Pathophysiological and Genetic Aspects of Vascular Calcification

Recent evidence suggests that vascular calcification is an independent cardiovascular risk factor (CRF) of morbidity and mortality. New studies point out the existence of a complex physiopathological mechanism that involves inflammation, oxidation, the release of chemical mediators, and genetic factors that promote the osteochondrogenic differentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). This review will evaluate the main mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology and genetics modulation of the process of vascular calcification. Objective. A systematic review of the pathophysiology factors involved in vascular calcification and its genetic influence was performed. Methods. A systematic review was conducted in the Medline and PubMed databases and were searched for studies concerning vascular calcification using the keywords and studies published until 2020/01 in English. Inclusion Criteria. Studies in vitro, animal models, and humans. These include cohort (both retrospective and prospective cohort studies), case-control, cross-sectional, and systematic reviews. Exclusion Criteria. Studies before 2003 of the existing literature.

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Adverse Effects of Natural Products: A Brief Pre-Systematic Review

Current Nutraceuticals ◽

10.2174/2665978601999200702163914 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 01 ◽

Author(s):

Carla Pires ◽

Ana Fernandes

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Adverse Event ◽

Natural Products ◽

Adverse Events ◽

In Vitro Study ◽

Google Scholar ◽

Inclusion Criteria ◽

Exclusion Criteria ◽

Meta Analyses

Background: Natural products are commonly used for treating health problems. These products may be associated with adverse events, which are defined as "noxious and unintended response to a medicinal product" by the European Medicine Agency. Objectives: To identify studies describing at least one adverse event (or with potential to promote an adverse event) related to the use of natural products, as well as to describe the involved product(s) and adverse event(s). Methods: A pre-systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses criteria. Keywords: "natural product(s)" and ["adverse drug reaction(s)" or "adverse effect(s)"]. Screened databases: PubMed, SciELO, DOAJ and Google Scholar. Inclusion criteria: papers describing at least one adverse event associated with the use of natural products and published between 2017 and 2019. Exclusion criteria: Repeated studies, reviews and papers written in other languages than English, Portuguese, French or Spanish. Results: 104 studies were identified (20 PubMed; 0 SciELO; 2 DOAJ; 82 Google Scholar), but only 10 were selected (4 PubMed and 6 Google Scholar): 1 in-vitro study; 2 non-clinical studies, 1 study reporting in-vitro and clinical data and 5 studies were cases reports. Globally, 997 reports of adverse drug reactions with natural products were identified, mainly non-severe cases. Conclusion: Since a limited number of studies was found, we conclude that adverse events due to natural products may be underreported, or natural products may have a good safety profile. This review contributes for assuring the safety of natural products consumers, by evaluating the knowledge/information on the potential adverse events and interactions of these products.

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Mental Health in Health Students during Coronavirus Disease-19: Systematic Review

Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences ◽

10.3889/oamjms.2021.5841 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (F) ◽

pp. 205-210

Author(s):

Agus Purnama ◽

Susaldi Susaldi ◽

Halma Zahro Mukhlida ◽

Hilma Hasro Maulida ◽

Nyimas Heny Purwati

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Poor Mental Health ◽

Inclusion Criteria ◽

Letters To The Editor ◽

Exclusion Criteria ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Psychological Conditions

Purpose: This study aims to examine the description of mental health characteristics of health students who conducted studies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The design of this study is to use a systematic review approach by collecting several articles from a database that has been selected consisting of Springer. , ScienceDirect and ProQuest with articles published in 2020. Search for articles was carried out by entering the keyword "mental health AND student AND COVID-19". The search for this article was limited to inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria. The inclusion criteria in this study were health students who were still conducting studies during the COVID-19 pandemic and a cross-sectional study design, while the exclusion criteria were non-health students, only abstracts and books, and letters to the editor. Results: After a search on the selected database, the results are 677 Springer articles, 554 direct articles, and 1348 ProQuest articles. 11 were removed for duplicates, 444 full texts were reviewed and 6 articles matched inclusion and exclusion criteria. The results of the 6 articles that were reviewed showed that the majority of health students reported mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, stress, and another emotional status. Where moderate and severe levels of anxiety were experienced by some Health students who carried out education during the Covid-19 pandemic. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has an impact on psychological conditions, especially on health students who are carrying out their education. Students report poor mental health conditions while carrying out home education by learning online during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Is There Any Association Between Chronic Periodontitis and Anxiety in Adults? A Systematic Review

