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Iranian Journal of Public Health Mar 2024The prevalence of pelvic organ prolapse is varied in different countries. For validating the results of numerous studies on the prevalence of Pelvic organ prolapse in... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The prevalence of pelvic organ prolapse is varied in different countries. For validating the results of numerous studies on the prevalence of Pelvic organ prolapse in the world, a meta-analysis study seems necessary to provide an accurate and valid prevalence for planners and researchers in this field. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the worldwide prevalence of pelvic organ prolapse using the meta-analysis method.
METHODS
By using valid keywords, searching was done in ISI Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Medline databases, and 22 articles were selected based on inclusion criteria between 2009 and 2021. The quality of articles was checked using The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist. Meta-analysis was performed on collected data using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Software (CMA, Version 2). Meta-analysis of data was done with a random-effects model. The heterogeneity of the study was checked using the I2 index. Publication bias was assessed by the Egger test and funnel graph.
RESULTS
The overall prevalence of included studies was 30.9% (95% confidence interval: 24.4-38.2%), (<0.001, heterogeneity I2=99.8%). Meta-analysis of subgroups in studies that used a questionnaire to estimate the prevalence rate showed the prevalence was 25.0% and, in the studies, used the physical examination was 41.8%.
CONCLUSION
Studies carried out in different parts of the world have examined the prevalence of pelvic organ prolapse using different tools. Since some cases are asymptomatic, especially in the low stage of prolapse, physical examination of pelvic organ prolapse should be considered an essential tool in evaluating pelvic organ prolapse.
PubMed: 38919293
DOI: 10.18502/ijph.v53i3.15134 -
Iranian Journal of Public Health May 2024We aimed to evaluate the level of knowledge, awareness, and perceptions regarding osteoporosis (OP) and risk factors in China. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
We aimed to evaluate the level of knowledge, awareness, and perceptions regarding osteoporosis (OP) and risk factors in China.
METHODS
The databases of PubMed, Medline, Embase, Web of science, VIP, and CNKI were searched for papers published before December 2022 using Chinese and English keywords and their combinations: "knowledge", "osteoporosis", "risk factor", "bone health", "perception", "awareness". The levels of knowledge, awareness, and perception about OP, as well as risk factors, clinical symptoms, and health information sources were narratively synthesized.
RESULTS
Sixteen papers were finally included for analysis. Participants all showed poor levels of knowledge and perception regarding osteoporosis and risk factors. Investigation of clinical symptoms was rarely involved in the included studies due to the asymptomatic features of OP. The findings also suggest a strong association between poor level of knowledge regarding OP and educational attainment, type of participant, and gender. The majority of participants are increasingly turning to the Internet and social media to access information about OP.
CONCLUSION
The findings of this paper provide useful information for intervention providers to prevent and control OP and encourage them to carry out health promotion campaigns to enhance knowledge and awareness of OP.
PubMed: 38912142
DOI: 10.18502/ijph.v53i5.15581 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2024Hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) is a complex disorder caused by genetic and environmental factors that frequently results from loss-of-function variants in the gene encoding...
INTRODUCTION
Hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) is a complex disorder caused by genetic and environmental factors that frequently results from loss-of-function variants in the gene encoding lipoprotein lipase (LPL). Heterozygous patients have a range of symptoms, while homozygous LPL deficiency presents with severe symptoms including acute pancreatitis, xanthomas, and lipemia retinalis.
METHODS
We described the clinical characteristics of three Slovenian patients (an 8-year-old female, an 18-year-old man, and a 57-year-old female) and one Pakistani patient (a 59-year-old male) with LPL deficiency. We performed next-generation sequencing (NGS) targeting all coding exons and intron-exon boundaries of the gene, and Sanger sequencing for variant confirmation. In addition, we performed a systematic literature review of all cases with three identified variants and described their clinical characteristics.
RESULTS
Two Slovenian patients with a heterozygous pathogenic variant NM_000237.3:c.984G>T (p.Met328Ile) were diagnosed within the first three years of life and had triglyceride (TG) values of 16 and 20 mmol/L. An asymptomatic Pakistani patient with TG values of 36.8 mmol/L until the age of 44 years, was identified as heterozygous for a pathogenic variant NM_000237.3:c.724G>A (p.Asp242Asn). His TG levels dropped to 12.7 mmol/L on dietary modifications and by using fibrates. A Slovenian patient who first suffered from pancreatitis at the age of 18 years with a TG value of 34 mmol/L was found to be homozygous for NM_000237.3:c.337T>C (p.Trp113Arg).
