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Harvard Review of PsychiatryHikikomori syndrome (HS) is a voluntary prolonged social isolation associated with personal and community impact. Previous evidence pointed out a possible relationship...
Hikikomori syndrome (HS) is a voluntary prolonged social isolation associated with personal and community impact. Previous evidence pointed out a possible relationship between this syndrome with addiction to digital technologies. Here we aim to understand the relationship between HS and digital technology use, overuse, and addictive behaviors, as well as potential therapeutic approaches.We conducted a systematic review of observational and intervention studies available in PubMed/MEDLINE, LILACS, IBECS, Embase, PsycINFO, and SciELO databases, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses Protocols (PRISMA 2020) criteria. The risk of bias was assessed with the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) and Consensus-based Clinical Case Reporting Guideline Development (CARE). Eligibility criteria were pre-, at-risk populations, or those with HS diagnosis, and any kind of technological overuse. Seventeen studies were included in the review, of which eight were cross-sectional, eight were case reports, and one was quasi-experimental. Hikikomori syndrome was associated with addition to digital technologies; no cultural differences were found. Environmental factors, such as a history of bullying, low self-esteem, and grief were identified as precursors of addictive behaviors. The included articles addressed addiction to digital technologies, electronic games, and social networks, among others, in HS. HS is cross-culturally associated with such addiction. The management of these patients remains challenging, and no target evidence-based treatments have been developed. The studies included in this review had several limitations, and more studies with a higher level of evidence are needed to support the results.
Topics: Humans; Digital Technology; Phobia, Social; Personality Disorders
PubMed: 36884037
DOI: 10.1097/HRP.0000000000000362 -
Reviews on Environmental Health Jun 2023The association between childhood leukemia and extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MF) generated by power lines and various electric appliances has been studied... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The association between childhood leukemia and extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MF) generated by power lines and various electric appliances has been studied extensively during the past 40 years. However, the conditions under which ELF-MF represent a risk factor for leukemia are still unclear. Therefore, we have performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to clarify the relation between ELF-MF from several sources and childhood leukemia. We have systematically searched Medline, Scopus, Cochrane Database of Systematic Review and DARE to identify each article that has examined the relationship between ELF-MF and childhood leukemia. We have performed a global meta-analysis that takes into account the different measures used to assess magnetic field exposure: magnetic flux density measurements (<0.2 µT vs. >0.2 µT), distances between the child's home and power lines (>200 m vs. <200 m) and wire codings (low current configuration vs. high current configuration). Moreover, meta-analyses either based on magnetic flux densities, on proximity to power lines or on wire codings have been performed. The association between electric appliances and childhood leukemia has also been examined. Of the 863 references identified, 38 studies have been included in our systematic review. Our global meta-analysis indicated an association between childhood leukemia and ELF-MF (21 studies, pooled OR=1.26; 95% CI 1.06-1.49), an association mainly explained by the studies conducted before 2000 (earlier studies: pooled OR=1.51; 95% CI 1.26-1.80 vs. later studies: pooled OR=1.04; 95% CI 0.84-1.29). Our meta-analyses based only on magnetic field measurements indicated that the magnetic flux density threshold associated with childhood leukemia is higher than 0.4 µT (12 studies, >0.4 µT: pooled OR=1.37; 95% CI 1.05-1.80; acute lymphoblastic leukemia alone: seven studies, >0.4 µT: pooled OR=1.88; 95% CI 1.31-2.70). Lower magnetic fields were not associated with leukemia (12 studies, 0.1-0.2 µT: pooled OR=1.04; 95% CI 0.88-1.24; 0.2-0.4 µT: pooled OR=1.07; 95% CI 0.87-1.30). Our meta-analyses based only on distances (five studies) showed that the pooled ORs for living within 50 m and 200 m of power lines were 1.11 (95% CI 0.81-1.52) and 0.98 (95% CI 0.85-1.12), respectively. The pooled OR for living within 50 m of power lines and acute lymphoblastic leukemia analyzed separately was 1.44 (95% CI 0.72-2.88). Our meta-analyses based only on wire codings (five studies) indicated that the pooled OR for the very high current configuration (VHCC) was 1.23 (95% CI 0.72-2.10). Finally, the risk of childhood leukemia was increased after exposure to electric blankets (four studies, pooled OR=2.75; 95% CI 1.71-4.42) and, to a lesser extent, electric clocks (four studies, pooled OR=1.27; 95% CI 1.01-1.60). Our results suggest that ELF-MF higher than 0.4 µT can increase the risk of developing leukemia in children, probably acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Prolonged exposure to electric appliances that generate magnetic fields higher than 0.4 µT like electric blankets is associated with a greater risk of childhood leukemia.
