The impact of social media has been significant on various aspects of life, particularly mental health. Growing concerns about the adverse effects of social media use have prompted the exploration of experimental interventions, defined as digital detox interventions. However, it remains unclear whether digital detox interventions are effective for mental health outcomes. The aim of this study was to provide comprehensive insights into the effects of digital detox interventions on various mental health outcomes, including depression, life satisfaction, stress, and mental well-being. Following the PRISMA guidelines, systematic searches were carried out in online databases, including PubMed and ScienceDirect, within the publication range of 2013 and 2023. A total of 2578 titles and abstracts were screened, and 10 studies were included in the analysis. A risk of bias assessment was conducted using RoB 2.0 and the Newcastle-Ottawa scale, while statistical analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.4.1. Our data indicated a significant effect of digital detox in mitigating depression with the standardized mean difference (SMD: -0.29; 95%CI: -0.51, -0.07, p=0.01). No statistically significant effects were discerned in terms of life satisfaction (SMD: 0.20; 95%CI: -0.12, 0.52, p=0.23), stress (SMD: -0.31; 95%CI: -0.83, 0.21, p=0.24), and overall mental well-being (SMD: 0.04; 95%CI: -0.54, 0.62, p=0.90). These data underscore the nuanced and selective influence of digital detox on distinct facets of mental health. In conclusion, digital detox interventions significantly reduce depressive symptoms, suggesting that intentional reduction or cessation of digital engagement may help alleviate contributing factors. However, no statistically significant effects were observed in mental well-being, life satisfaction, and stress. This discrepancy may be due to the complex nature of these constructs, involving various factors beyond the scope of digital detox interventions.

The aging population warrants the increase of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) prevalence, a condition that could progress to dementia. Efforts have been made to improve the MCI and prevent its progression, including the introduction of Tai Chi, a Chinese traditional exercise. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy of Tai Chi in attenuating MCI among the elderly population. Records investigating the effect of Tai Chi exercise intervention on cognitive function among elderly patients were searched systematically from PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and Europe PMC as of April 13, 2023. The risk of bias (RoB 2.0) quality assessment was employed in the quality appraisal of the studies included. Review Manager 5.4.1 was used for data extraction and meta-analysis, where the standard mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (95%CI) were computed. Eight randomized control trials with a total of 1379 participants were included in this meta-analysis. Six trials assessed Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores, where its pooled analysis suggested that Tai Chi was as effective as conventional exercise (SMD=0.15, 95%CI: -0.11 to 0.40, p=0.26). However, pooled analysis of the Mini-Mental Status Examination suggested that Tai Chi intervention more effectively improved cognitive function and reduced the rate of cognitive impairment in elderly patients (SMD=0.36, 95%CI: 0.18 to 0.54, p<0.01) as compared to the control group. This systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that, in some extent, Tai Chi is efficacious in improving cognitive function and slowing down the rate of cognitive impairment among elderly patients.

Background: Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) requires rapid treatment. Although alteplase is a standard thrombolytic therapy, its limited availability in low-resource settings presents a challenge. Lumbrokinase, a fibrinolytic enzyme isolated from earthworms, has been proposed as an adjunct treatment option. This meta-analysis evaluated efficacy and safety in addition to supportive care. Methods: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted using multiple databases through July 2024 following PRISMA guidelines. The risk of bias was assessed using RoB 2.0, and evidence quality was graded using GRADE. Publication bias was evaluated using funnel plots. Meta-analyses employed a random-effects model and reported odds ratios (ORs) and mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals. Primary outcomes included the Barthel Index and NIHSS scores, and secondary outcomes included adverse events and laboratory results. Results: A total of 35 RCTs published between 2010 and 2024 were included. Compared with supportive care alone, lumbrokinase adjunct therapy significantly improved Barthel Index scores (MD = 15.17; 95% CI: 14.60 to 15.74) and reduced NIHSS scores (MD = − 2.01; 95% CI: − 2.06 to − 1.97). Safety analyses revealed no significant increase in adverse events including gastrointestinal discomfort (OR = 1.00; 95% CI: 0.32 to 3.16) and GI bleeding (OR = 1.42; 95% CI: 0.55 to 3.67). Laboratory assessments indicated improvements in aPTT (MD = 1.93; 95% CI: 1.58 to 2.28), platelet aggregation rate (MD = − 205.86; 95% CI, − 206.77 to − 204.96), and D-dimer levels (MD = − 0.04; 95% CI: − 0.05 to − 0.03). Conclusion: Lumbrokinase may safely improve stroke outcomes; however, limited evidence warrants cautious use and further high-quality trials.

