Literature Search Research Articles

Association of premature birth and maternal education level on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder in childhood. There is growing evidence that both preterm birth and maternal education levels substantially affect the likelihood of ADHD in children. However, there are limited systematic reviews and meta-analyses examining these associations. AIM To systematically review and conduct a meta-analysis on the association of preterm birth and maternal education level on the risk of ADHD in children. METHODS We conducted a comprehensive literature search across MEDLINE (PubMed), Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library, including studies published up to June 17, 2024. Data synthesis was performed using random-effect models, and the quality of studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. RESULTS This study included twelve studies, which revealed a significant association between premature delivery and an increased risk of ADHD in children [odds ratio (OR) = 2.76, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.52-3.04, P < 0.001, I² = 1.9%). Conversely, higher maternal education levels were significantly associated with a reduced risk of ADHD in children (OR = 0.59, 95%CI: 0.48-0.73, P < 0.001, I² = 47.1%). Subgroup analysis further indicated that maternal education levels significantly influenced ADHD risk, particularly in studies conducted in China (OR = 0.59, 95%CI: 0.46-0.75, P < 0.001, I² = 81.2%), while no significant association was observed in studies from other regions (OR = 1.25, 95%CI: 0.66-2.40, P = 0.495, I² = 92.3%). The sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of our findings, showing no significant publication bias. CONCLUSION This study found that preterm birth significantly increases the risk of ADHD in children, while a higher maternal education level serves as a protective factor against ADHD. To reduce the incidence of ADHD in children, public health policies should focus on early intervention for preterm infants and improving maternal education levels.

A Critical Review on microRNAs as Prognostic Biomarkers in Laryngeal Carcinoma

During the past decade, a vast number of studies were dedicated to unravelling the obscurities of non-coding RNAs in all fields of the medical sciences. A great amount of data has been accumulated, and consequently a natural need for organization and classification in all subfields arises. The aim of this review is to summarize all reports on microRNAs that were delineated as prognostic biomarkers in laryngeal carcinoma. Additionally, we attempt to allocate and organize these molecules according to their association with key pathways and oncogenes affected in laryngeal carcinoma. Finally, we critically analyze the common shortcomings and biases of the methodologies in some of the published papers in this area of research. A literature search was performed using the PubMed and MEDLINE databases with the keywords “laryngeal carcinoma” OR “laryngeal cancer” AND “microRNA” OR “miRNA” AND “prognostic marker” OR “prognosis”. Only research articles written in English were included, without any specific restrictions on study type. We have found 43 articles that report 39 microRNAs with prognostic value associated with laryngeal carcinoma, and all of them are summarized along with the major characteristics and methodology of the respective studies. A second layer of the review is structural analysis of the outlined microRNAs and their association with oncogenes and pathways connected with the cell cycle (p53, CCND1, CDKN2A/p16, E2F1), RTK/RAS/PI3K cascades (EGFR, PI3K, PTEN), cell differentiation (NOTCH, p63, FAT1), and cell death (FADD, TRAF3). Finally, we critically review common shortcomings in the methodology of the papers and their possible effect on their results.

Quantitative Oculomotor and Vestibular Profile in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 6 – Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Whereas several studies have reported on quantitative oculomotor and vestibular measurements in spinocerebellar ataxia type 6 (SCA6), selecting the most suitable paradigms remains challenging. We aimed to address this knowledge gap through a systematic literature review and providing disease-specific recommendations for a tailored set of eye-movement recordings in SCA6. A literature search (MEDLINE, Embase) was performed focusing on studies reporting on quantitative oculomotor and/or vestibular measurements in SCA6-patients. Oculomotor and vestibular parameters were extracted and correlations with various epidemiologic and clinical parameters were sought. Twenty-two studies were included reporting on 154 patients. Abnormalities observed included reduced pursuit gain (58/69), frequent square-wave jerks (23/40), spontaneous downbeat nystagmus (DBN, 34/55) and triggered nystagmus including positional nystagmus (25/34) and vertical (“perverted”) head-shaking nystagmus (21/34), gaze-evoked nystagmus (48/70) and angular vestibulo-ocular reflex (aVOR)-suppression (21/25), and high-frequency aVOR-deficits (26/33). For horizontal visually-guided saccades (VGS), changes in metrics (36/66) were frequently observed, whereas saccade velocity was usually preserved (39/44) and saccade latency within normal limits. Reduced high-frequency aVOR gains, VGS-latency and metrics correlated with disease severity. Longitudinal data indicated deterioration of individual video-head-impulse testing gains over time. A broad range of oculomotor and vestibular domains are affected in SCA6. Impairments in pursuit, saccade metrics, gaze-holding (gaze-evoked nystagmus, DBN) and high-frequency aVOR were most frequently identified and as such, should be prioritized as disease markers. Quantitative oculomotor testing in SCA6 may facilitate an early diagnosis and prove valuable in monitoring disease progression.

