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AJNR. American Journal of Neuroradiology Jun 2024Visually Accessible Rembrandt (Repository for Molecular Brain Neoplasia Data) Images (VASARI) features, a vocabulary to establish reproducible terminology for glioma...
BACKGROUND
Visually Accessible Rembrandt (Repository for Molecular Brain Neoplasia Data) Images (VASARI) features, a vocabulary to establish reproducible terminology for glioma reporting, have been applied for a decade, but a systematic performance evaluation is lacking.
PURPOSE
Our aim was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the performance of the VASARI features set for glioma assessment.
DATA SOURCES
MEDLINE, Web of Science, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched until September 26, 2023.
STUDY SELECTION
Original articles predicting diagnosis, progression, and survival in patients with glioma were included.
DATA ANALYSIS
The modified Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 (QUADAS-2) tool was applied to evaluate the risk-of-bias. The meta-analysis used a random effects model and forest plot visualizations, if ≥5 comparable studies with a low or medium risk of bias were provided.
DATA SYNTHESIS
Thirty-five studies (3304 patients) were included. Risk-of-bias scores were medium ( = 33) and low ( = 2). Recurring objectives were overall survival ( = 18) and isocitrate dehydrogenase mutation (; = 12) prediction. Progression-free survival was examined in 7 studies. In 4 studies (glioblastoma = 2, grade 2/3 glioma = 1, grade 3 glioma = 1), a significant association was found between progression-free survival and single VASARI features. The single features predicting overall survival with the highest pooled hazard ratios were multifocality (hazard ratio = 1.80; 95%-CI, 1.21-2.67; I = 53%), ependymal invasion (hazard ratio = 1.73; 95% CI, 1.45-2.05; I = 0%), and enhancing tumor crossing the midline (hazard ratio = 2.08; 95% CI, 1.35-3.18; I = 52%). mutation-predicting models combining VASARI features rendered a pooled area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.82 (95% CI, 0.76-0.88) at considerable heterogeneity (I = 100%). Combined input models using VASARI plus clinical and/or radiomics features outperformed single data-type models in all relevant studies ( = 17).
LIMITATIONS
Studies were heterogeneously designed and often with a small sample size. Several studies used The Cancer Imaging Archive database, with likely overlapping cohorts. The meta-analysis for was limited due to a high study heterogeneity.
CONCLUSIONS
Some VASARI features perform well in predicting overall survival and mutation status, but combined models outperform single features. More studies with less heterogeneity are needed to increase the evidence level.
PubMed: 38937115
DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.A8274 -
The clinical significance of neopterin and NT-pro BNP in chronic heart failure: a systematic review.Acta Cardiologica Jun 2024Biomarkers emerged as powerful adjuncts to conventional clinical care in heart failure (HF). The aim of this study is to evaluate neopterin and NT-pro BNP as diagnostic...
BACKGROUND
Biomarkers emerged as powerful adjuncts to conventional clinical care in heart failure (HF). The aim of this study is to evaluate neopterin and NT-pro BNP as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in HF.
METHODS
A systematic search was conducted in six electronic databases from inception to July 24th, 2022. Independent reviewers screened the title, abstract and full text then data extraction and critical appraisal of included studies were performed.
RESULTS
A total of eleven studies were included. Neopterin and NT-pro BNP levels were elevated in HF patients as compared to control. Moreover, within HF patients, levels of biomarkers were significantly higher in patients with advanced HF and more severe disease state. Patients who suffered cardiovascular adverse events had high levels of biomarkers. Two studies assessed the effect of treatment on biomarkers levels, showed that levels of neopterin and/or NT-pro BNP decreased with treatment. Studies confirmed the potential of relying on neopterin and NT-pro BNP as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in HF in addition to assessing disease severity.
CONCLUSION
Biomarkers levels correlate with disease severity and could be used as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in HF. Further research is needed for a definitive conclusion about using these biomarkers to determine the efficacy of therapy.
PubMed: 38934779
DOI: 10.1080/00015385.2024.2371628 -
Frontiers in Nutrition 2024Intermittent fasting (IF) and exercise training (Exe) have been evaluated in several studies for improving cardiometabolic biomarkers related to weight loss. However,...
Effects of intermittent fasting combined with exercise on serum leptin and adiponectin in adults with or without obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.
