scholarly journals Handedness in twins: meta-analyses

2022 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lena Sophie Pfeifer ◽  
Judith Schmitz ◽  
Marietta Papadatou-Pastou ◽  
Jutta Peterburs ◽  
Silvia Paracchini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Dizygotic Twin ◽  
Odds Ratios ◽  
Moderating Variables ◽  
Left Hand ◽  
Dizygotic Twins ◽  
The Right ◽  
Meta Analyses

Abstract Background In the general population, 10.6% of people favor their left hand over the right for motor tasks. Previous research suggests higher prevalence of atypical (left-, mixed-, or non-right-) handedness in (i) twins compared to singletons, and in (ii) monozygotic compared to dizygotic twins. Moreover, (iii) studies have shown a higher rate of handedness concordance in monozygotic compared to dizygotic twins, in line with genetic factors playing a role for handedness. Methods By means of a systematic review, we identified 59 studies from previous literature and performed three sets of random effects meta-analyses on (i) twin-to-singleton Odds Ratios (21 studies, n = 189,422 individuals) and (ii) monozygotic-to-dizygotic twin Odds Ratios (48 studies, n = 63,295 individuals), both times for prevalence of left-, mixed-, and non-right-handedness. For monozygotic and dizygotic twin pairs we compared (iii) handedness concordance Odds Ratios (44 studies, n = 36,217 twin pairs). We also tested for potential effects of moderating variables, such as sex, age, the method used to assess handedness, and the twins’ zygosity. Results We found (i) evidence for higher prevalence of left- (Odds Ratio = 1.40, 95% Confidence Interval = [1.26, 1.57]) and non-right- (Odds Ratio = 1.36, 95% Confidence Interval = [1.22, 1.52]), but not mixed-handedness (Odds Ratio = 1.08, 95% Confidence Interval = [0.52, 2.27]) among twins compared to singletons. We further showed a decrease in Odds Ratios in more recent studies (post-1975: Odds Ratio = 1.30, 95% Confidence Interval = [1.17, 1.45]) compared to earlier studies (pre-1975: Odds Ratio = 1.90, 95% Confidence Interval = [1.59–2.27]). While there was (ii) no difference between monozygotic and dizygotic twins regarding prevalence of left- (Odds Ratio = 0.98, 95% Confidence Interval = [0.89, 1.07]), mixed- (Odds Ratio = 0.96, 95% Confidence Interval = [0.46, 1.99]), or non-right-handedness (Odds Ratio = 1.01, 95% Confidence Interval = [0.91, 1.12]), we found that (iii) handedness concordance was elevated among monozygotic compared to dizygotic twin pairs (Odds Ratio = 1.11, 95% Confidence Interval = [1.06, 1.18]). By means of moderator analyses, we did not find evidence for effects of potentially confounding variables. Conclusion We provide the largest and most comprehensive meta-analysis on handedness in twins. Although a raw, unadjusted analysis found a higher prevalence of left- and non-right-, but not mixed-handedness among twins compared to singletons, left-handedness was substantially more prevalent in earlier than in more recent studies. The single large, recent study which included birth weight, Apgar score and gestational age as covariates found no twin-singleton difference in handedness rate, but these covariates could not be included in the present meta-analysis. Together, the secular shift and the influence of covariates probably make it unsafe to conclude that twinning has a genuine relationship to handedness.

scholarly journals Handedness in Twins: Meta-Analyses

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lena Sophie Pfeifer ◽  
Judith Schmitz ◽  
Marietta Papadatou-Pastou ◽  
Jutta Peterburs ◽  
Silvia Paracchini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Association Studies ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Monozygotic Twins ◽  
Genome Wide Association Studies ◽  
Dizygotic Twin ◽  
Odds Ratios ◽  
Genetic Determination ◽  
Dizygotic Twins ◽  
Meta Analyses