CONCLUSIONS
Patients with LPL deficiency had high TG levels at diagnosis. Homozygous patients had worse outcomes. Good diet and medication compliance can reduce severity.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Slovenia; Adolescent; Middle Aged; Lipoprotein Lipase; Child; Pakistan; Hyperlipoproteinemia Type I; Mutation
PubMed: 38911039
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1387419 -
Frontiers in Neuroanatomy 2024Literature suggests a common pathophysiological ground between carotid atherosclerosis (CAS) and white matter alterations in the brain. However, the association between...
INTRODUCTION
Literature suggests a common pathophysiological ground between carotid atherosclerosis (CAS) and white matter alterations in the brain. However, the association between carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and white matter hyperintensities (WMH) has not been conclusively reported. The current systematic review explores and reports the relationship between CIMT and WMH among asymptomatic/non-stroke adults.
METHODS
A recent literature search on PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science databases was conducted in compliance with the PRISMA protocol. The pre-defined Population-Intervention-Comparison-Outcome-Study (PICOS) criteria included observational studies investigating the CIMT-WMH association among non-stroke adults undergoing magnetic resonance imaging and carotid ultrasound.
RESULTS
Out of 255 potential results, 32 studies were critically assessed for selection, and finally, 10 articles were included, comprising 5,116 patients (females = 60.2%; males = 39.8%) aged between 36-71 years. The included studies earned high quality ratings (6-9) based on the Newcastle-Ottawa-Scale criteria. Qualitative synthesis showed a significantly parallel relationship between increased CIMT and greater WMH burden in 50% of the studies. In addition, significant risk factors related to the CIMT-WMH association included older age, hypertension, depression, migraine, Hispanic ethnicity, and apolipoprotein E (ɛ4) in postmenopausal women.
CONCLUSION
Overall, the cumulative evidence showed a consistent CIMT-WMH association in asymptomatic middle-aged and older non-stroke adults, indicating that CAS may contribute to the progression of pathologically hyperintense white matter in the brain. However, further research is warranted to infer the plausible relationship between CIMT and WMH in the absence of stroke.
PubMed: 38903057
DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2024.1394766 -
Sexually Transmitted Infections Jun 2024The reservoir of sexually transmissible bacterial enteric pathogens in asymptomatic men who have sex with men (MSM) may impact future outbreaks, and the evolution of...
Estimated prevalence and associations of sexually transmissible bacterial enteric pathogens in asymptomatic men who have sex with men: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
OBJECTIVE
The reservoir of sexually transmissible bacterial enteric pathogens in asymptomatic men who have sex with men (MSM) may impact future outbreaks, and the evolution of antimicrobial resistance. We aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence and explore any factors associated with spp, spp, diarrhoeagenic and spp in asymptomatic MSM using the random effects model.
METHODS
We searched Embase, MEDLINE, CINAHL and Web of Science Core Collections for manuscripts published up to February 2024. One author screened citations and abstracts; two authors independently conducted a full-text review. We included manuscripts which measured the prevalence of spp, spp, diarrhoeagenic and spp in asymptomatic MSM. Quality and risk of bias was assessed independently by two authors using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools. We calculated pooled prevalence and CIs using the random effects model.
RESULTS
Six manuscripts were included in the final review. The manuscripts were from Australia (n=2), the UK (n=2), the Netherlands (n=1) and the USA (n=1) and included data from 3766 asymptomatic MSM tested for bacterial enteric pathogens. The prevalence of spp was 1.1% (95% CI 0.7% to 1.7%), spp 1.9% (95% CI 1.5% to 2.5%), diarrhoeagenic 3.8% (95% CI 2.1% to 6.7%) and spp 0.3% (95% CI 0.1% to 0.6%). Two manuscripts demonstrated that the detection of bacterial enteric pathogen was more frequent in asymptomatic MSM using HIV-pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), living with HIV, reporting <5 new sexual partners in the past 3 months, reporting insertive oral-anal sex and group sex compared with MSM testing negative.
CONCLUSION
Despite a small number of manuscripts, this review has estimated the pooled prevalence, and highlighted some possible associations with sexually transmissible bacterial enteric pathogens in asymptomatic MSM, which can inform future clinical guidelines, public health control strategies and research to increase our understanding of transmission and the evolution of antimicrobial resistance.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42024518700.
PubMed: 38902026
DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2024-056183 -
Journal of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck... 2024Diagnostic dilemma between clinical Meniere's disease and radiological endolymphatic hydrops (EH) has emerged since the introduction of hydrops magnetic resonance... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Diagnostic dilemma between clinical Meniere's disease and radiological endolymphatic hydrops (EH) has emerged since the introduction of hydrops magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The aim of this study is to explore the potential application of hydrops MRI on diagnosing the EH.
METHODS
This review was developed from peer-reviewed articles published in those journals listed on journal of citation reports. The MEDLINE database of the US National Library of Medicine, Scopus, and Google Scholar were used to collect articles based on the guidelines (PRISMA 2020 statement) for reporting reviews.