Frontiers in Psychiatry ◽

10.3389/fpsyt.2021.710606 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Walessa Alana Bragança Aragão ◽

de Deiweson Souza-Monteiro ◽

Deborah Ribeiro Frazão ◽

Yago Gecy de Sousa Né ◽

Railson de Oliveira Ferreira ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Web Of Science ◽

Case Control ◽

Inclusion Criteria ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Clinical Trial Registration ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Psychosocial Conditions ◽

Cross Sectional Studies

Periodontitis is a multifactorial disease triggered by dysbiotic biofilms, involving the host's immune response, systemic and behavioral factors, including psychosocial conditions. This systematic review aimed to investigate the possible association between periodontitis and anxiety in adults. Searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Lilacs, Cochrane, and OpenGrey databases, without language restrictions, considering studies in adults (P-Participants), with (E-Exposure) and without periodontitis (C- Comparison) in an outcome of association with anxiety (O-outcome). Methodological quality assessment was carried out using the Newcastle-Ottawa protocol for case-control and cross-sectional studies, followed by an analysis of the level of evidence using the GRADE tool. Metanalysis was not performed due to several differences in methods applied by authors in primary studies. Eleven observational studies were selected according to the inclusion criteria from the total of 6,380 studies retrieved from databases. Eight studies demonstrated higher anxiety levels in subjects with periodontitis, among which only one study presented a high risk of bias. The GRADE tool revealed a low level of evidence for the anxiety outcome measured by the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), both for case-control and cross-sectional studies. However, since anxiety may affect the quality of life of many subjects, it reinforces the need for further studies that evaluate this association for more extended periods.Clinical Trial Registration:PROSPERO-CRD42020190445.

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Nutrition and listeriosis during pregnancy: a systematic review

Journal of Nutritional Science ◽

10.1017/jns.2018.16 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 7 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

L. J. Moran ◽

Y. Verwiel ◽

M. Bahri Khomami ◽

T. J. Roseboom ◽

R. C. Painter

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Web Of Science ◽

Meat Products ◽

Case Control ◽

Inclusion Criteria ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Newcastle Ottawa Scale ◽

Present Systematic Review ◽

Ottawa Scale

AbstractListeriosis is a rare but severe foodborne illness which is more common in populations such as pregnant women, and can result in serious complications including miscarriage, prematurity, maternal and neonatal sepsis, and death in the newborn. Population recommendations exist for specific foods and food preparation practices to reduce listeriosis risk during pregnancy. The aim of the present systematic review was to assess the association between listeriosis and these practices during pregnancy to confirm appropriateness of these recommendations. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL Plus, Web of Science Core Collection, included articles’ references, and contacted clinical experts. All databases were searched until July 2017. Case–control and cohort studies were included which assessed pregnant women or their newborn offspring with known listeriosis status and a nutritional exposure consistent with international population recommendations for minimising listeriosis. Outcomes included listeriosis with or without pregnancy outcomes. Risk of bias was assessed through the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Results were described narratively due to clinical heterogeneity in differences in nutritional exposures. Eleven articles comprising case–control or cross-sectional studies met the inclusion criteria. Cases of maternal, fetal or neonate listeriosis were more likely to have consumed high-risk dairy products, meat products or some fruits during pregnancy in comparison with women without listeriosis. Cases of listeriosis were more likely to have consumed foods that are highlighted in population guidelines to avoid to minimise listeriosis in comparison with those without listeriosis during pregnancy. Further research is warranted assessing means of improving the reach, uptake and generalisability of population guidelines for reducing listeriosis during pregnancy.

