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Children (Basel, Switzerland) Jul 2023Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a main cause of medical referrals and hospitalizations in all infants, particularly among newborns. Nevertheless, relatively... (Review)
Review
Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a main cause of medical referrals and hospitalizations in all infants, particularly among newborns. Nevertheless, relatively limited evidence on chest tomography (CT) findings has been collected. According to the PRISMA statement, Pubmed, Embase, and medRxiv were searched for eligible observational studies published up to 31 December 2022. Cases were categorized in children and adolescents (age < 18 years), adults and elderly (age ≥ 18 years), and immunocompromised patients, and then pooled in a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistics, while reporting bias was assessed by means of funnel plots and regression analysis. A total of 10 studies (217 RSV cases) were retrieved (children, 37.3%; immunocompromised, 41.0%; adults, 21.7%). The most common features were signs of organizing pneumonia (33.65%, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 22.39-47.27), followed by septal thickening (33.19%, 95% CI 21.76-47.03), ground glass opacities (GGOs; 28.03%, 95% CI 14.69-46.82), and tree-in-bud (TIB, 27.44%, 95% CI 15.04-44.68). Interestingly, up to 16.23% (95% CI 8.17-29.69) showed normal findings, while the large majority (76.06%, 95% CI 64.81-84.56) were characterized by bilateral involvement. Studies were highly heterogeneous without substantial reporting bias. Assuming children and adolescents as reference groups, healthy adults were characterized by a higher risk ratio [RR] for septal thickening (RR 3.878, 95% CI 1.253-12.000), nodular lesions (RR 20.197, 95% CI 1.286-317.082), and GGOs (RR 2.121, 95% CI 1.121-4.013). RSV cases are rarely assessed in terms of CT characteristics. Our study identified some specificities, suggesting that RSV infections evolve heterogeneous CT features in children/adolescents and adults, but the paucity of studies recommends a cautious appraisal.
PubMed: 37508666
DOI: 10.3390/children10071169 -
World Journal of Gastroenterology Feb 2024Most patients with advanced pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs) die due to tumor progression. Therefore, identifying new therapies with low toxicity and good... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Most patients with advanced pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs) die due to tumor progression. Therefore, identifying new therapies with low toxicity and good tolerability to use concomitantly with the established pNET treatment is relevant. In this perspective, metformin is emerging as a molecule of interest. Retrospective studies have described metformin, a widely used agent for the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), to be effective in modulating different tumor-related events, including cancer incidence, recurrence and survival by inhibiting mTOR phosphorylation. This systematic review evaluates the role of T2DM and metformin in the insurgence and post-treatment outcomes in patients with pNET.
AIM
To systematically analyze and summarize evidence related to the diagnostic and prognostic value of T2DM and metformin for predicting the insurgence and post-treatment outcomes of pNET.
METHODS
A systematic review of the published literature was undertaken, focusing on the role of T2DM and metformin in insurgence and prognosis of pNET, measured through outcomes of tumor-free survival (TFS), overall survival and progression-free survival.
RESULTS
A total of 13 studies (5674 patients) were included in this review. Analysis of 809 pNET cases from five retrospective studies (low study heterogeneity with = 0%) confirms the correlation between T2DM and insurgence of pNET (OR = 2.13, 95%CI = 1.56-4.55; < 0.001). The pooled data from 1174 pNET patients showed the correlation between T2DM and post-treatment TFS in pNET patients (hazard ratio = 1.84, 95%CI = 0.78-2.90; < 0.001). The study heterogeneity was intermediate, with = 51%. A few studies limited the possibility of performing pooled analysis in the setting of metformin; therefore, results were heterogeneous, with no statistical relevance to the use of this drug in the diagnosis and prognosis of pNET.
CONCLUSION
T2DM represents a risk factor for the insurgence of pNET and is a significant predictor of poor post-treatment TFS of pNET patients. Unfortunately, a few studies with heterogeneous results limited the possibility of exploring the effect of metformin in the diagnosis and prognosis of pNET.
