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Frontiers in Endocrinology 2021Industrial wastewaters and urban discharges contain complex mixtures of chemicals capable of impacting reproductive performance in freshwater fish, called...
Industrial wastewaters and urban discharges contain complex mixtures of chemicals capable of impacting reproductive performance in freshwater fish, called endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs). In Chile, the issue was highlighted by our group beginning over 15 years ago, by analyzing the impacts of pulp and paper mill effluents (PPME) in the Biobio, Itata, and Cruces River basins. All of the rivers studied are important freshwater ecosystems located in the Mediterranean region of Central Chile, each with a unique fish biodiversity. Sequentially, we developed a strategy based on laboratory assays, semicontrolled-field experiments (e.g., caging) and wild fish population assessments to explore the issue of reproductive impacts on both introduced and native fish in Chile. The integration of watershed, field, and laboratory studies was effective at understanding the endocrine responses in Chilean freshwater systems. The studies demonstrated that regardless of the type of treatment, pulp mill effluents can contain compounds capable of impacting endocrine systems. Urban wastewater treatment plant effluents (WWTP) were also investigated using the same integrated strategy. Although not directly compared, PPME and WWTP effluent seem to cause similar estrogenic effects in fish after waterborne exposure, with differing intensities. This body of work underscores the urgent need for further studies on the basic biology of Chilean native fish species, and an improved understanding on reproductive development and variability across Chilean ecosystems. The lack of knowledge of the ontogeny of Chilean fish, especially maturation and sexual development, with an emphasis on associated habitats and landscapes, are impediment factors for their conservation and protection against the threat of EDCs. The assessment of effects on native species in the receiving environment is critical for supporting and designing protective regulations and remediation strategies, and for conserving the unique Chilean fish biodiversity.
Topics: Animals; Chile; Ecosystem; Endocrine Disruptors; Endocrine System; Environmental Monitoring; Estrogens; Fishes; Humans; Reproduction; Rivers; Waste Disposal, Fluid; Wastewater; Water Pollutants, Chemical
PubMed: 33841326
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.611281 -
Environment International Nov 2023Personal care products (PCPs) contain many different compounds and are a source of exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), including phthalates and phenols....
BACKGROUND
Personal care products (PCPs) contain many different compounds and are a source of exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), including phthalates and phenols. Early-life exposure to EDCs commonly found in PCPs has been linked to earlier onset of puberty.
OBJECTIVE
To characterize the human and animal evidence on the association between puberty-related outcomes and exposure to PCPs and their chemical constituents and, if there is sufficient evidence, identify groups of chemicals and outcomes to support a systematic review for a class-based hazard or risk assessment.
METHODS
We followed the OHAT systematic review framework to characterize the human and animal evidence on the association between puberty-related health outcomes and exposure to PCPs and their chemical constituents.
RESULTS
Ninety-eight human and 299 animal studies that evaluated a total of 96 different chemicals were identified and mapped by key concepts including chemical class, data stream, and puberty-related health outcome. Among these studies, phthalates and phenols were the most well-studied chemical classes. Most of the phthalate and phenol studies examined secondary sex characteristics and changes in estradiol and testosterone levels. Studies evaluating PCP use and other chemical classes (e.g., parabens) had less data.
CONCLUSIONS
This systematic evidence map identified and mapped the published research evaluating the association between exposure to PCPs and their chemical constituents and puberty-related health outcomes. The resulting interactive visualization allows researchers to make evidence-based decisions on the available research by enabling them to search, sort, and filter the literature base of puberty-related studies by key concepts. This map can be used by researchers and regulators to prioritize and target future research and funding to reduce uncertainties and address data gaps. It also provides information to inform a class-based hazard or risk assessment on the association between phthalate and phenol exposures and puberty-related health outcomes.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Endocrine Disruptors; Environmental Exposure; Phenol; Phenols; Phthalic Acids; Sexual Maturation
PubMed: 37948866
DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108307 -
EClinicalMedicine Jul 2022Preterm birth is a leading cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity, and imposes high health and societal costs. Antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) to accelerate fetal...
BACKGROUND
Preterm birth is a leading cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity, and imposes high health and societal costs. Antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) to accelerate fetal lung maturation are commonly used in conjunction with tocolytics for arresting preterm labour in women at risk of imminent preterm birth.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review on the cost-effectiveness of ACS and/or tocolytics as part of preterm birth management. We systematically searched MEDLINE and Embase (December 2021), as well as a maternal health economic evidence repository collated from NHS Economic Evaluation Database, EconLit, PubMed, Embase, CINAHL and PsycInfo, with no date cutoff. Eligible studies were economic evaluations of ACS and/or tocolytics for preterm birth. Two reviewers independently screened citations, extracted data on cost-effectiveness and assessed study quality using the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards (CHEERS) statement.
