-
Journal of Parasitic Diseases :... Dec 2022Human visceral leishmaniasis has long been associated with canine leishmaniasis (CL). However, to date, there is no clear information on the status of the disease in...
UNLABELLED
Human visceral leishmaniasis has long been associated with canine leishmaniasis (CL). However, to date, there is no clear information on the status of the disease in dogs in Morocco that could be used by policymakers for the prevention of human cases. This study aims to assess the status of CL in Morocco and its risk factors through an exhaustive literature search. The meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4. The main results showed that the overall prevalence of CL in Morocco is 17% (95% CI: 0.12-0.22), caused by two strains of parasite: and . According to the region, the maximum prevalence was reported in the coastal provinces and in the central part of the country; while, the CL risk was higher in rural area (18% [95% CI: 0.14-0.23]) and at altitude above 1000 m (23% [95% CI: - 0.08-0.53]). Regarding the intrinsic factors, the prevalence of the disease increased with the age of the dog, (30% [95% CI - 0.09-0.68) and the risk was very high in clinically asymptomatic dogs (RR = 2.08 [95% CI: 1.15-3.76]). This study is the first in Morocco indicating the CL prevalence, its geographical distribution and detailing its risk factors. These results are needed to improve management strategies for the canine reservoir of leishmaniasis in Morocco and interrupt the local transmission cycle to humans.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12639-022-01521-2.
PubMed: 36457764
DOI: 10.1007/s12639-022-01521-2 -
International Journal of Environmental... Nov 2022The present study aimed to determine the effect of high intensity interval training (HIIT) in hypoxia on maximal oxygen uptake (VO) compared with HIIT in normoxia with a... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The present study aimed to determine the effect of high intensity interval training (HIIT) in hypoxia on maximal oxygen uptake (VO) compared with HIIT in normoxia with a Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA)-accordant meta-analysis and meta-regression. Studies which measured VO following a minimum of 2 weeks intervention featuring HIIT in hypoxia versus HIIT in normoxia were included. From 119 originally identified titles, nine studies were included ( = 194 participants). Meta-analysis was conducted on change in (∆) VO using standardised mean difference (SMD) and a random effects model. Meta-regression examined the relationship between the extent of environmental hypoxia (fractional inspired oxygen [FiO]) and ∆VO and intervention duration and ∆VO. The overall SMD for ∆VO following HIIT in hypoxia was 1.14 (95% CI = 0.56-1.72; < 0.001). Meta-regressions identified no significant relationship between FiO (coefficient estimate = 0.074, = 0.852) or intervention duration (coefficient estimate = 0.071, = 0.423) and ∆VO. In conclusion, HIIT in hypoxia improved VO compared to HIIT in normoxia. Neither extent of hypoxia, nor training duration modified this effect, however the range in FiO was small, which limits interpretation of this meta-regression. Moreover, training duration is not the only training variable known to influence ∆VO, and does not appropriately capture total training stress or load. This meta-analysis provides pooled evidence that HIIT in hypoxia may be more efficacious at improving VO than HIIT in normoxia. The application of these data suggest adding a hypoxic stimuli to a period of HIIT may be more effective at improving VO than HIIT alone. Therefore, coaches and athletes with access to altitude (either natural or simulated) should consider implementing HIIT in hypoxia, rather than HIIT in normoxia where possible, assuming no negative side effects.
Topics: Humans; High-Intensity Interval Training; Oxygen Consumption; Hypoxia; Altitude; Oxygen
PubMed: 36361141
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114261 -
Biological Reviews of the Cambridge... Feb 2023Water temperature is one of the main abiotic factors affecting the structure and functioning of aquatic ecosystems and its alteration can have important effects on...
