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Scientific Reports Jul 2022The surgical workforce, like the rest of the population, is ageing. This has raised concerns about the association between the age of the surgeon and their surgical... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
The surgical workforce, like the rest of the population, is ageing. This has raised concerns about the association between the age of the surgeon and their surgical outcomes. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies on postoperative mortality and major morbidity according to the surgeons' age. The search was performed on February 2021 using the Embase, Medline and CENTRAL databases. Postoperative mortality and major morbidity were evaluated as clinical outcomes. We categorized the surgeons' age into young-, middle-, and old-aged surgeons. We compared the differences in clinical outcomes for younger and older surgeons compared to middle-aged surgeons. Subgroup analyses were performed for major and minor surgery. Ten retrospective cohort studies on 29 various surgeries with 1,666,108 patients were considered. The mortality in patients undergoing surgery by old-aged surgeons was 1.14 (1.02-1.28, p = 0.02) (I = 80%) compared to those by middle-aged surgeon. No significant differences were observed according to the surgeon's age in the major morbidity and subgroup analyses. This meta-analysis indicated that surgeries performed by old-aged surgeons had a higher risk of postoperative mortality than those by middle-aged surgeons. Thus, it necessitates the introduction of a multidisciplinary approach to evaluate the performance of senior surgeons.
Topics: Aged; Cohort Studies; Humans; Middle Aged; Morbidity; Postoperative Complications; Retrospective Studies; Surgeons
PubMed: 35788658
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-15275-7 -
European Journal of Obstetrics,... Nov 2020Irisin is an important crosstalk myokine between adipose and muscle tissue. Disorders in irisin secretion can lead to fetal growth abnormalities and even lead to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Irisin is an important crosstalk myokine between adipose and muscle tissue. Disorders in irisin secretion can lead to fetal growth abnormalities and even lead to metabolic syndromes in adult life. This study aimed to evaluate the association between irisin level in umbilical cord blood and maternal serum with neonatal birthweight. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) statement and the Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) guideline were followed. A comprehensive search of eight databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CBM, CNKI, WANFANG and VIP) was performed from inception to November 2019. Studies with original date reporting irisin levels in newborns of small for gestational age (SGA) and newborns of large for gestational age (LGA) were included. Additionally, studies reporting correlation coefficients of irisin with birthweight were analyzed. Newcastle-Ottawa score system and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach were applied. Seventeen studies with 1866 participants were included. Pooled analysis indicated decreased cord irisin levels in SGA newborns (MD -10.57, 95 % CI -13.41 to -7.73) and increased irisin levels in LGA newborns (MD 3.80, 95 % CI 1.91-5.70). Umbilical cord irisin level was positively correlated with neonatal birthweight (r = 0.41 95 %CI 0.04 to 0.68). The pooled correlation coefficient of maternal serum irisin with birthweight has no statistical significance. This meta-analysis suggested that the umbilical cord irisin levels were impaired in fetal growth abnormalities. Umbilical cord blood irisin level was positively correlated with birthweight.
Topics: Adult; Birth Weight; Female; Fetal Blood; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Small for Gestational Age; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Weight Gain
PubMed: 32942074
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2020.08.045 -
International Journal of Reproductive... May 2021Available statistics show a high prevalence of sexual dysfunction (SD) among women worldwide. Various factors affect SD among women of reproductive age. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Available statistics show a high prevalence of sexual dysfunction (SD) among women worldwide. Various factors affect SD among women of reproductive age.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate studies on the prevalence and determinants of SD in different parts of the world.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus and ProQuest databases were systematically reviewed during 2000-2019. All original articles were reviewed. The STROBE checklist was used to evaluate the quality of the papers. I was calculated to determine heterogeneity. Fixed effects and/or random-effects models were applied to estimate the pooled prevalence. Meta-regression analysis was also performed to identify the sources of heterogeneity.
