-
International Journal of Molecular... Aug 2019A nutritional approach could be a promising strategy to prevent or slow the progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease, since...
A nutritional approach could be a promising strategy to prevent or slow the progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease, since there is no effective therapy for these diseases so far. The beneficial effects of omega-3 fatty acids are now well established by a plethora of studies through their involvement in multiple biochemical functions, including synthesis of anti-inflammatory mediators, cell membrane fluidity, intracellular signaling, and gene expression. This systematic review will consider epidemiological studies and clinical trials that assessed the impact of supplementation or dietary intake of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. Indeed, treatment with omega-3 fatty acids, being safe and well tolerated, represents a valuable and biologically plausible tool in the management of neurodegenerative diseases in their early stages.
Topics: Clinical Trials as Topic; Fatty Acids, Omega-3; Humans; Neurodegenerative Diseases; Observational Studies as Topic
PubMed: 31480294
DOI: 10.3390/ijms20174256 -
PLoS Medicine Apr 2020Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. Many individuals have risk factors associated with NAFLD, but the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Metabolic risk factors and incident advanced liver disease in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): A systematic review and meta-analysis of population-based observational studies.
BACKGROUND
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. Many individuals have risk factors associated with NAFLD, but the majority do not develop advanced liver disease: cirrhosis, hepatic decompensation, or hepatocellular carcinoma. Identifying people at high risk of experiencing these complications is important in order to prevent disease progression. This review synthesises the evidence on metabolic risk factors and their potential to predict liver disease outcomes in the general population at risk of NAFLD or with diagnosed NAFLD.
METHODS AND FINDINGS
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of population-based cohort studies. Databases (including MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov) were searched up to 9 January 2020. Studies were included that reported severe liver disease outcomes (defined as liver cirrhosis, complications of cirrhosis, or liver-related death) or advanced fibrosis/non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in adult individuals with metabolic risk factors, compared with individuals with no metabolic risk factors. Cohorts selected on the basis of a clinically indicated liver biopsy were excluded to better reflect general population risk. Risk of bias was assessed using the QUIPS tool. The results of similar studies were pooled, and overall estimates of hazard ratio (HR) were obtained using random-effects meta-analyses. Of 7,300 unique citations, 22 studies met the inclusion criteria and were of sufficient quality, with 18 studies contributing data suitable for pooling in 2 random-effects meta-analyses. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) was associated with an increased risk of incident severe liver disease events (adjusted HR 2.25, 95% CI 1.83-2.76, p < 0.001, I2 99%). T2DM data were from 12 studies, with 22.8 million individuals followed up for a median of 10 years (IQR 6.4 to 16.9) experiencing 72,792 liver events. Fourteen studies were included in the meta-analysis of obesity (BMI > 30 kg/m2) as a prognostic factor, providing data on 19.3 million individuals followed up for a median of 13.8 years (IQR 9.0 to 19.8) experiencing 49,541 liver events. Obesity was associated with a modest increase in risk of incident severe liver disease outcomes (adjusted HR 1.20, 95% CI 1.12-1.28, p < 0.001, I2 87%). There was also evidence to suggest that lipid abnormalities (low high-density lipoprotein and high triglycerides) and hypertension were both independently associated with incident severe liver disease. Significant study heterogeneity observed in the meta-analyses and possible under-publishing of smaller negative studies are acknowledged to be limitations, as well as the potential effect of competing risks on outcome.
CONCLUSIONS
In this review, we observed that T2DM is associated with a greater than 2-fold increase in the risk of developing severe liver disease. As the incidence of diabetes and obesity continue to rise, using these findings to improve case finding for people at high risk of liver disease will allow for effective management to help address the increasing morbidity and mortality from liver disease.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
PROSPERO CRD42018115459.
Topics: Humans; Incidence; Liver Diseases; Metabolic Diseases; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease; Observational Studies as Topic; Population Surveillance; Risk Factors
PubMed: 32353039
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003100 -
JBI Evidence Synthesis Jul 2020The objective of the review was to identify, critically appraise and synthesize evidence on the impact of professional interpreters on outcomes for hospitalized children...