FINDINGS
35 studies were included: 11 studies on ACS, eight on tocolytics to facilitate ACS administration, 12 on acute and maintenance tocolysis, and four studies on a combination of ACS and tocolytics. ACS was cost-effective prior to 34 weeks' gestation, but economic evidence on ACS use at 34-<37 weeks was conflicting. No single tocolytic was identified as the most cost-effective. Studies disagreed on whether ACS and tocolytic in combination were cost-saving when compared to no intervention.
INTERPRETATION
ACS use prior to 34 weeks' gestation appears cost-effective. Further studies are required to identify what (if any) tocolytic option is most cost-effective for facilitating ACS administration, and the economic consequences of ACS use in the late preterm period.
FUNDING
UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), a cosponsored programme executed by WHO.
PubMed: 35747187
DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2022.101496 -
Early Human Development May 2021Many women report low milk supply as the reason for premature breastfeeding cessation. Altered mammary gland development may impact a woman's lactation ability. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Many women report low milk supply as the reason for premature breastfeeding cessation. Altered mammary gland development may impact a woman's lactation ability.
OBJECTIVE
This review identifies modern exogenous exposures which alter mammary gland development during embryonic life, puberty and pregnancy.
METHODS
A systematic review was undertaken whereby Medline, CINAHL and Embase articles published from January 1, 2005 to November 20, 2020 were searched using the keywords puberty or embry* or fetal or foetal or foetus or fetus or pregnan* or gestation* AND "mammary gland development" or "breast development" or "mammary development" or "mammary gland function" or "mammary function" or "insufficient glandular tissue" or "mammary hypoplasia" or "breast hypoplasia" or "mammary gland hypoplasia" or "tubular breast*" or "tuberous breast*" or "glandular tissue" or "breast composition" or "mammary composition" or "mammary gland composition". After initial screening of 1207 records, 60 full texts were assessed for eligibility; 6 were excluded due to lack of information about exposure or outcome, leaving 54 studies.
RESULTS
The review included results from 52 animal (rats and mice, monkeys, rabbits, sheep, goats pigs and cows) and 2 human studies. Various endocrine disrupting chemicals and an obesogenic diet were found to be associated with altered mammary gland morphology during key development stages.
CONCLUSIONS
To improve lactation outcomes, future studies need to focus on lactation as the endpoint and be conducted in a standardised manner to allow for a more significant contribution to the literature that allows for better comparison across studies.
Topics: Animals; Cattle; Endocrine Disruptors; Female; Lactation; Mammary Glands, Animal; Mice; Milk; Pregnancy; Rabbits; Rats; Sexual Maturation; Sheep; Swine
PubMed: 33711581
DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2021.105342 -
JAMA Network Open Sep 2022Vaginal estrogen for genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) should be used with caution in women with contraindications, highlighting the need for effective treatment... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
IMPORTANCE
Vaginal estrogen for genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) should be used with caution in women with contraindications, highlighting the need for effective treatment alternatives.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the severity of GSM after vaginal laser vs estrogen therapy.
DATA SOURCES
The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for articles published from database inception to April 8, 2022, with no language restrictions. Reference lists were also searched.
STUDY SELECTION
Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that compared the use of lasers with vaginal estrogen in adults were selected.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
Two investigators independently extracted data from included studies. The Cochrane risk of bias tool for RCTs was used to assess risk of bias of each study. A random-effects model was used to pool mean differences (MDs) with 95% CIs.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
Primary outcomes were Vaginal Analog Scale (VAS; higher scores indicate severer symptoms), Vaginal Health Index (VHI; higher scores indicate better vaginal health), Vaginal Maturation Index (VMI; higher scores indicate higher estrogen effect on the vaginal epithelium), Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI; higher scores indicate better female sexual function), and Sexual Quotient-Female (SQ-F; higher scores indicate better female sexual function) questionnaire scores. Urinary symptoms were assessed as an additional outcome. Data analyses were performed from April 9 to 12, 2022.