Topics: Humans; Metformin; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Neuroendocrine Tumors; Retrospective Studies; Pancreatic Neoplasms; Neuroectodermal Tumors, Primitive
PubMed: 38515954
DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v30.i7.759 -
Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics and... Aug 2022To investigate the outcome of capitellum and trochlea fractures through a systematic review of the contemporary literature. The effect on the outcome, of the... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
To investigate the outcome of capitellum and trochlea fractures through a systematic review of the contemporary literature. The effect on the outcome, of the posterolateral column comminution and the surgical approach used for fixation, was also evaluated.
METHODS
PUBMED, SCOPUS and MENDELEY databases were searched for capitellum and trochlea fractures and a systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. The minimum one year clinical outcome and the flexion extension arc of these fractures, as well as the risk of developing degenerative arthritis were evaluated. The studies included to the meta - analysis were assessed based on the Newcastle Ottawa score. A fixed effect model was performed to compare the outcome and range of motion among Dubberley type A and type B fractures as well as between the extended lateral approach and the posterior transolecranon approach which were performed for Dubberley type B fractures. Furthermore the relative risk of degenerative arthritis (DA) among type A and type B fractures was also estimated. Chi square test was used to test heterogenity among studies.
RESULTS
Ten nonrandomized case series were eligible to our inclusion criteria, including 76 patients in total. The fixed overall Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) and the Range of Motion (ROM) of the Dubberley type A fractures was 86 (95% C.I.: 85,1-86,9) and 124 0 (95% C.I.: 122 0-124 0) respectively. The fixed overall MEPS and ROM of the Dubberley type B fractures was 84 (95%C.I.: 79,9-88,1) and 122 0 (95% C.I.: 120 0-123 0) respectively. Significant heterogenity was found though between studies regarding MEPS of type B fractures. The fixed overall MEPS and ROM for fractures treated with an extended lateral approach was 89,4 (95% C.I.: 85,36-93,44) and 123 0 (120 0-126 0) respectively. The fixed overall MEPS and ROM for fractures treated with a posterior transolecranon approach was 68,75 (95% C.I.: 67,89-69,6) and 122 0 (114 0-130 0) respectively. The degenerative arthritis relative risk (RR) of type B compared to type A fractures was 3,91 (95% C.I.: 0,84-18,13).
CONCLUSION
There is no statistically significant difference among type A and type B fractures, in terms of outcome and ROM. The posterior transolecranon approach leads to a lower MEPS as opposed to the extended lateral approach. High quality studies comparing directly the outcome of type A and type B fractures are required, in order for safe conclusions to be extracted.
PubMed: 35789821
DOI: 10.1016/j.jcot.2022.101922 -
JDR Clinical and Translational Research Oct 2021Numerous studies have examined the associations between poor oral health and the incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) over the past 25 y. This long history of...
BACKGROUND
Numerous studies have examined the associations between poor oral health and the incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) over the past 25 y. This long history of research has resulted in a broad and heterogenous epidemiological field whose implications are difficult to understand and whose methodological gaps are hard to track.
OBJECTIVES
This systematic mapping review aims to systematically map clinical heterogeneity and methodological gaps in assessing the relationship between poor oral health and CVD outcomes.
METHODS
Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched to identify longitudinal studies that examined the relationship between any oral health indicator and CVD outcomes. Each database was searched from its inception date and June 27, 2018. Extracted data assess the clinical heterogeneity (participants' characteristics, exposure and outcome measures, length of follow-up) and methodological gaps (availability of randomized controlled trials, utilization of time-varying exposures, propensity methods, mediation analysis, and competing risks analysis).
RESULTS
Eighty-five studies met the inclusion criteria. Clinical heterogeneity is evident in participants' characteristics (age, clinical status, and occupation) and in the definitions of oral health indicators and CVD outcomes. More important, a significant proportion of studies reported unclear definitions for CVD outcomes. The search strategy did not reveal any randomized controlled trials. Time-varying exposures, propensity methods, mediation analysis, and competing risks analysis are used infrequently in the identified studies.
CONCLUSION
There is a need for a universally accepted conceptual framework on the association between oral health and CVD to derive more consistent definitions for oral health and CVD outcomes that are aligned with the investigated research questions. There is also a need to use emerging research methods to maximize the impact of research in this area.
KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER STATEMENT
Clinical heterogeneity is evident in the definitions of oral health indicators and cardiovascular disease outcomes. Propensity methods, mediation analysis, and competing risks analysis are used infrequently in the identified studies. The identified clinical heterogeneity and methodological gaps interfere with summarizing existing evidence and understanding their practical implications. Advancing the current understanding of the associations between oral health and cardiovascular disease goes hand in hand with minimizing clinical heterogeneity and closing the identified methodological gaps.
Topics: Cardiovascular Diseases; Humans; Oral Health; Outcome Assessment, Health Care; Risk Assessment
PubMed: 32886582
DOI: 10.1177/2380084420953121 -
Current Pediatric Reviews 2023Silver-Russell syndrome (SRS) is a developmental disorder involving extreme growth failure, characteristic facial features and underlying genetic heterogeneity. As the...
BACKGROUND
Silver-Russell syndrome (SRS) is a developmental disorder involving extreme growth failure, characteristic facial features and underlying genetic heterogeneity. As the clinical heterogeneity of SRS makes diagnosis a challenging task, the worldwide incidence of SRS could vary from 1:30,000 to 1:100,000. Although various chromosomal, genetic, and epigenetic mutations have been linked with SRS, the cause had only been identified in half of the cases.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
To have a better understanding of the SRS clinical presentation and mutation/ epimutation responsible for SRS, a systematic review of the literature was carried out using appropriate keywords in various scientific databases (PROSPERO protocol registration CRD42021273211). Clinical features of SRS have been compiled and presented corresponding to the specific genetic subtype. An attempt has been made to understand the recurrence risk and the role of model organisms in understanding the molecular mechanisms of SRS pathology, treatment, and management strategies of the affected patients through the analysis of selected literature.
RESULTS
156 articles were selected to understand the clinical and molecular heterogeneity of SRS. Information about detailed clinical features was available for 228 patients only, and it was observed that body asymmetry and relative macrocephaly were most prevalent in cases with methylation defects of the 11p15 region. In about 38% of cases, methylation defects in ICRs or genomic mutations at the 11p15 region have been implicated. Maternal uniparental disomy of chromosome 7 (mUPD7) accounts for about 7% of SRS cases, and rarely, uniparental disomy of other autosomes (11, 14, 16, and 20 chromosomes) has been documented. Mutation in half of the cases is yet to be identified. Studies involving mice as experimental animals have been helpful in understanding the underlying molecular mechanism. As the clinical presentation of the syndrome varies a lot, treatment needs to be individualized with multidisciplinary effort.
CONCLUSION
SRS is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous disorder, with most of the cases being implicated with a mutation in the 11p15 region and maternal disomy of chromosome 7. Recurrence risk varies according to the molecular subtype. Studies with mice as a model organism have been useful in understanding the underlying molecular mechanism leading to the characteristic clinical presentation of the syndrome. Management strategies often need to be individualized due to varied clinical presentations.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Mice; Mice, Inbred ICR; Silver-Russell Syndrome; Uniparental Disomy; Genomic Imprinting
PubMed: 35293298
DOI: 10.2174/1573396318666220315142542 -
Frontiers in Psychiatry 2022Catatonia is an underdiagnosed and undertreated neuropsychiatric syndrome characterized by catalepsy, negativism, mutism, muscular rigidity, and mannerism, often...
BACKGROUND
Catatonia is an underdiagnosed and undertreated neuropsychiatric syndrome characterized by catalepsy, negativism, mutism, muscular rigidity, and mannerism, often accompanied by autonomic instability and fever. Although there is growing interest in studying cognitive impairments before and after catatonia, little is known about the cognitive features of the syndrome.
METHODS
This systematic review was registered at PROSPERO (CRD42022299091). Using a Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) approach, we searched PubMed, ScienceDirect, and PsycArticles using a combination of the terms "Catatonia" and "Cognitive impairment" and "Executive function" and "Frontal lobe" and "Parietal lobe." Studies included original research articles enrolling patients with catatonic syndrome according to specified criteria. Fourteen studies were deemed relevant for inclusion. The abstraction form included age, assessment during acute episode, associated diagnosis, assessment procedure, and cognitive domains. Outcome measures were extracted.
