Is childhood wheeze and asthma in Latin America associated with poor hygiene and infection? A systematic review

IntroductionHigh asthma prevalence in Latin-American cities is thought to be caused by poor hygiene and infections. This contradicts the widely accepted ‘hygiene hypothesis’ for asthma aetiology.MethodsSystematic review of observational studies evaluating the association between poor hygiene exposures or infections and asthma/wheeze among Latin-American children aged 4–16 years. MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS and CINAHL electronic databases were searched following a predefined strategy to 18 December 2017. We quantified outcomes measured and reported, assessed risk of bias and tabulated the results.ResultsForty-five studies included: 6 cohort, 30 cross-sectional and 9 case–control studies. 26 cross-sectional studies were school-based surveys (14 of over 3000 children), whereas 5 case–control studies were hospital/health centre-based. Exposures measured and reported varied substantially between studies, and current wheeze was the most common outcome reported. Data showed selective reporting based on statistical significance (P value <0.05): 17/45 studies did not clearly describe the number of exposures measured and 15/45 studies reported on less than 50% of the exposures measured. Most exposures studied did not show an association with wheeze or asthma, except for a generally increased risk associated with acute respiratory infections in early life. Contradictory associations were observed frequently between different studies.ConclusionSelective reporting is common in observational studies exploring the association between environmental exposures and risk of wheeze/asthma. This, together with the use of different study outcomes (wheeze/asthma) associated with possibly distinct causal mechanisms, complicates inferences about the role of poor hygiene exposures and childhood infections in explaining asthma prevalence in Latin-American children.

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Association Between Prediabetes and Erectile Dysfunction: A Meta-Analysis

Frontiers in Endocrinology ◽

10.3389/fendo.2021.733434 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Mingyu Jin ◽

Shaoying Yuan ◽

Bo Wang ◽

Luqi Yi ◽

Chenxia Wang

Keyword(s):

Erectile Dysfunction ◽

Observational Studies ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Random Effect Model ◽

Case Control ◽

Case Control Studies ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Subgroup Analyses ◽

Cross Sectional Studies

BackgroundDiabetes has been associated with the increased risk of erectile dysfunction (ED). However, previous studies evaluating the association between prediabetes and ED showed inconsistent results. We performed a meta-analysis of observational studies to systematically evaluate the above association.MethodsRelevant observational studies were retrieved by search of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases. A random-effect model which incorporated the potential intra-study heterogeneity was used for the meta-analysis. Subgroup analyses were performed to evaluate the influences of study characteristics on the outcome.ResultsNine studies (five matched case-control studies and four cross-sectional studies) were included. Age were adjusted or matched in all of the studies. Pooled results showed that compared to men with normoglycemia, men with prediabetes were associated with higher prevalence of ED (odds ratio = 1.62, 95% confidence interval: 1.28 to 2.07, P < 0.001; I2 = 78%). Subgroup analyses showed that the association was not significantly affected by definition of prediabetes, diagnostic tool for ED, or controlling of additional variables besides age (both P for subgroup difference > 0.05). However, the association between prediabetes and ED seemed to be stronger in case-control studies than that in cross-sectional studies, and in studies with younger men (mean age < 50 years) than in those with older men (mean age ≥ 50 years; both P for subgroup difference < 0.05).ConclusionsPrediabetes is associated with higher prevalence of ED, which may be independent of age of the males and may be stronger in young men.

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What is the impact of multimorbidity on the risk of hospitalisation in older adults? A systematic review study protocol

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2021-049974 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (6) ◽

pp. e049974

Author(s):

Luciana Pereira Rodrigues ◽

Andréa Toledo de Oliveira Rezende ◽

Letícia de Almeida Nogueira e Moura ◽

Bruno Pereira Nunes ◽

Matias Noll ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Older Adults ◽

Study Protocol ◽

Average Length ◽

Length Of Hospital Stay ◽

Case Control Studies ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Review Study ◽

