Short-term elevations in glucocorticoids do not alter telomere lengths: A systematic review and meta-analysis of non-primate vertebrate studies

Background The neuroendocrine stress response allows vertebrates to cope with stressors via the activation of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis, which ultimately results in the secretion of glucocorticoids (GCs). Glucocorticoids have pleiotropic effects on behavior and physiology, and might influence telomere length dynamics. During a stress event, GCs mobilize energy towards survival mechanisms rather than to telomere maintenance. Additionally, reactive oxygen species produced in response to increased GC levels can damage telomeres, also leading to telomere shortening. In our systematic review and meta-analysis, we tested whether GC levels impact telomere length and if this relationship differs among time frame, life history stage, or stressor type. We hypothesized that elevated GC levels are linked to a decrease in telomere length. Methods We conducted a literature search for studies investigating the relationship between telomere length and GCs in non-human vertebrates using four search engines: Web of Science, Google Scholar, Pubmed and Scopus, last searched on September 27th, 2020. This review identified 31 studies examining the relationship between GCs and telomere length. We pooled the data using Fisher’s Z for 15 of these studies. All quantitative studies underwent a risk of bias assessment. This systematic review study was registered in the Open Science Framework Registry (https://osf.io/rqve6). Results The pooled effect size from fifteen studies and 1066 study organisms shows no relationship between GCs and telomere length (Fisher’s Z = 0.1042, 95% CI = 0.0235; 0.1836). Our meta-analysis synthesizes results from 15 different taxa from the mammalian, avian, amphibian groups. While these results support some previous findings, other studies have found a direct relationship between GCs and telomere dynamics, suggesting underlying mechanisms or concepts that were not taken into account in our analysis. The risk of bias assessment revealed an overall low risk of bias with occasional instances of bias from missing outcome data or bias in the reported result. Conclusion We highlight the need for more targeted experiments to understand how conditions, such as experimental timeframes, stressor(s), and stressor magnitudes can drive a relationship between the neuroendocrine stress response and telomere length.

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Short-term elevations in glucocorticoids do not alter telomere lengths: A systematic review and meta-analysis of non-primate vertebrate studies

10.1101/2021.05.19.444844 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Lauren Helena Zane ◽

David C Ensminger ◽

José Pablo Vázquez-Medina

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Telomere Length ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Time Frame ◽

Outcome Data ◽

Risk Of Bias ◽

Telomere Maintenance ◽

Life History Stage ◽

Bias Assessment ◽

The Relationship

Background: The neuroendocrine stress response allows vertebrates to cope with stressors via the activation of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis, which ultimately results in the secretion of glucocorticoids (CORT). Glucocorticoids have pleiotropic effects on behavior and physiology, and might influence telomere length dynamics. During a stress event, CORT mobilizes energy towards survival mechanisms rather than to telomere maintenance. Additionally, reactive oxidative species produced in response to increased CORT levels can damage telomeres, also leading to telomere shortening. In our systematic review and meta-analysis, we tested whether CORT levels impact telomere length and if this relationship differs among time frame, life history stage, or stressor type. We hypothesized that elevated CORT levels are linked to a decrease in telomere length. Methods: To test this hypothesis, we conducted a literature search for studies investigating the relationship between telomere length and CORT levels in non-human vertebrates using four search engines Web of Science, Google Scholar, Pubmed and Scopus, last searched on September 27th, 2020. This review identified 31 studies examining the relationship between CORT and telomere length. We pooled the data using Fishers Z for 15 of these studies. All quantitative studies underwent a risk of bias assessment. This systematic review study was registered in the Open Science Framework Registry (https://osf.io/rqve6). Results: The pooled effect size from fifteen studies and 1066 study organisms shows no relationship between CORT and telomere length (Fishers Z= 0.1042, 95% CI = 0.0235; 0.1836). While these results support some previous findings, other studies have found a direct relationship between CORT and telomere dynamics, suggesting underlying mechanisms or concepts that are not currently taken into account in our analysis. The risk of bias assessment revealed an overall low risk of bias with occasional instances of bias from missing outcome data or bias in the reported result.

