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Critical Reviews in Toxicology Mar 2024An association between exposure to arsenic (As) and neurologic and behavioral effects has been reported in some studies, but no systematic review is available of the... (Review)
Review
An association between exposure to arsenic (As) and neurologic and behavioral effects has been reported in some studies, but no systematic review is available of the evidence linking As in drinking water and neurobehavioral effects after consideration of study quality and potential confounding, with focus on low-level circumstances of exposure. We conducted a systematic review and reported it in compliance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, through a search of the databases PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase. We included in the review the studies reporting results based on exposure from drinking water in humans. Endpoints were heterogeneous across studies, so we classified them into eight broad domains and developed an ad-hoc system to evaluate their methodological quality, based on three tiers. It was not possible to conduct meta-analysis because of the heterogeneity in exposure assessment and in the definition and assessment of outcomes. The search identified 18,518 articles. After elimination of duplicates and irrelevant articles, we retained 106 articles which reported results on As exposure and neurobehavioral effects, of which 22 reported risk estimates from exposure in drinking water (six among adults and 16 among children). None of the studies was conducted blindly. Among the studies in adults, two, which were conducted in highly exposed populations, were classified as high quality. These two studies were broadly consistent in reporting an association between exposure to As and decline in cognitive function; however, they provide no evidence of an association for exposure below 75 μg/L. The four lower-quality studies were based on populations with low exposure; these studies reported associations with inconsistent outcomes, few of which remained statistically significant after adjustment for multiple comparisons. Among the five high-quality studies of children, one reported an association between As in drinking water and intellectual function, whereas none of the other studies reported an association with different neurobehavioral indicators, after adjusting for potential confounders and multiple comparisons. Out of seven intermediate-quality studies, three reported an association with cognitive function or other outcomes; but sources of bias were not adequately controlled. The remaining studies were negative. The four low-quality studies did not contribute to the overall evidence because of methodological limitations. Our assessment of the available literature showed a lack of evidence for a causal association between exposure to As in drinking water and neurobehavioral effects. To clarify whether such an association exists, further studies prospectively evaluating changes in both the concentration of As in drinking water during the life course, and neurobehavioral outcomes, as well as appropriately controlling for potential confounders, are needed.
Topics: Child; Adult; Humans; Arsenic; Drinking Water; Cognition
PubMed: 38533692
DOI: 10.1080/10408444.2023.2297751 -
Current Osteoporosis Reports Apr 2024Recently, the American Diabetes Association updated the 2024 guidelines for Standards of Care in Diabetes and recommend that a T-score of - 2.0 in patients with diabetes... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
Recently, the American Diabetes Association updated the 2024 guidelines for Standards of Care in Diabetes and recommend that a T-score of - 2.0 in patients with diabetes should be interpreted as equivalent to - 2.5 in people without diabetes. We aimed to evaluate the most recent findings concerning the bone mineral density (BMD)-derived T-score and risk of fractures related to osteoporosis in subjects with diabetes.
RECENT FINDINGS
The dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan is the golden standard for evaluating BMD. The BMD-derived T-score is central to fracture prediction and signifies both diagnosis and treatment for osteoporosis. However, the increased fracture risk in diabetes is not sufficiently explained by the T-score, complicating the identification and management of fracture risk in these patients. Recent findings agree that subjects with type 2 diabetes (T2D) have a higher T-score and higher fracture risk compared with subjects without diabetes. However, the actual number of studies evaluating the direct association of higher fracture risk at higher T-score levels is scant. Some studies support the adjustment based on the 0.5 BMD T-score difference between subjects with T2D and subjects without diabetes. However, further data from longitudinal studies is warranted to validate if the T-score treatment threshold necessitates modification to prevent fractures in subjects with diabetes.
