Influence of Microbiota on NSAID Enteropathy: A Systematic Review of Current Knowledge and the Role of Probiotics

ObjectivesTo identify the scope of active patient involvement in medical education, addressing the current knowledge gaps relating to rationale and motivation for involvement, recruitment and preparation, roles, learning outcomes and key procedural contributors.MethodsThe authors performed a systematic search of the PubMed database of publications between 2003 and 2018. Original studies in which patients take on active roles in the development, delivery or evaluation of undergraduate medical education and written in English were eligible for inclusion. Included studies’ references were searched for additional articles. Quality of papers was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool.Results49 articles were included in the review. Drivers for patient involvement included policy requirements and patients’ own motivations to contribute to society and learning. Patients were engaged in a variety of educational settings in and outside of the hospital. The vast majority of studies describe patients taking on the role of a patient teacher and formative assessor. More recent studies suggest that patients are increasingly involved in course and curriculum development, student selection and summative assessment. The new body of empirical evidence shows the wide range of learning objectives was pursued through patient participation, including competencies as professional, communicator, collaborator, leader and health advocate, but not scholar. Measures to support sustainable patient involvement included longitudinal institutional incorporation, patient recruitment and/or training, resource support and clear commitment by faculty. The importance and advantages of patient involvement were highlighted by students, faculty and patients themselves; however, organisations must continue to consider, monitor and take steps to mitigate any potential harms to patients and students.DiscussionThis systematic review provides new knowledge and practical insights to physicians and faculty on how to incorporate active patient involvement in their institutions and daily practice, and provides suggested action points to patient organisations wishing to engage in medical education.

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MECHANISMS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY: Epigenetic modifications and gestational diabetes: a systematic review of published literature

Acta Endocrinologica ◽

10.1530/eje-16-1017 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 176 (5) ◽

pp. R247-R267 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

Gunn-Helen Moen ◽

Christine Sommer ◽

Rashmi B Prasad ◽

Line Sletner ◽

Leif Groop ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Gestational Diabetes ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Epigenetic Modifications ◽

Research Literature ◽

Small Sample ◽

Epigenetic Alterations ◽

Search Terms ◽

Small Sample Sizes

ObjectiveTo summarize the current knowledge on epigenetic alterations in mother and offspring subjected to gestational diabetes (GDM) and indicate future topics for research.DesignSystematic review.MethodsWe performed extensive searches in PubMed, EMBASE and Google scholar, using a combination of the search terms: GDM, gestational diabetes, epigenetic(s), methylation, histone modification, histone methylation, histone acetylation, microRNA and miRNA. Studies that compared women diagnosed with GDM and healthy controls were included. Two authors independently scanned the abstracts, and all included papers were read by at least two authors. The searches were completed on October 31st, 2016.ResultsWe identified 236 articles, of which 43 were considered relevant for this systematic review. Studies published showed that epigenetic alterations could be found in both mothers with GDM and their offspring. However, differences in methodology, diagnostic criteria for GDM and populations studied, together with a limited number of published studies and small sample sizes, preclude clear conclusions about the role of epigenetic modifications in transmitting risk from GDM mothers to their offspring.ConclusionThe current research literature suggests that GDM may have impact on epigenetic modifications in the mother and offspring. However, larger studies that include multiple cohorts of GDM patients and their offspring are needed.

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The Role of Non-Gaussian Models of Diffusion Weighted MRI in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Systematic Review

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm10122641 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (12) ◽

pp. 2641

Author(s):

Liberatore Tramontano ◽

Carlo Cavaliere ◽

Marco Salvatore ◽

Valentina Brancato

Keyword(s):

Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Exponential Model ◽

Response To Treatment ◽

Diffusion Kurtosis Imaging ◽

Diffusion Weighted ◽

Non Gaussian ◽

Diffusion Kurtosis

The importance of Diffusion Weighted Imaging (DWI) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been widely handled in the literature. Due to the mono-exponential model limitations, several studies recently investigated the role of non-Gaussian DWI models in HCC. However, their results are variable and inconsistent. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review is to summarize current knowledge on non-Gaussian DWI techniques in HCC. A systematic search of the literature, including PubMed, Google Scholar, MEDLINE, and ScienceDirect databases, was performed to identify original articles since 2010 that evaluated the role of non-Gaussian DWI models for HCC diagnosis, grading, response to treatment, and prognosis. Studies were grouped and summarized according to the non-Gaussian DWI models investigated. We focused on the most used non-Gaussian DWI models (Intravoxel Incoherent Motion (IVIM), Diffusion Kurtosis Imaging (DKI), and Stretched Exponential—SE). The quality of included studies was evaluated by using QUADAS-2 and QUIPS tools. Forty-three articles were included, with IVIM and DKI being the most investigated models. Although the role of non-Gaussian DWI models in clinical settings has not fully been established, our findings showed that their parameters may potentially play a role in HCC. Further studies are required to identify a standardized DWI acquisition protocol for HCC diagnosis, grading, response to treatment, and prognosis.

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MicroRNA as Epigenetic Modifiers in Endometrial Cancer: A Systematic Review

Cancers ◽

10.3390/cancers13051137 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (5) ◽

pp. 1137

Author(s):

Amélia Favier ◽

Grégoire Rocher ◽

Annette K. Larsen ◽

Romain Delangle ◽

Catherine Uzan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Dna Methylation ◽

Endometrial Cancer ◽

Epigenetic Regulation ◽

Target Genes ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Surrounding Tissue ◽

Expression Levels ◽

Meta Analyses

The objective of this systematic review is to summarize our current knowledge on the influence of miRNAs in the epigenetic deregulation of tumor-related genes in endometrial cancer (EC). We conducted a literature search on the role of miRNAs in the epigenetic regulation of EC applying the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The following terms were used: microRNA, miRNA, miR, endometrial cancer, endometrium, epigenetic, epimutation, hypermethylation, lynch, deacetylase, DICER, novel biomarker, histone, chromatin. The miRNAs were classified and are presented according to their function (tumor suppressor or onco-miRNA), their targets (when known), their expression levels in EC tissue vs the normal surrounding tissue, and the degree of DNA methylation in miRNA loci and CpG sites. Data were collected from 201 articles, including 190 original articles, published between November 1, 2008 and September 30, 2020 identifying 313 different miRNAs implicated in epigenetic regulation of EC. Overall, we identified a total of 148 miRNAs with decreased expression in EC, 140 miRNAs with increased expression in EC, and 22 miRNAs with discordant expression levels. The literature implicated different epigenetic phenomena including altered miRNA expression levels (miR-182, -230), changes in the methylation of miRNA loci (miR-34b, -129-2, -130a/b, -152, -200b, -625) and increased/decreased methylation of target genes (miR-30d,-191). This work provides an overview of all miRNAs reported to be involved in epigenetic regulation in EC including DNA methylation and RNA-associated silencing. These findings may contribute to novel strategies in diagnosis, risk assessment, and treatments aimed at miRNAs, their target genes or DNA methylation.

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MiRNAs as New Tools in Lesion Vitality Evaluation: A Systematic Review and Their Forensic Applications

Biomedicines ◽

10.3390/biomedicines9111731 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (11) ◽

pp. 1731

Author(s):

Alice Chiara Manetti ◽

Aniello Maiese ◽

Arianna Baronti ◽

Eleonora Mezzetti ◽

Paola Frati ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Forensic Pathology ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Post Mortem ◽

