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PeerJ 2024Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by bacterial infection in the periodontal support tissue. Visfatin, a hormone secreted mainly by adipocytes and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by bacterial infection in the periodontal support tissue. Visfatin, a hormone secreted mainly by adipocytes and macrophages, plays an important role in immune regulation and defense. Although studies have indicated that patients with periodontitis have significantly high serum and gingival crevicular fluid levels of visfatin, the relationship between this adipocytokine and periodontal disease remains unclear.
AIM
The aim of this study was to systematically evaluate the association between visfatin levels and periodontitis.
METHODS
The PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, EBSCO, and Wiley Online Library databases were searched for potential studies, using "periodontitis" and "visfatin" as the keywords in the title and abstract search fields. Standardized mean difference (SMD) values with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were determined from the results of this meta-analysis.
RESULTS
In total, 22 articles involving 456 patients with periodontitis and 394 healthy individuals (controls) were included in the meta-analysis. Visfatin levels were significantly higher in the patients with periodontitis than in the healthy individuals (SMD: 3.82, 95% CI [3.01-4.63]). Moreover, the visfatin levels were significantly lowered after periodontitis treatment (SMD: -2.29, 95% CI [-3.33 to -1.26]).
CONCLUSION
This first-ever meta-analysis comparing visfatin levels between patients with periodontitis and healthy individuals suggests that this adipocytokine can be a diagnostic and therapeutic biomarker for periodontal disease.
Topics: Humans; Adipokines; Case-Control Studies; Nicotinamide Phosphoribosyltransferase; Periodontal Diseases; Periodontitis
PubMed: 38560458
DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17187 -
BMC Complementary and Alternative... May 2014Although a number of studies have been conducted on the prevalence of dietary supplement (DS) use in military personnel, these investigations have not been previously... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Although a number of studies have been conducted on the prevalence of dietary supplement (DS) use in military personnel, these investigations have not been previously summarized. This article provides a systematic literature review of this topic.
METHODS
Literature databases, reference lists, and other sources were searched to find studies that quantitatively examined the prevalence of DS use in uniformed military groups. Prevalence data were summarized by gender and military service. Where there were at least two investigations, meta-analysis was performed using a random model and homogeneity of the prevalence values was assessed.
RESULTS
The prevalence of any DS use for Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps men was 55%, 60%, 60%, and 61%, respectively; for women corresponding values were 65%, 71%, 76%, and 71%, respectively. Prevalence of multivitamin and/or multimineral (MVM) use for Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps men was 32%, 46%, 47%, and 41%, respectively; for women corresponding values were 40%, 55%, 63%, and 53%, respectively. Use prevalence of any individual vitamin or mineral supplement for Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps men was 18%, 27%, 25%, and 24%, respectively; for women corresponding values were 29%, 36%, 40%, and 33%, respectively. Men in elite military groups (Navy Special Operations, Army Rangers, and Army Special Forces) had a use prevalence of 76% for any DS and 37% for MVM, although individual studies were not homogenous. Among Army men, Army women, and elite military men, use prevalence of Vitamin C was 15% for all three groups; for Vitamin E, use prevalence was 8%, 7%, and 9%, respectively; for sport drinks, use prevalence was 22%, 25% and 39%, respectively. Use prevalence of herbal supplements was generally low compared to vitamins, minerals, and sport drinks, ≤5% in most investigations.
CONCLUSIONS
Compared to men, military women had a higher use prevalence of any DS and MVM. Army men and women tended to use DSs and MVM less than other service members. Elite military men appeared to use DSs and sport drinks more than other service members.
Topics: Dietary Supplements; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Military Personnel; Prevalence
PubMed: 24884570
DOI: 10.1186/1472-6882-14-143 -
International Journal of Environmental... Feb 2023Constructed wetlands (CWs) are an eco-technology for wastewater treatment and are applied worldwide. Due to the regular influx of pollutants, CWs can release... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Constructed wetlands (CWs) are an eco-technology for wastewater treatment and are applied worldwide. Due to the regular influx of pollutants, CWs can release considerable quantities of greenhouse gases (GHGs), ammonia (NH), and other atmospheric pollutants, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and hydrogen sulfide (HS), etc., which will aggravate global warming, degrade air quality and even threaten human health. However, there is a lack of systematic understanding of factors affecting the emission of these gases in CWs. In this study, we applied meta-analysis to quantitatively review the main influencing factors of GHG emission from CWs; meanwhile, the emissions of NH, VOCs, and HS were qualitatively assessed. Meta-analysis indicates that horizontal subsurface flow (HSSF) CWs emit less CH and NO than free water surface flow (FWS) CWs. The addition of biochar can mitigate NO emission compared to gravel-based CWs but has the risk of increasing CH emission. Polyculture CWs stimulate CH emission but pose no influence on NO emission compared to monoculture CWs. The influent wastewater characteristics (e.g., C/N ratio, salinity) and environmental conditions (e.g., temperature) can also impact GHG emission. The NH volatilization from CWs is positively related to the influent nitrogen concentration and pH value. High plant species richness tends to reduce NH volatilization and plant composition showed greater effects than species richness. Though VOCs and HS emissions from CWs do not always occur, it should be a concern when using CWs to treat wastewater containing hydrocarbon and acid. This study provides solid references for simultaneously achieving pollutant removal and reducing gaseous emission from CWs, which avoids the transformation of water pollution into air contamination.
