-
Archives of Endocrinology and Metabolism May 2022Epigenetic modifications might be associated with serum triglycerides (TG) levels. This study aims to systematically review the studies on the relationship between the... (Review)
Review
Epigenetic modifications might be associated with serum triglycerides (TG) levels. This study aims to systematically review the studies on the relationship between the methylation of specific cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) sites and serum TG levels. This systematic review and meta-analysis study was conducted according to the PRISMA 2020 (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) statement. A systematic literature search was conducted in Medline database (PubMed), Scopus, and Cochrane library up to end of 2020. All observational studies (cross-sectional, case-control, and cohort) were included. Studies that assessed the effect of DNA methylation of different CpG sites of , , and genes on serum TG levels were selected. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) checklist was used to assess the quality of included articles. Among 2790 articles, ten studies were included in the quantitative analysis and fourteen studies were included in the systematic review. DNA methylation of gene had significant positive association with TG levels (β = 0.05, 95% CI = 0.04, 0.05, P heterogeneity < 0.001). There was significant inverse association between DNA methylation of gene and serum TG levels (β = -0.03, 95% CI = -0.03, -0.02, P heterogeneity < 0.001). DNA methylation of gene was positively and significantly associated with serum TG levels (β = 0.03; 95% CI = 0.02-0.04, P heterogeneity < 0.001). DNA methylation of and genes has positive association with serum TG level, whereas this association is opposite for gene. The role of epigenetic factors should be considered in some populations with high prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia.
PubMed: 35551677
DOI: 10.20945/2359-3997000000472 -
American Journal of Obstetrics and... Jan 2021This study aimed to conduct a systematic review of the current literature to determine estimates of vertical transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 based on early RNA... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to conduct a systematic review of the current literature to determine estimates of vertical transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 based on early RNA detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 after birth from various neonatal or fetal sources and neonatal serology.
DATA SOURCES
Eligible studies published until May 28, 2020, were retrieved from PubMed, EMBASE, medRxiv, and bioRxiv collection databases.
STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
This systematic review included cohort studies, case series, and case reports of pregnant women who received a coronavirus disease 2019 diagnosis using severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 viral RNA test and had reported data regarding the testing of neonates or fetuses for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 immediately after birth and within 48 hours of birth. A total of 30 eligible case reports describing 43 tested neonates and 38 cohort or case series studies describing 936 tested neonates were included.
STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS
The methodological quality of all included studies was evaluated by a modified version of the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Quantitative synthesis was performed on cohort or case series studies according to the neonatal biological specimen site to reach pooled proportions of vertical transmission.
RESULTS
Our quantitative synthesis revealed that of 936 neonates from mothers with coronavirus disease 2019, 27 neonates had a positive result for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 viral RNA test using nasopharyngeal swab, indicating a pooled proportion of 3.2% (95% confidence interval, 2.2-4.3) for vertical transmission. Of note, the pooled proportion of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 positivity in neonates by nasopharyngeal swab in studies from China was 2.0% (8/397), which was similar to the pooled proportion of 2.7% (14/517) in studies from outside of China. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 viral RNA testing in neonatal cord blood was positive in 2.9% of samples (1/34), 7.7% of placenta samples (2/26), 0% of amniotic fluid (0/51), 0% of urine samples (0/17), and 9.7% of fecal or rectal swabs (3/31). Neonatal serology was positive in 3 of 82 samples (3.7%) (based on the presence of immunoglobulin M).
CONCLUSION
Vertical transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is possible and seems to occur in a minority of cases of maternal coronavirus disease 2019 infection in the third trimester. The rates of infection are similar to those of other pathogens that cause congenital infections. However, given the paucity of early trimester data, no assessment can yet be made regarding the rates of vertical transmission in early pregnancy and potential risk for consequent fetal morbidity and mortality.
Topics: COVID-19; COVID-19 Testing; Female; Global Health; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious
PubMed: 32739398
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2020.07.049 -
Nutrition and Metabolic Insights 2021The present study investigated the association between protein intake and cognitive function in older adults. (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
The present study investigated the association between protein intake and cognitive function in older adults.
METHODS
We performed a literature search with no restriction on publication year in MEDLINE, SCOPUS, CINAHL, AgeLine from inception up to October 2020. Observational studies that investigated as a primary or secondary outcome the association of protein intake and cognitive function in older adults aged ⩾60 years were included.
