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Inflammation Research : Official... May 2024γδ T cells are a distinct subset of unconventional T cells, which link innate and adaptive immunity by secreting cytokines and interacting with other immune cells,... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
γδ T cells are a distinct subset of unconventional T cells, which link innate and adaptive immunity by secreting cytokines and interacting with other immune cells, thereby modulating immune responses. As the first line of host defense, γδ T cells are essential for mucosal homeostasis and immune surveillance. When abnormally activated or impaired, γδ T cells can contribute to pathogenic processes. Accumulating evidence has revealed substantial impacts of γδ T cells on the pathogenesis of cancers, infections, and immune-inflammatory diseases. γδ T cells exhibit dual roles in cancers, promoting or inhibiting tumor growth, depending on their phenotypes and the clinical stage of cancers. During infections, γδ T cells exert high cytotoxic activity in infectious diseases, which is essential for combating bacterial and viral infections by recognizing foreign antigens and activating other immune cells. γδ T cells are also implicated in the onset and progression of immune-inflammatory diseases. However, the specific involvement and underlying mechanisms of γδ T cells in oral diseases have not been systematically discussed.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic literature review using the PubMed/MEDLINE databases to identify and analyze relevant literature on the roles of γδ T cells in oral diseases.
RESULTS
The literature review revealed that γδ T cells play a pivotal role in maintaining oral mucosal homeostasis and are involved in the pathogenesis of oral cancers, periodontal diseases, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), oral lichen planus (OLP), and oral candidiasis. γδ T cells mainly influence various pathophysiological processes, such as anti-tumor activity, eradication of infection, and immune response regulation.
CONCLUSION
This review focuses on the involvement of γδ T cells in oral diseases, with a particular emphasis on the main functions and underlying mechanisms by which γδ T cells influence the pathogenesis and progression of these conditions. This review underscores the potential of γδ T cells as therapeutic targets in managing oral health issues.
Topics: Humans; Mouth Diseases; Animals; Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta; Intraepithelial Lymphocytes; Graft vs Host Disease; T-Lymphocytes
PubMed: 38563967
DOI: 10.1007/s00011-024-01870-z -
Journal of Affective Disorders Jun 2024Many studies have analyzed the association between family cohesion and depression, but there are different views and the results are inconsistent. It is necessary to use... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Many studies have analyzed the association between family cohesion and depression, but there are different views and the results are inconsistent. It is necessary to use meta-analysis to explore the association between family cohesion and depression and its influencing factors.
METHODS
Chinese database (China National Knowledge Infrastructure) and English databases (ERIC, MEDLINE, Web of Science Core Collection, Elsevier SD, PsycINFO, PsycArticles, and ProQuest dissertations and theses) were searched for articles published by November 2023. Measurements of family cohesion and depression, study design, age, gender, cultural background, and sampling year were analyzed as moderators. Meta-analysis was performed using the random effects model in CMA3.0 software.
RESULTS
A total of 71 studies (90,023 participants) were included in this study. The meta-analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between family cohesion and depression (r = -0.31, 95 % CI [-0.35, -0.27]). The association was moderated by measurements of family cohesion and depression, design type, and cultural background, but not by age, gender, or sampling year.
LIMITATIONS
The sample size included in this study is relatively small in European and African cultures, making it challenging to analyze cultural differences in the study results at present comprehensively.
CONCLUSIONS
The findings contribute to the ongoing debate between Social Support Theory and The Circumplex Model, showing that individuals with lower family cohesion tend to experience higher levels of depression.
Topics: Humans; Depression; Gender Identity; Family Relations; Social Support; Culture
PubMed: 38554880
DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.03.138 -
PloS One 2024Transgender and gender diverse (trans) health research has grown rapidly, highlighting the need to characterize the scientific evidence base. We conducted a systematic...
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Transgender and gender diverse (trans) health research has grown rapidly, highlighting the need to characterize the scientific evidence base. We conducted a systematic review of peer-reviewed research on disease burden and correlates in trans adolescents and adults over a 20-month period to identify knowledge gaps and assess methodological characteristics including measurement of gender identity, community engagement, and study quality.
DATA SOURCES, ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA, AND SYNTHESIS METHODS
We searched seven databases using terms related to (a) transgender populations and (b) health or disease. Eligible studies were in English, French, or Spanish and reported original quantitative data on mental health or substance use conditions, infectious diseases, or non-communicable conditions in at least 25 trans individuals aged 15+. Quality assessment was performed in duplicate on a 10% sample of articles and findings were summarized using narrative synthesis.
