Yingying Zhang

Purpose: To determine the clinical efficacy of different respiratory training interventions on swallowing function in patients with swallowing disorders through the systematic review. Methods: We reviewed the literature regarding the application of respiratory training therapy in patients with swallowing disorders, followed by a PRISMA search of published literature in five databases (PubMed, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, CINAHL and EMBASE) in December 2022. Two reviewers performed study selection, quality evaluation, and risk of bias, followed by data extraction and detailed analysis. Results: A total of six randomized controlled studies with a total sample size of 193 cases were included. Respiratory training improved swallowing safety (PAS (n = 151, SMD = 0.69, 95% CI − 1.11 to − 0.26, I² = 36, p < 0.001)) and swallowing efficiency [residual (n = 63, SMD = 1.67, 95% CI − 2.26 to − 1.09, I² = 23%, p < 0.001)] compared to control groups. The results of the qualitative analysis conducted in this study revealed that respiratory training enhanced hyoid bone movement but had no effect on swallowing quality of life. Conclusions: Respiratory training interventions may improve swallowing safety and efficiency in patients with dysphagia. However, the level of evidence is low, and there is a limited amount of research on the effectiveness and physiology of this intervention to improve swallowing function. In the future, there is a need to expand clinical studies, standardize measurement tools, and improve study protocols.

Objective: Although several studies have examined the association between estradiol and human aggression, a consistent understanding of their correlation has yet to be established. This study aimed to investigate this relationship comprehensively. Methods: We systematically searched five English databases (PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL) from their inception to June 5, 2023. Two authors independently screened publications and extracted data based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Statistical analyses were performed using Review Manager 5.4, and a random-effects model was used to pool the data. Results: We identified 14 eligible studies comprising data from 1820 participants that met the inclusion criteria. This meta-analysis indicated a positive correlation between estradiol and human aggression, albeit a weak one. The pooled Fisher z value was 0.16 (95% confidence interval = 0.05–0.26; I ² = 73%, p<.00001). Furthermore, we found that participants’ sex and age, the measures of aggression, and the literature quality might be sources of heterogeneity. Conclusions: Human aggression exhibited a weak positive correlation with estradiol concentration, whereas this relationship was influenced by participants’ sex and age, the measure of aggression used, and the quality assessment of the literature. Gaining a better understanding of the association between estradiol and aggression could aid in the identification of populations prone to aggression.

Background: Voice training has been proposed as an intervention to improve swallowing function in patients with dysphagia. However, little is known about the effects of voice training on swallowing physiology. Objectives: This systematic review investigates the effect of voice training on the swallowing function of patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia and provides the theoretical basis for improving the swallowing function and life quality of patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia. Data sources: A systematic review using a narrative synthesis approach of all published studies was sought with no date restrictions. Five electronic databases (EMBASE, PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, and The Cochrane Library) were searched from inception to April 2022. Study selection: Eight studies were included. Two researchers screened the literature according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, extracted data, and carried out quality control according to the Cochrane handbook5.1.0. Data were analyzed narratively and descriptively. Conclusions: In general, statistically significant positive therapy effects were found. Voice training improves the oral and pharyngeal stages of swallowing in patients with neurological causes of dysphagia, such as stroke, and in patients with non-neurological causes of dysphagia, such as head and neck cancer. However, the current literature is limited and further primary research is required to provide more evidence to support voice training intervention in dysphagia. Future studies could further refine the content of voice training interventions, increase the number of patients enrolled, assess the long-term effects of voice training interventions and add associated assessments of the quality of life after treatment.