Preclinical and clinical relevance of probiotics and synbiotics in colorectal carcinogenesis: a systematic review

Abstract Context Recent evidence suggests that modulation of the gut microbiota may help prevent colorectal cancer. Objective The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the role of probiotics and synbiotics in the prevention of colorectal cancer and to clarify potential mechanisms involved. Data Sources The PubMed, ScienceDirect, and LILACS databases were searched for studies conducted in humans or animal models and published up to August 15, 2018. Study Selection Clinical trials and placebo-controlled experimental studies that evaluated the effects of probiotics and synbiotics in colorectal cancer and cancer associated with inflammatory bowel disease were included. Of 247 articles identified, 31 remained after exclusion criteria were applied. A search of reference lists identified 5 additional studies, for a total of 36 included studies. Data Extraction Two authors independently assessed risk of bias of included studies and extracted data. Data were pooled by type of study, ie, preclinical or clinical. Results The results showed positive effects of probiotics and synbiotics in preventing colorectal cancer. The main mechanisms identified were alterations in the composition and metabolic activity of the intestinal microbiota; reduction of inflammation; induction of apoptosis and inhibition of tumor growth; modulation of immune responses and cell proliferation; enhanced function of the intestinal barrier; production of compounds with anticarcinogenic activity; and modulation of oxidative stress. Conclusions Probiotics or synbiotics may help prevent colorectal cancer, but additional studies in humans are required to better inform clinical practice.

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Epidemiology of hepatitis E virus infection in animals in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BMC Veterinary Research ◽

10.1186/s12917-021-02749-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 17 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Abdou Fatawou Modiyinji ◽

Jean Joel Bigna ◽

Sebastien Kenmoe ◽

Fredy Brice N. Simo ◽

Marie A. Amougou ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Hepatitis E Virus ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Hepatitis E ◽

Epidemiological Studies ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Resource Limited ◽

Study Selection ◽

Language Restriction

Abstract Background Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a major cause of acute hepatitis in humans worldwide and have high burden in the resource-limited countries. Better knowledge of the epidemiology of hepatitis in animals in Africa can help to understand the epidemiology among humans. The objective of this study was to summarize the prevalence of HEV infection and distribution of HEV genotypes among animals in Africa. Methods In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we comprehensively searched PubMed, EMBASE, African Journals Online, and Africa Index Medicus from January 1st, 2000 to March 22th, 2020 without any language restriction. We considered cross-sectional studies of HEV infection in animals in Africa. Study selection, data extraction, and methodological quality of included studies were done independently by two investigators. Prevalence data were pooled using the random-effects meta-analysis. This review was registered in PROSPERO, CRD42018087684. Results Twenty-five studies (13 species and 6983 animals) were included. The prevalence (antibodies or ribonucleic acid [RNA]) of HEV infection in animals varied widely depending on biological markers of HEV infection measured: 23.4% (95% confidence interval; 12.0–37.2) for anti-HEV immunoglobulins G, 13.1% (3.1–28.3) for anti-HEV immunoglobulins M, and 1.8% (0.2–4.3) for RNA; with substantial heterogeneity. In subgroup analysis, the immunoglobulins G seroprevalence was higher among pigs 37.8% (13.9–65.4). The following HEV genotypes were reported in animals: Rat-HEV genotype 1 (rats and horses), HEV-3 (pigs), HEV-7 (dromedaries), and Bat hepeviruses (bats). Conclusions We found a high prevalence of HEV infection in animals in Africa and HEV genotypes close to that of humans. Some animals in Africa could be the reservoir of HEV, highlighting the need of molecular epidemiological studies for investigating zoonotic transmission.

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Prioritising recommendations following analyses of adverse events in healthcare: a systematic review

BMJ Open Quality ◽

10.1136/bmjoq-2019-000843 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (4) ◽

pp. e000843

Author(s):

Kelly Bos ◽

Maarten J van der Laan ◽

Dave A Dongelmans

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Adverse Events ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Data Sources ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

High Quality ◽

Data Synthesis ◽

Study Selection ◽

Personal Opinion ◽

User Friendly

PurposeThe purpose of this systematic review was to identify an appropriate method—a user-friendly and validated method—that prioritises recommendations following analyses of adverse events (AEs) based on objective features.Data sourcesThe electronic databases PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase (Ovid), Cochrane Library, PsycINFO (Ovid) and ERIC (Ovid) were searched.Study selectionStudies were considered eligible when reporting on methods to prioritise recommendations.Data extractionTwo teams of reviewers performed the data extraction which was defined prior to this phase.Results of data synthesisEleven methods were identified that are designed to prioritise recommendations. After completing the data extraction, none of the methods met all the predefined criteria. Nine methods were considered user-friendly. One study validated the developed method. Five methods prioritised recommendations based on objective features, not affected by personal opinion or knowledge and expected to be reproducible by different users.ConclusionThere are several methods available to prioritise recommendations following analyses of AEs. All these methods can be used to discuss and select recommendations for implementation. None of the methods is a user-friendly and validated method that prioritises recommendations based on objective features. Although there are possibilities to further improve their features, the ‘Typology of safety functions’ by de Dianous and Fiévez, and the ‘Hierarchy of hazard controls’ by McCaughan have the most potential to select high-quality recommendations as they have only a few clearly defined categories in a well-arranged ordinal sequence.

