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Medicina Clinica Jun 2024The present systematic review analyses the role of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFLT-1) as an indirect biomarker of endothelial dysfunction in sepsis or septic...
INTRODUCTION
The present systematic review analyses the role of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFLT-1) as an indirect biomarker of endothelial dysfunction in sepsis or septic shock from articles published in PubMed between 2010 and March 2022.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A systematic review of studies studying sFLT-1 monitoring in intensive care units in adults with sepsis or septic shock vs. controls for sepsis diagnosis and prognosis has been carried out (PROSPERO CRD42023412929 Registry).
RESULTS
The endothelial dysfunction of sepsis is one of the keys to the development of the disease. VEGF binds to sFLT-1 acting as a competitive inhibitor of VEGF signalling in endothelial cells and thus neutralizes its pro-inflammatory effects. Endothelial dysfunction is reflected in increased sFLT-1 levels. High values of sFLT-1 were used for the differential diagnosis of sepsis versus other inflammatory pathologies, septic shock versus other types of shock, were elevated over time, estimation of disease prognosis, correlation with sepsis severity, organ dysfunction, and mortality prediction.
CONCLUSIONS
It is evident that sepsis is based on endothelial dysfunction. sFLT-1 is one of the main biomarkers of microvascular alteration and is a predictive diagnostic and prognostic biomarker.
PubMed: 38851948
DOI: 10.1016/j.medcli.2024.03.027 -
Age and Ageing Jun 2024This review provides an overview of the psychometric properties of the short physical performance battery (SPPB), timed up and go test (TUG), 4 m gait speed test (4 m...
BACKGROUND
This review provides an overview of the psychometric properties of the short physical performance battery (SPPB), timed up and go test (TUG), 4 m gait speed test (4 m GST) and the 400 m walk test (400 m WT) in community-dwelling older adults.
METHODS
A systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE, CINAHL and EMBASE, resulting in the inclusion of 50 studies with data from in total 19,266 participants (mean age 63.2-84.3). Data were extracted and properties were given a sufficient or insufficient overall rating following the COSMIN guideline for systematic reviews of patient-reported outcome measures. Quality of evidence (QoE) was rated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.
RESULTS
The SPPB was evaluated in 12 studies, TUG in 30, 4 m GST in 12 and 400 m WT in 2. Reliability of the SPPB, TUG and 4 m GST was rated sufficient (moderate to good QoE). The measurement error of the SPPB was rated insufficient (low QoE). Criterion validity for the SPPB was insufficient in indicating sarcopenia (moderate QoE), while the TUG was sufficient and insufficient for determining mobility limitations (low QoE) and activities of daily living disability (low QoE), respectively. Construct validity of the SPPB, TUG, 4 m GST and 400 m WT was rated insufficient in many constructs (moderate to high QoE). Responsiveness was rated as insufficient for SPPB (high QoE) and TUG (very low QoE), while 4 m GST was rated as sufficient (high QoE).
CONCLUSION
Overall, the psychometric quality of commonly used physical performance tests in community-dwelling older adults was generally rated insufficient, except for reliability. These tests are widely used in daily practice and recommended in guidelines; however, users should be cautious when drawing conclusions such as sarcopenia severity and change in physical performance due to limited psychometric quality of the recommended measurement instruments. There is a need for a disease-specific physical performance test for people with sarcopenia.This research received no specific grant from any funding agency and was registered a priori using the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) (CRD42022359725).
