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Current Issues in Molecular Biology Dec 2023Lipids are important modifiers of protein function, particularly as parts of lipoproteins, which transport lipophilic substances and mediate cellular uptake of... (Review)
Review
Lipids are important modifiers of protein function, particularly as parts of lipoproteins, which transport lipophilic substances and mediate cellular uptake of circulating lipids. As such, lipids are of particular interest as blood biological markers for cardiovascular disease (CVD) as well as for conditions linked to CVD such as atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus, obesity and dietary states. Notably, lipid research is particularly well developed in the context of CVD because of the relevance and multiple causes and risk factors of CVD. The advent of methods for high-throughput screening of biological molecules has recently resulted in the generation of lipidomic profiles that allow monitoring of lipid compositions in biological samples in an untargeted manner. These and other earlier advances in biomedical research have shaped the knowledge we have about lipids in CVD. To evaluate the knowledge acquired on the multiple biological functions of lipids in CVD and the trends in their research, we collected a dataset of references from the PubMed database of biomedical literature focused on plasma lipids and CVD in human and mouse. Using annotations from these records, we were able to categorize significant associations between lipids and particular types of research approaches, distinguish non-biological lipids used as markers, identify differential research between human and mouse models, and detect the increasingly mechanistic nature of the results in this field. Using known associations between lipids and proteins that metabolize or transport them, we constructed a comprehensive lipid-protein network, which we used to highlight proteins strongly connected to lipids found in the CVD-lipid literature. Our approach points to a series of proteins for which lipid-focused research would bring insights into CVD, including Prostaglandin G/H synthase 2 (PTGS2, a.k.a. COX2) and Acylglycerol kinase (AGK). In this review, we summarize our findings, putting them in a historical perspective of the evolution of lipid research in CVD.
PubMed: 38132464
DOI: 10.3390/cimb45120618 -
International Journal of Environmental... Dec 2023Language development starts during the fetal period when the brain is sensitive to endocrine disruptions from environmental contaminants. This systematic review aims to... (Review)
Review
Language development starts during the fetal period when the brain is sensitive to endocrine disruptions from environmental contaminants. This systematic review aims to systematically summarize the existing literature on early-life exposure to PFAS and children's language and communication development, which is an indicator of neurocognitive development. A structured literature search was conducted using three databases, PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL, last updated in April 2023. The population was defined as children and young adults. PFAS exposure was assessed pre- or postnatally. The outcome was defined as a language and communication ability assessed with validated instruments, parental self-reports, or clinical language disorder diagnoses. In total, 15 studies were identified for subsequent analyses. Thirteen were performed in background-exposed populations and two in highly exposed populations. There were some indications of potential adverse effects; however, these were not consistent across child sex, age of assessment, or PFAS exposure levels. No systematic effect of early-life PFAS exposure on language and communication development was found. These inconclusive findings may partly be explained by the use of general test instruments with limited validity as to children's language and communication development. Further studies over a wider exposure range using specific language test instruments are needed.
Topics: Child; Female; Young Adult; Humans; Child Language; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; Fluorocarbons; Language Development; Communication; Environmental Pollutants; Alkanesulfonic Acids
PubMed: 38131721
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20247170 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2023Services to treat problematic alcohol use (PAU) should be highly accessible to optimize treatment engagement. We conducted a scoping review to map characteristics of...
INTRODUCTION
Services to treat problematic alcohol use (PAU) should be highly accessible to optimize treatment engagement. We conducted a scoping review to map characteristics of services for the treatment of PAU that have been reported in the literature to be barriers to or facilitators of access to treatment from the perspective of individuals with PAU.
METHODS
A protocol was developed , registered, and published. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and additional grey literature sources from 2010 to April 2022 to identify primary qualitative research and surveys of adults with current or past PAU requiring treatment that were designed to identify modifiable characteristics of PAU treatment services (including psychosocial and pharmacologic interventions) that were perceived to be barriers to or facilitators of access to treatment. Studies of concurrent PAU and other substance use disorders were excluded. Study selection was performed by multiple review team members. Emergent barriers were coded and mapped to the accessibility dimensions of the Levesque framework of healthcare access, then descriptively summarized.
RESULTS
One-hundred-and-nine included studies reported an extensive array of unique service-level barriers that could act alone or together to prevent treatment accessibility. These included but were not limited to lack of an obvious entry point, complexity of the care pathway, high financial cost, unacceptably long wait times, lack of geographically accessible treatment, inconvenient appointment hours, poor cultural/demographic sensitivity, lack of anonymity/privacy, lack of services to treat concurrent PAU and mental health problems.
