050 Latitude continues to be associated with ms prevalence: an updated meta-analysis

2018 ◽  
Vol 89 (6) ◽  
pp. A21.1-A21
Author(s):  
Wendy Wang ◽  
Steve Simpson ◽  
Bruce Taylor

IntroductionPrevious studies have demonstrated a strong latitudinal gradient in multiple sclerosis (MS) prevalence, likely related to interplay between genetic and environmental factors, particularly vitamin D and sun exposure. Herein, we update our 2010 meta-analysis of the latitudinal gradient of MS prevalence, seeking to assess the presence and magnitude of the gradient and whether it has changed since our 2010 analysis.MethodsStudies published between 2010 and 2017 were located via EMBASE, ISI and PubMed, using standardised search terms; data was extracted from peer-reviewed studies. These studies were added to the studies collected in our previous analysis. Prevalence estimates were adjusted for study prevalence year. Where age/sex-specific data were available, prevalence values were age/sex standardised to the 2009 European population. For the 2010–2017 interval, 85 prevalence studies were found, 53 of which met inclusion criteria, yielding 108 new prevalence points. The latitudinal association with MS prevalence was assessed by meta-regression.ResultsThere was a significant positive gradient in MS prevalence with increasing latitude (6.89/100,000 per degree latitude), attenuating slightly to 5.60/100,000 on age-standardisation, these associations persisting on adjustment for diagnostic criteria used. Of note, the age-standardised gradient was significantly stronger (p=0.044) than that from our previous study.ConclusionThis updated meta-analysis confirms that MS prevalence is still strongly positively associated with increasing latitude.

2019 ◽  
Vol 90 (11) ◽  
pp. 1193-1200 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steve Simpson ◽  
Wendy Wang ◽  
Peter Otahal ◽  
Leigh Blizzard ◽  
Ingrid A F van der Mei ◽  
...  

ObjectivesPrevious studies have demonstrated a strong latitudinal gradient in multiple sclerosis (MS) prevalence. Herein, we present a meta-analysis of the latitudinal gradient of MS prevalence including studies published since our 2011 review, seeking to assess the latitudinal gradient and whether it has changed since our previous analysis.MethodsStudies published up to December 2018 were located via Embase, Web of Knowledge and PubMed, using standardised search terms; data were extracted from peer-reviewed studies and these studies added to those from our previous analysis. Where age-specific data were available, prevalence estimates were age-/sex-standardised to the 2009 European population. Prevalence estimates were adjusted for study prevalence year and ascertainment methods. The latitudinal association with MS prevalence was assessed by meta-regression.ResultsA total of 94 studies met inclusion criteria, yielding 230 new prevalence points and 880 altogether with those from the prior study. There was a significant positive gradient in time-corrected MS prevalence with increasing latitude (5.27/100 000 per degree latitude), attenuating slightly to 4.34/100 000 on age-standardisation, these associations persisting on adjustment for ascertainment method. Of note, the age-standardised gradient was consistently significantly enhanced from our previous study, regardless of whether it was as-measured, time-corrected or adjusted for ascertainment methods. Certain areas, such as the Scandinavian and Atlantic Coast/Central Europe regions, showed changes in MS prevalence gradient over time, but other regional gradients were similar.ConclusionsThis new meta-analysis confirms that MS prevalence is still strongly positively associated with increasing latitude and that the gradient is increasing, suggesting that potentially modifiable environmental factors, such as sun exposure, are still strongly associated with MS risk.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naeim Ehtesham ◽  
Maryam Zare Rafie ◽  
Meysam Mosallaei

