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PloS One 2023Parkinson's disease (PD) is the fastest-growing neurodegenerative disorder, currently affecting ~7 million people worldwide. PD is clinically and genetically...
Establishing an online resource to facilitate global collaboration and inclusion of underrepresented populations: Experience from the MJFF Global Genetic Parkinson's Disease Project.
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the fastest-growing neurodegenerative disorder, currently affecting ~7 million people worldwide. PD is clinically and genetically heterogeneous, with at least 10% of all cases explained by a monogenic cause or strong genetic risk factor. However, the vast majority of our present data on monogenic PD is based on the investigation of patients of European White ancestry, leaving a large knowledge gap on monogenic PD in underrepresented populations. Gene-targeted therapies are being developed at a fast pace and have started entering clinical trials. In light of these developments, building a global network of centers working on monogenic PD, fostering collaborative research, and establishing a clinical trial-ready cohort is imperative. Based on a systematic review of the English literature on monogenic PD and a successful team science approach, we have built up a network of 59 sites worldwide and have collected information on the availability of data, biomaterials, and facilities. To enable access to this resource and to foster collaboration across centers, as well as between academia and industry, we have developed an interactive map and online tool allowing for a quick overview of available resources, along with an option to filter for specific items of interest. This initiative is currently being merged with the Global Parkinson's Genetics Program (GP2), which will attract additional centers with a focus on underrepresented sites. This growing resource and tool will facilitate collaborative research and impact the development and testing of new therapies for monogenic and potentially for idiopathic PD patients.
Topics: Humans; Parkinson Disease; Palliative Care
PubMed: 37788254
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292180 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jul 2023The use of medicinal plants to treat inflammatory conditions and painful processes has attracted the attention of scientists and health professionals due to the evidence... (Review)
Review
The use of medicinal plants to treat inflammatory conditions and painful processes has attracted the attention of scientists and health professionals due to the evidence that natural products can promote significant therapeutic benefits associated with fewer adverse effects compared to conventional anti-inflammatory drugs. The genus is composed of various plants with pharmacological potential, which are used to treat various diseases in traditional communities worldwide. The present study systematically reviewed species with anti-inflammatory and analgesic potential. To this end, a systematic review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol. The search was conducted on the following databases: PubMed, ScienceDirect, SciVerse Scopus, and Web of Science. Different combinations of search terms were used to ensure more excellent article coverage. After the selection, a total of 45 articles were included in this review. This study identified twelve species indicated for the treatment of different inflammatory conditions, such as wounds, fever, bronchitis, abscess, asthma, hepatitis, labyrinthitis, tonsillitis, and uterine inflammation. The indications for pain conditions included headache, sore throat, heartburn, menstrual cramp, colic, toothache, stomachache, migraine, chest pain, abdominal pain, local pain, labor pain, and recurring pain. Among the listed species, ten plants were found to be used according to traditional knowledge, although only four of them have been experimentally studied. When assessing the methodological quality of preclinical in vivo assays, most items presented a risk of bias. The SR results revealed the existence of different species used to treat inflammation and pain. The results of this systematic review indicate that species have the potential to be used in the treatment of diseases with an inflammatory component, as well as in the management of pain. However, given the risk of biases, the experimental analysis of these species through preclinical testing is crucial for their safe and effective use.
