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Environmental Pollution (Barking, Essex... Sep 2021Despite the abundance of epidemiological evidence concerning the association between pesticide exposure and adverse health outcomes including acute childhood leukemia... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Despite the abundance of epidemiological evidence concerning the association between pesticide exposure and adverse health outcomes including acute childhood leukemia (AL), evidence remains inconclusive, and is inherently limited by heterogeneous exposure assessment and multiple statistical testing. We performed a literature search of peer-reviewed studies, published until January 2021, without language restrictions. Summary odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were derived from stratified random-effects meta-analyses by type of exposure and outcome, exposed populations and window of exposure to address the large heterogeneity of existing literature. Heterogeneity and small-study effects were also assessed. We identified 55 eligible studies (n = 48 case-control and n = 7 cohorts) from over 30 countries assessing >200 different exposures of pesticides (n = 160,924 participants). The summary OR for maternal environmental exposure to pesticides (broad term) during pregnancy and AL was 1.88 (95%CI: 1.15-3.08), reaching 2.51 for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL; 95%CI: 1.39-4.55). Analysis by pesticide subtype yielded an increased risk for maternal herbicide (OR: 1.41, 95%CI: 1.00-1.99) and insecticide (OR: 1.60, 95%CI: 1.11-2.29) exposure during pregnancy and AL without heterogeneity (p = 0.12-0.34). Meta-analyses of infant leukemia were only feasible for maternal exposure to pesticides during pregnancy. Higher magnitude risks were observed for maternal pesticide exposure and infant ALL (OR: 2.18, 95%CI: 1.44-3.29), and the highest for infant acute myeloid leukemia (OR: 3.42, 95%CI: 1.98-5.91). Overall, the associations were stronger for maternal exposure during pregnancy compared to childhood exposure. For occupational or mixed exposures, parental, and specifically paternal, pesticide exposure was significantly associated with increased risk of AL (OR: 1.75, 95%CI: 1.08-2.85; OR: 1.20, 95%CI: 1.07-1.35). The epidemiological evidence, supported by mechanistic studies, suggests that pesticide exposure, mainly during pregnancy, increases the risk of childhood leukemia, particularly among infants. Sufficiently powered studies using repeated biomarker analyses are needed to confirm whether there is public health merit in reducing prenatal pesticide exposure.
Topics: Case-Control Studies; Environmental Exposure; Female; Humans; Infant; Male; Maternal Exposure; Occupational Exposure; Paternal Exposure; Pesticides; Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma; Pregnancy; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; Risk Factors
PubMed: 34380208
DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117376 -
Sport Sciences For Health 2023The SARS-CoV virus is a precursor to the SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19) and has caused millions of deaths worldwide. Although exercise can be a non-pharmacological means... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The SARS-CoV virus is a precursor to the SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19) and has caused millions of deaths worldwide. Although exercise can be a non-pharmacological means for the prevention and treatment of various diseases, the effects on COVID-19 patients are not yet completely clear.
AIMS
The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between physical exercise and symptoms caused by COVID-19.
METHODS
The present systematic review was sent for evaluation and received the PROSPERO registration protocol-CRD42021257475. The search for studies related to health and physical exercise was carried out in the following databases; the "National Library in Medicine MEDLINE-Ovid", "Embase", "Web of Science", "SportDiscus-Ebsco", and "Scopus".
RESULTS
Ten articles were included in the systematic review and the findings demonstrated the protective effects of physical exercise in patients with COVID-19. These effects were observed both in symptoms and in the period of hospitalization. In addition, the results show that the benefits of physical exercise seem to collaborate both in an individual manner and as an alternative to drug therapy. Finally, it was possible to verify the effect of physical exercise on variables, such as quality of life, cardiorespiratory capacity, and immunological biomarkers, and on the symptoms of the new Coronavirus.
CONCLUSIONS
It is possible to conclude that physical exercise can be a component for the treatment of COVID-19. In addition, it could help to reduce the symptoms and severity of COVID-19, and may be considered as an adjunct to drug therapy in patients contaminated with SARS-CoV-2.
