-
The American Journal of Clinical... Sep 2015Whole grains are recognized for their potential role in preventing cardiovascular diseases; however, results from randomized controlled studies on blood lipids are... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Whole grains are recognized for their potential role in preventing cardiovascular diseases; however, results from randomized controlled studies on blood lipids are inconsistent, potentially because of compositional differences between individual grain types for some nutrients, including dietary fiber.
OBJECTIVE
Using a meta-analytic approach, we assessed the effect of whole-grain compared with non-whole-grain foods on changes in total cholesterol (TC), LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides.
DESIGN
We conducted a systematic literature search in selected databases. Studies were included if they were randomized controlled comparisons between whole-grain foods and a non-whole-grain control in adults. A total of 6069 articles were screened for eligibility, and data were extracted from 24 studies. Weighted mean differences were calculated, and meta-regression analyses were performed for whole-grain dose, study duration, and baseline TC concentration.
RESULTS
Overall, whole-grain intake lowered LDL cholesterol (weighted difference: -0.09 mmol/L; 95% CI: -0.15, -0.03 mmol/L; P < 0.01) and TC (weighted difference: -0.12 mmol/L; 95% CI: -0.19, -0.05 mmol/L; P < 0.001) compared with the control. Whole-grain oat had the greatest effect on TC (weighted difference: -0.17 mmol/L; 95% CI: -0.10, -0.25 mmol/L; P < 0.001). No effect of whole-grain foods on HDL cholesterol was seen, whereas whole-grain foods tended to lower triglycerides compared with the control (weighted difference: -0.04 mmol/L; 95% CI: -0.08, 0.01; P = 0.10). No association was found between whole-grain dose or baseline TC concentration and any of the outcomes, whereas study duration was positively associated with changes in TC and LDL cholesterol.
CONCLUSIONS
Consumption of whole-grain diets lowers LDL cholesterol and TC, but not HDL cholesterol or triglycerides, compared with consumption of non-whole-grain control diets. Whole-grain oat appears to be the most effective whole grain for lowering cholesterol.
Topics: Adult; Cholesterol, HDL; Cholesterol, LDL; Diet; Dietary Fiber; Humans; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Sensitivity and Specificity; Triglycerides; Whole Grains
PubMed: 26269373
DOI: 10.3945/ajcn.115.109165 -
Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine... Sep 2022Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for a newborn during the first six months of his or her life. However there is a possibility that breast milk may contain... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
AIM
Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for a newborn during the first six months of his or her life. However there is a possibility that breast milk may contain pollutants such as metals. The current meta-analytic study assessed the concentration of potentially toxic elements (PTEs), including lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), Iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and nickel (Ni), in mothers' milk.
METHOD
The literature studies regarding the concentrations of PTEs in the breast milk of mothers were collected from international databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase. Afterward, the Total Target Hazard Quotient (TTHQ) by Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS) model was used to assess the non-carcinogenic risk.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
According to 42 of the 836 retrieved articles, the PTE concentrations in mother's milk were as follows: Cu (1.84 mg/kg) > Zn (1.80 mg/kg) > Fe (1.03 mg/kg) > Ni (0.60 mg/kg) > Pb (0.10 mg/kg) > As (0.15 mg/kg) ≈ Cd (0.15 mg/kg). Based on the containment type, the highest concentrations of As (2.80 mg/kg), Cd (0.07 mg/kg), and Pb (2.68 mg/kg) were related to Western Pacific Region (WPRO), European Region (EURO), and WPRO, respectively. In addition, for trace elements, Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMRO) was the region with the highest concentrations of Cu (3.56 mg/kg), Fe (2.78 mg/kg), Ni (3.13 mg/kg), and Zn (5.58 mg/kg) were related to Lastly, the non-carcinogenic risk assessment of the PTEs in breast milk indicated different risk patterns in various countries, and the calculated TTHQ level in infants was below 1.
CONCLUSION
Overall, human breast milk was generally safe for infants to consume and poses no risks to their health.
Topics: Cadmium; Environmental Monitoring; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Lead; Metals, Heavy; Milk, Human; Mothers; Nickel; Zinc
PubMed: 35617722
DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2022.126998 -
Frontiers in Veterinary Science 2023Bibliometrics is a quantitative analytic strategy used to assess the unit of publications per each field of research. Bibliometric studies are commonly employed to...
INTRODUCTION
Bibliometrics is a quantitative analytic strategy used to assess the unit of publications per each field of research. Bibliometric studies are commonly employed to examine the current research climate, potential developments, and development trends in certain domains. In this work, the major contributors to camel research throughout the past century are discussed, along with the funding sources, academic institutions, scientific disciplines, and countries that contributed to "Camel Research".
METHODS
The Web of Science (WOS) database was used to retrieve the publications based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) instructions.
RESULTS
There are 7,593 articles dedicated to camel research on the Web of Science (as of August 1st, 2022). Three stages were involved in the publication of a study on camels. At the beginning, from 1877 to 1965, there were fewer than ten new publications per year. The second stage comprised 100 publications per year (1968-2005). Since 2010, nearly 200 new papers have been published each year. King Saud and King Faisal universities contributed > (0.08) of the total publications. While more than 1,000 funding agents were retrieved, the Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) showed the greatest rate of funded projects (0.17). Camel research was included in 238 scientific disciplines. The top disciplines were Veterinary Sciences (0.39), Agriculture Dairy Animal Science (0.144), and Food Science Technology (0.087).
CONCLUSION
There has been an increase in interest in camels in recent years, but the research trends in camel health and production need greater support.
PubMed: 37323832
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1157667 -
Journal of Dietary Supplements 2009This paper is an evidence-based systematic review including written and statistical analysis of scientific literature, expert opinion, folkloric precedent, history,... (Review)
Review
UNLABELLED
This paper is an evidence-based systematic review including written and statistical analysis of scientific literature, expert opinion, folkloric precedent, history, pharmacology, kinetics/dynamics, interactions, adverse effects, toxicology, and dosing.
SEARCH STRATEGY
To prepare each Natural Standard review, electronic searches are conducted in nine databases, including AMED, CANCERLIT, CINAHL, CISCOM, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, HerbMed, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, Medline, and NAPRALERT. Search terms include the common name(s), scientific name(s), and all listed synonyms for each topic. Hand searches are conducted of 20 additional journals (not indexed in common databases), and of bibliographies from 50 selected secondary references. No restrictions are placed on language or quality of publications. Researchers in the field of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) are consulted for access to additional references or ongoing research.
SELECTION CRITERIA
All literature is collected pertaining to efficacy in humans (regardless of study design, quality, or language), dosing, precautions, adverse effects, use in pregnancy/lactation, interactions, alteration of laboratory assays, and mechanism of action (in vitro, animal research, human data). Standardized inclusion/exclusion criteria are utilized for selection.
DATA ANALYSIS
Data extraction and analysis are performed by healthcare professionals conducting clinical work and/or research at academic centers, using standardized instruments that pertain to each review section (defining inclusion/exclusion criteria and analytic techniques, including validated measures of study quality). Data are verified by a second reviewer.
REVIEW PROCESS
A blinded review is conducted by multidisciplinary research-clinical faculty at major academic centers with expertise in epidemiology and biostatistics, pharmacology, toxicology, CAM research, and clinical practice. In cases of editorial disagreement, a three-member panel of the Editorial Board addresses conflicts, and consults experts when applicable. Authors of studies are contacted when clarification is required.
Topics: Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Biological Products; Cooperative Behavior; Dietary Supplements; Evidence-Based Medicine; Female; Humans; Lipids; Perna; Pregnancy
PubMed: 22435354
DOI: 10.1080/19390210802690191 -
Psychopharmacology Mar 2021Although numerous studies have suggested that pharmacological alteration of the dopamine (DA) system modulates reward discounting, these studies have produced... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
RATIONALE
Although numerous studies have suggested that pharmacological alteration of the dopamine (DA) system modulates reward discounting, these studies have produced inconsistent findings.
OBJECTIVES
Here, we conducted a systematic review and pre-registered meta-analysis to evaluate DA drug-mediated effects on reward discounting of time, probability, and effort costs in studies of healthy rats. This produced a total of 1343 articles to screen for inclusion/exclusion. From the literature, we identified 117 effects from approximately 1549 individual rats.
METHODS
Using random effects with maximum-likelihood estimation, we meta-analyzed placebo-controlled drug effects for (1) DA D1-like receptor agonists and (2) antagonists, (3) D2-like agonists and (4) antagonists, and (5) DA transporter-modulating drugs.
RESULTS
Meta-analytic effects showed that DAT-modulating drugs decreased reward discounting. While D1-like and D2-like antagonists both increased discounting, agonist drugs for those receptors had no significant effect on discounting behavior. A number of these effects appear contingent on study design features like cost type, rat strain, and microinfusion location.
CONCLUSIONS
These findings suggest a nuanced relationship between DA and discounting behavior and urge caution when drawing generalizations about the effects of pharmacologically manipulating dopamine on reward-based decision-making.
Topics: Animals; Biological Transport; Brain; Decision Making; Delay Discounting; Dopamine Agonists; Dopamine Antagonists; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Male; Rats; Receptors, Dopamine D1; Receptors, Dopamine D2; Reward
PubMed: 33215269
DOI: 10.1007/s00213-020-05723-5 -
Odontology Sep 2016The objectives of the current review were (1) to systematically appraise, and (2) to evaluate long-term success data of calcium phosphate (CaP) plasma-spray-coated... (Review)
Review
The objectives of the current review were (1) to systematically appraise, and (2) to evaluate long-term success data of calcium phosphate (CaP) plasma-spray-coated dental implants in clinical trials with at least 5 years of follow-up. To describe the long-term efficacy of functional implants, the outcome variables were (a) percentage annual complication rate (ACR) and (b) cumulative success rate (CSR), as presented in the selected articles. The electronic search yielded 645 titles. On the basis of the inclusion criteria, 8 studies were finally included. The percentage of implants in function after the first year was estimated to be 98.4 % in the maxilla and 99.2 % in the mandible. The estimates of the weighted mean ACR-percentage increased over the years up to 2.6 (SE 0.7) during the fifth year of function for the maxilla and to 9.4 (SE 8.4) for the mandible in the tenth year of function. After 10 years, the mean percentage of successful implants was estimated to be 71.1 % in the maxilla and 72.2 % in the mandible. The estimates seem to confirm the proposed, long-term progressive bone loss pattern of CaP-ceramic-coated dental implants. Within the limits of this meta-analytic approach to the literature, we conclude that: (1) published long-term success data for calcium phosphate plasma-spray-coated dental implants are limited, (2) comparison of the data is difficult due to differences in success criteria among the studies, and (3) long-term CSRs demonstrate very weak evidence for progressive complications around calcium phosphate plasma-spray-coated dental implants.
Topics: Calcium Phosphates; Coated Materials, Biocompatible; Dental Implants; Dental Restoration Failure; Humans; Surface Properties; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 26886570
DOI: 10.1007/s10266-015-0230-5 -
International Journal of Psychiatry in... Mar 2024Resilience measures are typically based on subjective self-assessment, which is prone to bias. Objective biological/physiological measures of resilience are therefore... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Resilience measures are typically based on subjective self-assessment, which is prone to bias. Objective biological/physiological measures of resilience are therefore needed. Hair cortisol concentration is a particularly promising candidate as a biomarker for resilience.
METHODS
We conducted a meta-analytic review from inception to April 2023 in PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Psych Info databases. All data were analyzed using a random-effects model.
RESULTS
Eight studies were identified that included a total of 1,064 adults. The random effects model demonstrated that resilience and hair cortisol concentration were inversely correlated (r = -0.18, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -0.27 to -0.09) with substantial heterogeneity ( = 54.2%, = 0.03). The inverse association was stronger in those who were age 40 years or younger compared to those who were over 40 years. The correlation coefficients between psychological resilience and hair cortisol concentration among adults assessed by different resilience measures were r = -0.29 (95% CI = -0.49 to -0.08) for the CD-RISC-10; r = -0.21 (95% CI = -0.31 to -0.11) for the CDRISC- 25, and r = -0.08 (95% CI = -0.22 to 0.06) for the BRS. Six of eight studies examined the connection between resilience and perceived stress, where the weighted mean correlation coefficient was r = -0.45 (95% CI = -0.56 to -0.33), with considerable heterogeneity ( = 76.2%, = 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
There is a negative association between psychological resilience and hair cortisol concentration based on these eight studies. Additional research, particularly prospective studies, is needed to determine whether hair cortisol concentration can be used as a biomarker for psychological resilience.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Resilience, Psychological; Hydrocortisone; Prospective Studies; Hair; Stress, Psychological; Biomarkers; Psychological Tests
PubMed: 37222570
DOI: 10.1177/00912174231178108 -
Annals of Nuclear Medicine Apr 2021To determine the prognostic and predictive value of early metabolic response assessed by a change in standardized uptake value (SUV) on interim F-FDG PET in patients... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
PURPOSE
To determine the prognostic and predictive value of early metabolic response assessed by a change in standardized uptake value (SUV) on interim F-FDG PET in patients with esophageal cancer undergoing neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy.
METHODS
PubMed and Embase were searched up until 10 September, 2020, for studies evaluating a change in SUV on interim F-FDG PET for predicting a pathologic response, progression-free survival (PFS), or overall survival (OS) in patients with esophageal cancer. The sensitivity and specificity for predicting a pathologic response were pooled using bivariate and hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic (HSROC) models. Meta-analytic pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were derived using a random-effects model.
RESULTS
A total of 11 studies (695 patients) were included in the meta-analysis. For nine studies assessing predictive accuracy, the pooled sensitivity and specificity of an early metabolic response for predicting a pathologic response were 0.80 (95% CI 0.61-0.91) and 0.54 (95% CI 0.45-0.63), respectively. The area under the HSROC curve was 0.64 (95% CI 0.60-0.68). Across the nine studies assessing prognostic value, an early metabolic response determined by interim PET showed pooled HRs for predicting PFS and OS of 0.44 (95% CI, 0.30-0.63) and 0.42 (95% CI, 0.31-0.56), respectively.
CONCLUSION
Change in SUV on interim F-FDG PET had significant prognostic value and moderate predictive value for a pathologic response in esophageal cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Interim F-FDG PET may help prognostic stratification and guide treatment planning in oncologic practice.
Topics: Chemoradiotherapy; Disease Progression; Esophageal Neoplasms; Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; Humans; Middle Aged; Neoadjuvant Therapy; Positron-Emission Tomography; Prognosis; ROC Curve; Radiopharmaceuticals; Sensitivity and Specificity; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 33471289
DOI: 10.1007/s12149-021-01583-x -
Journal of Neurochemistry Dec 2023The aim of this study was to systematically review prior research investigating the effects of contact/collision sport participation on neurometabolite levels in the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The effect of contact/collision sport participation without concussion on neurometabolites: A systematic review and meta-analysis of magnetic resonance spectroscopy studies.
The aim of this study was to systematically review prior research investigating the effects of contact/collision sport participation on neurometabolite levels in the absence of concussion. Four online databases were searched to identify studies that measured neurometabolite levels in contact/collision sport athletes (without concussion) using proton ( H) or phosphorus ( P) magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). All study designs were acceptable for inclusion. Meta-analytic procedures were used to quantify the effect of contact/collision sport participation on neurometabolite levels and explore the impact of specific moderating factors (where sufficient data were available). Narrative synthesis was used to describe outcomes that could not be meta-analysed. Nine observational studies involving 300 contact/collision sport athletes were identified. Six studies (providing 112 effect estimates) employed longitudinal (cohort) designs and three (that could not be meta-analysed) employed case-control designs. N-acetylaspartate (NAA; g = -0.331, p = 0.013) and total creatine (tCr; creatine + phosphocreatine; g = -0.524, p = 0.029), but not glutamate-glutamine (Glx), myo-inositol (mI) or total choline (tCho; choline-containing compounds; p's > 0.05), decreased between the pre-season and mid-/post-season period. Several moderators were statistically significant, including: sex (Glx: 6 female/23 male, g = -0.549, p = 0.013), sport played (Glx: 22 American football/4 association football [soccer], g = 0.724, p = 0.031), brain region (mI: 2 corpus callosum/9 motor cortex, g = -0.804, p = 0.015), and the MRS quantification approach (mI: 18 absolute/3 tCr-referenced, g = 0.619, p = 0.003; and tCho: 18 absolute/3 tCr-referenced, g = 0.554, p = 0.005). In case-control studies, contact/collision sport athletes had higher levels of mI, but not NAA or tCr compared to non-contact sport athletes and non-athlete controls. Overall, this review suggests that contact/collision sport participation has the potential to alter neurometabolites measured via H MRS in the absence of concussion. However, further research employing more rigorous and consistent methodologies (e.g. interventional studies with consistent H MRS pulse sequences and quantifications) is required to confirm and better understand the clinical relevance of observed effects.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Creatine; Brain Concussion; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; Choline; Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell; Aspartic Acid; Inositol
PubMed: 37908148
DOI: 10.1111/jnc.16000 -
Archives of Pathology & Laboratory... Jul 2010To develop a guideline to improve the accuracy of immunohistochemical (IHC) estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PgR) testing in breast cancer and the... (Review)
Review
American Society of Clinical Oncology/College of American Pathologists guideline recommendations for immunohistochemical testing of estrogen and progesterone receptors in breast cancer (unabridged version).
PURPOSE
To develop a guideline to improve the accuracy of immunohistochemical (IHC) estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PgR) testing in breast cancer and the utility of these receptors as predictive markers.
METHODS
The American Society of Clinical Oncology and the College of American Pathologists convened an international Expert Panel that conducted a systematic review and evaluation of the literature in partnership with Cancer Care Ontario and developed recommendations for optimal IHC ER/PgR testing performance.
RESULTS
Up to 20% of current IHC determinations of ER and PgR testing worldwide may be inaccurate (false negative or false positive). Most of the issues with testing have occurred because of variation in pre-analytic variables, thresholds for positivity, and interpretation criteria.
RECOMMENDATIONS
The Panel recommends that ER and PgR status be determined on all invasive breast cancers and breast cancer recurrences. A testing algorithm that relies on accurate, reproducible assay performance is proposed. Elements to reliably reduce assay variation are specified. It is recommended that ER and PgR assays be considered positive if there are at least 1% positive tumor nuclei in the sample on testing in the presence of expected reactivity of internal (normal epithelial elements) and external controls. The absence of benefit from endocrine therapy for women with ER-negative invasive breast cancers has been confirmed in large overviews of randomized clinical trials.
Topics: Algorithms; Biomarkers, Tumor; Breast Neoplasms; False Negative Reactions; False Positive Reactions; Female; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Neoplasm Invasiveness; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Receptors, Estrogen; Receptors, Progesterone; Reproducibility of Results; Treatment Failure
PubMed: 20586616
DOI: 10.5858/134.7.e48