scholarly journals “Begging the Question”—Does Toxocara Infection/Exposure Associate with Multiple Sclerosis-Risk?

Pathogens ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 938
Author(s):  
Ali Taghipour ◽  
Ali Rostami ◽  
Sahar Esfandyari ◽  
Saeed Aghapour ◽  
Alessandra Nicoletti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Infectious Agents ◽  
Analysis Model ◽  
Begging The Question ◽  
Multiple Sclerosis Risk

Although the cause of multiple sclerosis (MS) is unclear, infectious agents, including some parasitic roundworms (nematodes), have been proposed as possible risk factors or contributors. Here, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of published observational studies to evaluate whether there is a possible association between infection with, or exposure to, one or more members of the genus Toxocara (phylum Nematoda; superfamily Ascaridoidea) and MS. We undertook a search of public literature databases to identify relevant studies and then used a random-effects meta-analysis model to generate the pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). This search identified six of a total of 1371 articles that were relevant to the topic; these published studies involved totals of 473 MS patients and 647 control subjects. Anti-Toxocara IgG serum antibodies were detected in 62 MS patients and 37 controls, resulting in respective seroprevalences of 13.1% (95% CI: 8.2–20.3) and 4.8% (95% CI: 2.5–9.2), indicating an association (pooled OR, 3.01; 95% CI: 1.46–6.21). Because of the publication bias identified (six eligible studies), well-designed and -controlled studies are required in the future to rigorously test the hypothesis that Toxocara infection/exposure has an association with MS.

scholarly journals The prevalence and risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among adults in Ethiopia: a study protocol for extending a systematic review with meta-analysis of observational studies

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tsiwaye Gebreyesus ◽  
Kalkidan Nigussie ◽  
Moges Gashaw ◽  
Balamurugan Janakiraman
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽  
Abstract Data ◽  
Size Type ◽  
The Individual

Abstract Background Work-related musculoskeletal disorders impose a significant and most often underappreciated burden to the individual, nation, healthcare system, and society as a whole. To the best of our knowledge, there is a lack of reliable estimates on the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in Ethiopia. The objective of this study will be to assess the existing literature on the prevalence rates and determinant factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in Ethiopia. Method We will search PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, SCOPUS, PsycINFO, PEDro, and Ebsco (from January 2000 onwards). Gray literature will be identified through searching Google Scholar and dissertation databases. Observational studies reporting on the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among adult Ethiopians will be included. The primary outcome will be the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Secondary outcomes will be the prevalence of any risk factors in association with work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Two reviewers will independently screen all citations, full-text articles, and abstract data. The study methodological quality (or bias) will be appraised using an appropriate tool. If feasible, we will conduct random effects meta-analysis of observational data. Subgroup analyses will be conducted to explore the potential sources of heterogeneity (e.g., gender, sample size, type of occupation). Publication bias and heterogeneity between the included studies will also be assessed and reported. Discussion This systematic review will provide a synthesis of the literature on the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and their risk factors in Ethiopia. The results of this review could help the policymakers in occupational health and healthcare sectors in identifying priority areas for interventions in work-related musculoskeletal disorders and will also serve as a baseline for the decision-making processes of musculoskeletal health promotion, work exposure implementations, and prevention programs in workplaces. Systematic review registration PROSPERO, CRD42020164240

Dietary acid load and cardiometabolic risk factors: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (15) ◽  
pp. 2823-2834 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elnaz Daneshzad ◽  
Fahimeh Haghighatdoost ◽  
Leila Azadbakht
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Cardiometabolic Risk ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Cardiometabolic Risk Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Dietary Acid ◽  
Acid Load