RESULTS
The 328 included studies were conducted in 45 countries, with most from North America (54%) and limited research from South Asia (3%), Sub-Saharan Africa (3%), and the Middle East and North Africa (2%). Most studies used cross-sectional designs (73%) and convenience sampling (65%). Only 30% of studies reported any form of community engagement. Mental health and substance use disorders were the most studied area (77% of studies) and non-communicable conditions the least (16%). Available data indicated that trans populations experience high disease burden with considerable heterogeneity within and across settings. Of 39 articles assessed for quality, 80% were rated as fair, 18% as poor, and 3% as good quality.
CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS
Geographic, gender-specific, and topical gaps remain in trans health, but we found more research from African countries, with transmasculine people, and on non-communicable conditions than previous syntheses. Areas for growth in trans health research include community engagement, non-binary health, chronic and age-related conditions, and health determinants.
REGISTRATION
PROSPERO CRD42021234043.
Topics: Adult; Adolescent; Humans; Male; Female; Transgender Persons; Cross-Sectional Studies; Gender Identity; Health Status; Cost of Illness; Africa South of the Sahara
PubMed: 38466747
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299373 -
PloS One 2024Transgender individuals face stigma, discrimination, and other barriers impacting their ability to engage in physical activity (PA). We aim to review current literature...
Transgender individuals face stigma, discrimination, and other barriers impacting their ability to engage in physical activity (PA). We aim to review current literature on PA among transgender individuals. A systemic literature search of research studies from 2010-2023 was conducted. Studies must have reported a measure of PA and gender, be original research, and focus on transgender participants' PA. Rates of PA for transgender individuals were lower compared to cisgender or sexual minority individuals. Transgender women were less likely to engage in PA than other groups. Qualitative results suggest transgender oppression, stigma, discrimination, body image, unwelcoming environments (gyms, locker rooms, swimming pools), and the dichotomous structure of sport contribute to lower rates of PA among transgendered individuals. Disparities in PA for transgender individuals exist. Policy, environment, and system changes are needed to reduce transgender stigma in sport and PA settings. Current legislation is being developed and implemented in the United States regarding the place of transgender individuals in sport and PA. These results should inform public discourse on the topic.
Topics: Humans; Female; United States; Transgender Persons; Transsexualism; Gender Identity; Social Stigma; Exercise
PubMed: 38416705
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0297571 -
Journal of Psychiatry & Neuroscience :... 2024Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a noninvasive neurostimulation modality that has been used to study human synaptic plasticity. Leveraging work in ex vivo...
BACKGROUND
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a noninvasive neurostimulation modality that has been used to study human synaptic plasticity. Leveraging work in ex vivo preparations, mechanistically informed pharmacological adjuncts to TMS have been used to improve our fundamental understanding of TMS-induced synaptic plasticity.
METHODS
We systematically reviewed the literature pairing pharmacological adjuncts with TMS plasticity-induction protocols in humans. We searched MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Embase from 2013 to Mar. 10, 2023. Studies published before 2013 were extracted from a previous systematic review. We included studies using repetitive TMS, theta-burst stimulation, paired associative stimulation, and quadripulse stimulation paradigms in healthy and clinical populations.
RESULTS
Thirty-six studies met our inclusion criteria (28 in healthy and 8 in clinical populations). Most pharmacological agents have targeted the glutamatergic -methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA; 15 studies) or dopamine receptors (13 studies). The NMDA receptor is necessary for TMS-induced plasticity; however, sufficiency has not been shown across protocols. Dopaminergic modulation of TMS-induced plasticity appears to be dose-dependent. The GABAergic, cholinergic, noradrenergic, and serotonergic neurotransmitter systems have small evidence bases supporting modulation of TMS-induced plasticity, as do voltage-gated calcium and sodium channels. Studies in clinical populations suggest that pharmacological adjuncts to TMS may rescue motor cortex plasticity, with implications for therapeutic applications of TMS and a promising clinical trial in depression.
LIMITATIONS
This review is limited by the predominance in the literature of studies with small sample sizes and crossover designs.