Non-invasive telemonitoring programs for patients with chronic heart failure: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

To assess whether telemonitoring improves outcomes in patients with chronic heart failure. A literature search was conducted on studies of randomized controlled trials involving non-invasive telemonitoring and heart failure using Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library. The primary outcomes were all-cause mortality, all-cause hospitalization, and hospitalization for heart failure. Secondary outcomes were length of stay, health-related quality of life as assessed by validated questionnaires, healthcare costs and cost-effectiveness, and self-care behaviors. We performed a meta-analysis using a random effects model for the primary outcomes. The effect measure was odds ratio with corresponding 95% confidence interval, and heterogeneity among studies was assessed using the Higgins I2 value. We screened 212 references, and 34 randomized controlled trials were included in this review. A total of 16179 participants with heart failure were included. Non-invasive telemonitoring reduced all-cause mortality by 18% (OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.71 to 0.95; participants = 15,211; studies = 28; I2 = 34%; GRADE: moderate-quality evidence) and heart failure hospitalization by 20% (OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.69 to 0.94; participants = 7491; studies = 18; I2 = 31%; GRADE: moderate-quality evidence). Non-invasive telemonitoring didn't demonstrate significant benefit on all-cause hospitalization (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.82 to 1.05; participants = 11,565; studies = 25; I2 = 49%). Telemonitoring programs in patients with heart failure were associated with a reduction in all-cause mortality and heart failure hospitalization without harmful events.

Extrarenal manifestations of atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (aHUS) is categorized as a thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA), which arises due to abnormal or unregulated complement pathway activation. While the disease frequently affects renal blood vessels, it can also involve multiple other organ systems. This review examines the prevalence and clinical outcomes of aHUS patients with extrarenal involvement. A comprehensive literature search was performed using PubMed/Medline, Embase, the Web of Science Core Collection, and CINAHL. Search terms included 'aHUS', 'extrarenal', and specific organ systems such as neurological, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular. Patient data was collected on clinical characteristics, including extrarenal symptoms, lab findings, genetic mutations, and adverse events. Meta-analysis was conducted using R software, version 3.1.0. A total of 47 studies were reviewed, comprising 890 aHUS patients, ranging in age from 3 months to 66 years. Common genetic abnormalities included factor H (CFH) mutations, seen in 12% (84/700 patients) across 19 studies, and anti-FH IgG autoantibodies, identified in 27.1% (102/376 patients) from 10 studies. The central nervous system was the most frequently involved extrarenal site [28% (240/858 patients) from 32 studies], with seizures as the predominant CNS symptom. Gastrointestinal symptoms were next most common [31% (230/741 patients) from 25 studies], followed by cardiovascular involvement [16% (97/607) from 23 studies]. Kidney failure was reported in 13.2% (61/463 patients) from 11 studies, with an overall mortality rate of 8.9% (56/632 patients) reported across 27 studies. Around 20-30% of aHUS patients experience extrarenal manifestations, with neurologic symptoms occurring most frequently. Due to the high costs and limited availability, genetic data is rarely reported, and studies are often small, underscoring the need for larger, multi-center cohort studies. 466915. Approximately 20-30% of patients with atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (aHUS) experienced extrarenal manifestations, with neurologic involvement being the most common. Current studies in aHUS patients are heterogeneous and inconsistent in reporting complement mutations with extrarenal manifestations. This systematic review highlights the significance of multi-system assessment in aHUS patients and the need for larger, multi-centered cohort studies.

Dermatology in Student-Run Clinics in the United States: Scoping Review.

