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Systematic literature review of imaging features of spinal degeneration in asymptomatic populations.AJNR. American Journal of Neuroradiology Apr 2015Degenerative changes are commonly found in spine imaging but often occur in pain-free individuals as well as those with back pain. We sought to estimate the prevalence,... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Degenerative changes are commonly found in spine imaging but often occur in pain-free individuals as well as those with back pain. We sought to estimate the prevalence, by age, of common degenerative spine conditions by performing a systematic review studying the prevalence of spine degeneration on imaging in asymptomatic individuals.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We performed a systematic review of articles reporting the prevalence of imaging findings (CT or MR imaging) in asymptomatic individuals from published English literature through April 2014. Two reviewers evaluated each manuscript. We selected age groupings by decade (20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 years), determining age-specific prevalence estimates. For each imaging finding, we fit a generalized linear mixed-effects model for the age-specific prevalence estimate clustering in the study, adjusting for the midpoint of the reported age interval.
RESULTS
Thirty-three articles reporting imaging findings for 3110 asymptomatic individuals met our study inclusion criteria. The prevalence of disk degeneration in asymptomatic individuals increased from 37% of 20-year-old individuals to 96% of 80-year-old individuals. Disk bulge prevalence increased from 30% of those 20 years of age to 84% of those 80 years of age. Disk protrusion prevalence increased from 29% of those 20 years of age to 43% of those 80 years of age. The prevalence of annular fissure increased from 19% of those 20 years of age to 29% of those 80 years of age.
CONCLUSIONS
Imaging findings of spine degeneration are present in high proportions of asymptomatic individuals, increasing with age. Many imaging-based degenerative features are likely part of normal aging and unassociated with pain. These imaging findings must be interpreted in the context of the patient's clinical condition.
Topics: Aging; Back Pain; Female; Humans; Intervertebral Disc Degeneration; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Middle Aged; Prevalence; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 25430861
DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.A4173 -
Romanian Journal of Ophthalmology 2015The objective of our study was to review the current knowledge on Age- Related Macular Degeneration, including pathogenesis, ocular manifestations, diagnosis and... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
The objective of our study was to review the current knowledge on Age- Related Macular Degeneration, including pathogenesis, ocular manifestations, diagnosis and ancillary testing.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW METHODOLOGY
Relevant publications on Age-Related Macular Degeneration that were published until 2014.
CONCLUSIONS
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common macular disease affecting elderly people in the Western world. It is characterized by the appearance of drusen in the macula, accompanied by choroidal neovascularization (CNV) or geographic atrophy.
Topics: Aged; Aging; Diagnosis, Differential; Disease Progression; Fluorescein Angiography; Geographic Atrophy; Humans; Macular Degeneration; Prevalence; Retinal Drusen; Risk Factors; Romania; Tomography, Optical Coherence; Wet Macular Degeneration
PubMed: 26978865
DOI: No ID Found -
Open Forum Infectious Diseases Apr 2019PubMed was searched from 1935 to December 2017 with a variety of search phrases among article titles. The references of the identified manuscripts were then manually... (Review)
Review
PubMed was searched from 1935 to December 2017 with a variety of search phrases among article titles. The references of the identified manuscripts were then manually searched. The inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) the paper presented data on measured normal body temperature of healthy human subjects ages 18 and older, (2) a prospective design was used, and (3) the paper was written in or translated into the English language. Thirty-six articles met the inclusion criteria. This comprised 9227 measurement sites from 7636 subjects. The calculated ranges (mean ± 2 standard deviations) were 36.32-37.76 (rectal), 35.76-37.52 (tympanic), 35.61-37.61 (urine), 35.73-37.41 (oral), and 35.01-36.93 (axillary). Older adults (age ≥60) had lower temperature than younger adults (age <60) by 0.23°C, on average. There was only insignificant gender difference. Compared with the currently established reference point for normothermia of 36.8°C, our means are slightly lower but the difference likely has no physiological importance. We conclude that the most important patient factors remain site of measurement and patient's age.