CONCLUSION
Pharmacologically enhanced TMS largely parallels findings from ex vivo preparations. As this area expands and novel targets are tested, adequately powered samples in healthy and clinical populations will inform the mechanisms of TMS-induced plasticity in health and disease.
Topics: Humans; Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation; Neuronal Plasticity; Motor Cortex; Dopamine; Calcium; Evoked Potentials, Motor
PubMed: 38359933
DOI: 10.1503/jpn.230090 -
Medical Education Online Dec 2024People who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, and other sexual/gender minorities (LGBTQ+) may experience discrimination when... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
People who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, and other sexual/gender minorities (LGBTQ+) may experience discrimination when seeking healthcare. Medical students should be trained in inclusive and affirming care for LGBTQ+ patients. This narrative literature review explores the landscape of interventions and evaluations related to LGBTQ+ health content taught in medical schools in the USA and suggests strategies for further curriculum development.
METHODS
PubMed, ERIC, and Education Research Complete databases were systematically searched for peer-reviewed articles on LGBTQ+ health in medical student education in the USA published between 1 January 2011-6 February 2023. Articles were screened for eligibility and data was abstracted from all eligible articles. Data abstraction included the type of intervention or evaluation, sample population and size, and key outcomes.
RESULTS
One hundred thirty-four articles met inclusion criteria and were reviewed. This includes 6 (4.5%) that evaluate existing curriculum, 77 (57.5%) study the impact of curriculum components and interventions, 36 (26.9%) evaluate student knowledge and learning experiences, and 15 (11.2%) describe the development of broad learning objectives and curriculum. Eight studies identified student knowledge gaps related to gender identity and affirming care and these topics were covered in 34 curriculum interventions.
CONCLUSION
Medical student education is important to address health disparities faced by the LGBTQ+ community, and has been an increasingly studied topic in the USA. A variety of curriculum interventions at single institutions show promise in enhancing student knowledge and training in LGBTQ+ health. Despite this, multiple studies indicate that students report inadequate education on certain topics with limitations in their knowledge and preparedness to care for LGBTQ+ patients, particularly transgender and gender diverse patients. Additional integration of LGBTQ+ curriculum content in areas of perceived deficits could help better prepare future physicians to care for LGBTQ+ patients and populations.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; United States; Students, Medical; Gender Identity; Sexual and Gender Minorities; Curriculum; Health Education
PubMed: 38359164
DOI: 10.1080/10872981.2024.2312716 -
European Journal of Endocrinology Feb 2024Hormone therapy in transgender people might be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). We aimed to investigate whether the risk of CVD is... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
Hormone therapy in transgender people might be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). We aimed to investigate whether the risk of CVD is increased in transgender people compared with people of the same birth sex.
DESIGN AND METHODS
PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, and Google Scholar were searched until July 2022. Studies evaluating cardiovascular events in transgender women or men were included. Primary outcomes were stroke, myocardial infarction (MI), and venous thromboembolism (VTE). The risk for transgender women versus cisgender men and for transgender men versus cisgender women was analysed through random-effects meta-analysis.
RESULTS
Twenty-two studies involving 19 893 transgender women, 14 840 transgender men, 371 547 cisgender men, and 434 700 cisgender women were included. The meta-analysis included 10 studies (79% of transgender women and 76% of transgender men). In transgender women, incidence of stroke was 1.8%, which is 1.3 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.0-1.8) times higher than in cisgender men. Incidence of MI was 1.2%, with a pooled relative risk of 1.0 (95% CI, 0.8-1.2). Venous thromboembolism incidence was 1.6%, which is 2.2 (95% CI, 1.1-4.5) times higher. Stroke occurred in 0.8% of transgender men, which is 1.3 (95% CI, 1.0-1.6) times higher compared with cisgender women. Incidence of MI was 0.6%, with a pooled relative risk of 1.7 (95% CI, 0.8-3.6). For VTE, this was 0.7%, being 1.4 (95% CI, 1.0-2.0) times higher.
CONCLUSIONS
Transgender people have a 40% higher risk of CVD compared with cisgender people of the same birth sex. This emphasizes the importance of cardiovascular risk management. Future studies should assess the potential influence of socio-economic and lifestyle factors.
Topics: Male; Humans; Female; Transgender Persons; Cardiovascular Diseases; Venous Thromboembolism; Transsexualism; Myocardial Infarction; Stroke
PubMed: 38302717
DOI: 10.1093/ejendo/lvad170 -
Public Understanding of Science... May 2024Despite scientific consensus on climate change, climate denial is still widespread. While much research has characterised climate denial, comparatively fewer studies...