RESULTS
Initially, 470 articles were retrieved from 1983 to 2023, and 80 relevant articles were ultimately selected. The sensitivity (69%-92%) and specificity (78%-96%) values varied from each laboratory for detecting EH via hydrops MRI, probably due to candidate selection and the grading system employed.
CONCLUSION
The application of hydrops MRI allows (1) differentiation between EH and sudden sensorineural hearing loss; (2) determination of the affected side of EH; and (3) confirmation of the diagnosis of EH concomitant with other disorders. Notably, not all differentials for EH can be visualized on MR images. One of the existing gaps to be filled is that updated hydrops MRI fails to identify distortion, that is, rupture, collapse, fistula, or fibrosis of the inner ear compartments, akin to what histopathological evidence can demonstrate. Hence, enhanced ultrahigh resolution of hydrops MRI is required for demonstrating fine structures of the inner ear compartments in the future.
Topics: Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Endolymphatic Hydrops; Meniere Disease; Diagnosis, Differential; Sensitivity and Specificity
PubMed: 38888936
DOI: 10.1177/19160216241250350 -
Survey of Ophthalmology Jun 2024Diabetic retinopathy (DR) poses a significant challenge in diabetes management, with its progression often asymptomatic until advanced stages. This underscores the... (Review)
Review
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) poses a significant challenge in diabetes management, with its progression often asymptomatic until advanced stages. This underscores the urgent need for cost-effective and reliable screening methods. Consequently, the integration of Artificial Intelligence tools presents a promising avenue to address this need effectively. We provide an overview of the current state of the art results and techniques in DR screening using AI, while also identifying gaps in research for future exploration. By synthesizing existing database and pinpointing areas requiring further investigation, this paper seeks to guide the direction of future research in the field of automatic diabetic retinopathy screening. There has been a continuous rise in the number of articles detailing Deep Learning methods designed for the automatic screening of Diabetic Retinopathy especially by the year 2021. Researchers utilized various databases, with a primary focus on the IDRiD dataset. This dataset comprises color fundus images captured at an ophthalmological clinic situated in India. It comprises 516 images that depict various stages of diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema. Each of the chosen papers concentrates on various DR signs. Nevertheless, a significant portion of the authors primarily focused on detecting exudates, which remains insufficient to assess the overall presence of this disease. Various AI methods have been employed to identify DR signs. Among the chosen papers, 4.7% utilized detection methods, 46.5% employed classification techniques, 41.9% relied on segmentation, and 7% opted for a combination of classification and segmentation. Metrics calculated from 80% of the articles employing preprocessing techniques demonstrated the significant benefits of this approach in enhancing results quality. In addition, multiple Deep Learning techniques, starting by classification, detection then segmentation. Researchers used mostly YOLO for detection, ViT for classification and U-Net for segmentation. Another perspective on the evolving landscape of AI models for diabetic retinopathy screening lies in the increasing adoption of Convolutional Neural Networks for classification tasks and U-Net architectures for segmentation purposes;However, there is a growing realization within the research community that these techniques, while powerful individually, can be even more effective when integrated. This integration holds promise for not only diagnosing DR but also accurately classifying its different stages, thereby enabling more tailored treatment strategies. Despite this potential, the development of AI models for DR screening is fraught with challenges. Chief among these is the difficulty in obtaining high-quality, labeled data necessary for training models to perform effectively. This scarcity of data poses significant barriers to achieving robust performance and can hinder progress in developing accurate screening systems. Moreover, managing the complexity of these models, particularly deep neural networks, presents its own set of challenges. Additionally, interpreting the outputs of these models and ensuring their reliability in real-world clinical settings remain ongoing concerns. Furthermore, the iterative process of training and adapting these models to specific datasets can be time-consuming and resource-intensive. These challenges underscore the multifaceted nature of developing effective AI models for DR screening. Addressing these obstacles requires concerted efforts from researchers, clinicians, and technologists to innovate new approaches and overcome existing limitations. By doing so, a full potential of AI may transform DR screening and improve patient outcomes.
PubMed: 38885761
DOI: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2024.05.008 -
Expert Review of Anticancer Therapy Jul 2024Combinations of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) can be responsible for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). We... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The incidence and relative risk of major adverse cardiovascular events and hypertension in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors plus tyrosine-kinase inhibitors for solid tumors: a systemic review and meta-analysis.
INTRODUCTION
Combinations of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) can be responsible for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). We performed a meta-analysis to assess the relative risk (RR) of MACEs and hypertension in cancer patients treated with ICI+TKI combinations.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
We selected prospective trials through MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane Library, and ASCOMeeting abstracts. We calculated combined ORs, RRs, and 95% CIs using RevMansoftware for meta-analysis (v.5.2.3).
