Assessment of the diagnostic performance of two new tools versus routine screening instruments for bipolar disorder: a meta-analysis

Objective: The present meta-analysis was conducted to determine the diagnostic accuracy of the bipolarity index (BI) and Rapid Mode Screener (RMS) as compared with the Bipolar Spectrum Diagnostic Scale (BSDS), the Hypomania Checklist (HCL-32), and the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) in people with bipolar disorder (BD). Methods: We systematically searched five databases using standard search terms, and relevant articles published between May 1990 and November 30, 2021 were collected and reviewed. Results: Ninety-three original studies were included (n=62,291). At the recommended cutoffs for the BI, HCL-32, BSDS, MDQ, and RMS, the pooled sensitivities were 0.82, 0.75, 0.71, 0.71, and 0.78, respectively, while the corresponding pooled specificities were 0.73, 0.63, 0.73, 0.77, and 0.72, respectively. However, there was evidence that the accuracy of the BI was superior to that of the other tests, with a relative diagnostic odds ratio (RDOR) of 1.22 (0.98-1.52, p < 0.0001). The RMS was significantly more accurate than the other tests, with an RDOR (95%CI) of 0.79 (0.67-0.92, p < 0.0001) for the detection of BD type I (BD-I). However, there was evidence that the accuracy of the MDQ was superior to that of the other tests, with an RDOR of 1.93 (0.89-2.79, p = 0.0019), for the detection of BD type II (BD-II). Conclusion: The psychometric properties of two new instruments, the BI and RMS, in people with BD were consistent with considerably higher diagnostic accuracy than the HCL-32, BSDS, and MDQ. However, a positive screening should be confirmed by a clinical diagnostic evaluation for BD.

Effect of conductive hearing loss on central auditory function / Efeito da perda auditiva condutiva na função auditiva central

Abstract Introduction: It has been demonstrated that long-term Conductive Hearing Loss (CHL) may influence the precise detection of the temporal features of acoustic signals or Auditory Temporal Processing (ATP). It can be argued that ATP may be the underlying component of many central auditory processing capabilities such as speech comprehension or sound localization. Little is known about the consequences of CHL on temporal aspects of central auditory processing. Objective: This study was designed to assess auditory temporal processing ability in individuals with chronic CHL. Methods: During this analytical cross-sectional study, 52 patients with mild to moderate chronic CHL and 52 normal-hearing listeners (control), aged between 18 and 45 year-old, were recruited. In order to evaluate auditory temporal processing, the Gaps-in-Noise (GIN) test was used. The results obtained for each ear were analyzed based on the gap perception threshold and the percentage of correct responses. Results: The average of GIN thresholds was significantly smaller for the control group than for the CHL group for both ears (right: p = 0.004; left: p < 0.001). Individuals with CHL had significantly lower correct responses than individuals with normal hearing for both sides (p < 0.001). No correlation was found between GIN performance and degree of hearing loss in either group (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The results suggest reduced auditory temporal processing ability in adults with CHL compared to normal hearing subjects. Therefore, developing a clinical protocol to evaluate auditory temporal processing in this population is recommended.

Resumo Introdução: Já foi demonstrado que a perda auditiva condutiva (PAC), em longo prazo, pode influenciar na detecção precisa das características temporais dos sinais acústicos ou do processamento auditivo temporal (PAT). Pode-se argumentar que o PAT pode ser o componente subjacente de muitos recursos do processamento auditivo central, como a compreensão da fala ou localização do som. Pouco se sabe sobre as consequências da PAC nos aspectos temporais do processamento auditivo central. Objetivo: Este estudo foi projetado para avaliar a capacidade de processamento auditivo temporal em indivíduos com PAC crônica. Método: Durante este estudo transversal analítico, 52 pacientes com PAC crônica leve a moderada e 52 indivíduos com audição normal (controle), entre 18 e 45 anos, foram recrutados. Para avaliar o processamento auditivo temporal, foi usado o teste de resolução temporal Gaps-in-Noise (GIN). Os resultados obtidos para cada orelha foram analisados com base no limiar de percepção da quebra de continuidade (gap) e na porcentagem de respostas corretas. Resultados: A média dos limiares no GIN foi significativamente menor para o grupo controle do que para o grupo PAC em ambas as orelhas (direita: p = 0,004; esquerda: p < 0,001). Os indivíduos com PAC apresentaram respostas corretas significativamente mais baixas do que os indivíduos com audição normal em ambas as orelhas (p < 0,001). Não houve correlação entre o desempenho no GIN e o grau de perda auditiva em ambos os grupos (p > 0,05). Conclusão: Os resultados sugerem uma redução da capacidade de processamento auditivo temporal em adultos com PAC comparados com indivíduos que apresentam audição normal. Portanto, o desenvolvimento de um protocolo clínico para avaliar o processamento auditivo temporal nessa população é recomendado.