Topics: Humans; Gases; Greenhouse Gases; Methane; Nitrous Oxide; Wastewater; Wetlands
PubMed: 36900888
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20053876 -
Journal of Alternative and... May 2018The last systematic review of physicochemical research performed on homeopathic preparations was published in 2003. The aim of the study is to update and expand the... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
The last systematic review of physicochemical research performed on homeopathic preparations was published in 2003. The aim of the study is to update and expand the current state of knowledge in the area of physicochemical properties of homeopathic preparations. In part 1 of the study, we aim to present an overview of the literature with respect to publication quality and methods used. In part 2, we aim to identify the most interesting experimental techniques. With this, we aim to be in a position to generate meaningful hypotheses regarding a possible mode of action of homeopathic preparations.
METHODS
A two-step procedure was adopted: (1) an extensive literature search, followed by a bibliometric and quality analysis on the level of publications and (2) a thorough qualitative analysis of the individual physicochemical investigations found. In this publication, we report on step (1). We searched major scientific databases to find publications reporting physicochemical investigations of homeopathy from its origin to the end of 2015. Publications were assessed using a scoring scheme, the Manuscript Information Score (MIS). Information regarding country of origin of the research and experimental techniques used was extracted.
RESULTS
We identified 183 publications (compared to 44 in the last review), 122 of which had an MIS ≥5. The rate of publication in the field was ∼2 per year from the 1970s until 2000. Afterward, it increased to over 5.5 publications per year. The quality of publications was seen to increase sharply from 2000 onward, whereas before 2000, only 12 (13%) publications were rated as "high quality" (MIS ≥7.5); 44 (48%) publications were rated as "high quality" from 2000 onward. Countries with most publications were Germany (n = 42, 23%), France (n = 29, 16%), India (n = 27, 15%), and Italy (n = 26, 14%). Techniques most frequently used were electrical impedance (26%), analytical methods (20%), spectroscopy (20%), and nuclear magnetic resonance (19%).
CONCLUSIONS
Physicochemical research into homeopathic preparations is increasing both in terms of quantity and quality of the publications.
Topics: Bibliometrics; Homeopathy; Materia Medica
PubMed: 29377709
DOI: 10.1089/acm.2017.0249 -
BMC Oral Health Jun 2017This study aimed to assess the difference in serum levels of leptin and adiponectin in patients with periodontitis and in periodontally healthy individuals and evaluate... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
This study aimed to assess the difference in serum levels of leptin and adiponectin in patients with periodontitis and in periodontally healthy individuals and evaluate the changes in circulating leptin and adiponectin after periodontal therapy. Leptin and adiponectin are the most generally studied adipokines that function as inflammatory cytokines. Although the association between periodontitis and serum levels of leptin and adiponectin has been studied extensively, the results were not consistent.
METHODS
A systematic search of the Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library up to September 2016 was conducted. The studies were screened and selected by two writers according to the specific eligibility criteria. The quality of included cross-sectional studies was assessed using the quality assessment form recommended by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and Methodological Index for Nonrandomized Studies. The meta-analyses were conducted using the STATA 12.0 software.
RESULTS
A total of 399 manuscripts were yielded and 25 studies were included in the present meta-analysis. Significantly elevated serum levels of leptin and decreased serum levels of adiponectin in patients with periodontitis were observed in the subgroup analysis of body mass index (BMI) <30. The overall and subgroup analyses showed no significant change in the serum levels of leptin in patients with periodontitis after periodontal treatment. The subgroup analysis of systemically healthy patients showed no significant change in serum levels of adiponectin in patients with periodontitis after periodontal treatment.
CONCLUSIONS
The present meta-analysis supported elevated serum levels of leptin and decreased serum levels of adiponectin in patients with periodontitis compared with controls in the BMI <30 population. In systemically healthy patients with periodontitis, serum levels of leptin and adiponectin do not significantly change after periodontal treatment.