AbstractObjective:Dietary acid load (DAL) might contribute to change the levels of cardiometabolic risk factors; however, the results are conflicting. The present review was conducted to determine the relationship between DAL and cardiometabolic risk factors.Design:Systematic review and meta-analysis.Setting:A systematic search was conducted in electronic databases including ISI Web of Science, PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus and Google Scholar for observational studies which assessed cardiometabolic risk factors across DAL. Outcomes were lipid profile, glycaemic factors and anthropometric indices. Effect sizes were derived using a fixed- or random-effect model (DerSimonian–Laird). Also, subgroup analysis was performed to find the probable source of heterogeneity. Egger’s test was performed for finding any publication bias.Results:Thirty-one studies were included in the current review with overall sample size of 92 478. There was a significant relationship between systolic blood pressure (SBP; weighted mean difference (WMD) = 1·74 (95 % CI 0·25, 3·24) mmHg;P= 0·022;I2= 95·3 %), diastolic blood pressure (DBP; WMD = 0·75 (95 % CI 0·07, 1·42) mmHg;P= 0·030;I2= 80·8 %) and DAL in cross-sectional studies. Serum lipids, glycaemic parameters including fasting blood sugar, glycated Hb, serum insulin, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance and waist circumference had no significant relationship with DAL. No publication bias was found. BMI was not associated with DAL in both cross-sectional and cohort studies.Conclusions:Higher DAL is associated with increased SBP and DBP. More studies are needed to find any relationship of DAL with lipid profile and glycaemic factors.

Is Toxoplasma gondii playing a positive role in multiple sclerosis risk? A systematic review and meta-analysis

2018 ◽  
Vol 322 ◽  
pp. 57-62 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reza Saberi ◽  
Mehdi Sharif ◽  
Shahabeddin Sarvi ◽  
Sargis A. Aghayan ◽  
Seyed Abdollah Hosseini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Positive Role ◽  
Multiple Sclerosis Risk

scholarly journals Environmental risk factors of leptospirosis in urban settings: a systematic review protocol

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. e023359
Author(s):  
Mohd Hatta Abdul Mutalip ◽  
Mohd Amierul Fikri Mahmud ◽  
Noor Aliza Lodz ◽  
Norzawati Yoep ◽  
Eida Nurhadzira Muhammad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Environmental Risk ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Environmental Risk Factors ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Urban Settings ◽  
Susceptible Populations

IntroductionLeptospirosis is the most common zoonotic disease that causes morbidity and mortality worldwide. The disease can cause sporadic epidemics and recent epidemics have become more apparent in urban localities. There is lack of documented evidence on the specific risk factors of leptospirosis infection among the urbanites, thereby impeding initiatives for prevention in urban settings. We aim to systematically search published articles and synthesise evidence on the risk factors associated with leptospirosis infection among the susceptible populations in urban localities, particularly to identify the risk factors of non-recreational leptospirosis infection.Methods and analysisWe will conduct a systematic review of observational studies that investigated environmental risk factors of leptospirosis in urban localities. The search will be performed for any eligible articles from selected electronic databases from 1970 until May 2018. The study will include any studies that investigated risk factors of confirmed leptospirosis cases who acquired the infection in urban locality, particularly exposures from the non-recreational and non-water-related activities. Study selection and reporting will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guideline. All data will be extracted using a standardised data extraction form and quality of the studies will be assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale guideline. Descriptive and meta-analysis will be performed by calculating the standardised median ORs and risk ratios for types of the non-recreational risk factors stratified by social, living conditions and environmental exposures, types of reservoirs and transmissions and types of activities and employments associated with leptospirosis infection in urban locality.Ethics and disseminationNo primary data will be collected thus no formal ethical approval is required. The results will be disseminated though a peer-reviewed publication and conference presentation.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42018090820.

scholarly journals Analysis of neonatal mortality risk factors in Brazil: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