Deoxyribonucleic acid repair gene X-ray repair cross-complementing group 1 polymorphisms and non-carcinogenic disease risk in different populations: A meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: This study aims to assess a meta‑analysis of the association of X‑ray repair cross‑complementing group 1 (XRCC1) polymorphisms with the risk of various non‑carcinogenic diseases in different population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This meta‑analysis was performed by critically reviewing reveals 38 studies involving 10043 cases and 11037 controls. Among all the eligible studies, 14 focused on Arg194Trp polymorphism, 33 described the Arg399Gln and three articles investigated on Arg280His. Populations were divided into three different ethnic subgroups include Caucasians, Asians and other (Turkish and Iranian). RESULTS: Pooled results showed no correlation between Arg194Trp and non‑carcinogenic disease. There was only weak relation in the recessive (odds ratio [OR] =1.11, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.86‑1.44) model in Asian population and dominant (OR = 1.04, 95% CI: 0.66‑1.63) model of other populations. In Arg399Gln polymorphism, there was no relation with diseases of interest generally. In the pooled analysis, there were weak relation in the dominant (OR = 1.08, 95% CI: 0.86‑1.35) model of Asian population and quite well‑correlation with recessive (OR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.19‑1.88), dominant (OR = 1.23, 95% CI: 0.94‑1.62), and additive (OR = 1.23, 95% CI: 0.94‑1.62) models of other subgroup. For Arg280His, there was a weak relation only in the dominant model (OR = 1.06, 95% CI: 0.74‑1.51). CONCLUSION: The present meta‑analysis correspondingly shows that Arg399Gln variant to be associated with increased non‑carcinogenic diseases risk through dominant and recessive modes among Iranian and Turkish population. It also suggests a trend of dominant and recessive effect of Arg280His variant in all population and its possible protective effect on non‑carcinogenic diseases.

Microcytic hypochromic anemia patients with thalassemia: genotyping approach.

BACKGROUND: Microcytic hypochromic anemia is a common condition in clinical practice, and alpha-thalassemia has to be considered as a differential diagnosis. AIMS: This study was conducted to evaluate the frequency of alpha-gene, beta-gene and hemoglobin variant numbers in subjects with microcytic hypochromic anemia. SETTING AND DESIGNS: Population-based case-control study in the Iranian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 340 subjects from southwest part of Iran were studied in the Research Center of Thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathies (RCTH), Iran. Genotyping for known alpha- and beta-gene mutations was done with gap-PCR and ARMS. In cases of some rare mutations, the genotyping was done with the help of other techniques such as RFLP and ARMS-PCR. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Statistical analysis was carried out by SPSS 11.5 and an independent-sample t test. RESULTS: Out of the total 340 individuals, 325 individuals were evaluated to have microcytic hypochromic anemia based on initial hematological parameters such as MCV<80 fl; MCH<27 pg; the remaining 15 patients were diagnosed with no definite etiology. The overall frequency of -alpha3.7 deletion in 325 individuals was 20.3%. The most frequent mutations were IVS II-I, CD 36/37 and IVS I-110 with frequencies of 6.31%, 5.27% and 1.64%, respectively. Only, there was a significant difference between beta-thalassemia trait and beta-thalassemia major with regard to MCV (P<0.05) and MCH (P<0.05) indices, and also MCH index between beta-thalassemia trait and Hb variants (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Molecular genotyping provides a rapid and reliable method for identification of common, rare and unknown alpha- and beta-gene mutations, which help to diagnose unexplained microcytosis and thus prevent unnecessary iron supplementation.

Incidence of head and neck birth defects in Iran: a cross-sectional study from southwest region

The aims of the study were to assess the prevalence of birth defects [BDs] in Ahwaz, Iran amongst the live births born between 1 Oct 2006 and 31 Oct 2007. There were a total of 4176 live births in Ahwaz during this study period. The interview included the Father and mother's date of birth, Number of gravidity, paternal smoking, maternal delivery age and the occupation of the mother and father. Out of 4176 subjects, 1.43 per 1000 live births presented with multiple anomalies. The overall occurrence of malformation among working mothers were 1.67 and 7.42 for working fathers. Parents in the occupational group 'Commerce' had the highest rates [3.83 per 1000 live births]. The frequencies of BDs in smokers were 3.5 [per 1000 live births]. The gravidity profiles showed that all three types were very close to each other. The occurrence rate of BDs increased in the maternal delivery age of 18-35 years [5.74 per 1000 live birth]. The prevalence of BDs in Southwest of Iran is comparable to those in other countries. Some of the birth defects are not diagnosed at birth and may occur later in the life