RESULTS
Executive functions and visuospatial abilities proved to be the most investigated domains. A great heterogeneity has been observed in the assessment tools used among the 14 evaluated studies. Findings showed that catatonic patients had worse performance than healthy and non-catatonic psychiatric patients in frontal and parietal cortical functions.
CONCLUSION
Because of the small number of studies in such heterogeneous areas and significant methodological limitations, the results should be regarded with caution. Future research assessing cognitive impairments on catatonic patients is needed.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
[https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=299091], identifier [CRD42022299091].
PubMed: 35845445
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.877566 -
BMC Psychiatry Sep 2023Perinatal depression (PND) is a significant contributor to maternal morbidity globally. Recognized as a major cause of poor infant development, epidemiological and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Perinatal depression (PND) is a significant contributor to maternal morbidity globally. Recognized as a major cause of poor infant development, epidemiological and interventional research on it has increased over the last decade. Recently, studies have pointed out that PND is a heterogeneous condition, with variability in its phenotypes, rather than a homogenous latent entity and a concrete diagnosis, as previously conceptualized in psychometric literature and diagnostic systems. Therefore, it is pertinent that researchers recognize this to progress in elucidating its aetiology and developing efficacious interventions.This systematic review is conducted in accordance with the Meta-analysis of observational studies in epidemiology (MOOSE). It aims to provide an updated and comprehensive account of research on heterogeneity in phenotypes of PND and its implications in research, public health, and clinical practice. It provides a synthesis and quality assessment of studies reporting heterogeneity in PND using cutting-edge statistical techniques and machine learning algorithms. After reporting the phenotypes of PND, based on heterogeneous trajectories and symptom profiles, it also elucidates the risk factors associated with severe forms of PND, followed by robust evidence for adverse child outcomes. Furthermore, recommendations are made to improve public health and clinical practice in screening, diagnosis, and treatment of PND.
Topics: Female; Pregnancy; Humans; Depression; Depressive Disorder; Algorithms; Machine Learning; Phenotype; Observational Studies as Topic
PubMed: 37667216
DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-05121-z -
Radiology Jul 2023Background Radiological lung may explain the persistence of respiratory complaints in post-COVID-19 condition (long-COVID). Purpose To perform a systematic review and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Background Radiological lung may explain the persistence of respiratory complaints in post-COVID-19 condition (long-COVID). Purpose To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence and type of COVID-19 residual lung abnormalities at 1-year chest CT. Materials and Methods A literature search of PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Medline databases was performed from January 2020 to January 2023. Full-text reports of CT lung in adults (≥18 years) with confirmed COVID-19 at 1-year follow-up were included. The prevalence of any residual lung abnormality and type (fibrotic or not) was analyzed according to the Fleischner Glossary. The meta-analysis included studies with chest CT data assessable in no less than 80% of individuals. A random-effects model was used to estimate pooled prevalence. Multiple sub-group (country, journal category, methodological quality, study setting, outcomes) and meta-regression analyses were performed to identify potential sources of heterogeneity. I statistics estimated low (25%), moderate (26-50%) and high (>50%) heterogeneity. 95% Prediction Intervals (95% PIs) were computed to describe the expected estimates range. Results Of 22 709 records, 21 studies were reviewed (20 prospective, 9 from China, and 7 in radiology journals). The meta-analysis included 14 studies with chest CT data in 1854 of 2043 individuals (M/F: 1109/934). Estimates of lung were highly heterogeneous (7.1-96.7%), with a pooled frequency of 43.5% (I=94%; 95% PI: 5.9%, 90.4%). This also applied to single non-fibrotic changes, including ground glass opacity, consolidations, nodules/masses, parenchymal bands, and reticulations. The prevalence range of fibrotic traction bronchiectasis/bronchiolectasis was 1.6-25.7% (I=93%; 95% PI: 0.0%, 98.6%;); honeycombing was unremarkable (0-1.1%; I=58%; 95% PI: 0%, 60%). Lung were unrelated to any characteristics of interest. Conclusion The prevalence of COVID-19 lung at 1-year chest CT is highly heterogeneous among studies. Heterogeneity determinants remain unknown suggesting caution in data interpretation with no convincing evidence. PROSPERO (CRD42022341258) COVID-19 pneumonia, pulmonary fibrosis, chest CT, long-COVID, systematic review, metaanalysis See also the editorial by Parraga and Svenningsen in this issue.