The Impact

IntroductionThe development of multiple coexisting chronic diseases (multimorbidity) is increasing globally, along with the percentage of older adults affected by it. Multimorbidity is associated with the concomitant use of multiple medications, a greater possibility of adverse effects, and increased risk of hospitalisation. Therefore, this systematic review study protocol aims to analyse the impact of multimorbidity on the occurrence of hospitalisation in older adults and assess whether this impact changes according to factors such as sex, age, institutionalisation and socioeconomic status. This study will also review the average length of hospital stay and the occurrence of hospital readmission.Methods and analysisA systematic review of the literature will be carried out using the PubMed, Embase and Scopus databases. The inclusion criteria will incorporate cross-sectional, cohort and case–control studies that analysed the association between multimorbidity (defined as the presence of ≥2 and/or ≥3 chronic conditions and complex multimorbidity) and hospitalisation (yes/no, days of hospitalisation and number of readmissions) in older adults (aged ≥60 years or >65 years). Effect measures will be quantified, including ORs, prevalence ratios, HRs and relative risk, along with their associated 95% CI. The overall aim of this study is to widen knowledge and to raise reflections about the association between multimorbidity and hospitalisation in older adults. Ultimately, its findings may contribute to improvements in public health policies resulting in cost reductions across healthcare systems.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval is not required. The results will be disseminated via submission for publication to a peer-reviewed journal when complete.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42021229328.

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Association between Air Pollution and the Development of Rheumatic Disease: A Systematic Review

International Journal of Rheumatology ◽

10.1155/2016/5356307 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 2016 ◽

pp. 1-11 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Gavin Sun ◽

Glen Hazlewood ◽

Sasha Bernatsky ◽

Gilaad G. Kaplan ◽

Bertus Eksteen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Air Pollution ◽

Rheumatic Diseases ◽

Air Pollutants ◽

Population Sample ◽

Case Control ◽

Air Pollutant ◽

Case Control Studies ◽

Mesh Terms ◽

Increased Risk ◽

American Children

Objective. Environmental risk factors, such as air pollution, have been studied in relation to the risk of development of rheumatic diseases. We performed a systematic literature review to summarize the existing knowledge.Methods. MEDLINE (1946 to September 2016) and EMBASE (1980 to 2016, week 37) databases were searched using MeSH terms and keywords to identify cohort, case-control, and case cross-over studies reporting risk estimates for the development of select rheumatic diseases in relation to exposure of measured air pollutants (n=8). We extracted information on the population sample and study period, method of case and exposure determination, and the estimate of association.Results. There was no consistent evidence of an increased risk for the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with exposure to NO2, SO2, PM2.5, or PM10. Case-control studies in systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARDs) indicated higher odds of diagnosis with increasing PM2.5exposure, as well as an increased relative risk for juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) in American children <5.5 years of age. There was no association with SARDs and NO2exposure.Conclusion. There is evidence for a possible association between air pollutant exposures and the development of SARDs and JIA, but relationships with other rheumatic diseases are less clear.

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Dietary Fibre Intake in Relation to Asthma, Rhinitis and Lung Function Impairment—A Systematic Review of Observational Studies

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13103594 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (10) ◽

pp. 3594

Author(s):

Emmanouela Sdona ◽

Athina Vasiliki Georgakou ◽

Sandra Ekström ◽

Anna Bergström

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Lung Function ◽

Dietary Fibre ◽

Observational Studies ◽

Case Control ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Fibre Intake ◽

Function Impairment ◽

Dietary Fibre Intake ◽

Lung Function Impairment

A high intake of dietary fibre has been associated with a reduced risk of several chronic diseases. This study aimed to review the current evidence on dietary fibre in relation to asthma, rhinitis and lung function impairment. Electronic databases were searched in June 2021 for studies on the association between dietary fibre and asthma, rhinitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung function. Observational studies with cross-sectional, case–control or prospective designs were included. Studies on animals, case studies and intervention studies were excluded. The quality of the evidence from individual studies was evaluated using the RoB-NObs tool. The World Cancer Research Fund criteria were used to grade the strength of the evidence. Twenty studies were included in this systematic review, of which ten were cohort studies, eight cross-sectional and two case–control studies. Fibre intake during pregnancy or childhood was examined in three studies, while seventeen studies examined the intake during adulthood. There was probable evidence for an inverse association between dietary fibre and COPD and suggestive evidence for a positive association with lung function. However, the evidence regarding asthma and rhinitis was limited and inconsistent. Further research is needed on dietary fibre intake and asthma, rhinitis and lung function among adults and children.