OBJECTIVE
The objective of the review was to identify, critically appraise and synthesize evidence on the impact of professional interpreters on outcomes for hospitalized children from migrant and refugee families with limited English proficiency.
INTRODUCTION
A key strategy to facilitate effective communication between limited-English-proficient migrant and refugee families and healthcare providers is the use of professional interpreters. Despite awareness of the importance of professional interpreters, interpreters are underutilized. This results in suboptimal care, including poor access to health care, increased risk of serious medical events, increased admission to hospital and inadequate health literacy.
INCLUSION CRITERIA
Limited-English-proficient migrant, refugee or asylum-seeker families with a hospitalized child aged 0 to 18 years, who had used a professional interpreter, were considered for this review. Comparators included standard care or no interpreter, and reported results of comparisons of the duration, frequency or mode of interpreter delivery. Outcomes were length of stay in hospital, unplanned readmission rates to hospital, non-attendance at hospital clinic appointments and ambulatory care, child and/or parent satisfaction with care in hospital, adherence to treatment, medication errors, and other adverse events relating to patient safety. The review considered all studies conducted using a quantitative approach.
METHODS
A three-step search strategy was used. Databases were searched in December 2018 for published and unpublished articles. Studies published in English were considered for inclusion. The recommended JBI approach to critical appraisal, study selection, data extraction and data synthesis was used.
RESULTS
Six articles reporting results from three randomized controlled trials and one observational study were included. Studies were undertaken in the United States involving Spanish-speaking participants. Three studies were in emergency departments. There was a total of 1813 families, of whom 1753 had limited English proficiency. Migrant and refugee families with limited English proficiency reported greater satisfaction with aspects of care when a professional interpreter service was used compared with using ad hoc interpreters. Using professional in-person interpreters resulted in a shorter total emergency department throughput time compared to using professional interpreters via telephone. There was no difference in concordance of child's discharge diagnoses between parents assigned professional interpreters and those assigned bilingual physicians. Video interpretation provided better understanding of diagnoses than phone interpretation.
CONCLUSION
There is evidence that use of ad hoc interpreters or no interpreter is inferior to use of professional interpreters of any mode. Although video and in-person interpreters are more favorable for some outcomes, mode of delivery may not be as important as the fact that a professional interpreter is being used. The mode of professional interpreter delivery should be based on accessibility, availability, language requirements and patient preference.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION NUMBER
PROSPERO CRD42017058161.
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Child, Hospitalized; Child, Preschool; Communication Barriers; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Limited English Proficiency; Observational Studies as Topic; Refugees; Transients and Migrants; Translating; United States
PubMed: 32813387
DOI: 10.11124/JBISRIR-D-19-00300 -
JAMA Network Open Sep 2023Observational (nonexperimental) studies that aim to emulate a randomized trial (ie, the target trial) are increasingly informing medical and policy decision-making, but...
IMPORTANCE
Observational (nonexperimental) studies that aim to emulate a randomized trial (ie, the target trial) are increasingly informing medical and policy decision-making, but it is unclear how these studies are reported in the literature. Consistent reporting is essential for quality appraisal, evidence synthesis, and translation of evidence to policy and practice.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the reporting of observational studies that explicitly aimed to emulate a target trial.
EVIDENCE REVIEW
We searched Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, and Web of Science for observational studies published between March 2012 and October 2022 that explicitly aimed to emulate a target trial of a health or medical intervention. Two reviewers double-screened and -extracted data on study characteristics, key predefined components of the target trial protocol and its emulation (eligibility criteria, treatment strategies, treatment assignment, outcome[s], follow-up, causal contrast[s], and analysis plan), and other items related to the target trial emulation.
FINDINGS
A total of 200 studies that explicitly aimed to emulate a target trial were included. These studies included 26 subfields of medicine, and 168 (84%) were published from January 2020 to October 2022. The aim to emulate a target trial was explicit in 70 study titles (35%). Forty-three studies (22%) reported use of a published reporting guideline (eg, Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology). Eighty-five studies (43%) did not describe all key items of how the target trial was emulated and 113 (57%) did not describe the protocol of the target trial and its emulation.
CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE
In this systematic review of 200 studies that explicitly aimed to emulate a target trial, reporting of how the target trial was emulated was inconsistent. A reporting guideline for studies explicitly aiming to emulate a target trial may improve the reporting of the target trial protocols and other aspects of these emulation attempts.