Topics: Child; Humans; Electromagnetic Fields; Magnetic Fields; Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma; Cohort Studies; Case-Control Studies; Environmental Exposure
PubMed: 35302721
DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2021-0112 -
Foods (Basel, Switzerland) Nov 2022Actinomycetes (a group of filamentous bacteria) are the dominant microbial order in the Daqu (DQ) fermentation starter and in the pit mud (PM) of the Baijiu fermentation... (Review)
Review
Actinomycetes (a group of filamentous bacteria) are the dominant microbial order in the Daqu (DQ) fermentation starter and in the pit mud (PM) of the Baijiu fermentation microbiome. Actinomycetes produce many of the key enzymes and flavor components, and supply important precursors, which have a major influence on its characteristic aroma components, to other microorganisms during fermentation. This paper reviews the current progress on actinomycete research related to Baijiu fermentation, including the isolation and identification, distribution, interspecies interactions, systems biology, and main metabolites. The main metabolites and applications of the actinomycetes during Baijiu fermentation are also discussed.
PubMed: 36429142
DOI: 10.3390/foods11223551 -
Frontiers in Bioscience (Landmark... Oct 2023In the past 10 years, significant progress has been made in understanding the pathogenic chain of events that causes Alzheimer's disease (AD). According to the most...
BACKGROUND
In the past 10 years, significant progress has been made in understanding the pathogenic chain of events that causes Alzheimer's disease (AD). According to the most widely accepted concept, the production and aggregation of β-amyloid (Aβ) peptides play a critical role in AD. As a result, therapeutic intervention with these processes is the focus of intense research. The Aβ peptide is cleaved by the α-secretase, β-secretase, and γ-secretase enzymes in a region near the pathogenic amyloid precursor protein (APP) and mutations occurring site.
METHODS
In the current review, a complete picture of the risk factors behind AD has been investigated. Mutations involved in AD progression have also been screened in various studies.
RESULTS
Most of the mutations in the amyloid precursor protein (APP) can lead to the accumulation of APP oligomers in the brain, leading to AD. Several point mutations in APP can cause familial AD (FAD), including the Swedish mutation (K>M670/671N>L) and the A673>V mutation. The pathogenic A673>V mutation and Swedish mutation (M670>K/N671>L) are present in the same region of amyloid precursor protein (). However, the A673>T mutation has been shown to confer protection against AD.
CONCLUSION
More investigations are needed from geographically distinct regions on mutations associated with AD development and applications of nanomedicines for better management of the disease burden in the future. Nanotechnology-produced metal nanoparticles (NPs) have gotten much attention because of their wide range of uses in the medicinal and agricultural industries. Nanomedicine containing potential phytochemicals, including GX-50 and curcumin conjugated with NPs, maybe a potential candidate for treating AD.
Topics: Humans; Alzheimer Disease; Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor; Amyloid beta-Peptides; Mutation; Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases
PubMed: 37919079
DOI: 10.31083/j.fbl2810258 -
Heart Failure Reviews Aug 2014B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal proBNP (NT-proBNP) levels are increased in persons with heart failure (HF); low levels of these peptides rule out HF. We... (Review)
Review
B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal proBNP (NT-proBNP) levels are increased in persons with heart failure (HF); low levels of these peptides rule out HF. We systematically reviewed the literature to assess the use of BNP and NT-proBNP in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment for HF. We also examined the biological variation of these peptides in persons with and without HF. We searched Medline, Embase, AMED, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and CINAHL for English-language studies published between January 1989 and June 2012. Supplemental searches involved the gray literature and the reference lists of included studies. Trained reviewers used standardized forms to screen articles for inclusion in the review and to extract data from included papers. We examined the risk of bias with QUADAS-2 for diagnosis studies, the Hayden criteria for prognosis studies, and the Jadad scale for treatment studies. We assessed the strength of evidence in four domains (risk of bias, consistency, directness, and precision) for the diagnosis and treatment studies. Results were reported as narrative syntheses. Additional meta-analyses were conducted for the diagnosis studies. Three hundred ten articles passed through screening and were included in the review. One hundred four articles applied to diagnostic accuracy, 190 papers pertained to prognosis, and nine articles addressed BNP- or NT-proBNP-guided treatment. Each individual paper in this series reports, summarizes, and discusses the evidence regarding diagnosis, prognosis, or treatment.
