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British Journal of Cancer Apr 2022This systematic review and meta-analysis examined associations between serum levels of haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and glucose and the risk of gastric cancer. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
This systematic review and meta-analysis examined associations between serum levels of haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and glucose and the risk of gastric cancer.
METHODS
MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched for studies examining associations between serum levels of HbA1c or glucose and the risk of gastric cancer. Inclusion of studies, quality assessment, and data extraction were conducted independently by two authors. Pooled hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were synthesised using random-effects models. Cochran's Q test and I statistic were used to assess heterogeneity.
RESULTS
Among 3473 identified studies, 12 were included. Of these, 5 studies examined HbA1c levels and 7 studies examined serum glucose levels. Serum HbA1c levels >6% were associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer (HR 1.36, 95% CI 1.06-1.74). When compared with the lowest glucose categories, the highest glucose categories were associated with a borderline increased risk of gastric cancer (HR 1.11, 95% CI 0.98-1.26). In subgroup analyses, studies that adjusted for Helicobacter pylori infection indicated stronger associations between elevated HbA1c levels and gastric cancer (HR 2.08, 95% CI 1.46-2.98) than those without such adjustment (HR 1.10, 95% CI 0.91-1.32).
CONCLUSIONS
Long-standing poor glycaemic control may increase the risk of gastric cancer.
REGISTRATION NUMBER
PROSPERO CRD42020157453.
Topics: Glucose; Glycated Hemoglobin; Helicobacter Infections; Helicobacter pylori; Humans; Stomach Neoplasms
PubMed: 35027671
DOI: 10.1038/s41416-021-01693-3 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Jun 2022Accurate identification of independent predictors of stillbirth is needed to define preventive strategies. We aim to examine the independent contribution of maternal...
Accurate identification of independent predictors of stillbirth is needed to define preventive strategies. We aim to examine the independent contribution of maternal race in the risk of stillbirth after adjusting for maternal characteristics and medical history. There are two components to the study: first, prospective screening in 168,966 women with singleton pregnancies coordinated by the Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF) and second, a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies reporting on race and stillbirth. In the FMF study, logistic regression analysis found that in black women, the risk of stillbirth, after adjustment for confounders, was higher than in white women (odds ratio 1.78, 95% confidence interval 1.50 to 2.11). The risk for other racial groups was not significantly different. The literature search identified 20 studies that provided data on over 6,500,000 pregnancies, but only 10 studies provided risks adjusted for some maternal characteristics; consequently, the majority of these studies did not provide accurate contribution of different racial groups to the prediction of stillbirth. It is concluded that in women of black origin, the risk of stillbirth, after adjustment for confounders, is about twofold higher than in white women. Consequently, closer surveillance should be granted for these women.
PubMed: 35743521
DOI: 10.3390/jcm11123452 -
Tropical Medicine & International... Aug 2014To estimate the global prevalence of handwashing with soap and derive a pooled estimate of the effect of hygiene on diarrhoeal diseases, based on a systematic search of... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To estimate the global prevalence of handwashing with soap and derive a pooled estimate of the effect of hygiene on diarrhoeal diseases, based on a systematic search of the literature.
METHODS
Studies with data on observed rates of handwashing with soap published between 1990 and August 2013 were identified from a systematic search of PubMed, Embase and ISI Web of Knowledge. A separate search was conducted for studies on the effect of hygiene on diarrhoeal disease that included randomised controlled trials, quasi-randomised trials with control group, observational studies using matching techniques and observational studies with a control group where the intervention was well defined. The search used Cochrane Library, Global Health, BIOSIS, PubMed, and Embase databases supplemented with reference lists from previously published systematic reviews to identify studies published between 1970 and August 2013. Results were combined using multilevel modelling for handwashing prevalence and meta-regression for risk estimates.
