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BMC Cancer May 2024Cancer is a leading global cause of death. Conventional cancer treatments like surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy have associated side effects. Ferroptosis, a... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Cancer is a leading global cause of death. Conventional cancer treatments like surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy have associated side effects. Ferroptosis, a nonapoptotic and iron-dependent cell death, has been identified and differs from other cell death types. Research has shown that ferroptosis can promote and inhibit tumor growth, which may have prognostic value. Given the unclear role of ferroptosis in cancer biology, this meta-analysis aims to investigate its impact on cancer prognosis.
METHODS
This systematic review and meta-analysis conducted searches on PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library databases. Eight retrospective studies were included to compare the impact of ferroptosis inhibition and promotion on cancer patient prognosis. The primary endpoints were overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Studies lacking clear descriptions of hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals for OS and PFS were excluded. Random-effects meta-analysis and meta-regression were performed on the included study data to assess prognosis differences between the experimental and control groups. Meta-analysis results included HR and 95% confidence intervals. This study has been registered with PROSPERO, CRD 42023463720 on September 27, 2023.
RESULTS
A total of 2,446 articles were screened, resulting in the inclusion of 5 articles with 938 eligible subjects. Eight studies were included in the meta-analysis after bias exclusion. The meta-analysis, after bias exclusion, demonstrated that promoting ferroptosis could increase cancer patients' overall survival (HR 0.31, 95% CI 0.21-0.44) and progression-free survival (HR 0.26, 95% CI 0.16-0.44) compared to ferroptosis inhibition. The results showed moderate heterogeneity, suggesting that biological activities promoting cancer cell ferroptosis are beneficial for cancer patient's prognosis.
CONCLUSIONS
This systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrated that the promotion of ferroptosis yields substantial benefits for cancer prognosis. These findings underscore the untapped potential of ferroptosis as an innovative anti-tumor therapeutic strategy, capable of addressing challenges related to drug resistance, limited therapeutic efficacy, and unfavorable prognosis in cancer treatment.
REGISTRATION
CRD42023463720.
Topics: Humans; Ferroptosis; Neoplasms; Prognosis; Protective Factors; Progression-Free Survival
PubMed: 38760742
DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-12369-5 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... May 2024Global Burden of Disease studies identify hearing loss as the third leading cause of years lived with a disability. Their estimates point to large societal and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Global Burden of Disease studies identify hearing loss as the third leading cause of years lived with a disability. Their estimates point to large societal and individual costs from unaddressed hearing difficulties. Workplace noise is an important modifiable risk factor; if addressed, it could significantly reduce the global burden of disease. In practice, providing hearing protection devices (HPDs) is the most common intervention to reduce noise exposure at work. However, lack of fit of HPDs, especially earplugs, can greatly limit their effectiveness. This may be the case for 40% of users. Testing the fit and providing instructions to improve noise attenuation might be effective. In the past two decades, hearing protection fit-test systems have been developed and evaluated in the field. They are called field attenuation estimation systems. They measure the noise attenuation obtained by individual workers using HPDs. If there is a lack of fit, instruction for better fit is provided, and may lead to better noise attenuation obtained by HPDs.
OBJECTIVES
To assess: (1) the effects of field attenuation estimation systems and associated training on the noise attenuation obtained by HPDs compared to no instruction or to less instruction in workers exposed to noise; and (2) whether these interventions promote adherence to HPD use.
SEARCH METHODS
We used CENTRAL, MEDLINE, five other databases, and two trial registers, together with reference checking, citation searching, and contact with study authors to identify studies. We imposed no language or date restrictions. The latest search date was February 2024.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs), cluster-RCTs, controlled before-after studies (CBAs), and interrupted time-series studies (ITSs) exploring HPD fit testing in workers exposed to noise levels of more than 80 A-weighted decibels (or dBA) who use hearing protection devices. The unit 'dBA' reports on the use of a frequency-weighting filter to adjust sound measurement results to better reflect how human ears process sound. The outcome noise attenuation had to be measured either as a personal attenuation rating (PAR), PAR pass rate, or both. PAR pass rate is the percentage of workers who passed a pre-established level of sufficient attenuation from their HPDs, identified on the basis of their individual noise exposure.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently assessed study eligibility, risk of bias, and extracted data. We categorised interventions as fit testing of HPDs with instructions at different levels (no instructions, simple instructions, and extensive instructions).
