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International Journal of Molecular... Jul 2023sp. are the most commonly associated pathogens in infective endocarditis, especially within high-income nations. This along with the increasing burden of healthcare,... (Review)
Review
sp. are the most commonly associated pathogens in infective endocarditis, especially within high-income nations. This along with the increasing burden of healthcare, aging populations, and the protracted infection courses, contribute to a significant challenge for healthcare systems. A systematic review was conducted using relevant search criteria from PubMed, Ovid's version of MEDLINE, and EMBASE, and data were tabulated from randomized controlled trials (RCT), observational cohort studies, meta-analysis, and basic research articles. The review was registered with the OSF register of systematic reviews and followed the PRISMA reporting guidelines. Thirty-five studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final systematic review. The role of and its interaction with the protective shield and host protection functions was identified and highlighted in several studies. The interaction between infective endocarditis pathogens, vascular endothelium, and blood constituents was also explored, giving rise to the potential use of antiplatelets as preventative and/or curative agents. Several factors allow infections to proliferate within the host with numerous promoting and perpetuating agents. The complex interaction with the hosts' innate immunity also potentiates its virulence. The goal of this study is to attain a better understanding on the molecular pathways involved in infective endocarditis supported by and whether therapeutic avenues for the prevention and treatment of IE can be obtained. The use of antibiotic-treated allogeneic tissues have marked antibacterial action, thereby becoming the ideal substitute in native and prosthetic valvular infections. However, the development of effective vaccines against still requires in-depth studies.
Topics: Humans; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Endocarditis; Endocarditis, Bacterial; Staphylococcal Infections; Staphylococcus; Staphylococcus aureus
PubMed: 37446247
DOI: 10.3390/ijms241311068 -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Nov 2023Menstruation is a natural occurrence marked by the periodic release of endometrial cells within the uterine lining from the female genital area. Menstruation knowledge... (Review)
Review
Menstruation is a natural occurrence marked by the periodic release of endometrial cells within the uterine lining from the female genital area. Menstruation knowledge remains highly essential for young adolescents. Inadequate awareness and understanding of menstruation have far-reaching consequences on the overall wellbeing and health outcomes of young adults worldwide. Adolescent girls make up a large percentage of high school students in Nigeria. Girls in countries with low to middle incomes are frequently misled or uneducated regarding menstruation. Menstrual health literacy (MHL) is the level of knowledge concerning matters related to menstrual health. It is observed that a lack of menstrual health literacy is seen among young adults. This systematic review aimed to examine menstruation literacy, attitudes, and adolescent girls' practices in Nigeria. This systematic review included quantitative, cross-sectional, quasi-experimental, and qualitative primary research studies relating to menstruation literacy, attitudes, and practices of adolescents in Nigeria. Articles for this study were searched for on databases such as PubMed and BioMed Central using keywords. These studies were subjected to stringent inclusion and exclusion criteria where the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used, and 13 articles were included after critical appraisal. Data extracted were analysed using narrative synthesis. Findings indicated that knowledge regarding menstruation among adolescents (82.6%) was poor. Menstruation information was obtained from mothers, which was positive as some adolescents reported their closeness to their mothers. Regarding attitudes towards menstruation among adolescents, it was reported that more respondents (70.3%) had negative attitudes towards menstruation. Most of the respondents in Nigeria were not adequately prepared for the onset of their first menstrual period. Knowledge and attitude levels were low regarding periods for adolescents. The only exception was their positive attitude towards using water and soap to wash their hands during menstruation. The review shows a significant gap between adolescents' menstruation knowledge and actual hygienic methods during menstruation. It is therefore required for educational awareness programmes and campaigns to be put in place to educate adolescents about menstruation.
Topics: Young Adult; Adolescent; Female; Humans; Menstruation; Nigeria; Cross-Sectional Studies; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Mothers
PubMed: 38138175
DOI: 10.3390/medicina59122073 -
Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases Aug 2023Gaucher's disease (GD), a rare condition, represents the most common lysosomal storage disorder. The cardinal manifestations of GD are fatigue, hepatosplenomegaly,...
BACKGROUND
Gaucher's disease (GD), a rare condition, represents the most common lysosomal storage disorder. The cardinal manifestations of GD are fatigue, hepatosplenomegaly, anemia, thrombocytopenia, bone pain, and bone infarction, thereby culminating in a marked deterioration of patients' quality of life (QoL). Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) offer valuable insights into the impact of GD on patients' QoL and symptoms. This systematic review aimed to identify and analyze PROs and outcome measures in GD patients.
METHODS
We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science Core Collections, EMBASE, SCOPUS, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, Wan Fang Data, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and the Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM). The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using a mixed methods assessment tool.