Topics: Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Observational Studies as Topic
PubMed: 37755828
DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.36023 -
BJOG : An International Journal of... Nov 2022To examine the association between race and pre-eclampsia and gestational hypertension after adjustment for factors in maternal characteristics and medical history in a... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
To examine the association between race and pre-eclampsia and gestational hypertension after adjustment for factors in maternal characteristics and medical history in a screening study from the Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF) in England, and to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies on pre-eclampsia.
DESIGN
Prospective observational study and systematic review with meta-analysis.
SETTING
Two UK maternity hospitals.
POPULATION
A total of 168 966 women with singleton pregnancies attending for routine ultrasound examination at 11-13 weeks of gestation without major abnormalities delivering at 24 weeks or more of gestation.
METHODS
Regression analysis examined the association between race and pre-eclampsia or gestational hypertension in the FMF data. Literature search to December 2021 was carried out to identify peer-reviewed publications on race and pre-eclampsia.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE
Relative risk of pre-eclampsia and gestational hypertension in women of black, South Asian and East Asian race by comparison to white women.
RESULTS
In black women, the respective risks of total-pre-eclampsia and preterm-pre-eclampsia were 2-fold and 2.5-fold higher, respectively, and risk of gestational hypertension was 25% higher; in South Asian women there was a 1.5-fold higher risk of preterm pre-eclampsia but not of total-pre-eclampsia and in East Asian women there was no statistically significant difference in risk of hypertensive disorders. The literature search identified 19 studies that provided data on several million pregnancies, but 17 were at moderate or high-risk of bias and only three provided risks adjusted for some maternal characteristics; consequently, these studies did not provide accurate contributions on different racial groups to the prediction of pre-eclampsia.
CONCLUSION
In women of black and South Asian origin the risk of pre-eclampsia, after adjustment for confounders, is higher than in white women.
Topics: Cohort Studies; England; Female; Humans; Hypertension, Pregnancy-Induced; Infant, Newborn; Observational Studies as Topic; Pre-Eclampsia; Pregnancy; Prospective Studies
PubMed: 35620879
DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.17240 -
JAMA Otolaryngology-- Head & Neck... Aug 2023Head and neck cancer-associated lymphedema (HNCaL) affects up to 90% of survivors of head and neck cancer and is a substantial contributor to disability following head...
IMPORTANCE
Head and neck cancer-associated lymphedema (HNCaL) affects up to 90% of survivors of head and neck cancer and is a substantial contributor to disability following head and neck cancer treatment. Despite the prevalence and morbidity associated with HNCaL, rehabilitation interventions are not well studied.
OBJECTIVE
To identify and appraise the current evidence for rehabilitation interventions in HNCaL.
EVIDENCE REVIEW
Five electronic databases were searched systematically from inception to January 3, 2023, for studies on HNCaL rehabilitation interventions. Study screening, data extraction, quality rating, and risk of bias assessment were performed by 2 independent reviewers.
FINDINGS
Of 1642 citations identified, 23 studies (1.4%; n = 2147 patients) were eligible for inclusion. Six studies (26.1%) were randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and 17 (73.9%) were observational studies. Five of the 6 RCTs were published during 2020 to 2022. Most studies had fewer than 50 participants (5 of 6 RCTs; 13 of 17 observational studies). Studies were categorized by intervention type, including standard lymphedema therapy (11 studies [47.8%]) and adjunct therapy (12 studies [52.2%]). Lymphedema therapy interventions included standard complete decongestive therapy (CDT) (2 RCTs, 5 observational studies), modified CDT (3 observational studies), therapy setting (1 RCT, 2 observational studies), adherence (2 observational studies), early manual lymphatic drainage (1 RCT), and inclusion of focused exercise (1 RCT). Adjunct therapy interventions included advanced pneumatic compression devices (APCDs) (1 RCT, 5 observational studies), kinesio taping (1 RCT), photobiomodulation (1 observational study), acupuncture/moxibustion (1 observational study), and sodium selenite (1 RCT, 2 observational studies). Serious adverse events were either not found (9 [39.1%]) or not reported (14 [60.9%]). Low-quality evidence suggested the benefit of standard lymphedema therapy, particularly in the outpatient setting and with at least partial adherence. High-quality evidence was found for adjunct therapy with kinesio taping. Low-quality evidence also suggested that APCDs may be beneficial.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
The results of this systematic review suggest that rehabilitation interventions for HNCaL, including standard lymphedema therapy with kinesio taping and APCDs, appear to be safe and beneficial. However, more prospective, controlled, and adequately powered studies are needed to clarify the ideal type, timing, duration, and intensity of lymphedema therapy components before treatment guidelines can be established.