Student-run clinics (SRCs) for dermatology hold potential to significantly advance skin-related health equity, and a comprehensive analysis of these clinics may inform strategies for optimizing program effectiveness. We aimed to perform a scoping review of the literature about dermatology SRCs across the United States. We conducted systematic literature searches of Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, and Scopus on March 1, 2023, and June 19, 2024. No date, language, or paper-type restrictions were included in the search strategy. A total of 229 references were uploaded to Covidence for screening by 2 independent reviewers (SK and LL), and 23 full-text documents were assessed for eligibility. After an additional 8 documents were identified through a gray literature search, a total of 31 studies were included in the final analysis. Inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) studies set in an SRC, which was operationally led by medical students and could render condition-relevant treatments to patients, with dermatology care; (2) published in English; (3) within the United States; (4) included characterization of any of the following: logistics, care, patients, or design; and (5) included all study or document types, including gray literature that was not peer reviewed (eg, conference abstracts, preprints, and letters to the editor). Exclusion criteria were (1) papers not published in English and (2) those with duplicated data or that were limited in scope or not generalizable. Data were extracted qualitatively using Microsoft Excel to categorize the studies by several domains, including clinic location, demographics, services offered, and barriers to care. There are at least 19 dermatology SRCs across the United States. The most common conditions encountered included atopic dermatitis; acne; fungal infections; benign nevi; psoriasis; and neoplasms, such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Key facilitators for the clinics included faculty oversight, attending physician participation for biopsy histopathology, and dedicated program coordinators. Major barriers included lack of follow-up, medication nonadherence, and patient no-shows. Dermatology SRCs serve a diverse patient population, many of whom are underrepresented in traditional dermatology settings. This scoping review provides insights to help build stronger program foundations that better address community dermatologic health needs.

The Diagnosis and Treatment of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) with or without left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction is a common primary myocardial disease, with a prevalence of 1:500. It is characterized by thickening of the myocardium. Its diagnostic evaluation includes history-taking and physical examination, genetic studies, transthoracic echocardiography, and cardiac MRI. When optimally treated, it carries a mortality of less than 1% per year. This review is based on pertinent publications retrieved by a selective literature search, including the current guidelines. In symptomatic patients with high LVOT gradients (≥ 50 mm Hg), the treatment of first choice is pharmacotherapy with non-vasodilating beta-blockers or non-dihydropyridine-type calcium channel antagonists. Common side effects include bradycardia and hypotension, and there is a risk of AV nodal blockade. Both substance classes lower the LVOT gradient. Beta-blockers alleviate dyspnea and improve patients' quality of life. Verapamil can increase physical resilience. A further option is mavacamten, a myosin inhibitor that gained approval in Germany in mid-2023: it, too, lowers the LVOT gradient and improves quality of life. In 7-10% of patients, there is a reversible reduction of the left ventricular ejection fraction to less than 50%. Septal reduction treatments can be considered if drug therapy fails. Attention must also be paid to the management of sequelae such as atrial fibrillation, malignant arrhythmias, and mitral valve insufficiency. Patients with HCM have a near-normal life expectancy if the disease is diagnosed early and treated according to the guidelines. The treatment of HCM and HOCM (hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy) have been studied in no more than a few clinical trials, and randomized studies with clinical endpoints are needed.

A systematic review of longitudinal risk and protective factors for loneliness in youth.

To effectively tackle loneliness in youth, prevention and intervention strategies should be based on solid evidence regarding risk and protective factors in this age group. This systematic literature review identifies and narratively synthesizes longitudinal studies of risk and protective factors for loneliness in children and adolescents aged below 25 years. A systematic literature search was conducted in October 2023 using PsycINFO and MEDLINE, resulting in n = 398 articles, with n = 105 articles meeting the inclusion criteria. The examined factors included demographic (e.g., gender), socioeconomic (e.g., income sufficiency), social (e.g., peer acceptance), mental health (e.g., depression), physical health (e.g., disabilities), health behavior (e.g., sport participation), and psychological factors (e.g., shyness). Additionally, adverse childhood experiences (e.g., child maltreatment) and environmental factors (e.g., neighborhood characteristics) were investigated.Despite the wide range of potential risk and protective factors examined, relatively few studies provided strong evidence for a prospective association with loneliness. Risk factors that were consistently identified across multiple longitudinal studies included low peer acceptance and peer victimization, depression, social anxiety, internalizing symptoms, low self-esteem, shyness, and neuroticism. Additional replication is required to evaluate factors that have shown significant associations with loneliness in only a limited number of longitudinal studies (e.g., aggression).