Topics: Humans; Bone Density; Osteoporosis; Absorptiometry, Photon; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Osteoporotic Fractures; Risk Factors
PubMed: 38509440
DOI: 10.1007/s11914-024-00867-1 -
World Journal of Urology Mar 2024To characterize patient outcomes following visually directed high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for focal treatment of localized prostate cancer. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
PURPOSE
To characterize patient outcomes following visually directed high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for focal treatment of localized prostate cancer.
METHODS
We performed a systematic review of cancer-control outcomes and complication rates among men with localized prostate cancer treated with visually directed focal HIFU. Study outcomes were calculated using a random-effects meta-analysis model.
RESULTS
A total of 8 observational studies with 1,819 patients (median age 67 years; prostate-specific antigen 7.1 mg/ml; prostate volume 36 ml) followed over a median of 24 months were included. The mean prostate-specific antigen nadir following visually directed focal HIFU was 2.2 ng/ml (95% CI 0.9-3.5 ng/ml), achieved after a median of 6 months post-treatment. A clinically significant positive biopsy was identified in 19.8% (95% CI 12.4-28.3%) of cases. Salvage treatment rates were 16.2% (95% CI 9.7-23.8%) for focal- or whole-gland treatment, and 8.6% (95% CI 6.1-11.5%) for whole-gland treatment. Complication rates were 16.7% (95% CI 9.9-24.6%) for de novo erectile dysfunction, 6.2% (95% CI 0.0-19.0%) for urinary retention, 3.0% (95% CI 2.1-3.9%) for urinary tract infection, 1.9% (95% CI 0.1-5.3%) for urinary incontinence, and 0.1% (95% CI 0.0-1.4%) for bowel injury.
CONCLUSION
Limited evidence from eight observational studies demonstrated that visually directed HIFU for focal treatment of localized prostate cancer was associated with a relatively low risk of complications and acceptable cancer control over medium-term follow-up. Comparative, long-term safety and effectiveness results with visually directed focal HIFU are lacking.
Topics: Male; Humans; Aged; Prostate-Specific Antigen; Treatment Outcome; Ultrasound, High-Intensity Focused, Transrectal; Prostatic Neoplasms; Erectile Dysfunction
PubMed: 38507093
DOI: 10.1007/s00345-024-04840-6 -
Schizophrenia (Heidelberg, Germany) Mar 2024This systematic review provides a comprehensive overview of the association between premorbid adjustment and social cognition in people with psychotic spectrum disorder.... (Review)
Review
This systematic review provides a comprehensive overview of the association between premorbid adjustment and social cognition in people with psychotic spectrum disorder. Obtaining evidence of this association will facilitate early detection and intervention before the onset of psychosis. Literature searches were conducted in Scopus, PubMed and PsycINFO. Studies were eligible if they included patients with a psychotic disorder or at a high-risk state; social cognition and premorbid adjustment were measured; and the relationship between premorbid adjustment and social cognition was analysed. The authors independently extracted data from all included articles, and discrepancies were resolved through discussion. Literature searches were conducted in Scopus, PubMed and PsycINFO. Studies were eligible if they included patients with a psychotic disorder or at a high-risk state; social cognition and premorbid adjustment were measured; and the relationship between premorbid adjustment and social cognition was analysed. The authors independently extracted data from all included articles, and discrepancies were resolved through discussion. Of 229 studies identified, 23 met the inclusion criteria. Different methods of assessment were used to measure premorbid adjustment, such as the Premorbid Adjustment Scale or premorbid IQ, among others. Social cognition was assessed as a global measure or by domains using different instruments. A total of 16 articles found a relationship between social cognition (or its domains) and premorbid adjustment: general social cognition (n = 3); Theory of Mind (n = 12); Emotional Recognition and Social Knowledge (n = 1). This review shows evidence of a significant relationship between social cognition and premorbid adjustment, specifically between Theory of Mind and premorbid adjustment. Social cognition deficits may already appear in phases prior to the onset of psychosis, so an early individualized intervention with stimulating experiences in people with poor premorbid adjustment can be relevant for prevention. We recommend some future directions, such as carrying out longitudinal studies with people at high-risk of psychosis, a meta-analysis study, broadening the concept of premorbid adjustment, and a consensual assessment of social cognition and premorbid adjustment variables. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022333886.