DISCUSSION
Barriers generally aligned with recent reviews of the substance use disorder literature. Ranking of barriers may be explored in a future discrete choice experiment of PAU service users. The rich qualitative findings of this review may support the design of new or modification of existing services for people with PAU to improve accessibility.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
Open Science Framework doi: 10.17605/OSF.IO/S849R.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Substance-Related Disorders; Alcoholism; Health Services Accessibility
PubMed: 38106884
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1296239 -
Neuropsychopharmacology : Official... Mar 2024While pharmacological, behavioral and psychosocial treatments are available for substance use disorders (SUDs), they are not always effective or well-tolerated.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
While pharmacological, behavioral and psychosocial treatments are available for substance use disorders (SUDs), they are not always effective or well-tolerated. Neuromodulation (NM) methods, including repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and deep brain stimulation (DBS) may address SUDs by targeting addiction neurocircuitry. We evaluated the efficacy of NM to improve behavioral outcomes in SUDs. A systematic literature search was performed on MEDLINE, PsychINFO, and PubMed databases and a list of search terms for four key concepts (SUD, rTMS, tDCS, DBS) was applied. Ninety-four studies were identified that examined the effects of rTMS, tDCS, and DBS on substance use outcomes (e.g., craving, consumption, and relapse) amongst individuals with SUDs including alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, stimulants, and opioids. Meta-analyses were performed for alcohol and tobacco studies using rTMS and tDCS. We found that rTMS reduced substance use and craving, as indicated by medium to large effect sizes (Hedge's g > 0.5). Results were most encouraging when multiple stimulation sessions were applied, and the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) was targeted. tDCS also produced medium effect sizes for drug use and craving, though they were highly variable and less robust than rTMS; right anodal DLPFC stimulation appeared to be most efficacious. DBS studies were typically small, uncontrolled studies, but showed promise in reducing misuse of multiple substances. NM may be promising for the treatment of SUDs. Future studies should determine underlying neural mechanisms of NM, and further evaluate extended treatment durations, accelerated administration protocols and long-term outcomes with biochemical verification of substance use.
Topics: Humans; Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation; Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation; Substance-Related Disorders; Behavior, Addictive; Craving; Prefrontal Cortex
PubMed: 38086901
DOI: 10.1038/s41386-023-01776-0 -
International Journal of Molecular... Nov 2023Brassinosteroids (BRs), the sixth major phytohormone, can regulate plant salt tolerance. Many studies have been conducted to investigate the effects of BRs on plant salt... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Promotion of Ca Accumulation in Roots by Exogenous Brassinosteroids as a Key Mechanism for Their Enhancement of Plant Salt Tolerance: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review.
Brassinosteroids (BRs), the sixth major phytohormone, can regulate plant salt tolerance. Many studies have been conducted to investigate the effects of BRs on plant salt tolerance, generating a large amount of research data. However, a meta-analysis on regulating plant salt tolerance by BRs has not been reported. Therefore, this study conducted a meta-analysis of 132 studies to elucidate the most critical physiological mechanisms by which BRs regulate salt tolerance in plants from a higher dimension and analyze the best ways to apply BRs. The results showed that exogenous BRs significantly increased germination, plant height, root length, and biomass (total dry weight was the largest) of plants under salt stress. There was no significant difference between seed soaking and foliar spraying. However, the medium method (germination stage) and stem application (seedling stage) may be more effective in improving plant salt tolerance. BRs only inhibit germination in Solanaceae. BRs (2 μM), seed soaking for 12 h, and simultaneous treatment with salt stress had the highest germination rate. At the seedling stage, the activity of Brassinolide (CHO) was higher than that of Homobrassinolide (CHO), and post-treatment, BRs (0.02 μM) was the best solution. BRs are unsuitable for use in the germination stage when Sodium chloride is below 100 mM, and the effect is also weakest in the seedling stage. Exogenous BRs promoted photosynthesis, and antioxidant enzyme activity increased the accumulation of osmoregulatory and antioxidant substances and reduced the content of harmful substances and Na, thus reducing cell damage and improving plant salt tolerance. BRs induced the most soluble protein, chlorophyll a, stomatal conductance, net photosynthetic rate, Glutathione peroxidase, and root-Ca, with BRs causing Ca signals in roots probably constituting the most important reason for improving salt tolerance. BRs first promoted the accumulation of Ca in roots, which increased the content of the above vital substances and enzyme activities through the Ca signaling pathway, improving plant salt tolerance.