RESULTS
Based on the results of the meta-analysis (21 eligible studies), the pooled prevalence with 95% confidence interval of SD was estimated at 50.75% (41.73-59.78). The prevalence of pain and disorders in arousal, sexual desire, lubrication, orgasm, and sexual satisfaction were calculated (39.08%, 48.21%, 50.70%, 37.60%, 40.16%, and 35.02%, respectively). Also, age, depression, low education level, increased duration of the marriage, and the presence of chronic diseases were the highest risk factors for SD.
CONCLUSION
The prevalence of SD in women of reproductive age varies in different countries. Considering the importance of female SD, further studies are needed to facilitate the development of relevant educational interventions.
PubMed: 34278195
DOI: 10.18502/ijrm.v19i5.9251 -
Frontiers in Medicine 2022Numerous anecdotal accounts and qualitative research studies have reported on post-vaccination menstrual irregularities in women of reproductive age. However, none have...
Numerous anecdotal accounts and qualitative research studies have reported on post-vaccination menstrual irregularities in women of reproductive age. However, none have quantified the impact. This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis to quantify and characterize the menstrual irregularities associated with vaccination for women of reproductive age. A search on July 20, 2022, retrieved articles published between December 1, 2019, and July 1, 2022, from MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science. The included articles were studies with full texts written in English that reported on menstrual irregularities for vaccinated vs. unvaccinated women of reproductive age. The quality of the studies was evaluated using the Study Quality Assessment Tool for Observation Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies. Four observational studies were included. Review Manager was used to generating a forest plot with odds ratios (ORs) at the 95% confidence interval (CI), finding statistically significant associations between vaccination and menstrual irregularities for 25,054 women of reproductive age (OR = 1.91, CI: 1.76-2.07) with a significant overall effect of the mean ( = 16.01, < 0.0001). The studies were heterogeneous with significant dispersion of values (χ = 195.10 at = 3, < 0.00001, = 98%). The findings of this systematic review and meta-analysis are limited by the availability of quantitative data. The results have implications for treating women of reproductive age with menstrual irregularities and informing them about the potential side effects of vaccinations.
PubMed: 36590952
DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.1065421 -
Parental Age and the Risk for Alzheimer's Disease in Offspring: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive... 2021Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia worldwide, accounting for 50-75% of all cases. While older maternal and paternal age at childbirth are...
BACKGROUND
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia worldwide, accounting for 50-75% of all cases. While older maternal and paternal age at childbirth are established risk factors for Down syndrome which is associated with later AD, it is still not entirely clear whether parental age is a risk factor for AD. Previous studies have suggested contradictory findings.
OBJECTIVES
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine whether parental (maternal and paternal) age at birth was associated with AD and whether individuals born to younger or older parents were at an increased risk for AD.
METHODS
Two reviewers searched the electronic database of PubMed for relevant studies. Eligibility for the meta-analysis was based on the following criteria: (1) studies involving patients with AD and an adequate control group, (2) case control or cohort studies, (3) studies investigating parental age. All statistical analyses were completed in STATA/IC version 16.
RESULTS
Eleven studies involving 4,371 participants were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. Meta-analysis demonstrated no significant association between maternal (weighted mean difference [WMD] 0.49, 95% CI -0.52 to 1.49, = 0.34) and paternal age and AD (WMD 1.00, 95% CI -0.55 to 2.56, = 0.21). Similarly, individuals born to younger (<25 years) or older parents (>35 years) did not demonstrate a differential risk for AD.
CONCLUSIONS
Overall, this meta-analysis did not demonstrate an association between parental age and the risk of AD in offspring. These findings should be interpreted with caution given the limited power of the overall meta-analysis and the methodological limitations of the underlying studies as in many cases no adjustment for potential confounders was included.
