-
Clinical Nutrition ESPEN Dec 2023Malnutrition is a common problem among patients with head and neck cancer and can have adverse effects on overall health and treatment outcomes. Nutritional and physical...
BACKGROUND/SCOPE
Malnutrition is a common problem among patients with head and neck cancer and can have adverse effects on overall health and treatment outcomes. Nutritional and physical prehabilitation are potential strategies to optimize the nutritional status of these patients. This systematic review aimed to identify and describe prehabilitative interventions that can promote an improvement in nutritional status.
METHODS
A systematic review of the literature was conducted in the databases PubMed/Medline, Embase, CINAHL, Scopus and on the platform Web of Science and in Cochrane Library. The selected studies concern adults with head and neck tumours, not malnourished at the time of diagnosis, who undergo nutritional or physical prehabilitation.
RESULTS
Out of 1369 results, 7 studies were included. Multimodal prehabilitation interventions that combine nutritional counseling, oral nutritional supplements, and swallowing exercises to prevent dysphagia have shown positive outcomes in maintaining caloric intake, body weight, swallowing ability, and a reduced incidence of fibrosis in the upper gastrointestinal tract, as well as improving quality of life.
CONCLUSION
Despite the limited number of clinical studies available in the literature, the results suggest that nutritional and physical prehabilitation interventions have a positive effect on the nutritional status and clinical outcomes of patients with head and neck cancer, helping mitigate the risk of malnutrition and improve general well-being.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Preoperative Exercise; Quality of Life; Nutritional Status; Malnutrition; Head and Neck Neoplasms
PubMed: 38057023
DOI: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2023.10.033 -
Public Health Reviews 2023This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to summarize the evidence on the relationship between physical occupational risks (high physical workload, long working...
This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to summarize the evidence on the relationship between physical occupational risks (high physical workload, long working hours, shift work, whole-body vibrations, prolonged standing, and heavy lifting) and preterm birth. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted across six databases to investigate the relationship between physical occupational risks and preterm birth. A comprehensive analysis of 37 studies with varying sample sizes found moderate evidence of positive associations between high physical workload, long working hours, shift work, whole-body vibration, and preterm birth. Meta-analysis showed a 44% higher risk (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.25-1.66) for preterm birth with long working hours and a 63% higher risk (OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.03-2.58) with shift work. Pregnant women in physically demanding jobs, those working long hours or on shifts, and those exposed to whole-body vibration have an increased risk of preterm birth. Employers should establish supportive workplaces, policymakers implement protective measures, healthcare providers conduct screenings, and pregnant women must stay informed and mitigate these job-related risks. : [https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/], Identifier [CRD42022357045].
PubMed: 37937117
DOI: 10.3389/phrs.2023.1606085 -
American Journal of Kidney Diseases :... Oct 2023COVID-19 disproportionately affects people with comorbidities, including chronic kidney disease (CKD). We describe the impact of COVID-19 on people with CKD and their...
RATIONALE & OBJECTIVE
COVID-19 disproportionately affects people with comorbidities, including chronic kidney disease (CKD). We describe the impact of COVID-19 on people with CKD and their caregivers.
STUDY DESIGN
A systematic review of qualitative studies.
SETTING & STUDY POPULATIONS
Primary studies that reported the experiences and perspectives of adults with CKD and/or caregivers were eligible.
SEARCH STRATEGY & SOURCES
MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL searched from database inception to October 2022.
DATA EXTRACTION
Two authors independently screened the search results. Full texts of potentially relevant studies were assessed for eligibility. Any discrepancies were resolved by discussion with another author.
ANALYTICAL APPROACH
A thematic synthesis was used to analyze the data.
RESULTS
Thirty-four studies involving 1,962 participants were included. Four themes were identified: exacerbating vulnerability and distress (looming threat of COVID-19 infection, intensifying isolation, aggravating pressure on families); uncertainty in accessing health care (overwhelmed by disruption of care, confused by lack of reliable information, challenged by adapting to telehealth, skeptical about vaccine efficacy and safety); coping with self-management (waning fitness due to decreasing physical activity, diminishing ability to manage diet, difficulty managing fluid restrictions, minimized burden with telehealth, motivating confidence and autonomy); and strengthening sense of safety and support (protection from lockdown restrictions, increasing trust in care, strengthened family connection).
LIMITATIONS
Non-English studies were excluded, and inability to delineate themes based on stage of kidney and treatment modality.