2019 ◽  
Vol 95 (5) ◽  
pp. 519-530 ◽  
Author(s):  
Felipe Camilo Santiago Veloso ◽  
Liliana de Meira Lins Kassar ◽  
Michelle Jacintha Cavalcante Oliveira ◽  
Telmo Henrique Barbosa de Lima ◽  
Nassib Bezerra Bueno ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Neonatal Mortality ◽  
Mortality Risk ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Meta Analysis

scholarly journals Traumatic Injury and Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2013 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 168-176 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sharon A. Warren ◽  
Susan Armijo Olivo ◽  
Jorge Fuentes Contreras ◽  
Karen V. L. Turpin ◽  
Douglas P. Gross ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Cohort Studies ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Traumatic Injury ◽  
Case Control ◽  
Case Control Studies ◽  
Newcastle Ottawa Scale

A systematic review/meta-analysis of literature addressing a possible association between traumatic injury and onset of multiple sclerosis was conducted. Medline, Embase, Cochrane DSR, Ovid HealthStar, CINAHL, ISI Web of Science and Scopus were searched for analytical studies from 1950 to 2011. Two investigators independently reviewed articles for inclusion, assessing their quality using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Of the 13 case-control studies included, 8 were moderate quality and 5 low; of the 3 cohort studies 2 were high and 1 moderate. Meta-analysis including moderate and low quality case-control studies produced a modest but significant odds ratio: 1.41 (95% confidence interval: 1.03, 1.93). However, when low quality studies were excluded, the resulting odds ratio was non-significant. Cohort studies produced a non-significant standardized incidence ratio of 1.00 (95% confidence interval: 0.86, 1.16). These findings support the conclusion that there is no association between traumatic injury and multiple sclerosis onset; more high quality cohort studies would help to confirm this observation.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome among Children and Adolescents in High-Income Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-24
Author(s):  
Zebenay Workneh Bitew ◽  
Ayinalem Alemu ◽  
Zelalem Tenaw ◽  
Animut Alebel ◽  
Teshager Worku ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
General Population ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
High Income ◽  
Pooled Prevalence ◽  
Obese Population

Introduction. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is an assemblage of interconnected cardiovascular risk factors that are prevalent among children and adolescents in high-income countries (HICs). Despite the presence of several studies on the issue, the study findings are incongruent due to the absence of a gold standard diagnostic method of MetS in children. Thus, the findings of the original studies are inconclusive for policy makers and other stakeholders. This systematic review and meta-analysis is aimed at giving conclusive evidence about MetS among children and adolescents in HICs. Methods. We conducted searches using electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL (EBSCOhost), EMBASE (Elsevier), and Medline (EBSCOhost)) and other sources (Google Scholar and Google) up to September 2020. Observational studies reporting the prevalence of MetS were eligible in this study. The pooled estimates were computed in fixed and random effect models using six diagnostic methods (IDF, ATP III, de Ferranti et al., WHO, Weiss et al., and Cruz and Goran). Publication bias was verified using funnel plots and Egger’s regression tests. Subgroup and sensitivity analysis were performed in case of higher heterogeneities among the included studies. Result. In this study, 77 studies with a total population of 125,445 children and adolescents were used in the final analysis. Metabolic syndrome among the overweight and obese population was computed from 28 studies with the pooled prevalence of 25.25%, 24.47%, 39.41%, 29.52%, and 33.36% in IDF, ATP III, de Ferranti et al., WHO, and Weiss et al. criteria, respectively. Likewise, 49 studies were eligible to compute the pooled prevalence of MetS in the general population of children and adolescents. Hence, MetS was found in 3.70% (IDF), 5.40% (ATP III), 14.78% (de Ferranti et al.), 3.90% (WHO), and, 4.66% (Cruz and Goran) of study participants. Regarding the components of MetS, abdominal obesity in the overweight and obese population, and low HDL-C in the general population were the most common components. Besides, the prevalence of Mets among males was higher than females. Conclusion. This study demonstrates that MetS among children and adolescents is undoubtedly high in HICs. The prevalence of MetS is higher among males than females. Community-based social and behavioral change communications need to be designed to promote healthy eating behaviors and physical activities. Prospective cohort studies could also help to explore all possible risk factors of MetS and to design specific interventions accordingly.

scholarly journals Can we predict the severe course of COVID-19 – a systematic review and meta-analysis of indicators of clinical outcome?