RESULTS
A total of 6 RCTs with 270 women with GSM were included (135 were randomized to laser therapy and 135 to estrogen therapy; mean age ranged from 54.6 to 61.0 years). No significant differences were found between carbon dioxide laser and vaginal estrogen from baseline to the end of follow-up in overall VAS scores (MD, -0.16; 95% CI, -0.67 to 0.36; I2, 33.31%), VHI (MD, 0.20; 95% CI, -0.56 to 0.97; I2, 83.25%), VMI (MD, -0.56; 95% CI, -1.14 to 0.02; I2, 35.07%), FSFI (MD, -0.04; 95% CI, -0.45 to 0.36; I2, 41.60%), and SQ-F (P = .37 based on 1 study). Other questionnaire-based outcome measures demonstrated no difference between groups from baseline to the end of follow-up for changes in urinary symptoms.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
This systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs found that vaginal laser treatment is associated with similar improvement in genitourinary symptoms as vaginal estrogen therapy. Further research is needed to test whether vaginal laser therapy could be a potential treatment option for women with contraindications to vaginal estrogen.
Topics: Estrogens; Female; Genital Diseases, Female; Humans; Lasers, Gas; Menopause; Middle Aged; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Syndrome
PubMed: 36129710
DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.32563 -
Complementary Therapies in Clinical... Aug 2022This systematic review aimed to update the evidence of ginseng on menopausal women's health care. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
PURPOSE
This systematic review aimed to update the evidence of ginseng on menopausal women's health care.
METHODS
We searched six databases (PubMed, AMED, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, RISS, and KoreaMed) from their inception to April 2022 and included all placebo-controlled RCTs comparing any type of ginseng in menopausal women. The methodological quality of all studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 2.0.
RESULTS
We included 15 RCTs with our inclusion criteria. The majority of studies considered bias a concern. Ginseng reduced menopausal symptoms in three studies (n = 515; standardized mean difference (SMD): -0.40, 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.73 to -0.07, P = 0.02) and lowed hot flashes (n = 515; SMD: -0.34, 95% CI: -0.66 to -0.01, P = 0.04). The meta-analysis of three other studies failed to show that ginseng was beneficial for sexual function (n = 491; SMD: 0.31, 95% CI: -0.30 to 0.92, P = 0.32). Three RCTs showed positive effects of ginseng on the quality of life score (n = 515, SMD: -0.31, 95% CI: -0.61 to -0.01, P = 0.05). In two studies, ginseng failed to produce significant effects on the vaginal maturation index and vaginal pH. Another three RCTs failed to demonstrate a beneficial effect of Korean red ginseng (KRG) on endometrial thickness.
CONCLUSION
This study demonstrated that ginseng can significantly reduce hot flashes, menopausal symptoms, and quality of life in menopausal women. In contrast, neither KRG nor ginseng appeared to have any direct effect on sexual dysfunction, hormones or biomarkers, or endometrial thickness. More rigorous RCTs are needed to overcome the current limitations.
Topics: Female; Hot Flashes; Humans; Menopause; Panax; Quality of Life; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Women's Health
PubMed: 35691259
DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2022.101615 -
Gynecological Endocrinology : the... Aug 2021It is estimated that 50% of women will suffer a severe form of vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) related to menopause. Equally, young women may temporarily present this...
INTRODUCTION
It is estimated that 50% of women will suffer a severe form of vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) related to menopause. Equally, young women may temporarily present this clinical problem while receiving various pharmacological or endocrine treatments or radiotherapy.
AIM
To determine clinical and diagnostic exams required to confirm the presence of VVA (also referred to as atrophic vaginitis, urogenital atrophy, or genitourinary syndrome of menopause) and rule out other genital or pelvic clinical conditions.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Literature review searches were carried out on the main scientific article search engines (PubMed, SciELO, Cochrane) using different clinical terms, treatments or interventions and comorbidity related to VVA.
RESULTS
The development and severity of VVA depend mainly on the duration of hypoestrogenism. Hypoestrogenism causes changes in the urogenital tissue, generating signs and symptoms, such as dryness, burning, soreness, itching, and irritation of the genital skin. The diagnosis can be made through anamnesis (patient history), questionnaires, physical exam, and, sometimes, complementary exams. Objective vaginal assessment is essential and can be completed with the Vaginal Health Index, the Vaginal Maturation Index, or vaginal pH in the absence of infection or semen. The exclusion of other vulvovaginal organic pathology is essential to reach an accurate diagnosis and provide adequate treatment.
CONCLUSIONS
The specialist should be able to identify VVA, rule out other pathologies that make a differential diagnosis and conduct proper management.