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Protocol: The relationship between vitamin A and body mass: A systematic review and meta-analysis

10.7287/peerj.preprints.27071v1 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Wasim A Iqbal ◽

Gavin B Stewart ◽

Ines Mendes ◽

Kieran Finney ◽

Anthony Oxley ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Adipose Tissue ◽

Vitamin A ◽

Body Mass ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Primary Objective ◽

Risk Of Bias ◽

Adipose Tissue Depots ◽

Secondary Objective ◽

The Relationship

The proposed protocol is for a systematic review and meta-analysis on the relationship between vitamin A and body mass. The primary objective is to explore the mechanisms between vitamin A and adiposity such as inflammation, dietary intake and body fat. The secondary objective is to look at the extent to which vitamin A is stored in different adipose tissue depots. The protocol outlines the motive and scope for the review, and methodology including the risk of bias, statistical analysis, screening and study criteria.

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Hallux valgus orthosis characteristics and effectiveness: a systematic review with meta-analysis

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-047273 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (8) ◽

pp. e047273

Author(s):

Mei-Ying Kwan ◽

Kit-Lun Yick ◽

Joanne Yip ◽

Chi-Yung Tse

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Hallux Valgus ◽

Outcome Measurement ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Outcome Data ◽

Risk Of Bias ◽

Eligibility Criteria ◽

Systematic Analysis ◽

Registration Number ◽

Mean Differences

ObjectiveThe treatment effect of orthoses for hallux valgus (HV) is unclear with little interventional studies, the design involves multiple complex factors, and therefore a systematic analysis with meta-analysis is necessary. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to determine whether current foot orthoses are effective in treating HV.DesignSystematic review with meta-analysis.Data sourcesElectronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Cinahl and Medline) are searched up to February 2020.Eligibility criteria for selecting studiesInterventional studies with content focus on HV orthosis design and any of the outcomes related to effectiveness for treating HV are included. The standardised mean differences are calculated. The risk of bias in included studies is assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration’s risk of bias tools.ResultsIn total, 2066 articles are identified. Among them, nine are selected and quality rated, and data are extracted and closely examined. A meta-analysis is conducted, where appropriate. The main causes of potential bias are missing outcome data and outcome measurement error. The results show that orthosis with a toe separator has the best effect of correcting the HV angle (standardised mean difference: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.189 to 0.803).ConclusionThe orthoses design with a toe separator or an element that allows for the foot anatomic alignment is critical for reducing the HV angle and relieving foot pain. The results contribute to a better selection of treatment for patients.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42021260403.

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Metabolic Syndrome and Its Components in Patients with COVID-19: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Mortality. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Journal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease ◽

10.3390/jcdd8120162 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 (12) ◽

pp. 162

Author(s):

Sergio Rico-Martín ◽

Julián F. Calderón-García ◽

Belinda Basilio-Fernández ◽

María Zoraida Clavijo-Chamorro ◽

Juan F. Sánchez Muñoz-Torrero

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Metabolic Syndrome ◽

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Risk Of Bias ◽

Newcastle Ottawa Scale ◽

Abstract Screening ◽

The Relationship ◽

Metabolic Comorbidities ◽

Ottawa Scale

Recent meta-analysis studies have reported that metabolic comorbidities such as diabetes, obesity, dyslipidaemia and hypertension are associated with higher risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and mortality in patients with COVID-19. This meta-analysis aims to investigate the relationship between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components with SARS and mortality in COVID-19 patients. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in the several databases up until 1 September 2021. Primary observational longitudinal studies published in peer review journals were selected. Two independent reviewers performed title and abstract screening, extracted data and assessed the risk of bias using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Results: The random effects meta-analysis showed that MetS was significantly associated with SARS with a pooled OR (95% CI) of 3.21 (2.88–3.58) and mortality with a pooled OR (95% CI) of 2.32 (1.16–4.63). According to SARS, the pooled OR for MetS was 2.19 (1.71–2.67), p < 0.001; significantly higher than the hypertension component. With regard to mortality, although the pooled OR for MetS was greater than for its individual components, no significant differences were observed. Conclusions: this meta-analysis of cohort studies, showed that MetS is better associated to SARS and mortality in COVID-19 patients than its individual components.

