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Nutrients Mar 2024People are increasingly encouraged to reduce animal food consumption and shift towards plant-based diets; however, the implications for children's health are unclear. In... (Review)
Review
People are increasingly encouraged to reduce animal food consumption and shift towards plant-based diets; however, the implications for children's health are unclear. In this narrative review of research in high-income settings, we summarize evidence on the increasing consumption of plant-based diets in children and update an earlier systematic review regarding their associations with children's health outcomes. The evidence indicates that vegan, but not vegetarian, diets can restrict growth relative to omnivorous children and increase the risk of being stunted and underweight, although the percentage affected is relatively small. Bone mineral content is reduced in vegetarian and, in particular, vegan children, compared to omnivores. Both vegetarian and vegan children who do not use vitamin B12 supplements manifest with B12 deficiency; however, supplementation rectifies this problem. Both vegetarians and vegans have lower concentrations of 25(OH)D if unsupplemented, and lower body iron stores, but usually have normal iron metabolism markers. Both groups are at risk of iodine deficiency, and this might affect thyroid health. Children consuming a vegan diet have a more favorable lipid profile than omnivorous children; however, the results for a vegetarian diet are inconsistent and vary by outcome. Based on the same scientific evidence, national and international dietary recommendations are heterogeneous, with some countries supporting plant-based diets among infants, children, and adolescents, and others discouraging them. We offer a research roadmap, highlighting what is needed to provide adequate evidence to harmonize dietary recommendations for plant-based diets in children. A number of measures should urgently be introduced at international and national levels to improve the safety of their use in children.
Topics: Child; Infant; Adolescent; Animals; Humans; Diet, Plant-Based; Diet; Diet, Vegetarian; Vegetarians; Diet, Vegan; Iron; Outcome Assessment, Health Care
PubMed: 38474851
DOI: 10.3390/nu16050723 -
BMC Women's Health Mar 2024We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) levels between women with post-menopausal osteopenia or osteoporosis... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) levels between women with post-menopausal osteopenia or osteoporosis to those with normal bone mineral density (BMD).
METHODS
We used Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus to conduct a systematic search for relevant publications published before June 19, 2022, only in English language. We reported standardized mean difference (SMD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Because a significant level of heterogeneity was found, we used the random-effects model to calculate pooled effects. We used the Newcastle-Ottawa scale for quality assessment.
RESULTS
Overall, eight articles were included in the analysis. Post-menopausal women with osteoporosis had elevated levels of NLR compared to those without osteoporosis (SMD = 1.03, 95% CI = 0.18 to 1.88, p = 0.017, I = 98%). In addition, there was no difference between post-menopausal women with osteopenia and those without osteopenia in neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) levels (SMD = 0.58, 95% CI=-0.08 to 1.25, p = 0.085, I = 96.8%). However, there was no difference between post-menopausal women with osteoporosis and those with osteopenia in NLR levels (SMD = 0.75, 95% CI=-0.01 to 1.51, p = 0.05, I = 97.5%, random-effect model).
CONCLUSION
The results of this study point to NLR as a potential biomarker that may be easily introduced into clinical settings to help predict and prevent post-menopausal osteoporosis.
Topics: Humans; Female; Bone Density; Neutrophils; Postmenopause; Osteoporosis; Bone Diseases, Metabolic; Lymphocytes; Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal
PubMed: 38461235
DOI: 10.1186/s12905-024-03006-1 -
Particle and Fibre Toxicology Mar 2024Crystalline silica (cSiO) is a mineral found in rocks; workers from the construction or denim industries are particularly exposed to cSiO through inhalation. cSiO...
BACKGROUND
Crystalline silica (cSiO) is a mineral found in rocks; workers from the construction or denim industries are particularly exposed to cSiO through inhalation. cSiO inhalation increases the risk of silicosis and systemic autoimmune diseases. Inhaled cSiO microparticles can reach the alveoli where they induce inflammation, cell death, auto-immunity and fibrosis but the specific molecular pathways involved in these cSiO effects remain unclear. This systematic review aims to provide a comprehensive state of the art on omic approaches and exposure models used to study the effects of inhaled cSiO in mice and rats and to highlight key results from omic data in rodents also validated in human.
METHODS
The protocol of systematic review follows PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Eligible articles were identified in PubMed, Embase and Web of Science. The search strategy included original articles published after 1990 and written in English which included mouse or rat models exposed to cSiO and utilized omic approaches to identify pathways modulated by cSiO. Data were extracted and quality assessment was based on the SYRCLE's Risk of Bias tool for animal studies.