Topics: Atrophic Vaginitis; Atrophy; Diagnosis, Differential; Dyspareunia; Estrogens; Female; Female Urogenital Diseases; Humans; Postmenopause; Surveys and Questionnaires; Syndrome; Urogenital Diseases; Vagina; Vaginal Diseases; Vulva; Vulvar Diseases
PubMed: 34036849
DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2021.1931100 -
PloS One 2011Island faunas have played central roles in the development of evolutionary biology and ecology. Birds are among the most studied organisms on islands, in part because of... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Island faunas have played central roles in the development of evolutionary biology and ecology. Birds are among the most studied organisms on islands, in part because of their dispersal powers linked to migration. Even so, we lack of information about differences in the movement ecology of island versus mainland populations of birds.
METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS
Here we present a new general pattern indicating that large birds with deferred sexual maturity are sedentary on islands, and that they become so even when they are migratory on the mainland. Density-dependent variation in the age at first breeding affects the survivorship of insular populations and this, in turn, affects the movement ecology of large birds. Because density-dependent variation in the age of first breeding is critical to the long-term survival of small isolated populations of long-lived species, migratory forms can successfully colonize islands only if they become sedentary once there. Analyses of the movement ecology of continental and insular populations of 314 species of raptors, 113 species of Ciconiiformes and 136 species of passerines, along with individual-based population simulations confirm this prediction.
CONCLUSIONS
This finding has several consequences for speciation, colonization and survival of small isolated population of species with deferred sexual maturity.
Topics: Animal Migration; Animals; Birds; Geography; Linear Models; Sexual Maturation; Species Specificity
PubMed: 21811559
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0022056 -
Eating and Weight Disorders : EWD Oct 2022Assessing the body composition of children and adolescents is important to monitor their health status. Anthropometric measurements are feasible and less-expensive than... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Assessing the body composition of children and adolescents is important to monitor their health status. Anthropometric measurements are feasible and less-expensive than other techniques for body composition assessment. This study aimed to systematically map anthropometric equations to predict adipose tissue, body fat, or density in children and adolescents, and to analyze methodological aspects of the development of anthropometric equations using skinfolds.
METHODS
A scoping review was carried out following the PRISMA-ScR criteria. The search was carried out in eight databases. The methodological structure protocol of this scoping review was retrospectively registered in the Open Science Framework ( https://osf.io/35uhc/ ).
RESULTS
We included 78 reports and 593 anthropometric equations. The samples consisted of healthy individuals, people with different diseases or disabilities, and athletes from different sports. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was the reference method most commonly used in developing equations. Triceps and subscapular skinfolds were the anthropometric measurements most frequently used as predictors in the equations. Age, stage of sexual maturation, and peak height velocity were used as complementary variables in the equations.
CONCLUSION
Our scoping review identified equations proposed for children and adolescents with a great diversity of characteristics. In many of the reports, important methodological aspects were not addressed, a factor that may be associated with equation bias.
LEVEL IV
Evidence obtained from multiple time series analysis such as case studies. (NB: dramatic results in uncontrolled trials might also be regarded as this type of evidence).
Topics: Absorptiometry, Photon; Adipose Tissue; Adolescent; Anthropometry; Body Composition; Child; Humans; Skinfold Thickness
PubMed: 35699918
DOI: 10.1007/s40519-022-01405-7 -
Neuropsychologia Jun 2018The extent of sex differences in childhood language development is unclear. We conducted a systematic literature review synthesizing results from studies examining sex...
The extent of sex differences in childhood language development is unclear. We conducted a systematic literature review synthesizing results from studies examining sex differences in brain structure and function relevant to language development during childhood. We searched PubMed and Scopus databases, and this returned a total of 46 published studies meeting criteria for inclusion that directly examined sex differences in brain development relevant to language function in children. The results indicate that: (a) sex differences in brain structure or function do not necessarily lead to differences in language task performance; (b) evidence for sex differences in brain and language development are limited; (c) when present, sex differences often interact with a variety of factors such as age and task. Overall, the magnitude of sexual dimorphism of brain developmental trajectories associated with language is not as significant as previously thought. Sex differences were found, however, in studies employing tighter age ranges. This suggests that sex differences may be more prominent during certain developmental stages but are negligible in other stages, likely due to different rates of maturation between the sexes. More research is needed to improve our understanding of how sex differences may arise due to the influence of sex hormones and developmental stages, and how these differences may lead to differences in various language task performance. These studies are expected to provide normative information that may be used in studies examining neurodevelopmental disorders that frequently affect more males than females, and also often affect language development.
Topics: Brain; Child; Child Language; Electroencephalography; Female; Functional Laterality; Humans; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Sex Characteristics
PubMed: 29654881
DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2018.04.011