Cognitive Aging and the Primate Basal Forebrain Revisited: Disproportionate GABAergic Vulnerability Revealed.

Basal forebrain (BF) projections to the hippocampus and cortex are anatomically positioned to influence a broad range of cognitive capacities that are known to decline in normal aging, including executive function and memory. Although a long history of research on neurocognitive aging has focused on the role of the cholinergic basal forebrain system, intermingled GABAergic cells are numerically as prominent and well positioned to regulate the activity of their cortical projection targets, including the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. The effects of aging on noncholinergic BF neurons in primates, however, are largely unknown. In this study, we conducted quantitative morphometric analyses in brains from young adult (6 females, 2 males) and aged (11 females, 5 males) rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) that displayed significant impairment on standard tests that require the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Cholinergic (ChAT+) and GABAergic (GAD67+) neurons were quantified through the full rostrocaudal extent of the BF. Total BF immunopositive neuron number (ChAT+ plus GAD67+) was significantly lower in aged monkeys compared with young, largely because of fewer GAD67+ cells. Additionally, GAD67+ neuron volume was greater selectively in aged monkeys without cognitive impairment compared with young monkeys. These findings indicate that the GABAergic component of the primate BF is disproportionally vulnerable to aging, implying a loss of inhibitory drive to cortical circuitry. Moreover, adaptive reorganization of the GABAergic circuitry may contribute to successful neurocognitive outcomes.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT A long history of research has confirmed the role of the basal forebrain in cognitive aging. The majority of that work has focused on BF cholinergic neurons that innervate the cortical mantle. Codistributed BF GABAergic populations are also well positioned to influence cognitive function, yet little is known about this prominent neuronal population in the aged brain. In this unprecedented quantitative comparison of both cholinergic and GABAergic BF neurons in young and aged rhesus macaques, we found that neuron number is significantly reduced in the aged BF compared with young, and that this reduction is disproportionately because of a loss of GABAergic neurons. Together, our findings encourage a new perspective on the functional organization of the primate BF in neurocognitive aging.

[Transitional care from hospital to home: how to target the right population?] / Soins de transition entre l'hôpital et le domicile: pour quels patient-es ?

When patients are discharged from the hospital and return home, they are at risk of adverse events if the continuity of care is broken. So far, the evidence for transitional care models to reduce readmission rates has focused mainly on patients with a single condition. Based on this observation, we identified the population that may benefit the most from the development of a new transitional care model, as part of the INSTEAD project, by consensus between patients and professionals in hospitals and the community. To ensure continuity of care, it is necessary to consider the patients' perception, their understanding of the care plan and changes impacting the home care plan. Interprofessional collaboration is essential to achieve this.

Lorsqu'un-e patient-e retourne à domicile suite à une hospitalisation il-elle est souvent confronté-e à des événements indésirables si la continuité de ses soins n'est pas assurée. Jusqu'à ce jour, les modèles de soins de transition qui ont montré une diminution du taux de réadmission concernaient des patient-es ne souffrant que d'une seule pathologie. Partant de ce constat, nous avons identifié la population qui pourrait le plus bénéficier de soins de transition, dans le cadre du projet INSTEAD, par un consensus incluant d'une part des patient-es et, d'autre part, des professionnel-les hospitaliers et communautaires. Pour assurer la continuité des soins, il s'avère nécessaire de prendre en compte la perception de la personne, sa compréhension ainsi que les changements influençant son plan de soins à domicile. Pour ce faire, une collaboration interprofessionnelle est indispensable.