Barriers and facilitators in nurse prescribing practices: a protocol for qualitative meta-synthesis from nurses’ perspectives

IntroductionWith the development of the medical system and the diversification of patient needs, nurse practitioners (NPs) play an increasingly important role in medical practice, assuming more responsibilities and powers, including...

Sarcopenia in trauma patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Sarcopenia is associated with poor prognosis and mortality following injury. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to analyze diagnostic criteria for sarcopenia, as well as to assess its prevalence and impact on health outcomes among trauma patients. We conducted a literature search on MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library from inception to June 2023. A total of 27 studies were included, involving 8,692 individuals (55.5% men) with a mean age ranging from 42.2 to 80.5 years. The pooled prevalence of sarcopenia in trauma patients was 36.0% [95% confidence interval (CI): 29.1-43.0%, I2 = 97.8%], with a 39.3% prevalence (95% CI: 31.0-48.5%, I2 = 96.8%) in men and a 39.0% prevalence (95% CI: 31.4-46.2%, I2 = 94.4%) in women. Trauma patients with sarcopenia were more prone to complications [risk ratio (RR): 1.16, 95% CI: 1.03-1.31, I2 = 45.8%] and less able to discharge independently (RR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.63-0.86, I2 = 33.3%). The risk of death in trauma patients with sarcopenia was higher than in non-sarcopenic patients [hazard ratio (HR): 1.64, 95% CI: 1.31-2.04]. Sarcopenia is commonly present in trauma patients and has a negative impact on prognosis. Early assessment and interventions for sarcopenia should be conducted in trauma patients.

Management of Eyelid Pathologies That Cause Corneal Lesions.

Corneal injuries, which make up 3% of emergency room visits, can vary from small scratches to exposure or trauma-related damage that might be fatal to vision. Mechanical trauma, diseases of the eyelids, neurotrophic abnormalities, and chemical burns are common causes. A thorough examination is necessary for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. The goal of this study is to review corneal damage from both functional and traumatic causes associated with eyelid problems and surgical therapy. Based on a comprehensive analysis of the literature, it focuses on identifying important eyelid diseases that can compromise the integrity of the corneal epithelium, including entropion, ectropion, trichiasis, distichiasis, epiblepharon, and lagophthalmos. To find research on surgical care of eyelid disorders resulting in corneal injury, the MEDLINE and Reference Citation Analysis databases were searched (from 2008 to the present). At least two impartial reviewers examined every article to guarantee that all pertinent articles were found. Relevant publications were found using a literature search. Each pertinent paper's reference list was manually checked to include relevant documents the original search missed. There were 28 papers about surgical management of eyelid abnormalities that could jeopardize the integrity of the corneal epithelium: entropion, ectropion, trichiasis, distichiasis, epiblepharon, and lagophthalmos. Entropion treatment was the subject of the majority of these studies. The review strongly emphasizes determining the precise anatomical source of corneal injury in disorders of the eyelids and customizing surgical techniques accordingly. Cooperation between plastic surgeons and ophthalmologists is crucial to manage complicated situations and guarantee stable, long-term results.

Home Use Therapies for Pain, Disability, and Quality of Life in Military Service Members with a Musculoskeletal Injury: An Updated Systematic Review Meta-Analysis.