Topics: Humans; Lymphedema; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Exercise; Survivors; Observational Studies as Topic
PubMed: 37382963
DOI: 10.1001/jamaoto.2023.1473 -
Contraception Aug 2022Systematically review the existing evidence about couples-based interventions and postpartum contraceptive uptake and generate recommendations for future research. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Systematically review the existing evidence about couples-based interventions and postpartum contraceptive uptake and generate recommendations for future research.
DATA SOURCES
PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Embase, and CINAHL through June 7, 2021.
STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION
Studies with a couples-based intervention assessing postpartum contraceptive uptake. Two independent reviewers screened studies, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias with RoB-2 (Cochrane Risk of Bias 2) for randomized and ROBINS-I (Risk of Bias in Non-Randomized Studies - Interventions) for observational studies. Data were synthesized in tables, figures, and a narrative review.
RESULTS
A total of 925 papers were identified, 66 underwent full text review, and 17 articles, which included 18 studies - 16 randomized, 2 observational - were included. The lack of intervention and outcome homogeneity precluded meta-analysis and isolating the effect of partner involvement. Four studies were partner-required, where partner involvement was a required component of the intervention, and 14 were partner-optional. Unadjusted risk differences ranged from 0.01 to 0.51 in favor of couples-based interventions increasing postpartum contraceptive uptake versus standard of care. Bias assessment of the 16 randomized studies classified 8, 3, and 5 studies as at a high, some concern, and low risk of bias. Common sources of bias included intervention non-adherence and missing outcome data. One observational study was at a high and the other at a low risk of bias.
CONCLUSIONS
Future studies that assess couples-based interventions must clearly define and measure how partners are involved in the intervention and assess how intervention adherence impacts postpartum contraceptive uptake.
Topics: Contraceptive Agents; Contraceptive Devices; Female; Humans; Observational Studies as Topic; Postpartum Period; Text Messaging
PubMed: 35577147
DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2022.05.001 -
Journal of Oral Rehabilitation Dec 2021To assess the general subjective sleep quality in individuals with and without TMD, and its distribution among the TMD diagnostic groups. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
STUDY OBJECTIVES
To assess the general subjective sleep quality in individuals with and without TMD, and its distribution among the TMD diagnostic groups.
METHODS
A systematic review search was performed in Pubmed/MEDLINE, Embase, LILACS, Web of Science, SciELO, CINAHL and Cochrane Central as well as in the grey literature. Observational studies published since 1992 which used either the DC/TMD or RDC/TMD for TMD diagnosis and either the PSQI, SAQ or ESS questionnaires for sleep assessment were included. Articles selected for meta-analysis underwent quality, heterogeneity and publication bias evaluation.
RESULTS
A total of 1071 articles were found by online search, and 10 articles were added manually. For full-text reading, 138 papers were selected. Thirty-six articles were included in the final review, and 19 in the meta-analysis (PSQI only). Subjective sleep quality was shown to be associated with all RDC/TMD or DC/TMD Axis I diagnostic groups: muscle disorders, arthralgia/osteoarthritis/osteoarthrosis and disk displacements; with the highest association in the first two groups, and the lowest in the last one. A 4.45 times increased odds ratio of TMD prevalence was found for individuals who presented poor subjective sleep quality.
CONCLUSION
Subjective sleep quality should be considered in the management of TMD.
Topics: Arthralgia; Humans; Observational Studies as Topic; Osteoarthritis; Sleep; Surveys and Questionnaires; Temporomandibular Joint Disorders
PubMed: 34599524
DOI: 10.1111/joor.13265 -
The Lancet. Diabetes & Endocrinology Aug 2023Enteroviruses are routinely detected with molecular methods within large cohorts that are at risk of type 1 diabetes. We aimed to examine the association between... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Enteroviruses and risk of islet autoimmunity or type 1 diabetes: systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled observational studies detecting viral nucleic acids and proteins.
