-
Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science... Nov 2021Mycotoxins, including aflatoxins (AFs), ochratoxin A (OTA), deoxynivalenol (DON), fumonisins (FBs), and zearalenone (ZEN), have been reported as beer contaminants. This... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Mycotoxins, including aflatoxins (AFs), ochratoxin A (OTA), deoxynivalenol (DON), fumonisins (FBs), and zearalenone (ZEN), have been reported as beer contaminants. This systematic review and meta-analysis provide the prevalence and concentration of mycotoxins in beers and their worldwide distribution. Mycotoxin's exposure and cancer risk through beer consumption were determined. The overall pooled prevalence of mycotoxins in beers was 31% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 28%-35%; I = 90%, p = .00). The most prevalent mycotoxins in beers were DON and its derivatives (53%), OTA (52%), FBs (47%), followed by AFs (12%). Iran (99%), Hungary (95%), Denmark (92%), Armenia (83%), and Cyprus (83%) had the highest mycotoxin prevalence in beers. The global mycotoxins average concentration in beers was 12.52 μg/L (95% CI = 10.70-14.75 μg/L; I = 100%, p = .00). DON and its derivatives showed the highest concentration (26.91 μg/L), followed by FBs (23.19 μg/L), ZEN and its derivatives (20.25 μg/L), and AFs (15.65 μg/L). African region had the highest mycotoxins concentration (73.95 μg/L) mostly due to the high levels reported in beers from Cameroon (293.02 μg/L), Malawi (132.34 μg/L), and Eastern Cape province (126.12 μg/L). The meta-regression indicated stability (p ≥ .05) of the global pooled concentration of mycotoxins in beers over the years, whereas FBs concentration increased. The intake of DON and its derivatives, FBs, ZEN and its derivatives, and OTA through beers is of concern in African countries. OTA is also of concern in Brazil and Belgium. Results show high mycotoxins concentration in beers worldwide and highlight the health risks through contaminated beer consumption.
Topics: Beer; Cameroon; Food Contamination; Mycotoxins; Risk Assessment
PubMed: 34668294
DOI: 10.1111/1541-4337.12856 -
Nutrients May 2020Coffee contains bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory properties, and its consumption may reduce c-reactive protein (CRP) levels, a biomarker of chronic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Coffee contains bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory properties, and its consumption may reduce c-reactive protein (CRP) levels, a biomarker of chronic inflammation. A previous meta-analysis reported no overall association between blood CRP level and coffee consumption by modeling the coffee consumption in categories, with substantial heterogeneity. However, the coffee cup volume was not considered. We conducted a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis investigating the association between coffee consumption and CRP levels reported in previous observational studies. A dose-response meta-analysis was conducted by mixed-effects meta-regression models using the volume of coffee consumed as metric. Eleven studies from three continents were identified using the PubMed database, totaling 61,047 participants. Three studies with the largest sample sizes observed a statistically significant association between coffee and CRP levels, which was inverse among European and United States (US) women and Japanese men (1.3%-5.5% decrease in CRP per 100 mL of coffee consumed) and positive among European men (2.2% increase). Other studies showed no statistically significant associations. When all studies were combined in the dose-response meta-analysis, no statistically significant associations were observed among all participants or when stratified by gender or geographic location, reflecting the conflicting associations reported in the included studies. Further studies are warranted to explore these inconsistent associations.
Topics: Beverages; Biomarkers; C-Reactive Protein; Chronic Disease; Coffee; Cross-Sectional Studies; Eating; Europe; Female; Humans; Inflammation; Japan; Male; Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; United States
PubMed: 32397288
DOI: 10.3390/nu12051349 -
Environmental Science and Pollution... Nov 2021In the current study, the concentration and prevalence of birds' egg's mycotoxins among 11 articles (66 studies) based on countries, part of eggs, and type of mycotoxins... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
In the current study, the concentration and prevalence of birds' egg's mycotoxins among 11 articles (66 studies) based on countries, part of eggs, and type of mycotoxins subgroups were meta-analyses using a random-effect model. The order of mycotoxin according to concentration of mycotoxin was Deoxynivalenol (20.083 μg/kg) > Zearalenone (2.065 μg/kg) > Enniatin (1.120 μg/kg) > Total aflatoxin (0.371 μg/kg) > Beauvericin (0.223 μg/kg) > Ochratoxins (0.087 μg/kg) > Citrinin (0.010 μg/kg). Further, the mycotoxins' concentration in the yolk part (2.070 μg/kg) was higher than the mixed eggs (0.283 μg/kg). The rank order of mycotoxin based on country was China (14.990 μg/kg) > Cameroon (7.594 μg/kg) > Thailand (1.870 μg/kg) > Finland (0.920 μg/kg) > Iran (0.312 μg/kg) > Jordan (0.202 μg/kg) > Belgium (0.183 μg/kg) > Spain (
South Korea ( DON (85.00%) > AFT (20.15%) > OT (16.00%). The overall prevalence of mycotoxin was equal to 29.65%. Also, the concentration of mycotoxins in China and Cameroon was higher than in other countries. Therefore, the monitoring programs to reduce mycotoxins in bird eggs consumed in some countries such as China and Cameroon should be considered. Topics: Animals; Birds; Food Contamination; Mycotoxins; Prevalence; Trichothecenes
PubMed: 34505242
DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-16136-y -
Association between serum amyloid A and rheumatoid arthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism Feb 2022Consistent correlation of serum amyloid A (SAA) to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is not completely established. The present study is to systematically summarize their... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUNDS
Consistent correlation of serum amyloid A (SAA) to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is not completely established. The present study is to systematically summarize their relationship.