RESULTS
Nine cross-sectional studies that investigated a total of 4929 older adults were included in the qualitative analysis. Overall cognitive function was examined in 6 studies. Four investigations reported null associations and 2 studies found that older adults with a high protein intake had higher global cognitive function than their counterparts. Results from the meta-analysis suggested that there were no significant associations between protein consumption and global cognitive function in older adults, regardless of gender. Three studies investigated other cognitive domains. Memory and protein intake were significantly and positively correlated in all studies. In addition, visuospatial, verbal fluency, processing speed, and sustained attention were positively associated with protein consumption in 1 study each.
CONCLUSION
No significant associations between protein intake and global cognitive function were observed in neither qualitative nor quantitative analyses. The association between protein consumption with multiple other cognitive domains were also tested. As a whole, 3 studies reported a positive and significant association between high protein intake and memory, while 1 study observed a significant and positive association with visuospatial, verbal fluency, processing speed, and sustained attention.
PubMed: 34158801
DOI: 10.1177/11786388211022373 -
Brazilian Journal of Physical Therapy 2023The validity of the ULTT is unclear, due to heterogeneity of test procedures and variability in the definition of a positive test OBJECTIVE: To evaluate test procedures... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The validity of the ULTT is unclear, due to heterogeneity of test procedures and variability in the definition of a positive test OBJECTIVE: To evaluate test procedures and positive diagnostic criteria for the upper limb tension test (ULTT) in diagnostic test accuracy studies.
METHODS
A systematic review of diagnostic accuracy studies was performed. We conducted a search of the DiTA (Diagnostic Test Accuracy) database and selected primary studies evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of the ULTT. We assessed risk of bias, performed data extraction on study characteristics, test procedures, and positive diagnostic criteria, and performed a descriptive analysis.
RESULTS
We included nine studies (681 participants), four diagnosing people with cervical radiculopathy (CR), four diagnosing people with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), and one included both CR and CTS. The risk of bias varied between 2 and 6 out of 6 positive items. Eight studies reported on the ULTT1 (median nerve). Overall, all studies clearly described their test procedures and positive diagnostic criteria although the order of movements and the diagnostic criteria between studies varied. We suggest a more standardised test procedure for the ULTT1 to consist of: 1) stabilising the shoulder in abduction, 2) extending the wrist/fingers, 3) supinating the forearm, 4) externally rotating the shoulder, 5) extending the elbow, and finally 6) performed structural differentiation by side bending (lateral flexion) of the neck. This proposed test procedure should reproduce the symptoms and enables the clinician to evaluate whether symptoms increase/decrease when stressing or relaxing the nerves.
CONCLUSION
Based on our findings we proposed a more standardised test procedure for the ULTT1 with accompanying positive diagnostic criteria to facilitate homogeneity in future diagnostic accuracy studies of the ULTT.
Topics: Humans; Physical Examination; Upper Extremity; Wrist; Carpal Tunnel Syndrome; Fingers
PubMed: 37967500
DOI: 10.1016/j.bjpt.2023.100558 -
Cureus Dec 2023Friendships can positively impact students' academic performance and grade point average (GPA) by providing emotional support and reducing stress, thereby leading to... (Review)
Review
Friendships can positively impact students' academic performance and grade point average (GPA) by providing emotional support and reducing stress, thereby leading to improved focus and better concentration on studies. Peer connections and friendships often result in collaborative learning and the exchange of academic ideas, improving comprehension and retention of course materials, ultimately leading to higher GPAs. In contrast, negative friendships or excessive social distractions can adversely affect GPA, which highlights the importance of striking a fine balance between social connections and academic responsibilities. This systematic review and meta-analysis adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. It involved a thorough electronic search on PubMed, Ebsco, and Web of Science databases with no time restrictions. We considered studies from various parts of the world, which examined friendships and relations within the academic setting. This review delved into the substantial impact of friendships in academic settings. Friendships foster a supportive environment for collaboration and knowledge-sharing, ultimately enhancing motivation, reducing stress, and improving GPA, thereby contributing to a successful academic experience. While disparities were noted across studies due to geographical variations, study designs, and outcome measures, the majority of them revealed a positive correlation between friendship and academic performance. Some studies highlighted gender-related differences, with male friendships often proving beneficial for academic performance, though this is not a universal rule, as the quality of friendships mostly depends on compatibility rather than gender. To sum up, the extensive review of research underscores the pivotal role of friendships in academic settings, which act as crucial support systems for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and motivation among students, leading to enhanced academic performance. Despite regional and methodological variations, a consistent positive correlation between friendship and academic success was observed across diverse studies.