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Psychosis in children of separated parents: A systematic review and meta-analysis

European Psychiatry ◽

10.1192/j.eurpsy.2019.15 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 63 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Luis Ayerbe ◽

María Pérez-Piñar ◽

Quintí Foguet-Boreu ◽

Salma Ayis

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Odds Ratio ◽

Psychotic Disorders ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Childhood Adversity ◽

Case Control ◽

Parental Separation ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Cross Sectional Studies

Abstract Background. Parental separation is a very common childhood adversity. The association between other adverse childhood experiences and an increased risk of psychosis has been reported. However, the evidence on the risk of psychosis for children of separated parents is limited. In this systematic review, cohort, case–control, and cross-sectional studies, comparing the risk of psychotic disorders for people with and without separated parents, were searched, critically appraised, and summarized. Methods. Studies were searched in PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and the Web of Science, from database inception to September 2019. A meta-analysis, using random-effects models, was undertaken to obtain pooled estimates of the risk of psychosis among participants with separated parents. Results. Twelve studies, with 305,652 participants from 22 countries, were included in the review. A significantly increased risk of psychosis for those with separated parents was observed, with a pooled odds ratio: 1.53 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.29–1.76), p < 0.001. The association remained significant when cohort, case–control, and cross-sectional studies were analyzed separately. The five cohort studies included in this review showed and increased risk of psychosis with odds ratio: 1.47 (95% CI: 1.26–1.69), p < 0.001. Conclusions. Parental separation is a common childhood adversity associated with an increased risk of psychosis. Although the risk for an individual child of separated parents is still low, given the high proportion of couple that separate, the increased rates of psychosis may be substantial in the population. Further studies on the risk of psychosis in those with separated parents, and the explanatory factors for this association, are required.

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Associations of ADIPOQ and LEP Gene Variants with Energy Intake: A Systematic Review

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu11040750 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (4) ◽

pp. 750

Author(s):

Caroline Kroll ◽

Silmara Mastroeni ◽

Paul Veugelers ◽

Marco Mastroeni

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Energy Intake ◽

Latin American ◽

Positive Association ◽

Bibliographic Databases ◽

Gene Variants ◽

Case Control Studies ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Adipoq Gene ◽

Lep Gene

This systematic review aims to evaluate the association of adiponectin (ADIPOQ) and leptin (LEP) gene variants with energy intake. Cross-sectional, cohort, and case–control studies that reported an association of leptin and/or adiponectin gene variants with energy intake were included in this review. Human studies without any age restrictions were considered eligible. Detailed individual search strategies were developed for each of the following bibliographic databases: Cochrane, Latin American and Caribbean Center on Health Sciences Information (LILACS), PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science. Risk of bias assessment was adapted from the Downs and Black scale and was used to evaluate the methodology of the included studies. Seven studies with a pooled population of 2343 subjects were included. The LEP and ADIPOQ gene variants studied were LEP-rs2167270 (k = 1), LEP-rs7799039 (k = 5), ADIPOQ-rs2241766 (k = 2), ADIPOQ-rs17300539 (k = 1), and ADIPOQ marker D3S1262 (k = 1). Two of the seven studies reviewed demonstrated a positive association between the LEP-rs7799039 polymorphism and energy intake. Two other studies—one involving a marker of the ADIPOQ gene and one examining the ADIPOQ-rs17300539 polymorphism—also reported associations with energy intake. More research is needed to further elucidate the contributions of genetic variants to energy metabolism.

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Hypertension and the risk of endometrial cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of case-control and cohort studies

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/srep44808 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 24

Author(s):

Dagfinn Aune ◽

Abhijit Sen ◽

Lars J. Vatten

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Endometrial Cancer ◽

Cohort Studies ◽

Contraceptive Use ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Case Control ◽