Background: In the general population, 10.6 % of people favor their left hand over the right for motor tasks. Previous research suggests higher prevalence of atypical (left-, mixed-, or non-right-) handedness in (i) twins compared to singletons, and in (ii) monozygotic compared to dizygotic twins. Moreover, (iii) studies have shown a higher rate of handedness concordance in monozygotic compared to dizygotic twins, in line with genetic factors playing a role for handedness.Methods: We identified 59 studies from previous literature and performed three sets of random effects meta-analyses on (i) twin-to-singleton Odds Ratios (21 studies, n = 189,422 individuals), (ii) monozygotic-to-dizygotic twin Odds Ratios (48 studies, n = 63,295 individuals), and (iii) concordance Odds Ratios (44 studies, n = 36,217 twin pairs). We also tested for potential effects of moderating variables such as sex, age, the method used to assess handedness and the twins’ zygosity.Results: We found (i) evidence for higher prevalence of left- (Odds Ratio = 1.40) and non-right- (Odds Ratio = 1.36), but not mixed-handedness (Odds Ratio = 1.08) among twins compared to singletons. We further showed a reduction of difference over time, which suggests that higher levels of left-handedness observed in twins are linked to a higher frequency of birth complications which might have dropped nowadays in their overall prevalence because of better healthcare. While there was (ii) no difference between monozygotic and dizygotic twins regarding prevalence of left- (Odds Ratio = 0.98), mixed- (Odds Ratio = 0.96), or non-right-handedness (Odds Ratio = 1.01), we found that (iii) handedness concordance was elevated among monozygotic compared to dizygotic twin pairs (Odds Ratio = 1.11). Moderator analyses showed our results to be robust against potentially confounding variables.Conclusion: We provide the largest and most comprehensive meta-analysis on handedness in twins. Results suggest that the previously reported effect that twins are more likely to be left-handed than singletons is robust. Furthermore, we also provide robust evidence that monozygotic twins are more likely to be concordant for handedness than dizygotic twins. In line with recent genome-wide association studies, this finding supports a partially genetic determination of handedness.

scholarly journals Voluntary medical male circumcision and HIV infection among men who have sex with men: Implications from a systematic review

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 205031211986911 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chen Zhang ◽  
Han-Zhu Qian ◽  
Yu Liu ◽  
Sten H Vermund
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Male Circumcision ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Adjusted Odds Ratio ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision ◽  
Medical Male Circumcision ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Meta Analyses

Background: With the rapidly-increased HIV epidemic among men who have sex with men worldwide, the effectiveness of voluntary medical male circumcision as the tool of HIV prevention still remains undetermined. Purpose: In the current study, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the association between voluntary medical male circumcision and HIV risk among men who have sex with men. Methods and Conclusion: Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guideline, we conducted a comprehensive literature search through multiple databases. A total of 37 articles/abstracts were included in the analysis. We employed random-effects models and subgroup analyses based upon key study characteristics derived from empirical studies. A total of 117,293 men who have sex with men were included in the meta-analysis, and no randomized control trials have been identified. The odds of being HIV positive were 7% lower among men who have sex with men who were circumcised than among men who have sex with men who were uncircumcised (adjusted odds ratio, 0.93; 95% confidence interval, 0.88–0.99). The evidence for the potential protective effect of voluntary medical male circumcision was stronger among men who have sex with men in Asia and Africa (adjusted odds ratio, 0.62; 95% confidence interval, 0.53–0.73). Our meta-analyses may suggest a protective effect of voluntary medical male circumcision against HIV infection among men who have sex with men, especially in settings like Asia/Africa.

scholarly journals CHA2DS2-VASc risk factors as predictors of stroke after acute coronary syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 264-274 ◽  
Author(s):  
Federico Guerra ◽  
Lorena Scappini ◽  
Alessandro Maolo ◽  
Gianluca Campo ◽  
Rita Pavasini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Acute Coronary Syndrome ◽  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Transient Ischemic Attack ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Odds Ratios ◽  
Coronary Syndrome ◽  
Ischemic Attack

Background: Stroke is a rare but serious complication of acute coronary syndrome. At present, no specific score exists to identify patients at higher risk. The aim of the present study is to test whether each clinical variable included in the CHA2DS2-VASc score retains its predictive value in patients with recent acute coronary syndrome, irrespective of atrial fibrillation. Methods: The meta-analysis was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) guidelines. All clinical trials and observational studies presenting data on the association between stroke/transient ischemic attack incidence and at least one CHA2DS2-VASc item in patients with a recent acute coronary syndrome were considered in the analysis. Atrial fibrillation diagnosis was also considered. Results: The whole cohort included 558,193 patients of which 7108 (1.3%) had an acute stroke and/or transient ischemic attack during follow-up (median nine months; 1st–3rd quartile 1–12 months). Age and previous stroke had the highest odds ratios (odds ratio 2.60; 95% confidence interval 2.21–3.06 and odds ratio 2.74; 95% confidence interval 2.19–3.42 respectively), in accordance with the two-point value given in the CHA2DS2-VASc score. All other factors were positively associated with stroke, although with lower odds ratios. Atrial fibrillation, while present in only 11.2% of the population, confirmed its association with an increased risk of stroke and/or transient ischemic attack (odds ratio 2.04; 95% confidence interval 1.71–2.44). Conclusions: All risk factors included in the CHA2DS2-VASc score are associated with stroke/ transient ischemic attack in patients with recent acute coronary syndrome, and retain similar odds ratios to what already seen in atrial fibrillation. The utility of CHA2DS2-VASc score for risk stratification of stroke in patients with acute coronary syndrome remains to be determined.