BACKGROUND
Enteroviruses are routinely detected with molecular methods within large cohorts that are at risk of type 1 diabetes. We aimed to examine the association between enteroviruses and either islet autoimmunity or type 1 diabetes.
METHODS
For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched PubMed and Embase for controlled observational studies from inception until Jan 1, 2023. Cohort or case-control studies were eligible if enterovirus RNA or protein were detected in individuals with outcomes of islet autoimmunity or type 1 diabetes. Studies in pregnancy or other types of diabetes were excluded. Data extraction and appraisal involved author contact and deduplication, which was done independently by three reviewers. Study quality was assessed with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and National Health and Medical Research Council levels of evidence. Pooled and subgroup meta-analyses were done in RevMan version 5.4, with random effects models and Mantel-Haenszel odds ratios (ORs; 95% CIs). The study is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42021278863.
FINDINGS
The search returned 3266 publications, with 897 full texts screened. Following deduplication, 113 eligible records corresponded to 60 studies (40 type 1 diabetes; nine islet autoimmunity; 11 both), comprising 12077 participants (5981 cases; 6096 controls). Study design and quality varied, generating substantial statistical heterogeneity. Meta-analysis of 56 studies showed associations between enteroviruses and islet autoimmunity (OR 2·1, 95% CI 1·3-3·3; p=0·002; n=18; heterogeneity χ/df 2·69; p=0·0004; I=63%), type 1 diabetes (OR 8·0, 95% CI 4·9-13·0; p<0·0001; n=48; χ/df 6·75; p<0·0001; I=85%), or within 1 month of type 1 diabetes (OR 16·2, 95% CI 8·6-30·5; p<0·0001; n=28; χ/df 3·25; p<0·0001; I=69%). Detection of either multiple or consecutive enteroviruses was associated with islet autoimmunity (OR 2·0, 95% CI 1·0-4·0; p=0·050; n=8). Detection of Enterovirus B was associated with type 1 diabetes (OR 12·7, 95% CI 4·1-39·1; p<0·0001; n=15).
INTERPRETATION
These findings highlight the association between enteroviruses and islet autoimmunity or type 1 diabetes. Our data strengthen the rationale for vaccine development targeting diabetogenic enterovirus types, particularly those within Enterovirus B. Prospective studies of early life are needed to elucidate the role of enterovirus timing, type, and infection duration on the initiation of islet autoimmunity and the progression to type 1 diabetes.
FUNDING
Environmental Determinants of Islet Autoimmunity, European Association for the Study of Diabetes, JDRF, Australian National Health and Medical Research Council, and University of New South Wales.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1; Autoimmunity; Prospective Studies; Nucleic Acids; Australia; Enterovirus; Observational Studies as Topic
PubMed: 37390839
DOI: 10.1016/S2213-8587(23)00122-5 -
International Journal of Environmental... Aug 2022There is evidence of an association between cancer and certain types of altered eating behaviors, including orthorexia, food cravings, and food addiction. Given the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
There is evidence of an association between cancer and certain types of altered eating behaviors, including orthorexia, food cravings, and food addiction. Given the growing interest in the topic throughout the scientific community we conducted a systematic review to summarize current evidence on the development of altered food behavior, including food addiction and cancer. The Cochrane Collaboration and the Meta-analysis Of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines were followed to perform this systematic review. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement was used to report the process and results. The structured literature search was conducted on 19 April 2022, on PubMed/Medline and Scopus, combining free-text terms and medical subject headings. A total of seven articles were included once the selection process was completed. Food craving has been associated with different types of cancer in adults and young patients, as well as with orthorexia; conversely, compulsive eating has only been explored in patients with prolactinoma treated with dopamine agonists. This systematic review explored a new area of research that warrants further investigation. More research is required to better understand the relationship between cancer and food behavior.
Topics: Adult; Feeding Behavior; Humans; Neoplasms; Observational Studies as Topic; PubMed
PubMed: 36011935
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191610299