MAIN RESULTS
We included three RCTs (756 participants). We did not find any studies that examined whether fit testing and training contributed to hearing protector use, nor any studies that examined whether age, gender, or HPD experience influenced attenuation. We would have included any adverse effects if mentioned by the trial authors, but none reported them. None of the included studies blinded participants; two studies blinded those who delivered the intervention. Effects of fit testing of HPDs with instructions (simple or extensive) versus fit testing of HPDs without instructions Testing the fit of foam and premoulded earplugs accompanied by simple instructions probably does not improve their noise attenuation in the short term after the test (1-month follow-up: mean difference (MD) 1.62 decibels (dB), 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.93 to 4.17; 1 study, 209 participants; 4-month follow-up: MD 0.40 dB, 95% CI -2.28 to 3.08; 1 study, 197 participants; both moderate-certainty evidence). The intervention probably does not improve noise attenuation in the long term (MD 0.15 dB, 95% CI -3.44 to 3.74; 1 study, 103 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). Fit testing of premoulded earplugs with extensive instructions on the fit of the earplugs may improve their noise attenuation at the immediate retest when compared to fit testing without instructions (MD 8.34 dB, 95% CI 7.32 to 9.36; 1 study, 100 participants; low-certainty evidence). Effects of fit testing of HPDs with extensive instructions versus fit testing of HPDs with simple instructions Fit testing of foam earplugs with extensive instructions probably improves their attenuation (MD 8.62 dB, 95% CI 6.31 to 10.93; 1 study, 321 participants; moderate-certainty evidence) and also the pass rate of sufficient attenuation (risk ratio (RR) 1.75, 95% CI 1.44 to 2.11; 1 study, 321 participants; moderate-certainty evidence) when compared to fit testing with simple instructions immediately after the test. This is significant because every 3 dB decrease in noise exposure level halves the sound energy entering the ear. No RCTs reported on the long-term effectiveness of the HPD fit testing with extensive instructions.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
HPD fit testing accompanied by simple instructions probably does not improve noise attenuation from foam and premoulded earplugs. Testing the fit of foam and premoulded earplugs with extensive instructions probably improves attenuation and PAR pass rate immediately after the test. The effects of fit testing associated with training to improve attenuation may vary with types of HPDs and training methods. Better-designed trials with larger sample sizes are required to increase the certainty of the evidence.
Topics: Humans; Ear Protective Devices; Noise, Occupational; Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Occupational Exposure; Occupational Diseases
PubMed: 38757544
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD015066.pub2 -
PloS One 2024Humanitarian crises and disasters affect millions of people worldwide. Humanitarian aid workers are civilians or professionals who respond to disasters and provide... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Humanitarian crises and disasters affect millions of people worldwide. Humanitarian aid workers are civilians or professionals who respond to disasters and provide humanitarian assistance. In doing so, they face several stressors and traumatic exposures. Humanitarian aid workers also face unique challenges associated with working in unfamiliar settings.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the occurrence of and factors associated with mental ill-health among humanitarian aid workers.
SEARCH STRATEGY
CINAHL plus, Cochrane library, Global Health, Medline, PubMed, Web of Science were searched from 2005-2020. Grey literature was searched on Google Scholar.
SELECTION CRITERIA
PRISMA guidelines were followed and after double screening, studies reporting occurrence of mental ill-health were included. Individual narratives and case studies were excluded, as were studies that reported outcomes in non-humanitarian aid workers.
DATA ANALYSIS
Data on occurrence of mental ill-health and associated factors were independently extracted and combined in a narrative summary. A random effects logistic regression model was used for the meta-analysis.
MAIN RESULTS
Nine studies were included with a total of 3619 participants, reporting on five types of mental ill-health (% occurrence) including psychological distress (6.5%-52.8%); burnout (8.5%-32%); anxiety (3.8%-38.5%); depression (10.4%-39.0%) and post-traumatic stress disorder (0% to 25%). Hazardous drinking of alcohol ranged from 16.2%-50.0%. Meta-analysis reporting OR (95% CI) among humanitarian aid workers, for psychological distress was 0.45 (0.12-1.64); burnout 0.34 (0.27-0.44); anxiety 0.22 (0.10-0.51); depression 0.32 (0.18-0.57) and PTSD 0.11 (0.03-0.39). Associated factors included young age, being female and pre-existing mental ill-health.
CONCLUSIONS
Mental ill-health is common among humanitarian aid workers, has a negative impact on personal well-being, and on a larger scale reduces the efficacy of humanitarian organisations with delivery of aid and retention of staff. It is imperative that mental ill-health is screened for, detected and treated in humanitarian aid workers, before, during and after their placements. It is essential to implement psychologically protective measures for individuals working in stressful and traumatic crises.