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Methodological systematic review of studies on social inequalities in smoking among young adults: A field coming of age?

Tobacco Control ◽

10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2018-054576 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 28 (5) ◽

pp. 566-573 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Thierry Gagné ◽

Joseph G L Lee ◽

Madeleine Steinmetz-Wood ◽

Katherine L Frohlich

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Young Adults ◽

Social Inequalities ◽

Coming Of Age ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Life Transitions ◽

Parental Characteristics ◽

Study Selection ◽

Study Characteristics ◽

Measurement Strategies

ObjectiveSocioeconomic circumstances are critically important to addressing smoking. In young adulthood (ages 18–25), dynamic transitions in education, employment, family and housing complicate the measurement of socioeconomic circumstances. To better understand approaches to capturing these circumstances, this methodological systematic review examined how socioeconomic characteristics used to identify social inequalities in smoking among young adults are measured.Data sourcesWe searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, EMBASE, ERIC and Sociological Abstracts, and used three prior reviews. We updated the search in March 2018.Study selectionTwo reviewers independently screened peer-reviewed records from OECD countries published in English, French, German or Spanish after 1995 whose samples covered at least 1 year between the ages of 18 and 25. We included 89 of 1320 records.Data extractionOne reviewer extracted study characteristics, indicators used to operationalise socioeconomic circumstances and each indicator’s relation to results on smoking (ie, significance and direction). We found 39 indicators of socioeconomic circumstances related to six broad domains. These indicators were used in 425 results.Data synthesisWe descriptively analysed the extracted data using evidence tables. Educational attainment was most common. Evidence of inequalities varied by indicator used. For example, there was inconsistent evidence regarding the role of parental characteristics and transition stages and insufficient evidence regarding personal income on smoking.ConclusionDespite its importance, studies have disproportionally examined inequalities among young adults using traditional indicators. The mismatch between young adults’ life transitions and measurement strategies may attenuate evidence of inequalities. We suggest strategies to improve future measurement.

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Effectiveness and safety of herbal medicines for induction of labour: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2018-022499 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 8 (10) ◽

pp. e022499 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Collins Zamawe ◽

Carina King ◽

Hannah Maria Jennings ◽

Chrispin Mandiwa ◽

Edward Fottrell

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Experimental Studies ◽

Herbal Medicines ◽

Risk Of Bias ◽

Induction Of Labour ◽

Quality Data ◽

Eligibility Criteria ◽

Significant Difference

ObjectiveThe use of herbal medicines for induction of labour (IOL) is common globally and yet its effects are not well understood. We assessed the efficacy and safety of herbal medicines for IOL.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis of published literature.Data sourcesWe searched in MEDLINE, AMED and CINAHL in April 2017, updated in June 2018.Eligibility criteriaWe considered experimental and non-experimental studies that compared relevant pregnancy outcomes between users and non-user of herbal medicines for IOL.Data extraction and synthesisData were extracted by two reviewers using a standardised form. A random-effects model was used to synthesise effects sizes and heterogeneity was explored through I2statistic. The risk of bias was assessed using ‘John Hopkins Nursing School Critical Appraisal Tool’ and ‘Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool’.ResultsA total of 1421 papers were identified through the searches, but only 10 were retained after eligibility and risk of bias assessments. The users of herbal medicine for IOL were significantly more likely to give birth within 24 hours than non-users (Risk Ratio (RR) 4.48; 95% CI 1.75 to 11.44). No significant difference in the incidence of caesarean section (RR 1.19; 95% CI 0.76 to 1.86), assisted vaginal delivery (RR 0.73; 95% CI 0.47 to 1.14), haemorrhage (RR 0.84; 95% CI 0.44 to 1.60), meconium-stained liquor (RR 1.20; 95% CI 0.65 to 2.23) and admission to nursery (RR 1.08; 95% CI 0.49 to 2.38) was found between users and non-users of herbal medicines for IOL.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that herbal medicines for IOL are effective, but there is inconclusive evidence of safety due to lack of good quality data. Thus, the use of herbal medicines for IOL should be avoided until safety issues are clarified. More studies are recommended to establish the safety of herbal medicines.