PubMed: 34178019
DOI: 10.1159/000515523 -
Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews Apr 2024The imaging-based method of brainAGE aims to characterize an individual's vulnerability to age-related brain changes. The present study systematically reviewed brainAGE... (Review)
Review
The imaging-based method of brainAGE aims to characterize an individual's vulnerability to age-related brain changes. The present study systematically reviewed brainAGE findings in neuropsychiatric conditions and discussed the potential of brainAGE as a marker for biological age. A systematic PubMed search (from inception to March 6th, 2023) identified 273 articles. The 30 included studies compared brainAGE between neuropsychiatric and healthy groups (n≥50). We presented results qualitatively and adapted a bias risk assessment questionnaire. The imaging modalities, design, and input features varied considerably between studies. While the studies found higher brainAGE in neuropsychiatric conditions (11 mild cognitive impairment/ dementia, 11 schizophrenia spectrum/ other psychotic and bipolar disorder, six depression/ anxiety, two multiple groups), the associations with clinical characteristics were mixed. While brainAGE is sensitive to group differences, limitations include the lack of diverse training samples, multi-modal studies, and external validation. Only a few studies obtained longitudinal data, and all have used algorithms built solely to predict chronological age. These limitations impede the validity of brainAGE as a biological age marker.
Topics: Humans; Brain; Schizophrenia; Bipolar Disorder; Cognitive Dysfunction; Magnetic Resonance Imaging
PubMed: 38354871
DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105581 -
Pediatric Dermatology Jul 2021In children, distinguishing anogenital warts (AGW) acquired innocently from those acquired by child sexual abuse (CSA) is challenging. High-quality studies examining... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES
In children, distinguishing anogenital warts (AGW) acquired innocently from those acquired by child sexual abuse (CSA) is challenging. High-quality studies examining this relationship are sparse. Here, we sought to evaluate the association between AGW and sexual abuse in children 12 years of age and younger with respect to wart location, age, and gender.
METHODS
A systematic review of Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science was performed for studies published on or before 2/16/2018. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they contained at least 10 patients 12 years old and younger and reported the number of patients who were sexually abused. The principal summary measures were the odds ratios (OR) of reported CSA with respect to subject age, wart location, and gender.
RESULTS
Three hundred twenty-seven studies were identified through record search. Twenty five were included in a summary synthesis (791 subjects); 10 were included in the final statistical analysis (199 subjects). In our overall review, 102 of 468 (21%) females and 36 of 204 (18%) males with AGW were abused or probably abused. Overlapping HPV types were found in abused and non-abused subjects. Perianal location and gender were not significant predictors of abuse. Both age and genital wart location (penis, vulva) did significantly predict CSA (α = .05). The odds ratio for sexual abuse of children aged 3-4 years was 7.45; 6.52 for ages 5-8 years; and 6.93 for ages 9-12 years compared to those 0-2 years of age. Genital location was associated with an OR of CSA of 5.93.
CONCLUSIONS
Our systematic review supports a significant association between AGW in a child greater than 2 years of age and odds of CSA. Genital wart location significantly predicts CSA as well. HPV typing is not a reliable method to ascertain CSA. Male family members and acquaintances were the most likely perpetrators of abuse.
Topics: Child; Child Abuse, Sexual; Child, Preschool; Condylomata Acuminata; Female; Humans; Male; Papilloma; Papillomavirus Infections; Warts
PubMed: 34060139
DOI: 10.1111/pde.14650 -
European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry May 2024Youngest students in their class, with birthdates just before the school entry cut-off date, are overrepresented among children receiving an... (Review)
Review
Youngest students in their class, with birthdates just before the school entry cut-off date, are overrepresented among children receiving an Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) diagnosis or medication for this. This is known as the relative age effect. This systematic review and meta-analysis summarises the evidence on the influence of relative age on ADHD symptoms, diagnosis and medication prescribing. As no review to date has investigated the association with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis, this is also examined. Following prospective registration with PROSPERO, we conducted a systematic review according to the PRISMA guidelines. We searched seven databases: Medline, Embase, PsycInfo, Web of Science Core Collection, ERIC, Psychology and Behavioural Sciences Collection, and Cochrane Library. Additional references were identified from manual search of retrieved reviews. We performed a meta-analysis of quantitative data. Thirty-two studies were included, thirty-one investigated ADHD and two ASD. Younger relative age was associated with ADHD diagnosis and medication, with relative risks of 1.38 (1.36-1.52 95% CI) and 1.28 (1.21-1.36 95% CI) respectively. However, risk estimates exhibited high heterogeneity. A relative age effect was observed for teacher ratings of ADHD symptoms but not for parent ratings. With regard to ASD, the youngest children in their school year were more likely to be diagnosed with ASD. This review confirms a relative age effect for ADHD diagnosis and prescribed ADHD medication and suggests that differences in teacher and parent ratings might contribute to this. Further research is needed on the possible association with ASD.
