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Nutrients Jul 2023Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are currently the leading cause of mortality worldwide, with coronary heart disease being the primary cause. The Mediterranean Diet (MD)... (Review)
Review
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are currently the leading cause of mortality worldwide, with coronary heart disease being the primary cause. The Mediterranean Diet (MD) has been highlighted for its potential in providing greater protection against CVDs. This study aims to present an updated systematic review that examines the impact of MD on mortality and CVDs, both in the general population and in patients with a prior CVD, while also considering the potential influence of gender. We conducted a systematic review. After the selection process, 24 studies met the inclusion criteria. The findings from these studies consistently demonstrate that higher adherence to the MD is associated with a reduced risk of overall mortality, both in the general population and in patients with previous CVDs. Moreover, evidence suggests that following this dietary pattern likely decreases the risk of CVDs such as heart attacks, various types of coronary artery disease, stroke, and cardiovascular mortality. While some studies have identified differences in the benefits of the MD between men and women, it is important to note that these disparities may be attributed to lower event rates and a generally lower cardiovascular risk profile in women. Thus, the observed variations in outcomes should be interpreted in the context of these factors. Adherence to the MD has the potential to improve survival rates and reduce the risk of CVDs in both the general population and individuals with a prior CVD. Further research is needed to explore the specific mechanisms underlying the protective effects of this dietary pattern and to better understand the role gender-related differences in its outcomes. Nevertheless, promoting the adoption of the MD could be an effective strategy for mitigating the burden of CVDs globally.
Topics: Male; Humans; Female; Cardiovascular Diseases; Diet, Mediterranean; Risk Factors; Secondary Prevention; Coronary Artery Disease; Primary Prevention
PubMed: 37571293
DOI: 10.3390/nu15153356 -
Journal of Neuro-oncology Aug 2023Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) therapy, an electric field-based cancer treatment, became FDA-approved for patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma (GBM) in 2015... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
PURPOSE
Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) therapy, an electric field-based cancer treatment, became FDA-approved for patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma (GBM) in 2015 based on the randomized controlled EF-14 study. Subsequent approvals worldwide and increased adoption over time have raised the question of whether a consistent survival benefit has been observed in the real-world setting, and whether device usage has played a role.
METHODS
We conducted a literature search to identify clinical studies evaluating overall survival (OS) in TTFields-treated patients. Comparative and single-cohort studies were analyzed. Survival curves were pooled using a distribution-free random-effects method.
RESULTS
Among nine studies, seven (N = 1430 patients) compared the addition of TTFields therapy to standard of care (SOC) chemoradiotherapy versus SOC alone and were included in a pooled analysis for OS. Meta-analysis of comparative studies indicated a significant improvement in OS for patients receiving TTFields and SOC versus SOC alone (HR: 0.63; 95% CI 0.53-0.75; p < 0.001). Among real-world post-approval studies, the pooled median OS was 22.6 months (95% CI 17.6-41.2) for TTFields-treated patients, and 17.4 months (95% CI 14.4-21.6) for those not receiving TTFields. Rates of gross total resection were generally higher in the real-world setting, irrespective of TTFields use. Furthermore, for patients included in studies reporting data on device usage (N = 1015), an average usage rate of ≥ 75% was consistently associated with prolonged survival (p < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
Meta-analysis of comparative TTFields studies suggests survival may be improved with the addition of TTFields to SOC for patients with newly diagnosed GBM.
Topics: Humans; Glioblastoma; Temozolomide; Electric Stimulation Therapy; Brain Neoplasms; Combined Modality Therapy
PubMed: 37493865
DOI: 10.1007/s11060-023-04348-w -
BMC Gastroenterology Jan 2024To comprehensively evaluate the efficacy, safety, patient symptoms, and quality-of-life (QoL) of lubiprostone, linaclotide, and elobixibat as treatment for chronic... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Meta-Analysis
Comparative profiles of lubiprostone, linaclotide, and elobixibat for chronic constipation: a systematic literature review with meta-analysis and number needed to treat/harm.
OBJECTIVE
To comprehensively evaluate the efficacy, safety, patient symptoms, and quality-of-life (QoL) of lubiprostone, linaclotide, and elobixibat as treatment for chronic constipation (CC).
DESIGN
Systematic literature review (SLR) and meta-analysis (MA). Literature searches were conducted on PubMed and Embase using the Ovid platform.
