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Frontiers in Microbiology 2024Clarifying the relationship between soil microorganisms and the plant-soil system is crucial for encouraging the sustainable development of ecosystems, as soil... (Review)
Review
Clarifying the relationship between soil microorganisms and the plant-soil system is crucial for encouraging the sustainable development of ecosystems, as soil microorganisms serve a variety of functional roles in the plant-soil system. In this work, the influence mechanisms of significant soil microbial groups on the plant-soil system and their applications in environmental remediation over the previous 30 years were reviewed using a systematic literature review (SLR) methodology. The findings demonstrated that: (1) There has been a general upward trend in the number of publications on significant microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and archaea. (2) Bacteria and fungi influence soil development and plant growth through organic matter decomposition, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium element dissolution, symbiotic relationships, plant growth hormone production, pathogen inhibition, and plant resistance induction. Archaea aid in the growth of plants by breaking down low-molecular-weight organic matter, participating in element cycles, producing plant growth hormones, and suppressing infections. (3) Microorganism principles are utilized in soil remediation, biofertilizer production, denitrification, and phosphorus removal, effectively reducing environmental pollution, preventing soil pathogen invasion, protecting vegetation health, and promoting plant growth. The three important microbial groups collectively regulate the plant-soil ecosystem and help maintain its relative stability. This work systematically summarizes the principles of important microbial groups influence plant-soil systems, providing a theoretical reference for how to control soil microbes in order to restore damaged ecosystems and enhance ecosystem resilience in the future.
PubMed: 38591030
DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1347745 -
Journal of Assisted Reproduction and... Apr 2024A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to identify if there is a subset of patients with POI who are more likely to show follicular growth after ovarian... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Basal characteristics of patients who responded to Ovarian Fragmentation for Follicular Activation (OFFA) or In Vitro Activation (IVA): a systematic review and meta-analysis.
A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to identify if there is a subset of patients with POI who are more likely to show follicular growth after ovarian fragmentation for follicular activation (OFFA) or in vitro activation (IVA). Five studies met inclusion criteria for meta-analysis with a total of 164 patients. Forty-three patients showed follicle development (26.21%). Of those, the pregnancy rate was 35.58% (11/43) and the live birth rate was 20.93% (9/43). Our meta-analysis showed that age was not associated with follicle growth. However, lower baseline FSH, lower duration of amenorrhea/diagnosis, and presence of follicles remaining in biopsy were statistically significant for follicle development. Patients with basal characteristics mentioned before may have more chances to show follicle growth after OFFA or IVA. Taking into account that approximately 20% of patients with follicle growth had live birth, these results are very promising. Given the overall certainty of evidence, future studies are needed to confirm said results.
Topics: Humans; Female; Ovarian Follicle; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Rate; Ovulation Induction; Fertilization in Vitro; Live Birth; Primary Ovarian Insufficiency; Follicle Stimulating Hormone
PubMed: 38315420
DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03046-4 -
Endocrine Apr 2024Subacute thyroiditis (SAT) is a transient inflammatory disorder of the thyroid gland with a possible viral etiology. We conducted this study to estimate the pooled... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
PURPOSE
Subacute thyroiditis (SAT) is a transient inflammatory disorder of the thyroid gland with a possible viral etiology. We conducted this study to estimate the pooled prevalence of thyroid autoantibodies in SAT patients. This question arose due to the varying reports on the positivity rates of thyroid autoantibodies among SAT patients.
METHODS
We searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science from their inception until March 25th, 2023. Observational studies reporting the positivity rate of thyroid autoantibodies for more than ten patients were included. We used the Joanna Briggs Institute's (JBI) critical appraisal checklist to assess the quality of the included studies. Pooled prevalence estimates with 95% confidence intervals were calculated using the random effects model. Subgroup analyses were performed to find sources of heterogeneity.
RESULTS
Out of 1373 identified records, 32 studies involving 2348 SAT patients were included in our study. Thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) and thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) were positive in 22.8% and 12.2% of patients, respectively. The Study design, mean erythrocyte sedimentation rate and mean thyroid-stimulating hormone of patients were identified as sources of heterogeneity. As our secondary objectives, we found a recurrence rate of 14.7% and permanent hypothyroidism in 11.6% of patients.