Topics: Female; Pregnancy; Humans; Ethnopharmacology; Phytotherapy; Plectranthus; Abdominal Pain; Analgesics; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Inflammation; Phytochemicals
PubMed: 37570622
DOI: 10.3390/molecules28155653 -
Brain Sciences Oct 2023β-carotene is a powerful antioxidant and dietary precursor of vitamin A whose role in maintaining mental health and cognitive performance, either alone or in... (Review)
Review
β-carotene is a powerful antioxidant and dietary precursor of vitamin A whose role in maintaining mental health and cognitive performance, either alone or in combination with other dietary compounds, has been a topic of recent research. However, its effectiveness is still unclear. This systematic review, conducted according to the PRISMA guideline and assisted by the MySLR platform, addressed this issue. A total of 16 eligible original research articles were identified. Dietary intake or β-carotene serum levels were associated with improved measures of cognitive function in 7 out of 10 epidemiological studies included. In intervention studies, β-carotene consumption alone did not promote better cognitive function in the short term, but only in a long-term intervention with a mean duration of 18 years. However, all but one intervention study suggested the beneficial effects of β-carotene supplementation at doses ranging from 6 mg to 50 mg per day in combination with a multicomplex such as vitamin E, vitamin C, zinc, or selenium for a period of 16 weeks to 20 years. Despite the current limitations, the available evidence suggests a potential association between β-carotene dietary/supplementary intake and the maintenance of cognitive function. The β-carotene most probably does not act alone but in synergy with other micronutrients.
PubMed: 37891835
DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13101468 -
European Journal of Obstetrics &... Sep 2023Gallstone disease is the second most common non-gynecological disease that may require surgical intervention during pregnancy. This study investigates the global... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Gallstone disease is the second most common non-gynecological disease that may require surgical intervention during pregnancy. This study investigates the global prevalence of gallstones in pregnancy through a systematic review and meta-analysis.
METHODS
A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies that reported the global prevalence of gallstones in pregnancy was conducted. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar were searched for studies published up to September 2022.
RESULTS
In a review of 31 studies with a sample size of 190,714 people, the I heterogeneity test showed high heterogeneity (I = 98.8%). Therefore, the random effects method was used to analyze the results. The prevalence of gallstones was reported as 3.6% (95% CI: 1.9-6.7%). The highest prevalence of gallstones by continent was reported in America, at 6.8% (95% CI: 4.2-10.8%). The Egger test showed no evidence of publication bias (p = 0.609).
CONCLUSION
Based on the results of this study, health policymakers should emphasize to the target community and the medical staff dealing with pregnant women the importance of screening for gallstones during pregnancy.
PubMed: 37711873
DOI: 10.1016/j.eurox.2023.100237 -
La Clinica Terapeutica 2023Cancer, a potentially fatal condition, is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Among males aged 20 to 35, the most common cancer in healthy individuals is... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Cancer, a potentially fatal condition, is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Among males aged 20 to 35, the most common cancer in healthy individuals is testicular cancer, accounting for 1% to 2% of all cancers in men.
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
The onset and spread of testicular cancer are significantly influenced by genetic changes, including mutations in oncogenes, tu-mor suppressor genes, and DNA repair genes. As a result of identifying these specific genetic mutations in cancers, targeted medications have been developed to disrupt the signaling pathways affected by these genetic changes. To improve the diagnosis and treatment of this disease, it is crucial to understand its natural and clinical histories.
CONCLUSIONS
In order to comprehend cancer better and to discover new biomarkers and therapeutic targets, oncologists are increasingly employing omics methods, such as genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics. Targeted medications that focus on specific genetic pathways and mutations hold promise for advancing the diagnosis and management of this disease.
Topics: Humans; Male; Testicular Neoplasms; Precision Medicine; Genomics; Proteomics
PubMed: 37994745
DOI: 10.7417/CT.2023.2468 -
Frontiers in Surgery 2023Augmented reality (AR) is increasingly being explored in neurosurgical practice. By visualizing patient-specific, three-dimensional (3D) models in real time, surgeons... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Augmented reality (AR) is increasingly being explored in neurosurgical practice. By visualizing patient-specific, three-dimensional (3D) models in real time, surgeons can improve their spatial understanding of complex anatomy and pathology, thereby optimizing intra-operative navigation, localization, and resection. Here, we aimed to capture applications of AR in glioma surgery, their current status and future potential.
METHODS
A systematic review of the literature was conducted. This adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline. PubMed, Embase, and Scopus electronic databases were queried from inception to October 10, 2022. Leveraging the Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcomes, and Study design (PICOS) framework, study eligibility was evaluated in the qualitative synthesis. Data regarding AR workflow, surgical application, and associated outcomes were then extracted. The quality of evidence was additionally examined, using hierarchical classes of evidence in neurosurgery.