Topics: Humans; Mental Disorders; Mental Health; Relief Work; Altruism; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; Burnout, Professional; Anxiety; Female; Male; Depression; Psychological Distress
PubMed: 38748709
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292107 -
International Journal of Nursing... Jun 2024Increasing evidence suggests that clinician well-being influences patient, workforce, and organizational outcomes. Despite increasing attention to well-being among... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Increasing evidence suggests that clinician well-being influences patient, workforce, and organizational outcomes. Despite increasing attention to well-being among licensed clinicians (e.g., nurses and physicians), collective evidence about well-being among healthcare assistants, such as nursing and medical assistants, is limited. Healthcare assistants make up a substantial portion of the clinical workforce delivering direct patient care. The well-being of healthcare assistants is critical to ensure an ample workforce supply. The objective of this systematic review was to contribute a reproducible search, summary, appraisal, synthesis, and critique of the literature about well-being among healthcare assistants, including factors that induce or inhibit burnout, and to identify gaps in evidence that warrant future research.
METHODS
We performed a literature search across 4 databases with keywords using BOOLEAN operators. After an initial title and abstract screen, a search of relevant reference lists, and full text review was peformed independently by 2 researchers. Study quality was evaluated using Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Analytical Cross-Sectional Studies. We extracted study characteristics, results, and deductively analyzed each study's alignment with the United States National Academy of Medicine's Clinician Well-Being Model.
RESULTS
We identified 28 articles meeting our inclusion criteria. Our synthesis indicated that most studies investigated personal factors (e.g., financial stressors or physical, emotional, and spiritual health) as opposed to organizational or policy factors (e.g., occupational policies or workplace culture) that may impact well-being. Younger workers and those with fewer years of experience appear to have higher burnout risk. Sleep health, improved unit-based culture (respect and increased decision-making with nurses), shorter shifts, and increased social support appear to be the most protective against burnout.
DISCUSSION
There remains a scarcity of evidence about factors impacting well-being among healthcare assistants. Existing literature focuses on individual, as opposed to external or organizational, contributory factors to burnout or well-being risk. Future studies should use specific methods to define and measure healthcare assistant roles, isolate harmful individual and organizational factors, and measure more specific sub-concepts of well-being such as depression. Such studies can contribute greatly to the overall understanding of healthcare assistant health and wellness, which subsequently may promote optimal patient and organizational outcomes.
TWEETABLE ABSTRACT
The hidden workforce: Systematic review demonstrates gaps in evidence about wellbeing and burnout among healthcare assistants and aides.
PubMed: 38746791
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnsa.2024.100187 -
Maedica Mar 2024Breast cancer is a global public health issue. The disease can be diagnosed in both older and younger women, with the latter facing several dilemmas. Breastfeeding is of...
Breast cancer is a global public health issue. The disease can be diagnosed in both older and younger women, with the latter facing several dilemmas. Breastfeeding is of general concern to the scientific community as well as its connection with the prevention of breast cancer is being sought. The purpose of this review is to search for studies investigating the relationship between breast cancer and breastfeeding. The articles included in the present paper were searched in PubMed and Scopus databases according to PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews. This systematic review sought primary studies investigating the relationship between breastfeeding and breast cancer and that were published in English between 2017-2022. Seventeen articles that investigated the relationship of breast cancer with lactation duration, women's age, family history and lifestyle were included in the present review. It was found that, in most studies, breastfeeding could be evaluated as a protective factor of the disease. From all studied articles, the need for the design of additional studies investigating the relationship between breastfeeding and breast cancer emerges.
PubMed: 38736915
DOI: 10.26574/maedica.2021.19.1.106 -
Phytomedicine : International Journal... Jul 2024Astragalus membranaceus (AM) shows potential therapeutic benefits for managing diabetic kidney disease (DKD), a leading cause of kidney failure with no cure. However,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Astragalus membranaceus (AM) shows potential therapeutic benefits for managing diabetic kidney disease (DKD), a leading cause of kidney failure with no cure. However, its comprehensive effects on renal outcomes and plausible mechanisms remain unclear.
PURPOSE
This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to synthesize the effects and mechanisms of AM on renal outcomes in DKD animal models.
METHODS
Seven electronic databases were searched for animal studies until September 2023. Risk of bias was assessed based on SYRCLE's Risk of Bias tool. Standardized mean difference (SMD) or mean difference (MD) were estimated for the effects of AM on serum creatinine (SCr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), albuminuria, histological changes, oxidative stress, inflammation, fibrosis and glucolipids. Effects were pooled using random-effects models. Heterogeneity was presented as I. Subgroup analysis investigated treatment- and animal-related factors for renal outcomes. Publication bias was assessed using funnel plots and Egger's test. Sensitivity analysis was performed to assess the results' robustness. RevMan 5.3 and Stata MP 15 software were used for statistical analysis.