RESULTS
A total of 33 studies were identified, encompassing 24 distinct patient-reported outcome instruments, with the most frequently employed instrument being the SF-36. The study designs included eighteen cross-sectional studies, seven pre- and post-intervention investigations, three randomized controlled trials, two cohort studies, two qualitative inquiries, and one validation study. These studies explored diverse domains such as the QoL and cardinal symptoms (e.g., fatigue, pain, bleeding, cognition, social relationships, and psychological functioning) in patients with GD. Furthermore, significant attention was directed towards the appraisal of the therapeutic benefits of various interventions in patients with GD. A novel GD-specific instrument has also been developed, which has two applied versions: a 24-item variant for routine clinical monitoring and a 17-item form for use in clinical trials.
CONCLUSION
PROs have garnered increased attention and concern in the realm of GD. Despite this progress, it is noteworthy that the instruments used to measure PROs in GD are still predominantly generic instruments. While researchers have endeavored to develop and validate a disease-specific instrument, currently the use of this instrument is limited. Owing to several challenges, including the small number of patients, heterogeneity of the disease, and cross-regional discrepancies in study findings, GD poses substantial difficulties in the measurement of QoL and development of instruments. Consequently, patients with GD require more dependable measurement instruments that accurately reflect their QoL, efficacy of treatment, and facilitate healthcare decision-making.
Topics: Humans; Cross-Sectional Studies; Fatigue; Gaucher Disease; Lysosomal Storage Diseases; Quality of Life
PubMed: 37626429
DOI: 10.1186/s13023-023-02844-w -
International Journal of Molecular... Mar 2024Peripheral and autonomic neuropathy are common disease manifestations in systemic amyloidosis. The neurofilament light chain (NfL), a neuron-specific biomarker, is... (Review)
Review
Peripheral and autonomic neuropathy are common disease manifestations in systemic amyloidosis. The neurofilament light chain (NfL), a neuron-specific biomarker, is released into the blood and cerebrospinal fluid after neuronal damage. There is a need for an early and sensitive blood biomarker for polyneuropathy, and this systematic review provides an overview on the value of NfL in the early detection of neuropathy, central nervous system involvement, the monitoring of neuropathy progression, and treatment effects in systemic amyloidosis. A literature search in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science was performed on 14 February 2024 for studies investigating NfL levels in patients with systemic amyloidosis and transthyretin gene-variant (v) carriers. Only studies containing original data were included. Included were thirteen full-text articles and five abstracts describing 1604 participants: 298 controls and 1306 v carriers or patients with or without polyneuropathy. Patients with polyneuropathy demonstrated higher NfL levels compared to healthy controls and asymptomatic carriers. Disease onset was marked by rising NfL levels. Following the initiation of transthyretin gene-silencer treatment, NfL levels decreased and remained stable over an extended period. NfL is not an outcome biomarker, but an early and sensitive disease-process biomarker for neuropathy in systemic amyloidosis. Therefore, NfL has the potential to be used for the early detection of neuropathy, monitoring treatment effects, and monitoring disease progression in patients with systemic amyloidosis.
Topics: Humans; Prealbumin; Intermediate Filaments; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis; Amyloidosis; Polyneuropathies; Biomarkers
PubMed: 38612579
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073770 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Nov 2023To assess the characteristics and prognosis-influencing factors of phlegmonous esophagitis, a rare condition marked by suppurative inflammation of the esophageal... (Review)
Review
GOALS
To assess the characteristics and prognosis-influencing factors of phlegmonous esophagitis, a rare condition marked by suppurative inflammation of the esophageal submucosa and muscular layers.
BACKGROUND
Effective management strategies for phlegmonous esophagitis are lacking. This study aims to systematically review cases to better understand the disease's features and prognostic determinants.
METHOD
A systematic search was performed using PubMed/MEDLINE and Google Scholar from inception to 20 April 2023. Phlegmonous esophagitis case reports and studies with patient information were included; clinical manifestations, laboratory results, imaging findings, other diagnostic findings, and outcomes were analyzed. A pooled analysis was performed to investigate mortality-related risk factors.
RESULTS
A total of 35 cases of phlegmonous esophagitis were selected from 31 case reports and 2 case series (median age, 57.0 years; male, 54.3%). The patients presented various clinical symptoms, with neck-to-epigastric pain and dysphagia being the most common. Comorbid diabetes mellitus was a major predisposing factor; one-third of the patients had no previous medical history. Computed tomography (CT) and endoscopic examinations were predominantly used for phlegmonous esophagitis diagnosis. Radiological findings showed that the upper and middle esophagus were most frequently involved. Treatments included administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics and drainage via endoscopy or surgery. There were three cases of mortality, and non-survivors tended to have shorter hospital stays, indicating rapid disease progression. In logistic regression, thoracic surgery was a significant mortality-related risk factor (odds ratio, 19.30; 95% confidence interval, 1.33-282.00, = 0.03).
