives on developing virtual sailing as an exercise therapy for treating neurodegenerative diseases, focusing on pre-clinical and clinical evidence as well as the proposed mechanism by which virtual sailing could influence neural plasticity in the central nervous system. Conclusion Virtual sailing is a promising exercise therapy feasible for future implementation, although large-scale trial studies involving a diverse range of clinical conditions are required.

Large Language Models and Genomics for Summarizing the Role of microRNA in Regulating mRNA Expression.

microRNA (miRNA)-messenger RNA (mRNA or gene) interactions are pivotal in various biological processes, including the regulation of gene expression, cellular differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, and development, as well as the maintenance of cellular homeostasis and pathogenesis of numerous diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, neurological disorders, and metabolic conditions. Understanding the mechanisms of miRNA-mRNA interactions can provide insights into disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets. However, extracting these interactions efficiently from a huge collection of published articles in PubMed is challenging. In the current study, we annotated a miRNA-mRNA Interaction Corpus (MMIC) and used it for evaluating the performance of a variety of machine learning (ML) models, deep learning-based transformer (DLT) models, and large language models (LLMs) in extracting the miRNA-mRNA interactions mentioned in PubMed. We used the genomics approaches for validating the extracted miRNA-mRNA interactions. Among the ML, DLT, and LLM models, PubMedBERT showed the highest precision, recall, and F-score, with all equal to 0.783. Among the LLM models, the performance of Llama-2 is better when compared to others. Llama 2 achieved 0.56 precision, 0.86 recall, and 0.68 F-score in a zero-shot experiment and 0.56 precision, 0.87 recall, and 0.68 F-score in a three-shot experiment. Our study shows that Llama 2 achieves better recall than ML and DLT models and leaves space for further improvement in terms of precision and F-score.

Hepatoprotective Potential of Murraya koenigii (Curry Leaves) against Xenobiotics, Heavy Metals, and Hepatotoxic Agents: A Comprehensive Review.

Liver disease, responsible for two million annual deaths, causes Chronic Liver Disease (CLD) and cirrhosis, causing roughly a million deaths yearly. Treatment options for liver injury induced by hepatotoxicity vary, including medication (N-acetylcysteine, corticosteroids, and ursodeoxycholic acid), lifestyle changes, and sometimes liver transplant. However, effectiveness varies, and some treatments carry risks and side effects, highlighting the need for improved therapeutic approaches. Murraya koenigii (MK) is known for its hepatoprotective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, nephroprotective, hepatoprotective, gastroprotective, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, wound-healing, anti-cancerous and immunomodulatory effects, etc. This review highlights the effectiveness of MK against liver damage induced by heavy metals, drug abuse, xenobiotics, etc. A comprehensive search across multiple databases like PubMed, Google Scholar, and others for articles on various hepatotoxicants and hepatoprotective activity of MK was conducted. The researchers applied specific search terms and limits, resulting in 149 eligible articles for final analysis, meeting predetermined inclusion criteria and excluding irrelevant studies. According to the available literature, the phytochemical components of MK, such as flavonoids, tannins, and alkaloids present in various extracts, play a crucial role in reversing the hepatotoxic effects by modifying oxidative and ER stresses, re-establishing the hepatic biochemical markers and enzymes involved in metabolism denoting ameliorative activity, and controlling the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. To conclude, this review highlights that MK has great potential as a natural hepatoprotective agent, providing a versatile defense against a range of injuries caused by heavy metals, xenobiotics, and common hepatotoxic agents.

Epilepsy surgery for children with epileptic spasms: A systematic review and meta-analysis with focus on predictors and outcomes.

