-
Journal of Thermal Biology Jan 2024Cold water immersion (CWI) evokes the life-threatening reflex cold shock response (CSR), inducing hyperventilation, increasing cardiac arrhythmias, and increasing... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Cold water immersion (CWI) evokes the life-threatening reflex cold shock response (CSR), inducing hyperventilation, increasing cardiac arrhythmias, and increasing drowning risk by impairing safety behaviour. Repeated CWI induces CSR habituation (i.e., diminishing response with same stimulus magnitude) after ∼4 immersions, with variation between studies. We quantified the magnitude and coefficient of variation (CoV) in the CSR in a systematic review and meta-analysis with search terms entered to Medline, SportDiscus, PsychINFO, Pubmed, and Cochrane Central Register. Random effects meta-analyses, including effect sizes (Cohen's d) from 17 eligible groups (k), were conducted for heart rate (HR, n = 145, k = 17), respiratory frequency (f, n = 73, k = 12), minute ventilation (V, n = 106, k = 10) and tidal volume (V, n = 46, k=6). All CSR variables habituated (p < 0.001) with large or moderate pooled effect sizes: ΔHR -14 (10) bt. min (d: -1.19); Δf -8 (7) br. min (d: -0.78); ΔV, -21.3 (9.8) L. min (d: -1.64); ΔV -0.4 (0.3) L . Variation was greatest in V (control vs comparator immersion: 32.5&24.7%) compared to V (11.8&12.1%). Repeated CWI induces CSR habituation potentially reducing drowning risk. We consider the neurophysiological and behavioural consequences.
Topics: Humans; Cold-Shock Response; Habituation, Psychophysiologic; Drowning; Water; Respiratory Rate; Cold Temperature; Immersion
PubMed: 38211547
DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2023.103775 -
Journal of Nephrology Mar 2024Cystinuria is a rare genetic kidney stone disease, with no cure. Current treatments involve lowering urinary cystine levels and increasing cystine solubility. This... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Cystinuria is a rare genetic kidney stone disease, with no cure. Current treatments involve lowering urinary cystine levels and increasing cystine solubility. This systematic review evaluates the available literature regarding non-surgical interventions for cystinuria.
METHODS
Key electronic databases were searched for studies that described the clinical management of cystinuria with high diuresis, alkalinizing agents and thiol-based drugs that were published between 2000 and 2022. Observational studies were included if they contained clinical investigation with at least one previous or current episode of cystine stones, urine cystine levels > 250 mg/L and patients being managed with urinary dilution, alkalinizing agents or other pharmacological agents. All included studies were assessed for study design, patient characteristics and outcomes. A qualitative and critical analysis was performed whereby study quality was assessed using Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS). Two authors performed the quality assessment and excluded the studies with a low MINORS score.
RESULTS
Fourteen studies met the review inclusion and quality criteria. Of the fourteen studies, two reported treatment using alkalinizing agents, six reported treatment using thiol-based drugs, and six reported combination treatment using alkalinizing agents and thiol-based drugs. These studies indicated that first-line therapies, including high fluid intake and urinary alkalinization, increased urine volume to > 3 L/day and urinary pH > 7.0, and were associated with reduced urinary cystine levels and cystine stone formation. Second-line therapy with cystine-binding thiol drugs, such as tiopronin and D-penicillamine, reduced urinary cystine levels, cystine crystal volume and increased cystine solubility, resulting in decreased cystine stone formation and stone recurrence rate. Further, combined intervention with alkalinizing agents and thiol-based drugs synergistically reduced stone recurrence.
CONCLUSION
Cystinuria treatment may require a combined approach of high diuresis, alkalinization and pharmacological interventions with regular monitoring of urinary pH, cystine levels, cystine crystal volume and solubility. However, poor adherence to treatment is relatively frequent, hence the pressing urgency for improved therapies and treatments.