RESULTS
Rats and male rodents were the more used models while female rodents and autoimmune prone models were less studied. Exposure of animals were both acute and chronic and the timing of outcome measurement through omics approaches were homogeneously distributed. Transcriptomic techniques were more commonly performed while proteomic, metabolomic and single-cell omic methods were less utilized. Immunity and inflammation were the main domains modified by cSiO exposure in lungs of mice and rats. Less than 20% of the results obtained in rodents were finally verified in humans.
CONCLUSION
Omic technics offer new insights on the effects of cSiO exposure in mice and rats although the majority of data still need to be validated in humans. Autoimmune prone model should be better characterised and systemic effects of cSiO need to be further studied to better understand cSiO-induced autoimmunity. Single-cell omics should be performed to inform on pathological processes induced by cSiO exposure.
Topics: Animals; Rats; Inflammation; Lung; Proteomics; Silicon Dioxide; Silicosis; Mice
PubMed: 38429797
DOI: 10.1186/s12989-024-00573-x -
Gels (Basel, Switzerland) Jan 2024The aim of the presented systematic review is to update the state of knowledge and relate the properties and composition of fluoride gels to their potential application.... (Review)
Review
The aim of the presented systematic review is to update the state of knowledge and relate the properties and composition of fluoride gels to their potential application. This article aims to explore the effect of fluoride gel application on changes in the properties of dental biomaterials and tooth tissues. The review includes articles assessing studies on the effects of fluoride gel on dental tissues and materials. Employing the PRISMA protocol, a meticulous search was conducted across the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, utilizing keywords such as fluoride, gel, and properties. The publications were selected without limitation by the year of publication, and then Cohen's κ test was used to assess the agreement of the respondents. Exclusion criteria included non-English studies, opinion pieces, editorial papers, letters to the editor, review articles and meta-analyses, clinical reports, studies lacking full-text accessibility, and duplicates. The quality of the chosen papers was assessed by two independent reviewers. A total of 2385 were located in databases, of which only 17 met the inclusion criteria. All publications showed increased surface mineralization, and seven studies showed the effect of fluoride gel on the surface of dental tissues. Three articles stated a negative effect of fluoride gels on titanium and stainless steel alloys and glass ionomer fillings. The effects on shear bond strength and plaque deposition require further investigation because the study results are contradictory.
PubMed: 38391429
DOI: 10.3390/gels10020098 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2024We aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of five traditional Chinese fitness exercises (Baduanjin, Taijiquan, Wuqinxi, Yijinjing, and Liuzijue), as well as their... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
UNLABELLED
We aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of five traditional Chinese fitness exercises (Baduanjin, Taijiquan, Wuqinxi, Yijinjing, and Liuzijue), as well as their efficacy when combined with drug therapy, in the treatment of decreased bone mineral density in postmenopausal women.
METHODS
This study strictly followed the evaluation guidelines of PRISMA and followed the "PICOS" principle outlined in the Cochrane Handbook. We performed a systematic search on Web of Science, Springer Link, Scopus, EMBASE, EBSCO, PubMed, the Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang, CBMdisc, and the VIP Database, and we targeted RCTs studying the effect of TCE on BMD in postmenopausal women published prior to September 2023. The quality of the literature and the risk of bias of the included studies were assessed according to ROB2 and GRADE criteria, and data analysis was performed using Stata 14.
RESULTS
A total of 33 RCTs (3658 post-menopausal women) were included. Network meta-analysis showed that Taiji (SMD=0.72, 95% CI: 0.22, 1.21, P<0.01) and Yijinjing (SMD=0.51, 95% CI: 0.03, 0.99, P<0.05) were significantly superior to conventional rehabilitation in lumbar BMD. In terms of improvement of femoral neck BMD, Baduanjin (SMD=1.63, 95% CI: -3.58, 6.85, P<0.001) and Taiji (SMD=0.46, 95% CI: 0.14, 0.79, P<0.05) had statistically different outcomes to conventional rehabilitation. Regarding Ward's triangle BMD, Taiji (SMD= 0.32, 95% CI: 0.14, 0.50, P< 0.05) had statistically different outcomes to conventional rehabilitation. The results of the SUCRA probability ranking showed that Baduanjin + drug interventions achieved the most significant improvement in lumbar BMD (SUCRA=83.6%) and femoral neck BMD (SUCRA=90.2%). Taiji + drug interventions most effectively improved Ward's triangle BMD (SUCRA=86.0%). In terms of traditional Chinese fitness exercises alone, Taiji was the most effective in improving lumbar BMD (SUCRA=64.4%) and Ward's triangle BMD (SUCRA=46.8%), and Baduanjin was the most effective in treating femoral neck BMD (SUCRA=89.9%).