Musculoskeletal (MSK) injury can negatively affect service members by compromising job performance and readiness. These injuries can impact the service member's physical health, functional abilities, and quality of life (QoL). Rehabilitation therapies for MSK injuries can reduce these impacts. One approach is home use rehabilitative therapy, usable during deployment and at home stations. The purpose of this updated systematic review with meta-analysis was to broaden our scope of pain/symptoms, disability, and QoL as outcome measures for nonpharmaceutical MSK therapies in a military population versus controls. An updated systematic literature search was conducted from inception to September 2022 using electronic databases. From 2790 retrievals, 22 reports were identified from 21 randomized or nonrandomized control trials. Interventions included exercise, electrotherapy, bracing, and other devices compared to a standard control treatment. Outcomes for MSK pain/symptoms, disability, and QoL were summarized as (1) standardized change from baseline for both intervention and control by time and (2) standardized mean differences (SMDs) in the time change between the intervention and control. Relative to baseline, pain improved during treatment and follow-up (P < .0001) with differences between intervention and control groups (P < .0001) but no significant interactions between group and time (P = .11). Overall, interventions showed modest (0.33 SMD, 95% CI, 0.11 to 0.54) improvement relative to controls across body regions and time. On average, disability exhibited an SMD of 0.12 (95% CI, -0.20 to 0.44) across all measures with substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 0.93). Time (P = .02) but not intervention (P = .87) was a significant moderator with no clear pattern of change over time and no time by group interaction (P = .84). Quality of life had an overall modest effect with an SMD of 0.10 (95% CI, -0.04 to 0.24) with no evidence supporting a difference between the intervention and control groups (P = .10) and no significant interaction between time and group (P = .41). The QoL measures were primarily derived using the Short Form Health Survey (SF12/36), which provide a mental and physical component summary score. For the mental component, there was either no change or a small decline during the study (P(time) = .80), with a difference between the intervention and control (P = .04) but no interaction between groups over time (P = .40). For the physical component scale, there was improvement during the study (P = .01), with the intervention showing better improvement than the control (P = .005), with no interaction between the time and treatment/control group (P = .80). The report considers responses by region and individual treatments. This analysis demonstrated modest improvement in pain and physical well-being with therapy, with low certainty across diverse military cohorts. The impact on overall health-related disability and QoL was limited, with little change in mental well-being. The substantial heterogeneity and low certainty across diverse military cohorts limit generalizability, suggesting that further research in homogeneous environments is important for guiding clinical decisions. The study's findings suggest that nonpharmacological home use interventions may offer modest improvements in pain relief, particularly early in treatment, and in strength and function, according to our previous report. These interventions could complement standard care, providing options that may benefit service members during deployment and at home.

Localizing value of disturbances of self-integration, depersonalization, and forced thinking: A systematic review.

We performed a systematic review of the localizational value of disturbances of self-integration, depersonalization and forced thinking in focal epilepsy with the aim to summarize the state-of-the-art anatomo-clinical correlations in the field and help guide interpretation of ictal semiology within the framework of pre-surgical evaluation. The review was performed using a PRISMA- and QUADAS2-based approach. Three separate PubMed and EMBASE searches were undertaken using the keywords self-integration, depersonalization and forced thinking, along with synonyms, in combination with terms to identify epileptogenic zone as defined by surgical outcome, MRI-findings or intracranially recorded EEG. Studies published in peer-reviewed journals with an abstract available, limited to English, French, German, Spanish, or Italian were included for review. Abstracts from scientific meetings were included if precise data on semiology in addition to either localization or surgical outcome was presented. Cases were regarded as eligible if data informing on anatomo-clinical correlations were sufficient to allow determination of an epileptogenic zone and evaluate its level of confidence. For disturbances of self-integration, the search identified 18 publications containing 23 eligible cases, with 10 additional cases identified in the literature. For depersonalization, a single case from a two patient study fulfilled inclusion criteria. For forced thinking, the search identified two publications containing four eligible cases, with six additional cases identified through literature searches. The retrieved cases suggest that disturbances of self-integration often reflect an epileptogenic zone centered around the temporoparietal region, where neighboring areas in the parietal lobe, the posterior insula, and likely depending on the type of disturbance also the adjoining occipital lobe, the anterior and middle cingulum, premotor and supplementary motor in addition to medial temporal structures could be involved. When present, lateralized symptomatology reflects a contralateral focus. Depersonalization, as a localizing ictal phenomenon was quite elusive. Forced thinking either pointed to premotor frontal or temporal epileptogenic zones. Currently, outlined epileptogenic zones of ictal disturbances of self-integration and forced thinking are quite widespread and should be regarded with a low-to-moderate degree of reliability. A focus on such rarer ictal phenomena, in combination with improved imaging techniques and increased use of SEEG, will hopefully lead to an accumulation of cases with better defined epileptogenic zones.

Chalazia: A Scoping Review to Identify the Evidence Behind Treatments.

Current treatment approaches aimed at resolving a chalazion vary greatly among practice settings and practitioners. Our objective is to provide a review of existing literature on treatment modalities aimed at resolving a chalazion. We conducted a review of existing peer-reviewed publications that described treatment methods aimed at resolving chalazia in patients of any age. Literature searches were conducted using PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane. A 3-stage review process was conducted by 2 trained reviewers, including an initial screening, a full-text review, and data extraction. Articles were assessed for baseline study identifiers, study design, country of origin, number of patients, demographic characteristics, types and number of treatments administered, and resolution rates. Publications were graded using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine levels of evidence table. A total of 2814 articles were initially identified based on database queries; 39 studies met inclusion criteria for full-text review. The most represented study design was case series (15), followed by randomized controlled trials (14). Twenty-five publications discussed intralesional corticosteroid injections, 18 discussed incision or excision and curettage, 5 discussed conservative treatments, and 8 discussed topical antibiotic±steroid treatments. Both the definition of chalazion resolution and resolution rates for each treatment modality varied widely between publications. Procedural management of chalazia, including corticosteroid injections and surgical management, is most often studied in the literature. Fewer publications exist on the efficacy of conservative and topical treatments.