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Impact of Preoperative Stenting on the Outcome of Flexible Ureterorenoscopy for Upper Urinary Tract Urolithiasis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Urologia Internationalis ◽

10.1159/000518160 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-9

Author(s):

Omar Fahmy ◽

Hadi SHSM ◽

CKS Lee ◽

Mohd Ghani Khairul-Asri

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Ureteral Injury ◽

Risk Of Bias ◽

Perioperative Outcomes ◽

Current Debate ◽

Ureteral Access Sheath ◽

Flexible Ureterorenoscopy ◽

Patient Counselling ◽

Bias Assessment

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effect of preoperative stenting (POS) on the perioperative outcomes of flexible ureterorenoscopy (fURS). Materials and Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted based on the PRISMA statement. From the initially retrieved 609 reports, we excluded the ineligible studies at 2 stages. We only included studies that contained fURS patients with and without POS in the same report. Data of patients who underwent semirigid ureteroscope only were excluded from the analysis. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) system was applied for risk of bias assessment. Results: A total of 20 studies including 5,852 patients were involved. 48.5% of the patients had preoperative stent. Stone-free rate was significantly higher with prestenting; odds ratio (OR) was 1.98 (95% CI: 1.51–2.58) (Z = 5.02; p = 0.00001). It also displayed tendency toward lower complications; OR was 0.74 (95% CI: 0.52–1.05) (Z = 1.67; p = 0.09). POS significantly increased the use of ureteral access sheath; OR was 1.49 (95% CI: 1.05–2.13) (Z = 2.22; p = 0.03). Risk of bias assessment showed 13 and 7 studies with low and moderate risk, respectively. Conclusions: POS clearly improves the stone-free rates after fURS. It might reduce the complications, especially ureteral injury. These findings might help solve the current debate and can be useful for urologists during patient counselling for a proper decision-making.

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Behaviour change interventions for the management of Raynaud's phenomenon: a systematic review protocol

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2017-017039 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 7 (8) ◽

pp. e017039 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Jo Daniels ◽

John D Pauling ◽

Christopher Eccelston

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Behaviour Change ◽

Raynaud’S Phenomenon ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Grey Literature ◽

Raynaud's Phenomenon ◽

Risk Of Bias ◽

Bias Assessment ◽

Behaviour Change Interventions

IntroductionRaynaud's phenomenon (RP) describes excessive peripheral vasospasm to cold exposure and/or emotional stress. RP episodes are associated with digital colour changes, pain and reduced quality of life. Pharmacological interventions are of low to moderate efficacy and often result in adverse effects such as facial flushing and headaches. Recommended lifestyle and behavioural interventions have not been evaluated. The objectives of the proposed systematic review are to assess the comparative safety and efficacy of behaviour change interventions for RP and identify what we can learn to inform future interventions.Methods and analysisStudies eligible for inclusion include randomised controlled trials testing behaviour change interventions with a control comparator. A comprehensive search strategy will include peer review and grey literature up until 30 April 2017. Search databases will include Medline, Embase, PsychINFO and Cochrane. Initial sifting, eligibility, data extraction, risk of bias and quality assessment will be subject to review by two independent reviewers with a third reviewer resolving discrepancies. Risk of bias assessment will be performed using Cochrane risk of a bias assessment tool with quality of evidence assessed using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation(GRADE). A meta-analysis will be performed if there are sufficient data. Two subgroup analyses are planned: primary versus secondary RP outcomes; comparison of theoretically informed interventions with pragmatic interventions.Ethics and disseminationThis review does not require ethical approval as it will summarise published studies with non-identifiable data. This protocol complies with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) guidelines. Findings will be disseminated in peer-reviewed articles and reported according to PRISMA. This review will make a significant contribution to the management of RP where no review of behaviour-change interventions currently exist. The synopsis and protocol for the proposed systematic review is registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (registration number CRD42017049643).

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Acupuncture combined with medication for opioid use disorder in adults: a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2019-034554 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (6) ◽

pp. e034554

Author(s):

Zhihan Chen ◽

Rui Wang ◽

Min Zhang ◽

Yitong Wang ◽

Yulan Ren

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Assessment Tool ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Opioid Use Disorder ◽

Risk Of Bias ◽

Control Group ◽

Opioid Use ◽

Bias Assessment ◽

Assess Quality ◽

Randomised Controlled

IntroductionOpioid use disorder (OUD) is a worldwide health problem. Clinical trials indicated that acupuncture combined with medication is effective in OUD, however, there are different conclusions presented by previous trials. This study is designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture combined with medication in OUD.Methods and analysisPubMed, CENTRAL, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, PsycINFO, ProQuest Dissertation and Theses, AMED, OpenGrey, Clinicaltrials.gov and who.int/trialsearch will be searched in September 2019 without a language restriction. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs which included participants with OUD receiving acupuncture therapy combined with medication versus control group will be included in this study. Two reviewers will independently screen studies, extract data, assess risk of bias by the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool and assess quality of evidence by Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Any disagreements will be arbitrated by the third reviewer. Data synthesis and analysis will be conducted by using RevMan V.5.3. Subgroup analyses, sensitivity analysis, meta-regression and reporting bias assessment will be conducted if necessary and appropriate.Ethics and disseminationOn account of the nature of this systematic review and meta-analysis, ethical approval is not required. The results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42019123436.