Topics: Cystinuria; Humans; Cystine; Sulfhydryl Compounds; Treatment Outcome; Diuresis
PubMed: 37957454
DOI: 10.1007/s40620-023-01795-6 -
Journal of Community Health Jun 2023Adult drowning is a complex and multifactorial public health challenge requiring community, national and global efforts to mitigate impacts. This study updates the... (Review)
Review
Adult drowning is a complex and multifactorial public health challenge requiring community, national and global efforts to mitigate impacts. This study updates the evidence base for public health interventions that address adult fatal and non-fatal drowning. A systematic review was undertaken of the peer-reviewed literature for English-language primary studies published between 2011 and 2021describing a drowning intervention with adults. Twenty-two studies were included. Most studies (n = 16) were conducted in high-income countries. Yearly trends in drowning prevention intervention publications were analysed with 2015 (n = 6) the peak publishing year. Over half of the study designs were pre-post (n = 15). Intervention duration ranged from 4 hours to 11 years. Ten studies described either behaviour change theory or formative evaluation to inform design. Thirteen studies targeted interventions at a population level, seven at a group level and two at individual level. Studies identified a range of prevention strategies, categorised as behavioural (n = 9) (e.g., swimming lessons), socio-ecological (n = 8) (e.g., mandatory personal flotation devices) and mixed (n = 5) (e.g., awareness campaign and barriers to prevent access to water). A range of outcomes were described including changes in awareness, water safety knowledge, attitudes, water safety behaviours and skills, environmental, policy and regulation changes and drowning rates. Findings indicate a small but important increase in the evaluation and publication of effective interventions to prevent adult drowning. The complexity of the issues surrounding drowning requires multi-strategy and context -specific adult focused prevention interventions. Contemporary evidence that identifies effective interventions that contribute to prevention efforts is an essential first step in addressing the challenge.
Topics: Humans; Adult; Drowning; Swimming; Research Design; Water
PubMed: 36653593
DOI: 10.1007/s10900-023-01189-6 -
Hepatology Communications Jan 2024Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is an immune-mediated, chronic cholestatic liver disease. Currently, liver transplantation is the only established life-saving... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is an immune-mediated, chronic cholestatic liver disease. Currently, liver transplantation is the only established life-saving treatment. Several studies have evaluated the effect of different biologic therapies on PSC with inconclusive findings. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the effects of biologics in PSC and associated inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
METHODS
MEDLINE, Scopus, and Embase were searched up to July 31, 2023, for studies reporting the effects of biologics in patients with PSC-IBD. Effects of biologic therapy on alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, ulcerative colitis response score, and adverse events were calculated and expressed as standardized difference of means (SMD), proportions, and 95% CI using a random-effects model.
RESULTS
Six studies, including 411 PSC-IBD patients who received biologics, were included. Biologic treatment was associated with no change in alkaline phosphatase (SMD: 0.1, 95% CI: -0.07 -0.17, p=0.43), but a small and statistically significant increase in total bilirubin (SMD: 0.2, 95% CI: 0.05-0.35, p<0.01). 31.2% (95% CI: 23.8-39.7) of patients with IBD achieved endoscopic response, and there was a significant improvement in ulcerative colitis response score (SMD: -0.6,95% CI: -0.88 to 0.36, p<0.01). Furthermore, 17.6% (95% CI: 13.0-23.5) of patients experienced adverse events severe enough to discontinue therapy, and 29.9% (95% CI: 25.2-34.8) had a loss of response to biologics.
CONCLUSIONS
Treatment of patients with PSC-IBD with biologics (vedolizumab, infliximab, and adalimumab) was not associated with improvement of biochemical markers of cholestasis. Biologics are effective in treating the colitis associated with PSC. Vedolizumab was associated with worsening liver enzymes in contrast to other biologics, a finding that warrants further study.
Topics: Humans; Colitis, Ulcerative; Alkaline Phosphatase; Cholangitis, Sclerosing; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases; Bilirubin; Cholestasis; Biological Products
PubMed: 38206197
DOI: 10.1097/HC9.0000000000000347 -
Journal of Evidence-based Integrative... 2024A systematic review and meta-analysis have been conducted to evaluate the efficacy of alkalinization for COVID-19 patients based on current evidence to determine the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
A systematic review and meta-analysis have been conducted to evaluate the efficacy of alkalinization for COVID-19 patients based on current evidence to determine the impact of alkalinization on COVID-19 outcomes.
METHODS
We searched MEDLINE (Pubmed), Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Clinicaltrials.gov for studies evaluating the efficacy of alkalinization up to 30 April 2023. Based on the PRISMA 2020 statement criteria a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies were performed.