RESULTS
From the 42 studies reporting handwashing prevalence we estimate that approximately 19% of the world population washes hands with soap after contact with excreta (i.e. use of a sanitation facility or contact with children's excreta). Meta-regression of risk estimates suggests that handwashing reduces the risk of diarrhoeal disease by 40% (risk ratio 0.60, 95% CI 0.53-0.68); however, when we included an adjustment for unblinded studies, the effect estimate was reduced to 23% (risk ratio 0.77, 95% CI 0.32-1.86).
CONCLUSIONS
Our results show that handwashing after contact with excreta is poorly practiced globally, despite the likely positive health benefits.
Topics: Diarrhea; Environmental Exposure; Global Health; Hand Disinfection; Humans; Hygiene; Sanitation; Soaps
PubMed: 24889816
DOI: 10.1111/tmi.12339 -
BMC Public Health Jul 2013All-cause mortality in the population<65 years is 30% higher in Glasgow than in equally deprived Liverpool and Manchester. We investigated a hypothesis that low vitamin... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
All-cause mortality in the population<65 years is 30% higher in Glasgow than in equally deprived Liverpool and Manchester. We investigated a hypothesis that low vitamin D in this population may be associated with premature mortality via a systematic review and meta-analysis.
METHODS
Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library and grey literature sources were searched until February 2012 for relevant studies. Summary statistics were combined in an age-stratified meta-analysis.
RESULTS
Nine studies were included in the meta-analysis, representing 24,297 participants, 5,324 of whom died during follow-up. The pooled hazard ratio for low compared to high vitamin D demonstrated a significant inverse association (HR 1.19, 95% CI 1.12-1.27) between vitamin D levels and all-cause mortality after adjustment for available confounders. In an age-stratified meta-analysis, the hazard ratio for older participants was 1.25 (95% CI 1.14-1.36) and for younger participants 1.12 (95% CI 1.01-1.24).
CONCLUSIONS
Low vitamin D status is inversely associated with all-cause mortality but the risk is higher amongst older individuals and the relationship is prone to residual confounding. Further studies investigating the association between vitamin D deficiency and all-cause mortality in younger adults with adjustment for all important confounders (or using randomised trials of supplementation) are required to clarify this relationship.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Female; Humans; Incidence; Male; Middle Aged; Mortality, Premature; United Kingdom; Vitamin D Deficiency
PubMed: 23883271
DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-13-679 -
BioMed Research International 2022We thoroughly searched PubMed, Embase, and MEDLINE databases for the literature on stroke risk for immigrants and host populations by January 2022. Fourteen relevant... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
METHODS
We thoroughly searched PubMed, Embase, and MEDLINE databases for the literature on stroke risk for immigrants and host populations by January 2022. Fourteen relevant cohort studies from eight countries met the inclusion criteria, and their data were included in this meta-analysis. Heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed.
RESULTS
The results showed that the immigrant groups suffered from a lower incidence rate of stroke compared with the host populations (HR = 0.81, 95% CI 0.71-0.91, = 0.001), but there was nonsignificant higher mortality of stroke in immigrants (HR = 1.07; 95% CI 0.84-1.36). However, the pooled adjusted incidence HR reduced to 0.67 (95% CI 0.60-0.75) after adjustment for publication bias. Immigrants had a lower stroke incidence compared to long-term residents, but the association varied with the country of origin, socioeconomic status, residence (urban rural), and comorbid conditions. . The present systematic review and meta-analysis implicated that stroke risks are different for immigrants and the host populations; therefore, this knowledge may be useful for developing targeted stroke prevention strategies.
Topics: Cohort Studies; Emigrants and Immigrants; Emigration and Immigration; Humans; Incidence; Stroke
PubMed: 36060129
DOI: 10.1155/2022/1926744 -
The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging Jul 2012Lower muscle strength is associated with a range of adverse health outcomes in later life. The variation in muscle strength between individuals is only partly accounted... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
Lower muscle strength is associated with a range of adverse health outcomes in later life. The variation in muscle strength between individuals is only partly accounted for by factors in adult life such as body size and physical activity. The aim of this review was to assess the strength of the association between intrauterine development (indicated by birth weight) and subsequent muscle strength.
DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis of studies that assessed the association between birth weight and subsequent muscle strength.