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Aromatherapy for Symptom Relief in Patients with Burn: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Medicina ◽

10.3390/medicina58010001 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 58 (1) ◽

pp. 1

Author(s):

Hye Won Lee ◽

Lin Ang ◽

Jung Tae Kim ◽

Myeong Soo Lee

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Symptom Relief ◽

Routine Care ◽

Risk Of Bias ◽

Review Author ◽

Beneficial Effects ◽

Study Selection ◽

Meta Analyses

Background and Objectives: This review aimed to provide an updated review of evidence regarding the effects of aromatherapy in relieving symptoms of burn injuries, focusing on pain and physiological distress. Materials and Methods: Fifteen databases (including five English databases, four Korean medical databases, and four Iranian databases) and trial registries were searched for studies published between their dates of inception and July 2021. Two review authors individually performed study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment, and any discrepancies were solved by a third review author. Results: Eight RCTs met our inclusion criteria and were analyzed in this updated systematic review. Our meta-analyses revealed that inhaled aromatherapy plus routine care showed beneficial effects in relieving pain after dressing, as compared to placebo plus routine care (p < 0.00001) and routine care alone (p = 0.02). Additionally, inhaled aromatherapy plus routine care (p < 0.00001) and aromatherapy massage plus routine care (p < 0.0001) also showed superior effects in calming anxiety, as compared to routine care alone. None of the included studies reported on AEs. Overall, the risk of bias across the studies was concerning. Conclusions: This updated review and synthesis of the studies had brought a more detailed understanding of the potential application of aromatherapy for easing the pain and anxiety of burn patients.

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A Systematic Review of the Use of Telemedicine in the Military Forces Worldwide

Shiraz E-Medical Journal ◽

10.5812/semj.99343 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 21 (11) ◽

Author(s):

Reza Mohammadi ◽

Zeinab Tabanejad ◽

Shahabeddin Abhari ◽

Behnam Honarvar ◽

Mina Lazem ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Healthcare Providers ◽

Military Medicine ◽

Healthcare Services ◽

Developed Countries ◽

The United States ◽

Positive Effects ◽

Military Forces ◽

The Military

Context: Considering the pivotal role of telemedicine in providing healthcare services for remote areas, some of the military medical centers, especially in developed countries, use different types of telemedicine programs. Objectives: The present study aimed at identifying the implemented telemedicine projects in military medicine worldwide and introducing their features. Evidence Acquisition: The current systematic review was performed in 2018. PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched for articles published from 2014 to 2018 by a combination of related keywords, and the related original articles were then selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data were collected by a data extraction form, and then the data were summarized and reported based on the study objectives. Results: Of the 173 articles retrieved from the first round of search, 12 were included in the study; five (41.66%) studies had used the synchronous (real-time telemedicine) method. The United States, with nine studies, had the highest number of projects in military telemedicine. Most studies (n = 7) were performed on tele-psychology and the application of telemedicine in psychology. All selected studies reported the positive effects of telemedicine on providing healthcare for military forces. Conclusions: The proper utilization of telemedicine equipment is effective in saving time for both patients and healthcare providers, reducing costs, supporting in natural disasters, and satisfying patients with military medicine. To achieve telemedicine program objectives, they should be set precisely. Considering the importance of timely healthcare services, it is suggested to utilize synchronous methods and tools such as video conferencing.

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Effects of Composite Attachments on Orthodontic Clear Aligners Therapy: A Systematic Review

Materials ◽

10.3390/ma15020533 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 15 (2) ◽

pp. 533

Author(s):

Riccardo Nucera ◽

Carolina Dolci ◽

Angela Mirea Bellocchio ◽

Stefania Costa ◽

Serena Barbera ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Clinical Trials ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Risk Of Bias ◽

Bias Assessment ◽

Bodily Movement ◽

Study Selection ◽

Medium Risk ◽

Clear Aligner ◽

Anterior Root

This systematic review aims to highlight the differences between different clear aligner therapies that differ in the presence of attachments or in attachment configuration. Eight electronic databases were searched up to March 2020. Two authors independently proceeded to study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment. The analysis of the results was carried out examining six groups of movements (mesio-distal tipping/bodily movement; anterior bucco-lingual tipping/root torque; posterior bucco-lingual tipping/expansion; intrusion; extrusion; rotation). Five clinical trials were selected and all of them showed a medium risk of bias. Literature showed that attachments mostly increase the effectiveness of orthodontic treatment with clear aligners, improving anterior root torque, rotation, and mesio-distal (M-D) movement; they are also important to increase posterior anchorage. However, some articles showed contradictory or not statistically significant results. Attachments also seem to improve intrusion, but the evidence about this movement, as well as extrusion, is lacking. No studies evaluated posterior bucco-lingual tipping/expansion. Further clinical trials are strongly suggested to clarify the influence of attachments and their number, size, shape, and position on each orthodontic movement.

