Prevalence of internet addiction in Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background and aim: In the last two decades, the proportion of internet users has greatly increased worldwide. Data regarding internet addiction (IA) are lacking in Africa compared to other continents. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of IA in African countries. Methods: We systematically sought relevant articles in PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO and Cochrane database published before September 25, 2021. The risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute tool, and we estimated the pooled prevalence of IA using a random-effects meta-analytic model. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Metaanalyses guidelines. Results: We included 22 studies (13,365 participants), and collected data from Egypt, Ethiopia, Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania and Tunisia between 2013 and 2021. The mean age of participants ranged from 14.8 to 26.1 years, and the most used tool for IA screening was the Young’s 20-item Internet Addiction Test. The pooled prevalence rate of IA was 40.3% (95% CI: 32.2%–48.7%), with substantial heterogeneity. The pooled prevalence for Northern Africa was 44.6% (95% CI: 32.9%–56.7%), significantly higher than the prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa, which was 31.0% (95% CI: 25.2%–37.1%). The risk of bias was moderate for most studies, the certainty was very low, and we found no publication bias. Discussion and conclusions: Four in every ten individuals was considered to have IA in Africa. Further research with methodological optimization seems needed, especially for IA screening tools and the representativity of some subregions

Degradation of Bioceramics.

After roughly 100 years of controlled clinical use, the in vivo and in vitro degradation mechanisms of ceramic materials are still largely unknown. In bioinert ceramics such as alumina and zirconia used in orthopedics, crack propagation mechanisms are well known, but their interactions with other degradation mechanisms (low-temperature degradation, shocks, wear, dissolution, etc.) and the in vivo environment remain to be firmly established. In bioactive ceramics like calcium phosphates and bioactive glasses, dissolution-precipitation processes play a major role on both degradation of the implant and biological efficiency. Even without the ambition to be exhaustive, it is the purpose of this chapter to present the degradation mechanisms of ceramic implants, both inert and bioactive, and the interactions between them and with their environment

Effects of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on the Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis in Depression: Results of a Pilot Study

International audienceSome studies have reported that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) applied to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) is able to induce changes in the hypothalamic-pituitary axis in subjects with major depression. The causes of these neuroendocrine effects are unknown and deserve to be studied. The authors monitored neuroendocrine hormones in 15 subjects with major depression treated by 1-Hz rTMS on the right DLPFC and explored a correlation with mood improvement. Unlike previous studies, no changes in serum cortisol, prolactin, and thyroid hormone levels were found. However, the authors did observe short-term changes in growth hormone levels in nonresponsive subjects

Determination of the mechanical properties of ceramics nanoparticles via in situ nano-indentation in a transmission electron microscope and finite elements simulations

International audienc

Efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for reducing consumption in patients with alcohol use disorders (ALCOSTIM): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: The number of people with an alcohol use disorder (AUD) was recently estimated to be 63.5 million worldwide. The global burden of disease and injury attributable to alcohol is considerable: about 3 million deaths, namely one in 20, were caused by alcohol in 2015. At the same time, AUD remains seriously undertreated. In this context, alternative or adjunctive therapies such as brain stimulation could play an important role. The early results of studies using repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) suggest that stimulations delivered to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex significantly reduce cravings and improve decision-making processes in various addictive disorders. We therefore hypothesize that rTMS could lead to a decrease in alcohol consumption in patients with AUD. METHODS/DESIGN: We report the protocol of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial to evaluate the efficacy of rTMS on alcohol reduction in individuals diagnosed with AUD. The study will be conducted in 2 centers in France. Altogether, 144 subjects older than 18 years and diagnosed with AUD will be randomized to receive 5 consecutive twice-daily sessions of either active or sham rTMS (10 Hz over the right DLPFC, 2000 pulses per day). The main outcomes of the study will be changes in alcohol consumption within the 4 weeks after the rTMS sessions. Secondary outcome measures will include changes in alcohol consumption within the 24 weeks, alcohol cravings, clinical and biological improvements, effects on mood and quality of life, and cognitive and safety assessments, and, for smokers, an assessment of the effects of rTMS on tobacco consumption. DISCUSSION: Several studies have observed a beneficial effect of rTMS on substance use disorders by reducing craving, impulsivity, and risk-taking behavior and suggest that rTMS may be a promising treatment in addiction. However, to date, no studies have included sufficiently large samples and sufficient follow-up to confirm this hypothesis. The results from this large randomized controlled trial will give a better overview of the therapeutic potential of rTMS in AUD. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04773691. Registered on 26 February 2021 https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04773691?term=trojak&draw=2&rank=5

Stroke with neuropsychiatric sequelae after cannabis use in a man: a case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>The outcome of cerebral ischemic stroke associated with cannabis use is usually favorable. Here we report the first case of cannabis-related stroke followed by neuropsychiatric sequelae.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>A 24-year-old Caucasian man was discovered in a deeply comatose non-reactive state after cannabis use. A magnetic resonance imaging scan of his brain showed bilateral multiple ischemic infarcts. The patient remained deeply comatose for four days, after which time he developed other behavioral impairments and recurrent seizures.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Stroke related to cannabis use can be followed by severe neuropsychiatric sequelae. Concomitant alcohol intoxication is essential neither to the occurrence of this neurologic event nor to its severity.</p