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Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer... Jan 2024Breast cancer surgery related complications are a complex condition influenced by interactions among nerve pathways and the physiological responses to breast surgery.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Breast cancer surgery related complications are a complex condition influenced by interactions among nerve pathways and the physiological responses to breast surgery. The intensity of this complications displays substantial heterogeneity, dependent on individual patient characteristics, the extent of the surgical procedure performed, and various contributing factors.
METHODS
A comprehensive search of electronic databases was conducted to identify relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating interventions for post-mastectomy pain syndrome (PMPS). A network meta-analysis was performed to integrate direct and indirect evidence, enabling comparisons of multiple interventions across different outcome measures.
RESULTS
The systematic search yielded a total of 26 RCTs investigating 4 groups of different interventions for PMPS. The interventions included pharmacological agents, nerve blocks, physical therapy, and anesthesia regimens. Nerve blocks (OR: 0.34; 95% CrI: 0.24-0.46) and anesthesia (OR: 0.39; 95% CrI: 0.26-0.56) demonstrated improvements in functional outcomes and quality of life.
CONCLUSION
This systematic review and network meta-analysis provide a comprehensive evaluation of interventions for PMPS, highlighting their varying efficacy in alleviating pain and improving functional outcomes and quality of life. However, further research with large-scale, well-designed RCTs is warranted to strengthen the evidence base and validate the effectiveness of these interventions in managing PMPS effectively.
Topics: Humans; Female; Network Meta-Analysis; Breast Neoplasms; Nerve Block; Mastectomy; Pain
PubMed: 38285764
DOI: 10.31557/APJCP.2024.25.1.9 -
Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews Mar 2024The use of probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics or fermented foods can modulate the gut-brain axis and constitute a potentially therapeutic intervention in psychiatric... (Review)
Review
The use of probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics or fermented foods can modulate the gut-brain axis and constitute a potentially therapeutic intervention in psychiatric disorders. This systematic review aims to identify current evidence regarding these interventions in the treatment of patients with DSM/ICD psychiatric diagnoses. Forty-seven articles from 42 studies met the inclusion criteria. Risk of bias was assessed in all included studies. Major depression was the most studied disorder (n = 19 studies). Studies frequently focused on schizophrenia (n = 11) and bipolar disorder (n = 5) and there were limited studies in anorexia nervosa (n = 4), ADHD (n = 3), Tourette (n = 1), insomnia (n = 1), PTSD (n = 1) and generalized anxiety disorder (n = 1). Except in MDD, current evidence does not clarify the role of probiotics and prebiotics in the treatment of mental illness. Several studies point to an improvement in the immune and inflammatory profile (e.g. CRP, IL6), which may be a relevant mechanism of action of the therapeutic response identified in these studies. Future research should consider lifestyle and dietary habits of patients as possible confounders that may influence inter-individual treatment response.
Topics: Humans; Prebiotics; Synbiotics; Probiotics; Mental Disorders
PubMed: 38280441
DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105561 -
Nutrients Jan 2024Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major public health concern associated with high mortality and reduced life expectancy. Since diabetes is closely linked with... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major public health concern associated with high mortality and reduced life expectancy. Since diabetes is closely linked with lifestyle, not surprisingly, nutritional intervention and increased physical activity could play a vital role in attenuating the problems related to diabetes. Protein hydrolysates (PHs) and their bioactive peptides (BP) have been shown to exert a wide range of biological effects, including antioxidative, antihypertensive, and in particular, hypoglycaemic activities. To better understand the efficacy of such interventions, a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were performed concerning the influence of protein hydrolysates on glycaemic biomarkers in subjects with and without hyperglycaemia. Five different databases were used to search for RCTs. In total, 37 RCTs were included in the systematic review and 29 RCTs in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis revealed a significant reduction in postprandial blood glucose response (PPGR) in normoglycaemic (-0.22 mmol/L; 95% CI -0.43, -0.01; ≤ 0.05) and in hyperglycaemic adults (-0.88 mmol/L; 95% CI -1.37, -0.39; ≤ 0.001) compared with the respective control groups. A meta-regression analysis revealed a dose-dependent response for PPGR following PH consumption in normoglycaemic adults, specifically for doses ≤ 30 g. The postprandial blood insulin responses (PPIR) were significantly higher after the ingestion of PHs in both the group with and the group without hyperglycaemia, respectively (23.05 mIU/L; 95% CI 7.53, 38.57; ≤ 0.01 and 12.57 mIU/L; 95% CI 2.72, 22.41; ≤ 0.01), compared with controls. In terms of long-term responses, there was a small but significant reduction in both fasting blood glucose (FBG) and fasting glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) in response to PH compared with the control group ( < 0.05). The PHs significantly improved the parameters of glycaemia in adults and, hence, it may contribute to the management and regulation of the future risk of developing T2DM.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Blood Glucose; Protein Hydrolysates; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Hyperglycemia; Peptides