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Anxiety impact during COVID-19: a systematic review

The Journal of Infection in Developing Countries ◽

10.3855/jidc.12730 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 15 (03) ◽

pp. 320-325

Author(s):

Patricia Batista ◽

Vitor Duque ◽

Ana Luzio-Vaz ◽

Anabela Pereira

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Published Data ◽

Inclusion Criteria ◽

Exclusion Criteria ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Future Studies ◽

Anxiety Measurement ◽

Meta Analyses ◽

The Impact ◽

Sample Methodology

Introduction: The COVID-19 epidemic has been causing serious physical, but also psychological effects in society. This systematic review sought to identify studies that describe COVID-19 related anxiety, and to understand the impact of anxiety assessment in defining strategies to be implemented in future studies. Methodology: This systematic review included cross-sectional studies with no publication year limit. It was performed a systematic search through three databases, namely, PubMed, Science Direct and Web of Science using the descriptors “COVID-19” and “anxiety”. PRISMA criteria reporting of systematic reviews and meta-analyses were applied. Eligible articles were selected in accordance with inclusion and exclusion criteria. The inclusion criteria were: research articles related with anxiety measurement during the COVID-19 outbreak; interventions to reduce anxiety; and published in English. Results: From 44 references, just four scientific articles were accepted for inclusion within this review. These studies were analyzed regarding their sample, methodology, instruments used, and its results. Conclusions: This systematic review was based on published data at the onset of the pandemic, and it could serve as a basis for the development of implementations plans to improve anxiety disorders. The importance of this theme, the implications and potential directions for future investigations will be discussed.

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Glycemic Index of Gluten-Free Bread and Their Main Ingredients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Foods ◽

10.3390/foods10030506 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (3) ◽

pp. 506

Author(s):

Bernardo Romão ◽

Ana Luísa Falcomer ◽

Gabriela Palos ◽

Sandra Cavalcante ◽

Raquel Braz Assunção Botelho ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Glycemic Index ◽

Resistant Starch ◽

Web Of Science ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Gluten Free ◽

Inclusion Criteria ◽

Glycemic Profile

This study aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the glycemic index (GI) of gluten-free bread (GFB) and its main ingredients. The systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines, using seven electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science, gray literature research with Google Scholar, and patents with Google Patent tool), from inception to November 2020. Eighteen studies met the inclusion criteria evaluating 132 GFB samples. Five articles tested GI in vivo, eleven in vitro; and two studies tested both methods. The analysis showed that 60.7% (95% CI: 40.2–78.1%) of the samples presented high glycemic indexes, evidencing a high glycemic profile for GFB. Only 18.2% (95% CI: 11.7–27.2%) of the bread samples presented in the studies were classified as a low GI. Meta-analysis presented moderate/low heterogenicity between studies (I2 = 61% and <1% for both high and low GIs) and reinforced the proportion of high GIs. Lower GIs were found in formulations based on Colocasia esculenta flour or enriched with fiber, yogurt and curd cheese, sourdough, psyllium, hydrocolloids, enzymes, fructans, and resistant starch, highlighting the efficacy of these ingredients to lower GFBs’ GI. GFB tends to present high GI, impacting the development of chronic diseases when consumed.

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Applicability of Moyers analysis in mixed dentition: A systematic review

Dental Press Journal of Orthodontics ◽

10.1590/s2176-94512013000600015 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 18 (6) ◽

pp. 100-105 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Mariana de Aguiar Bulhões Galvão ◽

Gladys Cristina Dominguez ◽

Sérgio Thomaz Tormin ◽

Alex Akamine ◽

André Tortamano ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Literature Review ◽

Clinical Case ◽

Case Reports ◽

Mixed Dentition ◽

Inclusion Criteria ◽

Exclusion Criteria ◽

Theoretical Probability ◽

Study Population ◽

Mixed Dentition Analysis

INTRODUCTION: Moyers analysis is widely used for analyzing mixed dentition, however, the accuracy of its theoretical probability tables has been recently questioned. Taking into consideration the fact the mixed dentition analysis is of paramount importance to precisely determine the space needed for alignment of canines and premolars, this research aimed at objectively assessing in the literature such an important step for orthodontic diagnosis. METHODS: A computerized search involving articles published on PubMed and Lilacs between 1990 and September, 2011 was conducted in accordance with the method described in the Cochrane 5.1.0 handbook. RESULTS: The research resulted in a sample composed of 629 articles. The inclusion criteria were: Articles using the Moyers analysis with a sample greater or equal to 40 patients. Conversely, the exclusion criteria were: Dental casts of patients with syndromes or oral cleft, researches conducted with a literature review, only, or clinical case reports and researches conducted before 1990. For this systematic review, 19 articles were selected. CONCLUSION: Based on the literature available, we can conclude that the Moyers mixed dentition analysis must be carefully used, since the majority of the articles analyzed showed that the probability of 75% was not as accurate as expected, leading to the need of adapting the probability levels depending on the study population.