Safe perioperative tamoxifen use in autologous breast free flap reconstruction: systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Perioperative tamoxifen remains a valuable therapeutic modality for breast cancer patients. Studies in the existing literature have suggested a potential increased risk of thrombotic complications in autologous breast free flap reconstruction patients exposed to tamoxifen perioperatively. However, several recent publications have questioned the validity of these associations. Therefore, we aim to perform a systematic appraisal of the existing literature to determine if perioperative tamoxifen exposure increases the risk of flap complications in autologous breast-free flap reconstruction patients. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed using: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central, Web of Science, EBSCOHost, ClinicalTrials.gov, and TRIP databases from their inception up to April 2021. Articles analyzing the impact of perioperative tamoxifen in autologous breast free flap patients were included. The outcomes assessed were total flap loss, overall flap complications, thrombotic flap complications, which was defined as the sum of arterial and venous flap thrombi, and systemic venous thromboembolism (VTE). Pooled estimates and relative risk were calculated using a random effects model. RESULTS: 9294 Articles were screened and 7 were selected for analysis, which included 3669 flaps in 2759 patients. Compared to patients who did not receive tamoxifen perioperatively, those who received tamoxifen did not have an increased risk of thrombotic flap complications (pooled RR 1.06; 95% CI 0.61-1.84), total flap loss (pooled RR 2.17; 95% CI 0.79-5.95), overall flap complications (pooled RR 1.04; 95% CI 0.76-1.41), or systemic VTE (pooled RR 1.93; 95% CI 0.72-5.13). The heterogeneity of the studies was not significant for any of the outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The purpose of this study was to update the current understanding of the impact of perioperative tamoxifen on autologous breast free flap reconstruction outcomes. The existing literature supports that the perioperative continuation of tamoxifen in breast free flap patients is not associated with an increased risk of thrombotic flap complications, total flap loss, overall flap complications, or systemic VTE.

How people with intellectual and developmental disabilities on collaborative research teams use technology: A rapid scoping review.

BACKGROUND: We conducted a rapid scoping review to identify how inclusive research teams use technology during the research process that could support remote collaboration during public health emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic. METHOD: We searched three databases and conducted a hand search. Two independent reviewers screened 1498 abstracts and titles for inclusion criteria; 81 full text articles were further reviewed; 47 were included. We extracted information about each type of technology, categorised technology used during the research process, and documented described accommodations. RESULTS: We identified 47 articles and 94 examples of technologies used by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout the research process: team formation and team function (38), data collection (19), data analysis (17) and dissemination (20). CONCLUSIONS: Technology use by team members with intellectual and developmental disabilities demonstrates promise for remote research collaborations during public health and climate emergencies and teams with members living in diverse locations.

Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Massive Pulmonary Embolism-Related Cardiac Arrest: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: Management of patients experiencing massive pulmonary embolism-related cardiac arrest is controversial. Venoarterial extracorporeal membranous oxygenation has emerged as a potential therapeutic option for these patients. We performed a systematic review assessing survival and predictors of mortality in patients with massive PE-related cardiac arrest with venoarterial extracorporeal membranous oxygenation use. DATA SOURCES: A literature search was started on February 16, 2020, and completed on March 16, 2020, using PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central, Cinahl, and Web of Science. STUDY SELECTION: We included all available literature that reported survival to discharge in patients managed with venoarterial extracorporeal membranous oxygenation for massive PE-related cardiac arrest. DATA EXTRACTION: We extracted patient characteristics, treatment details, and outcomes. DATA SYNTHESIS: About 301 patients were included in our systemic review from 77 selected articles (total screened, n = 1,115). About 183 out of 301 patients (61%) survived to discharge. Patients (n = 51) who received systemic thrombolysis prior to cannulation had similar survival compared with patients who did not (67% vs 61%, respectively; p = 0.48). There was no significant difference in risk of death if PE was the primary reason for admission or not (odds ratio, 1.62; p = 0.35) and if extracorporeal membranous oxygenation cannulation occurred in the emergency department versus other hospital locations (odds ratio, 2.52; p = 0.16). About 53 of 60 patients (88%) were neurologically intact at discharge or follow-up. Multivariate analysis demonstrated three-fold increase in the risk of death for patients greater than 65 years old (adjusted odds ratio, 3.08; p = 0.03) and six-fold increase if cannulation occurred during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (adjusted odds ratio, 5.67; p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Venoarterial extracorporeal membranous oxygenation has an emerging role in the management of massive PE-related cardiac arrest with 61% survival. Systemic thrombolysis preceding venoarterial extracorporeal membranous oxygenation did not confer a statistically significant increase in risk of death, yet age greater than 65 and cannulation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation were associated with a three- and six-fold risks of death, respectively.