PubMed: 38276562
DOI: 10.3390/nu16020323 -
Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and... Apr 2024Sarcopenia is a risk factor for adverse clinical outcomes in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, including mortality. Diagnosis depends on adopted consensus... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Sarcopenia is a risk factor for adverse clinical outcomes in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, including mortality. Diagnosis depends on adopted consensus definition and cutoff values; thus, prevalence rates are generally heterogeneous. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the global prevalence of sarcopenia and its traits across the wide spectrum of CKD. A systematic search was conducted using databases, including MEDLINE and EMBASE, for observational studies reporting the prevalence of sarcopenia. We considered sarcopenia according to the consensus definition of the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP), the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia, the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health Sarcopenia Project, and the International Working Group on Sarcopenia (IWGS). Subgroup analyses by CKD stages, consensus, and gender were performed. Pooled prevalence was obtained from random-effect models. A total of 140 studies (42 041 patients) across 25 countries were included in this systematic review and meta-analyses. Global prevalence of sarcopenia was 24.5% [95% confidence interval (CI): 20.9-28.3) and did not differ among stages (P = 0.33). Prevalence varied according to the consensus definition from 11% to 30%, with no significant difference (P = 0.42). Prevalence of severe sarcopenia was 21.0% (95% CI: 11.7-32.0), with higher rates for patients on dialysis (26.2%, 95% CI: 16.6-37.1) compared to non-dialysis (3.0%, 95% CI: 0-11.1; P < 0.01). Sarcopenic obesity was observed in 10.8% (95% CI: 3.5-21.2). Regarding sarcopenia traits, low muscle strength was found in 43.4% (95%CI: 35.0-51.9), low muscle mass in 29.1% (95% CI: 23.9-34.5), and low physical performance in 38.6 (95% CI: 30.9-46.6) for overall CKD. Prevalence was only higher in patients on dialysis (50.0%, 95% CI: 41.7-57.4) compared to non-dialysis (19.6%, 95% CI: 12.8-27.3; P < 0.01) for low muscle strength. We found a high global prevalence of sarcopenia in the wide spectrum of CKD. Low muscle strength, the primary sarcopenia trait, was found in almost half of the overall population with CKD. Patients on dialysis were more prevalent to low muscle strength and severe sarcopenia. Nephrology professionals should be aware of regularly assessing sarcopenia and its traits in patients with CKD, especially those on dialysis.
Topics: United States; Humans; Aged; Sarcopenia; Prevalence; Muscle Strength; Obesity; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic
PubMed: 38263952
DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.13425 -
Biomolecules Jan 2024Metalloproteinases (MPs) are zinc-dependent enzymes with proteolytic activity and a variety of functions in the pathophysiology of human diseases. The main objectives of... (Review)
Review
Metalloproteinases (MPs) are zinc-dependent enzymes with proteolytic activity and a variety of functions in the pathophysiology of human diseases. The main objectives of this review are to analyze a specific family of MPs, the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), in the most common chronic and complex diseases that affect patients' social lives and to better understand the nature of the associations between MMPs and the psychosocial environment. In accordance with the PRISMA extension for a scoping review, an examination was carried out. A collection of 24 studies was analyzed, focusing on the molecular mechanisms of MMP and their connection to the manifestation of social aspects in human disease. The complexity of the relationship between MMP and social problems is presented via an interdisciplinary approach based on complexity paradigm as a new approach for conceptualizing knowledge in health research. Finally, two implications emerge from the study: first, the psychosocial states of individuals have a profound impact on their overall health and disease conditions, which implies the importance of adopting a holistic perspective on human well-being, encompassing both physical and psychosocial aspects. Second, the use of MPs as biomarkers may provide physicians with valuable tools for a better understanding of disease when used in conjunction with "sociomarkers" to develop mathematical predictive models.
Topics: Humans; Biomarkers; Proteolysis; Physicians; Zinc; Matrix Metalloproteinases
PubMed: 38254696
DOI: 10.3390/biom14010096 -
Epidemiology and Health 2024This study examined the effectiveness of community-based interventions designed for older adults living alone through a systematic review and meta-analysis. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
This study examined the effectiveness of community-based interventions designed for older adults living alone through a systematic review and meta-analysis.