CONCLUSION
The results of our study revealed a low TPOAb positivity rate in SAT patients, consistent with its non-autoimmune etiology. The TgAb positivity rate in SAT patients was higher than that of the general population, possibly explained by the transient release of thyroglobulin into the bloodstream during the thyrotoxic phase, leading to subsequent TgAb production. Furthermore, our findings demonstrate a notable recurrence rate and permanent hypothyroidism among SAT patients, highlighting the importance of ongoing follow-up care.
Topics: Humans; Autoantibodies; Hypothyroidism; Iodide Peroxidase; Prevalence; Thyroglobulin; Thyroiditis, Subacute
PubMed: 38147263
DOI: 10.1007/s12020-023-03655-6 -
Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience 2024Vitamin D is a lipid soluble steroid hormone, which plays a critical role in the calcium homeostasis, neuronal development, cellular differentiation, and growth by...
Associations of vitamin D receptor polymorphisms with risk of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and mild cognitive impairment: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Vitamin D is a lipid soluble steroid hormone, which plays a critical role in the calcium homeostasis, neuronal development, cellular differentiation, and growth by binding to vitamin D receptor (VDR). Associations between VDR gene polymorphism and Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) risk has been investigated extensively, but the results remain ambiguous. The aim of this study was to comprehensively assess the correlations between four VDR polymorphisms (I, I, I, and I) and susceptibility to AD, PD, and MCI. Crude odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to determine the relationship of interest. Pooled analyses suggested that the I polymorphism decreased the overall AD risk, and the I increased the overall PD susceptibility. In addition, the I and I polymorphisms were significantly correlated with the overall MCI risk. Stratified analysis by ethnicity further showed that the I and I genotypes reduced the AD predisposition among Caucasians, while the I polymorphism enhanced the PD risk among Asians. Intriguingly, carriers with the BB genotype significantly decreased the MCI risk in Asian descents, and the I variant elevated the predisposition to MCI in Caucasians and Asians. Further studies are need to identify the role of VDR polymorphisms in AD, PD, and MCI susceptibility.
PubMed: 38681668
DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2024.1377058 -
BMC Cancer Jan 2024Currently, the value of oral selective estrogen receptor degraders (SERDs) for hormone receptor-positive (HR+) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
The value of oral selective estrogen receptor degraders in patients with HR-positive, HER2-negative advanced breast cancer after progression on ≥ 1 line of endocrine therapy: systematic review and meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
Currently, the value of oral selective estrogen receptor degraders (SERDs) for hormone receptor-positive (HR+) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-) advanced breast cancer (aBC) after progression on ≥ 1 line of endocrine therapy (ET) remains controversial. We conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate progression-free survival (PFS) and safety benefits in several clinical trials.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, and conference proceedings (SABCS, ASCO, ESMO, and ESMO Breast) were searched systematically and comprehensively. Random effects models or fixed effects models were used to assess pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for treatment with oral SERDs versus standard of care.
RESULTS
A total of four studies involving 1,290 patients were included in our analysis. The hazard ratio (HR) of PFS showed that the oral SERD regimen was better than standard of care in patients with HR+/HER2- aBC after progression on ≥ 1 line of ET (HR: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.62-0.91, p = 0.004). In patients with ESR1 mutations, the oral SERD regimen provided better PFS than standard of care (HR: 0.58, 95% CI: 0.47-0.71, p < 0.00001). Regarding patients with disease progression following previous use of CDK4/6 inhibitors, PFS benefit was observed in oral SERD-treatment arms compared to standard of care (HR: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.64-0.87, p = 0.0002).
CONCLUSIONS
The oral SERD regimen provides a significant PFS benefit compared to standard-of-care ET in patients with HR+/HER2- aBC after progression on ≥ 1 line of ET. In particular, we recommend oral SERDs as a preferred choice for those patients with ESR1m, and it could be a potential replacement for fulvestrant. The oral SERD regimen is also beneficial after progression on CDK4/6 inhibitors combined with endocrine therapy.