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Association between abnormal maternal serum levels of vitamin B12 and preeclampsia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Nutrition Reviews ◽

10.1093/nutrit/nuaa096 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Farzaneh Mardali ◽

Somaye Fatahi ◽

Maryam Alinaghizadeh ◽

Hamed Kord Varkaneh ◽

Mohammad Hassan Sohouli ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Vitamin B12 ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Serum Vitamin ◽

Serum Levels ◽

Folic Acid Supplementation ◽

Maternal Serum ◽

Study Selection

Abstract Context Some evidence has shown an association between maternal vitamin B12 levels and the development of preeclampsia in pregnant women, but the relationship between preeclampsia and vitamin B12 is not clear. Objective The aim of this systematic review was to compare serum vitamin B12 levels in women with preeclampsia with those in normotensive pregnant women. Data Sources The PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched up to August 2019, along with the reference lists of included articles. Study Selection The literature was searched for observational studies that investigated vitamin B12 levels in women with preeclampsia. Data Extraction Data were extracted independently by 2 authors. Data were pooled using a random-effects model. Results Vitamin B12 levels in women with preeclampsia were significantly lower than those in healthy women (mean, −15.24 pg/mL; 95%CI, −27.52 to −2.954; P < 0.015), but heterogeneity between studies was high (I2 = 97.8%; P = 0.0103). Subgroup analyses based on folic acid supplementation, homocysteine concentrations, and gestational age at the time of sampling for vitamin B12 assessment did not identify the sources of heterogeneity. Conclusions Women with preeclampsia had significantly lower vitamin B12 concentrations than normotensive pregnant women.

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The impact of decision aids in patients with colorectal cancer: a systematic review

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2018-028379 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (9) ◽

pp. e028379 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Jenaya Goldwag ◽

Priscilla Marsicovetere ◽

Peter Scalia ◽

Heather A Johnson ◽

Marie-Anne Durand ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Colorectal Cancer ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Cancer Treatment ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Decision Aids ◽

Case Series ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Eligibility Criteria ◽

The Impact ◽

Colorectal Cancer Treatment

ObjectivesOur aim was to conduct a systematic review of the literature to determine the impact of patient decision aids (PDA) on patients facing treatment decisions for colorectal cancer.DesignSystematic review.Data sourcesSources included Embase, Medline, Web of Science, CINAHL and the Cochrane Library from inception to June, 20, 2019.Eligibility criteriaWe included randomised controlled trials (RCTs), cohort studies, mixed methods and case series in which a PDA for colorectal cancer treatment was used. Qualitative studies were excluded from our review.Data extraction and synthesisFollowing execution of the search strategy by a medical librarian, two blinded independent reviewers identified articles for inclusion. Two blinded reviewers were also responsible for data extraction, risk of bias and study quality assessments. Any conflict in article inclusion or extraction was resolved by discussion.ResultsOut of 3773 articles identified, three met our inclusion criteria: one RCT, one before-and-after study and one mixed-method study. In these studies, the use of a PDA for colorectal cancer treatment was associated with increased patient knowledge, satisfaction and preparation for making a decision. On quality assessment, two of three studies were judged to be of low quality.ConclusionA paucity of evidence exists on the effect of PDA for colorectal cancer treatment with existing evidence being largely of low quality. Further investigation is required to determine the effect of decision aids for colorectal cancer treatment as well as reasons for the lack of PDA development and implementation in this area.Prospero registration numberCRD42018095153.

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Personality, Healthcare Use and Costs—A Systematic Review

Healthcare ◽

10.3390/healthcare8030329 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (3) ◽

pp. 329

Author(s):

André Hajek ◽

Benedikt Kretzler ◽

Hans-Helmut König

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Observational Studies ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Empirical Studies ◽

Future Research ◽

Personality Factors ◽

Healthcare Use ◽

Total N ◽

Study Selection ◽

Cost Studies

Background: Thus far, there is a lack of a systematic review synthesizing empirical studies that analyze the link between personality factors and healthcare use (HCU) or costs. Consequently, the purpose of our systematic review is to give an overview of empirical findings from observational studies examining the association between personality factors and HCU or costs. Methods: PubMed, PsycINFO, and NHS EED (NHS Economic Evaluation Database) were searched. Observational studies examining the association between personality factors and HCU costs by using validated tools were included. Two reviewers performed study selection and data extraction and evaluated the study quality. Findings were synthesized qualitatively. Results: In total, n = 15 studies (HCU, n = 14; cost studies, n = 1) were included in the final synthesis. A few studies point to an association between conscientiousness and HCU (with mixed evidence). Some more evidence was found for an association between higher agreeableness, higher extraversion, and higher openness to experience and increased HCU. The majority of studies analyzed found a link between higher neuroticism and increased HCU. Conclusion: Personality factors, and particularly neuroticism, are associated with HCU. This knowledge is important to manage healthcare use. However, future research based on longitudinal data and studies investigating the link between personality characteristics and costs are required.

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