Standardized Protocol ◽

Inflammatory Processes ◽

Mirnas Expression ◽

Tissue Alterations ◽

Proper Interpretation

Wound vitality demonstration is one of the most challenging fields in forensic pathology. In recent years, researchers focused on the application of histological and immunohistochemical staining in this sphere of study. It is based on the detection of inflammation, red cell infiltration, and tissue alterations at the histological examination, all of which are supposedly present in antemortem rather than post-mortem wounds. Nevertheless, some doubts about the reliability of those markers have arisen. Furthermore, the lack of a standardized protocol and the operator dependency of this approach make the proper interpretation of its results difficult. Moreover, a differential miRNAs expression has been demonstrated in antemortem and post-mortem wounds. Herein, a systematic review concerning the current knowledge about the use of miRNAs in lesion vitality evaluation is carried out, to encourage researchers to deepen this peculiar study area. A compendium about the potential miRNAs that may be further investigated as vitality markers is also provided. The aim is to collect all available data about this topic to direct further studies on this field and highlight the future applications of miRNAs in forensic pathology. We found 20 articles and a total of 51 miRNAs that are involved in inflammation and wound healing. Further studies are certainly needed to deepen the role of miRNAs in inflammatory processes in lesioned skin and to evaluate their reliability in distinguishing between antemortem and post-mortem lesions.

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Olfactory disorders in coronavirus disease 2019 patients: a systematic literature review

The Journal of Laryngology & Otology ◽

10.1017/s0022215120002005 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 134 (9) ◽

pp. 754-763

Author(s):

E Fuccillo ◽

A M Saibene ◽

M P Canevini ◽

G Felisati

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

English Language ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Holistic Approach ◽

Assessment Tools ◽

Clinical Feature ◽

Individual Study ◽

Research Papers ◽

Specific Symptom

AbstractObjectiveRecent scientific literature has widely described a possible major role of smell dysfunction as a specific symptom of coronavirus disease 2019. This systematic review may provide a more holistic approach to current knowledge of the disease.MethodsA systematic review was completed using Embase, PubMed and Web of Science databases that considered original articles focused on olfactory evaluation in coronavirus disease 2019 patients, published between March and May 2020, in English language.ResultsFrom the 483 research papers initially identified, 32 original studies were selected, comprising a total of 17 306 subjects with a laboratory confirmed diagnosis of coronavirus disease 2019. Individual study sample sizes ranged from 6 to 6452 patients. This comprehensive analysis confirmed that olfactory disorders represent an important clinical feature in coronavirus disease 2019, with a prevalence of 11–100 per cent in included patients, although there was heterogeneity in terms of assessment tools and population selection criteria.ConclusionThe results indicate that an accurate clinical evaluation should be carried out using structured questionnaires and tests with olfactory substances.

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The role of CD8 + T lymphocytes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review

Inflammation Research ◽

10.1007/s00011-020-01408-z ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Maya Williams ◽

Ian Todd ◽

Lucy C. Fairclough

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

T Cells ◽

T Lymphocytes ◽

Cd8 T Cells ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Cell Phenotype ◽

Chronic Obstructive ◽

Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽

Cd8 T Lymphocytes

Abstract Objective and design This systematic review aims to establish the role of CD8 + T lymphocytes in COPD. Methods Forty-eight papers published in the last 15 years were identified for inclusion. Results CD8 + T-cells are increased in the lungs of patients with COPD (17 studies, 16 positive) whereas in the circulation, findings were inconclusive. Activation of CD8 + T-cells was enhanced in lungs (four studies, three positive) but cell phenotype was unclear. There was substantial evidence of a higher proportion of type 1 CD8 + (Tc1) cells in COPD (11 studies, 9 positive), though the population of type 2 (Tc2) cells was also increased (5 studies, 4 positive). CD8 + T-cells in COPD exhibited greater expression of cytotoxic proteins (five studies, five positive). Studies assessed a variety of questions so evidence was insufficient to draw firm conclusions. The role of CD8 + T-cells at acute exacerbation of COPD and also their contribution to alveolar destruction can only be hypothesised at this stage. Conclusions Not only is the number of CD8 + T-cells increased in COPD, these cells have increased capacity to exert effector functions and are likely to contribute to disease pathogenesis. Several mechanisms highlighted show promise for future investigation to consolidate current knowledge.