RESULTS
Nineteen studies met inclusion criteria with 17 studies showing that higher birth weight was associated with greater muscle strength. Grip strength was used as a single measure of muscle strength in 15 studies. Meta-analysis (13 studies, 20 481 participants, mean ages 9.3 to 67.5) showed a 0.86 kg (95% CI 0.58, 1.15) increase in muscle strength per additional kilogram of birth weight, after adjustment for age, gender and height at the time of strength measurement.
CONCLUSION
This review has found consistent evidence of a positive association between birth weight and muscle strength which is maintained across the lifecourse. Future work will be needed to elucidate the biological mechanisms underlying this association, but it suggests the potential benefit of an early intervention to help people maintain muscle strength in later life.
Topics: Birth Weight; Body Height; Body Weight; Databases, Factual; Hand Strength; Humans; Muscle Development; Muscle Strength; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors
PubMed: 22836701
DOI: 10.1007/s12603-012-0053-9 -
The American Journal of Clinical... Mar 2019Maternal diet before and during pregnancy could influence fetal growth and birth outcomes.
BACKGROUND
Maternal diet before and during pregnancy could influence fetal growth and birth outcomes.
OBJECTIVE
Two systematic reviews aimed to assess the relationships between dietary patterns before and during pregnancy and 1) gestational age at birth and 2) gestational age- and sex-specific birth weight.
METHODS
Literature was searched from January, 1980 to January, 2017 in 9 databases including PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane. Two analysts independently screened articles using predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data were extracted from included articles and risk of bias was assessed. Data were synthesized qualitatively, a conclusion statement was drafted for each question, and evidence supporting each conclusion was graded.
RESULTS
Of the 9103 studies identified, 11 [representing 7 cohorts and 1 randomized controlled trial (RCT)] were included for gestational age and 21 (representing 19 cohorts and 2 RCTs) were included for birth weight. Limited but consistent evidence suggests that certain dietary patterns during pregnancy are associated with a lower risk of preterm birth and spontaneous preterm birth. These protective dietary patterns are higher in vegetables; fruits; whole grains; nuts, legumes, and seeds; and seafood (preterm birth, only), and lower in red and processed meats, and fried foods. Most of the research was conducted in healthy Caucasian women with access to health care. No conclusion can be drawn on the association between dietary patterns during pregnancy and birth weight outcomes. Although research is available, the ability to draw a conclusion is restricted by inconsistency in study findings, inadequate adjustment of birth weight for gestational age and sex, and variation in study design, dietary assessment methodology, and adjustment for key confounding factors. Insufficient evidence exists regarding dietary patterns before pregnancy for both outcomes.
CONCLUSIONS
Maternal dietary patterns may be associated with a lower preterm and spontaneous preterm birth risk. The association is unclear for birth weight outcomes.
Topics: Birth Weight; Diet; Feeding Behavior; Female; Fetal Development; Gestational Age; Humans; Male; Maternal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Outcome; Premature Birth
PubMed: 30982873
DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/nqy353 -
International Journal of Environmental... Feb 2022Supporting parents through the delivery of evidence-based parenting interventions (EBPI) is a way of promoting children's rights, given the known benefits to child... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Supporting parents through the delivery of evidence-based parenting interventions (EBPI) is a way of promoting children's rights, given the known benefits to child development and family wellbeing. Group Triple P (GTP) is an EBPI suitable for parents of children aged 2-12 years, who experience parenting difficulties, and/or child behavior problems. Even though GTP has been intensively studied, information lacks on the magnitude of its effects, considering the risk of bias within and across prior research. To address this, a systematic review and meta-analysis (PROSPERO registration CRD42019085360) to evaluate the effects of GTP on child and parent outcomes at short- and longer-term was performed. Through a systematic search of a set of databases, 737 research papers were identified, and 11 trials were selected. The risk of bias within and across studies was evaluated. Significant positive effects of GTP were found immediately after the intervention for child behavior problems, dysfunctional parenting practices, parenting sense of competence, psychological adjustment, parental stress levels, conflict, and relationship quality. Six months after the intervention, positive effects were found only for child behavior problems. Data suggest that GTP might be an effective EBPI leading to positive family outcomes. Substantial risk of bias was found, highlighting the importance of improving the quality of research.
