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Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) Sep 2021A widely accepted concept is that boys are more susceptible than girls to oxidative stress-related complications of prematurity, including bronchopulmonary dysplasia... (Review)
Review
A widely accepted concept is that boys are more susceptible than girls to oxidative stress-related complications of prematurity, including bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), and periventricular leukomalacia (PVL). We aimed to quantify the effect size of this male disadvantage by performing a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies exploring the association between sex and complications of prematurity. Risk ratios (RRs) and 95% CIs were calculated by a random-effects model. Of 1365 potentially relevant studies, 41 met the inclusion criteria (625,680 infants). Male sex was associated with decreased risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, fetal distress, and C-section, but increased risk of low Apgar score, intubation at birth, respiratory distress, surfactant use, pneumothorax, postnatal steroids, late onset sepsis, any NEC, NEC > stage 1 (RR 1.12, CI 1.06-1.18), any IVH, severe IVH (RR 1.28, CI 1.22-1.34), severe IVH or PVL, any BPD, moderate/severe BPD (RR 1.23, CI 1.18-1.27), severe ROP (RR 1.14, CI 1.07-1.22), and mortality (RR 1.23, CI 1.16-1.30). In conclusion, preterm boys have higher clinical instability and greater need for invasive interventions than preterm girls. This leads to a male disadvantage in mortality and short-term complications of prematurity.
PubMed: 34573122
DOI: 10.3390/antiox10091490 -
The Science of the Total Environment Aug 2022Green nanoparticles (GNPs), mainly green silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs), have been recommended as sustainable and eco-friendly technologies to control vectors and... (Review)
Review
Green nanoparticles (GNPs), mainly green silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs), have been recommended as sustainable and eco-friendly technologies to control vectors and intermediate hosts. The aim of the current study is to carry out a historical and systematic literature review about the use of green plant-based Ag NPs (GP-Ag NPs) to control medically important mosquito, tick and gastropods. Data about the number of studies published per year, geographical distribution of studies (mailing address of the corresponding author), synthesis type (plant species, plant structure and extract types), physicochemical properties of GP-Ag NPs, experimental designs, developmental stages and the toxic effects on mosquitoes, ticks and gastropods were summarized and discussed. Revised data showed that GP-Ag NPs synthesis and toxicity in mosquitoes, ticks and snails depend on plant species, plant part, extract types, exposure condition and on the analyzed species. GP-Ag NPs induced mortality, tissue damage, biochemical and behavioral changes in mosquitoes and reduced their fecundity, oviposition, egg hatching and longevity. Ticks exposed to GP-Ag NPs presented increased mortality and reduced oviposition, while on snails, studies demonstrated mortality, oxidative stress, and DNA damage. Immune responses were also observed in snails after their exposure to GP-Ag NPs. GP-Ag NPs reduced the reproduction and population of several vectors and intermediate hosts. This finding confirms their potential to be used in gastropod control programs. Future studies about current gaps in knowledge are recommended.
Topics: Animals; Culicidae; Female; Metal Nanoparticles; Mosquito Vectors; Plant Extracts; Plants; Silver; Ticks
PubMed: 35439509
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155299 -
The American Journal of Clinical... Nov 2021Small-quantity (SQ) lipid-based nutrient supplements (LNSs) provide many nutrients needed for brain development. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements for children age 6-24 months: a systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis of effects on developmental outcomes and effect modifiers.
BACKGROUND
Small-quantity (SQ) lipid-based nutrient supplements (LNSs) provide many nutrients needed for brain development.
OBJECTIVES
We aimed to generate pooled estimates of the effect of SQ-LNSs on developmental outcomes (language, social-emotional, motor, and executive function), and to identify study-level and individual-level modifiers of these effects.
METHODS
We conducted a 2-stage meta-analysis of individual participant data from 14 intervention against control group comparisons in 13 randomized trials of SQ-LNSs provided to children age 6-24 mo (total n = 30,024).