PubMed: 38491028
DOI: 10.1038/s41537-023-00428-y -
Metabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders May 2024It is well established that melanocortin-4 receptor () rs17782313 locus polymorphism is associated with increased obesity risk and that obesity is strongly associated... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
It is well established that melanocortin-4 receptor () rs17782313 locus polymorphism is associated with increased obesity risk and that obesity is strongly associated with an enhanced risk of all metabolic syndrome (MS) components. Thus, in this study, we examined the association between the rs17782313 locus polymorphism and the risk of the remaining MS components, namely, diabetes, hypertension, low high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and hypertriglyceridemia. We performed an extensive literature screening across six scientific databases, namely, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Medline, ScienceDirect, CNKI, and WanFang employing a specific search strategy. Eligible studies were selected for inclusion in our meta-analysis, and odds ratio (OR) values and 95% confidence interval (CI) were computed through fixed- or random-effects models to examine correlation strength. In addition, we performed subgroup analyses involving adjustment factors (unadjusted body mass index [BMI], adjusted BMI), race (Caucasian, Asian), and source of controls (population, hospital). Twenty-two eligible studies were selected from 846 articles, involving 28,018 patients and 98,994 normal participants. Based on this meta-analysis, the rs17782313 locus polymorphism was associated with an augmented risk of diabetes (allele contrast model T vs. C: OR = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.03-1.08; dominant model TT vs. TC + CC: OR = 1.07, 95% CI = 1.03-1.11) and hypertension (dominant model TT vs. TC + CC: OR = 1.16, 95% CI = 1.03-1.31) risk. However, based on this analysis, the rs17782313 locus polymorphism was not associated with low HDL and hypertriglyceridemia risk. Based on this analysis, the rs17782313 locus polymorphism is associated with enhanced risks of diabetes and hypertension, while the associations with low HDL and hypertriglyceridemia require further exploration.
Topics: Receptor, Melanocortin, Type 4; Humans; Metabolic Syndrome; Obesity; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Genetic Association Studies; Hypertension
PubMed: 38466981
DOI: 10.1089/met.2023.0221 -
European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery... May 2024The aim of the present review is to systematically analyse the current literature about gender differences in hip or knee cartilage composition and degeneration, to help... (Review)
Review
The aim of the present review is to systematically analyse the current literature about gender differences in hip or knee cartilage composition and degeneration, to help explaining how and why osteoarthritis affects women more often and more severely than men. A systematic review of the literature in English was performed. Eleven studies on 1962 patients (905 females and 787 males) that reported differences on cartilage composition between males and females were included. Nine evaluated the knee, one the hip, and one both. They were heterogeneous in their methods: one conducted histological analyses, and all the others evaluated cartilage characteristics (volume, width, and composition) through magnetic resonance imaging. All authors reported gender differences in both volume and morphology of the cartilage, from infancy to menopause. In fact, a study on 92 healthy children statistically showed significant gender differences in cartilage thickness at all sites, even after adjustment for age, body, and bone size. Gender differences become more evident after menopause, when women have a lower cartilage volume and a higher cartilage loss. Men show significantly higher knee and hip cartilage volumes than women, and women carry a significantly greater risk to develop osteoarthritis. This is in part due to body and bone size, but also depends on qualitative and quantitative differences in the composition of cartilage and its degeneration rate after menopause. Structural changes in cartilage that occur between genders during ageing have significance in the development of osteoarthritis.
Topics: Humans; Cartilage, Articular; Female; Male; Osteoarthritis, Hip; Osteoarthritis, Knee; Sex Factors; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Knee Joint; Hip Joint; Middle Aged; Adult; Aged; Child
PubMed: 38456943
DOI: 10.1007/s00590-024-03871-4 -
JAMA Network Open Mar 2024Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at high risk for cardiovascular disease, but their systematic underrepresentation in cardiovascular randomized clinical...