CONCLUSION
Advancements in CT and endoscopy have led to less-invasive diagnostic and treatment methods for phlegmonous esophagitis. Endoscopic localized abscess treatment is associated with positive outcomes.
PubMed: 38002759
DOI: 10.3390/jcm12227147 -
PloS One 2024To assess the effectiveness of acupuncture for treating depression and anxiety in patients diagnosed with functional dyspepsia (FD). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effectiveness of acupuncture for treating depression and anxiety in patients diagnosed with functional dyspepsia (FD).
METHODS
PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang Data, Sinomed, and VIP Database were searched until April 30, 2023 for Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) comparing acupuncture to placebo or drugs for symptom alleviation. Two independent reviewers conducted the study search, data extraction, and bias risk assessment using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Mean difference (MD), risk ratio (RR), and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were computed. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were also performed. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system was employed to evaluate the evidence level.
RESULTS
A total of 16 RCTs involving 1315 participants were included. Acupuncture demonstrated marked superiority over placebo (MD = -7.07, 95%CI: -11.03 to -3.10, very low quality evidence) in mitigating Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) scores and was found to be more effective in reducing Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) scores than either placebo (MD = -4.63, 95%CI: -6.28 to -2.98, low quality evidence) or first-line drugs (MD = -2.71, 95%CI: -5.19 to -0.23, very low quality evidence). In terms of attenuating Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA) and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) scores, acupuncture consistently outperformed both placebo (HAMA: MD = -2.58, 95%CI: -4.33 to -0.83, very low quality evidence; HAMD: MD = -1.89, 95%CI: -3.11 to -0.67, low quality evidence) and first-line drugs (HAMA: MD = -5.76, 95%CI: -10.18 to -1.35, very low quality evidence; HAMD: MD = -5.59, 95%CI: -7.59 to -3.59, very low quality evidence). However, no significant difference was observed between acupuncture and placebo in terms of improvement in Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) scores.
CONCLUSIONS
Based on current clinical evidence, acupuncture might have a positive effect on depression and anxiety in patients with FD. Further large-sample, multi-center, high-quality RCTs validation are required, as the conclusion is limited by the quantity and quality of the included studies.
Topics: Humans; Acupuncture Therapy; Anxiety; Depression; Dyspepsia
PubMed: 38452033
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298438 -
Eating and Weight Disorders : EWD Sep 2023The aim of the study was to examine the effects of meal supervision, provided by health professionals, volunteers or family members, on anthropometric, nutritional,... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
The aim of the study was to examine the effects of meal supervision, provided by health professionals, volunteers or family members, on anthropometric, nutritional, psychological, and behavioural outcomes in patients with eating disorders (EDs).
METHODS
The present systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. The last search was conducted in three databases (PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane library). Inclusion criteria considered paediatric and adult patients suffering from EDs, regardless of ethnicity, and treated in different therapeutic settings. The quality of the studies was evaluated using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS) adapted for cross-sectional studies and Version 2 of the Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment tool for randomised trials.
RESULTS
3282 articles were retrieved, out of which only 6 met the eligibility criteria. A marked heterogeneity in definitions and approaches to supervised mealtime was observed. This variability emerged in the methodologies used in the supervised meal, and in the reference values for the outcome measures that were used, such as the analysis of different parameters. Based on these observations, mealtime assistance provided to patients with EDs shows an overall positive effect on eating behaviour and dysfunctional attitudes. Future research should be prompted to provide a thorough definition of a structured procedure for meal assistance to be potentially and systematically included in the nutritional rehabilitation protocols for patients with EDs.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Level IV systematic reviews of uncontrolled trials.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Child; Cross-Sectional Studies; Anthropometry; Anxiety; Feeding and Eating Disorders; Meals
PubMed: 37688675
DOI: 10.1007/s40519-023-01605-9 -
Physiology & Behavior Jan 2024Pregnancy is a transformative phase marked by significant behavioral and physiological changes. Substantial changes in pregnancy-related hormones are thought to induce... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Pregnancy is a transformative phase marked by significant behavioral and physiological changes. Substantial changes in pregnancy-related hormones are thought to induce changes in chemosensory perception, as often observed in non-human animals. However, empirical behavioral research on pregnancy-related olfactory or gustatory changes has not yet reached a consensus. This PROSPERO pre-registered systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated published data of olfactory and gustatory changes in pregnant individuals, across the three pregnancy trimesters and postpartum period. Our comprehensive search strategy identified 20 relevant studies, for inclusion in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis revealed that pregnant individuals, regardless of trimester, performed significantly poorer in terms of odour identification, however, no difference was detected between non-pregnant controls and women postpartum. Additionally, pregnant women in the second and third trimester rated olfactory stimuli to be more intense. A slight decline in odour pleasantness ratings was observed amongst those in the second trimester. No major difference was observed between pregnant and non-pregnant subjects in terms of gustatory functions, except the first trimester appeared to be associated with increased pleasantness for the sweet taste. Post-hoc meta-regression analyses revealed that pregnancy stage was a significant predictor for observed effect size for odour intensity ratings, but not for odour identification scores. These findings provide valuable insights into the interplay between pregnancy and chemosensory perception, highlighting systematic physiological changes due to pregnancy. Healthcare providers can also utilize the knowledge of sensory shifts to better support pregnant women in making appropriate dietary choices, managing sense-related discomfort, and leading to potential sensory interventions. Overall, this research enhances our comprehension of sensory shifts during pregnancy, benefiting maternal health and pregnancy-related care.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Postpartum Period; Smell; Taste Perception; Diet; Odorants
PubMed: 37890603
DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2023.114388 -
Addiction (Abingdon, England) Nov 2023We provide a narrative summary of research on changes in cannabis arrests, cannabis products and prices, cannabis use and cannabis-related harm since legalization. (Review)
Review
AIMS
We provide a narrative summary of research on changes in cannabis arrests, cannabis products and prices, cannabis use and cannabis-related harm since legalization.
