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Biology of Sex Differences Jul 2023Premature birth and/or low birthweight have long-lasting effects on cognition. The purpose of the present systematic review is to examine whether the effects of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Premature birth and/or low birthweight have long-lasting effects on cognition. The purpose of the present systematic review is to examine whether the effects of prematurity and/or low birth weight on neurodevelopmental outcomes differ between males and females.
METHODS
Web of Science, Scopus, and Ovid MEDLINE were searched for studies of humans born premature and/or of low birthweight, where neurodevelopmental phenotypes were measured at 1 year of age or older. Studies must have reported outcomes in such a way that it was possible to assess whether effects were greater in one sex than the other. Risk of bias was assessed using both the Newcastle-Ottawa scale and the National Institutes of Health Quality assessment tool for observational cohort and cross-sectional studies.
RESULTS
Seventy-five studies were included for descriptive synthesis, although only 24 presented data in a way that could be extracted for meta-analyses. Meta-analyses found that severe and moderate prematurity/low birthweight impaired cognitive function, and severe prematurity/low birthweight also increased internalizing problem scores. Moderate, but not severe, prematurity/low birthweight significantly increased externalizing problem scores. In no case did effects of prematurity/low birthweight differ between males and females. Heterogeneity among studies was generally high and significant, although age at assessment was not a significant moderator of effect. Descriptive synthesis did not identify an obvious excess or deficiency of male-biased or female-biased effects for any trait category. Individual study quality was generally good, and we found no evidence of publication bias.
CONCLUSIONS
We found no evidence that the sexes differ in their susceptibility to the effects of severe or moderate prematurity/low birthweight on cognitive function, internalizing traits or externalizing traits. Result heterogeneity tended to be high, but this reflects that one sex is not consistently more affected than the other. Frequently stated generalizations that one sex is more susceptible to prenatal adversity should be re-evaluated.
Topics: United States; Pregnancy; Female; Male; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Premature Birth; Sex Characteristics; Birth Weight; Cross-Sectional Studies; Infant, Low Birth Weight
PubMed: 37434174
DOI: 10.1186/s13293-023-00532-9 -
Cancers Aug 2023Lung cancer is one of the deadliest cancers worldwide, with a high incidence rate, especially in tobacco smokers. Lung cancer accurate diagnosis is based on distinct... (Review)
Review
Lung cancer is one of the deadliest cancers worldwide, with a high incidence rate, especially in tobacco smokers. Lung cancer accurate diagnosis is based on distinct histological patterns combined with molecular data for personalized treatment. Precise lung cancer classification from a single H&E slide can be challenging for a pathologist, requiring most of the time additional histochemical and special immunohistochemical stains for the final pathology report. According to WHO, small biopsy and cytology specimens are the available materials for about 70% of lung cancer patients with advanced-stage unresectable disease. Thus, the limited available diagnostic material necessitates its optimal management and processing for the completion of diagnosis and predictive testing according to the published guidelines. During the new era of Digital Pathology, Deep Learning offers the potential for lung cancer interpretation to assist pathologists' routine practice. Herein, we systematically review the current Artificial Intelligence-based approaches using histological and cytological images of lung cancer. Most of the published literature centered on the distinction between lung adenocarcinoma, lung squamous cell carcinoma, and small cell lung carcinoma, reflecting the realistic pathologist's routine. Furthermore, several studies developed algorithms for lung adenocarcinoma predominant architectural pattern determination, prognosis prediction, mutational status characterization, and PD-L1 expression status estimation.
PubMed: 37568797
DOI: 10.3390/cancers15153981 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Aug 2023Although topical medical therapy and selective-laser-trabeculoplasty represent the treatments of choice to reduce intraocular pressure, many patients do not achieve... (Review)
Review
Although topical medical therapy and selective-laser-trabeculoplasty represent the treatments of choice to reduce intraocular pressure, many patients do not achieve adequate glaucoma control; therefore, they require further options and eventually surgery. Trabeculectomy is still considered the gold standard, but the surgical management of glaucoma has undergone continuous advances in recent years, XEN-gel-stent has been introduced as a safer and less traumatic means of lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma (OAG). This study aimed to review the effectiveness and safety of clinical data on XEN-stent in OAG patients with a Synthesis-Without-Meta-analysis (SWiM) methodology. A total of 339 studies were identified following a literature search adhering to PRISMA guidelines and, after evaluation, 96 studies are discussed. XEN63 and XEN45 device data were collected both short and long term. In addition, this document has evaluated different aspects related to the XEN implant, including: its role compared to trabeculectomy; the impact of mitomycin-C dose on clinical outcomes; postoperative management of the device; and the identification of potential factors that might predict its clinical outcomes. Finally, current challenges and future perspectives of XEN stent, such as its use in fragile or high myopia patients, were discussed.