Topics: Adult; Humans; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome; Prospective Studies; Lung; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Bronchiectasis; Pulmonary Fibrosis; Disease Progression
PubMed: 37404150
DOI: 10.1148/radiol.230535 -
Frontiers in Medicine 2023Sarcopenia often occurs as a comorbidity in many diseases which ultimately affects patient prognosis. However, it has received little attention in patients with...
BACKGROUND
Sarcopenia often occurs as a comorbidity in many diseases which ultimately affects patient prognosis. However, it has received little attention in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed at determining the prevalence and risk factors of sarcopenia in patients with IPF.
METHODS
Embase, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases were searched using relevant MeSH terms until December 31, 2022. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used for quality assessment and data analysis were performed using Stata MP 17.0 (Texas, USA). A random effects model was adopted to account for differences between articles, and the statistic was used to describe statistical heterogeneities. Overall pooled estimates obtained from a random effects model were estimated using the metan command. Forest plots were generated to graphically represent the data of the meta-analysis. Meta-regression analysis was used for count or continuous variables. Egger test was used to evaluate publication bias and, if publication bias was observed, the trim and fill method was used.
MAIN RESULTS
The search results showed 154 studies, and five studies (three cross-section and two cohort studies) with 477 participants were finally included. No significant heterogeneity was observed among studies included in the meta-analysis ( = 16.00%) and our study's publication bias is low (Egger test, = 0.266). The prevalence of sarcopenia in patients with IPF was 26% (95% CI, 0.22-0.31). The risk factors for sarcopenia in patients with IPF were age ( = 0.0131), BMI ( = 0.001), FVC% ( < 0.001), FEV1% ( = 0.006), DLco% ( ≤ 0.001), and GAP score ( = 0.003).
CONCLUSIONS
The pooled prevalence of sarcopenia in patients with IPF was 26%. The risk factors for sarcopenia in IPF patients were age, BMI, FVC%, FEV1%, DLco%, and GAP score. It is important to identify these risk factors as early as possible to improve the life quality of patients with IPF.
PubMed: 37359000
DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1187760 -
Journal of Oral Biology and... 2023Though, mechanical dental implant and supported prosthesis failures are considered significant, a comprehensive evaluation is lacking. A systematic review analyzing... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Though, mechanical dental implant and supported prosthesis failures are considered significant, a comprehensive evaluation is lacking. A systematic review analyzing different aspects related to such failures was therefore done.
METHODS
Electronic search was carried out in PubMed/MEDLINE and Cochrane Library for articles published between 1981 and 2021. Articles were selected using predefined criteria. Data extraction was based on mechanical complications associated with dental implants, prosthetic implant failures, survival rate of implants, mechanical failure of implants placed in the maxilla and mandible, and mechanical complications associated with implant supported over dentures. Quality of included studies was assessed. Meta-analysis for heterogenicity testing, publication bias and implant failure assessment was conducted using MedCalc® Statistical Software version 19.7.
RESULTS
Eighteen retrospective and prospective studies were included following PRISMA guidelines. Mechanical complications were more in the initial 9 years but reduced later. Abutment screw loosening was one of the more common mechanical complications (16.21%). Maxillary implant failure was greater compared to mandibular implant failure with an odds ratio of 4.66 (95% CI -3.21- 6.75). Failure of implant supported overdentures due to mechanical complications were 3% in the fixed effect, and 2.9% in the random effect model ( < 0.05). The overall prevalence of mechanical failure was between 5.6% and 7.7% (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
Mechanical failures of implant and supported prosthesis have similar prevalence to biological and esthetic failures, and therefore need to be given due credence. Identifying specific factors contributing to such failures can help reduce incidence.
PubMed: 36923071
DOI: 10.1016/j.jobcr.2023.02.009