CONCLUSIONS
Uncertainty in accessing health care during the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated vulnerability, emotional distress, and burden, and led to reduced capacity to self-manage among patients with CKD and their caregivers. Optimizing telehealth and access to educational and psychosocial support may improve self-management and the quality and effectiveness of care during a pandemic, mitigating potentially catastrophic consequences for people with CKD.
PLAIN-LANGUAGE SUMMARY
During the COVID-19 pandemic, patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) faced barriers and challenges to accessing care and were at an increased risk of worsened health outcomes. To understand the perspectives about the impact of COVID-19 among patients with CKD and their caregivers, we conducted a systematic review of 34 studies involving 1,962 participants. Our findings demonstrated that uncertainty in accessing care during the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the vulnerability, distress, and burden of patients and impaired their abilities for self-management. Optimizing the use of telehealth and providing education and psychosocial services may mitigate the potential consequences for people with CKD during a pandemic.
Topics: Adult; Humans; COVID-19; Pandemics; Communicable Disease Control; Qualitative Research; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic
PubMed: 37330133
DOI: 10.1053/j.ajkd.2023.04.001 -
Journal of Affective Disorders Nov 2023Face-to-face cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is effective in the management of depression symptoms in unipolar and bipolar spectrum disorders. Though, compared to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Online cognitive behavioral therapy (eCBT) for the management of depression symptoms in unipolar and bipolar spectrum disorders, a systematic review and network meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
Face-to-face cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is effective in the management of depression symptoms in unipolar and bipolar spectrum disorders. Though, compared to electronic adaptations of CBT (eCBT), it carries several accessibility limitations. Furthermore, unlike eCBT for depression symptoms (eCBTg), eCBT specific for bipolar depression (eCBT-Bipol) remains largely understudied. Thus, supplementing this gap, this systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) synthesized the available literature on eCBT for the treatment of unipolar and bipolar depression symptoms.
METHOD
MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, EMBASE, and Cochrane were searched for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on eCBTg and eCBT-Bipol The review followed PRISMA guidelines and used the Cochrane risk of bias tool and GRADE criteria for quality assessment. Effect sizes were summarized using standardized mean differences (SMDs) and risk ratios (RRs).
RESULTS
eCBT-Bipol was comparable to eCBTg (SMD: 0.05, 95 % CI: -0.18; 0.28) and other psychotherapeutic interventions (SMD: 0.14, 95 % CI: -0.07; 0.35) for the management of mild to moderate depression symptoms. eCBT-Bipol was significantly more effective than attention controls (SMD: 0.35, 95 % CI: 0.11; 0.59), treatment as usual (SMD: 0.55, 95 % CI: 0.21; 0.90) and no intervention controls (SMD: 0.66, 95 % CI: 0.40; 0.93) in mitigating symptoms.
LIMITATIONS
The scarcity of eCBT-Bipol studies impacted the quality of the evidence in terms of risk of bias and imprecision.
CONCLUSIONS
The findings of this systematic review suggest that eCBT-Bipol has comparable effectiveness to eCBTg in managing depressive symptoms of unipolar and bipolar spectrum disorder. Though, they also highlighted the need for more studies on eCBT-Bipol.
Topics: Humans; Network Meta-Analysis; Bipolar Disorder; Depression; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Electronics
PubMed: 37683940
DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.09.005 -
La Clinica Terapeutica 2023Nutrigenomics - the study of the interactions between genetics and nutrition - has emerged as a pivotal field in personalized nutrition. Among various genetic... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Nutrigenomics - the study of the interactions between genetics and nutrition - has emerged as a pivotal field in personalized nutrition. Among various genetic variations, single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been extensively studied for their probable relationship with metabolic traits.
METHODS
Throughout this review, we have employed a targeted research approach, carefully handpicking the most representative and relevant articles on the subject. Our methodology involved a systematic review of the scientific literature to ensure a comprehensive and accurate overview of the available sources.
RESULTS
SNPs have demonstrated a significant influence on lipid metabolism, by impacting genes that encode for enzymes involved in lipid synthesis, transport, and storage. Furthermore, they have the ability to affect enzymes in glycolysis and insulin signaling pathways: in a way, they can influence the risk of type 2 diabetes. Thanks to recent advances in genotyping technologies, we now know numerous SNPs linked to lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. The large-scale studies on this topic have unveiled the potential of personalized dietary recommendations based on an individual's genetic makeup. Personalized nutritional interventions hold promise to mitigate the risk of various chronic diseases; however, translating these scientific insights into actionable dietary guidelines is still challenging.