Given the high prevalence of obesity worldwide, effective therapeutic strategies are crucial to prevent and manage obesity-related health conditions. Existing studies indicate that Lactobacillus sp. showed beneficial effects on body weight and adiposity by modifying the gut microbiota; however, no meta-analysis has been conducted assessing the efficacy of Lactobacillus sp-based probiotics on anthropometric parameters, leptin and adiponectin levels, and gut microbiota composition. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of probiotic supplementation with Lactobacillus sp. in obese individuals without comorbidities. A systematic search was conducted on November 28, 2024, using five databases: PubMed, Wiley, ScienceDirect, Epistemonikos, and Cochrane. Primary outcomes included changes in body mass index (BMI), body weight, waist and hip circumferences, visceral and subcutaneous fat areas, and total body fat content. Secondary outcomes included alterations in leptin and adiponectin levels, gut microbiota composition, and the incidence of adverse events. A total of 1,058 individuals were included across 12 clinical trials. Significant reductions were observed in BMI (mean difference (MD): -0.40 kg/m²; 95%CI: -0.48–(-0.32), p<0.00001), body weight (MD: -1.16 kg; 95%CI: -1.79–(-0.53), p=0.0003), waist circumference (MD: -1.41 cm; 95%CI: -1.75–(-1.08), p<0.00001), and hip circumference (MD: -0.85 cm; 95%CI: -1.09–(-0.61), p<0.00001) compared to controls. Additionally, compared to control group, significant reductions were observed in visceral and subcutaneous fat mass (MD: -7.35; 95%CI: -9.95–(-4.75); p<0.00001) and overall body fat (MD: -1.11; 95%CI: -1.31–(-0.91); p<0.00001). Leptin levels significantly decreased (MD: -2.11 μg/mL; 95%CI: -3.59–(-0.64), p=0.005) compared to before Lactobacillus sp. supplementation, while adiponectin levels increased (MD: 0.71 μg/mL; 95%CI: 0.22–1.20, p=0.004) following Lactobacillus sp. supplementation compared to placebo group. No significant adverse events were reported in either the intervention or control groups. In conclusion, Lactobacillus sp. probiotic supplementation may serve as an adjuvant therapy to enhance obesity management in non-comorbid obese individuals.

Dysregulation of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) often leads to hypertension and severe cardiorenal complications. Although RAAS-targeted therapies have proven effective, it remains yet optimal in reducing cardiovascular events. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) compared to control in patients with hypertension. The primary outcomes were systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) control, along with the incidence of adverse events. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted according following PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive literature search was performed across five databases: PubMed, ScienceDirect, EBSCO, Cochrane, and ProQuest, with studies identified up until 3 October 2024. The study included nine clinical trials that met the predefined eligibility criteria: (1) randomized clinical trials; (2) adult patients diagnosed with hypertension; and (3) comparison of ARNI versus control, reporting either BP control or adverse events. Quality appraisal using RoB 2.0 revealed that eight studies had a low risk of bias, and one had a high risk of bias. The pooled analysis demonstrated that ARNI is significantly more efficacious in achieving targeted systolic BP as compared to the control group (OR: 1.80; 95%CI: 1.41-2.30; p<0.001; I²=0%), and there was no statistical difference for the efficacy on diastolic BP compared to control (OR: 0.92; 95%CI: 0.75–1.13; p=0.45; I²=75%). The incidence of adverse events was not associated with ARNI (OR: 1.07; 95%CI: 0.90–1.27; p=0.46; I²=72%). In conclusion, ARNI demonstrated a favorable outcome only in systolic BP, but in diastolic BP which could be associated with inadequate duration of observation. Further studies are warranted to assess BP-lowering effect and safety profile of ARNI in a longer observation time.