RESULTS
The results of our meta-analysis showed a significant reduction in mortality rate in the alkalinization group compared to controls (RR 0.73, 95% CI: 0.56-0.95; I2 = 0%). However, our subgroup analysis showed no significant improvement in RCT-only studies (RR 0.78, 95% CI: 0.59-1.05; I2 = 0%), the recovery rate was significantly higher in the alkalinization group (RR 2.13, 95% CI: 1.39-3.26; I2 = 0%), duration of recovery also has improved in alkalinization group (SMD 0.76, 95% CI: 0.33-1.18; I2 = 0%). The results of our meta-analysis showed a significant reduction in the duration of hospitalization in the alkalinization group compared to controls with very low certainty of evidence (SMD -0.66, 95% CI: -0.97 to -0.35; I2 = 36%).
CONCLUSION
With low certainty of evidence, alkalinization (by sodium bicarbonate) can be an efficient and safe adjuvant treatment for COVID-19 patients. Future randomized controlled trials are needed to strengthen the available evidence.
Topics: Humans; Sodium Bicarbonate; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19 Drug Treatment; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38826036
DOI: 10.1177/2515690X241258403 -
JBMR Plus Jun 2023Most women do not qualify for pharmacologic osteoporosis treatment until more than a decade after menopause, by which time they will have lost up to 30% of their bone...
Most women do not qualify for pharmacologic osteoporosis treatment until more than a decade after menopause, by which time they will have lost up to 30% of their bone mass and may have already sustained fractures. Short or intermittent courses of bisphosphonate therapy, initiated around the time of menopause, might prevent excessive bone loss and lower long-term fracture risk. We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to determine the effects of nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates on fracture incidence, bone mineral density (BMD), and bone turnover markers in early menopausal women (ie, perimenopausal or <5 years postmenopausal) over ≥12 months. Medline, Embase, CENTRAL, and CINAHL were searched in July 2022. Risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool. Random effect meta-analysis was undertaken using RevMan v5.3. In total, 12 trials were included ( = 1722 women); five evaluated alendronate, three risedronate, three ibandronate, and one zoledronate. Four were at low risk of bias; eight raised some concerns. Fractures were infrequent in the three studies that reported them. Compared with placebo, bisphosphonates improved BMD over 12 months (mean percentage difference, 95% confidence interval [CI]) at the spine (4.32%, 95% CI, 3.10%-5.54%, < 0.0001, = 8 studies), the femoral neck (2.56%, 95% CI, 1.85%-3.27%, = 0.001, = 6 studies), and the total hip (1.22%, 95% CI 0.16%-2.28%, = 0.002, = 4 studies). Over treatment durations of 24 to 72 months, bisphosphonates improved BMD at the spine (5.81%, 95% CI 4.71%-6.91%, < 0.0001, = 8 studies), femoral neck (3.89%, 95% CI 2.73%-5.05%, = 0.0001, = 5 studies) and total hip (4.09%, 95% CI 2.81%-5.37%, < 0.0001, = 4 studies). Bisphosphonates reduced urinary N-telopeptide (-52.2%, 95% CI -60.3% to -44.2%, < 0.00001, = 3 studies) and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (-34.2%, 95% CI -42.6% to -25.8%, < 0.00001, = 4 studies) more than placebo at 12 months. This systematic review and meta-analysis shows that bisphosphonates improve BMD and lower bone turnover markers in early menopause, warranting further investigation of these agents for osteoporosis prevention. © 2023 The Authors. published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
PubMed: 37283657
DOI: 10.1002/jbm4.10748 -
Diabetes Care Aug 2022Adverse associations of low- and no-calorie sweetened beverages (LNCSB) with cardiometabolic outcomes in observational studies may be explained by reverse causality and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Relation of Change or Substitution of Low- and No-Calorie Sweetened Beverages With Cardiometabolic Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies.
BACKGROUND
Adverse associations of low- and no-calorie sweetened beverages (LNCSB) with cardiometabolic outcomes in observational studies may be explained by reverse causality and residual confounding.