Water temperature is one of the main abiotic factors affecting the structure and functioning of aquatic ecosystems and its alteration can have important effects on biological communities. Macroinvertebrates are excellent bio-indicators and have been used for decades to assess the status of aquatic ecosystems as a result of environmental stresses; however, their responses to temperature are poorly documented and have not been systematically evaluated. The aims of this review are: (i) to collate and summarize responses of freshwater macroinvertebrates to different temperature conditions, comparing the results of experimental and theoretical studies; (ii) to understand how the focus of research on the effects of temperature on macroinvertebrates has changed during the last 51 years; and (iii) to identify research gaps regarding temperature responses, ecosystem types, organism groups, spatiotemporal scales, and geographical regions to suggest possible research directions. We performed a comparative assessment of 223 publications that specifically consider freshwater macroinvertebrates and address the effects of temperature. Short-term studies performed in the laboratory and focusing on insects exposed to a range of temperatures dominated. Field studies were carried out mainly in Europe, at catchment scale and almost exclusively in rivers; they mainly investigated responses to water thermal regime at the community scale. The most frequent biological responses tested were growth rate, fecundity and the time and length of emergence, whereas ecological responses mainly involved composition, richness, and distribution. Thermal research on freshwater macroinvertebrates has undergone a shift since the 2000s when studies involving extended spatiotemporal scales and investigating the effects of global warming first appeared. In addition, recent studies have considered the effects of temperature at genetic and evolutionary scales. Our review revealed that the effects of temperature on macroinvertebrates are manifold with implications at different levels, from genes to communities. However, community-level physiological, phenological and fitness responses tested on individuals or populations should be studied in more detail given their macroecological effects are likely to be enhanced by climate warming. In addition, most field studies at regional scales have used air temperature as a proxy for water temperature; obtaining accurate water temperature data in future studies will be important to allow proper consideration of the spatial thermal heterogeneity of water bodies and any effects on macroinvertebrate distribution patterns. Finally, we found an uneven number of studies across different ecosystems and geographic areas, with lentic bodies and regions outside the West underrepresented. It will also be crucial to include macroinvertebrates of high-altitude and tropical areas in future work because these groups are most vulnerable to climate warming for multiple reasons. Further studies on temperature-macroinvertebrate relationships are needed to fill the current gaps and facilitate appropriate conservation strategies for freshwater ecosystems in an anthropogenic-driven era.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Ecosystem; Invertebrates; Temperature; Water; Fresh Water; Rivers; Environmental Monitoring
PubMed: 36173002
DOI: 10.1111/brv.12903 -
Role of iron biomarkers and iron intakes in lung cancer risk: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine... Dec 2022The role of iron biomarkers and iron intake in the susceptibility to lung cancer is unclear. The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
The role of iron biomarkers and iron intake in the susceptibility to lung cancer is unclear. The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis, to assess the relationship between iron levels in the body or iron intake and the risk of lung cancer.
METHOD
This review is registered with PROSPERO (number CRD 42020199776). PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase and Cochrane were used to search for studies assessing the relationship between iron and lung cancer, up to July 15, 2021. Qualitative and quantitative analysis was carried out to determine if there was a correlation between iron biomarkers/intakes and the risk of lung cancer.
RESULT
Twenty articles were included. Pooled analyses demonstrated that serum ferritin concentrations and transferrin saturation (TSAT) were significantly higher in patients with lung cancer than in healthy controls (ferritin: standardized mean differences [SMD], 0.235, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.129, 0.341, I = 32.1 %; TSAT: SMD, 0.07, 95 % CI, 0.018, 0.121, I = 0 %). In contrast, serum transferrin concentrations were significantly lower in patients with lung cancer than in healthy controls (SMD, -0.591, 95 % CI, -1.18, -0.003, I = 87.7 %). No significant effects of serum iron, lung tissue iron, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) ferritin, or iron intake (total iron, dietary iron, heme iron, or non-heme iron) were found on lung cancer incidence.
CONCLUSION
Among the different iron biomarkers analyzed, a trend in association was only detected with serum ferritin, TSAT and transferrin concentration and no associations were found between iron intakes and the risk of lung cancer. However, more prospective studies are needed to strengthen the current evidence.
Topics: Biomarkers; Ferritins; Humans; Iron; Iron, Dietary; Lung; Lung Neoplasms; Transferrin
PubMed: 35987180
DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2022.127060 -
Journal of the Endocrine Society Sep 2022Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) are known to be rare. However, there is scant literature reporting their epidemiology, particularly whether the diagnosis of...
CONTEXT
Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) are known to be rare. However, there is scant literature reporting their epidemiology, particularly whether the diagnosis of PPGL has increased with advances in medical imaging and biochemical and genetic testing.
OBJECTIVE
The primary objective of this systematic review was to determine the annual incidence of PPGLs and change over time.
DESIGN
A systematic review was performed. Medline, Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science Core Collection databases were searched to identify studies reporting PPGL incidence. Studies were eligible for inclusion from the database's inception until August 30, 2021.
RESULTS
A total of 6109 manuscripts were identified; 2282 duplicates were excluded, and a further 3815 papers were excluded after abstract and/or full text review. Twelve studies were included in the final review. The incidence of PPGL ranged from 0.04 to 0.95 cases per 100 000 per year. Incidence increased over time, from approximately 0.2/100,000 individuals in studies performed before 2000, to approximately 0.6/100,000 in studies undertaken after 2010. The mode of diagnosis changed over the same time period, with more patients diagnosed from incidental imaging findings, and fewer at autopsy or from symptoms.