To conduct a systematic review of the literature regarding rates and predictors of favorable seizure outcome after resective surgery for epileptic spasms (ES) in pediatric patients. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses standards were followed. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL for articles published on the prevalence or incidence of epileptic spasm since 1985. Abstract, full-text review, and data extraction were conducted by two independent reviewers. Meta-analysis was performed to assess overall seizure freedom rate. Subject-level analysis was performed on a subset of studies to identify prognostic indicators. A total of 21 retrospective studies (n = 531) were included. Meta-analysis of all studies demonstrated a pooled seizure freedom rate of 68.8%. Subject-level analysis on 18 studies (n = 360) demonstrated a significant association between duration of spasms and recurrence of spasms after surgery, with an estimated increased risk of 7% per additional year of spasms prior to operation. Patients who underwent resective surgery that was not a hemispherectomy (i.e., lobectomy, lesionectomy, etc.) had an increased recurrence risk of 57% compared to patients who had undergone hemispherectomy. Resective surgery results in seizure freedom for the majority of pediatric patients with epileptic spasms. Patients who undergo hemispherectomy have lower risk of recurrence than patients who undergo other types of surgical resection. Increased duration of spasms prior to surgery is associated with increased recurrence risk after surgery. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: Children with epileptic spasms (ES) that do not respond to medications may benefit from surgical treatment. Our study reviewed existing research to understand how effective surgery is in treating ES in children and what factors predict better outcomes. Researchers followed strict guidelines to search for and analyze studies published since 1985, finding 21 studies with a total of 531 patients. They found that, on average, nearly 70% of children became seizure-free after surgery. Further individual analysis of 360 patients showed that longer duration of spasms before surgery increased the risk of spasms returning by 7% per year. Additionally, children who had less extensive surgeries, such as removal of only a specific part of the brain, had a 57% higher risk of seizure recurrence compared to those who had a hemispherectomy, which removed or disconnected half of the brain. Overall, the study concludes that surgery can often stop seizures, especially when more extensive surgery is performed and when the surgery is done sooner rather than later.

The Effects of Presurgical Orthodontic Treatment on the Outcome of Secondary Bone Graft for Individuals With Cleft Lip and Palate

Background/Objective: Alveolar bone graft (ABG) or repair has become a routine part of treatment protocols for individuals with cleft lip and/or palate. However, the necessity and potential benefits of presurgical orthodontic treatment in influencing the outcomes of secondary alveolar bone grafting remain inconclusive. This systematic review aimed to assess the impact of presurgical orthodontics on preparing patients for secondary alveolar bone grafts. Study Design: The authors systematically searched for relevant articles in PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases spanning the period from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2023, using keywords related to alveolar bone grafting and orthodontic treatment for patients with cleft lip and/or palate. The review encompassed various study designs, including prospective and retrospective studies, observational studies, cross-sectional studies, randomized and nonrandomized clinical trials, cohort studies, and case-control studies. The review adhered to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, and the risk of bias was evaluated in studies selected for full-text review. Results: The search strategy identified 809 publications. After initial screening and application of exclusion criteria, 11 studies were included for final review. Three were prospective studies, 8 were retrospective studies, and 3 were cross-sectional cohort studies. On the basis of ROBINS-I and RoB 2 risk assessment, 9 studies were found to be of moderate risk of bias, one study was categorized as of high risk of bias, and 1 study was categorized as low risk of bias. Conclusions: Drawing from the latest and most reliable studies, 7 out of 11 included studies provided compelling evidence that presurgical orthodontics preceding alveolar bone grafting (ABG) leads to significantly improved outcomes compared with cases without presurgical orthodontic intervention. Notably, individuals with specific conditions, such as severely collapsed upper arch and mispositioned upper incisors, appear to derive the greatest benefits from presurgical orthodontic treatment. However, a call for additional studies characterized by high methodological quality and with longer follow-up periods is emphasized to enhance the safety considerations for both practitioners and patients concerning the utilization of presurgical orthodontics in the treatment of individuals with cleft lip and palate.

Multisectoral interventions and health system performance: a systematic review.

To conduct a systematic review on the effects of multisectoral interventions for health on health system performance. We conducted a systematic review according to the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis protocols. We searched for peer-reviewed journal articles in PubMed®, Scopus, Web of Science, Cumulated Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews on 31 August 2023 (updating on 28 February 2024). We removed duplicates, screened titles and abstracts, and then conducted a full-text eligibility and quality assessment. We identified an initial 1118 non-duplicate publications, 62 of which met our inclusion and exclusion criteria. The largest proportions of reviewed studies focused on multisectoral interventions directly related to specific health outcomes (66.1%; 41 studies) and/or social determinants of health (48.4%; 30 studies), but without explicit reference to overall health system performance. Most reviewed publications did not address process indicators (83.9%; 52/62) or discuss sustainability for multisectoral interventions in health (72.6%; 45/62). However, we observed that the greatest proportion (66.1%; 41/62) considered health system goals: health equity (68.3%; 28/41) and health outcomes (63.4%; 26/41). Although the greatest proportion (64.5%; 40/62) proposed mechanisms explaining how multisectoral interventions for health could lead to the intended outcomes, none used realistic evaluations to assess these. Our review has established that multisectoral interventions influence health system performance through immediate improvements in service delivery efficiency, readiness, acceptability and affordability. The interconnectedness of these effects demonstrates their role in addressing the complexities of modern health care.

Factors Affecting Diasporic Women's Quality of Life: A Systematic Review.

This literature review assesses the factors that influence the quality of life of migrant women in the diasporic with the goal of improving their quality of life and creating more supportive social adjustment in the public health field. The systematic review was conducted in accordance with the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We searched the databases of Scopus, PubMed, SAGE journal, Springer, and Google Scholar for scientific articles on the quality of life of diasporic and migrant women. We screened and removed duplicates, analyzed the full text of the articles to identify potentially relevant studies, and extracted data from matched articles. The literature search yielded 34 articles. Only 10 articles that met all inclusion criteria were included in the systematic review after peer review. The literature shows that the quality of life of diasporic women is influenced by four main factors: sociodemographic predictors, social adjustment predictors, health-related predictors, and psychological predictors. Identifying them is important to improve quality of life and find the right solutions to improve the quality of life of marginalized groups in society. To improve the quality of life for diasporic women, I suggest implementing government policies such as language education, vocational training, stronger protection laws, and better healthcare access. Additionally, establishing cultural exchange and networking programs is crucial for fostering cultural understanding.

Nail Alterations From Musical Instruments: Insights for Dermatologists Treating Musicians.

Long-term practice and performance with a musical instrument predispose musicians to several skin conditions and nail disorders. We conducted a comprehensive literature search of the PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases for articles on nail alterations in musicians. Complications were divided into modifications of the nail surface and nail plate, soft-tissue abnormalities, and periungual tissue and distal pulp disorders. Health care professionals should be aware of these various modifications related to the use of musical instruments and provide preventive measures.

Effectiveness of Yoga on Menopausal Symptoms and Quality of life among Menopausal women: A Systematic Review

Background: Yoga is considered one of the preferred non-pharmacological mind–body interventions to manage menopausal symptoms among menopausal women. Objective: The primary aim of this review is to summarize the findings on the effectiveness of yoga as an intervention for menopausal symptoms and quality of life among menopausal women. Methods: The researchers systematically searched the literature using electronic databases including PubMed central, The Cochrane Library, PubMed, Proquest, Science Direct, Scopus, and Google scholar for articles published in English. Direct searches of specific journal articles published were done between January 2011 and December 2022. Results: The systematic review results were reported using PRISMA guidelines. In total, 10 full-text published studies were found, and these were included for qualitative synthesis. All the 10 articles were randomized controlled trials. It included 1463 menopausal woman participants with the sample size ranging from 30 to 335. Conclusion: Research evidence, based on these 10 trials, prove yoga to be a safe and effective intervention for managing menopausal symptoms. The authors conclude that yoga is a safe alternative therapy, free from untoward effects, and a recommended choice for reducing menopausal symptoms and promoting quality of life. This recommendation is based on the evidence that consistent practice of yoga techniques will have a positive impact on most of the prevalent menopausal symptoms. Implications for practice: Yoga is an evidence-based intervention that alleviates the menopausal symptoms and promotes quality of life of menopausal women. Therefore, the healthcare providers shall encourage the menopausal women to perform yoga on a regular basis.

An evaluation of antagonist enamel wear opposing full-coverage zirconia crowns versus other ceramics full-coverage crowns and natural enamel - An umbrella review.

The aim of this umbrella review was to systematically review the systematic reviews on antagonist enamel wear opposing zirconia crowns compared to other ceramics and natural enamel. This was an umbrella review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. An electronic search of PubMed, Cochrane Central, EBSCOhost, and Google Scholar search engines for articles published from January 1, 2013, to January 1, 2023, was conducted using keywords "enamel wear," "zirconia," "feldspathic," "dental ceramics," and "Y-TZP" to identify systematic reviews on antagonist enamel wear opposing zirconia crowns compared to other ceramics and natural enamel. Qualitative analysis. A total of 86 articles were obtained through electronic search, of which four articles were selected after abstract screening that met the inclusion criteria for evaluating antagonist enamel wear. As compared to feldspathic groups, zirconia had substantially less antagonist wear, while surface polishing exhibited less enamel wear than glazing. Because of the heterogeneity in study design, measurement methods, and outcome variables, a meta-analysis was not possible. Over time, the opposing enamel wear caused by polished monolithic zirconia will be either equal to or less than that of natural enamel wear. Polished monolithic zirconia also maintains lower values of enamel wear compared to metal ceramics, feldspathic porcelains, and lithium disilicate.

Effects of Virtual Reality on Pain and Anxiety During Children's Circumcision: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Circumcision-a common pediatric procedure-can cause significant pain and anxiety. Virtual reality has been proposed as a nonpharmacological intervention to alleviate these negative experiences. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the effects of virtual reality interventions on pain and anxiety in children undergoing circumcision. This study comprehensively searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library for articles published from database inception to October 2, 2023. Randomized controlled trials that investigated the effects of virtual reality interventions on pain and anxiety during circumcision in children were included. The Cochrane risk-of-bias tool was used to appraise the included studies. The primary outcomes were pain and anxiety scores. Three randomized controlled trials and four data sets involving a total of 224 children were included in our meta-analysis. Virtual reality interventions significantly reduced children's pain and anxiety scores. Virtual reality interventions are promising nonpharmacological strategies for alleviating children's pain and anxiety during circumcision. Pediatric healthcare professionals use virtual reality interventions to create a child-friendly and healthy healthcare environment.

The impact of malnutrition on secondary diabetes and calcific pancreatitis: A comprehensive review

Introduction: Malnutrition in low- and middle-income countries significantly impacts the development of secondary diabetes and calcific pancreatitis. Aim and Methods: This review summarizes the prevalence, characteristics, and findings from key studies over the past decade on the link between malnutrition and secondary diabetes, focusing on protein-deficient pancreatic diabetes (PDPD) and fibro-calculous pancreatic diabetes (FCPD). A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar for articles published between 1995 and 2023. Studies included were peer-reviewed articles focusing on the link between malnutrition and secondary diabetes, conducted in LMICs, and discussing the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of PDPD and FCPD. Both observational and interventional studies were considered. Results: The review of studies revealed several key findings: · PDPD is characterized by lower C-peptide levels and varied responses to glibenclamide post-nutritional rehabilitation. · FCPD patients show rapid calcification, diminished exocrine and beta-cell function, and more severe exocrine deficiency compared to PDPD. · Both PDPD and FCPD patients often present with lower BMI and significant renal involvement. · Recent studies indicate improved nutritional status and prognosis of FCPD patients with enhanced medical care. · Insulin-requiring diabetes in Ethiopia is strongly linked with poor education, poverty markers, and childhood malnutrition. · Lean diabetes, linked to childhood malnutrition, is characterized by low-normal BMI, early onset, and rapid beta-cell failure. Discussion: The development of diabetes following early malnutrition can be attributed to several interconnected mechanisms involving metabolic, endocrine, and epigenetic factors. Early nutritional intervention trials are crucial to prevent glucose abnormalities and diabetes later in life. Studies highlight that improving early-life nutrition can enhance beta-cell function, reduce insulin resistance, and mitigate long-term metabolic dysfunction. Lean diabetes, linked to childhood malnutrition, presents unique challenges but can be addressed through targeted nutritional support. Conclusion: The review underscores the significant impact of malnutrition on the development of secondary diabetes and calcific pancreatitis in LMICs. Addressing malnutrition through early nutritional interventions is crucial to mitigate the risk of chronic conditions and improve metabolic health outcomes. Continued research and targeted public health strategies are essential to break the cycle of malnutrition and disease in vulnerable populations.

Is anxiety a public health problem among older adults in India: Results from a systematic review and meta-analysis.