The incidence and risk of infusion phlebitis with peripheral intravenous catheters: A meta-analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 342-349 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luyu Lv ◽  
Jiaqian Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Female Gender ◽  
Incidence Rates ◽  
Intravenous Catheter ◽  
Peripheral Intravenous Catheter ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
Intravenous Catheters

Introduction: Phlebitis is a common complication associated with the use of peripheral intravenous catheters. The aim of this study was to estimate the incidence of phlebitis with peripheral intravenous catheter use and to identify risk factors for phlebitis development. Method: Literature survey was conducted in electronic databases (CINAHL, Embase, Google Scholar, Ovid, and PubMed), and studies were included if they used peripheral intravenous catheter for therapeutic or volumetric infusion and reported phlebitis incidence rates. Random effects meta-analyses were performed to obtain overall and subgroup phlebitis incidence rates and odds ratio between males and females in phlebitis incidence. Results: Thirty-five studies were included (20,697 catheters used for 15,791 patients; age 57.1 years (95% confidence interval: 55.0, 59.2); 53.9% males (95% confidence interval: 42.3, 65.5)). Incidence of phlebitis was 30.7 per 100 catheters (95% confidence interval: 27.2, 34.2). Incidence of severe phlebitis was 3.6% (95% confidence interval: 2.7%, 4.6%). Incidence of phlebitis was higher in non-intervened (30% (95% confidence interval: 27%, 33%)) than in intervened (21% (95% confidence interval: 15%, 27%)) groups, and with Teflon (33% (95% confidence interval: 25%, 41%)) than Vialon (27% (95% confidence interval: 21%, 32%)) cannula use. Odds of developing phlebitis was significantly higher in females (odds ratio = 1.42 (95% confidence interval: 1.05, 1.93); p = 0.02). Longer dwelling time, antibiotics infusion, female gender, forearm insertion, infectious disease, and Teflon catheter are important risk factors for phlebitis development identified by the included studies. Conclusion: Incidence of phlebitis with the use of peripheral intravenous catheters during infusion is 31%. Severe phlebitis develops in 4% of all patients. Risk of phlebitis development can be reduced by adapting appropriate interventions.

scholarly journals The risk of being culpable for or involved in a road crash after using cannabis: A systematic review and meta-analyses

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 205032452110553
Author(s):  
Michael A. White ◽  
Nicholas R. Burns
Keyword(s):  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Case Control ◽  
Odds Ratios ◽  
Case Control Studies ◽  
Directional Bias ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
Summary Odds Ratio ◽  
Average Measure

Background The development of drug driving policies should rest on sound epidemiological evidence as to the crash risks of driving after using psychoactive drugs. The findings from individual studies of the increased risk of crashing from the acute use of cannabis range in size from no increase (and perhaps even a protective effect) to a 10-fold increase. Coherent cannabis-driving policies cannot readily be developed from such an incoherent evidence base. A weighted average measure of risk, as provided by a meta-analysis, might be useful. However, if the range of risks found in the cannabis-crash studies reflects the different ways that a variety of biases are being expressed, then the simple application of a meta-analysis might provide little more than an average measure of bias. In other words, if the biases were predominantly inflationary, the meta-analysis would give an inflated estimate of crash risk; and if the biases were predominantly deflationary, the meta-analysis would give a deflated estimate of risk. Review We undertook a systematic search of electronic databases, and identified 13 culpability studies and 4 case–control studies from which cannabis-crash odds ratios could be extracted. Random-effects meta-analyses gave summary odds ratios of 1.37 (1.10–1.69) for the culpability studies and 1.45 (0.94–2.25) for the case–control studies. A tool was designed to identify and score biases arising from: confounding by uncontrolled covariates; inappropriate selection of cases and controls; and the inappropriate measurement of the exposure and outcome variables. Each study was scrutinised for the presence of those biases, and given a total ‘directional bias score’. Most of the biases were inflationary. A meta-regression against the total directional bias scores was performed for the culpability studies, giving a bias-adjusted summary odds ratio of 0.68 (0.45–1.05). The same analysis could not be performed for the case–control studies because there were only four such studies. Nonetheless, a monotonic relationship was found between the total bias scores and the cannabis-crash odds ratios, with Spearman's rho  =  0.95, p  =  0.05, indicating that the summary odds ratio of 1.45 is an overestimate. It is evident that the risks from driving after using cannabis are much lower than from other behaviours such as drink-driving, speeding or using mobile phones while driving. With the medical and recreational use of cannabis becoming more prevalent, the removal of cannabis-presence driving offences should be considered (while impairment-based offences would remain).