Topics: Disease Management; Heart Failure; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Peptide Fragments; Prognosis; Protein Precursors
PubMed: 24953975
DOI: 10.1007/s10741-014-9440-0 -
PloS One 2015Multimorbidity is increasingly prevalent and represents a major challenge in primary care. Patients with multimorbidity are potentially more likely to experience safety... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Multimorbidity is increasingly prevalent and represents a major challenge in primary care. Patients with multimorbidity are potentially more likely to experience safety incidents due to the complexity of their needs and frequency of their interactions with health services. However, rigorous syntheses of the link between patient safety incidents and multimorbidity are not available. This review examined the relationship between multimorbidity and patient safety incidents in primary care.
METHODS
We followed our published protocol (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42014007434). Medline, Embase and CINAHL were searched up to May 2015. Study design and quality were assessed. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated for the associations between multimorbidity and two categories of patient safety outcomes: 'active patient safety incidents' (such as adverse drug events and medical complications) and 'precursors of safety incidents' (such as prescription errors, medication non-adherence, poor quality of care and diagnostic errors). Meta-analyses using random effects models were undertaken.
RESULTS
Eighty six relevant comparisons from 75 studies were included in the analysis. Meta-analysis demonstrated that physical-mental multimorbidity was associated with an increased risk for 'active patient safety incidents' (OR = 2.39, 95% CI = 1.40 to 3.38) and 'precursors of safety incidents' (OR = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.36 to 2.03). Physical multimorbidity was associated with an increased risk for active safety incidents (OR = 1.63, 95% CI = 1.45 to 1.80) but was not associated with precursors of safety incidents (OR = 1.02, 95% CI = 0.90 to 1.13). Statistical heterogeneity was high and the methodological quality of the studies was generally low.
CONCLUSIONS
The association between multimorbidity and patient safety is complex, and varies by type of multimorbidity and type of safety incident. Our analyses suggest that multimorbidity involving mental health may be a key driver of safety incidents, which has important implication for the design and targeting of interventions to improve safety. High quality studies examining the mechanisms of patient safety incidents in patients with multimorbidity are needed, with the goal of promoting effective service delivery and ameliorating threats to safety in this group of patients.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Comorbidity; Female; Humans; Male; Medical Errors; Middle Aged; Patient Safety; Primary Health Care
PubMed: 26317435
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0135947 -
Biomolecules Nov 2022The antioxidant activity of protein-derived peptides was one of the first to be revealed among the more than 50 known peptide bioactivities to date. The exploitation... (Review)
Review
The antioxidant activity of protein-derived peptides was one of the first to be revealed among the more than 50 known peptide bioactivities to date. The exploitation value associated with food-derived antioxidant peptides is mainly attributed to their natural properties and effectiveness as food preservatives and in disease prevention, management, and treatment. An increasing number of antioxidant active peptides have been identified from a variety of renewable sources, including terrestrial and aquatic organisms and their processing by-products. This has important implications for alleviating population pressure, avoiding environmental problems, and promoting a sustainable shift in consumption. To identify such opportunities, we conducted a systematic literature review of recent research advances in food-derived antioxidant peptides, with particular reference to their biological effects, mechanisms, digestive stability, and bioaccessibility. In this review, 515 potentially relevant papers were identified from a preliminary search of the academic databases PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus. After removing non-thematic articles, articles without full text, and other quality-related factors, 52 review articles and 122 full research papers remained for analysis and reference. The findings highlighted chemical and biological evidence for a wide range of edible species as a source of precursor proteins for antioxidant-active peptides. Food-derived antioxidant peptides reduce the production of reactive oxygen species, besides activating endogenous antioxidant defense systems in cellular and animal models. The intestinal absorption and metabolism of such peptides were elucidated by using cellular models. Protein hydrolysates (peptides) are promising ingredients with enhanced nutritional, functional, and organoleptic properties of foods, not only as a natural alternative to synthetic antioxidants.
Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Biological Availability; Peptides; Protein Hydrolysates; Food Handling; Food Additives
PubMed: 36358972
DOI: 10.3390/biom12111622 -
The Science of the Total Environment Feb 2022Methane, a potent greenhouse gas of global importance, has traditionally been considered as an end product of microbial methanogenesis of organic matter. Paradoxically,... (Review)
Review
Methane, a potent greenhouse gas of global importance, has traditionally been considered as an end product of microbial methanogenesis of organic matter. Paradoxically, growing evidence has shown that some microbes, such as cyanobacteria, algae, fungi, purple non-sulfur bacteria, and cryptogamic covers, produce methane in oxygen-saturated aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. The non-methanogenesis process could be an important potential contributor to methane emissions. This systematic review summarizes the knowledge of microorganisms involved in the non-methanogenesis process and the possible mechanisms of methane formation. Cyanobacteria-derived methane production may be attributed to either demethylation of methyl phosphonates or linked to light-driven primary productivity, while algae produce methane by utilizing methylated sulfur compounds as possible carbon precursors. In addition, fungi produce methane by utilizing methionine as a possible carbon precursor, and purple non-sulfur bacteria reduce carbon dioxide to methane by nitrogenase. The microbial methane distribution from the non-methanogenesis processes in aquatic and terrestrial environments and its environmental significance to global methane emissions, possible mechanisms of methane production in each open water, water-to-air methane fluxes, and the impact of climate change on microorganisms are also discussed. Finally, future perspectives are highlighted, such as establishing more in-situ experiments, quantifying methane flux through optimizing empirical models, distinguishing individual methane sources, and investigating nitrogenase-like enzyme systems to improve our understanding of microbial methane emission from the non-methanogenesis process.
Topics: Carbon Dioxide; Cyanobacteria; Ecosystem; Methane; Nitrogenase
PubMed: 34740653
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151362 -
Expert Review of Gastroenterology &... 2023The incidence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is increasing globally. We aimed to assess the performance of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION
The incidence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is increasing globally. We aimed to assess the performance of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), AFP-L3, des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin (DCP), and GALAD score in detecting NAFLD-related HCC.
METHODS
We searched the relevant literature in PubMed, Embase and Cochrane. Conventional and network meta-analyses were performed for sensitivity, specificity, Youden index (YI), and the area under the summary receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC).
RESULTS
Fifteen studies involving 2031 NAFLD participants were included in this meta-analysis. When detecting early-stage NAFLD-related HCC, GALAD score and DCP process excellent performance. The sensitivity and AUC of DCP (0.60, 0.74, respectively) were higher than AFP (0.34, 0.59, respectively). The network meta-analysis showed that DCP and GALAD score had similar performance. In detecting all-stage NAFLD-related HCC, GALAD score (sensitivity = 0.87; YI = 0.77) performed better than AFP (sensitivity = 0.56; YI = 0.50), AFP-L3 (sensitivity = 0.39; YI = 0.36) and DCP (sensitivity = 0.73; YI = 0.62). Network meta-analysis obtained consistent results with conventional meta-analysis.
CONCLUSIONS
Due to the lower cost-effectiveness, DCP was more suitable for detecting early NAFLD-related HCC. AFP could be used in detecting all-stage NAFLD-related HCC.
Topics: Humans; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; alpha-Fetoproteins; Network Meta-Analysis; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease; Liver Neoplasms; Protein Precursors; Prothrombin; Biomarkers; Biomarkers, Tumor
PubMed: 37929312
DOI: 10.1080/17474124.2023.2279175 -
International Journal of Rheumatic... Jan 2024Fibromyalgia (FM) is a highly prevalent chronic disease. About 4.7% of the world's population suffers from generalized pain and hypersensitivity, in addition to a wide... (Review)
Review
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a highly prevalent chronic disease. About 4.7% of the world's population suffers from generalized pain and hypersensitivity, in addition to a wide range of physical and psychological symptoms. The etiopathogenesis of this disease is multifactorial, which makes its diagnosis and treatment challenging. Recently, the increase in the number of studies on microbiota has provided new data that can help to understand the onset and development of FM. An updated systematic review of the causes of FM has been carried out in this work. Particularly in the last decade, research has focused on the gut-brain axis, which has emerged as a crucial mechanism for microbiota-host crosstalk. In FM patients, quantitative imbalances of the intestinal microbiota (dysbiosis) and bacterial metabolites with differential relative abundance have been found, especially short-chain fatty acids and lipopolysaccharides. Furthermore, the microbiota has been found to indirectly influence host neurotransmitter mechanisms, mainly through the serotonin precursor, glutamate, and gamma-aminobutyric acid. Thus, all these mechanisms and their influence on the etiopathogenesis of FM are discussed in this review.
Topics: Humans; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Fibromyalgia; Pain; Dysbiosis; Bacteria
PubMed: 38287551
DOI: 10.1111/1756-185X.15021