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Frontiers in Public Health 2023Previous studies have examined the impact of greenway interventions on physical activity (PA); however, the results have been inconclusive. In order to address this... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Previous studies have examined the impact of greenway interventions on physical activity (PA); however, the results have been inconclusive. In order to address this issue, our study conducted a systematic review with meta-analysis to thoroughly evaluate the evidence and determine the effectiveness of greenway interventions in promoting PA.
METHODS
We conducted a comprehensive search of literature databases, such as Web of Science, EMBASE, PubMed (via Medline), Cochrane Library, and Scopus, up to June 15, 2023. To synthesize the available evidence, we performed a meta-analysis using a random effects model. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the criteria developed by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.
RESULTS
A total of 9 publications were identified, involving 6, 589 individuals. The overall quality of most included studies was rated as moderate to high. Our study found that the greenway was effective in promoting PA among participants. Specifically, active travel (AT) showed a standard mean difference (SMD) of 0.10 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.04 to 0.17], moderate-to-vigorous PA had an SMD of 0.11 (95% CI: 0.02 to 0.20), and total PA had an SMD of 0.14 (95% CI: 0.06 to 0.21). We also observed significant differences in AT levels among participants based on greenway characteristics, exposure distance, exposure duration, and male-to-female ratio.
DISCUSSION
Newly developed or upgraded greenways have been shown to effectively promote PA. Additionally, research suggests that the longer a greenway has been in existence, the greater the benefits it provides for PA. As a result, the construction of greenways should be recognized as an effective public health intervention.
Topics: Humans; Exercise; United States; Parks, Recreational; Health Promotion
PubMed: 38145067
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1268502 -
Marine Drugs Nov 2023This study was conducted to estimate the effectiveness of marine-derived resources for treating specific diseases, as well as identify the most effective methods for... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
This study was conducted to estimate the effectiveness of marine-derived resources for treating specific diseases, as well as identify the most effective methods for applying such resources in therapeutic applications. Bibliographic databases (PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane) were searched from their inception until May 2023 using Medical Subject Headings terms and text keywords related to seawater, mineral water, or ocean therapy. Fifteen eligible studies were included, involving 1325 participants aged 42.7-63.0 years. In the subgroup analysis based on treatment type, the mean difference was -1.581 (95% CI: -1.889, -1.274) for seawater with sun exposure and -1.210 (95% CI: -1.417, -1.002) for seawater with sun exposure, mud pack application, and sulfur pool therapy. The pooled standardized mean difference was calculated for different outcomes; the results were -1.110 (95% CI: -3.028, 0.806) for osteoarthritis severity, -0.795 (95% CI: -0.982, -0.607) for arthritis pain, -1.623 (95% CI: -2.036, -1.209) for fibromyalgia pain, and -1.498 (95% CI: -1.888, -1.108) for quality of life. Marine therapy is, therefore, promising for treating chronic skin issues, easing musculoskeletal discomfort, and enhancing the quality of life among patients with musculoskeletal pain.
Topics: Humans; Quality of Life; Osteoarthritis; Mineral Waters; Delivery of Health Care; Pain
PubMed: 38132925
DOI: 10.3390/md21120604 -
BMC Cancer Dec 2023Existing literature suggests that tertiary lymphatic structure (TLS) is associated with the progression of cancer. However, the prognostic role of TLS in digestive... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Existing literature suggests that tertiary lymphatic structure (TLS) is associated with the progression of cancer. However, the prognostic role of TLS in digestive system cancers remains controversial. This meta-analysis aims to synthesize currently available evidence in the association between TLS and the survival of digestive system cancers.
METHODS
We systematically searched three digital databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science) for articles published from database inception to December 23, 2022. Study selection criteria are based on PECO framework: P (population: patients with digestive system cancers), E (exposure: presence of TLS), C (comparator: absence of TLS), O (outcome: overall survival, OS; recurrence-free survival, RFS; disease-free survival, DFS). The Quality in Prognostic Studies (QUIPS) tool was used to assess risk of bias for included studies. The study protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023416307).
RESULTS
A total of 25 studies with 6910 patients were included into the final meta-analysis. Random-effects models revealed that the absence of TLS was associated with compromised OS, RFS, and DFS of digestive system cancers, with pooled hazard ratios (HRs) of 1.74 (95% CI: 1.50-2.03), 1.96 (95% CI: 1.58-2.44), and 1.81 (95% CI: 1.49-2.19), respectively. Subgroup analyses disclosed a stronger TLS-survival association for pancreatic cancer, compared with other digestive system cancers.