Abstract Background: Considering that familial multiple sclerosis (FMS) can reveal the extent to which genetic and environmental factors each involve in the etiopathogenesis of the disease, we performed an updated meta-analysis of the worldwide prevalence of FMS by addition of recent publications. Methods: A search in PubMed, Scopus, the ISI Web of Science, and Google Scholar up to 20 December 2020 was done. The inclusion criteria were based on the CoCoPop approach (condition, context, and population). The qualified studies entered the process of the meta-analysis by using comprehensive meta-analysis ver. 2 software.Results: The pooled prevalence of MS in relatives of 16179 FMS cases was estimated to be 11.8% (95% CI: 10.7-13) based on a random-effects model. The pooled mean age of disease onset in adult probands was calculated to be 28.7 years (95% CI: 27.2± 30.2). In 13 studies that reported the data of FMS in pediatrics (n=6636) and adults (n=877), the FMS prevalence was 10.8% (95% CI: 8.1-14.2) and 15.5% (95% CI: 13.8-17.4), respectively. Considering the data of 9 studies, the prevalence of FMS in males (n=5243) and females (n=11503) patients was calculated to be 13.7% (95% CI: 10.1-18.2) and 15.4% (95% CI: 10.3-22.4), respectively. The odds ratio of male/female in FMS cases was not statistically significant (OR= 0.9; 95% CI: 0.6-1.2, P=0.55). Subgroup analysis demonstrated a significant difference in the prevalence of FMS between the geographical areas (P= 0.007). The meta-regression model for FMS prevalence was significantly lower in terms of higher latitude (P< 0.001) and increased MS prevalence (P< 0.001). In contrast, meta-regression based on prevalence day was not statistically significant (P=0.29).Conclusions: The prevalence of FMS is more in the pediatric group than that of adults, is distinct between geographical areas, and diminishes with the increment of MS prevalence and latitude. Also, the symptoms initiate relatively at lower ages in FMS cases. By contrast with multifactorial diseases, our analysis unveiled that the prevalence of FMS was not more prevalent in men than women and the risk of MS development in relatives was not more when the affected proband was male.


Author(s):  
Yi-Lu Li ◽  
Rui-Qi Li ◽  
Dan Qiu ◽  
Shui-Yuan Xiao

Workplace physical violence against health care professionals perpetrated by patients and visitors has been a persistent problem worldwide. Prevalence estimates varied vastly across studies and there was a lack of quantitative syntheses of prevalence studies. This review aimed to quantify pooled one-year prevalence estimates at the global and regional levels. A systematic literature search was performed in the databases of PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Embase between 1 January 2000 and 8 October 2018. Studies providing information about one-year prevalence of self-reported workplace physical violence against health care professionals perpetrated by patients or visitors were included. Heterogeneity between studies was evaluated using Cochran’s chi-squared test (Cochran’s Q) and I2 values. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression were used to explore heterogeneity. A total of 65 eligible studies reported one-year prevalence estimates for 61,800 health care professionals from 30 countries. The pooled one-year prevalence of workplace physical violence against health care professionals perpetrated by patients or visitors was 19.33% (95% confidence interval (CI): 16.49–22.53%) and the overall heterogeneity was high across studies. We noted geographic and staff categories variations for prevalence estimates through subgroup analysis. The meta-regression showed that sample size, type of health care setting, and quality score were significant moderators for heterogeneity. One in five health care professionals experienced workplace physical violence perpetrated by patients or visitors worldwide annually. Practical intervention was needed to ensure safety of health care professionals.


2016 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvia Alonso ◽  
Ian Dohoo ◽  
Johanna Lindahl ◽  
Cristobal Verdugo ◽  
Isaiah Akuku ◽  
...  

AbstractA meta-analysis was performed to derive prevalence estimates for Brucella spp., Mycobacterium spp. and Trypanosoma spp. in cattle in Tanzania using data derived from a systematic review of zoonotic hazards in cattle production systems. Articles published before 2012 reporting prevalence and considered at least moderate in quality were included in the analysis. Results showed high heterogeneity between studies, with wide ranges in the reported prevalence: Brucella (0.3–60.8%), Mycobacterium (0.1–13.2%) and Trypanosoma (0.82–33.3%). Overall meta-analytic mean prevalence estimates were 8.2% (95% CI 6.5–10.2), 1.28% (95% CI 0.35–4.58) and 10.3% (95% CI 6.20–16.70) respectively, for Brucella spp., Mycobacterium spp. and Trypanosoma spp. Time and region were predictors of variability of Brucella spp. prevalence, while diagnostic test was a strong predictor of Mycobacterium spp. prevalence, with higher prevalence estimates given by skin tests compared with post-mortem inspection. None of the studied factors were associated with prevalence of Trypanosoma spp. The small sample sizes, range of study locations, study designs and diagnostics used, contributed to high variability among prevalence estimates. Larger and more robust prevalence studies are needed to adequately support risk assessment and management of animal and public health threats.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine Laverty ◽  
Andrew Surtees ◽  
Rory O’Sullivan ◽  
Daniel Sutherland ◽  
Christopher Jones ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction Preterm birth (<37 weeks) adversely affects development in behavioural, cognitive and mental health domains. Heightened rates of autism are identified in preterm populations, indicating that prematurity may confer an increased likelihood of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. The present meta-analysis aims to synthesise existing literature and calculate pooled prevalence estimates for rates of autism characteristics in preterm populations. Methods Search terms were generated from inspection of relevant high-impact papers and a recent meta-analysis. Five databases were searched from database creation until December 2020 with PRISMA guidelines followed throughout. Results 10,900 papers were retrieved, with 52 papers included in the final analyses, further classified by assessment method (screening tools N=30, diagnostic assessment N=29). Pooled prevalence estimates for autism in preterm samples was 20% when using screening tools and 6% when using diagnostic assessments. The odds of an autism diagnosis were 3.3 times higher in individuals born preterm than in the general population. Conclusions The pooled prevalence estimate of autism characteristics in individuals born preterm is considerably higher than in the general population. Findings highlight the clinical need to provide further monitoring and support for individuals born preterm.