METHODS
The study incorporated 4 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 5 non-RCTs to evaluate various interventions. The methodological quality of these studies was assessed using the Downs and Black checklist, while Q-statistic and I-square tests were performed to examine statistical heterogeneity. Additionally, visual inspection of funnel plots and the trim-and-fill method were employed to investigate potential publication bias. Of the 2,729 identified studies, 9 met the criteria for inclusion in this review. Independent variables were categorized into 5 groups (physical activity, nutrition, social relationships, social participation, and combined intervention) to examine their effects. Dependent variables were similarly classified into 5 subgroups to identify the specific effects of the interventions.
RESULTS
Interventions focusing on nutrition and combined approaches were the most effective, yielding effect sizes of 0.96 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.66 to 1.25) and 0.43 (95% CI, 0.26 to 0.60), respectively. The interventions had the greatest impacts on the health behavior and mental health of the participants, with effect sizes of 0.98 (95% CI, 0.73 to 1.22) for health behavior and 0.67 (95% CI, 0.19 to 1.16) for mental health.
CONCLUSIONS
This study suggests a direction for the development of community-based interventions tailored to the needs of older adults living alone. Additionally, it provides evidence to inform policy decisions concerning this demographic.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Home Environment; Exercise; Interpersonal Relations; Nutritional Status
PubMed: 38228090
DOI: 10.4178/epih.e2024013 -
European Journal of Translational... Jan 2024The primary aim of this study was to systematically review and meta-analyze the impact of sensorimotor and proprioceptive exercises on balance in older adults. We also...
The primary aim of this study was to systematically review and meta-analyze the impact of sensorimotor and proprioceptive exercises on balance in older adults. We also sought to define how researchers describe proprioceptive and sensory-motor training and their respective protocols. The review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines, with searches performed in March 2023. Both authors carried out independent searches using the PubMed and PEDro databases. From a total of 320 identified records, 12 studies were deemed eligible for meta-analysis after screening and removal of duplicates. The average PEDro score was 5.11 ± 1.11 indicating overall fair quality of studies. Common outcome measures included the Berg balance scale, Timed up and go test, Tinetti balance scale, Functional reach test and various single-leg stance tests. All outcomes were significantly improved by the interventions (standard mean difference = 0.65 - 1.29), with little difference between proprioceptive and sensorimotor training. However, the quality of evidence ranged from "very low" to "low" based on GRADE guidelines, suggesting further high-quality studies are needed. This review underscores the potential benefits of sensorimotor and proprioceptive exercises for enhancing balance in older adults, while also highlighting the ambiguity and inconsistency regarding the usage of the terms proprioceptive and sensorimotor training.
PubMed: 38213185
DOI: 10.4081/ejtm.2024.12010 -
Journal of the International Society of... Dec 2024Previous research has established that nicotine withdrawal can ameliorate cardiovascular and pulmonary function in smokers. Nevertheless, the impact on physical fitness... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Previous research has established that nicotine withdrawal can ameliorate cardiovascular and pulmonary function in smokers. Nevertheless, the impact on physical fitness and athletic performance remains under-investigated.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluating the impacts of nicotine withdrawal on both exercise performance and exercise-associated physical capabilities in nicotine-dependent individuals.
STUDY DESIGN
A comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis.
DATA SOURCES
The data was compiled from databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Central, and EBSCO.
STUDY SELECTION
The selection criteria required studies to elucidate the effects of nicotine withdrawal on exercise performance or exercise-related physical abilities. Moreover, the selected studies needed to provide discernible experimental results.
DATA SYNTHESIS AND ANALYSIS
The random effects model was employed in data analysis, utilizing the standardized mean difference (SMD) and the 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) to estimate participants' exercise performance and physical abilities, referencing the Mean ±SD during baseline and withdrawal states.
RESULTS
Out of the selected studies, 10 trials were included, encompassing 13,538 participants aged 18 to 65 years. The findings suggest that nicotine withdrawal could potentially enhance sports performance (SMD = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.03 to 0.88; I^2 = 83%), particularly in terms of aerobic capacity. Short-term nicotine withdrawal (spanning 12 to 24 hours) might lead to a decline in participants' physical abilities in certain aspects like reaction time and sustained attention (SMD = -0.83, 95% CI: -1.91 to 0.25; I^2 = 79%), whereas long-term withdrawal (lasting 48 hours or more) demonstrated an opposing trend (SMD = 0.25, 95% CI: 0.12 to 0.39; I^2 = 81%). Overall, the results show that long-term nicotine withdrawal exhibited some positive impacts on sports performance and exercise-related physical ability, with the withdrawal duration being an indicator of subsequent physical performance.
