Commentary: Blood-Derived microRNAs for Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis: A Narrative Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract Background Surgical resection remains the only curative treatment for pancreatic cancer and is associated with significant post-operative morbidity and mortality. Patients eligible for surgery, increasingly receive neo-adjuvant therapy before surgery or adjuvant therapy afterward, inherently exposing them to toxicity. As such, optimizing physical function through exercise during treatment remains imperative to optimize quality of life either before surgery or during rehabilitation. However, current exercise efficacy and prescription in pancreatic cancer is unknown. Therefore, this study aims to summarise the published literature on exercise studies conducted in patients with pancreatic cancer undergoing treatment with a focus on determining the current prescription and progression patterns being used in this population. Methods A systematic review of four databases identified studies evaluating the effects of exercise on aerobic fitness, muscle strength, physical function, body composition, fatigue and quality of life in participants with pancreatic cancer undergoing treatment, published up to 24 July 2020. Two reviewers independently reviewed and appraised the methodological quality of each study. Results Twelve studies with a total of 300 participants were included. Heterogeneity of the literature prevented meta-analysis. Exercise was associated with improvements in outcomes; however, study quality was variable with the majority of studies receiving a weak rating. Conclusions High quality evidence regarding the efficacy and prescription of exercise in pancreatic cancer is lacking. Well-designed trials, which have received feedback and input from key stakeholders prior to implementation, are required to examine the impact of exercise in pancreatic cancer on key cancer related health outcomes.

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Disentangling conflicting evidence on DPP-4 inhibitors and outcomes of COVID-19: narrative review and meta-analysis

Journal of Endocrinological Investigation ◽

10.1007/s40618-021-01515-6 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

B. M. Bonora ◽

A. Avogaro ◽

G. P. Fadini

Keyword(s):

Meta Analysis ◽

Narrative Review ◽

Conflicting Evidence

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Ineffective Feeding Practices and Their Effect on Malocclusion: A Narrative Review

Journal of Health and Allied Sciences NU ◽

10.1055/s-0041-1731912 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Pratima R. Mokashi ◽

Srikala Bhandary

Keyword(s):

Positive Impact ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Normal Growth ◽

Feeding Practices ◽

Bottle Feeding ◽

Narrative Review ◽

World Health ◽

Original Research ◽

Nutritive Sucking

Abstract Objective The aim of this narrative review is to highlight the association of ineffective feeding practices with the development of malocclusion in children and the role of a pediatric dentist in identifying the cues and signs of improper feeds, and encourage effective breastfeeding practices. Introduction There has been an ongoing debate on the role of effective breastfeeding in the prevention of malocclusion. Although no specific claim supports the positive impact of the same, a detailed reviewing of the literature helps to identify the method of feeding to be chosen considering health benefits and personal preference. Materials and Methods A broad search of all resources linked to the topic was performed in PubMed, Medline, World Health Organization web site, government web sites, and Google Scholar search engine. Keywords used in the search included breastfeeding, ineffective breastfeeding, bottle feeding, pacifier, and malocclusion. A total of 60 articles published in the period from 2000 to 2019 were segregated. Selected articles comprised original research, meta-analysis, and systematic reviews. Results Parameters such as duration, posture, and non-nutritive sucking habits had an impact on effective breastfeeding. Discussion Effective breastfeeding and maintaining appropriate posture and duration helps to positively impact the normal growth and development of the jaws, muscular functioning, and speech. Thereby, the risk of developing malocclusion in primary dentition can be prevented. Conclusion An understanding of the role of breastfeeding and malocclusion will help in the early intervention and prevention of malocclusion and deviated muscular function. Highlighting the role of counseling and effective feeding practices is also an area that should be focused upon by budding clinicians.

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The efficacy of Raman spectroscopy in lung cancer diagnosis: the first diagnostic meta-analysis

Lasers in Medical Science ◽

10.1007/s10103-021-03275-4 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Zhang-Yan Ke ◽

Ya-Jing Ning ◽

Zi-Feng Jiang ◽

Ying-ying Zhu ◽

Jia Guo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Lung Cancer ◽

Raman Spectroscopy ◽

Cancer Diagnosis ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Lung Cancer Diagnosis

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Efficacy of hypermethylated DNA biomarkers in saliva and oral swabs for oral cancer diagnosis: Systematic review and meta‐analysis

Oral Diseases ◽

10.1111/odi.13773 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

John Adeoye ◽

Azeez Arisekola Alade ◽

Wang‐yong Zhu ◽

Weilan Wang ◽

Siu‐Wai Choi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Oral Cancer ◽

Cancer Diagnosis ◽

Meta Analysis

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A multilayered post-GWAS assessment on genetic susceptibility to pancreatic cancer

Genome Medicine ◽

10.1186/s13073-020-00816-4 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Evangelina López de Maturana ◽

◽

Juan Antonio Rodríguez ◽

Lola Alonso ◽

Oscar Lao ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pancreatic Cancer ◽

Functional Analysis ◽

Genetic Susceptibility ◽

In Silico ◽

Complex Disease ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Low Frequency ◽

Acinar Cells ◽

Pancreatic Acinar Cells ◽

Phenotypic Variance

Abstract Background Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a complex disease in which both non-genetic and genetic factors interplay. To date, 40 GWAS hits have been associated with PC risk in individuals of European descent, explaining 4.1% of the phenotypic variance. Methods We complemented a new conventional PC GWAS (1D) with genome spatial autocorrelation analysis (2D) permitting to prioritize low frequency variants not detected by GWAS. These were further expanded via Hi-C map (3D) interactions to gain additional insight into the inherited basis of PC. In silico functional analysis of public genomic information allowed prioritization of potentially relevant candidate variants. Results We identified several new variants located in genes for which there is experimental evidence of their implication in the biology and function of pancreatic acinar cells. Among them is a novel independent variant in NR5A2 (rs3790840) with a meta-analysis p value = 5.91E−06 in 1D approach and a Local Moran’s Index (LMI) = 7.76 in 2D approach. We also identified a multi-hit region in CASC8—a lncRNA associated with pancreatic carcinogenesis—with a lowest p value = 6.91E−05. Importantly, two new PC loci were identified both by 2D and 3D approaches: SIAH3 (LMI = 18.24), CTRB2/BCAR1 (LMI = 6.03), in addition to a chromatin interacting region in XBP1—a major regulator of the ER stress and unfolded protein responses in acinar cells—identified by 3D; all of them with a strong in silico functional support. Conclusions This multi-step strategy, combined with an in-depth in silico functional analysis, offers a comprehensive approach to advance the study of PC genetic susceptibility and could be applied to other diseases.

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