PubMed: 36643608
DOI: 10.1007/s11332-022-01028-6 -
Proadrenomedullin and neonatal sepsis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic accuracy.European Journal of Pediatrics Jan 2022The association of proadrenomedullin and neonatal sepsis has been examined in numerous studies. The object of our meta-analysis is to evaluate differences in... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The association of proadrenomedullin and neonatal sepsis has been examined in numerous studies. The object of our meta-analysis is to evaluate differences in proadrenomedullin among neonates with sepsis and health neonates. We systematically searched the following databases: MEDLINE, Clinicaltrials.gov, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Google Scholar, and WHO (International Clinical Trials Register Platform) using a structured algorithm. Statistical analysis was conducted using Revman 5.3 and R software. Included studies in the meta-analysis were assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Proadrenomedullin levels were found significantly higher in neonates with sepsis than healthy neonates with an SMD equal with 3.07 [95% CI 1.71, 4.42 (p < 10, I = 98%)]. The optimal cutoff point of pro-ADM was calculated at 17.559 with a sensitivity of 0.879 (0.458; 0.984) and a specificity of 0.994 (0.820; 1.000), and an AUC of 0.905. Subgroup analysis, leave-one-out meta-analysis, and meta-regression were performed in an effort to lower inter-study heterogeneity. Sensitivity analysis was conducted by excluding high risk of bias studies and those contributing to the overall heterogeneity shown by the Baujat plot. Publication bias was assessed using a funnel plot and the trim-and-fill method. Certainty assessment was evaluated using the GRADE score.Conclusion: The findings of our meta-analysis suggest that proadrenomedullin is elevated in neonates with sepsis. However, future prospective cohort studies need to be conducted in order to assess its diagnostic accuracy. What is Known: • Proadrenomedullin has been found increased in adult patients with infectious diseases such as community acquired pneumonia. • Proadrenomedullin plays a major role in the pathophysiology of sepsis in adults. What is New: • Proadrenomedullin is increased in neonates with sepsis. • Future cohort studies need to be conducted in order to elucidate the value of proadrenomedullin in a safer way.
Topics: Adrenomedullin; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Neonatal Sepsis; Prospective Studies; Protein Precursors; Sepsis
PubMed: 34342678
DOI: 10.1007/s00431-021-04214-9 -
Frontiers in Genetics 2022Exosomes are nano-extracellular vesicles secreted by a variety of cells. They are composed of a double-layer membrane that can transport a variety of proteins, coding...
Exosomes are nano-extracellular vesicles secreted by a variety of cells. They are composed of a double-layer membrane that can transport a variety of proteins, coding and non-coding genes, and bioactive substances. Exosomes participate in information transmission between cells and regulate processes such as cell proliferation, migration, angiogenesis, and phenotypic transformation. They have broad prospects in the occurrence, development, and treatment of many diseases including orthopedics. Exosomes derived from different types of bone cells such as mesenchymal stem cells, osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and their precursors are recognized to play pivotal roles in bone remodeling processes including osteogenesis, osteoclastogenesis, and angiogenesis. This articlesummarizes the characteristics of exosomes and their research progress in bone remodeling, bone tumors, vascular skeletal muscle injury, spinal cord injury, degenerative disc diseases, cartilage degeneration, osteoarthritis, necrosis of the femoral head, and osteoporosis.
PubMed: 36081990
DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.915141 -
Journal of Neural Transmission (Vienna,... Mar 2023The origins of the male preponderance in autism incidence remain unclear. The idea that perinatal factors associated with sex differentiation (e.g., steroid hormone... (Review)
Review
The origins of the male preponderance in autism incidence remain unclear. The idea that perinatal factors associated with sex differentiation (e.g., steroid hormone pathways) may increase the possibility of the emergence of autism is complementary to the hypothesis that female individuals are intrinsically less likely to develop autism. Empirical evidence for the mechanistic roles of in utero steroid hormones in autism etiology is accumulating but inconsistent. We conducted a systematic review using rigorous criteria for the measurements of steroids and vitamin D exposure, to summarize the potential contributing roles of prenatal and early postnatal steroids and vitamin D alterations to the emergence of autism. We searched PubMed, PsychInfo, Scopus, and included 22 studies for qualitative synthesis. Among them, six studies examined the association of autism diagnoses in offspring and levels of steroids and precursor steroid hormones in the fetal environment, eight studies examined the associations between autism and maternal and fetal blood vitamin D levels during pregnancy and at birth, and eight studies examined the associations between offspring autism diagnoses and maternal hyperandrogenemia diagnosed before pregnancy. We identified promising and complex results regarding the relations between steroid metabolism and autism. The interpretation of findings was limited by the mostly observational study designs, insufficient investigation of the effects of offspring sex, confounders and their cumulative effects on the development of the child, and unclear impact of the timing of steroids exposure and their effects on fetal neurodevelopment.