PubMed: 30976605
DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofz032 -
Eye (London, England) Aug 2020The aim of our study was to estimate regional and global cataract prevalence, its prevalence in different age groups, and the determinants of heterogeneity and its... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The aim of our study was to estimate regional and global cataract prevalence, its prevalence in different age groups, and the determinants of heterogeneity and its prevalence. For that, we used international databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, and other sources of information to conduct a systematic search for all articles concerning the prevalence of age-related cataract and its types in different age groups. Of the 9922 identified articles, 45 studies with a sample size of 161,947 were included in the analysis, and most of them were from the Office for the Western Pacific Region (19 studies). Age- standardized pooled prevalence estimate (ASPPE) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) of any cataract, cortical cataract, nuclear cataract, and posterior subcapsular (PSC) cataract were 17.20% (13.39-21.01), 8.05% (4.79-11.31), 8.22% (4.93-11.52), and 2.24% (1.41-3.07), respectively. Significant effects on heterogeneity were observed for the WHO region in the prevalence of any cataract (b: 6.30; p: 0.005) and study year in the prevalence of nuclear cataract (b: -0.66, p: 0.042). In general, the prevalence of cataract not only varies by region but also by age group, and most cases are over the age of 60 years. We examined the sources of variance in the prevalence of cataract and its different types, and identified age as a responsible factor in the prevalence of any cataract, cortical cataract, nuclear cataract, and PSC of cataract, WHO region in the prevalence of any cataract, and study year in the prevalence of nuclear cataract.
Topics: Cataract; Databases, Factual; Humans; Middle Aged; Prevalence
PubMed: 32055021
DOI: 10.1038/s41433-020-0806-3 -
Archives of Physiotherapy Nov 2021Shoulder pain was previously shown to diminish in older populations and it was suggested that this could be explained by reduced usage with age. Our objectives were to... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Shoulder pain was previously shown to diminish in older populations and it was suggested that this could be explained by reduced usage with age. Our objectives were to investigate if estimates of shoulder pain continue to increase after the age of 50 in working populations and to compare these estimates in physically demanding occupations with sedentary occupations.
METHODS
A systematic review of retrospective, cross-sectional, prospective, or longitudinal. studies reporting prevalence or incidence of non-specific shoulder pain in occupational groups stratified by age. Searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL from inception until January 2020. Study characteristics and prevalence estimates stratified by age were extracted. Two reviewers independently performed a critical analysis of the included studies to determine their validity and risk of bias.
RESULTS
Twenty studies with a total of 40,487 participants and one study of a clinical data base were included and assigned a direction of the estimates for shoulder pain as either 'increasing', 'remaining stable' or 'decreasing' past the age of 50. Shoulder pain generally increased past 50, with 16 of the 21 included studies reporting higher estimates/odds ratios in older participants. In the more physically active occupations over 50, the estimates increased in 14 of the 18 samples compared to only two of the four involving sedentary occupations.
CONCLUSIONS
Shoulder pain prevalence remains common in workers beyond the age of 50. Prevalence continues to increase in physically demanding occupations. Clinicians should consider factors of occupation when managing shoulder pain.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
PROSPERO (CRD42019137831).
PubMed: 34736540
DOI: 10.1186/s40945-021-00119-w -
Neuroepidemiology 2016Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder. Epidemiological studies on the incidence of PD are important to better understand the risk factors for... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder. Epidemiological studies on the incidence of PD are important to better understand the risk factors for PD and determine the condition's natural history.
OBJECTIVE
This systematic review and meta-analysis examine the incidence of PD and its variation by age and gender.
METHODS
We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE for epidemiologic studies of PD from 2001 to 2014, as a previously published systematic review included studies published until 2001. Data were analyzed separately for age group and gender, and meta-regression was used to determine whether a significant difference was present between groups.
RESULTS
Twenty-seven studies were included in the analysis. Meta-analysis of international studies showed rising incidence with age in both men and women. Significant heterogeneity was observed in the 80+ group, which may be explained by methodological differences between studies. While males had a higher incidence of PD in all age groups, this difference was only statistically significant for those in the age range 60-69 and 70-79 (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
PD incidence generally increases with age, although it may stabilize in those who are 80+.
