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PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases May 2024Toxoplasmosis is a serious endemic zoonotic disease caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Toxoplasma infection during pregnancy can result in congenital... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Toxoplasmosis is a serious endemic zoonotic disease caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Toxoplasma infection during pregnancy can result in congenital transmission and serious fetal and neonatal complications. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the pooled seroprevalence of T. gondii infection and its determinants among pregnant women in African countries.
METHODS
All articles reporting the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis among pregnant women in African countries and published from 2010 to 2023 were searched using various databases. The pooled prevalence of toxoplasmosis was calculated using a random-effect model. The variation between the included studies was assessed using a funnel plot and I2 heterogeneity statistics. To identify the sources of heterogeneity, sub-group analysis was further conducted by country, diagnostic method, and sub-African region. The association of prevalence rates with the socio-economic level and geoclimatic parameters was also explored.
RESULTS
In total, 29,383 pregnant women from 60 articles were included for analysis. The pooled T. gondii seroprevalence was 42.89% with high heterogeneity (I2 = 99.4%, P < 0.001). Sub-group analysis revealed variation by country (ranging from 2.62% in Namibia to 80.28% in Congo), diagnostic method used (from 8.66% in studies using a rapid diagnostic test to 55.69% in those using an agglutination test), and sub-African region (from 4.14% in regions of Southern Africa to 53.96 in Central Africa). Cat ownership (OR = 1.58) and the consumption of raw meat (OR = 1.50) and raw vegetables (OR = 1.48) had a statistically significant combined effect on T. gondii seroprevalence. No association was found between T. gondii prevalence and the level of income of the country or geoclimatic parameters.
CONCLUSION
The prevalence of toxoplasmosis infection among pregnant women in Africa is high, particularly in Central and Eastern Africa. The determinants of prevalence are multifactorial. Therefore, efforts should be made to increase the awareness of women concerning the risk factors for toxoplasmosis.
Topics: Humans; Female; Seroepidemiologic Studies; Pregnancy; Toxoplasmosis; Toxoplasma; Africa; Pregnancy Complications, Parasitic; Antibodies, Protozoan; Animals; Prevalence; Pregnant Women
PubMed: 38781272
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012198 -
PloS One 2024This study aimed to evaluate the intervention effect of curcumin on hepatic fibrosis in rodent models through systematic review and meta-analysis, in order to provide... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to evaluate the intervention effect of curcumin on hepatic fibrosis in rodent models through systematic review and meta-analysis, in order to provide meaningful guidance for clinical practice.
METHODS
A systematic retrieval of relevant studies on curcumin intervention in rats or mice hepatic fibrosis models was conducted, and the data were extracted. The outcome indicators included liver cell structure and function related indicators, such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), albumin (ALB), ratio of albumin to globulin (A/G), total bilirubin (TBIL), bax protein, bcl-2 protein and index of liver, as well as the relevant indicators for evaluating the degree of hepatic fibrosis, such as hyaluronic acid (HA), laminin (LN), type I collagen (Collagen I), type III collagen (Collagen III), type III procollagen (PCIII), type III procollagen amino terminal peptide (PIIINP), type IV collagen (IV-C), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), α-Smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), hydroxyproline (HYP), platelet derived factor-BB (PDGF-BB), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), and oxidative stress-related indicators, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). These results were then analyzed by meta-analysis. Studies were evaluated for methodological quality using the syrcle's bias risk tool.
RESULTS
A total of 59 studies were included in the meta-analysis, and the results showed that curcumin can reduce the levels of ALT, AST, ALP, TBIL, bax protein, and index of liver in hepatic fibrosis models. It can also reduce HA, LN, Collagen I, Collagen III, PCIII, PIIINP, IV-C, TNF-α, α-SMA, HYP, PDGF-BB, CTGF, TGF-β1 and MDA, and increase the levels of ALB, A/G, SOD, and GSH-Px in the hepatic fibrosis models. However, the effects of curcumin on bcl-2 protein, IL-6 in hepatic fibrosis models and index of liver in mice were not statistically significant.
CONCLUSION
The analysis results indicate that curcumin can reduce liver cell apoptosis by maintaining the stability of liver cell membrane, inhibit the activation and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells by reducing inflammatory response, and alleviate tissue peroxidation damage by clearing oxygen free radicals.