RESULTS
The search returned 77 articles. Forty were subject to title and abstract screening, while 25 proceeded to full text screening. Of these, 22 articles met eligibility criteria and were included in the final review. During abstraction, studies were classified as "development" or "intervention" based on primary aims. Overall, AR was qualitatively advantageous, due to enhanced visualization of gliomas and critical structures, frequently aiding in maximal safe resection. Non-rigid applications were also useful in disclosing and compensating for intra-operative brain shift. Irrespective, there was high variance in registration methods and measurements, which considerably impacted projection accuracy. Most studies were of low-level evidence, yielding heterogeneous results.
CONCLUSIONS
AR has increasing potential for glioma surgery, with capacity to positively influence the onco-functional balance. However, technical and design limitations are readily apparent. The field must consider the importance of consistency and replicability, as well as the level of evidence, to effectively converge on standard approaches that maximize patient benefit.
PubMed: 37671031
DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2023.1245851 -
Experimental Biology and Medicine... Oct 2023Dengue fever disease (DFD) which is caused by four antigenically distinct dengue viruses (DENV) presents a global health threat, with tropical and subtropical regions at...
Dengue fever disease (DFD) which is caused by four antigenically distinct dengue viruses (DENV) presents a global health threat, with tropical and subtropical regions at a greater risk. The paucity of epidemiological data on dengue in West African subregion endangers efforts geared toward disease control and prevention. A systematic search of DFD prevalence, incidence, and DENV-infected in West Africa was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, African Index Medicus, and Google Scholar in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A total of 58 human prevalence studies involving 35,748 people from 8 countries were identified. Two incidence and six DENV-infected studies were also reviewed. Nigeria and Burkina Faso contributed the majority of the prevalence studies which spanned between 1968 and 2018, with a considerable variation in coverage among the countries reviewed in this study. An average prevalence of 20.97% was observed across both general prevalence and acute DENV infection study categories, ranging between 0.02% and 93%. The majority of these studies were conducted in acute febrile patients with a prevalence range of 0.02-93% while 19% ( = 11) of all studies were general population-based studies and reported a prevalence range of 17.2-75.8%. DENV-infected were reported in four out of the five countries with published reports; with DENV-2 found circulating in Cape Verde, Senegal, and Burkina Faso while DENV-3 and DENV-4 were also reported in Senegal and Cape Verde, respectively. High prevalence of DFD in human populations and the occurrence of DENV-infected have been reported in West Africa, even though weaknesses in study design were identified. Epidemiological data from most countries and population in the subregion were scarce or non-existent. This study highlights the epidemic risk of DFD in West Africa, and the need for research and surveillance to be prioritized to fill the data gap required to enact effective control measures.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Aedes; Burkina Faso; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dengue; Dengue Virus
PubMed: 37452719
DOI: 10.1177/15353702231181356 -
Pharmacological Research May 2024Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) often experience mild cognitive impairment and other neurocognitive disorders. Studies have shown that erythropoietin (EPO)... (Review)
Review
Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) often experience mild cognitive impairment and other neurocognitive disorders. Studies have shown that erythropoietin (EPO) and its receptor have neuroprotective effects in cell and animal models of nervous system disorders. Recombinant human EPO (rHuEPO), commonly used to treat anemia in CKD patients, could be a neuroprotective agent. In this systematic review, we aimed to assess the published studies investigating the cognitive benefits of rHuEPO treatment in individuals with reduced kidney function. We comprehensively searched Pubmed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science databases from 1990 to 2023. After selection, 24 studies were analyzed, considering study design, sample size, participant characteristics, intervention, and main findings. The collective results of these studies in CKD patients indicated that rHuEPO enhances brain function, improves performance on neuropsychological tests, and positively affects electroencephalography measurements. These findings suggest that rHuEPO could be a promising neuroprotective agent for managing CKD-related cognitive impairment.