Topics: Child; Pregnancy; Infant, Newborn; Male; Humans; Female; Vitamin D; Autistic Disorder; Incidence; Family; Hormones; Observational Studies as Topic
PubMed: 36752873
DOI: 10.1007/s00702-022-02582-6 -
Brain Sciences Oct 2023β-carotene is a powerful antioxidant and dietary precursor of vitamin A whose role in maintaining mental health and cognitive performance, either alone or in... (Review)
Review
β-carotene is a powerful antioxidant and dietary precursor of vitamin A whose role in maintaining mental health and cognitive performance, either alone or in combination with other dietary compounds, has been a topic of recent research. However, its effectiveness is still unclear. This systematic review, conducted according to the PRISMA guideline and assisted by the MySLR platform, addressed this issue. A total of 16 eligible original research articles were identified. Dietary intake or β-carotene serum levels were associated with improved measures of cognitive function in 7 out of 10 epidemiological studies included. In intervention studies, β-carotene consumption alone did not promote better cognitive function in the short term, but only in a long-term intervention with a mean duration of 18 years. However, all but one intervention study suggested the beneficial effects of β-carotene supplementation at doses ranging from 6 mg to 50 mg per day in combination with a multicomplex such as vitamin E, vitamin C, zinc, or selenium for a period of 16 weeks to 20 years. Despite the current limitations, the available evidence suggests a potential association between β-carotene dietary/supplementary intake and the maintenance of cognitive function. The β-carotene most probably does not act alone but in synergy with other micronutrients.
PubMed: 37891835
DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13101468 -
Clinical Gastroenterology and... Mar 2024The prevalence of precursor lesions for gastric cancer (GC) and the differential burden between countries of varying GC risk is not well-understood. We conducted a...
BACKGROUND & AIMS
The prevalence of precursor lesions for gastric cancer (GC) and the differential burden between countries of varying GC risk is not well-understood. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the global prevalence of precursor lesions.
METHODS
We estimated the prevalence of atrophic gastritis (AG), gastric intestinal metaplasia (IM), and dysplasia in regions with low, medium, and high GC incidence. Because IM is an advanced manifestation of AG, we assessed the prevalence of less advanced precursors, regardless of the presence of more advanced lesions. Prevalence was sub-stratified by Helicobacter pylori infection, symptomatology, and period (<2000, 2000-2010, and >2010).
RESULTS
Among the 582 articles that underwent full-text review, 166 studies met inclusion criteria. The global prevalence estimates of AG, IM, and dysplasia were 25.4%, 16.2%, and 2.0%, respectively, on the basis of 126 studies that reported the prevalence of less advanced precursors, regardless of the presence of more advanced lesions. The prevalence of all precursor lesions was higher in high and medium compared with low GC incidence countries (P < .01). Prevalence of AG and IM was significantly higher among H pylori-infected individuals (P < .01) but not statistically different between symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals (P > .17). All precursors demonstrated a secular decrease in prevalence over time.
CONCLUSIONS
Gastric precursor lesions have differences in prevalence in regions with differential GC incidence and are associated with H pylori infection. Because of the substantial prevalence of precursor lesions in both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals, symptomatic evaluation may not be sufficient to identify individuals at risk. These estimates provide important insights for tailoring GC prevention strategies.
PubMed: 38438000
DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2024.02.023 -
Gut Jul 2023Screening for colorectal cancer (CRC) is effective in reducing CRC related mortality. Current screening methods include endoscopy based and biomarker based approaches....
Joint Asian Pacific Association of Gastroenterology (APAGE)-Asian Pacific Society of Digestive Endoscopy (APSDE) clinical practice guidelines on the use of non-invasive biomarkers for diagnosis of colorectal neoplasia.