IMPORTANCE
Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at high risk for cardiovascular disease, but their systematic underrepresentation in cardiovascular randomized clinical trials (RCTs) limits the generation of appropriate evidence to guide cardiovascular risk management (CVRM).
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the underrepresentation of patients with CKD in cardiovascular RCTs, and to highlight evidence gaps in CVRM medications in this population.
EVIDENCE REVIEW
A systematic search was conducted in ClinicalTrials.gov from February 2000 through October 2021 for RCTs with full-text publications. If no full-text publications were found in ClinicalTrials.gov, MEDLINE, Embase, and Google Scholar were also searched. Eligible RCTs were those evaluating the effectiveness of antiplatelets, anticoagulants, blood pressure-lowering drugs, glucose-lowering drugs, or cholesterol-lowering drugs in adults with cardiovascular disease or cardiovascular risk factors. Trials with a sample size of fewer than 100 patients were excluded.
FINDINGS
In total, 1194 RCTs involving 2 207 677 participants (mean [SD] age, 63 [6] years; 1 343 970 males [64%]) were included. Since 2000, the percentage of cardiovascular RCTs excluding patients with CKD has increased from 66% to 79% (74% overall [884 RCTs]). In 864 RCTs (72%), more patients were excluded than anticipated on safety grounds (63% [306] of trials required no dose adjustment, and 79% [561] required dose adjustment). In total, 158 RCTs (13%) reported results for patients with CKD separately (eg, in subgroup analyses). Significant evidence gaps exist in most CVRM interventions for patients with CKD, particularly for those with CKD stages 4 to 5. Twenty-three RCTs (2%) reported results for patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate less than 30 mL/min/1.73 m2, 15 RCTs (1%) reported for patients receiving dialysis, and 1 RCT (0.1%) reported for recipients of kidney transplant.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
Results of this systematic review suggest that representation of patients with CKD in cardiovascular RCTs has not improved in the past 2 decades and that these RCTs excluded more patients with CKD than expected on safety grounds. Lack of reporting or underreporting of results for this patient population is associated with evidence gaps in the effectiveness of most CVRM medications in patients with all stages of CKD, particularly CKD stages 4 to 5.
Topics: Humans; Antihypertensive Agents; Cardiovascular Agents; Cardiovascular Diseases; Renal Dialysis; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 38451526
DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.0427 -
Journal of Frailty, Sarcopenia and Falls Mar 2024This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to explore the differences in the number of prescribed medications and polypharmacy risk between patients with heart... (Review)
Review
This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to explore the differences in the number of prescribed medications and polypharmacy risk between patients with heart failure (HF) and frailty vs. those with HF but without frailty. Eligible studies included observational or experimental studies in patients aged ≥50 years. Thirteen studies met the criteria and were included in the final analysis. Patients with frailty and HF exhibited a higher risk of polypharmacy (OR: 1.87, 95% CI 1.72 - 2.04, I = 0%, P < 0.01) compared to those without frailty. Results remained significant after adjusting for comorbidity status. Additionally, patients with frailty and HF were prescribed more medications compared to those without ( = 6; MD: 1.43, 95% CI 0.31 - 2.55, I = 94%, P = 0.01), with a high degree of heterogeneity. However, results were non-significant after adjustment for comorbidity status. Patients with HF and frailty have a higher need of polypharmacy compared to those without frailty, which may increase the risk of potentially inappropriate medications (PIM). Investigating the real-world prevalence of PIM may support clinicians in their routine assessment as part of a comprehensive management strategy in patients with HF and frailty.
PubMed: 38444545
DOI: 10.22540/JFSF-09-051 -
Journal of the American Heart... Mar 2024Hypertension is the leading modifiable cardiovascular risk factor with recognized sex- and gender-based differences. We assessed the incorporation of sex and gender...
BACKGROUND
Hypertension is the leading modifiable cardiovascular risk factor with recognized sex- and gender-based differences. We assessed the incorporation of sex and gender reporting in the antihypertensive medication literature informing hypertension guidelines.