Topics: Animals; Liver Cirrhosis; Curcumin; Mice; Rats; Disease Models, Animal; Oxidative Stress; Liver
PubMed: 38781262
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304176 -
BMC Cancer May 2024We provided an overview which evaluated the diagnostic performance of circulation EV biomarkers for CRC from PubMed, Medline, and Web of Science until 21 August... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
We provided an overview which evaluated the diagnostic performance of circulation EV biomarkers for CRC from PubMed, Medline, and Web of Science until 21 August 2022.Weidentified 48 studies that involved 7727 participants and evaluated 162 plasma/serum individual EV biomarkers including 117 RNAs and 45 proteins, as well as 45 EV biomarker panels for CRC detection. 12 studies evaluated the diagnostic performance of EV biomarkers for early CRC. The summarized sensitivity, specificity, and AUC value of individual EV RNAs and EV RNA panels were 76%, 75%, 0.87 and 82%, 79% and 0.90, respectively. Meanwhile, those of individual EV proteins and EV protein panels were 85%, 84%, 0.92 and 87%, 83%, 0.92, respectively. These results indicated that EV biomarker panels revealed superior diagnostic performance than the corresponding individual biomarkers. In early CRC, EV biomarkers showed available diagnostic value with the sensitivity, specificity, and AUC value of 80%, 75%, and 0.89.In subgroup analyses, EV miRNAs and LncRNAs held similar diagnostic value with the sensitivity, specificity and AUC value of 75%, 78%, 0.90 and 79%, 72%, 0.83, which was highly consistent with the whole EV RNAs. Significantly, the diagnostic values of EV miRNAs in plasma were marginally higher than those based on serum. In detail, the sensitivity, specificity, and AUC values were 79%, 81%, and 0.92 in plasma, as well as 74%, 77%, and 0.88 in serum, respectively. Therefore, circulation EV biomarkers could be considered as a promising biomarker for the early detection of CRC.
Topics: Humans; Colorectal Neoplasms; Biomarkers, Tumor; Extracellular Vesicles; Early Detection of Cancer; MicroRNAs; Sensitivity and Specificity; RNA, Long Noncoding
PubMed: 38778252
DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-12312-8 -
Clinical Nutrition ESPEN Jun 2024Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common malignancy in developed countries. Therefore, omega-3 fatty acids (O3FAs) have been suggested as a beneficial... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND & AIMS
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common malignancy in developed countries. Therefore, omega-3 fatty acids (O3FAs) have been suggested as a beneficial complementary treatment due to their ability to regulate inflammatory responses and improve nutrition levels.This study aimed to evaluate the effects of O3FAs as a complementary treatment for inflammation, nutrition levels, post-operative infectious complications, and enhancement of recovery in CRC patients.
METHODS
The literature search was carried out through three databases. The outcomes of interest were assessed by measuring pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) and CRP levels, serum albumin levels for nutrition assessment, post-operative infectious complications, and length of stay for recovery evaluation. Quality appraisal and meta-analysis were performed using RoB 2.0 and RevMan 5.4, respectively.
RESULTS
The result showed that O3FAs significantly reduced IL-6, CRP, and TNF-α, but did not affect IL-1β. Furthermore, the variable slightly increased serum albumin levels and the supplementation led to a decrease in post-operative infectious complications and shortened hospital stays.
CONCLUSION
O3FAs as a complementary treatment provided advantages for CRC patients, Further clinical trials and experiments should also be made emphasizing the impact and clinical implementation of O3FA in the nutritional status of CRC patients.
Topics: Humans; Fatty Acids, Omega-3; Colorectal Neoplasms; Nutritional Status; Dietary Supplements; C-Reactive Protein; Complementary Therapies; Inflammation; Postoperative Complications; Cytokines
PubMed: 38777451
DOI: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2024.04.002 -
PloS One 2024Spermatozoa cryopreservation has been practiced for decades and is a very useful technique for long-term preservation of sperm fertility. The capability for semen...
Spermatozoa cryopreservation has been practiced for decades and is a very useful technique for long-term preservation of sperm fertility. The capability for semen cryopreservation varies across species, seasons, latitudes, and even for different ejaculates from the same animal. This article summarizes research results on sperm cryotolerance biomarkers in several species, focusing on three areas: spermatozoa cryotolerance biomarkers, seminal plasma proteins cryotolerance biomarkers, and other cryotolerance biomarkers. We discovered that sperm cryoresistance biomarkers are primarily related to sperm plasma membrane stability, the presence of antioxidant substances in sperm or seminal plasma, sperm cell energy metabolism, water and small molecule transport channels in the sperm plasma membrane, and antistress substances in sperm or seminal plasma. The research conducted using diverse livestock models can be employed to enhance the basic and applied reproduction of other mammals through the study of sperm cryotolerance biomarkers, as well as the substantial similarities between livestock and other organisms, including endangered species.