CONTEXT
Intermittent fasting (IF) and exercise training (Exe) have been evaluated in several studies for improving cardiometabolic biomarkers related to weight loss. However, further investigation is required to understand the potential effects on leptin and adiponectin concentrations. IF protocols have been shown to be efficient in improving adipokines, but further research is required to determine whether or not IF regimens combined with Exe are superior to Exe alone.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to determine whether or not interventions combining IF plus Exe are more effective than Exe only for improving serum leptin and adiponectin in adults with and without obesity.
DATA EXTRACTION
A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed by searching PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases up to August 2023 for randomized clinical trials that determined the effects of IF plus Exe vs. Exe alone (control) on body weight, serum leptin, and serum adiponectin. Analyses were conducted for IF plus Exe vs. Exe alone to calculate weighted mean differences (WMD) and standardized mean differences (SMD).
ANALYSIS
The current meta-analysis included 6 studies with a total sample of 153 participants, with intervention durations ranging from three days to 52 weeks. IF plus Exe elicited significantly larger decreases in leptin levels [SMD = -0.47, = 0.03], which were accompanied by weight loss [WMD = -1.25 kg, = 0.05], as compared with exercise-only interventions, but adiponectin did not differ between the two [SMD = 0.02, = 0.9].
CONCLUSION
IF combined with Exe reduced leptin significantly, but did not change adiponectin levels, when compared to exercise only. Perhaps these reductions in leptin levels may have been associated with weight loss; however, due to the small number of included studies and the high heterogeneity in the weight loss outcomes, this result is uncertain.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42023460735.
PubMed: 38933888
DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1362731 -
Dementia & Neuropsychologia 2024There is growing evidence suggesting an association between neurodegeneration and inflammation playing a role in the pathogenesis of age-associated diseases, including... (Review)
Review
Diagnostic accuracy of interleukin-6, interleukin-10 and tumor necrosis factor alpha cytokine levels in patients with mild cognitive impairment: systematic review and meta-analysis.
UNLABELLED
There is growing evidence suggesting an association between neurodegeneration and inflammation playing a role in the pathogenesis of age-associated diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI).
OBJECTIVE
A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to verify evidence on the diagnostic accuracy parameters of the inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α).
METHODS
A search of Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (Medline), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), Web of Science and Science Direct databases was performed and nine observational studies associated with peripheral inflammatory biomarkers in MCI were identified. Mean (±standard deviation - SD) concentrations of these biomarkers and values of true positives, true negatives, false positives and false negatives for MCI and healthy controls (HC) were extracted from these studies.
RESULTS
Significantly higher levels of IL-10 were observed in subjects in the MCI group and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores were lower compared to HC. For the other investigations, no differences were found between the groups. Our meta-analysis for the TNF-α biomarker revealed high heterogeneity between studies in terms of sensitivity and specificity.
CONCLUSION
These findings do not support the involvement of inflammatory biomarkers for detection of MCI, although significant heterogeneity was observed. More studies are needed to evaluate the role of these cytokines in MCI, as well as in other stages of cognitive decline and all-cause dementias.
PubMed: 38933077
DOI: 10.1590/1980-5764-DN-2023-0027 -
Journal of Diabetes and Metabolic... Jun 2024Specific biomarkers for metabolic syndrome (MetS) may improve diagnostic specificity for clinical information. One of the main pathophysiological mechanisms of MetS is... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Specific biomarkers for metabolic syndrome (MetS) may improve diagnostic specificity for clinical information. One of the main pathophysiological mechanisms of MetS is insulin resistance (IR). This systematic review aimed to summarize IR-related biomarkers that predict MetS and have been investigated in Iranian populations.
METHODS
An electronic literature search was done using the PubMed and Scopus databases up to June 2022. The risk of bias was assessed for the selected articles using the instrument suggested by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). This systematic review protocol was registered with PROSPERO (registration number CRD42022372415).
RESULTS
Among the reviewed articles, 46 studies investigated the association between IR biomarkers and MetS in the Iranian population. The selected studies were published between 2009 and 2022, with the majority being conducted on adults and seven on children and adolescents. The adult treatment panel III (ATP III) was the most commonly used criteria to define MetS. At least four studies were conducted for each IR biomarker, with LDL-C being the most frequently evaluated biomarker. Some studies have assessed the diagnostic potency of markers using the area under the curve (AUC) with sensitivity, specificity, and an optimal cut-off value. Among the reported values, lipid ratios and the difference between non-HDL-C and LDL-C levels showed the highest AUCs (≥ 0.80) for predicting MetS.