Topics: Adult; Age Factors; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Female; Humans; Incidence; Male; Middle Aged; Parkinson Disease; Risk Factors; Sex Factors
PubMed: 27105081
DOI: 10.1159/000445751 -
The Journal of Sports Medicine and... Jan 2019The aim of the present systematic review was to profile soccer players' anthropometric, physiological, and physical attributes relative to different competitive levels,...
INTRODUCTION
The aim of the present systematic review was to profile soccer players' anthropometric, physiological, and physical attributes relative to different competitive levels, playing positions and age groups.
EVIDENCE ACQUISITION
The systematic search was conducted using different databases and according to the Population/Intervention or Exposure/Comparison/Outcome(s) [PICO] criteria.
EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS
The present review shows that the somatotype characteristics, percentage (%) of body fat, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), repeated-sprint ability (RSA), running speed, strength, and muscular power of the lower limbs were the most powerful discriminators between male soccer players of different competitive levels, playing positions, and age groups. Specifically, higher VO2max, muscle strength, muscular power (vertical jump height), running speed (10-30 m) and agility, and lower % of body fat were identified in elite soccer players (higher-level) compared to all other competitive levels (i.e., lower-level: sub-elite, amateur, recreational). As for the competitive level differences, higher VO2max, mean anaerobic power, RSA and sprint performances (5 to 20 m), and lower % of body fat and lower limbs' explosive capabilities (countermovement jump [CMJ] and squat jump [SJ]) were found in outfielders (forwards, midfielders, and defenders) as compared to goalkeepers, from a very youth age (8 years old). Concerning age-related performance, it appears that physical performance increased significantly with age.
CONCLUSIONS
These data, together with the fact that each position, age category, and playing level has a different physiological background in male soccer players, demonstrate that training programs should be individualized to each position, playing level and age category, as is already done with goalkeepers.
Topics: Adolescent; Anthropometry; Athletes; Athletic Performance; Body Composition; Child; Humans; Lower Extremity; Male; Muscle Strength; Oxygen Consumption; Running; Soccer; Somatotypes
PubMed: 29199782
DOI: 10.23736/S0022-4707.17.07950-6 -
JAMA Pediatrics Apr 2020The initial clinical sign of pubertal onset in girls is breast gland development (thelarche). Although numerous studies have used recalled age at menarche (first... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
IMPORTANCE
The initial clinical sign of pubertal onset in girls is breast gland development (thelarche). Although numerous studies have used recalled age at menarche (first menstruation) to assess secular trends of pubertal timing, no systematic review has been conducted of secular trends of thelarche.
OBJECTIVES
To systematically evaluate published data on pubertal timing based on age at thelarche and evaluate the change in pubertal onset in healthy girls around the world.
DATA SOURCES
A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed and Embase of all original peer-reviewed articles published in English before June 20, 2019.
STUDY SELECTION
Included studies used clinical assessment of breast development in healthy girls and used adequate statistical methods, including the reporting of SEs or CIs. The quality of the articles was evaluated by assessing study design, potential sources of bias, main characteristics of the study population, and methods of statistical analysis.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
In accordance with PRISMA guidelines, all articles were assessed for eligibility independently by 2 authors. Weighted regression analysis was performed using a random-effects model.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
Studies examining age at thelarche (development of Tanner breast stage 2) in healthy girls.
RESULTS
The literature search resulted in a total of 3602 studies, of which 30 studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria. There was a secular trend in ages at thelarche according to race/ethnicity and geography. Overall, the age at thelarche decreased 0.24 years (95% CI, -0.44 to -0.04) (almost 3 months) per decade from 1977 to 2013 (P = .02).
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
The age at thelarche has decreased a mean of almost 3 months per decade from 1977 to 2013. A younger age at pubertal onset may change current diagnostic decision-making. The medical community needs current and relevant data to redefine "precocious puberty," because the traditional definition may be outdated, at least in some regions of the world.