Dissimilar Effects of Thalidomide in Dizygotic Twins

1980 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 295-297 ◽  
Author(s):  
Márcia Schmidt ◽  
Francisco M. Salzano
Keyword(s):  
In Utero ◽  
The Other ◽  
Dizygotic Twin ◽  
Duodenal Stenosis ◽  
Left Hand ◽  
Dizygotic Twins ◽  
The Right ◽  
Triphalangeal Thumb

Among 93 cases of thalidomide embryopathy ascertained in Brazil, one pair of female dizygotic twins was found. One of them presented complete paraxial hemimelia in the right arm while the other showed a triphalangeal thumb at the left hand and had duodenal stenosis. Of the eight dizygotic twin pairs exposed to thalidomide in utero described thus far, only four were concordant for the type of malformation.

Is suicidal behaviour a stronger predictor of later suicide than suicidal ideation? A systematic review and meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
pp. 000486742093116 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew Large ◽  
Amy Corderoy ◽  
Catherine McHugh
Keyword(s):  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Suicidal Behaviour ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
English Language ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Study Characteristics ◽  
Study Population ◽  
Meta Analyses

Objective: Suicidal ideation and suicidal behaviour are both regarded as important risk factors for suicide, but it is usually believed that suicidal ideation is less strongly linked to suicide than suicidal behaviours. In this study, we assessed and compared the strengths of the associations that suicidal ideation and suicidal behaviour have with later suicide using meta-analysis of primary studies reporting both these independent variables and the dependent variable of suicide. Methods: A total of 51 English language publications describing cohort or controlled studies that reported on both the association between suicidal ideation and suicide and the association between suicidal behaviours and suicide were located using searches for titles in PubMed containing variants of the word suicide (suicid*). Suicides were considered to include reported suicides and open verdicts from mortality registers. The strengths of the two associations were examined in separate random effects meta-analyses and were then compared using mixed effects meta-regression. Subgroups were examined according to study characteristics including the definitions of suicidal ideation or behaviour used, setting (psychiatric or non-psychiatric), diagnostic mix of the study population, study design (cohort or control) and study quality. Results: Suicidal ideation (odds ratio = 3.11, 95% confidence interval = 2.51, 3.86) and suicidal behaviours (odds ratio = 4.09, 95% confidence interval = 3.05, 5.49) were both significantly associated with suicide but there was no significant difference in the strengths of association ( p = 0.14). Nor were there significant differences in the strengths of the two associations in multiple subgroup analyses. Conclusion: Suicidal ideation and suicidal behaviour are both moderately associated with suicide. Existing data cannot conclusively demonstrate that suicidal behaviours are more strongly associated with suicide than suicidal ideation. Clinicians should not strongly prioritise suicidal behaviour over suicidal ideation when considering suicide risk.

scholarly journals PARP1 rs1136410 Val762Ala contributes to an increased risk of overall cancer in the East Asian population: a meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 49 (3) ◽  
pp. 030006052199295
Author(s):  
Yijuan Xin ◽  
Liu Yang ◽  
Mingquan Su ◽  
Xiaoli Cheng ◽  
Lin Zhu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Risk ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Chinese Population ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Asian Population ◽  
Cancer Type ◽  
East Asians ◽  
Asian Populations ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Meta Analyses

Objectives To investigate the association between poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 ( PARP1) rs1136410 Val762Ala and cancer risk in Asian populations, as published findings remain controversial. Methods The PubMed and EMBASE databases were searched, and references of identified studies and reviews were screened, to find relevant studies. Meta-analyses were performed to evaluate the association between PARP1 rs1136410 Val762Ala and cancer risk, reported as odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Results A total of 24 studies with 8 926 cases and 15 295 controls were included. Overall, a significant association was found between PARP1 rs1136410 Val762Ala and cancer risk in East Asians (homozygous: OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.06, 1.35; heterozygous: OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.04, 1.17; recessive: OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.02, 1.25; dominant: OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.06, 1.19; and allele comparison: OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.03, 1.15). Stratification analyses by race and cancer type revealed similar results for gastric cancer among the Chinese population. Conclusion The findings suggest that PARP1 rs1136410 Val762Ala may be significantly associated with an increased cancer risk in Asians, particularly the Chinese population.