CONCLUSIONS
Considering the findings of the reviewed studies, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, leptin, HbA1c, and visfatin levels were positively associated with MetS, whereas adiponectin and ghrelin levels were negatively correlated with this syndrome. Among the investigated IR biomarkers, the association between adiponectin levels and components of MetS was well established.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40200-023-01347-6.
PubMed: 38932859
DOI: 10.1007/s40200-023-01347-6 -
Journal of Diabetes and Metabolic... Jun 2024Frailty is a multifaceted geriatric syndrome characterized by an increased vulnerability to stressful events. metabolomics studies are valuable tool for better... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Frailty is a multifaceted geriatric syndrome characterized by an increased vulnerability to stressful events. metabolomics studies are valuable tool for better understanding the underlying mechanisms of pathologic conditions. This review aimed to elucidate the metabolomics profile of frailty.
METHOD
This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) 2020 statement. A comprehensive search was conducted across multiple databases. Initially, 5027 results were retrieved, and after removing duplicates, 1838 unique studies were subjected to screening. Subsequently, 248 studies underwent full-text screening, with 21 studies ultimately included in the analysis. Data extraction was performed meticulously by two authors, and the quality of the selected studies was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) checklist.
RESULTS
The findings revealed that certain Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) levels were lower in frail subjects compared to robust subjects, while levels of glutamate and glutamine were higher in frail individuals. Moreover, sphingomyelins and phosphatidylcholines (PC) displayed a decreasing trend as frailty advanced. Additionally, other metabolic derivatives, such as carnitine, exhibited significant associations with frailty. These metabolites were primarily interconnected through biochemical pathways related to the tricarboxylic acid and urea cycles. Notably, frailty was associated with a decrease in metabolic derivatives, including carnitine.
CONCLUSION
This study underscores the intricate relationship between essential metabolites, including amino acids and lipids, and their varying levels in frail individuals compared to their robust counterparts. It provides a comprehensive panel of metabolites, shedding light on their potential associations with frailty and expanding our understanding of this complex syndrome.
PubMed: 38932837
DOI: 10.1007/s40200-023-01379-y -
Journal of Surgical Oncology Jun 2024Gene expression assays (GEAs) can guide treatment for early-stage breast cancer. Several large prospective randomized clinical trials, and numerous additional studies,... (Review)
Review
Selecting postoperative adjuvant systemic therapy for early-stage breast cancer: An updated assessment and systematic review of leading commercially available gene expression assays.
Gene expression assays (GEAs) can guide treatment for early-stage breast cancer. Several large prospective randomized clinical trials, and numerous additional studies, now provide new information for selecting an appropriate GEA. This systematic review builds upon prior reviews, with a focus on five widely commercialized GEAs (Breast Cancer Index®, EndoPredict®, MammaPrint®, Oncotype DX®, and Prosigna®). The comprehensive dataset available provides a contemporary opportunity to assess each GEA's utility as a prognosticator and/or predictor of adjuvant therapy benefit.
PubMed: 38932668
DOI: 10.1002/jso.27692 -
Nutrients Jun 2024Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disorder that affects multiple organ systems, with a higher prevalence among women in their reproductive... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disorder that affects multiple organ systems, with a higher prevalence among women in their reproductive years. The disease's multifactorial etiology involves genetic, environmental, and hormonal components. Recent studies have highlighted the potential impact of dietary factors, particularly unsaturated fatty acids, on the modulation of SLE due to their anti-inflammatory properties. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the association between unsaturated fatty acid consumption and the risk, progression, and clinical manifestations of SLE, providing evidence-based guidance for dietary management.
METHODS
We conducted a comprehensive search across major medical databases up to January 2024, focusing on studies that examined the intake of unsaturated fatty acids and the impact of such intake on SLE. Using the PICOS (population, intervention, comparator, outcomes, study design) framework, we included randomized controlled trials and case-control studies, assessing outcomes such as SLE activity, measured by SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) or the British Isles Lupus Assessment Group (BILAG) index, inflammation biomarkers. Studies were analyzed using either a fixed- or random-effects model based on heterogeneity ( statistic), with sensitivity analyses performed to assess the robustness of the findings.