PubMed: 38249290
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.50946 -
Osteoporosis International : a Journal... Dec 2023The effect of vertebral osteoporosis on disc degeneration is still debated. The purpose of this study was to provide a systematic review of studies in this area to... (Review)
Review
The effect of vertebral osteoporosis on disc degeneration is still debated. The purpose of this study was to provide a systematic review of studies in this area to further reveal the relationship between the two. Relevant studies were searched in electronic databases, and studies were screened according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, and finally, basic information of the included studies was extracted and summarized. This study was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. A total of 34 publications spanning 24 years were included in our study. There were 19 clinical studies, including 12 prospective studies and 7 retrospective studies. Of these, 7 considered vertebral osteoporosis to be positively correlated with disc degeneration, 8 considered them to be negatively correlated, and 4 considered them to be uncorrelated. Two cadaveric studies were included, one considered the two to be negatively correlated and one considered them not to be correlated. Seven animal studies were included, of which five considered a positive correlation between vertebral osteoporosis and disc degeneration and two considered a negative correlation between the two. There were also 6 studies that used anti-osteoporosis drugs for intervention, all of them were animal studies. Five of them concluded that vertebral osteoporosis was positively associated with disc degeneration, and the remaining one concluded that there was no correlation between the two. Our systematic review shows that the majority of studies currently consider an association between vertebral osteoporosis and disc degeneration, but there is still a huge disagreement whether this association is positive or negative. Differences in observation time and follow-up time may be one of the reasons for the disagreement. A large number of clinical and basic studies are still needed in the future to further explore the relationship between the two.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Intervertebral Disc Degeneration; Prospective Studies; Retrospective Studies; Lumbar Vertebrae; Osteoporosis; Intervertebral Disc
PubMed: 37578509
DOI: 10.1007/s00198-023-06880-x -
Dentistry Journal Sep 2021Hyperlipidemia is a well-recognized risk factor for cardiovascular disease, which, in turn, acts as a contributory factor in periodontitis development. Periodontitis has... (Review)
Review
Hyperlipidemia is a well-recognized risk factor for cardiovascular disease, which, in turn, acts as a contributory factor in periodontitis development. Periodontitis has been associated with benign tumors and cancers and withseveral disorders, including hyperlipidemia. Correspondingly, periodontal treatment may exert a positive effect on lipid metabolism, although opposite evidence has also been reported. As a counterpart, the therapy for hyperlipidemia, conventionally based on statins, has been proposed to positively affect periodontal conditions, mainly due to statin pleiotropic effects, reducing periodontal inflammation and promoting osseointegration. Therefore, the present systematic review aimed to evaluate, in subjects with untreated periodontitis and peri-implant disease (Population), the effect of routine systemically administered statins (Intervention), compared to non-statin use (Comparison), on periodontal parameters around natural teeth and implants (Outcome). Discordant results were found in periodontal parameters, and the current lack of such data related to peri-implant tissues and to alveolar bone loss highlights the need for further studies on the topic, potentially paving the way for a more comprehensive approach to periodontitis and peri-implantitis management. Indeed, the validation of the beneficial effect provided by systemically delivered statins on periodontal and peri-implant tissues may direct recall scheduling, predict response to therapy and, therefore, guide treatment strategies of periodontal and peri-implant treatments in statin users.
PubMed: 34562974
DOI: 10.3390/dj9090100 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2022Anti-interferon-γ autoantibody (AIGA) positivity is an emerging immunodeficiency syndrome closely associated with intracellular infection in individuals without human...
BACKGROUND
Anti-interferon-γ autoantibody (AIGA) positivity is an emerging immunodeficiency syndrome closely associated with intracellular infection in individuals without human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). However, the information on epidemiology, pathogen spectrum, and immunotherapy among these patients lack a systematic description of large data.
METHODS
This systematic literature review and multicenter retrospective study aimed to describe the pathogen spectrum and review treatment strategies among patients with AIGA positivity.