Topics: Adiponectin; Humans; Leptin; Periodontitis
PubMed: 28662701
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-017-0395-0 -
International Journal of Environmental... Sep 2022Electronic waste (e-waste) recycling releases mercury (Hg) into the environment, though to our knowledge Hg levels at such sites have yet to be examined on a worldwide... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Electronic waste (e-waste) recycling releases mercury (Hg) into the environment, though to our knowledge Hg levels at such sites have yet to be examined on a worldwide basis. A systematic review of scientific studies was conducted to extract, analyze, and synthesize data on Hg levels in e-waste products, environments near recycling sites, and in people. Data were extracted from 78 studies from 20 countries, and these included Hg levels in 1103 electrical and electronic products, 2072 environmental samples (soil, air, plant, food, water, dust), and 2330 human biomarkers (blood, hair, urine). The average Hg level in products was 0.65 μg/g, with the highest levels found in lamps (578 μg/g). Average soil and sediment Hg levels (1.86 μg/g) at e-waste sites were at least eight times higher than at control sites. Average urinary Hg levels (0.93 μg/g creatinine) were approximately two-fold higher among e-waste workers versus control groups. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that e-waste recycling may lead to Hg contamination in environments and human populations in close proximity to processing sites. These findings contribute to a growing knowledge base of mercury exposure through diverse source-exposure pathways, and the work has potential policy implications in the context of the Minamata Convention.
Topics: Biomarkers; Creatinine; Dust; Electronic Waste; Environmental Monitoring; Humans; Mercury; Soil; Waste Products; Water Pollutants, Chemical
PubMed: 36231146
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191911843 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2023The inclusion of all relevant exposure routes in the exposure assessment is essential for the protection of workers. However, under European chemical regulations but... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
The inclusion of all relevant exposure routes in the exposure assessment is essential for the protection of workers. However, under European chemical regulations but also for workplace risk assessments according to occupational safety and health (OSH) requirements, the quantitative assessment of oral exposure is usually neglected assuming good occupational hygiene. In contrast, several studies point to the importance of unintentional ingestion in the workplace. To our knowledge, there is no systematic analysis of the extent of this exposure route.
METHODS
Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess systematically the current knowledge on the relevance of occupational oral exposure using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) method. Five electronic databases and nine institutional websites were searched for all publications on the relevance. The data were extracted into a concept matrix. In the subsequent meta-analysis, the identified conclusions on the relevance were analyzed. In addition, the measurement methods or modeling approaches that were described for occupational oral exposure were determined as well as the potentially relevant workplaces and substances.
RESULTS
In total, 147 studies were included in this analysis that contain a general or several, differentiated assessments of the relevance of occupational oral exposure. Nine of these studies assessed this exposure route as irrelevant. However, 123 studies considered oral exposure as potentially contributing and 80 studies explicitly identified it as relevant. 78 and 94 of the publications described modeling and measurement approaches, respectively. The workplaces frequently identified as potentially or explicitly relevant were other indoor, other industrial or recycling workplaces. Analogously, metals, dust and powders or pesticides were the most frequently investigated substance groups.
DISCUSSION
As several studies assessed occupational oral exposure as relevant in the context of different workplaces and substances, further investigation of this exposure route is needed. This systematic review and meta-analysis serve as a basis for further development of feasible assessment methods for this route of exposure.
Topics: Humans; Occupational Exposure; Risk Assessment; Workplace; Pesticides
PubMed: 38098819
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1298744 -
Environmental Health : a Global Access... Mar 2023The adverse effects of air pollution on human health include many diseases and health conditions associated with mortality, morbidity and disability. One example of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
The adverse effects of air pollution on human health include many diseases and health conditions associated with mortality, morbidity and disability. One example of these outcomes that can be translated into economic costs is the number of days of restricted activity. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of outdoor exposure to particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than or equal to 10 and 2.5 μm (PM, PM), nitrogen dioxide (NO), and ozone (O), on restricted activity days.
METHODS
Observational epidemiological studies with different study designs were included, and pooled relative risks (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were calculated for an increase of 10 μg/m of the pollutant of interest. Random-effects models were chosen because of the environmental differences between the studies. Heterogeneity was estimated using prediction intervals (PI) and I-Squared (I2) values, while risk of bias was assessed using a tool developed by the World Health Organization specifically designed for air pollution studies, and based on different domains. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed where possible. The protocol for this review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022339607).