METHODS
SLR including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies was conducted to identify the overall efficacy and safety of lubiprostone, linaclotide, and elobixibat. Thereafter, MA was performed using only RCTs. The number needed to treat (NNT) and number needed to harm (NNH) analyses were additionally conducted.
PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES
The primary outcome was efficacy regarding change in spontaneous bowel movements. Secondary outcomes included safety, constipation-related symptoms, and QoL.
RESULTS
Twenty-four studies met the inclusion criteria for the SLR: 17 RCTs, 4 observational studies, and 3 single-arm trials. Feasibility assessment for the MA resulted in 14 studies available for safety data analysis, and 8 available for efficacy analysis, respectively. Three drugs showed similar efficacy in the MA and NNT analysis. However, the NNH analysis revealed distinct safety profiles: lubiprostone, linaclotide, and elobixibat were linked to the highest risk of nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, respectively.
CONCLUSION
The current study provides an updated overview of the efficacy, safety, patient symptoms, and QoL of the three drugs with different mechanisms of action for CC treatment.The findings could help physicians adopt an individualized approach for treating patients with CC in clinical practice.
Topics: Humans; Constipation; Lubiprostone; Peptides; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38166671
DOI: 10.1186/s12876-023-03104-8 -
Advances in Therapy Aug 2023Several studies have emphasized the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and its subfields, such as machine learning (ML), as emerging and feasible approaches to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
Several studies have emphasized the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and its subfields, such as machine learning (ML), as emerging and feasible approaches to optimize patient care in oncology. As a result, clinicians and decision-makers are faced with a plethora of reviews regarding the state of the art of applications of AI for head and neck cancer (HNC) management. This article provides an analysis of systematic reviews on the current status, and of the limitations of the application of AI/ML as adjunctive decision-making tools in HNC management.
METHODS
Electronic databases (PubMed, Medline via Ovid, Scopus, and Web of Science) were searched from inception until November 30, 2022. The study selection, searching and screening processes, inclusion, and exclusion criteria followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. A risk of bias assessment was conducted using a tailored and modified version of the Assessment of Systematic Review (AMSTAR-2) tool and quality assessment using the Risk of Bias in Systematic Reviews (ROBIS) guidelines.
RESULTS
Of the 137 search hits retrieved, 17 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. This analysis of systematic reviews revealed that the application of AI/ML as a decision aid in HNC management can be thematized as follows: (1) detection of precancerous and cancerous lesions within histopathologic slides; (2) prediction of the histopathologic nature of a given lesion from various sources of medical imaging; (3) prognostication; (4) extraction of pathological findings from imaging; and (5) different applications in radiation oncology. In addition, the challenges in implementation of AI/ML models for clinical evaluations include the lack of standardized methodological guidelines for the collection of clinical images, development of these models, reporting of their performance, external validation procedures, and regulatory frameworks.
CONCLUSION
At present, there is a paucity of evidence to suggest the adoption of these models in clinical practice due to the aforementioned limitations. Therefore, this manuscript highlights the need for development of standardized guidelines to facilitate the adoption and implementation of these models in the daily clinical practice. In addition, adequately powered, prospective, randomized controlled trials are urgently needed to further assess the potential of AI/ML models in real-world clinical settings for the management of HNC.
Topics: Humans; Artificial Intelligence; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Machine Learning; Prospective Studies; Research Design
PubMed: 37291378
DOI: 10.1007/s12325-023-02527-9 -
Dietary Interventions in Ulcerative Colitis: A Systematic Review of the Evidence with Meta-Analysis.Nutrients Sep 2023(1) Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic colon inflammation caused by genetic and environmental factors, including diet. This systematic review and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
(1) Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic colon inflammation caused by genetic and environmental factors, including diet. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to assess the impact of diet on UC management in children and adults (2) Methods: A comprehensive search across databases yielded relevant studies, and risk of bias in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. This study was conducted in conformity to the 2020 PRISMA guidelines. The certainty of evidence for outcomes was evaluated using GRADE methodology. Meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager software version 5.4. (3) Results: Fourteen RCTs were included, results indicated higher clinical response, remission, and endoscopic remission rates in diet-treated groups. Carrageenan-free, anti-inflammatory, and cow milk protein elimination diets showed no significant advantages in maintaining clinical remission. However, a study involving fermented cow milk with bifidobacterial demonstrated favorable outcomes. Overall, pooled analysis leaned in favor of dietary intervention for sustaining clinical remission; (4) Conclusions: The relationship between diet and UC is an evolving terrain that demands deeper exploration. This systematic review and meta-analysis highlight the evolving relationship between diet and UC, necessitating further exploration. While understanding grows, adopting personalized dietary approaches could alleviate symptoms, and support a more positive disease trajectory.