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Vitamin D as a Biomarker of Ill Health among the Over-50s: A Systematic Review of Cohort Studies

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu11102384 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (10) ◽

pp. 2384 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Caristia ◽

Filigheddu ◽

Barone-Adesi ◽

Sarro ◽

Testa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Vitamin D ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Healthy Ageing ◽

Newcastle Ottawa Scale ◽

Circulating Levels ◽

Vitamin D Supplement ◽

Ottawa Scale

Background: The association between circulating levels of vitamin D and the incidence of chronic diseases is known. The identification of vitamin D as a biomarker of physiological/pathological ageing could contribute to expanding current knowledge of its involvement in healthy ageing. Methods: According to PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review was conducted on cohorts studying the role of 25OH-Vitamin D [25(OH)D] and 1,25(OH)2-Vitamin D [1,25(OH)2D] concentrations as biomarkers of healthy ageing. We consulted MedLine, Scopus, and Web of Science to search for studies on the association between vitamin D status in populations of originally healthy adults, and outcomes of longevity, illness, and physical and cognitive functionality. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Newcastle Ottawa scale. Results: Twenty cohorts from 24 articles were selected for this review. Inverse associations were found between low 25(OH)D levels and all-cause mortality, respiratory and cardiovascular events, as well as markers relating to hip and non-vertebral fractures. Associations between 1,25(OH)2D and healthy ageing outcomes gave similar results, although of lower clinical significance. Conclusions: This systematic review pinpoints peculiar aspects of vitamin D as a multidimensional predictor of ill health in the ageing process. Further well-designed controlled trials to investigate whether vitamin D supplement results in superior outcomes are warranted in the future.

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Mesophyll conductance: the leaf corridors for photosynthesis

Biochemical Society Transactions ◽

10.1042/bst20190312 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 48 (2) ◽

pp. 429-439 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Jorge Gago ◽

Danilo M. Daloso ◽

Marc Carriquí ◽

Miquel Nadal ◽

Melanie Morales ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Main Role ◽

Mesophyll Conductance ◽

Future Studies ◽

Cell Structures ◽

Leaf Tissues ◽

Change Framework ◽

Chloroplast Stroma

Besides stomata, the photosynthetic CO2 pathway also involves the transport of CO2 from the sub-stomatal air spaces inside to the carboxylation sites in the chloroplast stroma, where Rubisco is located. This pathway is far to be a simple and direct way, formed by series of consecutive barriers that the CO2 should cross to be finally assimilated in photosynthesis, known as the mesophyll conductance (gm). Therefore, the gm reflects the pathway through different air, water and biophysical barriers within the leaf tissues and cell structures. Currently, it is known that gm can impose the same level of limitation (or even higher depending of the conditions) to photosynthesis than the wider known stomata or biochemistry. In this mini-review, we are focused on each of the gm determinants to summarize the current knowledge on the mechanisms driving gm from anatomical to metabolic and biochemical perspectives. Special attention deserve the latest studies demonstrating the importance of the molecular mechanisms driving anatomical traits as cell wall and the chloroplast surface exposed to the mesophyll airspaces (Sc/S) that significantly constrain gm. However, even considering these recent discoveries, still is poorly understood the mechanisms about signaling pathways linking the environment a/biotic stressors with gm responses. Thus, considering the main role of gm as a major driver of the CO2 availability at the carboxylation sites, future studies into these aspects will help us to understand photosynthesis responses in a global change framework.

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Prospective Memory Development Across the Lifespan

European Psychologist ◽

10.1027/1016-9040/a000380 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 25 (3) ◽

pp. 162-173 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Sascha Zuber ◽

Matthias Kliegel

Keyword(s):

Prospective Memory ◽

Healthy Aging ◽

Present Model ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Well Being ◽

The Elderly ◽

Cognitive Factors ◽

Everyday Functioning ◽

Integrative Framework

Abstract. Prospective Memory (PM; i.e., the ability to remember to perform planned tasks) represents a key proxy of healthy aging, as it relates to older adults’ everyday functioning, autonomy, and personal well-being. The current review illustrates how PM performance develops across the lifespan and how multiple cognitive and non-cognitive factors influence this trajectory. Further, a new, integrative framework is presented, detailing how those processes interplay in retrieving and executing delayed intentions. Specifically, while most previous models have focused on memory processes, the present model focuses on the role of executive functioning in PM and its development across the lifespan. Finally, a practical outlook is presented, suggesting how the current knowledge can be applied in geriatrics and geropsychology to promote healthy aging by maintaining prospective abilities in the elderly.

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