CONCLUSION
The annual incidence of PPGL has increased over time. Much of this increase is likely from incidental identification of tumors on imaging. However, the epidemiology of PPGL remains understudied, in particular, in associations with altitude, ethnicity, and genetics. To improve early detection and management guidelines, these gaps should be addressed.
PubMed: 35919261
DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvac105 -
International Journal of Environmental... Jul 2022Tibetans' life expectancy lags behind China's average. Obesity and noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) contribute to health disparity, but NCD patterns among Tibetans are... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Tibetans' life expectancy lags behind China's average. Obesity and noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) contribute to health disparity, but NCD patterns among Tibetans are unknown. To examine the prevalence, management, and associated factors for obesity, hypertension, and diabetes among Tibetans, compared with China's average, we systematically searched PubMed and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases for studies between January 2010 and April 2021. Thirty-nine studies were included for systematic review, among thirty-seven that qualified for meta-analysis, with 115,403 participants. Pooled prevalence was 47.9% (95% CI 38.0-57.8) for overweight/obesity among adults (BMI ≥ 24 kg/m) and 15.4% (13.7-17.2) among children using Chinese criteria, which are lower than the national rates of 51.2% and 19.0%, respectively. The estimate for hypertension (31.4% [27.1-35.7]) exceeded China's average (27.5%), while diabetes (7.5% [5.2-9.8]) was lower than average (11.9%). Men had a higher prevalence of the three conditions than women. Residents in urban areas, rural areas, and Buddhist institutes had monotonically decreased prevalence in hypertension and diabetes. Awareness, treatment, and control rates for hypertension and diabetes were lower than China's average. Urban residence and high altitude were consistent risk factors for hypertension. Limited studies investigated factors for diabetes, yet none exist for obesity. Tibetans have high burdens of obesity and hypertension. Representative and longitudinal studies are needed for tailored interventions. There are considerable variations in study design, study sample selection, and data-analysis methods, as well as estimates of reviewed studies.
Topics: Adult; Child; China; Diabetes Mellitus; Female; Humans; Hypertension; Male; Obesity; Prevalence; Risk Factors; Rural Population; Tibet; Urban Population
PubMed: 35886633
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19148787 -
Frontiers in Veterinary Science 2022The yak () is closely related to common cows (), but is clearly a distinct species. Yaks are of substantial importance to food and leather production in certain...
The yak () is closely related to common cows (), but is clearly a distinct species. Yaks are of substantial importance to food and leather production in certain high-altitude regions of Asia. The animal is increasing elsewhere as well, mainly because of the perceived health benefits of its milk. Like all ruminants, the animal harbors a complex community of microbial cells in its gut, crucial for its physiology. Despite yaks being important domestic animals, the composition of its gut microbiota and how the composition is guided by its specific high-altitude environment remains largely uncategorized. Hence, online databases (Embase, Medline ALL, Web of Science Core Collection, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Google Scholar) were searched for articles on yak intestinal microbiota. The pooled taxonomic abundance was compared between regions, sexes, different age groups, and feeding patterns. The gut microbiota distribution across different yak intestinal segments was established through pooled average taxonomic abundance. A total of 34 studies met the inclusion criteria and yielded information on 982 unique yak gut microbiota samples. An analysis of overall pooled microbiota revealed a segmented microbial community composition of the yak gut. Yak rumen microbiota was significantly influenced by difference in region, sex, and feeding patterns, the latter factor being dominant in this respect. Yak microbiome is shaped by the feeding strategy and provides an obvious avenue for improving health and productivity of the animal. More generally, the current segmental description of physiological gut microbiome provides insight into how the microbiology of this animal has adapted itself to help comping yaks with its high-altitude habitat.
PubMed: 35836500
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.889594 -
Acta Neurochirurgica Sep 2022Concerns arise when patients with pneumocephalus engage in air travel. How hypobaric cabin pressure affects intracranial air is largely unclear. A widespread concern is... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Concerns arise when patients with pneumocephalus engage in air travel. How hypobaric cabin pressure affects intracranial air is largely unclear. A widespread concern is that the intracranial volume could relevantly expand during flight and lead to elevated intracranial pressure. The aim of this systematic review was to identify and summarise models and case reports with confirmed pre-flight pneumocephalus.