Topics: Adult; Child; Humans; Colitis, Ulcerative; Remission Induction; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Inflammation
PubMed: 37836478
DOI: 10.3390/nu15194194 -
European Review For Medical and... Sep 2023Hyperhomocysteinemia is a well-known marker that is associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis due to its toxic effect on endothelial cells. This, in turn,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
Hyperhomocysteinemia is a well-known marker that is associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis due to its toxic effect on endothelial cells. This, in turn, leads to cardiovascular injury and increases morbidity. Different studies have shown alterations in the levels of homocysteine with respect to multiple disease states. Whether this non-traditional marker is associated with cardiovascular injury or not is subject to conflicting results. The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate the role of homocysteine in the formation of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in young adults and children.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This systematic review was conducted following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines (PRISMA). A search was done using specific keywords, including "homocysteine", "coronary artery disease", and "atherosclerosis", amongst several others, from the databases of PubMed, COCHRANE, and EBSCO. The data items included the diseased sample population along with the intervention used, or investigations carried out and the findings of the studies. Finally, 35 eligible studies were included.
RESULTS
Young patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease were more likely to have elevated levels of homocysteine compared to elderly patients. Elevated levels of homocysteine have been observed with several genetic, nutritional deficiencies, and autoimmune states such as rheumatoid arthritis. On the other hand, decreased levels of homocysteine have been observed after certain intervention treatments, such as oral contraceptive pills, L-thyroxine, and even the adoption of certain diets. In the majority of studies, whenever homocysteine levels were higher than normal, this was reflected by an increased carotid intima-media thickness.
CONCLUSIONS
Homocysteine has a high correlation with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in young and overweight patients. In addition, the relationship of homocysteine with smoking, genetic polymorphism, specific hormonal and renal disorders, nutritional deficiencies (vitamin B12 and folic acid), and the use of specific medicines are among the other recurring findings. Given that many of these studies focus only on women, the relationship between homocysteine and atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases in males is still unclear. Whether males are more prone to hyperhomocysteinemia needs to be assessed. Still, precise processes underlying variations in homocysteine in relation to all influencing factors are unclear and need further studies.
Topics: Male; Child; Humans; Female; Aged; Cardiovascular Diseases; Carotid Intima-Media Thickness; Prognosis; Hyperhomocysteinemia; Homocysteine; Endothelial Cells; Atherosclerosis; Folic Acid; Vitamin B 12; Risk Factors
PubMed: 37782175
DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202309_33784 -
Advances in Nutrition (Bethesda, Md.) Jul 2023Breast cancer (BC) poses an important burden of disease, which probably could be reduced by adopting healthy lifestyles like healthy body weight, healthy diet, and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Breast cancer (BC) poses an important burden of disease, which probably could be reduced by adopting healthy lifestyles like healthy body weight, healthy diet, and physical activity, among others. Many studies have reported that adherence to healthy lifestyles may decrease BC risk. The main objective of this study was to estimate a summary association of studies evaluating a healthy lifestyle index and BC risk. A systematic review and meta-analysis following the Cochrane methodology were carried out. Observational studies, including healthy lifestyle indices and their association with BC, were searched from 4 databases. For the meta-analysis, random-effects model was used to evaluate overall BC risk, BC by molecular subtype and menopausal status. Thirty-one studies were included in the systematic review, and 29 studies in the meta-analysis. When the highest vs. the lowest category to a healthy lifestyle index were compared, the study identified a 20% risk reduction for BC in prospective studies (hazard ratio [HR] 0.80 95% CI: 0.78, 0.83) and an odds ratio (OR) of 0.74 (95% CI: 0.63, 0.86) for retrospective studies. The inverse association remained statistically significant when stratified by menopausal status, except for premenopausal BC in prospective studies. Furthermore, an inverse association was found for molecular subtypes estrogen receptor (ER+)/progesterone receptor (PR+): HR = 0.68 (95%CI: 0.63, 0.73), ER+/PR-: HR = 0.78 (95% CI: 0.67, 0.90) and ER-/PR-: HR = 0.77 (95% CI: 0.64, 0.92). Most studies scored at a low risk of bias and a moderate score for the certainty of the evidence. Adherence to a healthy lifestyle reduces the risk of BC, regardless of its molecular subtypes, which should be considered a priority to generate recommendations for BC prevention at a population level. International prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO) ID: CRD42021267759.