Greek physician Asclepiades of Bithynia (124-40 BC) and his contribution to thinking about mental illness and its treatment.

To outline the life and work of Greek physician Asclepiades of Bithynia (124-40 BC), especially his contributions to thinking about mental illness. Review and discussion of relevant fragments of Asclepiades' work that survive and review of secondary literature, supplemented by relevant systematic literature searches (e.g. PubMed). Asclepiades challenged the long-standing Hippocratic doctrine of the four humours and developed an approach to physical and mental illness that was humane, reasoned, and a forerunner of later developments in psychiatry. Asclepiades argued that the human body, like everything in the universe, comprised tiny, imperceptible particles, which he called önkoi, seamless masses in perpetual motion. In consequence, Yapijakis describes Asclepiades as 'the father of molecular medicine'. Asclepiades held that good health was maintained by free, balanced motion of önkoi through theoretical pores, while disease resulted from blockage or impaction of önkoi passing through pores in various body parts (e.g. brain). Based on this idea, Asclepiades recommended releasing people with apparent mental illness from confinement and using judicious combinations of diet, exercise, massage, bathing, and music to treat 'phrenitis' (delirium) and melancholia. He suggested that the physician act 'safely, swiftly and pleasantly' ('cito, tutu, jucunde') for both physical and mental illness. Asclepiades belongs to the historical tradition of progressive medical approaches to mental illness, not least because he applied his principles for the treatment of physical illness to mental illness. His ideas about psychiatry set the scene for further evolution of attitudes to mental illness and its treatment over subsequent centuries.

A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of the Neural Correlates of Direct vs. Generative Retrieval of Episodic Autobiographical Memory.

There is a widespread view that episodic autobiographical memories (EAMs) can be retrieved "directly" or "generatively." However, the neural mechanisms underlying these retrieval modes have been overlooked in the literature, likely due to the difficulty of operationalizing the two notions. Here, we propose to operationalize direct vs. generative retrieval based on memory cue specificity, in terms of EAMs elicited by specific/personalized vs. generic memory cues, respectively. After completing a literature search in four databases (PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Web of Science) in 2023, we performed a multilevel kernel density analysis (MKDA) to directly compare activations from 32 neuroimaging studies investigating these two EAM retrieval modalities with the above memory cue distinction. Both direct and generative retrieval showed common activations of the left hippocampus, bilateral angular gyrus, and posterior cingulate cortex. The direct vs. generative comparison revealed the activation of a brain circuit comprising the anterior and posterior cortical midline, the left angular gyrus, and the right cerebellum. Previous literature suggests that these regions play a role in self-referential processes, indicating that direct access to EAMs may be supported by the recruitment of self-related neural resources that facilitate the retrieval of personal memories. Conversely, generative vs. direct MKDA revealed the activation of the ventromedial prefrontal cortex. As this region has been previously associated with schematic memory, its involvement may emphasize the "constructive" nature of generative EAM retrieval. Overall, the current findings extend the previous literature by providing the neurobiological foundation of direct and generative EAM retrieval.

Metabolic acidosis and sudden infant death syndrome: overlooked data provides insight into SIDS pathogenesis.