RESULTS
We included 810 HIV-negative patients with AIGA positivity infected with one or more intracellular pathogens. Excluding four teenagers, all the patients were adults. The most common pathogen was nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) (676/810, 83.5%). A total of 765 NTM isolates were identified in 676 patients with NTM, including 342 (44.7%) rapid-grower mycobacteria, 273 (35.7%) slow-grower mycobacteria, and 150 (19.6%) unidentified NTM subtype. Even with long-term and intensive antimicrobial treatments, 42.6% of patients with AIGA positivity had recurrence and/or persistent infection. Sixty-seven patients underwent immunoregulatory or immunosuppressive therapy, and most (60) achieved remission. The most common treatment strategy was rituximab (27/67, 40.3%) and cyclophosphamide (22/67, 32.8%), followed by cyclophosphamide combined with glucocorticoids (8/67, 11.9%).
CONCLUSIONS
Intracellular pathogen was the most common infection in patients with AIGA positivity. The predominant infection phenotypes were NTM, varicella-zoster virus, , and spp., with or without other opportunistic infections. AIGA immunotherapy, including rituximab or cyclophosphamide, has yielded good preliminary results in some cases.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Adolescent; Retrospective Studies; Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous; Autoantibodies; Rituximab; Nontuberculous Mycobacteria; Immunotherapy; Cyclophosphamide; HIV Infections; Multicenter Studies as Topic
PubMed: 36569827
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1051673 -
International Journal of Environmental... Feb 2023Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) is an umbrella term that encompasses many musculoskeletal problems that include the masticatory muscles, the temporomandibular joint,... (Review)
Review
Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) is an umbrella term that encompasses many musculoskeletal problems that include the masticatory muscles, the temporomandibular joint, and other associated structures. TMD can be divided into two large groups: those that affect the musculature and those that affect the joint. The treatment of TMD requires the combined skills of physiotherapists and dentists, as well as sometimes psychologists and other medical specialists. This study aims to examine the effectiveness of the interdisciplinary approach using physiotherapy and dental techniques on pain in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). This is a Scoping Review of studies investigating the effects of combined therapy on patients with TMD. PRISMA guidelines were followed during this review's design, search, and reporting stages. The search was carried out in the MEDLINE, CINHAL, and EMBASE databases. A total of 1031 studies were detected and analyzed by performing the proposed searches in the detailed databases. After removing duplicates and analyzing the titles and abstracts of the remaining articles, six studies were ultimately selected for this review. All the included studies showed a positive effect on pain decreasing after a combined intervention. The interdisciplinary approach characterized by the combination of manual therapy and splint or electrotherapy can positively influence the perceived symptoms; positively decrease pain; and reduce disability, occlusal impairments, and perception of change.
Topics: Humans; Temporomandibular Joint Disorders; Pain; Temporomandibular Joint; Physical Therapy Modalities; Musculoskeletal Manipulations
PubMed: 36833474
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20042777 -
Cancers May 2023The incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer (CRC) is increasing. Many guidelines recommend initiating screening at 45 years. This study investigated the detection... (Review)
Review
Performance of the Fecal Immunochemical Test in Detecting Advanced Colorectal Neoplasms and Colorectal Cancers in People Aged 40-49 Years: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
BACKGROUND
The incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer (CRC) is increasing. Many guidelines recommend initiating screening at 45 years. This study investigated the detection rate of advanced colorectal neoplasm (ACRN) by using fecal immunochemical tests (FITs) in individuals aged 40-49 years.
METHODS
PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched from inception to May 2022. The primary outcomes were the detection rates and positive predictive values of FITs for ACRN and CRC in people aged 40-49 (younger age group) and ≥50 years (average risk group).
RESULTS
Ten studies with 664,159 FITs were included. The FIT positivity rate was 4.9% and 7.3% for the younger age and average risk groups, respectively. Younger individuals with positive FIT results had significantly higher risks of ACRN (odds ratio [OR] 2.58, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.79-3.73) or CRC (OR 2.86, 95% CI 1.59-5.13) than did individuals in the average-risk group, regardless of FIT results. Individuals aged 45-49 years with positive FIT results had a similar risk of ACRN (OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.49-1.29) to that of people aged 50-59 years with positive FIT results, although significant heterogeneity was observed. The positive predictive values of the FIT were 10-28.1% for ACRN and 2.7-6.8% for CRC in the younger age group.
CONCLUSION
The detection rate of ACRN and CRC based on FITs in individuals aged 40-49 years is acceptable, and the yield of ACRN might be similar between individuals aged 45-49 and 50-59 years. Further prospective cohort and cost-effective analysis are warranted.
PubMed: 37296969
DOI: 10.3390/cancers15113006