For medical fraternity, health system and policymakers to undertake effective countermeasures, a comprehensive assessment of the prevalence of anxiety among older adults is required; hence, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis using data pooled from surveys across the country. The search strategy was developed using medical subject headings (MeSH) terms and free-text keywords. We searched PubMed and Scopus for articles to report the prevalence of anxiety among older adults. The appraisal tool for cross-sectional studies was used for quality assessment. Prevalence from different studies was pooled together using the inverse variance heterogeneity method. Sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the impact of included studies' methodological quality on pooled results and to investigate potential causes of heterogeneity. Twenty-three studies were included in this systematic review. The overall pooled estimate of the prevalence of anxiety in older adults was 18.7% (95% CI: 2.4, 38.8). The studies had a high degree of heterogeneity. Publication bias was assessed using a Doi plot which showed an luis furuya-kanamori (LFK) index of 1.21 indicating minor asymmetry. Like other parts of the world, India has witnessed a rise in the number of elderly due to lower fertility rates, higher life expectancies and a shift in illness patterns from communicable to non-communicable. The number of elderly people suffering from diseases of mental health is expected to rise dramatically. This review consolidates the existing evidence to showcase anxiety as an upcoming public health problem requiring due focus from policymakers and health systems.

The Potential of Avocado Oil for Topical Use: A Narrative Review

Skin aging is a multifaceted biological process that is impacted by both internal (genetics, hormones, cellular metabolism, and metabolic processes) and external (long-term exposure to UV light, pollution, ionizing radiation, chemicals, and toxins) aspects. Monounsaturated fatty acids, especially oleic acid, found in avocado oil are beneficial for wound healing, moisturizing, and anti-aging. Finding avocado oil's role as an active ingredient in cosmeceuticals was the aim of this investigation. The study's article review technique entails a thorough search of the Pubmed, Google Scholar, Proquest, Springer Link, and Science Direct databases for articles published between 2018 and 2024. The sample utilized in this study consisted of research publications that satisfied the inclusion criteria, resulting in a total of 12 articles. The result of this study showed that avocado oil is mostly formulated in emulgel and cream preparation. Avocado oil can be used as sunscreen due to the presence of the unsaturated fatty acid such as oleic acid and linoleic acid. All of the topical application of avocado oil showed the potential of this oil as antioxidant, anti-aging and sunscreen. Avocado oil is potential as cosmeceutical at the concentration of 3% to 20%.

The Motor Imagery (MI) Intervention and Rubber Ball Grafting Therapy on Rehabilitation and Increasing Motor Strength in Stroke Patients: Literature Review

Background: Strokes are A disease caused narrowing of the vessels blood to the brain, which can obstruct Genre blood and also oxygen to the brain, and also can stop. Objective from the literature review This is For now influence motor imagery (MI) intervention and therapy holding a rubber ball to rehabilitation and improvement strength motor skills in stroke patients .Methods: Article methodology This is a literature review that searched the following databases: Science Direct, PubMed, and Google Scholar for articles published between 2019 and 2024 that dealt with the following topics: motor imagery (MI), therapy involving a rubber ball, rehabilitation after a stroke, motor strength, and stroke. Results: From the results of identification based on inclusion criteria and review of eligibility, 10 articles were obtained for review . Studies literature review obtained results that There is influence motor imagery (MI) intervention and therapy holding a rubber ball to rehabilitation and improvement strength motor skills in stroke patients . Conclusion: The Motor Imagery (MI) Intervention and Rubber Ball Grafting Therapy may be recommended for patients who have muscle strength problems in stroke patients in rehabilitation centers.

The treatment of chronic wounds using bacteriophages

Introduction and aim of study: Chronic wounds are increasingly challenging global healthcare. These wounds, which take over 3 months to heal, are complicated by untreated infections and the formation of biofilm, hindering healing and antibiotic effectiveness. To tackle these issues, new treatments like bacteriophage therapy are being explored. Bacteriophages, viruses that target bacteria, offer promise in overcoming antibiotic resistance. However, their use presents challenges that need to be addressed. Material and methods: Our review is based on the analysis of materials collected in Pubmed, Elsevier and other scientific articles using keywords: “chronic wound”, “chronic wounds infection”, “biofilms”, “MDR”, “bacteriophage”, “phage therapy”. Conclusions: The rise of chronic wounds due to resistant infections poses a significant challenge for patients and healthcare systems. Multidrug-resistant bacteria, often forming biofilm, evade current treatments, urging the search for alternatives. Phage therapy, showing efficacy against various stubborn infections, including those from surgery or diabetes, gains attention. Advanced delivery systems enhance targeted treatment, while phage cocktails improve effectiveness, especially against multiple resistant strains. Safety is generally observed, but larger trials are needed. Though not a replacement for antibiotics, phage therapy offers hope, needing robust clinical validation. While challenges exist, its societal, commercial, and economic benefits suggest a promising future beyond clinical use.