2021 ◽  
Vol 68 (3) ◽  
pp. 327-337
Author(s):  
Andreea Raluca Adam ◽  
◽  
Florinda Tinela Golu ◽  

Depression among medical personnel is recognized worldwide as a serious problem, yet quantitative syntheses of prevalence studies are rare. We proceeded quantify and understand prevalence variation among physicians at the global levels. For this meta-analysis, we searched 6 databases, including: PsycINFO, Web of Science, PubMed, ProQuest using a comprehensive search strategy to identify prevalence of the physicians’ depression studies in the literature, published from inception of 1979. Studies reporting estimates of depression prevalence in physicians were included in the analyses. Studies quality was assessed with a prevalence risk of bias tool. Meta-regression was used to explore heterogeneity of the moderators we included in the analysis. Of the 3,156 studies initially identified, 33 were eligible for inclusion. These studies were geographically diverse (15 countries). The pooled prevalence rate for overall elder abuse was .243 (CI [.188; .306]; p<.001). Meta-analysis of studies that included overall abuse revealed heterogeneity. Significant associations were found between overall prevalence estimates and region, but not for sampling allocation and severity of depression. In this meta-analysis, the summary estimate of the prevalence of depression among physicians is 24.3%, ranging from 2% to 65.3 % depending on the region from the studies. Further research is needed to identify effective strategies for preventing and treating depression among physicians.


2017 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 245-259 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yongjie Yon ◽  
Christopher Mikton ◽  
Zachary D. Gassoumis ◽  
Kathleen H. Wilber

The abuse of older women appears to be a significant problem. Developing a better understanding of the extent of the problem is an important step toward preventing it. We conducted a global systematic review and meta-analysis of existing prevalence studies, in multiple languages, that occurred in the community settings from inception to June 26, 2015, in order to determine the extent of abuse against women aged 60 years and over. To disentangle the wide variations in prevalence estimates, we also investigated the associations between prevalence estimates and studies’ demographic and methodological characteristics. A total of 50 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The combined prevalence for overall elder abuse in the past year was 14.1% (95% confidence interval (CI) [11.0, 18.0]). Pooled prevalence for psychological abuse was 11.8% (95% CI [9.2%, 14.9%]), neglect was 4.1% (95% CI [2.7%, 6.3%]), financial abuse was 3.8% (95% CI [2.5%, 5.5%]), sexual abuse was 2.2% (95% CI [1.6%, 3.0%]), and physical abuse was 1.9% (95% CI [1.2%, 3.1%]). The studies included in the meta-analysis for overall abuse were heterogeneous indicating that significant differences among the prevalence estimates exist. Significant associations were found between prevalence estimates and the following covariates: World Health Organization–defined regions, countries’ income classification, and sample size. Together, these covariates explained 37% of the variance. Although robust prevalence studies are sparse in low- and middle-income countries, about 1 in 6, or 68 million older women experience abuse worldwide. More work is needed to understand the variation in prevalence rates and implications for prevention.