RESULTS
Forty studies involving 1543 animals were identified for analysis. AM treatment significantly decreased SCr (MD = -19.12 μmol/l, 95 % CI: -25.02 to -13.23), BUN (MD = -6.72 mmol/l, 95 % CI: -9.32 to -4.12), urinary albumin excretion rate (SMD = -2.74, 95 % CI: -3.57, -1.90), histological changes (SMD = -2.25, 95 % CI: -3.19 to -1.32). AM treatment significantly improved anti-oxidative stress expression (SMD = 1.69, 95 % CI: 0.97 to 2.41), and decreased inflammation biomarkers (SMD = -3.58, 95 % CI: -5.21 to -1.95). AM treatment also decreased fibrosis markers (i.e. TGF-β1, CTGF, collagen IV, Wnt4 and β-catenin) and increased anti-fibrosis marker BMP-7. Blood glucose, lipids and kidney size were also improved compared with the DM control group.
CONCLUSION
AM could improve renal outcomes and alleviate injury through multiple signaling pathways. This indicates AM may be an option to consider for the development of future DKD therapeutics.
Topics: Animals; Albuminuria; Astragalus propinquus; Blood Urea Nitrogen; Creatinine; Diabetic Nephropathies; Disease Models, Animal; Fibrosis; Kidney; Oxidative Stress; Plant Extracts
PubMed: 38733903
DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155646 -
Nutrients Apr 2024Childhood cancer survivors (CCSs) face an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). This systematic review aims to provide the first synthesis of observational and... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Childhood cancer survivors (CCSs) face an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). This systematic review aims to provide the first synthesis of observational and interventional studies on the relationship between diet and cardiovascular health in CCSs.
METHODS
A comprehensive search was conducted for studies published between 1990 and July 2023 in PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Child Development & Adolescent Studies, and Cochrane Library. Eligible studies included observational and interventional studies examining the associations or effects of dietary factors on CVD incidence, cardiac dysfunction, or CVD risk factors in CCSs diagnosed before age 25 years.
RESULTS
Ten studies met the inclusion criteria (nine observational and one interventional). Collectively, they comprised 3485 CCSs (male, 1734; female, 1751). The outcomes examined across observational studies included characteristics of obesity, diabetes biomarkers, hypertension indicators, dyslipidaemia biomarkers, and metabolic syndrome. The evidence suggested that greater adherence to healthy diets was associated with lower body mass index, blood pressure, glucose, and triglycerides and higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. The 12-week lifestyle intervention study in childhood leukaemia survivors found no impact on obesity indicators.
CONCLUSION
The review results indicate the potentially protective effects of healthy diets. However, the available research remains preliminary and limited, underscoring the need for more rigorous, adequately powered studies.
Topics: Humans; Cancer Survivors; Cardiovascular Diseases; Child; Female; Male; Adolescent; Diet, Healthy; Diet; Risk Factors; Neoplasms; Adult; Young Adult
PubMed: 38732563
DOI: 10.3390/nu16091315 -
International Journal of Molecular... May 2024Sport injuries, including the anterior crucial ligament rupture (ACLR) seem to be related to complex genetic backgrounds, including the genes responsible for... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Sport injuries, including the anterior crucial ligament rupture (ACLR) seem to be related to complex genetic backgrounds, including the genes responsible for inflammatory response. This review and meta-analysis investigated the contribution of the polymorphisms of genes encoding inflammatory cytokines and their receptors to the risk of ACLR. The scientific databases Science Direct, EBSCO host, Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar were screened (completed on 14 June 2023) according to the established inclusion/exclusion criteria (only fully accessible, original, human case-control studies written in English concerning the effect of interleukin genes' polymorphisms on the occurrence of ACL injury were included) and statistical meta-analysis using R version 4.0.3 was performed. The PRISMA methodology was used to review articles. The review protocol was registered under the number CRD42024514316 in the Prospero database. Eighty-nine studies were identified and narrowed down to three original case-control studies used for the meta-analysis. The studies analyzed Polish, South African, and Swedish cohorts, altogether 1282 participants. The candidate polymorphisms indicated in the studies involved IL6 rs1800795, IL6R rs2228145 and IL1B rs16944. The systematic review showed the relationships between IL6 rs1800795 polymorphism and ACLR in the Polish subpopulation, and IL6R rs2228145 and IL1B rs16944 in the South African subpopulations. The meta-analysis revealed that the IL6 rs1800795 CG genotype was over-represented (OR = 1.30, 95% CI 1.02-1.66), while the CC genotype was under-represented (OR = 0.75, 95% CI 0.54-1.03) in ACLR subjects, but no significant impact of IL6R rs2228145 was shown. Additionally, a tendency of the IL1B rs16944 CT genotype to be protective (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.70-1.14), while the TT to be a risk genotype (OR 1.19, 95% CI 0.84-1.68) was observed. Thus, the relationship between the interleukin receptor IL6R rs2228145 and ACLR risk was not confirmed. However, the impact of genes coding pleiotropic IL6 rs1800795 on the incidences of ACLR was clear and the effect of pro-inflammatory IL1B rs16944 was possible.