CONCLUSION
Traditional Chinese fitness exercises can significantly improve the BMD levels of postmenopausal women. Taiji, Yijinjing, and Baduanjin combined with medication showed better intervention effects overall. However, due to the limitations of the number of studies and sample sizes of individual interventions, definitive conclusions need to be verified by more high-quality studies.
Topics: Female; Humans; Bone Density; Network Meta-Analysis; Postmenopause; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; China
PubMed: 38390196
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1323595 -
International Dental Journal Feb 2024Caries is a global health problem, and its prevention has become a main goal of modern dentistry. Laser irradiation is believed to have potential in preventing dental... (Review)
Review
Caries is a global health problem, and its prevention has become a main goal of modern dentistry. Laser irradiation is believed to have potential in preventing dental caries. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate whether Er:YAG laser irradiation has the potential to prevent enamel caries. Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE databases were searched; 2 reviewers independently used these search strategies to review titles and abstracts, with no language or date restrictions, up to June 2023. For the quantitative analysis, continuous variables were analysed by standard mean difference (SMD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). The statistical analyses were conducted using Review Manager and Cochrane Collaboration (2020). A total of 51 potentially eligible studies were identified, of which 16 in vitro studies were eventually included in the quantitative meta-analysis. Three studies showed a low risk of bias, and 13 studies a medium risk of bias. In general, there was no significant difference between the calcium ions released under acidic conditions after laser irradiation. The final results indicated that after Er:YAG laser irradiation, enamel could maintain higher surface microhardness in acidic environments, as well as smaller lesion depth and less mineral loss, revealing its potential in preventing enamel caries. However, the effect of laser irradiation on the release of calcium ions in acidic solutions and the surface microhardness of demineralised enamel was not significant. Therefore, more in vitro and clinical trials are needed in to evaluate whether Er:YAG laser irradiation can effectively prevent enamel caries in clinical settings.
PubMed: 38383278
DOI: 10.1016/j.identj.2024.01.022 -
European Respiratory Review : An... Jan 2024Molecular pathways found to be important in pulmonary fibrosis are also involved in cancer pathogenesis, suggesting common pathways in the development of pulmonary... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Molecular pathways found to be important in pulmonary fibrosis are also involved in cancer pathogenesis, suggesting common pathways in the development of pulmonary fibrosis and lung cancer.
RESEARCH QUESTION
Is pulmonary fibrosis from exposure to occupational carcinogens an independent risk factor for lung cancer?
STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS
A comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane databases with over 100 search terms regarding occupational hazards causing pulmonary fibrosis was conducted. After screening and extraction, quality of evidence and eligibility criteria for meta-analysis were assessed. Meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model.
RESULTS
52 studies were identified for systematic review. Meta-analysis of subgroups identified silicosis as a risk factor for lung cancer when investigating odds ratios for silicosis in autopsy studies (OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.13-1.90) and for lung cancer mortality in patients with silicosis (OR 3.21, 95% CI 2.67-3.87). Only considering studies with an adjustment for smoking as a confounder identified a significant increase in lung cancer risk (OR 1.58, 95% CI 1.34-1.87). However, due to a lack of studies including cumulative exposure, no adjustments could be included. In a qualitative review, no definitive conclusion could be reached for asbestosis and silicosis as independent risk factors for lung cancer, partly because the studies did not take cumulative exposure into account.
INTERPRETATION
This systematic review confirms the current knowledge regarding asbestosis and silicosis, indicating a higher risk of lung cancer in exposed individuals compared to exposed workers without fibrosis. These individuals should be monitored for lung cancer, especially when asbestosis or silicosis is present.