CONCLUSIONS
Mid- to long-term (≥3 months) nicotine withdrawal significantly improved the exercisers' exercise-related physical ability and sports performance. Conversely, short-term (≤24 hours) nicotine withdrawal considerably hampered exercisers' performance and physical cognition. It is suggested that exercises avoid abrupt nicotine cessation prior to competitions, as long-term nicotine withdrawal has been shown to significantly enhance exercise-related physiological capacities and athletic performance. By referring to existing literatures we also found that athletes with existing nicotine addiction may could consume nicotine 15-30 minutes before competition to enhance athletic performance and physical function.PROSPERO registration number CRD42023411381.
Topics: Humans; Exercise; Nicotine; Physical Fitness; Athletic Performance; Tobacco Use Disorder
PubMed: 38213003
DOI: 10.1080/15502783.2024.2302383 -
Journal of Nanobiotechnology Jan 2024Environmental pollution is a major issue that requires effective solutions. Nanomaterials (NMs) have emerged as promising candidates for pollution remediation due to... (Review)
Review
Advancement in nanomaterials for environmental pollutants remediation: a systematic review on bibliometrics analysis, material types, synthesis pathways, and related mechanisms.
Environmental pollution is a major issue that requires effective solutions. Nanomaterials (NMs) have emerged as promising candidates for pollution remediation due to their unique properties. This review paper provides a systematic analysis of the potential of NMs for environmental pollution remediation compared to conventional techniques. It elaborates on several aspects, including conventional and advanced techniques for removing pollutants, classification of NMs (organic, inorganic, and composite base). The efficiency of NMs in remediation of pollutants depends on their dispersion and retention, with each type of NM having different advantages and disadvantages. Various synthesis pathways for NMs, including traditional synthesis (chemical and physical) and biological synthesis pathways, mechanisms of reaction for pollutants removal using NMs, such as adsorption, filtration, disinfection, photocatalysis, and oxidation, also are evaluated. Additionally, this review presents suggestions for future investigation strategies to improve the efficacy of NMs in environmental remediation. The research so far provides strong evidence that NMs could effectively remove contaminants and may be valuable assets for various industrial purposes. However, further research and development are necessary to fully realize this potential, such as exploring new synthesis pathways and improving the dispersion and retention of NMs in the environment. Furthermore, there is a need to compare the efficacy of different types of NMs for remediating specific pollutants. Overall, this review highlights the immense potential of NMs for mitigating environmental pollutants and calls for more research in this direction.
Topics: Environmental Pollutants; Environmental Restoration and Remediation; Environmental Pollution; Nanostructures; Bibliometrics
PubMed: 38200605
DOI: 10.1186/s12951-023-02151-3 -
Sports Medicine - Open Jan 2024Despite the increasing number of research studies examining the effects of age on the control of posture, the number of annual fall-related injuries and deaths continues...
BACKGROUND
Despite the increasing number of research studies examining the effects of age on the control of posture, the number of annual fall-related injuries and deaths continues to increase. A better understanding of how old age affects the neural mechanisms of postural control and how countermeasures such as balance training could improve the neural control of posture to reduce falls in older individuals is therefore necessary. The aim of this review is to determine the effects of age on the neural correlates of balance skill learning measured during static (standing) and dynamic (walking) balance tasks in healthy individuals.
METHODS
We determined the effects of acute (1-3 sessions) and chronic (> 3 sessions) balance skill training on balance in the trained and in untrained, transfer balance tasks through a systematic review and quantified these effects by robust variance estimation meta-analysis in combination with meta-regression. We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases. Balance performance and neural plasticity outcomes were extracted and included in the systematic synthesis and meta-analysis.
RESULTS
Forty-two studies (n = 622 young, n = 699 older individuals) were included in the systematic synthesis. Seventeen studies with 508 in-analysis participants were eligible for a meta-analysis. The overall analysis revealed that acute and chronic balance training had a large effect on the neural correlates of balance skill learning in the two age groups combined (g = 0.79, p < 0.01). Both age groups similarly improved balance skill performance in 1-3 training sessions and showed little further improvements with additional sessions. Improvements in balance performance mainly occurred in the trained and less so in the non-trained (i.e., transfer) balance tasks. The systematic synthesis and meta-analysis suggested little correspondence between improved balance skills and changes in spinal, cortical, and corticospinal excitability measures in the two age groups and between the time courses of changes in balance skills and neural correlates.
CONCLUSIONS
Balance skill learning and the accompanying neural adaptations occur rapidly and independently of age with little to no training dose-dependence or correspondence between behavioral and neural adaptations. Of the five types of neural correlates examined, changes in only spinal excitability seemed to differ between age groups. However, age or training dose in terms of duration did not moderate the effects of balance training on the changes in any of the neural correlates. The behavioral and neural mechanisms of strong task-specificity and the time course of skill retention remain unclear and require further studies in young and older individuals.
REGISTRATION
PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022349573.
PubMed: 38185708
DOI: 10.1186/s40798-023-00668-3