CONCLUSION
TLS may be of prognostic significance for digestive system cancers. More original studies are needed to further corroborate this finding.
Topics: Humans; Prognosis; Tertiary Lymphoid Structures; Biomarkers, Tumor; Digestive System Neoplasms; Gastrointestinal Neoplasms
PubMed: 38110876
DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11738-w -
Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology :... Dec 2024Many risk factors in uterine fibroid development have been identified, but women and their physicians are less aware of the influence of lifestyle on uterine fibroid... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Many risk factors in uterine fibroid development have been identified, but women and their physicians are less aware of the influence of lifestyle on uterine fibroid development. The objective of this systematic review is to investigate and summarize modifiable prognostic factors associated with uterine fibroid development.
METHODS
Pubmed and Embase were searched for relevant articles according to PRISMA guidelines. References from included articles were screened and when relevant also included. Human in vivo studies on modifiable factors in fibroid development were included. Studies on non-modifiable factors and treatment, in vitro studies and animal studies were excluded. 607 articles were screened and 33 articles were included. Two independent investigators collected data from the report.
RESULTS
The strongest risk factor for fibroid development was a high BMI, while the strongest protective factors were a high fruit and vegetable intake and high vitamin D intake.
CONCLUSION
More high-quality studies are necessary to better understand the impact of the abovementioned factors as well as the role they play in the growth of already existing fibroids.
Topics: Animals; Female; Humans; Uterine Neoplasms; Prognosis; Leiomyoma; Risk Factors
PubMed: 38102975
DOI: 10.1080/01443615.2023.2288225 -
Journal of Biochemical and Molecular... Jan 2024Although epidemiological studies have evaluated the association between ambient air pollution and chronic kidney disease (CKD), the results remain mixed. To clarify the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Although epidemiological studies have evaluated the association between ambient air pollution and chronic kidney disease (CKD), the results remain mixed. To clarify the nature of the association, we conducted a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the global relationship between air pollution and CKD. The Web of Science, PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library databases systematically were searched for studies published up to July 2023 and included 32 studies that met specific criteria. The random effects model was used to derive overall risk estimates for each pollutant. The meta-analysis estimated odds ratio (ORs) of risk for CKD were 1.42 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.31-1.54) for each 10 μg/m increase in PM ; 1.20 (95% CI: 1.14-1.26) for each 10 μg/m increase in PM ; 1.07 (95% CI: 1.05-1.09) for each 10 μg/m increase in NO ; 1.03 (95% CI: 1.02-1.03) for each 10 μg/m increase in NO ; 1.07 (95% CI: 1.01-1.12) for each 1 ppb increase in SO ; 1.03 (95% CI: 1.00-1.05) for each 0.1 ppm increase in CO. Subgroup analysis showed that this effect varied by gender ratio, age, study design, exposure assessment method, and income level. Furthermore, PM , PM , and NO had negative effects on CKD even within the World Health Organization-recommended acceptable concentrations. Our results further confirmed the adverse effect of air pollution on the risk of CKD. These findings can contribute to enhance the awareness of the importance of reducing air pollution among public health officials and policymakers.
Topics: Humans; Air Pollutants; Particulate Matter; Nitrogen Dioxide; Environmental Exposure; Air Pollution; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic
PubMed: 38091339
DOI: 10.1002/jbt.23610 -
Frontiers in Medicine 2023Vitamin D research can vary geographically, as vitamin D status is influenced by latitude, season, dietary intake, body mass index, ethnicity, and public health...
Vitamin D research can vary geographically, as vitamin D status is influenced by latitude, season, dietary intake, body mass index, ethnicity, and public health initiatives. Over the last two decades, research on vitamin D has increased in Australia, where the potential for sun exposure (a major source of vitamin D) is high. We aimed to identify key topics and gaps in vitamin D research in Australia using a data-driven approach. A literature search limited to Australian studies was conducted in the Web of Science Core Collection database. Citation network analysis was conducted to identify clusters and sub-clusters, depicted using word clouds. Topic analysis of each cluster and sub-cluster was conducted to identify topics and sub-topics, respectively. From 934 publications (over the period 1984-2022), nine topics and 60 sub-topics were identified. The nine topics were: vitamin D in vulnerable populations and its impact on child development; impact of sun exposure and ultraviolet-B radiation on various health conditions; vitamin D and falls and fractures in older adults; vitamin D and its association with health outcomes; vitamin D from sun exposure; testing of vitamin D status in Australia; vitamin D, calcium, and musculoskeletal health; vitamin D status and knee osteoarthritis; and vitamin D status and exercise performance in athletes. There were limited publications on vitamin D in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and dietary vitamin D. We have provided an overview of vitamin D research in Australia. The research trends and knowledge gaps identified can guide future research to better inform public health initiatives in Australia.