Topics: Humans; Sarcopenia; Psychometrics; Aged; Independent Living; Geriatric Assessment; Reproducibility of Results; Aged, 80 and over; Physical Functional Performance; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Activities of Daily Living; Walk Test; Disability Evaluation; Predictive Value of Tests
PubMed: 38851214
DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afae113 -
Aging Jun 2024This meta-analysis aimed to describe the efficacy of bumetanide in improving infarct volume, brain edema, and behavioral outcomes in animal models of cerebral ischemia.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
This meta-analysis aimed to describe the efficacy of bumetanide in improving infarct volume, brain edema, and behavioral outcomes in animal models of cerebral ischemia. Embase, PubMed and Web of Science databases were searched from their inception to February 2024 (INPLASY:202430023). Data on the animal species, stroke model, drug dose, time of treatment, method of administration, study quality, and outcomes were extracted and pooled in a meta-analysis. The combined standardized mean difference (SMD) or mean difference (MD) estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random- or fixed-effects models. Thirteen eligible studies involving >200 animals fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in this meta-analysis. Meta-analyses demonstrated that bumetanide treatment significantly reduced cerebral infarct volume (SMD: -0.42; 95% CI: -0.75, -0.09; < 0.01; = 186 animals) and consistently relieved brain edema (SMD: -1.39; 95% CI: -2.06, -0.72; < 0.01; = 64 animals). Subgroup analyses demonstrated that bumetanide treatment reduced infarct volume in transient but not permanent cerebral ischemia models. When administered after the stroke, it was more effective than treatment initiation before the stroke. Eight studies assessed the effect of bumetanide on behavioral function and the results showed that bumetanide treatment significantly improved neurobehavioral deficits (SMD: -2.35; 95% CI: -2.72, -1.97; < 0.01; = 250 animals). We conclude that bumetanide appears to be effective in reducing infarct volume and brain edema and improving behavioral recovery in animal models of cerebral ischemia. This mechanism needs to be confirmed through further investigation.
Topics: Bumetanide; Animals; Ischemic Stroke; Disease Models, Animal; Brain Edema; Sodium Potassium Chloride Symporter Inhibitors; Neuroprotective Agents
PubMed: 38850525
DOI: 10.18632/aging.205910 -
ESC Heart Failure Jun 2024Heart failure (HF) and malnutrition exhibit overlapping risk factors, characterized by increased levels of natriuretic peptides and an inflammatory profile. The aim of...
BACKGROUND
Heart failure (HF) and malnutrition exhibit overlapping risk factors, characterized by increased levels of natriuretic peptides and an inflammatory profile. The aim of this study was to compare the differences in plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), N-terminal-pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and C-reactive protein (CRP) in patients with HF and malnutrition versus normal nutrition.
METHODS
From inception until July 2023, the databases, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched. To examine the association among malnutrition [controlling nutritional status (CONUT) score ≥2; Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) score <92] with BNP, NT-proBNP and CRP in patients with HF, a meta-analysis using a random-effects model was conducted (CRD42023445076).
RESULTS
A significant association of GNRI with increased levels of BNP were demonstrated [mean difference (MD): 204.99, 95% confidence interval (CI) (101.02, 308.96, I = 88%, P < 0.01)], albeit no statistically significant findings were shown using CONUT [MD: 158.51, 95% CI (-1.78 to 318.79, I = 92%, P = 0.05)]. GNRI [MD: 1885.14, 95% CI (1428.76-2341.52, I = 0%, P < 0.01)] and CONUT [MD: 1160.05, 95% CI (701.04-1619.07, I = 0%, P < 0.01)] were associated with significantly higher levels of NT-proBNP. Patients with normal GNRI scores had significantly lower levels of CRP [MD: 0.50, 95% CI (0.12-0.88, I = 87%, P = 0.01)] whereas significantly higher levels of CRP were observed in those with higher CONUT [MD: 0.40, 95% CI (0.08-0.72, I = 88%, P = 0.01)]. Employing meta-regression, age was deemed a potential moderator between CRP and GNRI.
CONCLUSIONS
Normal nutrition scores in patients with HF are linked to lower BNP, NT-proBNP, and CRP levels compared with malnourished counterparts. Despite the significant link between CRP and malnutrition, their relationship may be influenced in older groups considering the sensitivity of GNRI due to ageing factors.
PubMed: 38850122
DOI: 10.1002/ehf2.14851 -
Systematic Reviews Jun 2024Memory and attention are important for daily functioning, and their function deteriorates due to aging. However, fruit and vegetable consumption are one of the...
BACKGROUND
Memory and attention are important for daily functioning, and their function deteriorates due to aging. However, fruit and vegetable consumption are one of the protective factors against deterioration in memory and attention. This systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) aims to identify the effects of fruit and vegetable consumption on memory and attention.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic search in EBSCOhost, ProQuest, PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science from inception up to 06/09/2022. The inclusion criteria were peer-reviewed articles, fruit and vegetable intake measured using randomized controlled trials, and the outcome measures that showed the results of memory and attention scores. Two researchers independently extracted articles that met the selection criteria and evaluated the quality of each study.