METHODS
Publications up to may 2021 were examined using key terms in the PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase and China national knowledge infrastructure (CNKI) databases.
RESULTS
The total 33 studies, involving in 3524 RA cases and 3537 normal participants, were included. The pooled result indicated that the SAA level in the RA group was markedly higher than that in the control group [standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.80, 95% CI (0.51, 1.08)]. By stratified analyses, the concentration of SAA was found to be gradually increased with the aggravation of RA. Additionally, the meta-analysis of correlation demonstrated that SAA levels were positively associated with the levels of disease activity score 28 (DAS28) [r = 0.55, 95% CI (0.15, 0.94)], erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) [r = 0.65, 95% CI (0.53, 0.76)], C-reactive protein (CRP) [r = 0.92, 95% CI (0.57, 1.57)], rheumatoid factor (RF) [r = 0.24, 95% CI (0.09, 0.39)], interleukin 4 (IL-4) [r = 0.54, 95% CI (0.30, 0.78)], interleukin 6 (IL-6) [r = 0.46, 95% CI (0.27, 0.65)], interleukin 10 (IL-10) [r = 0.53, 95% CI (0.29, 0.77)], interleukin 17 (IL-17) [r = 0.52, 95% CI (0.27, 0.77)], and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (A-CCP) [r = 0.32, 95% CI (0.15, 0.50)], but inversely linked with the levels of hemoglobin [r=-0.51, 95% CI (-0.84, -0.18)]. Furthermore, the allele of SAA 1.3 was actively related with increased risks of RA [OR=1.30, 95% CI (1.02, 1.65)] and of RA with amyloidosis [OR=2.06, 95% CI (1.63, 2.60)]. Besides, the genotype of SAA 1.3/1.3 was positively connected with the risks of RA [OR=1.56, 95% CI (1.00, 2.43)] and of RA with amyloidosis [OR=4.47, 95% CI (2.70, 7.41)].
CONCLUSIONS
High levels of SAA might be associated with elevated risk of RA, and the concentration of SAA might be gradually increased with the aggravation of RA. Moreover, high levels of SAA might play a vital role in RA by enhancing the levels of DAS28, ESR, CRP, RF, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17 and A-CCP, or by attenuating hemoglobin levels. More importantly, the allele of SAA 1.3 and genotype of SAA 1.3/1.3 might be the risk factor of RA and of RA with amyloidosis.
Topics: Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Blood Sedimentation; C-Reactive Protein; Humans; Rheumatoid Factor; Serum Amyloid A Protein
PubMed: 35027248
DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2021.12.011 -
International Journal of Environmental... Jul 2022Firefighters are intermittently exposed to complex, mixed pollutants in random settings. Of those pollutants, PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) are the most... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Firefighters are intermittently exposed to complex, mixed pollutants in random settings. Of those pollutants, PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) are the most commonly studied and best understood. PAH exposure can occur via multiple routes; therefore, the levels of hydroxylated metabolites of PAHs in urine have been used as a biomonitoring tool for risk assessment. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature to estimate the levels of urinary hydroxylated PAH (OHPAH) among firefighters, determine risk attributions, and, finally, evaluate the scope of preventive efforts and their utility as diagnostic tools. The meta-regression confirmed increases in OHPAH concentrations after fire activities by up to 1.71-times (p-values: <0.0001). Samples collected at a time point of 2−4 h after a fire suppression showed a consistent, statistically significant pattern as compared with baseline samples. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standard 1582 Standard on Comprehensive Occupational Medical Program for Fire Departments lists various health examinations, including a urinalysis for occupational chemical exposure if indicated and medical screening for cancers and cardiovascular diseases. Biomonitoring is a valuable screening tool for assessing occupational exposure and the results of this meta-analysis support their inclusion in regular health screenings for firefighters.