Mental health solutions for domestic violence victims amid COVID-19: a review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Due to COVID-19, domestic violence victims face a range of mental health challenges, possibly resulting in substantial human and economic consequences. However, there is a lack of mental health interventions tailored to domestic violence victims and in the context of COVID-19. In this study, we aim to identify interventions that can improve domestic violence victims' mental health amid the COVID-19 pandemic to address the research gap. MAIN TEXT: Drawing insights from established COVID-19 review frameworks and a comprehensive review of PubMed literature, we obtained information on interventions that can address domestic violence victims' mental health challenges amid COVID-19. We identified practical and timely solutions that can be utilized to address mental health challenges domestic violence victims face amid COVID-19, mainly focusing on (1) decreasing victims' exposure to the abuser and (2) increasing victims' access to mental health services. CONCLUSION: Domestic violence is a public health crisis that affects all demographics and could result in significant morbidity and mortality. In addition to emphasizing mental health challenges faced by domestic violence victims, multidisciplinary interventions are identified that could provide timely and practical solutions to domestic violence victims amid the pandemic, which range from tailored shelter home strategies, education programs, escape plans, laws and regulations, as well as more technology-based mental health solutions. There is a significant need for more multipronged and multidisciplinary strategies to address domestic violence amid and beyond the pandemic, particularly interventions that could capitalize on the ubiquity and cost-effectiveness of technology-based solutions.

Investigating child self-report capacity: a systematic review and utility analysis.

PURPOSE: To identify and evaluate methods for assessing pediatric patient-reported outcome (PRO) data quality at the individual level. METHODS: We conducted a systematic literature review to identify methods for detecting invalid responses to PRO measures. Eight data quality indicators were applied to child-report data collected from 1780 children ages 8-11 years. We grouped children with similar data quality patterns and tested for between-group differences in factors hypothesized to influence self-report capacity. RESULTS: We identified 126 articles that described 494 instances in which special measures or statistical techniques were applied to evaluate data quality at the individual level. We identified 22 data quality indicator subtypes: 9 direct methods (require administration of special items) and 13 archival techniques (statistical procedures applied to PRO data post hoc). Application of archival techniques to child-report PRO data revealed 3 distinct patterns (or classes) of the data quality indicators. Compared to class 1 (56%), classes 2 (36%) and 3 (8%) had greater variation in their PRO item responses. Three archival indicators were especially useful for differentiating plausible item response variation (class 2) from statistically unlikely response patterns (class 3). Neurodevelopmental conditions, which are associated with a range of cognitive processing challenges, were more common among children in class 3. CONCLUSION: A multi-indicator approach is needed to identify invalid PRO responses. Once identified, assessment environments and measurement tools should be adapted to best support these individuals' self-report capacity. Individual-level data quality indicators can be used to gauge the effectiveness of these accommodations.

What is genomic medicine?

Genomic medicine is rapidly changing the future of medicine. Medical librarians need to understand this field of research and keep current with its latest advancements. Even if they are not directly involved in genomic medicine, librarians can play an integral role by helping health care consumers and practitioners who may also need to expand their knowledge in this area. This article provides a basic introduction to genomic medicine, gives a brief overview of its recent advancements, and briefly describes some of the ethical, legal, and social implications of this emerging area of research and practice.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of high-pressure intermittent limb compression for the treatment of intermittent claudication.