RESULTS
We included 18 articles in the quantitative analysis. Associations between pollutants and restricted activity days in time-series studies of short-term exposures, measured as work-loss days, school-loss days, or both were significant for PM (RR: 1.0191; 95%CI: 1.0058-1.0326; 80%PI: 0.9979-1.0408; I2: 71%) and PM (RR: 1.0166; 95%CI: 1.0050-1.0283; 80%PI: 0.9944-1.0397; I2: 99%), but not for NO or O. Some degree of heterogeneity between studies was observed, but sensitivity analysis showed no differences in the direction of the pooled relative risks when studies with a high risk of bias were excluded. Cross-sectional studies also showed significant associations for PM and restricted activity days. We could not perform the analysis for long-term exposures because only two studies analysed this type of association.
CONCLUSION
Restricted activity days and related outcomes were associated with some of the pollutants under evaluation, as shown in studies with different designs. In some cases, we were able to calculate pooled relative risks that can be used for quantitative modelling.
Topics: Humans; Air Pollutants; Nitrogen Dioxide; Cross-Sectional Studies; Air Pollution; Particulate Matter; Ozone; Environmental Pollutants; Environmental Exposure; Observational Studies as Topic
PubMed: 36991377
DOI: 10.1186/s12940-023-00979-8 -
International Journal of Molecular... Mar 2023Previous studies have found several biomarkers for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), but the accuracy of most biomarkers is still in doubt due to the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Previous studies have found several biomarkers for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), but the accuracy of most biomarkers is still in doubt due to the occurrence of other comorbidities. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to explore ideal ARDS biomarkers which can reflect pathophysiology features precisely and better identify at-risk patients and predict mortality. Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, OVID, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched for studies assessing the reliability of pulmonary-originated epithelial proteins in ARDS. A total of 32 studies appeared eligible for meta-analysis, including 2654 ARDS/ALI patients in this study. In the at-risk patients' identification group, the highest pooled effect size was observed in Krebs von den Lungren-6 (KL-6) (SMD: 1.17 [95% CI: 0.55, 1.79]), followed by club cell proteins 16 (CC16) (SMD: 0.74 [95% CI: 0.01, 1.46]), and surfactant proteins-D (SP-D) (SMD: 0.71 [95% CI: 0.57, 0.84]). For the mortality prediction group, CC16 exhibited the largest effect size with SMD of 0.92 (95% CI: 0.42, 1.43). Meanwhile, the summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) of CC16 for ARDS diagnosis reached an AUC of 0.80 (95% CI: 0.76, 0.83). In conclusion, this study provides a ranking system for pulmonary-originated epithelial biomarkers according to their association with distinguishing at-risk patients and predicting mortality. In addition, the study provides evidence for the advantage of biomarkers over traditional diagnostic criteria. The performance of biomarkers may help to clinically improve the ARDS diagnosis and mortality prediction.
Topics: Humans; Reproducibility of Results; Lung; Respiratory Distress Syndrome; Biomarkers; ROC Curve
PubMed: 37047065
DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076090 -
Transfusion and Apheresis Science :... Aug 2021Numerous studies investigate the association between the ABO blood groups and the occurrence of COVID-19 infection; discordant findings were reported. Therefore, the... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Numerous studies investigate the association between the ABO blood groups and the occurrence of COVID-19 infection; discordant findings were reported. Therefore, the purpose of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the existing evidence on the susceptibility of the ABO blood group to COVID-19 infection.
METHODS
Systematically searched published articles in PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and EMBASE between 1 st January 2020 and 21 st March 2021. After quality control and the exclusion of irrelevant studies, 16 studies were included in the final analysis.
RESULTS
Although the random-effect meta-analysis revealed a large heterogeneity among studies, I 2 = 99.197 %. The pooled event rates and (95 % CIs) for A, O, B, and AB blood group were 0.459 (95 %CI: 0.358-0.441), 0.342 (95 %CI: 0.298-0.374), 0.180 (95 %CI: 0.150-0.214), and 0.076 (95 %CI: 0.055-0.127), respectively. These results indicated that the COVID-19 infection rate was higher in persons with blood group A > O > B > AB. Overall, the ABO blood group's vulnerability to COVID-19 infection was statistically significant (pooled p -value<0.001).
CONCLUSION
This meta-analysis offers a further indication of blood group A individuals' vulnerability to COVID-19 infection, and blood type AB are linked to a lower risk of COVID-19 infection.
Topics: ABO Blood-Group System; COVID-19; Evidence-Based Medicine; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Humans; Pandemics; SARS-CoV-2
PubMed: 34045120
DOI: 10.1016/j.transci.2021.103169