RESULTS
In 11-13 intervention against control group comparisons (n = 23,588-24,561), SQ-LNSs increased mean language (mean difference: 0.07 SD; 95% CI: 0.04, 0.10 SD), social-emotional (0.08; 0.05, 0.11 SD), and motor scores (0.08; 95% CI: 0.05, 0.11 SD) and reduced the prevalence of children in the lowest decile of these scores by 16% (prevalence ratio: 0.84; 95% CI: 0.76, 0.92), 19% (0.81; 95% CI: 0.74, 0.89), and 16% (0.84; 95% CI: 0.76, 0.92), respectively. SQ-LNSs also increased the prevalence of children walking without support at 12 mo by 9% (1.09; 95% CI: 1.05, 1.14). Effects of SQ-LNSs on language, social-emotional, and motor outcomes were larger among study populations with a higher stunting burden (≥35%) (mean difference: 0.11-0.13 SD; 8-9 comparisons). At the individual level, greater effects of SQ-LNSs were found on language among children who were acutely malnourished (mean difference: 0.31) at baseline; on language (0.12), motor (0.11), and executive function (0.06) among children in households with lower socioeconomic status; and on motor development among later-born children (0.11), children of older mothers (0.10), and children of mothers with lower education (0.11).
CONCLUSIONS
Child SQ-LNSs can be expected to result in modest developmental gains, which would be analogous to 1-1.5 IQ points on an IQ test, particularly in populations with a high child stunting burden. Certain groups of children who experience higher-risk environments have greater potential to benefit from SQ-LNSs in developmental outcomes.This trial was registered at www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO as CRD42020159971.
Topics: Africa South of the Sahara; Bangladesh; Child Development; Child, Preschool; Dietary Supplements; Effect Modifier, Epidemiologic; Female; Haiti; Humans; Infant; Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Language Development; Lipids; Male; Motor Skills; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Socioeconomic Factors
PubMed: 34590116
DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/nqab277 -
Public Health Nutrition Dec 2023Aligning with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, amplification of children's voice in food practice research aims to inform initiatives that cater... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Aligning with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, amplification of children's voice in food practice research aims to inform initiatives that cater to children's needs and thus improve nutritional outcomes. The aim of this study was to describe children's (aged 6-11 years) involvement across qualitative research investigating their food practice perspectives.
DESIGN
A scoping review was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). Six electronic databases were searched up until March 2023 (Cochrane, CINAHL, Embase, ERIC, Medline and PsychInfo). The Wellcome Framework for young people's involvement in health research guided data extraction. Data were described according to inclusiveness, geography, food-related study topic, research stage and method, and child involvement.
RESULTS
The search identified 120 peer-reviewed studies (134 papers). Active participation was only seen within research implementation stages (i.e. data collection ( 134), analysis ( 31), dissemination ( 9) and re-design ( 7)). More passive forms of participation were identified in research design stages (i.e. agenda setting, resourcing and design). Studies that utilised participatory research methodologies and developmentally appropriate and engaging methods (e.g. PhotoVoice) saw more active participation by children.
CONCLUSION
This review identified a lack of opportunities for children's active participation in all stages of food practice research. Without a radical shift towards providing these opportunities, food and nutrition initiatives, policies or further research that do not meet the needs of children's food-related worlds will continue to be developed. Instead, researchers and their institutions need to advocate for and, where possible, provide voluntary opportunities for children to actively participate in food practice research.
Topics: Child; Humans; Adolescent; Food; Qualitative Research
PubMed: 37746758
DOI: 10.1017/S1368980023001891 -
Infectious Diseases of Poverty Jan 2024Brucellosis is a zoonotic affliction instigated by bacteria belonging to the genus Brucella and is characterized by a diverse range of pervasiveness, multiple... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Brucellosis is a zoonotic affliction instigated by bacteria belonging to the genus Brucella and is characterized by a diverse range of pervasiveness, multiple transmission routes, and serious hazards. It is imperative to amalgamate the current knowledge and identify gaps pertaining to the role of ticks in brucellosis transmission.