BACKGROUND: High-pressure intermittent limb compression (HPILC) has been proposed as an alternative treatment of disabling intermittent claudication. The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy of HPILC in improving walking distance in patients with intermittent claudication. METHODS: A search through December 31, 2016, was performed to identify all randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy of HPILC for the management of intermittent claudication. Applicable studies were assessed for quality and pooled using Cochrane systematic review guidelines. The primary outcome measured was absolute claudication distance (ACD). A random-effects model was used for meta-analysis. RESULTS: Eight studies eligible for inclusion were identified. These studies had a combined total of 290 subjects, 172 of whom were randomized to HPILC. All studies identified an increase in walking distance for subjects receiving compression therapy. On meta-analysis, the mean difference of ACD from baseline to follow-up among subjects receiving compression compared with controls was 125 m (95% confidence interval, 58.38-191.63 m; P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: HPILC is associated with a significant increase in ACD compared with controls. Limb compression appears to be an effective, noninvasive treatment option for patients with intermittent claudication. However, there are few studies comparing limb compression with other commonly used therapies. Further studies are needed to better guide the use of HPILC in the treatment of claudication.

Transforming the systematic review service: a team-based model to support the educational needs of researchers.

To meet the current needs of researchers who perform systematic reviews in health care settings, libraries need to provide high-quality educational services for researchers as part of their systematic review services. A team of librarians with diverse skills is also important for ensuring the growth and sustainability of systematic review services. This commentary describes a new team-based systematic review service model that can transform systematic review services by providing a pathway for librarians to offer a comprehensive educational service for systematic review research in a variety of health sciences library settings.

Characterization of heterogeneous skin constructs for full thickness skin regeneration in murine wound models.

An autologous heterogeneous skin construct (AHSC) has been developed and used clinically as an alternative to traditional skin grafting techniques for treatment of cutaneous defects. AHSC is manufactured from a small piece of healthy skin in a manner that preserves endogenous regenerative cellular populations. To date however, specific cellular and non-cellular contributions of AHSC to the epidermal and dermal layers of closed wounds have not been well characterized given limited clinical opportunity for graft biopsy following wound closure. To address this limitation, a three-part mouse full-thickness excisional wound model was developed for histologic and macroscopic graft tracing. First, fluorescent mouse-derived AHSC (mHSC) was allografted onto non-fluorescent recipient mice to enable macroscopic and histologic time course evaluation of wound closure. Next, mHSC-derived from haired pigmented mice was allografted onto gender- and major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-mismatched athymic nude mouse recipients. Resulting grafts were distinguished from recipient murine skin via immunohistochemistry. Finally, human-derived AHSC (hHSC) was xenografted onto athymic nude mice to evaluate engraftment and hHSC contribution to wound closure. Experiments demonstrated that mHSC and hHSC facilitated wound closure through production of viable, proliferative cellular material and promoted full-thickness skin regeneration, including hair follicles and glands in dermal compartments. This combined macroscopic and histologic approach to tracing AHSC-treated wounds from engraftment to closure enabled robust profiling of regenerated architecture and further understanding of processes underlying AHSC mechanism of action. These models may be applied to a variety of wound care investigations, including those requiring longitudinal assessments of healing and targeted identification of donor and recipient tissue contributions.