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How does academic achievement relate to cardiorespiratory fitness, self-reported physical activity and objectively reported physical activity: a systematic review in children and adolescents aged 6–18 years

British Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1136/bjsports-2016-097361 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 52 (16) ◽

pp. 1039-1039 ◽

Cited By ~ 48

Author(s):

Adilson Marques ◽

Diana A Santos ◽

Charles H Hillman ◽

Luís B Sardinha

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Academic Achievement ◽

Children And Adolescents ◽

Cardiorespiratory Fitness ◽

Inclusion Criteria ◽

Eligibility Criteria ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Explanatory Variables ◽

The Relationship

ObjectiveThis report aimed to systematically review the evidence for a differential association between objective and self-reported physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness on academic achievement.DesignSystematic review.Data sourcesStudies were identified from searches in Embase, Education Resources Information Center, PubMed, PsycINFO, SPORTdiscus and Web of Science databases from January 2000 to December 2016.Eligibility criteria for selecting studiesEligibility criteria included cross-sectional, longitudinal and interventional study designs. Outcomes included students’ school grade or a standardised test or measure of academic achievement. Explanatory variables were cardiorespiratory fitness and objective and self-reported physical activity. Inclusion criteria included school-aged children and adolescents aged–18 years (or students from primary to secondary school when student’s participants age was not described) and articles published in English, Portuguese or Spanish.ResultsA total of 51 articles met inclusion criteria: 41 cross-sectional, 2 intervention and 8 longitudinal studies. Results from 11 studies were inconsistent regarding the relationship between objectively measured physical activity and academic achievement. Ten of the 16 articles reported positive associations between self-reported physical activity and academic achievement. From the 22 studies that analysed the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and academic achievement, it was verified that they all generally support the beneficial effect of cardiorespiratory fitness on students’ academic achievement.ConclusionHigher cardiorespiratory fitness may be important to enhance children and adolescents’ health and, additionally, academic achievement. Due to a lack of consensus across studies, methodological issues associated with the assessment of physical activity should be considered when investigating physical activity and academic achievement.

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The relationship between Internet use and self-concept clarity: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Cyberpsychology Journal of Psychosocial Research on Cyberspace ◽

10.5817/cp2021-2-4 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 15 (2) ◽

Author(s):

Cristina Elena Petre

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Internet Use ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Self Concept ◽

The Internet ◽

Inclusion Criteria ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Self Evaluation ◽

Cross Sectional Design ◽

The Relationship

There are three hypotheses regarding the relationship between Self-Concept Clarity (SCC) and Internet use. It was argued that Internet use: 1) decreases SCC, 2) increases SCC, 3) does not relate with SCC. The present study, in the form of a systematic and meta-analytic synthesis, aimed to explore: a) the extent empirical evidence can support each hypothesis; b) how Internet use-SCC relationship was addressed across studies; c) the intensity of the Internet use –SCC relationship; d) potential moderators. Twenty-one studies (N = 8,910) met the inclusion criteria for the systematic review (i.e., being quantitative, written in English, concerned with Internet use -SCC relationship) and 11 studies (N = 3,298) met the additional criteria for meta-analysis (i.e., being correlational, using self-evaluation instruments, quantifying general Internet use and including the information needed to calculate the meta-analysis specific indicators). Results emphasized that all three hypotheses are plausible, as distinct dimensions of Internet use related differently with SCC. However, the conclusions were limited by the extensive use of cross-sectional design. For general Internet use and SCC relationship the overall effect was -0.350, p < .01. Some moderators were significant: cultural background, Internet operationalization, age homogeneity, participants rewarding. This paper outlines the complexity of SCC – Internet relationship and underlines some of the gaps that should be further addressed. Implications and limits of the study (e.g., publication bias, excluded outcomes in the meta-analysis or possible omission of moderators) are discussed.

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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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