Diabetes mellitus and risk of incident dementia in APOE ɛ4 carriers: an updated meta-analysis

Background and aimDiabetes raises the risk of dementia, mortality, and cognitive decline in the elderly, potentially because of hereditary variables such as APOE. In this study, we aim to evaluate Diabetes mellitus and the risk of incident dementia in APOE ɛ4 carriers.MethodWe thoroughly searched PubMed (Medline), Scopus, and Google Scholar databases for related articles up to September 2023. The titles, abstracts, and full texts of articles were reviewed; data were extracted and analyzed.ResultThis meta-analysis included nine cohorts and seven cross-sectional articles with a total of 42,390 population. The study found that APOE ɛ4 carriers with type 2 diabetes (T2D) had a 48% higher risk of developing dementia compared to non-diabetic carriers (Hazard Ratio;1.48, 95%CI1.36–1.60). The frequency of dementia was 3 in 10 people (frequency: 0.3; 95%CI (0.15–0.48). No significant heterogeneity was observed. Egger’s test, which we performed, revealed no indication of publication bias among the included articles (p = 0.2).ConclusionOverall, diabetes increases the risk of dementia, but further large-scale studies are still required to support the results of current research.

Artificial intelligence: a new cutting-edge tool in spine surgery.

The purpose of this narrative review was to comprehensively elaborate the various components of artificial intelligence (AI), their applications in spine surgery, practical concerns, and future directions. Over the years, spine surgery has been continuously transformed in various aspects, including diagnostic strategies, surgical approaches, procedures, and instrumentation, to provide better-quality patient care. Surgeons have also augmented their surgical expertise with rapidly growing technological advancements. AI is an advancing field that has the potential to revolutionize many aspects of spine surgery. We performed a comprehensive narrative review of the various aspects of AI and machine learning in spine surgery. To elaborate on the current role of AI in spine surgery, a review of the literature was performed using PubMed and Google Scholar databases for articles published in English in the last 20 years. The initial search using the keywords "artificial intelligence" AND "spine," "machine learning" AND "spine," and "deep learning" AND "spine" extracted a total of 78, 60, and 37 articles and 11,500, 4,610, and 2,270 articles on PubMed and Google Scholar. After the initial screening and exclusion of unrelated articles, duplicates, and non-English articles, 405 articles were identified. After the second stage of screening, 93 articles were included in the review. Studies have shown that AI can be used to analyze patient data and provide personalized treatment recommendations in spine care. It also provides valuable insights for planning surgeries and assisting with precise surgical maneuvers and decisionmaking during the procedures. As more data become available and with further advancements, AI is likely to improve patient outcomes.

What do we know about Objective Structured Clinical Examination in Sport and Exercise Medicine? A scoping review.

Despite the importance of the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) in Sport and Exercise Medicine, the literature on the topic is fragmented and has been poorly developed. The goal of this review was to map current knowledge about how the OSCE is used in Sport and Exercise Medicine, and to identify knowledge gaps for future research. The authors conducted a scoping review. They searched PubMed and Scopus for articles using key terms related to 'OSCE' and 'sport medicine' with no limit on search start date and up to July 2022. Retrieved records were imported, abstracts were screened, and full-text articles were reviewed. A forward and backward citation tracking was conducted. Data was extracted and a qualitative meta-summary of the studies was conducted. A total of 469 records were screened, and 22 studies were included. The objectives of the studies included using OSCEs to assess knowledge/skills after a training program (n = 11), to assess an intervention (n = 8), and to assess and improve the OSCE itself (n = 3). Thirteen studies reported validity and/or reliability of the OSCE. Despite the widespread use of OSCEs in the examination of Sport and Exercise Medicine trainees, only a handful of scholarly works have been published. More research is needed to support the use of OSCE in Sport and Exercise Medicine for its initial purpose. We highlight avenues for future research such as assessing the need for a deeper exploration of the relationship between candidate characteristics and OSCE scores.