Topics: Humans; Silicon Dioxide; Lung Neoplasms; Pulmonary Fibrosis; Asbestosis; Silicosis; Occupational Exposure
PubMed: 38355151
DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0224-2023 -
Osteoporosis International : a Journal... Jun 2024The use of opportunistic computed tomography (CT) image-based biomarkers may be a low-cost strategy for screening older individuals at high risk for osteoporotic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The use of opportunistic computed tomography (CT) image-based biomarkers may be a low-cost strategy for screening older individuals at high risk for osteoporotic fractures and populations that are not sufficiently targeted. This review aimed to assess the discriminative ability of image-based biomarkers derived from existing clinical routine CT scans for hip, vertebral, and major osteoporotic fracture prediction. A systematic search in PubMed MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science was conducted from the earliest indexing date until July 2023. The evaluation of study quality was carried out using a modified Quality Assessment Tool for Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2) checklist. The primary outcome of interest was the area under the curve (AUC) and its corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) obtained for four main categories of biomarkers: areal bone mineral density (BMD), image attenuation, volumetric BMD, and finite element (FE)-derived biomarkers. The meta-analyses were performed using random effects models. Sixty-one studies were included in this review, among which 35 were synthesized in a meta-analysis and the remaining articles were qualitatively synthesized. In comparison to the pooled AUC of areal BMD (0.73 [95% CI 0.71-0.75]), the pooled AUC values for predicting osteoporotic fractures for FE-derived parameters (0.77 [95% CI 0.72-0.81]; p < 0.01) and volumetric BMD (0.76 [95% CI 0.71-0.81]; p < 0.01) were significantly higher, but there was no significant difference with the pooled AUC for image attenuation (0.73 [95% CI 0.66-0.79]; p = 0.93). Compared to areal BMD, volumetric BMD and FE-derived parameters may provide a significant improvement in the discrimination of osteoporotic fractures using opportunistic CT assessments.
Topics: Humans; Osteoporotic Fractures; Bone Density; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Biomarkers; Mass Screening; Spinal Fractures; Hip Fractures; Finite Element Analysis
PubMed: 38353706
DOI: 10.1007/s00198-024-07029-0 -
Heliyon Feb 2024To summarize current evidence about the influence of body composition on the prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after transarterial...
OBJECTIVES
To summarize current evidence about the influence of body composition on the prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) treatment.
METHODS
Public databases were systematically searched to identify relevant studies published from the inception of the database up to May 2023. Studies that evaluated the association between body composition and clinical outcomes in HCC patients who underwent TACE were included. A pre-designed table was applied to summarize relevant information. Meta-analysis was performed to estimate the association of body composition with overall survival.
RESULTS
Fourteen studies were included in this review, including 3631 patients (sample size range: 56-908, median 186). All body composition measurements (including skeletal muscle area, visceral and subcutaneous adipose area, and bone mineral density) were based on computer tomography. The commonly used parameter was skeletal muscle index at 3rd lumbar vertebra level (8/14). Three studies evaluated the correlations of body composition changes with the prognosis after TACE. Most studies (12/14) identified body composition parameters as an independent indicator for overall survival, progression-free survival, and treatment response rate. The hazard ratio of different body composition parameters ranged from 1.01 to 2.88, and hazard ratio of body composition changes ranged from 1.88 to 5.93. The pooled hazard ratio of sarcopenia for overall survival was 1.38 (95 %CI: 1.20-1.58).
CONCLUSIONS
Body composition seems to be an important prognostic factor for a poorer clinical outcome after TACE treatment in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Future prospective studies with a larger sample size are required to confirm these findings.
REGISTRATION STUDY
This study has been prospectively registered at the PROSPERO platform (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/) with the registration No. CRD42022345602.
PubMed: 38352764
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25237 -
Frontiers in Nutrition 2023Exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months after birth provides infants with the best start for life. A review by Bravi et al. summarized the importance of maternal diet as... (Review)
Review
CONTEXT
Exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months after birth provides infants with the best start for life. A review by Bravi et al. summarized the importance of maternal diet as a determinant of human milk composition based on data up to 2015, but evidence on nutrient intake level was limited.
OBJECTIVE
We updated the review by Bravi et al., critically assessed differences in study designs and sampling methods, and graphically visualized trends and associations.
DATA SOURCES
PubMed was systematically searched for articles published between January 2015 and March 2021.
DATA EXTRACTION
Article screening, selection, and data extraction was done by two independent researchers, including a risk of bias assessment based on 11 criteria. Articles were eligible when including: quantitative information, commonly used effect estimates, healthy mother-infant dyads.
RESULTS
Twenty seven observational and five intervention studies were identified ( = 7,138) and combined with results of Bravi et al. Fatty acids were still the most studied human milk components in relation to maternal diet ( = 17 studies) with maternal fish intake being predominantly positively associated with milk ALA ( = 0.28-0.42), DHA ( = 0.24-0.46), and EPA ( = 0.25-0.28) content. PUFAs from diet were generally positively correlated with their concentrations in milk, while SFA intake was negatively associated with several fatty acids in milk. Studies on associations with maternal diet and milk carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and minerals were limited in number and varied in methods and results.
CONCLUSION
This updated review shows that evidence on the association between maternal diet and human milk fatty acids is rapidly increasing, but still diversified in methodology and results. Further studies, preferably intervention studies, assessing diet and milk carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and minerals are needed to be able draw conclusions on the importance of maternal diet for human milk composition as a whole.
PubMed: 38352250
DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1320560