CONCLUSIONS
As the field of nutrigenomics continues to evolve, collaborations between geneticists, nutritionists, and healthcare providers are essential to harness the power of genetic information for improving metabolic health. By unraveling the genetic basis of metabolic responses to diet, this field holds the potential to revolutionize how we approach dietary recommendations and preventive healthcare practices.
Topics: Humans; Nutrigenomics; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Diet; Lipids; Carbohydrate Metabolism
PubMed: 37994765
DOI: 10.7417/CT.2023.2488 -
International Urogynecology Journal Sep 2023Postpartum urinary incontinence (UI) is prevalent, yet health-seeking behaviours for prevention and treatment are markedly low. Health-related stigma refers to... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS
Postpartum urinary incontinence (UI) is prevalent, yet health-seeking behaviours for prevention and treatment are markedly low. Health-related stigma refers to conditions that may be socially devalued and considered deviating from "expected norms" and is a barrier to equitable health care. It may be plausible that stigma is associated with postpartum UI and leads to avoiding health-seeking behaviours, which this scoping review sought to examine and summarize.
METHODS
The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews was followed. The following keywords were used to develop a search strategy: Postpartum, Urinary Incontinence and Stigma. The search was carried out on PubMed, PsycInfo, Scopus, CINAHL, Web of Science and ProQuest Dissertation and Theses Global. All study designs (clinical trials, observational studies, qualitative studies) were eligible for inclusion. Data were extracted and mapped to identify causal factors of postpartum UI stigma and implications for outcomes and behaviours.
RESULTS
Twelve studies were included. Most studies utilized questionnaires assessing constructs related to quality of life that also captured potential stigma, or interviews. Sources of postpartum UI stigma included community values surrounding UI and self-stigma, whereby participants directed stereotypes associated with urinary leakage towards themselves. Implications of postpartum UI stigma included negative mental emotions such as shame and embarrassment, which led to avoiding situations where they needed to disclose symptoms, including in health care environments.
CONCLUSIONS
Future research requires a purposeful assessment of postpartum UI stigma to learn from lived experience how to mitigate stigma and improve quality of care.
Topics: Female; Humans; Quality of Life; Urinary Incontinence; Social Stigma; Postpartum Period; Shame
PubMed: 37060372
DOI: 10.1007/s00192-023-05526-0 -
European Journal of Nutrition Oct 2023With the escalating social pressures, there has been a continuous rise in the prevalence of depression among the population, leading to substantial healthcare burdens.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
PURPOSE
With the escalating social pressures, there has been a continuous rise in the prevalence of depression among the population, leading to substantial healthcare burdens. Moreover, conventional pharmacological interventions still exhibit certain limitations. Therefore, the primary objective of this study is to systematically evaluate the clinical efficacy of probiotics in the treatment of depression.
METHODS
Randomized controlled trials of probiotics in treating depressive symptoms were retrieved from Pubmed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Wan Fang database, and CNKI between the establishment of the database and March 2022. The primary outcome was Beck's depression rating scale (BDI) scores, while the secondary outcomes were depression scores on the DASS-21 scale, biochemical indicators (IL-6, NO, and TNF-α levels), and adverse events. In addition, Revman 5.3 was used for Meta-analysis and quality evaluation, and Stata 17 was used for the Egger test and Begg's test. A total of 776 patients, including 397 and 379 patients in the experimental and control groups, respectively, were included.
RESULTS
The total BDI score of the experimental group was lower than that of the control group (MD = - 1.98, 95%CI - 3.14 to - 0.82), and the score of DASS (MD = 0.90, 95%CI - 1.17 to 2.98), the IL-6 level (SMD = - 0.55, 95%CI - 0.88 to - 0.23), the NO level (MD = 5.27, 95% CI 2.51 to 8.03), and the TNF-α level (SMD = 0.19, 95% CI - 0.25 to 0.63).
CONCLUSION
The findings substantiate the therapeutic potential of probiotics in mitigating depressive symptoms by significantly reducing Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI) scores and alleviating the overall manifestation of depression.