2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (7) ◽  
pp. 636-650 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mansour Farahani ◽  
Holly Mulinder ◽  
Alexander Farahani ◽  
Richard Marlink

The advent of antiretroviral therapy has significantly improved AIDS-related morbidity and mortality. Yet, among people living with HIV, deaths due to non-AIDS-defining illnesses have been on the rise. The objective of this study was to provide information about the global prevalence and distribution of non-AIDS causes of death in the last ten years among people living with HIV receiving antiretroviral therapy, by income levels of countries. We used broad search terms in Google Scholar, PubMed, and EMBASE to identify all studies that investigated the cause of death among people living with HIV receiving antiretroviral therapy, published after January 1, 2005. References were also identified from review articles and reference lists. Inclusion criteria were English language, the study’s end date was after 2005, all patients were HIV-positive, at least two-thirds of the patients were receiving antiretroviral therapy, at least one patient died of non-AIDS causes of death. Titles, abstracts, and articles were reviewed by at least two independent readers. Of 2951 titles identified in our original search, 151 articles were selected for further screening. We identified 19 studies meeting our full criteria, with patients from 55 different nations. Pooled non-AIDS causes of death prevalence estimates in high-income countries were 53.0% (95% confidence interval, 43.6–62.3), in developing countries 34.0% (95% confidence interval, 20.3–49.1), and in sub-Saharan countries 18.5% (95% confidence interval, 13.8–23.7). Statistically significant variation was noted within and between categories. Our findings show that a significant number of people living with HIV across the world die from cardiovascular disease, non-AIDS malignancies, and liver disease. There is a global need for further scrutiny in all regions to improve preventive measures and early detection according to distinct causes of death patterns.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Gerhard Wolf ◽  
A. L. Anderegg ◽  
R. J. Wierichs ◽  
G. Campus

Abstract Background The aim of this paper was to systematically review the root canal configuration (RCC) and morphology literature of the mandibular second premolar (Mn2P). Methods Systematic research of five electronic databases was performed to identify published literature concerning the root canal configuration (RCC) of the Mn2P up through July 2020. Studies were selected according to predefined search terms and keywords inclusion criteria: “root canal configuration”, “root canal system”, “root canal morphology”, “mandibular second premolar”, “mandibular premolars”, “morphology” and “anatomy”. Further possible studies were identified by cross-referencing and screening the bibliographies of the selected articles. Results From 1622 retrieved studies, 44 studies investigating the internal morphology of 17,839 Mn2Ps were included. Most examined Mn2Ps were single-rooted (89.5–100%); two-rooted (0.1–8%) and three-rooted (0.1–3.5%) Mn2Ps at lower frequency. Most frequent RCCs reported were 1–1–1/1 (55.3–99.6%) followed by 1–1–2/2 (0.5–57%) and 2–2–2/2 (0.6–18%). The meta-analysis of seven studies demonstrated that a significantly higher number of RCC type 1–2–1/1 (OR [95%CI] = 2.05 [1.27, 3.33]) and 2–2–2/2 (OR [95%CI] = 2.32 [0.65, 8.63]) were observed in male than in female patients. Conclusions Different RCC research methods have been reported. Whereas clearing and radiographs were commonly used in the past, CBCT has been prevalent in recent years. A globally high frequency of a 1–1–1/1 RCC in the Mn2P has been reported. Nevertheless, the probability that different, more complicated RCCs can appear in Mn2Ps should not be underestimated and, thus, should be taken into consideration when making decisions during an endodontic treatment.


2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmad M. Yakasai ◽  
Muhammad Hamza ◽  
Mahmood M. Dalhat ◽  
Musa Bello ◽  
Muktar A. Gadanya ◽  
...  

Adherence to artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) is not clearly defined. This meta-analysis determines the prevalence and predictors of adherence to ACT. Twenty-five studies and six substudies met the inclusion criteria. The prevalence of ACT adherence in the public sector was significantly higher compared to retail sector (76% and 45%, resp.,P<0.0001). However, ACT adherence was similar across different ACT dosing regimens and formulations. In metaregression analysis prevalence estimates of adherence significantly decrease with increasing year of study publicationP=0.046. Factors found to be significant predictors of ACT adherence were years of education ≥ 7{odds ratio (OR) (95% CI) = 1.63 (1.05–2.53)}, higher income{2.0 (1.35–2.98)}, fatty food{4.6 (2.49–8.50)}, exact number of pills dispensed{4.09 (1.60–10.7)}, and belief in traditional medication for malaria{0.09 (0.01–0.78)}. The accuracy of pooled estimates could be limited by publication bias, and differing methods and thresholds of assessing adherence. To improve ACT adherence, educational programs to increase awareness and understanding of ACT dosing regimen are interventions urgently needed. Patients and caregivers should be provided with an adequate explanation at the time of prescribing and/or dispensing ACT.


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