Chimeric versus Multiple Flaps for Composite Oral Cavity Defects: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Complex head and neck defects involving composite defects can be reconstructed using chimeric flaps or multiple flaps with separate anastomoses. Limited comparisons exist between chimeric and multiple flap reconstructions. We compare outcomes between chimeric and multiple flap reconstructions in oral cavity reconstruction. DATA SOURCES: PubMed (NLM), Embase (Elsevier), Web of Science (Clarivate Analytics), and Cochrane CENTRAL (Wiley). METHODS: A systematic review was conducted, including English articles reporting outcomes of oral cavity reconstruction with either chimeric flaps or multiple flaps. Data extraction included patient characteristics, flap type, and outcomes such as flap survival, partial flap loss, operating room time, hospital length of stay, and postoperative complications. RESULTS: Forty-seven articles comprising 1435 patients were included. Notably, 552 patients underwent multiple flaps, while 883 received chimeric flaps. Meta-analysis revealed no statistically significant difference in flap survival between chimeric and multiple flap patients (98% vs. 99%, p = 0.198). Multiple flap patients had higher rates of operating room take-backs for anastomotic issues and longer hospital stays compared with chimeric flap patients. There were no significant differences in partial flap failure, resumption of diet and speech, need for subsequent flaps, fistula formation, or general complications. CONCLUSION: This large-scale meta-analysis demonstrates equivalent flap survival between chimeric and multiple flaps in the reconstruction of composite oral cavity defects. Both approaches appear to be safe and acceptable, with comparable outcomes in terms of diet and speech resumption, rates of fistulization, and general postoperative complications. Multiple flap patients had higher rates of operating room take-backs and longer hospital stays. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA Laryngoscope, 2024.

Machine Learning Methods for Systematic Reviews:: A Rapid Scoping Review.

Objective: At the forefront of machine learning research since its inception has been natural language processing, also known as text mining, referring to a wide range of statistical processes for analyzing textual data and retrieving information. In medical fields, text mining has made valuable contributions in unexpected ways, not least by synthesizing data from disparate biomedical studies. This rapid scoping review examines how machine learning methods for text mining can be implemented at the intersection of these disparate fields to improve the workflow and process of conducting systematic reviews in medical research and related academic disciplines. Methods: The primary research question that this investigation asked, "what impact does the use of machine learning have on the methods used by systematic review teams to carry out the systematic review process, such as the precision of search strategies, unbiased article selection or data abstraction and/or analysis for systematic reviews and other comprehensive review types of similar methodology?" A literature search was conducted by a medical librarian utilizing multiple databases, a grey literature search and handsearching of the literature. The search was completed on December 4, 2020. Handsearching was done on an ongoing basis with an end date of April 14, 2023. Results: The search yielded 23,190 studies after duplicates were removed. As a result, 117 studies (1.70%) met eligibility criteria for inclusion in this rapid scoping review. Conclusions: There are several techniques and/or types of machine learning methods in development or that have already been fully developed to assist with the systematic review stages. Combined with human intelligence, these machine learning methods and tools provide promise for making the systematic review process more efficient, saving valuable time for systematic review authors, and increasing the speed in which evidence can be created and placed in the hands of decision makers and the public.

A Rapid Scoping Review of the Dual Advocacy Model for Donation Conversations.

INTRODUCTION: Increasing family authorization for donation is critical to address the shortage of organs for transplantation, yet there is no standardized method for leading conversations with families about donation. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this rapid scoping review is to identify research assessing the components of dual advocacy, a model to discuss organ donation with grieving families. METHODS: PubMed, Web of Science, and grey literature were searched for studies published from 2012 to the present. Data representing the various dual advocacy components that were empirically tested were extracted. Outcomes of interest were authorization for organ donation or family satisfaction with the donation conversation. RESULTS: Twenty-two articles were identified that tested at least one component of dual advocacy. The most commonly tested component was effective communication about donation (N = 9), including explaining brain death and the donation process. The primary outcome for the majority of studies was donation authorization or conversion rates. Studies that tested all components of dual advocacy (N = 9) had overall positive results while studies that tested a single component had mixed results. DISCUSSION: Although family authorization to donation is critical to addressing the national organ shortage, there has yet to be a standardized method for leading families in the organ donation conversation. Despite the need for organ transplantation in the United States and worldwide, few large-scale studies have rigorously tested the most effective ways to engage families of donor-eligible patients about the organ donation opportunity. There is an urgent need for further research to establish a standard of evidence-based practice.