Topics: Humans; Erythropoietin; Neuroprotective Agents; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Cognitive Dysfunction; Animals; Recombinant Proteins; Brain; Cognition
PubMed: 38493928
DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107146 -
Advances in Nutrition (Bethesda, Md.) Jan 2024Human milk (HM) provides a plethora of nutritional and non-nutritional compounds that support infant development. For many compounds, concentrations vary substantially... (Review)
Review
Human milk (HM) provides a plethora of nutritional and non-nutritional compounds that support infant development. For many compounds, concentrations vary substantially among mothers and across lactation, and their impact on infant growth is poorly understood. We systematically searched MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science to synthesize evidence published between 1980 and 2022 on HM components and anthropometry through 2 y of age among term-born infants. Outcomes included weight-for-length, length-for-age, weight-for-age, body mass index (in kg/m)-for-age, and growth velocity. From 9992 abstracts screened, 144 articles were included and categorized based on their reporting of HM micronutrients, macronutrients, or bioactive components. Micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) are reported here, based on 28 articles involving 2526 mother-infant dyads. Studies varied markedly in their designs, sampling times, geographic and socioeconomic settings, reporting practices, and the HM analytes and infant anthropometrics measured. Meta-analysis was not possible because data were sparse for most micronutrients. The most-studied minerals were zinc (15 articles, 1423 dyads) and calcium (7 articles, 714 dyads). HM iodine, manganese, calcium, and zinc concentrations were positively associated with several outcomes (each in ≥2 studies), whereas magnesium (in a single study) was negatively associated with linear growth during early lactation. However, few studies measured HM intake, adjusted for confounders, provided adequate information about complementary and formula feeding, or adequately described HM collection protocols. Only 4 studies (17%) had high overall quality scores. The biological functions of individual HM micronutrients are likely influenced by other HM components; yet, only 1 study analyzed data from multiple micronutrients simultaneously, and few addressed other HM components. Thus, available evidence on this topic is largely inconclusive and fails to address the complex composition of HM. High-quality research employing chronobiology and systems biology approaches is required to understand how HM components work independently and together to influence infant growth and to identify new avenues for future maternal, newborn, or infant nutritional interventions.
Topics: Infant; Infant, Newborn; Child; Female; Humans; Milk, Human; Micronutrients; Calcium; Minerals; Zinc; Body Composition
PubMed: 37315898
DOI: 10.1016/j.advnut.2023.06.005 -
Age and Ageing Sep 2023Anticholinergic medications block the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the brain and peripheral nervous system. Many medications have anticholinergic properties, and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
Anticholinergic medications block the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the brain and peripheral nervous system. Many medications have anticholinergic properties, and the cumulative effect of these medications is termed anticholinergic burden. Increased anticholinergic burden can have short-term side effects such as dry mouth, blurred vision and urinary retention as well as long-term effects including dementia, worsening physical function and falls.
METHODS
We carried out a systematic review (SR) with meta-analysis (MA) looking at randomised controlled trials addressing interventions to reduce anticholinergic burden in older adults.
RESULTS
We identified seven papers suitable for inclusion in our SR and MA. Interventions included multi-disciplinary involvement in medication reviews and deprescribing of AC medications. Pooled data revealed no significant difference in outcomes between control and intervention group for falls (OR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.52-1.11, n = 647), cognition (mean difference = 1.54, 95% CI: -0.04 to 3.13, n = 405), anticholinergic burden (mean difference = 0.04, 95% CI: -0.11 to 0.18, n = 710) or quality of life (mean difference = 0.04, 95% CI: -0.04 to 0.12, n = 461).
DISCUSSION
Overall, there was no significant difference with interventions to reduce anticholinergic burden. As we did not see a significant change in anticholinergic burden scores following interventions, it is likely other outcomes would not change. Short follow-up time and lack of training and support surrounding successful deprescribing may have contributed.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Quality of Life; Cholinergic Antagonists; Acetylcholine; Brain; Cognition
PubMed: 37740900
DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afad176