Topics: Adaptation, Psychological; Child; Child Development; Child Rearing; Child, Preschool; Humans; Parenting; Problem Behavior
PubMed: 35206299
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19042113 -
Integrative Medicine Research Jun 2021Cognitive impairment is an age-dependent chronic disorder that exponentially worsens with age; however, its treatment is mostly symptomatic. Moxibustion is widely... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Cognitive impairment is an age-dependent chronic disorder that exponentially worsens with age; however, its treatment is mostly symptomatic. Moxibustion is widely accepted in East Asia as a treatment for cognitive impairment. This systematic review aimed to verify the efficacy and underlying mechanism of moxibustion in treating cognitive impairment.
METHODS
Sixteen trials involving 324 animals obtained from MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, the Cochrane library, the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wan-Fang, Cqvip, the Korean Studies Information Service System, and the Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System met the inclusion criteria. We extracted the results of behavioral tests and immunohistochemical biomarkers from the included articles and evaluated the risk of bias and reporting quality.
RESULTS
The moxibustion group showed significantly decreased escape latency, increased crossing times, and prolonged dwelling times in the Morris water maze test. There was a significantly enhanced latency period and reduced error time in the step-down test and nerve behavior score. The effects of moxibustion were found to be mediated by suppression of oxidative stress and apoptosis, modulation of inflammation and Aβ genesis activation of vascular endothelial growth factor, and adjustment of metabolites in the tricarboxylic acid cycle and fatty acid metabolism.
CONCLUSION
Our results demonstrated the therapeutic efficacy of moxibustion on cognitive impairment and suggested the putative mechanism. However, considering the small number of included studies, high bias risk, low reporting quality, and the limitations of animal experimentation, our results need to be confirmed by more detailed studies.
PubMed: 33747784
DOI: 10.1016/j.imr.2020.100680 -
Frontiers in Psychology 2023The present study represents the first meta-analysis and systematic review on the prevalence of workaholism. It also investigated if sample size, representativeness, and...
The present study represents the first meta-analysis and systematic review on the prevalence of workaholism. It also investigated if sample size, representativeness, and instrument moderated the prevalence estimates. The analysis was pre-registered at PROSPERO (CRD42023395794). We searched Web of Science, PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, PsychInfo. BASE, MedNar, NYAM, OPENGREY, OpenMD and included the first 200 searches on Google scholar as gray literature [search string: "(workaholi* OR "work addict*") AND (prevalence* OR incident* OR frequen* OR cut-off OR epidem*)]. The search yielded 42 studies to be included, in addition to 11 studies identified using other methods. Two independent raters went through the searches, extracted information and evaluated risk of bias, resulting in agreement ratings of 92.4%, 84.9%, and 87.0%, respectively. The inclusion criteria were studies reporting original data on the prevalence of workaholism written in any European language. Criteria which led to exclusion were conference abstracts, usage of secondary data, purposive sampling of workaholics, qualitative research and pre-determined cut-off based on distribution. Risk of bias of the included articles was evaluated through a checklist. Most of the included studies had a moderate risk of bias. Of the 663 records identified, a total of 53 studies were included, 10 of these being nationally representative with all studies in total amounting to 71,625 participants from 23 countries. The pooled workaholism prevalence was 15.2% (95% CI = 12.4-18.5), which was adjusted to 14.1% (95% CI = 11.2-17.6) following a trim-and-fill adjustment for publication bias. The meta-regression revealed that studies with representative samples reported lower prevalences than those based on non-representative samples, and that studies based on the Dutch Work Addiction Scale yielded higher prevalences than studies employing the Bergen Work Addiction Scale. The regression model explained 29% of the variance implying that a vast amount was still unexplained, and that future research would benefit from the inclusion of other moderators.
PubMed: 38023019
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1252373