RESULTS
Our search included 10 studies, encompassing a wide variety of designs and populations. The meta-analysis showed that a diet rich in unsaturated fatty acids is significantly associated with a reduction in SLEDAI scores (pooled SMD) of -0.36, 95% CI: -0.61 to -0.11, = 0.007, indicating a beneficial effect on disease activity. Additionally, we found that unsaturated fatty acid intake has a significant impact on HDL levels, suggesting a positive effect on lipid profiles. However, no significant effects were observed on levels of the inflammatory marker IL-6 or other lipid components (LDL and cholesterol). With minimal heterogeneity among studies ( ≤ 15%), sensitivity analysis confirmed the stability and reliability of these results, highlighting the potential role of unsaturated fatty acids in SLE management.
CONCLUSIONS
This meta-analysis suggests that dietary intake of unsaturated fatty acids may play a positive role in reducing SLE activity and may significantly affect HDL levels without having significant effects on inflammation markers or other lipid profiles. These findings support the inclusion of unsaturated fatty acids in the dietary management of SLE patients, although further research is required to refine dietary recommendations and explore the mechanisms underlying these associations.
Topics: Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic; Humans; Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; Female; Diet; Male; Biomarkers; Adult
PubMed: 38931327
DOI: 10.3390/nu16121974 -
Nutrients Jun 2024We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the effect of dietary intake of cocoa on anthropometric measurements, lipid and glycemic profiles, and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the effect of dietary intake of cocoa on anthropometric measurements, lipid and glycemic profiles, and blood pressure levels in adults, with and without comorbidities.
METHODS
The databases used were MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane, LILACS, and SciELO. The eligible studies were randomized clinical trials (RCTs) involving adults undergoing cocoa consumption (cocoa extract or ≥70% cocoa dark chocolate) for ≥4 weeks that evaluated at least one of the following markers: body weight, body mass index (BMI), waist/abdominal circumference, total cholesterol, LDL-c, triglycerides, HDL-c, blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP/DBP).
RESULTS
Thirty-one studies were included, totaling 1986 participants. Cocoa consumption showed no effects on body weight, BMI, waist circumference, triglycerides, HDL-c and HbA1c. Yet, there was a reduction in total cholesterol (-8.35 mg/dL, 95% CI -14.01; -2.69 mg/dL), LDL-c (-9.47 mg/dL, 95% CI -13.75; -5.20 mg/dL), fasting blood glucose (-4.91 mg/dL, 95% CI -8.29; -1.52 mg/dL), SBP (-2.52 mmHg, 95% CI -4.17; -0.88 mmHg), and DBP (-1.58 mmHg, 95% CI -2.54; -0.62 mmHg).
CONCLUSIONS
The consumption of cocoa showed protective effects on major cardiometabolic risk markers that have a clinical impact in terms of cardiovascular risk reduction.
Topics: Humans; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Cacao; Cardiometabolic Risk Factors; Blood Pressure; Blood Glucose; Biomarkers; Glycated Hemoglobin; Cardiovascular Diseases; Chocolate; Male; Female; Adult; Body Mass Index; Body Weight; Waist Circumference; Middle Aged; Triglycerides; Diet; Lipids
PubMed: 38931273
DOI: 10.3390/nu16121919 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Our hypothesis that controlled ozone applications interfere with the redox balance of a biological organism (first published in 1998 with a preclinical trial on... (Review)
Review
Our hypothesis that controlled ozone applications interfere with the redox balance of a biological organism (first published in 1998 with a preclinical trial on protecting the liver from CCl intoxication) has been verified over the past two decades in reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced mitochondrial pathologies, such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, aging processes and type 2 diabetes, and in the prevention of intoxications. Low-dose ozone acts as a redox bioregulator: the restoration of the disturbed redox balance is comprehensible in a number of preclinical and clinical studies by a remarkable increase in the antioxidant repair markers, here mainly shown as a glutathione increase and a reduction in oxidative stress markers, mainly malondialdehyde. The mechanism of action is shown, and relevant data are displayed, evaluated and comprehensively discussed: the repair side of the equilibrium increases by 21% up to 140% compared to the non-ozone-treated groups and depending on the indication, the stress markers are simultaneously reduced, and the redox system regains its balance.
Topics: Oxidative Stress; Ozone; Oxidation-Reduction; Humans; Mitochondria; Reactive Oxygen Species; Animals; Antioxidants; Biomarkers
PubMed: 38930804
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29122738