PubMed: 38089880
DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1298190 -
Environmental Pollution (Barking, Essex... Feb 2024Light at night (LAN) is a significant but underappreciated risk factor contributing to cardiometabolic disease (CMD). We therefore conducted the review examining the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Light at night (LAN) is a significant but underappreciated risk factor contributing to cardiometabolic disease (CMD). We therefore conducted the review examining the relationship of LAN exposure with CMD in order to investigate the effects of LAN exposure on CMD. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Scopus for eligible studies published from database inception to August 17, 2023. The pooled effect size was calculated using random-effects models. Heterogeneity among the studies was quantified by Cochran's Q test and I statistic. A total of 1,019,739 participants from 14 studies (5 cohort studies and 9 cross-sectional) were included. Among the 14 eligible studies, 9 on obesity, 4 on diabetes, 2 on hypertension, 1 on dyslipidemia, and 1 on coronary heart disease. Exposure to higher levels of LAN were associated with 21% higher risk of CMD (Summary risk ratio, SRR: 1.21, 95% CI = 1.16-1.27), accompanied by substantial heterogeneity (I = 61%; tau = 0.004; Cochran's Q = 41.02). Specifically, individuals in the highest category of LAN exposure exhibited 23% higher risk of obesity (SRR: 1.23, 95% CI = 1.14-1.32), 46% higher risk of diabetes (SRR: 1.46, 95% CI = 1.05-2.03) and 21% higher risk of other CMDs (SRR: 1.21, 95% CI = 1.10-1.34). Subgroup analyses revealed that the pooled-effect size of LAN and CMD was higher for indoor LAN than outdoor LAN (indoor LAN: SRR = 1.36; outdoor LAN: SRR = 1.17, P = 0.03). The overall quality was rated as moderate using GRADE guideline. Our study strengthens the evidence on the increase in CMD risk due to LAN exposure. Findings from this study have important implications for identifying modifiable risk factor of CMD, future prevention strategy development, and resource allocation for high-risk group.
Topics: Humans; Cross-Sectional Studies; Obesity; Risk Factors; Diabetes Mellitus; Cardiovascular Diseases
PubMed: 38081378
DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123130 -
Medicine Dec 2023Previous epidemiological studies have shown inconsistent results regarding the relation between the risk of asthma in offspring and parental occupational exposure.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Previous epidemiological studies have shown inconsistent results regarding the relation between the risk of asthma in offspring and parental occupational exposure. Therefore, we conducted a comprehensive and systematic collection of currently available epidemiological data to quantify the correlation between the 2.
METHODS
Related studies published before March 2023 were identified through searches of the Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science databases. The quality of included studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, while pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed using fixed-effect or random-effects models.
RESULTS
This systematic review included 10 cohort studies, with a total of 89,571 parent-child pairs included in the quantitative analysis. The results exhibited a substantial association between parental occupational exposure to allergens (OR = 1.11; 95% CI: 1.00, 1.23; P = .051) and irritants (OR = 1.19; 95% CI: 1.07, 1.32; P = .001) and an increased risk of asthma in offspring. This association was also observed in the analysis of wheezing (OR = 1.22; 95% CI: 1.11, 1.35; P < .001 and OR = 1.19; 95% CI: 1.08, 1.32; P = .001). Subgroup analysis demonstrated that maternal occupational exposure to allergens (OR = 1.07; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.12; P = .008) and irritants (OR = 1.13; 95% CI: 1.05, 1.21; P = .001) significantly increased the risk of childhood asthma. Furthermore, parental postnatal occupational exposure to allergens (OR = 1.26; 95% CI: 1.10, 1.46; P = .001) and irritants (OR = 1.26; 95% CI: 1.06, 1.49; P = .009) had a more pronounced impact on childhood asthma. Higher levels of exposure (OR = 1.26; 95% CI: 1.10, 1.46; P = .001 and OR = 1.30; 95% CI: 1.16, 1.47; P < .001) were recognized as significant risk factors for childhood asthma.