METHODS
We systematically searched China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), WanFang, Google Scholar, and PubMed on the topic published until April 23, 2022. The procedure was performed in accordance with the Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. The selected articles were categorized across three major topic areas, and the potential data was extracted to describe evidence-practice gaps by two reviewers.
RESULTS
The search identified 83 eligible studies for the final analyses. The results highlighted the potential capacity of ticks in brucellosis transmission as evidenced by the detection of Brucella in 16 different tick species. The pooled overall prevalence of Brucella in ticks was 33.87% (range: 0.00-87.80%). The review also revealed the capability of Brucella to circulate in parasitic ticks' different developmental stages, thus posing a potential threat to animal and human health. Empirical evidence from in vitro rodent infection experiments has revealed that ticks possess the capability to transmit Brucella to uninfected animals (range: 45.00-80.00%). Moreover, significant epidemiological associations have been found between the occurrence of brucellosis in animals and tick control in rangelands, which further suggests that ticks may serve as potential vectors for brucellosis transmission in ruminants. Notably, a mere three cases of human brucellosis resulting from potential tick bites were identified in search of global clinical case reports from 1963 to 2019.
CONCLUSIONS
It is imperative to improve the techniques used to identify Brucella in ticks, particularly by developing a novel, efficient, precise approach that can be applied in a field setting. Furthermore, due to the lack of adequate evidence of tick-borne brucellosis, it is essential to integrate various disciplines, including experimental animal science, epidemiology, molecular genetics, and others, to better understand the efficacy of tick-borne brucellosis. By amalgamating multiple disciplines, we can enhance our comprehension and proficiency in tackling tick-borne brucellosis.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Ticks; Professional Practice Gaps; Brucellosis; Brucella; China
PubMed: 38191468
DOI: 10.1186/s40249-023-01170-4 -
Trauma, Violence & Abuse Dec 2023Exposure to intimate partner violence (IPV) between parents or caregivers can result in lifelong mental, physical, and relational challenges for children. Although the... (Review)
Review
Exposure to intimate partner violence (IPV) between parents or caregivers can result in lifelong mental, physical, and relational challenges for children. Although the impacts of IPV on children are well documented, the aim of this systematic review was to be the first to synthesize the literature on children's perspectives of fathers who have perpetrated IPV. Five electronic databases were searched using a string of search terms relating to the variables of interest. In total, 11,40 records were obtained from the database search. Screening based on a strict inclusion and exclusion criteria yielded 24 qualitative articles addressing the perceptions of children concerning fathers who perpetrate IPV. Research capturing the views of children regarding fathers who perpetrate IPV is scant. The current review highlights that children experience a range of feelings about their perpetrating fathers, including fear, anger, hatred, as well as ambivalence and love toward their father and children often have difficulty integrating contradictory experiences of their fathers' behaviors. Father-child relationships are severely affected by IPV, including their fathers' use of coercive control, even after the parents have separated. Finally, children's experiences of their fathers' attempts at behavior change varied. More research is needed to understand the views of children in this area, with consideration given to children's developmental stage and the type of IPV experienced. Recommendations for research and interventions for children and families are emphasized further within this review.
PubMed: 36197067
DOI: 10.1177/15248380221124268 -
BMJ Open Mar 2021To identify patterns of age disparities in cancer survival, using colon and lung cancer as exemplars. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
To identify patterns of age disparities in cancer survival, using colon and lung cancer as exemplars.
DESIGN
Systematic review of the literature.
DATA SOURCES
We searched Embase, MEDLINE, Scopus and Web of Science through 18 December 2020.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
We retained all original articles published in English including patients with colon or lung cancer. Eligible studies were required to be population-based, report survival across several age groups (of which at least one was over the age of 65) and at least one other characteristic (eg, sex, treatment).