Topics: Humans; Female; Breast Neoplasms; Receptor, ErbB-2; Receptors, Estrogen; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Fulvestrant; Estrogen Antagonists
PubMed: 38166684
DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11722-4 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2023Growth hormone (GH) is crucial to growth and development. GH secretion is regulated by a complex feedback system involving the pituitary gland, hypothalamus, and other... (Review)
Review
Growth hormone (GH) is crucial to growth and development. GH secretion is regulated by a complex feedback system involving the pituitary gland, hypothalamus, and other organs, and predominantly occurs during deep sleep. Isolated and idiopathic growth hormone deficiency (GHD) is a condition characterized by GHD without any other signs or symptoms associated with a specific syndrome or disease. The aim of this narrative review was to evaluate the relationship between GH and sleep in children using published data. Various databases (Medline/PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) were systematically searched for relevant English language articles published up to April 2023. Search strategies included the terms 'children/pediatric', 'growth hormone', 'growth hormone deficiency' and 'sleep'. Data were extracted by two independent reviewers; 185 papers were identified of which 58 were duplicates and 118 were excluded (unrelated n=83, syndromic/genetic GHD n=17, non-English n=13, abstract n=1, case report n=1). Overall, nine studies (six clinical studies, two case series, and one survey) were included. GHD appears to have an adverse effect on sleep in children, and GH therapy has only been shown to have a beneficial effect on sleep parameters in some individuals. Notably, identified data were limited, old/poor quality, and heterogenous/inconsistent. Further research of GHD in pediatric populations is necessary to improve the understanding of GHD impact on sleep and its underlying mechanisms, and to determine the specific impacts of GH therapy on sleep in children.
Topics: Humans; Child; Growth Hormone; Human Growth Hormone; Hypopituitarism; Dwarfism, Pituitary; Sleep
PubMed: 38327902
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1332114 -
International Journal of Endocrinology 2024Metformin is commonly prescribed to treat polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients, but in some cases, it may not be effective even at high doses or may cause... (Review)
Review
Comparative Effectiveness of Antidiabetic Drugs as an Additional Therapy to Metformin in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Systematic Review of Metabolic Approaches.
BACKGROUND
Metformin is commonly prescribed to treat polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients, but in some cases, it may not be effective even at high doses or may cause intolerable side effects. Therefore, recent studies have examined the impact of combining metformin with other antidiabetic medications.
METHODS
A systematic search was performed in Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase up to 30 June 2023. All interventional studies that assessed the efficacy of different antidiabetic agents were included.
RESULTS
Among the 3488 records found in the primary search, 16 papers were included. Our study showed that dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP4i) had the most significant impact on glycemic profile, while thiazolidinediones (TZDs) had the most influence on lipid levels. However, it was observed that patients taking only metformin experienced a greater increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP1RAs) effectively modified various anthropometric measurements, such as weight, body mass index, waist circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio. The effects of different antidiabetic drugs on hormone levels were inconclusive, although testosterone levels were more affected by GLP1RA, sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i), and TZDs. None of the combined therapies showed a significant change in blood pressure.
CONCLUSION
Since PCOS is a metabolic disorder, choosing the best combination of antidiabetic drugs in the clinical course of PCOS patients will be very important. Today, it seems that we need a new metabolic approach for better treatment of the metabolic aspects of these patients.
PubMed: 38500709
DOI: 10.1155/2024/9900213 -
Obesity Reviews : An Official Journal... Mar 2024Visceral adiposity is a strong predictor of cardiometabolic risk. Thiazolidinediones (TZDs) are associated with a shift in fat redistribution from visceral adipose... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Visceral adiposity is a strong predictor of cardiometabolic risk. Thiazolidinediones (TZDs) are associated with a shift in fat redistribution from visceral adipose tissue (VAT) to subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT). We aimed to compare the effects of TZD and other interventions on fat remodeling in adults in randomized controlled trials. Among the 1331 retrieved studies, 39 trials with 1765 participants were included in the meta-analysis. The standardized mean difference in VAT change was not significantly different between TZD and comparators across the overall studies. Intriguingly, TZD treatment resulted in significant decreases in VAT compared with placebo and sulfonylureas (p < 0.05), although recombinant human growth hormone was superior to TZD regarding VAT reduction (p < 0.05). Data from 216 participants showed TZD leading to a greater reduction in liver fat percentage than comparators (p < 0.05). Compared with the controls, TZD significantly increased SAT, total body fat, weight, waist circumference, and body mass index (p < 0.05). However, TZD pronouncedly improved glucose control, insulin resistance, adiponectin, and lipid profile (p < 0.05). TZD provides a favorable effect on fat redistribution and benefits insulin sensitivity, suggesting a potentially valuable approach in cardiometabolic risk management.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Thiazolidinediones; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Adipose Tissue; Subcutaneous Fat; Insulin Resistance; Intra-Abdominal Fat; Cardiovascular Diseases
PubMed: 38098209
DOI: 10.1111/obr.13675 -
European Journal of Medical Genetics Oct 2023Autosomal recessive keratitis-ichthyosis-deafness syndrome (KIDAR MIM #242150) is a very rare disorder caused by pathogenic loss-of-function variants in the AP1B1 gene....