METHODS
We systematically searched for research on the impacts of cannabis legalization in Canada in PubMed, Embase, Statistics Canada and government websites and Google Scholar, published between 2006 and 2021.
RESULTS
Cannabis legalization in Canada has been followed by substantial reductions in cannabis-related arrests and cannabis prices. It has also increased adults' access to a diverse range of cannabis products, including edibles and extracts. The prevalence of cannabis use among young adults has increased, but there have been no marked increases or decreases in use among high school students or changes in the prevalence of daily or near-daily use. Legalization has been associated with increased adult hospital attendances for psychiatric distress and vomiting, unintentional ingestion of edible cannabis products by children and hospitalizations for cannabis use disorders in adults. There is conflicting evidence on whether cannabis-impaired driving has increased since legalization. There is suggestive evidence that presentations to emergency departments with psychoses and cannabis use disorders may have increased since legalization.
CONCLUSIONS
Legalization of cannabis in Canada appears to have reduced cannabis arrests and increased access to a variety of more potent cannabis products at lower prices. Since 2019, recent cannabis use in Canada has modestly increased among adults but not among adolescents. There is evidence of increased acute adverse effects of cannabis among adults and children.
Topics: Adolescent; Young Adult; Child; Humans; Cannabis; Public Health; Government; Legislation, Drug; Canada
PubMed: 37380613
DOI: 10.1111/add.16274 -
PloS One 2024Thyroid hormones act on the cardiovascular system directly by modulating its function and indirectly by transcriptional regulation of gene expression in the heart and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Thyroid hormones act on the cardiovascular system directly by modulating its function and indirectly by transcriptional regulation of gene expression in the heart and the vasculature. Studies have shown associations between overt and subclinical thyroid disorders and cardiovascular outcomes. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the potential relationships between subclinical hyper- and hypothyroidism and risk of atrial fibrillation (AF), and post-operative AF.
METHODS
MEDLINE and Scopus databases were searched from inception to 18th February 2023 for randomised controlled trials, case-control studies, and cohort studies which assessed the relationship between subclinical thyroid dysfunction and incident AF events. Risk of bias and the quality of evidence were assessed using the RoBANS tool and GRADE approach, respectively. Meta-analysis was conducted in Review Manager 5.4 using the Mantel-Haenszel statistical method and a random-effects model. Data are presented as risk ratios with 95% confidence intervals. Statistical heterogeneity amongst studies was assessed by the chi-squared (χ2) test and I2 statistic. p≤0.05 were considered significant.
RESULTS
A total of 6467 records were identified, of which 10 cohort studies met the inclusion criteria. Both subclinical hyperthyroidism and subclinical hypothyroidism were associated with an increased risk of incident AF (risk ratio (RR), 1.99; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.43-2.77; n = 5 studies; p<0.0001 and RR, 1.19; CI, 1.03-1.39; n = 7 studies; p = 0.02, respectively). Subgroup analysis for post-operative AF revealed marked heterogeneity between studies (I2 = 84%) and association with subclinical hypothyroidism was not significant (RR, 1.41; CI, 0.89-2.22; n = 3 studies; p = 0.15).
CONCLUSIONS
The current evidence suggests that both subclinical hyperthyroidism and subclinical hypothyroidism are associated with increased risk of incident AF. Further investigation is required to determine potential causal links that would guide future clinical practice.
Topics: Humans; Atrial Fibrillation; Thyroid Diseases; Hypothyroidism; Hyperthyroidism
PubMed: 38165911
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296413