Screening for colorectal cancer (CRC) is effective in reducing CRC related mortality. Current screening methods include endoscopy based and biomarker based approaches. This guideline is a joint official statement of the Asian Pacific Association of Gastroenterology (APAGE) and the Asian Pacific Society of Digestive Endoscopy (APSDE), developed in response to the increasing use of, and accumulating supportive evidence for the role of, non-invasive biomarkers for the diagnosis of CRC and its precursor lesions. A systematic review of 678 publications and a two stage Delphi consensus process involving 16 clinicians in various disciplines was undertaken to develop 32 evidence based and expert opinion based recommendations for the use of faecal immunochemical tests, faecal based tumour biomarkers or microbial biomarkers, and blood based tumour biomarkers for the detection of CRC and adenoma. Comprehensive up-to-date guidance is provided on indications, patient selection and strengths and limitations of each screening tool. Future research to inform clinical applications are discussed alongside objective measurement of research priorities. This joint APAGE-APSDE practice guideline is intended to provide an up-to-date guide to assist clinicians worldwide in utilising non-invasive biomarkers for CRC screening; it has particular salience for clinicians in the Asia-Pacific region.
Topics: Humans; Gastroenterology; Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal; Colorectal Neoplasms; Feces; Biomarkers, Tumor; Early Detection of Cancer
PubMed: 37019620
DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2023-329429 -
Frontiers in Nutrition 2023Despite the fact that obesity and overweight are serious major health problems worldwide, fighting against them is also considered a challenging issue. Several...
The effects of NAD+ precursor (nicotinic acid and nicotinamide) supplementation on weight loss and related hormones: a systematic review and meta-regression analysis of randomized controlled trials.
BACKGROUND
Despite the fact that obesity and overweight are serious major health problems worldwide, fighting against them is also considered a challenging issue. Several interventional studies have evaluated the potential weight-reduction effect of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) precursor. In order to obtain a better viewpoint from them, this study aimed to comprehensively investigate the effects of NAD+ precursor supplementation on weight loss, adiponectin, and leptin.
METHODS
Scopus, PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Embase databases were searched using standard keywords to identify all controlled trials investigating the weight loss and related hormones effects of NAD+ precursor. Pooled weighted mean difference and 95% confidence intervals were achieved by random-effects model analysis for the best estimation of outcomes.
RESULTS
Twenty two treatment arms with 5,144 participants' were included in this systematic review and meta-regression analysis. The pooled findings showed that NAD+ precursor supplementation has an effect on lowering BMI (weighted mean difference (WMD): -0.19 kg/m2, 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.29 to -0.09, < 0.001) and increasing adiponectin (WMD: 1.59 μg/mL, 95% CI: 0.49 to 2.68, = 0.004) in humans compared with control groups. However, no significant effect was observed on body weight and leptin. There was a significant relationship between doses of intervention with changes in BMI. In addition, subgroup analysis showed that BMI reduction was greater when receiving nicotinic acid (NA) supplementation than nicotinamide (NE) supplementation.
CONCLUSION
NAD+ precursor had significant effects on weight management with the reduction of BMI and increasing adiponectin.
PubMed: 37854354
DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1208734 -
The International Journal of Lower... Jun 2021Global literature is ever-growing and physicians rely on it for evidence-based decision making. Review articles summarize available literature and provide the current... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Global literature is ever-growing and physicians rely on it for evidence-based decision making. Review articles summarize available literature and provide the current state of knowledge on a given topic. Various review types exist, the main ones being narrative and systematic reviews. The former are based on studies selected in an undefined manner. They express the authors' opinions of a given topic, lack a systematic search, and are prone to bias. By contrast, the latter represent an unbiased synthesis of knowledge on a particular topic and attempt to offer all relevant evidence. A systematic review may include a meta-analysis, which combines the results of quantitative studies using statistical techniques to provide a more precise summary of the evidence. With a dramatic increase in literature complexity, new "next-generation" types of reviews emerged to improve the quality of evidence synthesis: network meta-analysis, umbrella review, and meta-analysis of individual patient data, among others. Finally, scoping reviews are a special type, conducted as precursors to systematic reviews aiming to reveal specific knowledge gaps in a given subject.
Topics: Evidence-Based Medicine; Humans
PubMed: 33752461
DOI: 10.1177/1534734621995636