Topics: Air Pollutants, Occupational; Environmental Monitoring; Firefighters; Humans; Occupational Exposure; Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
PubMed: 35886320
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19148475 -
Journal of the Air & Waste Management... Oct 2022Dioxins are a kind of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) with extremely toxic. Municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) process has become one of the most dominant... (Review)
Review
Dioxins are a kind of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) with extremely toxic. Municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) process has become one of the most dominant discharge sources of dioxins. A comprehensive discussion about dioxin formation mechanisms was reviewed in this paper, and the mechanisms of high-temperature gas-phase reaction and "de novo" synthesis were systematically illustrated in the form of diagrams. What's more, the effects of various influencing factors on the formation of PCDD/Fs were briefly analyzed in the form of a table. We believed that temperature, catalyst, chlorine source, carbon source, oxygen concentration and moisture were necessary factors for PCDD/Fs formation. Control technologies of dioxins in MSWI process were summarized subsequently from three stages: pre-combustion, in-combustion and post-combustion, and a device for synergistic removal of dioxins based on multi-field force coupling and technical routes for controlling dioxin emissions were proposed, so as to provide mechanisms and methods for effectively reducing the emission concentration of dioxins. An introduction was also conducted of dioxin control technologies in municipal solid waste incineration fly ash (MSWI-FA) in this paper, and their mechanisms, advantages, disadvantages and technical maturity were illustrated in the form of diagrams, which can provide theory and reference for in-depth research of follow-up scholars and industrial application of dioxin control technologies. Finally, current research hotspots, challenges and future research directions were proposed.: In this paper, the main research contents and achievements are as follows: With the emphasis placed on the formation mechanism of dioxins and effects of various influencing factors on the formation of PCDD/Fs. The control technology of dioxins in MSWI process is summarized subsequently from three stages: pre-combustion, in-combustion and post-combustion.A device for synergistic removal of dioxins based on multi-field force coupling and technical routes for controlling dioxin emissions are proposed.A systematic review is conducted of the research progress on control technologies of dioxins in MSWI fly ash in the most recent years.The mechanisms, advantages, disadvantages and technical maturity of PCDD/Fs degradation technologies in MSWI fly ash are illustrated in the form of diagrams.Current research hotspots, challenges and future research directions are proposed.
Topics: Benzofurans; Carbon; Chlorine; Coal Ash; Dibenzofurans; Dibenzofurans, Polychlorinated; Dioxins; Incineration; Oxygen; Persistent Organic Pollutants; Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins; Solid Waste
PubMed: 35816420
DOI: 10.1080/10962247.2022.2100843 -
Chemosphere Feb 2023The various ingredients and impurities that can be detected within tattoo inks have been associated with a myriad of dermatologic complications. Legislation regarding... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The various ingredients and impurities that can be detected within tattoo inks have been associated with a myriad of dermatologic complications. Legislation regarding these antigenic substances varies widely around the world, with Europe serving as both the research and regulatory center on these intradermal formulations. Although industry is said to be moving away from metallic and metalloid pigments in exchange for organic or organometallic dyes, surveys of commercially available inks continue to detect these elements at concentrations considered unsafe for application into the dermis. In order to better assess the formulation and safety of tattoo ink, we present a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies quantifying restricted metals and metalloids in commercially available tattoo ink products. Among the papers selected, inconsistencies were noted in the degree of specificity by which ink products were identified and the elements sampled for. In addition, the analytical targets' valency and/or solubility were not always considered in accordance with regulation criteria. Of note, chromium, by total content and that of its regulated +6 valency, exceeded its maximum allowed concentration in nearly every sample tested. Total copper content exceeded the limit for soluble copper in half of inks sampled. In descending order, concentrations of cadmium, barium, mercury, soluble copper, arsenic, zinc, antimony, and lead violated regulations in one-sixth or fewer of samples tested. Cobalt and tin levels never violated regulation. Overall, our findings indicate that unsafe levels of restricted elements continue to be detected across studies, warranting further investigation under a regulatory lens.
Topics: Tattooing; Ink; Copper; Metalloids; Metals; Coloring Agents
PubMed: 36436582
DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.137291 -
The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal Oct 2013Fever during neutropenia (FN) is a frequent and potentially life-threatening complication of the treatment of childhood cancer. The role of biomarkers in predicting... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Fever during neutropenia (FN) is a frequent and potentially life-threatening complication of the treatment of childhood cancer. The role of biomarkers in predicting morbidity and mortality associated with FN in children has been explored with varying results. This systematic review identified, critically appraised and synthesized information on the use of biomarkers for the prediction of outcome of FN in children/young adults, updating a review of initial assessment and adding further analysis of their value at reassessment.
METHODS
This review was conducted in accordance with the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination Methods, using 3 different random effects meta-analysis models.