Topics: Adolescent; Age Factors; Breast; Child; Female; Humans; Puberty
PubMed: 32040143
DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2019.5881 -
Fertility and Sterility Aug 2023Maternal age-related embryo aneuploidy is considered the most significant limiting factor for a favorable outcome after assisted reproduction technology (ART)... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
IMPORTANCE
Maternal age-related embryo aneuploidy is considered the most significant limiting factor for a favorable outcome after assisted reproduction technology (ART) procedures. Thus, preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies has been proposed as a strategy to genetically evaluate embryos before transfer to the uterus. However, whether embryo ploidy justifies all the aspects of age-related fertility decline remains controversial.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effect of different maternal ages on ART success rates after transfer of euploid embryos.
DATA SOURCES
ScienceDirect, PubMed, Scopus, Embase, the Cochrane library, Clinicaltrials.gov, EU Clinical Trials Register, and World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry were searched from inception until November 2021 using combinations of relevant keywords.
STUDY SELECTION AND SYNTHESIS
Observational and randomized controlled studies were included if they investigated the impact of maternal age on ART outcomes after the transfer of euploid embryos and reported frequencies of women achieving ongoing pregnancy or live birth.
MAIN OUTCOMES
The ongoing pregnancy rate or live birth rate (OPR/LBR) after euploid embryo transfer comparing women <35 vs. women ≥35 years old was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included implantation rate and miscarriage rate. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were also planned to explore the sources of inconsistency among studies. The quality of studies was assessed using a modified version of the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, and body of evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment Development and Evaluation working group methodology.
RESULTS
A total of 7 studies were included (n = 11,335 ART embryo transfers of euploid embryos). A higher OPR/LBR (odds ratio, 1.29; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07-1.54; I = 40%) in women aged <35 years than in women ≥35 with a risk difference equal to 0.06 (95% CI, 0.02-0.09) was found. In line, implantation rate was higher in the youngest group (odds ratio, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.12-1.32; I = 0%). A statistically significant higher OPR/LBR was also found comparing women aged <35 to women 35-37, 38-40, or 41-42. A gradient relationship between age and OPR/LBR could be observed in proportion meta-analysis, especially if restricted to studies with low risk of bias.
CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE
Increasing maternal age is associated with a decline in ART success rates independent of embryo ploidy. This message contributes to an appropriate patient's counseling before starting preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies procedures.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42021289760.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Adult; Maternal Age; Embryo Transfer; Reproductive Techniques, Assisted; Pregnancy Rate; Embryo Implantation; Live Birth; Aneuploidy; Blastocyst
PubMed: 36878347
DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.02.036 -
Biology of Reproduction Feb 2022The ovary is the first organ to age in humans with functional decline evident already in women in their early 30s. Reproductive aging is characterized by a decrease in...
The ovary is the first organ to age in humans with functional decline evident already in women in their early 30s. Reproductive aging is characterized by a decrease in oocyte quantity and quality, which is associated with an increase in infertility, spontaneous abortions, and birth defects. Reproductive aging also has implications for overall health due to decreased endocrinological output. Understanding the mechanisms underlying reproductive aging has significant societal implications as women globally are delaying childbearing and medical interventions have greatly increased the interval between menopause and total lifespan. Age-related changes inherent to the female gamete are well-characterized and include defects in chromosome and mitochondria structure, function, and regulation. More recently, it has been appreciated that the extra-follicular ovarian environment may have important direct or indirect impacts on the developing gamete, and age-dependent changes include increased fibrosis, inflammation, stiffness, and oxidative damage. The cumulus cells and follicular fluid that directly surround the oocyte during its final growth phase within the antral follicle represent additional critical local microenvironments. Here we systematically review the literature and evaluate the studies that investigated the age-related changes in cumulus cells and follicular fluid. Our findings demonstrate unique genetic, epigenetic, transcriptomic, and proteomic changes with associated metabolomic alterations, redox status imbalance, and increased apoptosis in the local oocyte microenvironment. We propose a model of how these changes interact, which may explain the rapid decline in gamete quality with age. We also review the limitations of published studies and highlight future research frontiers.
Topics: Cumulus Cells; Female; Follicular Fluid; Humans; Oocytes; Ovarian Follicle; Pregnancy; Proteomics
PubMed: 34982142
DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab241