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Nutrients Apr 2023Maternal dietary factors have been suggested as possible contributing influences for congenital anomalies (CAs). We aimed to assess the association between vitamin D... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Maternal dietary factors have been suggested as possible contributing influences for congenital anomalies (CAs). We aimed to assess the association between vitamin D supplementation or vitamin D status (s-25OHD) during pregnancy and CAs in the offspring. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in the three electronic databases: PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library. Included studies were critically appraised using appropriate tools (risk of bias 2, ROBINS-I). A protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42019127131). A meta-analysis of four randomised controlled trials (RCTs) including 3931 participants showed no effect of vitamin D supplementation on CAs, a relative risk of 0.76 (95% CI 0.45; 1.30), with moderate certainty in the effect estimates by GRADE assessment. Of the nine identified observational studies, six were excluded due to a critical risk of bias in accordance with ROBINS-I. Among the included observational studies, two studies found no association, whereas one case-control study identified an association between s-25OHD < 20 nmol/L and neural tube defects, with an adjusted odds ratio of 2.34 (95% CI: 1.07; 5.07). Interpretation of the results should be cautious given the low prevalence of CAs, RCTs with onset of supplementation after organogenesis, and low-quality observational studies.
Topics: Female; Pregnancy; Humans; Vitamin D; Vitamins; Neural Tube Defects; Case-Control Studies; Dietary Supplements
PubMed: 37432271
DOI: 10.3390/nu15092125 -
The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging Jul 2012Lower muscle strength is associated with a range of adverse health outcomes in later life. The variation in muscle strength between individuals is only partly accounted... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
Lower muscle strength is associated with a range of adverse health outcomes in later life. The variation in muscle strength between individuals is only partly accounted for by factors in adult life such as body size and physical activity. The aim of this review was to assess the strength of the association between intrauterine development (indicated by birth weight) and subsequent muscle strength.
DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis of studies that assessed the association between birth weight and subsequent muscle strength.
RESULTS
Nineteen studies met inclusion criteria with 17 studies showing that higher birth weight was associated with greater muscle strength. Grip strength was used as a single measure of muscle strength in 15 studies. Meta-analysis (13 studies, 20 481 participants, mean ages 9.3 to 67.5) showed a 0.86 kg (95% CI 0.58, 1.15) increase in muscle strength per additional kilogram of birth weight, after adjustment for age, gender and height at the time of strength measurement.
CONCLUSION
This review has found consistent evidence of a positive association between birth weight and muscle strength which is maintained across the lifecourse. Future work will be needed to elucidate the biological mechanisms underlying this association, but it suggests the potential benefit of an early intervention to help people maintain muscle strength in later life.
Topics: Birth Weight; Body Height; Body Weight; Databases, Factual; Hand Strength; Humans; Muscle Development; Muscle Strength; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors
PubMed: 22836701
DOI: 10.1007/s12603-012-0053-9 -
Journal of Cellular and Molecular... Feb 2022Fracture non-union represents a common complication, seen in 5%-10% of all acute fractures. Despite the enhancement in scientific understanding and treatment methods,... (Review)
Review
Fracture non-union represents a common complication, seen in 5%-10% of all acute fractures. Despite the enhancement in scientific understanding and treatment methods, rates of fracture non-union remain largely unchanged over the years. This systematic review investigates the biological, molecular and genetic profiles of both (i) non-union tissue and (ii) non-union-related tissues, and the genetic predisposition to fracture non-union. This is crucially important as it could facilitate earlier identification and targeted treatment of high-risk patients, along with improving our understanding on pathophysiology of fracture non-union. Since this is an update on our previous systematic review, we searched the literature indexed in PubMed Medline; Ovid Medline; Embase; Scopus; Google Scholar; and the Cochrane Library using Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) or Title/Abstract words (non-union(s), non-union(s), human, tissue, bone morphogenic protein(s) (BMPs) and MSCs) from August 2014 (date of our previous publication) to 2 October 2021 for non-union tissue studies, whereas no date restrictions imposed on non-union-related tissue studies. Inclusion criteria of this systematic review are human studies investigating the characteristics and properties of non-union tissue and non-union-related tissues, available in full-text English language. Limitations of this systematic review are exclusion of animal studies, the heterogeneity in the definition of non-union and timing of tissue harvest seen in the included studies, and the search term MSC which may result in the exclusion of studies using historical terms such as 'osteoprogenitors' and 'skeletal stem cells'. A total of 24 studies (non-union tissue: n = 10; non-union-related tissues: n = 14) met the inclusion criteria. Soft tissue interposition, bony sclerosis of fracture ends and complete obliteration of medullary canal are commonest macroscopic appearances of non-unions. Non-union tissue colour and surrounding fluid are two important characteristics that could be used clinically to distinguish between septic and aseptic non-unions. Atrophic non-unions had a predominance of endochondral bone formation and lower cellular density, when compared against hypertrophic non-unions. Vascular tissues were present in both atrophic and hypertrophic non-unions, with no difference in vessel density between the two. Studies have found non-union tissue to contain biologically active MSCs with potential for osteoblastic, chondrogenic and adipogenic differentiation. Proliferative capacity of non-union tissue MSCs was comparable to that of bone marrow MSCs. Rates of cell senescence of non-union tissue remain inconclusive and require further investigation. There was a lower BMP expression in non-union site and absent in the extracellular matrix, with no difference observed between atrophic and hypertrophic non-unions. The reduced BMP-7 gene expression and elevated levels of its inhibitors (Chordin, Noggin and Gremlin) could potentially explain impaired bone healing observed in non-union MSCs. Expression of Dkk-1 in osteogenic medium was higher in non-union MSCs. Numerous genetic polymorphisms associated with fracture non-union have been identified, with some involving the BMP and MMP pathways. Further research is required on determining the sensitivity and specificity of molecular and genetic profiling of relevant tissues as a potential screening biomarker for fracture non-unions.
Topics: Animals; Bone Morphogenetic Proteins; Fracture Healing; Fractures, Bone; Fractures, Ununited; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Humans; Osteogenesis
PubMed: 34984803
DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17096 -
Archives of Oral Biology Aug 2023To determine the association between genetic factors and molar-incisor hypomineralisation (MIH) and/or hypomineralised second primary molars by means of a systematic... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To determine the association between genetic factors and molar-incisor hypomineralisation (MIH) and/or hypomineralised second primary molars by means of a systematic review.
DESIGN
A search was performed in Medline-PubMed, Scopus, Embase and Web of Science databases; manual search and search in gray literature were also performed. Selection of articles was performed independently by two researchers. A third examiner was involved in cases of disagreement. Data extraction was performed using an Excel® spreadsheet and independent analysis was performed for each outcome.
RESULTS
Sixteen studies were included. There was an association between MIH and genetic variants related to amelogenesis, immune response, xenobiotic detoxification and other genes. Moreover, interactions between amelogenesis and immune response genes, and SNPs in the aquaporin gene and vitamin D receptors were associated with MIH. Greater agreement of MIH was found in pairs of monozygotic twins than dizygotic twins. The heritability of MIH was 20 %. Hypomineralised second primary molars was associated with SNPs in the hypoxia-related HIF-1 gene and methylation in genes related to amelogenesis.
CONCLUSION
With very low or low certainty of evidence, an association was observed between MIH and SNPs in genes associated with amelogenesis, immune response, xenobiotic detox and ion transport. Interactions between genes related to amelogenesis and immune response as well as aquaporin genes were associated to MIH. With very low certainty of evidence, hypomineralised second primary molars was associated to a hypoxia-related gene and to methylation in genes related to amelogenesis. Moreover, higher agreement of MIH in pairs of monozygotic twins than dizygotic twins was observed.
Topics: Humans; Dental Enamel Hypoplasia; Molar Hypomineralization; Xenobiotics; Amelogenesis; Molar; Prevalence
PubMed: 37210809
DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2023.105716 -
Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology,... Sep 2021The purpose of this study was to systematically review case reports and case series about meniscal ossicle, to summarize existing evidence. Specifically, to identify the... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to systematically review case reports and case series about meniscal ossicle, to summarize existing evidence. Specifically, to identify the etiology, demographic characteristics, localization, clinical features, diagnostic procedures and treatment options of this rare entity. Although, case reports/ series are of low level of evidence, a systematic review of such studies can provide and help us to gain a better understanding and awareness of meniscal ossicle.
METHODS
Two authors searched three online databases (MEDLINE, SCOPUS and GOOGLE SCHOLAR) from inception until March 2020 for the literature on meniscal ossicle. Inclusion criteria included case series, case reports and case-based reviews, available in full-text version, in English and that concern humans. Reports published in languages other than English were excluded, as well as articles with no electronic full text availability. Case reports using the term "meniscal ossicle" to describe an acute avulsion fracture of the tibial root of the meniscus, were also excluded.
RESULTS
Of 453 initial studies, 38 studies satisfied inclusion criteria. In total 169 patients were included of whom 107 (63%) were males and 62 (37%) were females. Mean age was 44 years (range 12-87). According to Magnetic resonance imaging findings, in 144 knees (86%) the ossicle was localized at the posterior root or horn of the medial meniscus. 60% of the patients had a history of trauma. The predominant symptom in 87% of patients was knee pain. In all patients was detected an intra-articular density structure in computed radiography. 76% had associated meniscal tear, 61% had intraarticular cartilage loss, 34% meniscal extrusion and 28% anterior cruciate ligament injury. Treatment modalities included conservative regimen in 40 patients, while 59 patients underwent surgical excision.
CONCLUSION
The most possible etiology of meniscal ossicle is posttraumatic heterotopic ossification and small occult bony avulsion fracture. It is commonly observed in individuals complaining about knee pain with history of antecedent trauma. The presence of a meniscal ossicle should alert the physician to the high likelihood of the patient having an associated meniscal tear, articular cartilage loss, ACL injury or meniscal extrusion. Along with the meniscal ossicle, the associated meniscal tear should be treated as well.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; Child; Female; Humans; Knee Injuries; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Menisci, Tibial; Middle Aged; Osteogenesis; Retrospective Studies; Tibial Meniscus Injuries; Young Adult
PubMed: 33128588
DOI: 10.1007/s00167-020-06338-1 -
Biology of Sex Differences Jun 2022In this systematic review, we highlight the differences between the male and female zebrafish brains to understand their differentiation and their use in studying... (Review)
Review
In this systematic review, we highlight the differences between the male and female zebrafish brains to understand their differentiation and their use in studying sex-specific neurological diseases. Male and female brains display subtle differences at the cellular level which may be important in driving sex-specific signaling. Sex differences in the brain have been observed in humans as well as in non-human species. However, the molecular mechanisms of brain sex differentiation remain unclear. The classical model of brain sex differentiation suggests that the steroid hormones derived from the gonads are the primary determinants in establishing male and female neural networks. Recent studies indicate that the developing brain shows sex-specific differences in gene expression prior to gonadal hormone action. Hence, genetic differences may also be responsible for differentiating the brain into male and female types. Understanding the signaling mechanisms involved in brain sex differentiation could help further elucidate the sex-specific incidences of certain neurological diseases. The zebrafish model could be appropriate for enhancing our understanding of brain sex differentiation and the signaling involved in neurological diseases. Zebrafish brains show sex-specific differences at the hormonal level, and recent advances in RNA sequencing have highlighted critical sex-specific differences at the transcript level. The differences are also evident at the cellular and metabolite levels, which could be important in organizing sex-specific neuronal signaling. Furthermore, in addition to having one ortholog for 70% of the human gene, zebrafish also shares brain structural similarities with other higher eukaryotes, including mammals. Hence, deciphering brain sex differentiation in zebrafish will help further enhance the diagnostic and pharmacological intervention of neurological diseases.
Topics: Animals; Brain; Female; Gonads; Male; Mammals; Sex Characteristics; Sex Differentiation; Zebrafish
PubMed: 35715828
DOI: 10.1186/s13293-022-00442-2 -
The American Journal of Sports Medicine Apr 2024Approximately 90% of patients who undergo arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (RCR) are satisfied with their pain levels and function after surgery. However, a subset of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Approximately 90% of patients who undergo arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (RCR) are satisfied with their pain levels and function after surgery. However, a subset of patients experience continued symptoms that warrant revision surgery. Preoperative risk factors for RCR failure requiring revision surgery have not been clearly defined.
PURPOSE
To (1) determine the rate of RCR failure requiring revision surgery and (2) identify risk factors for revision surgery, which will help surgeons to determine patients who are at the greatest risk for RCR failure.
STUDY DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis; Level of evidence, 4.
METHODS
A systematic review and meta-analysis in accordance with PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines were performed. The initial search resulted in 3158 titles, and 533 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility. A total of 10 studies met the following inclusion criteria: (1) human clinical studies, (2) arthroscopic RCR, (3) original clinical research, and (4) evaluation of preoperative risk factors for revision.
RESULTS
After a full-text review, a total of 16 risk factors were recorded and analyzed across 10 studies. Corticosteroid injection was the most consistent risk factor for revision surgery, reaching statistical significance in 4 of 4 studies, followed by workers' compensation status (2/3 studies). Patients with corticosteroid injections had a pooled increased risk of revision surgery by 47% (odds ratio, 1.44 [95% CI, 1.36-1.52]). Patients with workers' compensation had a pooled increased risk of revision surgery by 133% (odds ratio, 2.33 [95% CI, 2.09-2.60]). Age, smoking status, diabetes, and obesity were found to be risk factors in half of the analyzed studies.
CONCLUSION
Corticosteroid injections, regardless of the frequency of injections, and workers' compensation status were found to be significant risk factors across the literature based on qualitative analysis and pooled analysis. Surgeons should determine ideal candidates for arthroscopic RCR by accounting for corticosteroid injection history, regardless of the frequency, and insurance status of the patient.
Topics: Humans; Rotator Cuff; Rotator Cuff Injuries; Reoperation; Incidence; Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Risk Factors; Arthroscopy; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38251854
DOI: 10.1177/03635465231182993 -
Current Stem Cell Research & Therapy 2018Development is an epigenetic regulation dependent event. As one pretranscriptional regulator, bivalent histone modifications were observed to be involved in development... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Development is an epigenetic regulation dependent event. As one pretranscriptional regulator, bivalent histone modifications were observed to be involved in development recently. It is believed that histone methylation potentially takes charge of cell fate determination and differentiation. The synchronous existence of functionally opposite histone marks at transcript start sequence (TSS) is defined as "Bivalency", which mainly mark development related genes. H3K4me3 and H3K27me3, the prominent histone methylations of bivalency, are implicated in transcriptional activation and transcriptional repression respectively. The delicate balance between H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 produces diverse chromatin architectures, resulting in different transcription states of downstream genes: "poised", "activated" or "repressed".
OBJECTIVE
In order to explore the developmental role of bivalent histone modification and the underlying mechanism, we did systematic review and rigorous assessment about relative literatures.
RESULT
Bivalent histone modifications are considered to set up genes for activation during lineage commitment by H3K4me3 and repress lineage control genes to maintain pluripotency by H3K27me3. Summarily, bivalency in stem cells keeps stemness via poising differentiation relevant genes. After receiving developmental signals, the balance between "gene activation" and "gene repression" is broken, which turns genes transcription state from "poised" effect to switch on or switch off effect, thus initiates irreversible and spontaneous differentiation procedures.
CONCLUSION
Bivalent histone modifications and the associated histone-modifying complexes safeguard proper and robust differentiation of stem cells, thus playing an essential role in development.
Topics: Animals; Cell Differentiation; Chromatin; Embryonic Stem Cells; Epigenesis, Genetic; Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; Histones; Humans
PubMed: 28117006
DOI: 10.2174/1574888X12666170123144743 -
Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology... Jul 2016Simvastatin is a lipid lowering drug whose beneficial role on bone metabolism was discovered in 1999. Several in vivo studies evaluated its role on osteoporosis and... (Review)
Review
Simvastatin is a lipid lowering drug whose beneficial role on bone metabolism was discovered in 1999. Several in vivo studies evaluated its role on osteoporosis and fracture healing, however, controversial results are seen in the literature. For this reason, Simvastatin has not been the focus of any clinical trials as yet. This systematic review clears the mechanisms of action of Simvastatin on bone metabolism and focuses on in vivo investigations that have evaluated its role on osteoporosis and fracture repair to find out (i) whether Simvastatin is effective on treatment of osteoporosis and fracture repair, and (ii) which of the many available protocols may have the ability to be translated in the clinical setting. Simvastatin induces osteoinduction by increasing osteoblast activity and differentiation and inhibiting their apoptosis. It also reduces osteoclastogenesis by decreasing both the number and activity of osteoclasts and their differentiation. Controversial results between the in vivo studies are mostly due to the differences in the route of administration, dose, dosage and carrier type. Local delivery of Simvastatin through controlled drug delivery systems with much lower doses and dosages than the systemic route seems to be the most valuable option in fracture healing. However, systemic delivery of Simvastatin with much higher doses and dosages than the clinical ones seems to be effective in managing osteoporosis. Simvastatin, in a particular range of doses and dosages, may be beneficial in managing osteoporosis and fracture injuries. This review showed that Simvastatin is effective in the treatment of osteoporosis and fracture healing.
Topics: Animals; Cell Differentiation; Fracture Healing; Fractures, Bone; Humans; Osteoclasts; Osteogenesis; Osteoporosis; Simvastatin
PubMed: 27061579
DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.12577 -
Journal of Affective Disorders Mar 2018Aripiprazole is used relatively frequently in women with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia in childbearing years, owing to its efficacy and relatively favorable side... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Aripiprazole is used relatively frequently in women with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia in childbearing years, owing to its efficacy and relatively favorable side effect profile. As is the case for other psychotropic medications, for ethical reasons, no prospective randomized placebo controlled trial to assess aripiprazole safety during pregnancy has ever been conducted. However, animal data are available and the amount of exposure and outcome data for human fetuses and infants has recently increased, providing published prospective safety data in relatively large numbers of pregnant women treated with aripiprazole. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic literature search and review to critically evaluate the available data on the use of aripiprazole during pregnancy, peripartum and lactation.
METHODS
PubMed, PsychInfo, and Cochrane Library were searched using the following search builder: (pregnancy OR pregnant OR gestation OR malformations OR perinatal OR reproduction OR organogenesis OR delivery OR breast-feeding OR lactation or peripartum or obstetric) AND aripiprazole. Reports that met the following pre-defined criteria were included in the present review: (1) published in English language in a peer-reviewed journal; (2) clearly defined use of aripiprazole during pregnancy and/or lactation and/or postpartum; (3) case report, case series, prospective, retrospective or cross-sectional studies. United States and European Medicine Agency prescribing information for aripiprazole were consulted as well and all the references of selected papers were cross checked for information pertaining to the use of aripiprazole during pregnancy, peripartum and lactation.
RESULTS
A total of 549 items published in a period ranging from 1995 to 2017, were retrieved from the search databases and reference cross check. One-hundred-fifty-three duplicate items were removed, 176 titles were deemed as not pertinent, 220 abstracts and 122 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility and 93 titles were included for qualitative synthesis. United States and European Medicine Agency prescribing information for aripiprazole were consulted and the selected manuscript references were cross checked. No randomized placebo controlled trial was found but relatively large prospective studies, large database studies, and several case reports and case studies were identified and summarized.
CONCLUSIONS
As is the case for other antipsychotics, definitive evidence on aripiprazole reproductive safety is lacking, but newer safety data are relatively reassuring. In many cases, the potential benefits of aripiprazole for patients with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia outweigh the potential risks.
Topics: Adult; Antipsychotic Agents; Aripiprazole; Bipolar Disorder; Breast Feeding; Female; Humans; Infant; Lactation; Peripartum Period; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Prospective Studies; Psychotropic Drugs; Retrospective Studies; Schizophrenia
PubMed: 29275156
DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2017.12.021