RESULTS
Thirty-seven studies involving over 4689 episodes of FN in children were assessed, including an additional 13 studies investigating 18 biomarkers in 1670 FN episodes since the original review. Meta-analysis was possible for admission C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 in their ability to detect significant infection. Marked heterogeneity exists, precluding clear clinical interpretation of the results. Qualitative synthesis of the role of serial biomarkers suggests their predictive ability may be more pronounced at 24 to 48 hours compared with admission. Direct comparisons of the discriminatory power of admission values of PCT and CRP showed PCT generally had a better discriminatory estimate of serious infection than CRP.
CONCLUSIONS
There remains a paucity of robust and reproducible data on the use of biomarkers in prediction of serious infection in children with FN. Available evidence suggests PCT has better discriminatory ability than CRP and that the role of serial biomarkers warrants further study.
Topics: Adolescent; Biomarkers, Tumor; C-Reactive Protein; Calcitonin; Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide; Child; Child, Preschool; Febrile Neutropenia; Humans; Infant; Interleukin-8; Neoplasms; Prospective Studies; Protein Precursors; Young Adult
PubMed: 23673421
DOI: 10.1097/INF.0b013e31829ae38d -
Journal of Environmental Science and... 2022To conduct a comprehensive meta-analysis investigating the association between polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) exposure and serum thyroid hormone levels among adults.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
To conduct a comprehensive meta-analysis investigating the association between polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) exposure and serum thyroid hormone levels among adults. Eleven studies met inclusion criteria for analysis following systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases. Of these, 7 studies measured exposure by the total sum of PCB congeners (∑PCB), 1 study measured individual PCB congener levels, and 3 studies measured both ∑PCB levels and PCB congener levels. Correlation coefficients (r) were extracted from each study. Summary estimates were calculated for ∑PCB levels and PCB congeners reported by 2 or more studies: PCB 28, 52, 101, 105, 118, 138, 153, and 180, using random effects model. Significant negative correlation was found between ∑PCBs and T3 (r: -0.09; 95% CI: -0.17, -0.02) and FT3 (r: -0.24; 95% CI: -0.36, -0.12). Congener-specific analysis found T3 to be negatively correlated with PCB-153 (r: -0.19; 95% CI: -0.34, -0.03) and PCB-180 (r: -0.14; 95% CI: -0.26, -0.01), whereas TSH was positively correlated with PCB-105 (r: 0.15; 95% CI: 0.02, 0.28). The present study is the first meta-analysis to investigate the association between PCB exposure and thyroid hormone dysfunction among adults. Results suggest a significant association between PCB exposure and thyroid hormone dysregulation.
Topics: Polychlorinated Biphenyls; Thyroid Hormones; Hormones; Thyroid Gland
PubMed: 36515092
DOI: 10.1080/26896583.2022.2149213 -
Journal of Affective Disorders Sep 2013Inflammatory markers are raised in cross-sectional studies of depressed patients and may represent an important mediating factor for behaviour, neural plasticity and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Inflammatory markers are raised in cross-sectional studies of depressed patients and may represent an important mediating factor for behaviour, neural plasticity and brain structure.
METHODS
We undertook a systematic review of longitudinal studies, investigating whether raised inflammatory markers indicate an increased risk of subsequent depressive symptoms. We searched three databases (1970-2012) for longitudinal studies with repeat data on CRP or IL-6 levels and subsequent depressive symptoms. We calculated effect sizes using a mixed-effects model, with separate meta-analyses for inflammatory markers and age groups.
RESULTS
We identified eight papers for CRP (14,832 participants) and three for IL-6 (3695 participants). There was a significant association between increased CRP and depressive symptoms (weighted-mean effect size 'unadjusted r'=0.069, p<0.0005; 'adjusted r'=0.046, p<0.0005), with moderate heterogeneity between studies (Q=11.21, p=0.08, I(2)=46.5). For IL-6 the weighted-mean effect size was smaller ('unadjusted r'=0.045, p-value=0.007; 'adjusted r'=0.097, p-value=0.06).
LIMITATIONS
The meta-analysis was based on a relatively small number of studies (particularly for IL-6) and only two inflammatory markers. There was moderate heterogeneity between studies and some evidence of publication bias.
CONCLUSIONS
Raised inflammatory markers have a small but significant association with the subsequent development of depressive symptoms. This is a robust effect which remains significant after adjustment for age and a wide range of factors associated with risk for depression. Our results support the hypothesis that there is a causal pathway from inflammation to depression.
Topics: Biomarkers; C-Reactive Protein; Cross-Sectional Studies; Depressive Disorder; Female; Humans; Interleukin-6; Male
PubMed: 23870425
DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2013.06.004