PubMed: 37629380
DOI: 10.3390/jcm12165339 -
Journal of the European Academy of... Jan 2024Mogamulizumab is a first-in-class IgG1k monoclonal antibody that selectively targets the chemokine receptor type 4. The drug has received Food and Drug administration... (Review)
Review
Mogamulizumab is a first-in-class IgG1k monoclonal antibody that selectively targets the chemokine receptor type 4. The drug has received Food and Drug administration authorisation for mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome following failure of at least one previous course of systemic therapy and now is available in Europe. One of the most common treatment-related side effects observed has been the mogamulizumab-associated rash (MAR), which affects up to a quarter of patients and is the most frequent adverse event leading to drug discontinuation. The aim of this study is to perform a systematic review of the literature on patients diagnosed with MAR and other mogamulizumab-related cutaneous events to describe the clinical and histological characteristics, the management in clinical practice and to assess whether these events have prognostic implications. In total, 2073 records were initially identified through a literature search, 843 of which were duplicates. After screening for eligibility and inclusion criteria, 49 articles reporting mogamulizumab-associated cutaneous events were included. Totally, 1516 patients were retrieved, with a slight male prevalence as for the available data (639 males and 570 females, i.e. 52.9% vs. 47.1%). Regarding the reported clinicopathological findings of the cutaneous reactions, the five most common patterns were spongiotic/psoriasiform dermatitis (22%), eruptions characterized by the presence of papules and/or plaques (16.1%), cutaneous granulomatosis (11.4%), morbilliform or erythrodermic dermatitis (9.4%) and photodermatitis (7.1%). Our results highlight how the majority of the reported cutaneous adverse events on mogamulizumab are of mild-to-moderate entity and generally manageable in clinical practice, though prompt recognition is essential and case-by-case assessment should be recommended. Future research will need to focus on the MAR prognostic implications and to identify genomic and molecular markers for a more rapid and accurate diagnosis.
PubMed: 38279614
DOI: 10.1111/jdv.19801 -
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 -
Current Oncology (Toronto, Ont.) Nov 2023The present review aims to investigate the survival and functional outcomes in adult high-grade brainstem gliomas (BGSs) by comparing data from resective surgery and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The present review aims to investigate the survival and functional outcomes in adult high-grade brainstem gliomas (BGSs) by comparing data from resective surgery and biopsy. MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library were screened to conduct a systematic review of the literature, according to the PRISMA statement. Analysis was limited to articles including patients older than 18 years of age and those published from 1990 to September 2022. Case reports, review articles, meta-analyses, abstracts, reports of aggregated data, and reports on multimodal therapy where surgery was not the primary treatment were excluded. The ROBINS-I tool was applied to evaluate the risk of bias. Six studies were ultimately considered for the meta-analysis. The resective group was composed of 213 subjects and the bioptic group comprised 125. The analysis demonstrated a survival benefit in those patients in which an extensive resection was possible (STR HR 0.59 (95% CI 0.42, 0.82)) (GTR HR 0.63 (95% CI 0.43, 0.92)). Although surgical resection is associated with increased survival, the significantly higher complication rate makes it difficult to recommend surgery instead of biopsy for BSGs. Future investigations combining volumetric data and molecular profiles could add important data to better define the proper indication between resection and biopsy.
Topics: Humans; Adult; Brain Neoplasms; Glioma; Biopsy; Combined Modality Therapy; Brain Stem
PubMed: 37999129
DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30110709 -
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 -
Cureus Dec 2023Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of global visual impairment, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of its vascular and neural components for effective... (Review)
Review
A Systematic Review of the Neuroprotective Effects of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) in Diabetic Retinopathy and Diabetic Macular Edema: Unraveling the Molecular Mechanisms and Clinical Implications.