Topics: Humans; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Interleukin-6; Interleukin-1beta; Receptors, Interleukin-6; Interleukins; Risk Factors; Case-Control Studies
PubMed: 38732195
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094976 -
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth May 2024Posttraumatic stress (PTS) and anxiety are common mental health problems among parents of babies admitted to a neonatal unit (NNU). This review aimed to identify...
BACKGROUND
Posttraumatic stress (PTS) and anxiety are common mental health problems among parents of babies admitted to a neonatal unit (NNU). This review aimed to identify sociodemographic, pregnancy and birth, and psychological factors associated with PTS and anxiety in this population.
METHOD
Studies published up to December 2022 were retrieved by searching Medline, Embase, PsychoINFO, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health electronic databases. The modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for cohort and cross-sectional studies was used to assess the methodological quality of included studies. This review was pre-registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021270526).
RESULTS
Forty-nine studies involving 8,447 parents were included; 18 studies examined factors for PTS, 24 for anxiety and 7 for both. Only one study of anxiety factors was deemed to be of good quality. Studies generally included a small sample size and were methodologically heterogeneous. Pooling of data was not feasible. Previous history of mental health problems (four studies) and parental perception of more severe infant illness (five studies) were associated with increased risk of PTS, and had the strongest evidence. Shorter gestational age (≤ 33 weeks) was associated with an increased risk of anxiety (three studies) and very low birth weight (< 1000g) was associated with an increased risk of both PTS and anxiety (one study). Stress related to the NNU environment was associated with both PTS (one study) and anxiety (two studies), and limited data suggested that early engagement in infant's care (one study), efficient parent-staff communication (one study), adequate social support (two studies) and positive coping mechanisms (one study) may be protective factors for both PTS and anxiety. Perinatal anxiety, depression and PTS were all highly comorbid conditions (as with the general population) and the existence of one mental health condition was a risk factor for others.
CONCLUSION
Heterogeneity limits the interpretation of findings. Until clearer evidence is available on which parents are most at risk, good communication with parents and universal screening of PTS and anxiety for all parents whose babies are admitted to NNU is needed to identify those parents who may benefit most from mental health interventions.
Topics: Humans; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; Parents; Infant, Newborn; Anxiety; Female; Risk Factors; Intensive Care Units, Neonatal; Pregnancy
PubMed: 38724899
DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06383-5 -
Heliyon May 2024Loss of cutaneous protective sensation and high plantar pressures increase the risk for diabetic foot patients. Trauma and ulceration are imminent threats, making...
INTRODUCTION
Loss of cutaneous protective sensation and high plantar pressures increase the risk for diabetic foot patients. Trauma and ulceration are imminent threats, making assessment and monitoring essential. This systematic review aims to identify systems and technologies for measuring in-shoe plantar pressures, focusing on the at-risk diabetic foot population.
METHODS
A systematic search was conducted across four electronic databases (Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, Oxford Journals) using PRISMA methodology, covering articles published in English from 1979 to 2024. Only studies addressing systems or sensors exclusively measuring plantar pressures inside the shoe were included.
RESULTS
A total of 87 studies using commercially available devices and 45 articles proposing new systems or sensors were reviewed. The prevailing market offerings consist mainly of instrumented insoles. Emerging technologies under development often feature configurations with four, six or eight resistive sensors strategically placed within removable insoles. Despite some variability due to the inherent heterogeneity of human gait, these devices assess plantar pressure, although they present significant differences between them in measurement results. Individuals with diabetic foot conditions appears exhibit elevated plantar pressures, with reported peak pressures reaching approximately 1000 kPa. The results also showed significant differences between the diabetic and non-diabetic groups.
CONCLUSION
Instrumented insoles, particularly those incorporating resistive sensor technology, dominate the field. Systems employing eight sensors at critical locations represent a pragmatic approach, although market options extend to systems with up to 960 sensors. Differences between devices can be a critical factor in measurement and highlights the importance of individualized patient assessment using consistent measurement devices.
PubMed: 38699042
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29672