RESULTS
There were 70 articles identified from the databases, of which 13 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in this systematic review. There were 493 participants in total. The results show that consumption of fruit and vegetable intake improved memory and attention in longitudinal studies (10 to 12 weeks). Children showed improvement in immediate recall after supplementation with blueberries. Older adults required a higher dose of fruit and vegetable intake consumption to achieve significant improvement compared with children and younger adults. Furthermore, the effect of fruits and vegetables on memory showed better immediate memory recall than delayed recall.
CONCLUSION
This systematic review showed that there is an improvement in memory and attention with fruit and vegetable intake consumption. Hence, awareness of fruit and vegetable intake consumption is important to maintain cognitive health.
Topics: Humans; Vegetables; Fruit; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Memory; Attention; Diet
PubMed: 38849879
DOI: 10.1186/s13643-024-02547-8 -
Physical independence and related factors among older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Annals of Medicine and Surgery (2012) Jun 2024Adopting a physically active lifestyle is advocated as a strategy to prevent loss of physical independence and support healthy aging. This study aimed to evaluate the...
BACKGROUND
Adopting a physically active lifestyle is advocated as a strategy to prevent loss of physical independence and support healthy aging. This study aimed to evaluate the physical independence and related factors among older adults.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted through electronic databases such as Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Iranmedex, and Scientific Information Database from the earliest to 1 April 2022. Two researchers independently extracted information from the studies and evaluated the quality of the studies. The analysis was conducted using CMA program version 3, and each study's importance was determined based on its inverse variance.
RESULTS
Five thousand seven hundred thirty-three older adults participated in this review in six studies. All evaluated studies had high quality. The mean score of physical independence in older adults was 20.07 (SE=0.76) out of 24 (95% CI: 18.58-21.56; =98.573%; <0.001). Physical activity is very important for physical independence and reduces the risk of physical dependence in older adults. Other factors, such as sex, BMI, age, abnormal performance, timed performance, sufficiently active, muscle function, handgrip strength, lower extremity function, lower body strength, maximal isometric knee extension power, lung function, aerobic endurance, sedentary time, agility, and the prevalence of arthritis, had a significant relationship with physical independence in older adults.
CONCLUSION
Older adults demonstrate favourable levels of physical independence. Notably, physical activity emerges as a significant determinant positively associated with such independence. Thus, policymakers and administrators are encouraged to strategize the creation of conducive environments for walking and exercise among older adults.
PubMed: 38846859
DOI: 10.1097/MS9.0000000000002100 -
Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience 2024Soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (sTREM2) is a potential neuroinflammatory biomarker linked to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and...
OBJECTIVE
Soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (sTREM2) is a potential neuroinflammatory biomarker linked to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Previous studies have produced inconsistent results regarding sTREM2 levels in various clinical stages of AD. This study aims to establish the correlation between sTREM2 levels and AD progression through a meta-analysis of sTREM2 levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood.
METHODS
Comprehensive searches were conducted in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library to identify observational studies reporting CSF and blood sTREM2 levels in AD patients, MCI patients, and healthy controls. A random effects meta-analysis was used to calculate the standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
RESULTS
Thirty-six observational studies involving 3,016 AD patients, 3,533 MCI patients, and 4,510 healthy controls were included. CSF sTREM2 levels were significantly higher in both the AD [SMD = 0.28, 95% CI (0.15, 0.41)] and MCI groups [SMD = 0.30, 95% CI (0.13, 0.47)] compared to the healthy control group. However, no significant differences in expression were detected between the AD and MCI groups [SMD = 0.09, 95% CI (-0.09, 0.26)]. Furthermore, increased plasma sTREM2 levels were associated with a higher risk of AD [SMD = 0.42, 95% CI (0.01, 0.83)].
CONCLUSION
CSF sTREM2 levels are positively associated with an increased risk of AD and MCI. Plasma sTREM2 levels were notably higher in the AD group than in the control group and may serve as a promising biomarker for diagnosing AD. However, sTREM2 levels are not effective for distinguishing between different disease stages of AD. Further investigations are needed to explore the longitudinal changes in sTREM2 levels, particularly plasma sTREM2 levels, during AD progression.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42024514593.