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
Two independent reviewers extracted data and assessed the quality of included studies against selected evaluation domains from the QUIPS tool, and items concerning statistical reporting. We evaluated age disparities using the absolute difference in survival or mortality rates between the middle-aged group and the oldest age group, or by describing survival curves.
RESULTS
Out of 3047 references, we retained 59 studies (20 for colon, 34 for lung and 5 for both sites). Regardless of the cancer site, the included studies were highly heterogeneous and often of poor quality. The magnitude of age disparities in survival varied greatly by sex, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, stage at diagnosis, cancer site, and morphology, the number of nodes examined and treatment strategy. Although results were inconsistent for most characteristics, we consistently observed greater age disparities for women with lung cancer compared with men. Also, age disparities increased with more advanced stages for colon cancer and decreased with more advanced stages for lung cancer.
CONCLUSIONS
Although age is one of the most important prognostic factors in cancer survival, age disparities in colon and lung cancer survival have so far been understudied in population-based research. Further studies are needed to better understand age disparities in colon and lung cancer survival.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42020151402.
Topics: Colonic Neoplasms; Ethnicity; Female; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Male; Middle Aged; Social Class
PubMed: 33692182
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-044239 -
Reproductive Biomedicine Online Aug 2022Infertility affects more than 14% of couples, 30% being caused by male factor infertility. This meta-analysis includes 28 studies, selected according to PRISMA... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Infertility affects more than 14% of couples, 30% being caused by male factor infertility. This meta-analysis includes 28 studies, selected according to PRISMA guidelines. Data were extracted from these studies to collate cycles separating paternal age at 30, 35, 40, 45 and 50 years (±1 year). Primary outcomes of interest were clinical pregnancy, live birth and miscarriage rates. Secondary outcomes were the number of fertilized eggs, cleavage-stage embryos and blastocysts, and embryo quality per cycle. Fixed-effects and random-effects models giving pooled odds ratios (OR) were used to assess the effect of paternal age. This meta-analysis included a total 32,484 cycles from 16 autologous oocyte studies and 12 donor oocyte studies. In autologous cycles, a statistically significant effect of paternal age <40 years was noted in clinical pregnancy (OR 1.65, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.27-2.15), live birth (OR 2.10, 95% CI 1.25-3.51) and miscarriage (OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.57-0.94) rates. Paternal age <50 years significantly reduced miscarriage rate (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.54-0.86), and increased blastocyst rate (OR 1.61, 95% CI 1.08-2.38) and number of cleavage-stage embryos (OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.02-2.75) in donor oocyte cycles, where maternal age is controlled. This is an important public and societal health message highlighting the need to also consider paternal age alongside maternal age when planning a family.
Topics: Abortion, Spontaneous; Female; Fertilization in Vitro; Humans; Infertility; Live Birth; Male; Paternal Age; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Rate; Reproductive Techniques, Assisted
PubMed: 35690546
DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2022.03.031 -
JAMA Pediatrics Oct 2022The Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) is a commonly used developmental screening tool, but its utility is debated. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
IMPORTANCE
The Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) is a commonly used developmental screening tool, but its utility is debated.
OBJECTIVES
To conduct a a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate ASQ's utility as a screening or diagnostic tool to identify developmental delay in children aged 12-60 months.
DATA SOURCES
Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Mednar were searched from inception until December 2021.
STUDY SELECTION
Studies meeting both criteria were included. ASQ was performed at age 12 to 60 months or where the median age at ASQ was at least 12 months and formal developmental assessments were done within 2 months of ASQ.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
True positive, false positive, false negative, and true negatives from individual studies were extracted. Meta-analysis was conducted with Stata version 16.1. Risk of bias was assessed using the QUADAS-2 tool. Certainty of evidence (COE) was assessed using GRADE guidelines.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
Ability of ASQ scores more than 2 SDs below the mean in more than 1 domain (ASQ-2SD) to identify any developmental delay or severe delay. Based on generally accepted interpretation of likelihood ratio (LR) values, a positive LR (PLR) more than 5 and a negative LR (NLR) of 0.2 or less were considered necessary to rule in or rule out developmental delay, respectively, with at least moderate probability.
RESULTS
Initial search yielded 5777 citations of which 43 were included in the review. Of them, 36 were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, PLR, and NLR are as follows: ASQ-2SD to predict any delay in 1 or more domain (n = 16), 0.77 (95% CI, 0.64-0.86), 0.81 (95% CI, 0.75-0.86), 4.10 (95% CI, 3.17-5.30), and 0.28 (95% CI, 0.18-0.44); ASQ-2SD to predict severe delay in 1 or more domain (n = 15), 0.84 (95% CI, 0.75-0.90), 0.77 (95% CI, 0.71-0.82), 3.72 (95% CI, 2.98-4.64), and 0.20 (95% CI, 0.13-0.32); ASQ-2SD motor domain to predict motor delay (n = 7), 0.41 (95% CI, 0.26-0.57), 0.94 (95% CI, 0.87-0.97), 6.5 (95% CI, 3.8-11.1), and 0.63 (95% CI, 0.50-0.81); and ASQ-2SD cognitive domain to predict cognitive delay (n = 2), 0.44 (95% CI, 0.24-0.65), 0.93 (95% CI, 0.81-0.95), 6.4 (95% CI, 2.4-16.8), and 0.61 (95% CI, 0.43-0.86). The COE was low/very low.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
If a child aged 12 to 60 months passes all ASQ domains, there is a moderate probability that they do not have severe developmental delay (low COE). If a child aged 12-60 months fails the motor or cognitive domain of ASQ, there is a moderate probability that they have some motor or cognitive delay, respectively (very low COE).
TRIAL REGISTRATION
PROSPERO (CRD42021268543).
Topics: Child; Child, Preschool; Developmental Disabilities; Humans; Infant; Mass Screening; Motor Skills Disorders; Psychometrics; Sensitivity and Specificity; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 36036913
DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2022.3079 -
The Science of the Total Environment Nov 2021Sediment is an important compartment in aquatic environments and acts as a sink for environmental pollutants. Sediment toxicity tests have been suggested as critical... (Review)
Review
Sediment is an important compartment in aquatic environments and acts as a sink for environmental pollutants. Sediment toxicity tests have been suggested as critical components in environmental risk assessment. Since the zebrafish (Danio rerio) has been indicated as an emerging model system in ecotoxicological tests, a scientometric and systematic review was performed to evaluate the use of zebrafish as an experimental model system in sediment toxicity assessment. A total of 97 papers were systematically analyzed and summarized. The historical and geographical distributions were evaluated and the data concerning the experimental design, type of sediment toxicity tests and approach (predictive or retrospective), pollutants and stressors, zebrafish developmental stages and biomarkers responses were summarized and discussed. The use of zebrafish to assess the sediment toxicity started in 1996, using mainly a retrospective approach. After this, research showed an increasing trend, especially after 2014-2015. Zebrafish exposed to pollutant-bound sediments showed bioaccumulation and several toxic effects, such as molecular, biochemical, morphological, physiological and behavioral changes. Zebrafish is a suitable model system to assess the toxicity of freshwater, estuarine and marine sediments, and sediment spiked in the laboratory. The pollutant-bound sediment toxicity in zebrafish seems to be overall dependent on physical and chemical properties of pollutants, experimental design, environmental factor, developmental stages and presence of organic natural matter. Overall, results showed that the zebrafish embryos and larvae are suitable model systems to assess the sediment-associated pollutant toxicity.
Topics: Animals; Ecotoxicology; Geologic Sediments; Retrospective Studies; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Zebrafish
PubMed: 34182436
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148633