Topics: Cryopreservation; Male; Biomarkers; Semen Preservation; Animals; Semen; Spermatozoa; Humans; Cell Membrane
PubMed: 38776323
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303567 -
Revista Da Associacao Medica Brasileira... 2024The objective of this study was to explore the relationship between serum soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 and the severity of acute pancreatitis and its diagnostic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to explore the relationship between serum soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 and the severity of acute pancreatitis and its diagnostic utility.
METHODS
This study was carried out by searching Chinese and English literature from the establishment of the database to July 9, 2023, systematically, and assessing the quality and heterogeneity of the articles included.
RESULTS
Thirteen studies with a total of 986 patients were included. Patients with severe acute pancreatitis showed higher levels of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 compared with mild acute pancreatitis [weighted mean difference=76.64 pg/mL, 95% confidence interval (95%CI 50.39-102.89, p<0.001)]. Soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 predicted pooled sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve were 79%, 74%, and 0.85 for severe acute pancreatitis, with some heterogeneity (I2>50% or p<0.05). In the subgroup analysis, cutoff >150 pg/mL was found to be a heterogeneous factor.
CONCLUSION
Soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 is a reliable tool for identifying acute pancreatitis severity, but only as a screening tool.
Topics: Humans; Pancreatitis; Severity of Illness Index; Acute Disease; Biomarkers; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1; Sensitivity and Specificity; Predictive Value of Tests
PubMed: 38775515
DOI: 10.1590/1806-9282.20231694 -
Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and... May 2024This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of massage for postoperative rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of massage for postoperative rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty (TKA).
DATA SOURCES
The PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases were systematically searched from inception to May 2024.
STUDY SELECTION
Any randomized controlled trials on the use of massage for postoperative TKA rehabilitation were included.
DATA EXTRACTION
A meta-analysis of outcomes, including postoperative pain, knee range of motion (ROM), postoperative D-dimer levels, and length of hospital stay, was performed. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Tool was used to assess the risk of bias, and the data for each included study were extracted independently by two researchers.
DATA SYNTHESIS
Eleven randomized controlled clinical trials with 940 subjects were included. The results showed that compared with the control group, the massage group experienced more significant pain relief on the 7th, 14th and 21st days after the operation. Moreover, the improvement in knee ROM was more pronounced on postoperative days 7 and 14. In addition, the massage group reported fewer adverse events. However, there was no statistically significant difference in the reduction in postoperative D-dimer levels between the patients and controls. Subgroup analysis revealed that massage shortened the length of hospital stay for postoperative patients in China but not significantly for patients in other regions. Nevertheless, the heterogeneity of the studies was large.
CONCLUSIONS
Increased massage treatment was more effective at alleviating pain and improving knee ROM in early post-TKA patients. However, massage did not perform better in reducing D-dimer levels in patients after TKA. Based on the current evidence, massage can be used as an adjunctive treatment for rehabilitation after TKA.
Topics: Female; Humans; Male; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee; Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products; Knee Joint; Length of Stay; Massage; Pain, Postoperative; Postoperative Care; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Range of Motion, Articular; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38773539
DOI: 10.1186/s13018-024-04798-6 -
BMC Cancer May 2024Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a type of fast-growing brain glioma associated with a very poor prognosis. This study aims to identify key genes whose expression is...
BACKGROUND
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a type of fast-growing brain glioma associated with a very poor prognosis. This study aims to identify key genes whose expression is associated with the overall survival (OS) in patients with GBM.
METHODS
A systematic review was performed using PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and Web of Science up to Journey 2024. Two researchers independently extracted the data and assessed the study quality according to the New Castle Ottawa scale (NOS). The genes whose expression was found to be associated with survival were identified and considered in a subsequent bioinformatic study. The products of these genes were also analyzed considering protein-protein interaction (PPI) relationship analysis using STRING. Additionally, the most important genes associated with GBM patients' survival were also identified using the Cytoscape 3.9.0 software. For final validation, GEPIA and CGGA (mRNAseq_325 and mRNAseq_693) databases were used to conduct OS analyses. Gene set enrichment analysis was performed with GO Biological Process 2023.