scholarly journals Protective Effects of Statins Administration in European and North American Patients Infected with COVID-19: A Meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mairi Pucci ◽  
Diletta Onorato ◽  
Giovanni Carpene ◽  
Brandon Michael Henry ◽  
Fabian Sanchis-Gomar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Statin Therapy ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Protective Role ◽  
Favorable Effect ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Severe Illness ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Time Data

AbstractSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has spread rapidly throughout the world, becoming an overwhelming global health emergency. The array of injuries caused by this virus is broad and not limited to the respiratory system, but encompassing also extensive endothelial and systemic tissue damage. Since statins effectively improve endothelial function, these drugs may have beneficial effects in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Therefore, this investigation aimed to provide an updated overview on the interplay between statins and COVID-19, with particular focus on their potentially protective role against progression toward severe or critical illness and death. A systematic electronic search was performed in Scopus and PubMed up to present time. Data on statins use and COVID-19 outcomes especially in studies performed in Europe and North America were extracted and pooled. A total of seven studies met our inclusion criteria, totaling 2,398 patients (1,075 taking statins, i.e., 44.8%). Overall, statin usage in Western patients hospitalized with COVID-19 was associated with nearly 40% lower odds of progressing toward severe illness or death (odds ratio: 0.59; 95% confidence interval: 0.35–0.99). After excluding studies in which statin therapy was started during hospital admission, the beneficial effect of these drugs was magnified (odds ratio: 0.51; 95% confidence interval: 0.41–0.64). In conclusion, although randomized trials would be necessary to confirm these preliminary findings, current evidence would support a favorable effect of statins as adjuvant therapy in patients with COVID-19. Irrespective of these considerations, suspension of statin therapy seems highly unadvisable in COVID-19 patients.

scholarly journals Adherence to antihypertensive medications and associated factors among hypertensive patients in Ethiopia: Systematic review and meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 205031212098245
Author(s):  
Assefa Tola Gemeda ◽  
Lemma Demissie Regassa ◽  
Adisu Birhanu Weldesenbet ◽  
Bedasa Taye Merga ◽  
Nanti Legesse ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Medication Adherence ◽  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Associated Factors ◽  
Antihypertensive Medication ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Group Analysis ◽  
Hypertensive Patients ◽  
Pooled Prevalence

The foundation of controlling hypertension is adherence to antihypertensive medication adherence. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the magnitude and associated factors of adherence to antihypertensive medication among adult hypertensive patients in Ethiopia. A comprehensible bibliographic searching was conducted from PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science core collection. All published and unpublished studies that had been accessible before 31 May 2020, and written in English were eligible. Joanna Briggs Institute assessment tool was used to evaluate the quality of the findings of the included studies. Stata software 16.0 was used to analyze the data. Study-specific estimates were pooled to determine the overall prevalence estimate across studies using a random-effects meta-analysis model. Publication bias and heterogeneity were checked. Fourteen studies with a total of 4938 hypertensive patients were included in the final systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of medication adherence among hypertensive patients in Ethiopia was 65.41% (95% confidence interval: 58.91–71.91). Sub-group analysis shown that the pooled prevalence of medication adherence was the highest (69.07%, 95% confidence interval: 57.83–80.31, I2 = 93.51) among studies using questionnaire technique whereas the lowest in Morisky Medication Adherence Scale eight-items (60.66%, 95% confidence interval: 48.92–72.40, I2 = 97.16). Moreover, medication adherence was associated with the presence of comorbidities (pooled odds ratio = 0.23, 95% confidence interval: 0.07–0.38, p = 0.030, I2 = 54.9%) and knowledge about the disease and its management (pooled odds ratio = 2.98, 95% confidence interval: 1.72–4.24, p = 0.04, I2 = 55.55%) but not with place of residence (pooled odds ratio = 1.22, 95% confidence interval: 0.51–1.93, p = 0.00, I2 = 76.9%). Despite a lack of uniformity among included studies, adherence to antihypertensive medication among the hypertensive population in Ethiopia was moderate. The presence of comorbidities and/or complications reduced the odds of adherence whereas having good knowledge about the disease increased chance of medication adherence among hypertensive patients.

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