Topics: Brassinosteroids; Antioxidants; Salt Tolerance; Chlorophyll A; Seedlings; Plant Roots
PubMed: 38003311
DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216123 -
Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Archives of... May 2024Curcumin is an ingredient of the root Curcuma longa, which is responsible for the characteristic yellow color of curcuma. Curcumin is said to have the potential ability... (Review)
Review
Curcumin is an ingredient of the root Curcuma longa, which is responsible for the characteristic yellow color of curcuma. Curcumin is said to have the potential ability to fight malignant diseases and to have an anti-inflammatory effect. In addition, it is used as a dietary supplement. However, one problem with the use of curcumin is its extremely low bioavailability. The aim of this study is to systematically review and critically analyze clinical studies related to the pharmacokinetics (or bioavailability) and to the use of curcumin in the treatment of malignant diseases. The platforms clinicaltrials.gov and PubMed served as the database for the literature research. A total of 293 available studies on curcumin were filtered according to their focus (bioavailability, therapy of malignant diseases) and other criteria (study results, main substance, topic reference, existing disease/other research purpose, reference to malignant diseases). The studies were further analyzed regarding their outcome measures, their design (number of participants, randomization, placebo group, masking, ethical standards, sponsor, primary outcome measures, secondary outcome measures, study bias) and their findings. The analysis failed to convincingly demonstrate that curcumin has a significant, positive effect on the therapy of malignant diseases. Regarding the increase in bioavailability, positive results have been obtained, which are in proximity to the pharmaceutical industry. Independent studies could not achieve increased bioavailability of curcumin. The available reviews in the literature also do not provide convincing evidence for the efficacy of curcumin. Thus, at the time being, the use of curcumin in malignant diseases is not justified scientifically.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Antineoplastic Agents; Biological Availability; Clinical Trials as Topic; Curcumin; Neoplasms
PubMed: 37966571
DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02825-7 -
The Journal of Pain May 2024Chronic pain (CP) and mental illness (MI) are leading causes of years lived with disability and commonly co-occur. However, it remains unclear if available interventions... (Review)
Review
Chronic pain (CP) and mental illness (MI) are leading causes of years lived with disability and commonly co-occur. However, it remains unclear if available interventions are effective in improving pain outcomes in patients with co-existing CP and MI. This systematic review synthesised evidence for the effectiveness of interventions to improve pain outcomes for people with comorbid CP and clinically diagnosed MI. Ten electronic databases were searched from inception until May 2023. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were included if they evaluated interventions for CP-related outcomes among people with comorbid CP and clinically diagnosed MI. Pain-related and mental health outcomes were reported as primary and secondary outcomes, respectively. 26 RCTs (2,311 participants) were included. Four trials evaluated the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioural therapy, 6 mindfulness-based interventions, 1 interpersonal psychotherapy, 5 body-based interventions, 5 multi-component interventions, and 5 examined pharmacological-based interventions. Overall, there was considerable heterogeneity in sample characteristics and interventions, and included studies were generally of poor quality with insufficient trial details being reported. Despite the inconsistency in results, preliminary evidence suggests interventions demonstrating a positive effect on CP may include cognitive-behavioural therapy for patients with depression (with a small to medium effect size) and multi-component intervention for people with substance use disorders (with a small effect size). Despite the high occurrence/burden of CP and MI, there is a relative paucity of RCTs investigating interventions and none in people with severe MI. More rigorously designed RCTs are needed to further support our findings. PERSPECTIVE: This systematic review presents current evidence evaluating interventions for CP-related and MH outcomes for people with comorbid CP and clinically diagnosed MI. Our findings could potentially help clinicians identify the most effective treatments to manage these symptoms for this vulnerable patient group.
Topics: Humans; Chronic Pain; Mental Disorders; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Comorbidity; Psychotherapy; Outcome Assessment, Health Care; Pain Management
PubMed: 37952860
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2023.11.004 -
Risk Factors for Postanesthetic Emergence Delirium in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.Journal of Neurosurgical Anesthesiology Jul 2024Emergence delirium (ED) is delirium that occurs during or immediately after emergence from general anesthesia or sedation. Effective pharmacological treatments for ED... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Emergence delirium (ED) is delirium that occurs during or immediately after emergence from general anesthesia or sedation. Effective pharmacological treatments for ED are lacking, so preventive measures should be taken to minimize the risk of ED. However, the risk factors for ED in adults are unclear. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we evaluated the evidence for risk factors for ED in adults. The PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and Embase databases were searched for observational studies reporting the risk factors for ED in adults from inception to July 31, 2023. Twenty observational studies reporting 19,171 participants were included in this meta-analysis. Among the preoperative factors identified as risk factors for ED were age <40 or ≥65 years, male sex, smoking history, substance abuse, cognitive impairment, anxiety, and American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status score III or IV. Intraoperative risk factors for ED were the use of benzodiazepines, inhalational anesthetics, or etomidate, and surgical factors including abdominal surgery, frontal craniotomy (vs. other craniotomy approaches) for cerebral tumors, and the length of surgery. Postoperative risk factors were indwelling urinary catheters, the presence of a tracheal tube in the postanesthetic care unit or intensive care unit, the presence of a nasogastric tube, and pain. Knowledge of these risk factors may guide the implementation of stratified management and timely interventions for patients at high risk of ED. The majority of studies included in this review investigated only hyperactive ED and further research is required to determine risk factors for hypoactive and mixed ED types.