Adjusted Relative Risk ◽

Case Control Studies ◽

Relative Risks ◽

Increased Risk

Abstract A history of hypertension has been associated with increased risk of endometrial cancer in several studies, but the results have not been consistent. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of case-control and cohort studies to clarify the association between hypertension and endometrial cancer risk. PubMed and Embase databases were searched up to 27th of February 2016. Prospective and case-control studies which reported adjusted relative risk estimates and 95% confidence intervals of endometrial cancer associated with a hypertension diagnosis were included. Summary relative risks were estimated using a random effects model. Nineteen case-control studies and 6 cohort studies were included. The summary RR was 1.61 (95% CI: 1.41–1.85, I2 = 86%) for all studies, 1.73 (95% CI: 1.45–2.06, I2 = 89%) for case-control studies and 1.32 (95% CI: 1.12–1.56, I2 = 47%) for cohort studies. The association between hypertension and endometrial cancer was weaker, but still significant, among studies with adjustment for smoking, BMI, oral contraceptive use, and parity, compared to studies without such adjustment. This meta-analysis suggest an increased risk of endometrial cancer among patients with hypertension, however, further studies with more comprehensive adjustments for confounders are warranted to clarify the association.

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Egg Consumption and Risk of Upper Aero-Digestive Tract Cancers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies

Advances in Nutrition ◽

10.1093/advances/nmz010 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 10 (4) ◽

pp. 660-672 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Azadeh Aminianfar ◽

Roohallah Fallah-Moshkani ◽

Asma Salari-Moghaddam ◽

Parvane Saneei ◽

Bagher Larijani ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Esophageal Cancer ◽

Cohort Studies ◽

Prospective Cohort ◽

Observational Studies ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Case Control ◽

Egg Consumption ◽

Prospective Cohort Studies ◽

Increased Risk

ABSTRACT Limited data are available that summarize the relation between egg intake and the risk of upper aero-digestive tract (UADT) cancers. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the association between egg intake and the risk of UADT cancers. Medline/PubMed, ISI web of knowledge, EMBASE, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched using relevant keywords. Observational studies conducted on humans investigating the association between egg consumption and the risk of UADT cancers were included. Overall, 38 studies with a total of 164,241 subjects (27, 025 cases) were included. Based on 40 effect sizes from 32 case-control studies, we found a 42% increased risk of UADT cancers among those with the highest egg consumption (ranging from ≥1 meal/d to ≥1 time/mo among studies) compared to those with the lowest intake (ranging from 0–20 g/d to never consumed among studies) (overall OR: 1.42; 95% CI: 1.19, 1.68; P < 0.001). However, this association was only evident in hospital-based case-control (HCC) studies (OR = 1.50; 95% CI: 1.34, 1.68; P < 0.001 for ‘oropharyngeal and laryngeal cancer’ and OR: 1.27; 95% CI: 1.08, 1.50; P = 0.004 for esophageal cancer) and not in population-based case-control (PCC) studies (OR = 1.25; 95% CI: 0.59, 2.67; P = 0.56 for ‘oropharyngeal and laryngeal cancer’ and OR: 1.29; 95% CI: 0.92, 1.81; P = 0.13 for esophageal cancer). In addition, the association was not significant in prospective cohort studies (overall OR: 0.86; 95% CI: 0.71, 1.04; P = 0.11). Considering individual cancers, a positive association was observed between the highest egg consumption, compared with the lowest, and risk of oropharyngeal (OR: 1.88; 95% CI: 1.61, 2.20; P < 0.001), laryngeal (OR: 1.83; 95% CI: 1.45, 2.32; P < 0.001), oral & pharyngeal & laryngeal (OR: 1.37; 95% CI: 1.12, 1.67; P < 0.001), and esophageal cancers (OR: 1.28; 95% CI: 1.10,1.48; P = 0.001). We also found an inverse association between egg intake and the risk of oral cancer (OR: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.62, 0.99; P = 0.04). In conclusion, high egg consumption (ranging from ≥1 meal/d to ≥1 time/mo among studies) was associated with increased risk of UADT cancers only in HCC studies but not in PCC or prospective cohort studies. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42018102619.