Topics: Humans; Female; Breast Neoplasms; Prospective Studies; Retrospective Studies; Risk; Life Style; Risk Factors
PubMed: 37085092
DOI: 10.1016/j.advnut.2023.04.007 -
Prevalence and risk factors of stroke in high-altitude areas: a systematic review and meta-analysis.BMJ Open Sep 2023The primary objective of this study is to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of stroke in high-altitude areas through a comprehensive systematic review and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
The primary objective of this study is to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of stroke in high-altitude areas through a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis.
DESIGN
This study adopts a systematic review and meta-analysis design.
DATA SOURCES
A thorough search was conducted on databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, MEDLINE and SCOPUS, covering the period up to June 2023.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Studies reporting the prevalence of stroke in high-altitude areas and exploring related risk factors were included, regardless of whether they involved clinical samples or the general population. Studies with incomplete, outdated or duplicate data were excluded.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
We performed eligibility screening, data extraction and quality evaluation of the retrieved articles. Meta-analysis was employed to estimate the prevalence and risk factors of stroke in high-altitude areas. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess the risk of bias.
RESULTS
A total of 17 studies encompassing 8 566 042 participants from four continents were included, with altitudes ranging from 1500 m to nearly 5000 m. The pooled prevalence of stroke in high-altitude areas was found to be 0.5% (95% CI 0.3%-7%). Notably, the prevalence was higher in clinical samples (1.2%; 0.4%-2.5%) compared with the general population (0.3%; 95% CI 0.1%-0.6%). When considering geographic regions, the aggregated data indicated that stroke prevalence in the Eurasia plate was 0.3% (0.2%-0.4%), while in the American region, it was 0.8% (0.4%-1.3%). Age (OR, 14.891), gender (OR, 1.289), hypertension (OR, 3.158) and obesity (OR, 1.502) were identified as significant risk factors for stroke in high-altitude areas.
CONCLUSIONS
The findings of this study provide insights into the pooled prevalence of stroke in high-altitude areas, highlighting variations based on geographic regions and sampling type. Moreover, age, gender, hypertension and obesity were found to be associated with the occurrence of stroke.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42022381541.
Topics: Humans; Altitude; Prevalence; Risk Factors; Obesity; Hypertension; Stroke
PubMed: 37734891
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-071433 -
American Journal of Epidemiology Jul 2023Metal exposure has been suggested as a possible environmental risk factor for Parkinson disease (PD). We searched the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Metal exposure has been suggested as a possible environmental risk factor for Parkinson disease (PD). We searched the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases to systematically review the literature on the relationship between metal exposure and PD risk and to examine the overall quality of each study and the exposure assessment method. A total of 83 case-control studies and 5 cohort studies published during the period 1963-July 2021 were included, of which 73 were graded as being of low or moderate overall quality. Investigators in 69 studies adopted self-reported exposure and biomonitoring after disease diagnosis for exposure assessment approaches. The meta-analyses showed that concentrations of copper and iron in serum and concentrations of zinc in either serum or plasma were lower, while concentrations of magnesium in CSF and zinc in hair were higher, among PD cases as compared with controls. Cumulative lead levels in bone were found to be associated with increased risk of PD. We did not find associations between other metals and PD. The current level of evidence for associations between metals and PD risk is limited, as biases from methodological limitations cannot be ruled out. High-quality studies assessing metal levels before disease onset are needed to improve our understanding of the role of metals in the etiology of PD.
Topics: Humans; Cohort Studies; Copper; Lead; Parkinson Disease; Zinc; Metals
PubMed: 37022311
DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwad082 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2023Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major underdiagnosed public health threat worldwide, being responsible for more than 10 million cases and one million deaths annually. TB... (Review)
Review
Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major underdiagnosed public health threat worldwide, being responsible for more than 10 million cases and one million deaths annually. TB diagnosis has become more rapid with the development and adoption of molecular tests, but remains challenging with traditional TB diagnosis, but there has not been a critical review of this area. Here, we systematically review these approaches to assess their diagnostic potential and issues with the development and clinical evaluation of proposed CRISPR-based TB assays. Based on these observations, we propose constructive suggestions to improve sample pretreatment, method development, clinical validation, and accessibility of these assays to streamline future assay development and validation studies.
Topics: Humans; Biological Assay; Public Health; Tuberculosis
PubMed: 37600797
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1172035