Autosomal recessive keratitis-ichthyosis-deafness syndrome (KIDAR MIM #242150) is a very rare disorder caused by pathogenic loss-of-function variants in the AP1B1 gene. So far, nine patients have been reported in the literature and more clinical descriptions are essential to further delineate the phenotype of KIDAR. Here we report a new patient with KIDAR and compare the clinical findings with those from the other published cases with molecular confirmation. We describe a 14-year-old male born to non-consanguineous parents with unremarkable family history. The patient had fetal ascites, neonatal pancreatic insufficiency with consequent failure to thrive, feeding difficulties, recurrent infections and sepsis. The skin examination was remarkable for an ichthyosis with conspicuous palmoplantar keratoderma, sparse and brittle hair with alopecia on the vertex and slight bilateral ectropion. He had short stature, thin build, frontal bossing, small teeth and prominent abdomen. Additional features were congenital profound bilateral sensorineural deafness, photosensitivity and photophobia. Mild global developmental delay was noted. Persistent mild anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and low serum copper, ceruloplasmin and growth hormone were also present. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed cerebral atrophy and thin corpus callosum. Genetic testing revealed a homozygous deletion in the AP1B1 gene, possibly including the same exons as a previously reported deletion. Comparing the phenotypes of all reported individuals, they are highly concordant and major features are enteropathy with feeding difficulties, failure to thrive, ichthyosis, palmoplantar keratoderma, sensorineural deafness and sparse and brittle hair. Here we report other features present in more than one patient that could be part of the phenotypic spectrum and suggest copy number variation analysis to be performed alongside sequencing of the AP1B1 gene in case of suspicion.
PubMed: 37657632
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2023.104827 -
Endocrine Apr 2024The current management guidelines for low-risk papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) do not specify how to screen for growing tumors. We sought to explore the possible... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
The current management guidelines for low-risk papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) do not specify how to screen for growing tumors. We sought to explore the possible risk factors for tumor enlargement in patients with low-risk PTMC under active surveillance (AS).
METHODS
We searched the PubMed and Embase databases for high quality studies up to January 10th, 2024. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used to assess the quality of the included studies, and Review Manager 5.4 was used to analyze possible risk factors and calculate pooled risk ratios (RRs) via the inverse-variance calculation method.
RESULTS
Eleven studies were included in our meta-analysis. Among the 8880 participants, 464 experienced tumor growth, and the incidence of tumor growth varied from 3.4% to 19.4%. The results of the meta-analysis showed that tumor enlargement was associated with younger age (pooled RR = 2.32, 95% CI = 1.85-2.90, p < 0.00001; 8 studies), and higher serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels (pooled RR = 2.28, 95% CI = 1.19-4.37, p = 0.01; 6 studies), and could be related to pregnancy (pooled RR = 2.54, 95% CI = 1.17-5.52, p = 0.02; 2 studies). However, these following factors showed no significant association with tumor growth: sex (pooled RR = 1.07, 95% CI = 0.63-1.84, p = 0.79; 7 studies), tumor size at diagnosis (pooled RR = 1.08, 95% CI = 0.63-1.85, p = 0.77; 5 studies), and Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) (pooled RR = 1.56, 95% CI = 0.93-2.60, p = 0.09; 2 studies).
CONCLUSION
Our analysis identified that younger age and higher serum TSH levels were higher risk factors for tumor enlargement in low-risk PTMC patients. Pregnancy is a suspected risk factor.
PubMed: 38600392
DOI: 10.1007/s12020-024-03812-5