PubMed: 38841103
DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2024.1407980 -
Age and Ageing Jun 2024
PubMed: 38836389
DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afae112 -
Clinical Interventions in Aging 2024Muscle ultrasound has emerged as a promising method in the diagnostic work-up of sarcopenia. The objective of this scoping review was to explore the validity of muscle... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Muscle ultrasound has emerged as a promising method in the diagnostic work-up of sarcopenia. The objective of this scoping review was to explore the validity of muscle ultrasound against the latest sarcopenia definitions among older adults.
METHODS
We adhered to the PRISMA guidelines for scoping reviews. A systematic search of databases was performed by two independent reviewers. All articles comparing the performance of ultrasound to an internationally acknowledged sarcopenia definition among older adults (≥60 years) and published between 2019/01/01 (the year updated sarcopenia definitions were introduced) and 2023/11/15 were included. Data were extracted and collated by muscle and muscle parameters.
RESULTS
Out of 2290 articles screened, six studies comprising 24 validity tests among a total of 1619 older adults (mean age 74.1 years, 52.2% female) were included. The validity tests investigated the rectus femoris (n = 7), biceps brachii (n = 5), gastrocnemius medialis (n = 4), tibialis anterior (n = 4), soleus (n = 3), and rectus abdominis (n = 1). The parameter muscle thickness (MT) (n = 14) was most commonly measured. The latest European and Asian sarcopenia definitions (EWGSOP2, AWGS2) were applied as reference standards in four validity tests each. None of the studies used the Sarcopenia Definition and Outcome Consortium (SDOC) criteria. The highest area under the curve AUC (0.92, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.89-0.94) was found for the muscle thickness of the rectus femoris muscle. Due to substantial heterogeneity among the studies, pooling of data using a meta-analytic approach was not feasible.
CONCLUSION
Limited number of studies have examined the validity of muscle ultrasound for diagnosing sarcopenia based on recent definitions among older adults. Thereby, muscle thickness of the rectus femoris showed promising results regarding validity. Further studies are needed to investigate the validity of key muscles and to validate muscle ultrasound among older hospitalized patients.
Topics: Humans; Sarcopenia; Ultrasonography; Aged; Muscle, Skeletal; Female; Male; Reproducibility of Results
PubMed: 38831963
DOI: 10.2147/CIA.S463917 -
BMC Geriatrics Jun 2024Assessing and monitoring intrinsic capacity (IC) is an effective strategy to promote healthy ageing by intervening early in high-risk populations. This review... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Assessing and monitoring intrinsic capacity (IC) is an effective strategy to promote healthy ageing by intervening early in high-risk populations. This review systematically analyzed the global detection rates of IC deficits and explored variations across diverse populations and data collection methods.
METHODS
This study was preregistered with PROSPERO, CRD42023477315. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we systematically searched ten databases from January 2015 to October 2023, for peer-reviewed, observational studies or baseline survey of trials that assessed IC deficits among older adults aged 50 and above globally following the condition, context and population approach. The main outcome was intrinsic capacity deficits which could be assessed by any tools. Meta-analyses were performed by a random-effect model to pool the detection rates across studies and subgroup analyses were conducted by populations and data collection methods.
RESULTS
Fifty-six studies conducted in 13 countries were included in the review and 44 studies with detection rates of IC were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled detection rate of IC deficits was 72.0% (65.2%-78.8%) and deficits were most detected in sensory (49.3%), followed by locomotion (40.0%), cognition (33.1%), psychology (21.9%), and vitality (20.1%). Variations in detection rates of IC deficits were observed across studies, with higher rates observed in low- and middle-income countries (74.0%) and hyper-aged societies (85.0%). Study population and measurement tools also explained the high heterogeneity across studies.
CONCLUSION
IC deficits are common among older adults, while heterogeneity exists across populations and by measurement. Early monitoring with standardized tools and early intervention on specific subdomains of IC deficits are greatly needed for effective strategies to promote healthy ageing.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Geriatric Assessment; Middle Aged; Healthy Aging; Aged, 80 and over
PubMed: 38831281
DOI: 10.1186/s12877-024-05088-w