METHODS AND RESULTS
Literature cited in the International Society of Hypertension (2020), European Society of Cardiology/European Society of Hypertension (2018), American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (2017), Latin American Society of Hypertension (2017), Pan-African Society of Cardiology (2020), and Hypertension Canada (2020) guidelines was systematically reviewed. Observational studies, randomized controlled trials, and systematic reviews involving antihypertensive medications were included. Studies with participants of a single sex, guidelines, and commentaries were excluded. Data on study participation-to-prevalence ratio by sex, analysis of baseline demographics and study outcomes by sex, and stratification of adverse events by sex were extracted. Of 1659 unique citations, 331 studies met inclusion criteria. Of those, 81% reported the sex of participants, and 22% reported a male-to-female participation-to-prevalence ratio of 0.8 to 1.2. Three percent of studies stratified baseline characteristics by sex, and 20% considered sex during analysis through statistical adjustment or stratification. Although 32% of studies reported adverse events, only 0.6% stratified adverse events by sex. Most (58%) studies reporting sex/gender used sex and gender terms interchangeably.
CONCLUSIONS
Incorporation of sex- and gender-based considerations in study population, analysis, or reporting of results and adverse events is not common in the antihypertensive medication literature informing international hypertension guidelines. Greater attention to sex- and gender-based factors in research is required to optimally inform management of hypertension.
Topics: Female; Humans; Male; American Heart Association; Antihypertensive Agents; Blood Pressure; Cardiology; Hypertension; Prevalence; Sympathomimetics; United States
PubMed: 38420762
DOI: 10.1161/JAHA.123.030613 -
European Journal of Pediatrics May 2024Individuals born preterm present lower exercise capacity. Along with the cardiopulmonary responses and activity level, muscle strength is a key determinant of exercise... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Individuals born preterm present lower exercise capacity. Along with the cardiopulmonary responses and activity level, muscle strength is a key determinant of exercise capacity. This systematic review aimed to summarize the current knowledge on the impact of preterm birth on skeletal muscle mass and function across the lifespan. The databases PubMed, MEDLINE, EBM, Embase, CINAHL Plus, Global Index Medicus, and Google Scholar were searched using keywords and MeSH terms related to skeletal muscle, preterm birth, and low birth weight. Two independent reviewers undertook study selection, data extraction, and quality appraisal using Covidence review management. Data were pooled to estimate the prematurity effect on muscle mass and function using the R software. From 4378 studies retrieved, 132 were full-text reviewed and 25 met the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Five studies presented a low risk of bias, and 5 had a higher risk of bias due to a lack of adjustment for confounding factors and presenting incomplete outcomes. Meta-analyses of pooled data from homogenous studies indicated a significant reduction in muscle thickness and jump test (muscle power) in individuals born preterm versus full-term with standardized mean difference and confidence interval of - 0.58 (0.27, 0.89) and - 0.45 (0.21, 0.69), respectively. Conclusion: Overall, this systematic review summarizing the existing literature on the impact of preterm birth on skeletal muscle indicates emerging evidence that individuals born preterm, display alteration in the development of their skeletal muscle mass and function. This work also highlights a clear knowledge gap in understanding the effect of preterm birth on skeletal muscle development. What is Known: • Preterm birth, which occurs at a critical time of skeletal muscle development and maturation, impairs the development of different organs and tissues leading to a higher risk of comorbidities such as cardiovascular diseases. • Preterm birth is associated with reduced exercise capacity. What is New: • Individuals born preterm display alterations in muscle mass and function compared to individuals born at term from infancy to adulthood. • There is a need to develop preventive or curative interventions to improve skeletal muscle health in preterm-born individuals.
Topics: Humans; Muscle, Skeletal; Infant, Newborn; Muscle Strength; Premature Birth; Infant, Premature
PubMed: 38416257
DOI: 10.1007/s00431-023-05410-5