METHODS
The terms (pneumocephalus OR intracranial air) AND (flying OR fly OR travel OR air transport OR aircraft) were used to search the database PubMed on 30 November 2021. This search returned 144 results. To be included, a paper needed to fulfil each of the following criteria: (i) peer-reviewed publication of case reports, surveys, simulations or laboratory experiments that focussed on air travel with pre-existing pneumocephalus; (ii) available in full text.
RESULTS
Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria after title or abstract screening. We additionally identified five more articles when reviewing the references. A notion that repeatedly surfaced is that any air contained within the neurocranium increases in volume at higher altitude, much like any extracranial gas, potentially resulting in tension pneumocephalus or increased intracranial pressure.
DISCUSSION
Relatively conservative thresholds for patients flying with pneumocephalus are suggested based on models where the intracranial air equilibrates with cabin pressure, although intracranial air in a confined space would be surrounded by the intracranial pressure. There is a discrepancy between the models and case presentations in that we found no reports of permanent or transient decompensation secondary to a pre-existing pneumocephalus during air travel. Nevertheless, the quality of examination varies and clinicians might tend to refrain from reporting adverse events. We identified a persistent extracranial to intracranial fistulous process in multiple cases with newly diagnosed pneumocephalus after flight. Finally, we summarised management principles to avoid complications from pneumocephalus during air travel and argue that a patient-specific understanding of the pathophysiology and time course of the pneumocephalus are potentially more important than its volume.
Topics: Air Travel; Humans; Intracranial Hypertension; Intracranial Pressure; Pneumocephalus
PubMed: 35794427
DOI: 10.1007/s00701-022-05297-5 -
JSES Reviews, Reports, and Techniques Nov 2022Venous thromboembolic events (VTEs) following orthopedic surgery may lead to serious morbidity and mortality. Fortunately, VTEs following upper extremity procedures are... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Venous thromboembolic events (VTEs) following orthopedic surgery may lead to serious morbidity and mortality. Fortunately, VTEs following upper extremity procedures are uncommon. However, the true incidence is likely underreported. The aim of this study is to provide a systematic review, excluding large database studies, to report on the incidence of VTEs following shoulder arthroscopic procedures.
METHODS
Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines, a systematic review of multiple databases was performed. A comprehensive search of several databases from inception to September 1, 2021, limited to English language and excluding animal studies, was designed and conducted. Studies were screened by 2 independent reviewers. A decision to exclude studies from large surgical or insurance claim databases was made to minimize the risk of including overlapping data points in this systematic review.
RESULTS
Thirteen studies met inclusion and exclusion criteria and form part of this systematic review. A total of 32,407 patients were included in this study. Among these patients, the deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and overall VTE rates were 0.15%, 0.08%, and 0.21%, respectively. Among the patients specified to have undergone arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, the rate of deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and overall VTE was 0.71%, 0.37%, and 1.04%, respectively.
CONCLUSION
While symptomatic VTEs are rare following shoulder arthroscopic procedures, surgeons must be aware that they still account for a certain number of postoperative complications. Factors such as operative time, open procedures, obesity, and altitude may increase the risk of postoperative VTE although conflicting data exist. Current literature supports the idea that chemical antithrombotic prophylaxis likely provides no significant advantage over early mobilization in reducing VTEs following shoulder arthroscopy in low-risk patients.
PubMed: 37588470
DOI: 10.1016/j.xrrt.2022.05.003 -
Biology Apr 2022The use of normobaric hypoxia can bring benefits to sports performance because it improves haematological parameters and/or physical activity tests. Our objective was to... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The use of normobaric hypoxia can bring benefits to sports performance because it improves haematological parameters and/or physical activity tests. Our objective was to conduct a systematic review so as to analyse the methods used in hypoxia and to detect its effects on middle- and/or long-distance runners.
METHODS
Research was conducted using five electronic databases (PubMed, SportDiscus, Cochrane Library, Scopus and PEDro) until December 2021. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the PEDro scale.
RESULTS
Having analysed 158 studies, 12 were chosen for the qualitative and quantitative synthesis. A significant improvement on time until exhaustion was detected, and oxygen saturation decreased after the intervention. There were no significant changes in the 3000-metre time trial or in the haematocrit percentage. The changes in percentage of reticulocytes, heart rate, maximal heart rate, lactate concentration and erythropoietin were heterogeneous between the different research studies.
CONCLUSION
short exposure (less than 3 h to normobaric hypoxia significantly increases the time to exhaustion). However, longer exposure times are necessary to increase haemoglobin. Altitude and exposure time are highly heterogeneous in the included studies.
PubMed: 35625417
DOI: 10.3390/biology11050689