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Physical functional performance and prognosis in patients with heart failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BMC Cardiovascular Disorders ◽

10.1186/s12872-020-01725-5 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Iván José Fuentes-Abolafio ◽

Brendon Stubbs ◽

Luis Miguel Pérez-Belmonte ◽

María Rosa Bernal-López ◽

Ricardo Gómez-Huelgas ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heart Failure ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Functional Performance ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Risk Of Bias ◽

Functional Tests ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Patients With Heart Failure ◽

Physical Functional Performance ◽

The Relationship

Abstract Background Patients with Heart Failure (HF) show impaired functional capacities which have been related to their prognosis. Moreover, physical functional performance in functional tests has also been related to the prognosis in patients with HF. Thus, it would be useful to investigate how physical functional performance in functional tests could determine the prognosis in patients with HF, because HF is the leading cause of hospital admissions for people older than 65 years old. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to summarise and synthesise the evidence published about the relationship between physical functional performance and prognosis in patients with HF, as well as assess the risk of bias of included studies and the level of evidence per outcome. Methods Major electronic databases, such as PubMed, AMED, CINAHL, EMBASE, PEDro, Web of Science, were searched from inception to March 2020 for observational longitudinal cohort studies (prospective or retrospective) examining the relationship between physical functional performance and prognosis in patients with HF. Results 44 observational longitudinal cohort studies with a total of 22,598 patients with HF were included. 26 included studies reported a low risk of bias, and 17 included studies showed a moderate risk of bias. Patients with poor physical functional performance in the Six Minute Walking Test (6MWT), in the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and in the Gait Speed Test showed worse prognosis in terms of larger risk of hospitalisation or mortality than patients with good physical functional performance. However, there was a lack of homogeneity regarding which cut-off points should be used to stratify patients with poor physical functional performance from patients with good physical functional performance. Conclusion The review includes a large number of studies which show a strong relationship between physical functional performance and prognosis in patients with HF. Most of the included studies reported a low risk of bias, and GRADE criteria showed a low and a moderate level of evidence per outcome.

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Sex differences in vancomycin-resistant enterococci bloodstream infections—a systematic review and meta-analysis

Biology of Sex Differences ◽

10.1186/s13293-021-00380-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Carlos L. Correa-Martínez ◽

Franziska Schuler ◽

Stefanie Kampmeier

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Sex Differences ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Bloodstream Infections ◽

Prevalence Ratio ◽

Risk Of Bias ◽

Control Measures ◽

Bias Assessment ◽

Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci ◽

Vancomycin Resistant

Abstract Background Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) have emerged in the healthcare setting worldwide. Infections with these pathogens, i.e., bloodstream infections (BSI), are accompanied with an impaired patient outcome. Diverse factors comprising patient characteristics, therapeutic strategies, and infection control measures are positively or negatively associated with VRE BSI occurrence. However, whether sex-specific differences influence the frequency of VRE BSI is yet unknown. The aim of this systematic review was to comprehensively summarize and analyze sex prevalence in VRE BSI patients. Main text A systematic search for relevant articles was conducted in PubMed and Web of Science. After screening for eligibility, data extraction from included articles and risk of bias assessment were processed. The prevalence of male/female sex in VRE BSI patients and 95% CI were calculated for each study and summarized as pooled estimated effect. In total, nine articles met the inclusion criteria. Risk of bias assessment resulted in low (six studies) to moderate bias (three studies). The pooled prevalence of male patients suffering from VRE BSI was 59% resulting in a 1.4 male/female prevalence ratio. Conclusions Current literature suggests sex differences with male preference (59%) in the distribution of VRE BSI cases. Further primary studies should address the question of male-specific factors favoring the enhanced frequency of VRE BSI.

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