Topics: Humans; Depression; Interleukin-6; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Probiotics
PubMed: 37247076
DOI: 10.1007/s00394-023-03184-y -
Biotechnology Advances Oct 2023Temperature affects cellular processes at different spatiotemporal scales, and identifying the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying temperature responses paves... (Review)
Review
Temperature affects cellular processes at different spatiotemporal scales, and identifying the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying temperature responses paves the way to develop approaches for mitigating the effects of future climate scenarios. A systems view of the effects of temperature on cellular physiology can be obtained by focusing on metabolism since: (i) its functions depend on transcription and translation and (ii) its outcomes support organisms' development, growth, and reproduction. Here we provide a systematic review of modelling efforts directed at investigating temperature effects on properties of single biochemical reactions, system-level traits, metabolic subsystems, and whole-cell metabolism across different prokaryotes and eukaryotes. We compare and contrast computational approaches and theories that facilitate modelling of temperature effects on key properties of enzymes and their consideration in constraint-based as well as kinetic models of metabolism. In addition, we provide a summary of insights from computational approaches, facilitating integration of omics data from temperature-modulated experiments with models of metabolic networks, and review the resulting biotechnological applications. Lastly, we provide a perspective on how different types of metabolic modelling can profit from developments in machine learning and models of different cellular layers to improve model-driven insights into the effects of temperature relevant for biotechnological applications.
Topics: Temperature; Metabolic Networks and Pathways; Phenotype; Models, Biological
PubMed: 37348662
DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2023.108203 -
Cureus Jul 2023There is a knowledge gap in the literature regarding oral health disparities (OHD) in minority and indigenous (IG) paediatric cohorts that needs to be addressed.... (Review)
Review
There is a knowledge gap in the literature regarding oral health disparities (OHD) in minority and indigenous (IG) paediatric cohorts that needs to be addressed. Disparities in oral health among children are a pressing concern, highlighting inequities in access to dental care and meeting needs. The current systematic review aims to provide a comprehensive synthesis of the prevailing understanding of OHD in the minority and IG strata. A meticulous search strategy was formulated by a team of reviewers to identify pertinent studies from databases of PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, Google Scholar and EMBASE. Data extraction and article selection strictly adhered to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was employed to evaluate the methodological quality of the studies included. Review Manager version 5.4 was used to synthesise quantitative data. A total of five cross-sectional studies were included in the final analysis. The findings consistently demonstrated the existence of racial and socioeconomic disparities in oral health across varying age groups and geographical locations in the defined population. Significant disparities in oral health outcomes were observed between IG and non-IG populations, with IG and minority groups exhibiting a heightened vulnerability to oral health challenges. Through a meta-analysis of the compiled data, a statistically significant association was established between children (being a member of a minority group) and unmet oral health needs. Socioeconomic status (SES) and maternal education were factors that showed a significant impact on oral health disparity. All studies were graded to be of the low-risk category based on the NOS risk of bias tool. This review successfully identified several influential factors contributing to oral health disparities, such as cultural practices, dietary patterns and access to oral healthcare services. Additionally, discernible differences in oral health status were evident between IG and non-IG children, with IG children enduring a greater burden of oral health difficulties. These findings underscore the imperative for targeted interventions and policy measures aimed at addressing the specific oral health needs of minority and IG paediatric populations, with the overarching goal of mitigating the existing disparities.
PubMed: 37575701
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.41673 -
Australian and New Zealand Journal of... Aug 2023This systematic review aims to identify, evaluate, and summarise the consequences of precarious employment. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
This systematic review aims to identify, evaluate, and summarise the consequences of precarious employment.
METHODS
We included studies published within the last ten years (Jan 2011-July 2021) that employed at least two of three key dimensions of precarious employment: employment insecurity, income inadequacy, and lack of rights and protection.
RESULTS
Of the 4,947 initially identified studies, only five studies met our eligibility criteria. These five studies were of moderate quality as assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Our review found that the current literature predominantly defines precarity based on the single criterion of employment insecurity. Our review identified evidence for the negative consequences of precarious employment, including poorer workplace wellbeing, general health, mental health, and emotional wellbeing. The findings indicated an increase in the magnitude of these adverse outcomes with a higher degree of job precariousness.
CONCLUSIONS
The rise of employment precariousness will likely continue to be a major issue in the coming years. More research is needed to inform effective policies and practices using a consensus definition of precarious employment.
IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH
The presence of adverse effects of precarious employment suggests workplace initiatives are essential to mitigate the negative consequences of precarity.
Topics: Humans; Employment; Mental Health; Workplace; Income
PubMed: 37453888
DOI: 10.1016/j.anzjph.2023.100074