RESULTS
Seven studies were selected for the analysis of MACEs (3849 patients). The incidence MACEs were 0.8% with ICI+TKI combinations, compared to 0.2% in the control arms for both any- and high-grade. ICI+TKI combinations significantly increased the risk of any- (OR = 3.21; = 0.01) and high-grade MACEs (OR = 2.72; = 0.05). Ten studies were selected for the analysis of hypertension (5744 patients). The incidence of treatment-related hypertension of any-grade and high-grade was41.3% (vs. 20.8%) and 26.1% (vs. 12.3%) with ICI+TKI combinations, respectively. ICI+TKI combinations significantly increased the risk of treatment-related hypertension of any-grade (RR = 2.10; = 0.001), but not of high-grade ( = 0.11).
CONCLUSIONS
ICI+TKI combinations increase the risk of MACEs compared to controls, although the absolute incidence is eventually low. Routine cardiovascular monitoring in asymptomatic patients is therefore not recommended.
Topics: Humans; Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors; Neoplasms; Incidence; Hypertension; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Cardiovascular Diseases; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Risk
PubMed: 38879826
DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2024.2357814 -
Osteoarthritis and Cartilage Jun 2024The primary objective was to determine the population prevalence of glenohumeral joint imaging abnormalities in asymptomatic adults. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
The primary objective was to determine the population prevalence of glenohumeral joint imaging abnormalities in asymptomatic adults.
METHOD
We systematically reviewed studies reporting the prevalence of X-ray, ultrasound (US), computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) abnormalities in adults without shoulder symptoms (PROSPERO registration number CRD42018090041). This report presents the glenohumeral joint imaging findings. We searched Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and Web of Science from inception to June 2023 and assessed risk of bias using a tool designed for prevalence studies. The primary analysis was planned for the general population. The certainty of evidence was assessed using a modified Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) for prognostic studies.
RESULTS
Thirty-five studies (4 X-ray, 10 US, 20 MRI, 1 X-ray and MRI) reported useable prevalence data. Two studies were population-based (846 shoulders), 15 studies included miscellaneous study populations (1715 shoulders) and 18 included athletes (727 shoulders). All were judged to be at high risk of bias. Clinical diversity precluded pooling. Population prevalence of glenohumeral osteoarthritis ranged from 15% to 75% (2 studies, 846 shoulders, 1 X-ray, 1 X-ray and MRI; low certainty evidence). Prevalence of labral abnormalities, humeral head cysts and long head of biceps tendon abnormalities were 20%, 5%, 30% respectively (1 study, 20 shoulders, X-ray and MRI; very low certainty evidence).
CONCLUSION
The population-based prevalence of glenohumeral joint imaging abnormalities in asymptomatic individuals remains uncertain, but may range between 30% and 75%. Better estimates are needed to inform best evidence-based management of people with shoulder pain.
PubMed: 38876437
DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2024.06.001 -
Clinical Gastroenterology and... Jun 2024Perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease (PFCD)-associated anorectal and fistula cancers are rare but often devastating diagnoses. However, given the low incidence and... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
Perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease (PFCD)-associated anorectal and fistula cancers are rare but often devastating diagnoses. However, given the low incidence and consequent lack of data and clinical trials in the field, there is little to no guidance on screening and management of these cancers. To inform clinical practice, we developed consensus guidelines on PFCD-associated anorectal and fistula cancers by multidisciplinary experts from the international TOpClass consortium.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review by standard methodology, using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale quality assessment tool. We subsequently developed consensus statements using a Delphi consensus approach.
RESULTS
Of 561 articles identified, 110 were eligible, and 76 articles were included. The overall quality of evidence was low. The TOpClass consortium reached consensus on six structured statements addressing screening, risk assessment, and management of PFCD-associated anorectal and fistula cancers. Patients with longstanding (>10 years) PFCD should be considered at small but increased risk of developing perianal cancer, including squamous cell carcinoma of the anus(SCCA) and anorectal carcinoma. Risk factors for SCCA, notably human papilloma virus (HPV), should be considered. New, refractory, or progressive perianal symptoms should prompt evaluation for fistula cancer. There was no consensus on timing or frequency of screening in patients with asymptomatic perianal fistula. Multiple modalities may be required for diagnosis, including an exam under anesthesia (EUA) with biopsy. Multidisciplinary team efforts were deemed central to the management of fistula cancers.
CONCLUSION
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) clinicians should be aware of the risk of PFCD-associated anorectal and fistula cancers in all patients with PFCD. The TOpClass consortium consensus statements outlined herein offer guidance in managing this challenging scenario.
PubMed: 38871152
DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2024.05.029