Topics: Humans; Risk Factors; Emergence Delirium; Anesthesia, General; Adult; Anesthesia Recovery Period; Postoperative Complications
PubMed: 37916963
DOI: 10.1097/ANA.0000000000000942 -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Sep 2023Oxidative stress is involved in the alterations at the level of salivary glands, being the cause of oral pathologies like xerostomia, periodontitis, gingivitis,... (Review)
Review
Oxidative stress is involved in the alterations at the level of salivary glands, being the cause of oral pathologies like xerostomia, periodontitis, gingivitis, leucoplakia, and cancer. It is known that antioxidants can reverse changes induced by drugs or other chemicals in some organs, but the question is whether these substances can reduce or revert the effects of oxidative stress at the salivary gland level. Our aim was to find histopathological data at the level of salivary glands supporting the hypothesis of the reversal of oxidative stress-induced changes after the treatment with substances with antioxidant effect. : A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Science Direct, and Springer databases, including research articles on oxidative stress histological aspects and oxidative stress biomarkers induced by drugs or other chemicals on salivary glands. : Out of 1756 articles, 25 articles were selected with data on tissue homogenate used for biochemical analysis of oxidative and antioxidative markers, along with routine hematoxylin eosin (HE) and immunohistochemical analysis used for histopathological and immunohistochemical diagnosis. Drugs (antineoplastic drugs, antibiotics, and analgesics), alcohol, heavy metals, and fluoride can cause oxidative stress, resulting in morphological changes in different tissues, including in salivary glands. There are many antioxidants but only a few were evaluated regarding the effects on salivary glands in animal studies, such as hesperidin and selenium, which can reverse the damage induced by cyclophosphamide; 10-dehydrogingerdione (10-DHGD), a compound extracted from ginger, which has a protective effect against the oxidative stress and apoptosis induced by tramadol; and glycyrrhizic acid, which may repair the injuries incurred after the administration of sodium nitrite. : Substances such as hesperidin, selenium, 10-dehydrogingerdione, and glycyrrhizic acid are antioxidants with proven restorative effects on salivary glands for the damage induced by oxidative stress after exposure to drugs and other chemical substances; however, demonstrating their similar effects in human salivary glands is challenging.
PubMed: 37763811
DOI: 10.3390/medicina59091692 -
Nutrients Aug 2023β-alanine does not have an ergogenic effect by itself, but it does as a precursor for the synthesis of carnosine in human skeletal muscle. β-alanine and carnosine... (Review)
Review
β-Alanine Supplementation in Combat Sports: Evaluation of Sports Performance, Perception, and Anthropometric Parameters and Biochemical Markers-A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials.
β-alanine does not have an ergogenic effect by itself, but it does as a precursor for the synthesis of carnosine in human skeletal muscle. β-alanine and carnosine together help improve the muscles' functionality, especially in high-intensity exercises such as combat sports. Therefore, β-alanine could be considered a nutritional ergogenic aid to improve sports performance in combat athletes. We aimed to critically review clinical trial evidence on the impact of β-alanine supplementation on sports performance, perception, and anthropometric parameters, as well as circulating biochemical markers in combat athletes. This systematic review was conducted following the specific methodological guidelines of the Preferred Report Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines (PRISMA), the PICOS question model, the Critical Review Form of McMaster, and the PEDro scale. Furthermore, the Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment tool was used. The search was carried out in the SCOPUS, Web of Science (WOS), and Medline (PubMed) databases for studies published from the beginning of the database until July 31, 2023. Of the 41 registers identified, only 7 met the established criteria and were included in this systematic review. Overall, performance parameters related to strength, power, total exercise work capacity, and combat-specific parameters were significantly improved ( < 0.05). Perception parameters increased non-significantly ( > 0.05). Regarding biochemical parameters, carnosine increased significantly ( < 0.05), pH decreased non-significantly ( > 0.05), and the results for blood bicarbonate and blood lactate were heterogeneous. Finally, there was a non-significant ( > 0.05) improvement in the anthropometric parameters of lean mass and fat mass. β-alanine supplementation appears to be safe and could be a suitable nutritional ergogenic aid for combat athletes.
Topics: Humans; Athletes; Athletic Performance; Carnosine; Dietary Supplements; Perception; Performance-Enhancing Substances; Clinical Trials as Topic
PubMed: 37686787
DOI: 10.3390/nu15173755