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of global visual impairment, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of its vascular and neural components for effective therapeutic interventions. While vascular pathology is well-established, recent evidence suggests a neurodegenerative role in DR. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), traditionally implicated in angiogenesis, has emerged as a key player with neuroprotective potential. This systematic review evaluates the literature to shed light on molecular mechanisms and clinical implications in this regard. The review adheres to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, encompassing a thorough search strategy across multiple databases. Three in vitro studies met the inclusion criteria, highlighting the limited research in this evolving field. Findings suggest VEGF's neuroprotective effects on retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and retinal neurons, unveiling potential therapeutic avenues. However, concerns arise regarding anti-VEGF therapies' impact on RGC survival. The review discusses the need for further research to delineate specific isoforms and signaling pathways responsible for VEGF-mediated neuroprotection. The delicate balance between angiogenesis and neuroprotection poses challenges in therapeutic development, emphasizing the importance of targeted interventions. Despite limitations, this review provides valuable insights into the intricate relationship between VEGF and neuroprotection in DR, paving the way for future investigations and redefining therapeutic strategies.
PubMed: 38288195
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.51351 -
Life (Basel, Switzerland) Aug 2023FAPI-based radiopharmaceuticals are a novel class of tracers, mainly used for PET imaging, which have demonstrated several advantages over [F]FDG, especially in the case... (Review)
Review
FAPI-based radiopharmaceuticals are a novel class of tracers, mainly used for PET imaging, which have demonstrated several advantages over [F]FDG, especially in the case of low-grade or well-differentiated tumors. We conducted this systematic review to evaluate all the studies where a head-to-head comparison had been performed to explore the potential utility of FAPI tracers in clinical practice. FAPI-based radiopharmaceuticals have shown promising results globally, in particular in detecting peritoneal carcinomatosis, but studies with wider populations are needed to better understand all the advantages of these new radiopharmaceuticals.
PubMed: 37763225
DOI: 10.3390/life13091821 -
Clinical Epigenetics Aug 2023Screening plays a key role in secondary prevention of cervical cancer. High-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) testing, a highly sensitive test but with limited... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Screening plays a key role in secondary prevention of cervical cancer. High-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) testing, a highly sensitive test but with limited specificity, has become the gold standard frontline for screening programs. Thus, the importance of effective triage strategies, including DNA methylation markers, has been emphasized. Despite the potential reported in individual studies, methylation markers still require validation before being recommended for clinical practice. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the performance of DNA methylation-based biomarkers for detecting high-grade intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) in hrHPV-positive women.
METHODS
Hence, PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases were searched for studies that assessed methylation in hrHPV-positive women in cervical scrapes. Histologically confirmed HSIL was used as endpoint and QUADAS-2 tool enabled assessment of study quality. A bivariate random-effect model was employed to pool the estimated sensitivity and specificity as well as positive (PPV) and negative (NPV) predictive values.
RESULTS
Twenty-three studies were included in this meta-analysis, from which cohort and referral population-based studies corresponded to nearly 65%. Most of the women analyzed were Dutch, and CADM1, FAM19A4, MAL, and miR124-2 were the most studied genes. Pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.68 (CI 95% 0.63-0.72) and 0.75 (CI 95% 0.71-0.80) for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 2+ detection, respectively. For CIN3+ detection, pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.78 (CI 95% 0.74-0.82) and 0.74 (CI 95% 0.69-0.78), respectively. For pooled prevalence, PPV for CIN2+ and CIN3+ detection were 0.514 and 0.392, respectively. Furthermore, NPV for CIN2+ and CIN3+ detection were 0.857 and 0.938, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
This meta-analysis confirmed the great potential of DNA methylation-based biomarkers as triage tool for hrHPV-positive women in cervical cancer screening. Standardization and improved validation are, however, required. Nevertheless, these markers might represent an excellent alternative to cytology and genotyping for colposcopy referral of hrHPV-positive women, allowing for more cost-effective screening programs.
Topics: Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms; DNA Methylation; Early Detection of Cancer; Colposcopy; Triage; Papillomavirus Infections; Referral and Consultation; Papillomaviridae; Cell Adhesion Molecule-1
PubMed: 37533074
DOI: 10.1186/s13148-023-01537-2