PubMed: 38767699
DOI: 10.1007/s00787-024-02459-x -
Rheumatology and Therapy Feb 2024Primary Sjögren's is a multi-system autoimmune disease affecting patients' physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. The epidemiology of Sjögren's is not well... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Primary Sjögren's is a multi-system autoimmune disease affecting patients' physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. The epidemiology of Sjögren's is not well understood, and up-to-date epidemiological evidence is needed to improve knowledge and awareness of Sjögren's among patients and healthcare professionals, and to ascertain the global burden of disease. The objective of this research was to conduct a de novo systematic literature review (SLR) to identify and synthesise evidence on global epidemiology of primary Sjögren's.
METHODS
This SLR was conducted in May 2021 by searching MEDLINE and Embase databases, relevant conference proceedings, websites of registries, and health technology assessment agencies and databases. Publications were systematically screened for English language articles reporting on the incidence, prevalence, age at symptom onset, and age at diagnosis for people with primary Sjögren's.
RESULTS
Of 3510 records identified, 68 publications were included, representing 62 unique studies. Studies reported on age at symptom onset (16/62; 25.8%) and age at diagnosis (43/62; 69.4%) more frequently than incidence (7/62; 11.3%) and prevalence (9/62; 14.5%). Primary Sjögren's was found to have the highest incidence and prevalence in females and in older age groups (incidence: ≥65 years; prevalence: ≥75 years). Average age at onset and diagnosis of primary Sjögren's ranged between 34-57 years and 40-67 years, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
This SLR identified a paucity of incidence and prevalence data for primary Sjögren's, highlighting a need for further epidemiological studies. The global Sjögren's community must work together to follow the defined classification criteria of primary Sjögren's and reporting guidelines for incidence and prevalence data to allow for meaningful epidemiological comparisons across studies, settings, and countries.
PubMed: 37948031
DOI: 10.1007/s40744-023-00611-8 -
Journal of Fluency Disorders Dec 2023Treatment of school-age children (6-12 years of age) who stutter is a public health priority. Their clinical needs include a psychosocial focus and stuttering reduction.... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Treatment of school-age children (6-12 years of age) who stutter is a public health priority. Their clinical needs include a psychosocial focus and stuttering reduction. For the latter clinical need, there is a critical window of opportunity for these children warranting research attention.
PURPOSE
The purpose of the review is to guide future clinical research by establishing (a) what interventions are associated with stuttering reduction for school-age children (b) the reported immediate and longer-term effects of those interventions, and (c) the level of evidence for these interventions in terms of study design.
METHODS
Fourteen databases and three conference proceedings were searched for interventions used to reduce stuttering in school-age children. Primary outcomes were mean stuttering reductions pre-treatment, immediately post-treatment, and any follow-up assessments.
RESULTS
Of the 4305 studies identified from the databases, 67 studies met inclusion criteria. Five different treatment approaches were reported in the literature that might reduce stuttering for a school-age child, but with varying effect sizes. These include (a) operant methods, (b) speech restructuring, (c) combined operant methods and speech restructuring, (d) machine-driven treatments, and (e) treatments with a cognitive behaviour therapy component.
CONCLUSIONS
Operant methods warrant investigation in future clinical trial research, as do variants of speech restructuring. Hybrid approaches showed encouraging results, including speech restructuring variants combined with operant methods or with cognitive behaviour therapy. However, evidence is preliminary only at Phase I and II trials. Several treatments with reported clinical promise have been overlooked for decades and require further investigation.
Topics: Humans; Child; Stuttering; Treatment Outcome; Speech Therapy; Speech; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
PubMed: 37776613
DOI: 10.1016/j.jfludis.2023.106015