Disparities in sport participation of transgender women: a systematic and scoping review protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Transgender women experience disparities in sport participation that are exacerbated by policies from sport organisations and legislation in the USA regulating the participation of transgender women in the category that best aligns with their gender identity. Both transgender and cisgender women are affected by these policies because sport organisations do not have a clear understanding of the effects of gender-affirming hormone therapy on transgender women and the unfair advantage they may have over cisgender women athletes. This article describes a review protocol to understand disparities in sport participation of transgender women. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A systematic and scoping review is being conducted. Studies are included if they explore disparities in sport participation (ie, participation rates, real and/or perceived barriers to participation) of transgender women of any age. A search strategy has been developed for PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and CINAHL. Relevant grey literature will also be scanned. The planned search dates are July and August 2023. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This review does not directly involve human subjects, so ethical approval is not required. Findings from the systematic review will be disseminated via publications in peer-reviewed journals and conferences.

Urban neighbourhood elements that influence psychoactive substance use among populations with adverse childhood experiences: a scoping review protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are stressful or traumatic events experienced before the age of 18 years old. ACEs have been associated with an increased risk for substance use in adulthood. While an abundance of research has examined psychosocial factors that explain the link between ACEs and psychoactive substance use, little is known about the additional influence of the urban neighbourhood environment, including community-level factors, that influence the risk of substance use among populations with a history of ACEs. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The following databases will be systematically searched: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane, PsycInfo, CINAHL, Clinicaltrials.gov and TRIP medical databases. After the title and abstract screening and full-text screening, we will also conduct a manual search of the reference sections of included articles and include relevant citations. Eligibility criteria include peer-reviewed articles that focus on populations with at least one ACE, factors from the urban neighbourhood community, such as elements from the built environment, presence of community service programmes, quality and vacancy of housing, neighbourhood level social cohesion, and neighbourhood level collective efficacy or crime. Included articles should also include terms such as 'substance abuse', 'prescription misuse' and 'dependence'. Only studies written or translated into the English language will be included. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This systematic and scoping review will focus on peer-reviewed publications and does not require ethics approval. Findings will be available for clinicians, researchers and community members via publications and social media. This protocol describes the rationale and methods for the first scoping review to inform future research and community-level intervention development that targets substance use among populations who have experienced ACEs. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42023405151.

The role of physical activity in the relationship between exposure to community violence and mental health: A systematic review.

Community violence is a global public health problem that is associated with mental health disorders. Physical activity can enhance mental health and may play an important role in the relationship between exposure to community violence and mental health. We systematically reviewed the literature to better understand the potential role of physical activity in this relationship. In this review, we searched the databases PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Central, PsycInfo, and SPORTdiscus, and conducted a grey literature search of one clinical trials registry and four organizations' websites. The review included quantitative observational studies, intervention studies, and qualitative studies published by November 30, 2022 and that involved generally healthy individuals across the lifespan. Eligible studies included measures of community violence, mental health, and physical activity. Five studies met the inclusion criteria for the review. Four studies were conducted in high-income countries, only two minority populations were represented in the studies, and none of the studies included older adults or children. Studies defined and measured community violence, mental health, and physical activity in different ways. In most studies, physical activity was not a primary focus but assessed as one item within a larger construct. The role of physical activity was examined differently across the studies and only one study found a significant role (mediator) of physical activity. This review revealed that few studies have specifically examined physical activity's role in the relationship between exposure to community violence and mental health. Further research is needed involving low-income countries, diverse minority populations, and children.

Evaluation in a porcine wound model and long-term clinical assessment of an autologous heterogeneous skin construct used to close full-thickness wounds.