CONCLUSION
Parental occupational exposure to allergens and irritants increases the risk of asthma and wheezing in offspring, with maternal exposure, postnatal exposure, and high-dose exposure being the primary risk factors for childhood asthma.
Topics: Female; Humans; Respiratory Sounds; Irritants; Occupational Exposure; Asthma; Parents; Allergens
PubMed: 38050266
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000036345 -
Frontiers in Oncology 2023Globally, the burden of breast cancer has increased significantly in recent decades. Emerging evidence suggested that endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), which have...
BACKGROUND
Globally, the burden of breast cancer has increased significantly in recent decades. Emerging evidence suggested that endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), which have the potential to interfere with the function of normal hormones, may play a crucial role in this trend. However, the potential relationships were inconsistent in various studies.
OBJECTIVE AND SEARCH METHODS
In our study, we sought to fully evaluate the currently available epidemiological evidence to ascertain whether certain EDC congeners and their metabolites are related to breast cancer risk. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, we conducted a comprehensive literature search of original peer-reviewed publications in three electronic databases: PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase. Publications that covered xenobiotic EDC exposures and breast cancer-confirmed histological results or antecedent medical records or reporting to health registers were taken into consideration.
OUTCOMES
The final result of the literature search was 6,498 references, out which we found 67 publications that matched the requirements for meta-analysis and eight publications for qualitative trend synthesis. In this meta-analysis, statistically significant associations revealed that (i) 1-chloro-4-[2,2,2-trichloro-1-(4-chlorophenyl)ethyl]benzene (p,p'-DDT) and its major metabolite 2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-1,1-dichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE) were somewhat related to a greater risk of breast cancer. However, this relationship only existed in blood serum but not in adipose tissue. (ii) Breast cancer risk was increased by exposure to chlordane and hexachlorocyclohexane. (iii) Five polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB 99, PCB 105, PCB 118, PCB 138, and PCB 183) can increase the risk of breast cancer. (iv) One phthalate congener (BBP) and one per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance congener (PFDoDA) were negatively associated with breast cancer risk. Unfortunately, heterogeneity was not well explained in our review, and a limited number of available prospective studies investigating the associations between EDC exposure and breast cancer were included in our meta-analysis. To elucidate the overall associations, future large, longitudinal epidemiological investigations are needed.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD 42023420927.
PubMed: 38023188
DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1282651 -
Italian Journal of Dermatology and... Dec 2023Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a heterogenous group of non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Similar presentation to benign conditions, significant genetic variation, and lack of...
INTRODUCTION
Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a heterogenous group of non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Similar presentation to benign conditions, significant genetic variation, and lack of definitive biomarkers contributes to diagnostic delay. The etiology of CTCL is unknown, and environmental exposures, such as geographic, occupational, chemicals, sunlight, and insects have been investigated.
EVIDENCE ACQUISITION
Review of the literature for CTCL and exposures was performed in PubMed and Google Scholar in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) Extension for Scoping Reviews. This search yielded 193 total results, which were initially screened with defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The 45 remaining articles were reviewed and classified by exposure type.
EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS
The most frequently investigated CTCL exposure type was geographic (13/45 articles, 29%). Chemical exposures were commonly discussed (10/45 articles, 22%), along with occupational (10/45 articles, 22%). Insect exposures (6/45, 13%) and sun exposure (3/45, 7%) were also reviewed, along with articles describing multiple exposure types (3/45, 7%). Article types ranged from cases to systematic reviews and case-control studies. Evidence linking CTCL and these exposures was mixed. Limitations of this investigation include reliance on patient reporting and frequent speculation on disease association versus causality.
CONCLUSIONS
This investigation synthesizes the current literature on exposures potentially implicated in the pathogenesis of CTCL, while offering guidance on patient history-taking to ensure potential exposures are captured. Awareness of these possible associations may improve understanding of disease pathogenesis and diagnosis. Moreover, these insights may help with public health decision-making and disease mitigation.
Topics: Humans; Delayed Diagnosis; Lymphoma, T-Cell, Cutaneous; Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin; Environmental Exposure; Skin Neoplasms
PubMed: 38015484
DOI: 10.23736/S2784-8671.23.07729-0