Despite scientific consensus on climate change, climate denial is still widespread. While much research has characterised climate denial, comparatively fewer studies have systematically examined how to counteract it. This review fills this gap by exploring the research about counteracting climate denial, the effectiveness and the intentions behind intervention. Through a systematic selection and analysis of 65 scientific articles, this review finds multiple intervention forms, including education, message framing and inoculation. The intentions of intervening range from changing understanding of climate science, science advocacy, influencing mitigation attitudes and counteracting vested industry. A number of divergent findings emerge: whether to separate science from policy; the disputed effects of emotions and the longitudinal impacts of interventions. The review offers guiding questions for those interested in counteracting denialism, the answers to which indicate particular strategies: identify the form of climate denial; consider the purpose of intervention and recognise one's relationship to their audiences.
Topics: Attitude; Climate Change; Denial, Psychological; Public Opinion
PubMed: 38243813
DOI: 10.1177/09636625231223425 -
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection... 2023A number of mosquito-borne viruses (MBVs), such as dengue virus (DENV), zika virus (ZIKV), chikungunya (CHIKV), West Nile virus (WNV), and yellow fever virus (YFV) exert... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
A number of mosquito-borne viruses (MBVs), such as dengue virus (DENV), zika virus (ZIKV), chikungunya (CHIKV), West Nile virus (WNV), and yellow fever virus (YFV) exert adverse health impacts on the global population. and are the prime vectors responsible for the transmission of these viruses. The viruses have acquired a number of routes for successful transmission, including horizontal and vertical transmission. Transovarial transmission is a subset/type of vertical transmission adopted by mosquitoes for the transmission of viruses from females to their offspring through eggs/ovaries. It provides a mechanism for these MBVs to persist and maintain their lineage during adverse climatic conditions of extremely hot and cold temperatures, during the dry season, or in the absence of susceptible vertebrate host when horizontal transmission is not possible.
METHODS
The publications discussed in this systematic review were searched for using the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, and websites such as those of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, using the search terms "transovarial transmission" and "mosquito-borne viruses" from 16 May 2023 to 20 September 2023.
RESULTS
A total of 2,391 articles were searched, of which 123 were chosen for full text evaluation, and 60 were then included in the study after screening and removing duplicates.
CONCLUSION
The present systematic review focuses on understanding the above diseases, their pathogenesis, epidemiology and host-parasite interactions. The factors affecting transovarial transmission, potential implications, mosquito antiviral defense mechanism, and the control strategies for these mosquito-borne viral diseases (MBVDs) are also be included in this review.
Topics: Animals; Female; Humans; Aedes; Mosquito Vectors; Mosquito-Borne Diseases
PubMed: 38235494
DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1304938 -
Molecular Biology Reports Jan 2024Various viruses cause viral infection, and these viruses have different microscopic sizes, genetic material, and morphological forms. Due to a viral infection, the host... (Review)
Review
Various viruses cause viral infection, and these viruses have different microscopic sizes, genetic material, and morphological forms. Due to a viral infection, the host body induces defense mechanisms that activate the innate and adaptive immune system. sncRNAs are involved in various biological processes and play an essential role in antiviral response in viruses including ZIKV, HCV, DENV, SARS-CoV, and West Nile virus, and regulate the complex interactions between the viruses and host cells. This review discusses the role of miRNAs, siRNAs, piRNAs, and tiRNAs in antiviral response. Cellular miRNAs bind with virus mRNA and perform their antiviral response in multiple viruses. However, the chemical modifications of miRNA necessary to avoid nuclease attack, which is then involved with intracellular processing, have proven challenging for therapeutic replacement of miRNAs. siRNAs have significant antiviral responses by targeting any gene of interest along the correct nucleotide of targeting mRNA. Due to this ability, siRNAs have valuable characteristics in antiviral response for therapeutic purposes. Additionally, the researchers noted the involvement of piRNAs and tiRNAs in the antiviral response, yet their findings were deemed insignificant.
Topics: Humans; RNA, Small Untranslated; Piwi-Interacting RNA; Zika Virus Infection; Zika Virus; MicroRNAs; RNA, Small Interfering; RNA, Messenger; Antiviral Agents
PubMed: 38227137
DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-09141-6