Acute and chronic wounds involving deeper layers of the skin are often not adequately healed by dressings alone and require therapies such as skin grafting, skin substitutes, or growth factors. Here we report the development of an autologous heterogeneous skin construct (AHSC) that aids wound closure. AHSC is manufactured from a piece of healthy full-thickness skin. The manufacturing process creates multicellular segments, which contain endogenous skin cell populations present within hair follicles. These segments are physically optimized for engraftment within the wound bed. The ability of AHSC to facilitate closure of full thickness wounds of the skin was evaluated in a swine model and clinically in 4 patients with wounds of different etiologies. Transcriptional analysis demonstrated high concordance of gene expression between AHSC and native tissues for extracellular matrix and stem cell gene expression panels. Swine wounds demonstrated complete wound epithelialization and mature stable skin by 4 months, with hair follicle development in AHSC-treated wounds evident by 15 weeks. Biomechanical, histomorphological, and compositional analysis of the resultant swine and human skin wound biopsies demonstrated the presence of epidermal and dermal architecture with follicular and glandular structures that are similar to native skin. These data suggest that treatment with AHSC can facilitate wound closure.

A Scoping Review of the Literature on the Relationship Between Social and Structural Determinants of Health and Neurosurgical Outcomes.

In the present study, we performed a scoping review of the social and structural determinant of health (SSDOH)-related academic literature from neurosurgery. To identify the studies to include or consider for our systematic review, we worked with a medical librarian to develop detailed search strategies for each database. The search was limited to studies reported from January 1, 1990 to December 3, 2020. All reports retrieved from the database searches were exported and stored in EndNote X.9 bibliographic and reference manager (Clarivate, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA). The reports were screened by title and abstract independently by two of the co-authors (G.G. and A.O.). Any disagreements between the 2 reviewers were resolved by a third reviewer, who was unaware of the decisions of the primary reviewers. The search resulted in 5940 studies. After exclusions during data extraction, 99 studies remained for the final analysis. From the 99 included studies, 6 social determinants were analyzed, with 3 studies evaluating the highest level of educational attainment, 14 studies evaluating gender, 52 studies evaluating race, and 41 studies evaluating economic stability. Studies referencing SSDOH were found in 8 subspecialties, with 40 studies in spine surgery, 4 studies in functional neurosurgery, 14 studies in vascular neurosurgery, 27 studies in cranial oncology, 5 studies in spinal oncology, 5 studies in pediatric neurosurgery, 1 study in trauma, and 3 studies in general/unspecified subspecialties. Research gaps included the remaining neurosurgical subspecialties and numerous other SSDOHs. These gaps should be areas of future study, with the goal of aligning research with new healthcare initiatives and ensuring consideration of SSDOHs.

Meta-analysis and Systematic Review of Bronchoscopic Lung Volume Reduction Through Endobronchial Valves in Severe Emphysema.

BACKGROUND: Pharmacologic therapeutics for advanced emphysema have limited benefit. Bronchoscopic lung volume reduction with endobronchial valves (EBVs) have reported improvements in lung function, breathlessness, and quality of life through randomized clinical trials, with less morbidity as comparted to Surgical Lung volume Reduction. We here present a Meta-analysis and systematic review of bronchoscopic lung volume reduction in advanced chronic obstructive lung disease patients. METHODS: PubMed (NLM), Embase (Elsevier), and Web of Science (Clarivate Analytics) search was conducted using a combination of keywords and subject headings. The search was confined to the last 15 years and was completed on October 23, 2020. Only placebo-controlled randomized control trials of emphysema patients with EBV were included. Quality assessment was done by 2 independent reviewers. RESULTS: Nine studies were included for the meta-analysis with a total number of 1383 patients of whom 888 received EBV and 495 standard of care (SOC) medications. Our Metanalysis show statistically significant improvement in forced expiratory volume in first second, percentage forced expiratory volume in first second, St. George's respiratory questionnaire, and 6-minute walk distance in EBV group compared with SOC. Residual volume had statistically significant reduction after EBV placement compared with SOC. These differences continued to be present during short-term (<=6 mo) and long-term follow-up (>=6 mo). These improvements were even higher when the EBV patients'. Collateral ventilation was negative/fissure was intact (CV-/FI >90%). The rate of hemoptysis and pneumothorax was higher in the EBV group compared with SOC, however, did not lead to increased fatal outcomes. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, EBV has favorable effects on patients' outcomes in patients who have heterogeneous emphysema particularly with no collateral ventilation.