Decades of mainstream SIDS research based on the Triple Risk Model and neuropathological findings have failed to provide convincing evidence for a primary CNS-based mechanism behind putative secondary dyshomeostasis (respiratory or cardiac) or impaired arousal. Newly revealed data indicate that severe metabolic acidosis (and severe hyperkalemia) is a common accompaniment in SIDS. This supports the direct effect of sepsis on vital-organ function and occurrence of secondary CNS changes accompanied by the dyshomeostasis leading to SIDS. Using PubMed and Google Scholar literature searches, this paper examines how metabolic acidosis and sepsis might contribute to the underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms in SIDS. The discovery of a series of non-peer-reviewed publications provided the basis for a serious examination of the role of metabolic acidosis and sepsis in SIDS. Most SIDS risk factors relate directly or indirectly to infection. This consequently elevated the position of septic or superantigenic shock and viremia in causing secondary organ failure leading to SIDS. The latter could include diaphragmatic failure, as evidenced by peripheral respiratory (muscle) arrests in experimental septic shock, as well as infectious myositis and diaphragm myopathy in sudden unexpected deaths, including SIDS. In addition, just as acidosis lowers the threshold for ventricular fibrillation and sudden cardiac arrest, it could also contribute to similarly unstable diaphragm excitation states leading to respiratory failure. This paper uniquely reveals compelling evidence for a connection between metabolic acidosis, sepsis, viral infections, and sudden unexpected child deaths and provides a solid basis for further work to define which pathway (or pathways) lead to the tragedy of SIDS. It is recommended that all autopsies in sudden unexpected deaths should include pH, bicarbonate, lactate, and electrolyte measurements, as well as diaphragm histology.

A Conceptual Framework for Sustainable Evidence-Based Design for Aligning Therapeutic and Sustainability Outcomes in Healthcare Facilities: A Systematic Literature Review.

Objective: The aim of this systematic review was to identify which aspects of evidence-based design (EBD) and sustainable design principles overlap based on evidence in the peer reviewed academic literature. By doing so, the study enables hospital infrastructure design decisions that prioritize both sustainability outcomes (sustainable hospital infrastructure design) and therapeutic (EBD) outcomes. Background: Healthcare facilities need to adapt to the future demands from a changing climate, demographic shifts, and economic restraints. Facilities need to be designed in ways that better support patients, staff, and the environment to ensure their long-term success. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted through searches in SCOPUS and Web of Science. All studies in acute care settings were included in the review except those investigating EBD in the context of specific health conditions, which were excluded. Themes that overlap were identified to form a conceptual framework for sustainable EBD. Results: Sixty-five articles were included in the final analysis. Identified sustainability features were related to: Sociocultural and functional, Indoor environmental quality and wellbeing, Energy and atmosphere, Water, Materials and resources, Waste, Sustainable sites, and Facility design. EBD thematic analyses were categorized into Indoor environmental quality, Design, Sociocultural, and Functional performance and safety. Conclusions: Key areas of synergy include Indoor environmental quality and wellbeing and Energy and atmosphere. The development of the conceptual framework enables scholars and practitioners to identify design features that align both priorities and through future research, refine the framework.

Unlocking the transformative potential of data science in improving maternal, newborn and child health in Africa: a scoping review protocol

IntroductionApplication of data science in maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH) across Africa is variable with limited documentation. Despite efforts to reduce preventable MNCH morbidity and mortality, progress remains slow....

Comparison of suction technique and non-suction technique in retrograde intrarenal stone surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

To evaluate the clinical efficacy of retrograde intrarenal stone surgery (RIRS) using the vacuum suction technique for the treatment of upper urinary calculi. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, Embase, Sino Med, CNKI, WANFANG DATA, and Cochrane. We included studies comparing vacuum suction RIRS with non-vacuum RIRS. Following the PRISMA guidelines, we performed a meta-analysis of the selected studies. Inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials (RCTs), case-control studies, and retrospective studies evaluating the efficacy of these techniques. Key outcomes analyzed included operative time, hospitalization duration, stone-free rates, and complication rates. Statistical analyses were conducted using mean differences (MD) for continuous variables and odds ratios (OR) for dichotomous outcomes, with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). Sixteen studies (6 RCTs, 1 case-control study, and 9 retrospective studies) involving a total of 2029 patients were included. Meta-analysis revealed that the vacuum suction technique significantly reduced operative time (MD = -14.45min, 95% CI [-18.45; -10.44], P < 0.00001) and hospital stay (MD = -0.54days, 95% CI [-0.80; -0.28], P < 0.00001). In addition, patients in the vacuum suction group had a higher stone-free rate (OR = 3.57, 95% CI [2.57; 4.95], P < 0.00001) and lower complication rates, particularly in reducing postoperative fever. The application of the vacuum suction technique in RIRS significantly improves clinical outcomes by reducing operative time and hospitalization duration, enhancing stone-free rates, and lowering postoperative complication rates. This technique demonstrates a clear clinical advantage over non-vacuum RIRS and should be considered a preferred option for the management of upper urinary tract stones.