RESULTS
From an initial search of 4104 articles, 255 studies were included from 24 countries. Studies described 613 unique genes whose mRNAs were significantly associated with OS in GBM patients, of which 107 were described in 2 or more studies. Based on the NOS, 131 studies were of high quality, while 124 were considered as low-quality studies. According to the PPI network, 31 key target genes were identified. Pathway analysis revealed five hub genes (IL6, NOTCH1, TGFB1, EGFR, and KDR). However, in the validation study, only, the FN1 gene was significant in three cohorts.
CONCLUSION
We successfully identified the most important 31 genes whose products may be considered as potential prognosis biomarkers as well as candidate target genes for innovative therapy of GBM tumors.
Topics: Glioblastoma; Humans; Computational Biology; Biomarkers, Tumor; Prognosis; Brain Neoplasms; RNA, Messenger; Protein Interaction Maps; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Gene Expression Profiling
PubMed: 38773447
DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-12345-z -
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine... Jun 2024To investigate the efficacy of substances containing 3 types of active ingredients-saponins, flavones, and alkaloids on experimental animals with autoimmune diseases... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Efficacy of substances containing 3 types of active ingredients-saponins, flavones, and alkaloids in regulation of cytokines in autoimmune diseases a systematic review and Meta-analysis based on animal studies.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the efficacy of substances containing 3 types of active ingredients-saponins, flavones, and alkaloids on experimental animals with autoimmune diseases (AIDs).
METHODS
The protocol for this systematic review and Meta-analysis was prospectively registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023395741). Searches were conducted in the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, Chinese Science and Technology Journals, China Biomedical, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases to screen for animal studies investigating the therapeutic effects of saponins, flavones, or alkaloids on autoimmune diseases; consequently, corresponding data extraction tables were prepared. Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory Animal Experimentation was used to assess the risk of methodological bias in the included literature. RevMan 5.4 was used for the Meta-analysis on the 8 serum cytokines.
RESULTS
A total of 31 studies were included, all of which were randomized controlled studies. Meta-analysis indicated that substances rich in saponins, flavones, and alkaloids reduced serum levels of interleukin (IL)-1β [standardized mean difference () = -1.94, 95% confidence interval () (-2.99, -0.90), 0.0003], IL-6 [ = -1.65, 95% (-2.33, -0.97,) 0.000 01], IL-17 [ = -2.41, 95% (-3.61, -1.20), 0.0001], tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α [ = -1.84, 95% (-2.61, -1.06), 0.0001], and interferon (IFN)-γ [ = -1.54, 95% (-2.43, -0.65), 0.0007], but increased serum levels of IL-4 [ = 1.30, 95% (0.15, 2.44), 0.03) and IL-10 [ = 2.05, 95% (1.39, 2.70), 0.000 01) in animal models. However, no significant regulatory effect of these three active components was observed on serum levels of IL-2 [ = -0.63, 95% (-1.82, 0.57), 0.30].
CONCLUTIONS
Substances containing saponins, flavones, and alkaloids regulated the changes of immune-related cytokines, it may be a novel dietary substance to relieve and control autoimmune diseases in the future.
Topics: Animals; Flavones; Cytokines; Autoimmune Diseases; Saponins; Alkaloids; Humans; Drugs, Chinese Herbal
PubMed: 38767625
DOI: 10.19852/j.cnki.jtcm.20240402.003 -
Cureus Apr 2024The systematic review investigates the impact of different nutrients and dietary patterns on metabolism and immunity to answer the research question: "Can personalized... (Review)
Review
The systematic review investigates the impact of different nutrients and dietary patterns on metabolism and immunity to answer the research question: "Can personalized nutritional approaches boost immunity?" The importance of diet in supporting the immune system has come to light in today's environment, where a strong immune system is crucial for protection against infectious illnesses, as highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This systematic review adhered to the guidelines outlined in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020. Four databases were screened for relevant data published in 2022-2023: PubMed, PubMed Central (PMC), MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were utilized, and 13 papers were finalized after screening and employing the quality appraisal tool Cochrane Bias assessment for randomized controlled trials (RCT). Personalized nutrition can strengthen immunity and enhance overall health by adjusting dietary recommendations and following a person's genetic makeup, lifestyle, and health state. An adequate supply of vitamins, minerals, proteins, and fatty acids as well as an optimum caloric intake are essential for immune health, and individual requirements can vary significantly due to genetic factors, lifestyle choices, and underlying health conditions. Personalized nutrition considers these factors, enabling tailored dietary recommendations to address specific nutrient needs and optimize nutrient intake, leading to better health outcomes. The review concludes that personalized nutrition is more effective than a one-size-fits-all approach in boosting immunity, and its potential impact on health and immune function is highly important.
PubMed: 38765327
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.58553