PURPOSE
To address these limitations we used change analyses of repeated measures of intake and substitution analyses to synthesize the association of LNCSB with cardiometabolic outcomes.
DATA SOURCES
MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched up to 10 June 2021 for prospective cohort studies with ≥1 year of follow-up duration in adults.
STUDY SELECTION
Outcomes included changes in clinical measures of adiposity, risk of overweight/obesity, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes (T2D), cardiovascular disease, and total mortality.
DATA EXTRACTION
Two independent reviewers extracted data, assessed study quality, and assessed certainty of evidence using GRADE. Data were pooled with a random-effects model and expressed as mean difference (MD) or risk ratio (RR) and 95% CI.
DATA SYNTHESIS
A total of 14 cohorts (416,830 participants) met the eligibility criteria. Increase in LNCSB intake was associated with lower weight (5 cohorts, 130,020 participants; MD -0.008 kg/year [95% CI -0.014, -0.002]). Substitution of LNCSB for sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) was associated with lower weight (three cohorts, 165,579 participants; MD, -0.12 [-0.14, -0.10,] kg/y) and lower incidence of obesity (OB) (one cohort, 15,765 participants; RR 0.88 [95% CI 0.88, 0.89]), coronary heart disease (six cohorts, 233,676 participants; 0.89 [0.81, 0.98]), cardiovascular disease mortality (one cohort, 118,363 participants; 0.95 [0.90, 0.99]), and total mortality (one cohort, 118,363 participants; 0.96 [0.94, 0.98]) with no adverse associations across other outcomes. Substitution of water for SSB showed lower weight (three cohorts, 165,579 participants; MD -0.10 kg/year [-0.13, -0.06]), lower waist circumference (one cohort, 173 participants; -2.71 cm/year [-4.27, -1.15]) and percent body fat (one cohort, 173 participants; -1.51% per year [-2.61, -0.42]), and lower incidence of OB (one cohort, 15,765 participants; RR 0.85 [0.75, 0.97]) and T2D (three cohorts, 281,855 participants; 0.96 [0.94, 0.98]). Substitution of LNCSB for water showed no adverse associations.
LIMITATIONS
The evidence was low to very low certainty owing to downgrades for imprecision, indirectness, and/or inconsistency.
CONCLUSIONS
LNCSB were not associated with cardiometabolic harm in analyses that model the exposure as change or substitutions. The available evidence provides some indication that LNCSB in their intended substitution for SSB may be associated with cardiometabolic benefit, comparable with the standard of care, water.
Topics: Adult; Cardiovascular Diseases; Cohort Studies; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Humans; Obesity; Prospective Studies; Sugar-Sweetened Beverages; Water
PubMed: 35901272
DOI: 10.2337/dc21-2130 -
Hepatology International Sep 2020Liver function derangements have been reported in coronavirus disease (COVID-19), but reported rates are variable. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Liver function derangements have been reported in coronavirus disease (COVID-19), but reported rates are variable.
METHODS
We searched PubMed and Embase with terms COVID and SARS-COV-2 from December 1, 2019 till April 5, 2020. We estimated overall prevalence, stratified prevalence based on severity, estimated risk ratio (RR), and estimated standardized mean difference (SMD) of liver function parameters in severe as compared to non-severe COVID. Random effect method utilizing inverse variance approach was used for pooling the data.
RESULTS
In all, 128 studies were included. The most frequent abnormalities were hypoalbuminemia [61.27% (48.24-72.87)], elevations of gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) [27.94% (18.22-40.27)], alanine aminotransferase (ALT) [23.28% (19.92-27.01)], and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) [23.41% (18.84-28.70)]. Furthermore, the relative risk of these abnormalities was higher in the patients with severe COVID-19 when compared to non-severe disease [Hypoalbuminemia-2.65 (1.38-5.07); GGT-2.31 (1.6-3.33); ALT-1.76 (1.44-2.15); AST-2.30 (1.82-2.90)]. The SMD of hypoalbuminemia, GGT, ALT, and AST elevation in severe as compared to non-severe were - 1.05 (- 1.27 to - 0.83), 0.76 (0.40-1.12), 0.42 (0.27-0.56), and 0.69 (0.52-0.86), respectively. The pooled prevalence and RR of chronic liver disease as a comorbidity was 2.64% (1.73-4) and 1.69 (1.05-2.73) respectively.