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Urinary incontinence and quality of life: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Aging Clinical and Experimental Research ◽

10.1007/s40520-020-01712-y ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Damiano Pizzol ◽

Jacopo Demurtas ◽

Stefano Celotto ◽

Stefania Maggi ◽

Lee Smith ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Urinary Incontinence ◽

Short Form ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Case Control ◽

Case Control Studies ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Sf 36

Abstract Background Urinary incontinence (UI) and low quality of life (QoL) are two common conditions. Some recent literature proposed that these two entities can be associated. However, no attempt was made to collate this literature. Therefore, the aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of existing data to estimate the strength of the association between UI and QoL. Methods An electronic search of major databases up to 18th April 2020 was carried out. Meta-analysis of cross-sectional and case–control studies comparing mean values in QoL between patients with UI and controls was performed, reporting random-effects standardized mean differences (SMDs) ± 95% confidence intervals (CIs) as the effect size. Heterogeneity was assessed with the I2. Results Out of 8279 articles initially screened, 23 were finally included for a total of 24,983 participants, mainly women. The mean age was ≥ 50 years in 12/23 studies. UI was significantly associated with poor QoL as assessed by the short-form 36 (SF-36) total score (n = 6 studies; UI: 473 vs. 2971 controls; SMD = − 0.89; 95% CI − 1.3 to − 0.42; I2 = 93.5) and by the sub-scales of SF-36 and 5/8 of the domains included in the SF-36. Similar results were found using other QoL tools. The risk of bias of the studies included was generally high. Conclusions UI is associated with a poor QoL, with a strong level of certainty. This work, however, mainly based on cross-sectional and case–control studies, highlights the necessity of future longitudinal studies for better understanding the importance of UI on QoL.

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The Association Between Smoking and Hodgkin Lymphoma

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v116.21.2560.2560 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 116 (21) ◽

pp. 2560-2560

Author(s):

Samir Dalia ◽

Jorge J. Castillo

Keyword(s):

Hodgkin Lymphoma ◽

Prospective Studies ◽

Observational Studies ◽

Case Control ◽

Case Control Studies ◽

Current Smoking ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Dissemination Bias ◽

Newcastle Ottawa Scale ◽

Ottawa Scale

Abstract Abstract 2560 Introduction: Few risk factors for the development of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) have been described. A relationship between smoking and the subsequent development of HL has been suggested from previous reports; however, the available data are largely conflicting. The primary objective of this meta-analysis of observational studies is to evaluate the potential epidemiologic relationship, if any, between smoking and HL. Methods: We searched MEDLINE from January 1, 1960 to June 30, 2010 for observational studies on the association between smoking and HL in adults using the keywords “smoking” and “lymphoma”. Prospective cohort studies and case-control studies that reported relative risks (RR), hazard ratios, or odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were included. Literature search, study selection and data gathering were performed independently by the two of authors. Cases were subdivided in ever smokers and current smokers and analyzed separately. Fixed-effect model (FEM) and random-effects models (REM) were used to assess the combined outcome of individual studies. The outcome measured in our study is reported as RR (95% CI). REM was used, if needed, to account for heterogeneity between studies. Heterogeneity was evaluated using the Cochrane Q and I2 statistics. Publication bias was assessed by direct observation of a funnel plot as well as trim-and-fill statistics. Quality of the studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Results: Our initial search rendered 577 articles. After reviewing the titles and abstracts, 36 papers were selected for full-text retrieval and reference list search, from which 4 prospective and 11 case-control studies were included in the final analysis. All studies were of high quality with both case-control and prospective studies averaging a score of 8 on the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. When pooling all studies, ever smokers had a RR of 1.20 (95% CI 1.07–1.34; p=0.001); there was no heterogeneity between studies or dissemination bias. Current smokers had a RR of 1.42 (95% CI 1.20–1.68; p<0.001, Figure); there was mild heterogeneity between studies (Q=28.5, I2=45.8%, p=0.046) but no dissemination bias was identified. Based on case-control studies, ever smoking was associated with a RR of 1.16 (95% CI 1.02–1.31; p=0.02) while current smoking was associated with a RR of 1.39 (95% CI 1.14–1.69; p<0.001). Based on prospective studies, ever smoking had a RR 1.40 (95% CI 1.10–1.77; p=0.005) while current smoking had a RR 1.49 (1.02-2.18; p=0.04). Conclusions: In both retrospective and prospective studies, there is a 20% increased risk of developing HL in those patients who have ever smoked. However, the risk increases to 42% in those who were current smokers at time of diagnosis of HL. Our findings confirm a previously reported association between smoking and the development of HL, giving additional support in favor of smoking cessation. The lymphomagenic mechanism of smoking is currently unclear but could be related to a direct carcinogenic effect of tobacco-related agents or the immunomodulatory effect of smoking. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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