CONCLUSION
The most frequent abnormality in liver functions was hypoalbuminemia followed by derangements in gamma-glutamyl transferase and aminotransferases, and these abnormalities were more frequent in severe disease. The systematic review was, however, limited by heterogeneity in definitions of severity and liver function derangements. Graphical depiction of the summary of meta-analytic findings a) pooled prevalence of abnormalities b) Risk ratio of abnormality in severe versus non-severe COVID-19 c) standardized mean difference (SMD) between severe and non-severe group and d) pooled prevalence for parameters based on severity stratification for bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), albumin, globulin and acute hepatic injury (AHI) . Also estimates for overall/total liver disease (TLD) and chronic liver disease (CLD) amongst COVID-19 patients are depicted in a, b, d. For d) In addition to severity stratification, Overall (all studies for a particular estimate) and combined (only those studies which reported severity) estimates are provided.
Topics: Betacoronavirus; COVID-19; Coronavirus Infections; Humans; Liver; Liver Cirrhosis; Liver Function Tests; Pandemics; Pneumonia, Viral; Risk Assessment; SARS-CoV-2; Severity of Illness Index
PubMed: 32623633
DOI: 10.1007/s12072-020-10071-9 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jul 2023Aquaporins (AQPs) are a family of membrane proteins involved in the transport of water and ions across cell membranes. AQPs have been shown to be implicated in various... (Review)
Review
Aquaporins (AQPs) are a family of membrane proteins involved in the transport of water and ions across cell membranes. AQPs have been shown to be implicated in various physiological and pathological processes in the brain, including water homeostasis, cell migration, and inflammation, among others. Epileptogenesis is a complex and multifactorial process that involves alterations in the structure and function of neuronal networks. Recent evidence suggests that AQPs may also play a role in the pathogenesis of epilepsy. In animal models of epilepsy, AQPs have been shown to be upregulated in regions of the brain that are involved in seizure generation, suggesting that they may contribute to the hyperexcitability of neuronal networks. Moreover, genetic studies have identified mutations in AQP genes associated with an increased risk of developing epilepsy. Our review aims to investigate the role of AQPs in epilepsy and seizure onset from a pathophysiological point of view, pointing out the potential molecular mechanism and their clinical implications.
Topics: Animals; Aquaporins; Water; Homeostasis; Brain; Seizures
PubMed: 37569297
DOI: 10.3390/ijms241511923 -
Scientific Reports Nov 2023Anti-tuberculosis drug induced liver injury (Anti-TB DILI) is the most common adverse events (AEs) necessitating therapy interruption but there is no preventing regimen.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Anti-tuberculosis drug induced liver injury (Anti-TB DILI) is the most common adverse events (AEs) necessitating therapy interruption but there is no preventing regimen. This study aimed to examine the efficacy and safety of herbs/alternative medicines for preventing anti-TB DILI. Relevant articles were identified through a systematic search in 5 international databases from inception till March 2022. All randomized controlled trials (RCT) assessing the effects of herbal or alternative medicines against anti-TB DILI were included. The network meta-analysis (NMA) was used to synthesize the evidence for preventing hepatotoxicity using a random-effects model. A total of 3423 patients from 14 RCTs were included. The NMA indicated that supplementation of Turmeric plus Tinospora cordifolia (RR 0.07; 95% CI 0.02 to 0.28), and N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) (RR 0.09; 95% CI 0.01 to 0.75) significantly reduced the incidence of anti-TB DILI compared with placebo. In addition, poly herbal product significantly reduced alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (MD - 21.80; 95% CI - 33.80 to - 9.80) and total bilirubin (Tbil) compared with placebo (MD - 0.51; 95% CI - 0.76 to - 0.26). There was no statistically significant difference in the occurrence of AEs in any intervention. In conclusion, Turmeric plus Tinospora cordifolia, NAC and poly-herbal product may provide benefit for preventing anti-TB DILI in TB patients. However, these findings are based on a small number of studies. Additional studies are warranted to confirm the findings.
Topics: Humans; Antitubercular Agents; Network Meta-Analysis; Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury
PubMed: 37963954
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46565-3