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephan Katzenschlager ◽  
Alexandra J. Zimmer ◽  
Claudius Gottschalk ◽  
Juergen Grafeneder ◽  
Alexander Seitel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Cerebrovascular Disease ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Troponin I ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Icu Admission ◽  
Co Morbidity

AbstractBackgroundCOVID-19 has been reported in over 40million people globally with variable clinical outcomes. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we assessed demographic, laboratory and clinical indicators as predictors for severe courses of COVID-19.MethodsWe systematically searched multiple databases (PubMed, Web of Science Core Collection, MedRvix and bioRvix) for publications from December 2019 to May 31st 2020. Random-effects meta-analyses were used to calculate pooled odds ratios and differences of medians between (1) patients admitted to ICU versus non-ICU patients and (2) patients who died versus those who survived. We adapted an existing Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment tool for outcome studies.ResultsOf 6,702 unique citations, we included 88 articles with 69,762 patients. There was concern for bias across all articles included. Age was strongly associated with mortality with a difference of medians (DoM) of 13.15 years (95% confidence interval (CI) 11.37 to 14.94) between those who died and those who survived. We found a clinically relevant difference between non-survivors and survivors for C-reactive protein (CRP; DoM 69.10, CI 50.43 to 87.77), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH; DoM 189.49, CI 155.00 to 223.98), cardiac troponin I (cTnI; DoM 21.88, CI 9.78 to 33.99) and D-Dimer (DoM 1.29mg/L, CI 0.9 - 1.69). Furthermore, cerebrovascular disease was the co-morbidity most strongly associated with mortality (Odds Ratio 3.45, CI 2.42 to 4.91) and ICU admission (Odds Ratio 5.88, CI 2.35 to 14.73).DiscussionThis comprehensive meta-analysis found age, cerebrovascular disease, CRP, LDH and cTnI to be the most important risk-factors in predicting severe COVID-19 outcomes and will inform decision analytical tools to support clinical decision-making.SummaryIn this systematic review we meta-analyzed 88 articles for risk factors of ICU admission and mortality in COVID-19. We found age, cerebrovascular disease, CRP, LDH and cTnI are the most important risk-factors for ICU admission or mortality.

scholarly journals STUDY PROTOCOL The prevalence and risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among adults in Ethiopia: a study protocol for extending a systematic review with meta-analysis of observational studies

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tsiwaye Gebreyesus ◽  
Kalkidan Nigussie ◽  
Moges Gashaw Getnet ◽  
Balamurugan Janakiraman
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽  
Study Protocol ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽  
The Individual

Abstract Background: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders impose a significant and most often underappreciated burden to the individual, nation, healthcare system, and society as a whole. To the best of our knowledge, there is a lack of reliable estimates on the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in Ethiopia. The objective of this study will be to assess the existing literature on the prevalence rates and determinant factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in Ethiopia.Method: We will search PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, SCOPUS, PsycINFO, PEDro and Ebsco (from January 2000 onwards). Grey literature will be identified through searching Google Scholar and dissertation databases. Observational studies reporting on the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among adult Ethiopians will be included. The primary outcome will be the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Secondary outcomes will be the prevalence of any risk factors in association with work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Two reviewers will independently screen all citations, full-text articles, and abstract data. The study methodological quality (or bias) will be appraised using an appropriate tool. If feasible, we will conduct random effects meta-analysis of observational data. Subgroup analyses will be conducted to explore the potential sources of heterogeneity (e.g. gender, sample size, type of occupation).Publication bias and heterogeneity between the included studies will also be assessed and reported.Discussion: This systematic review will provide a synthesis of the literature on the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and their risk factors in Ethiopia. The results of this review could help the policymakers in occupational health and health care sectors in identifying priority areas for interventions in work-related musculoskeletal disorders and will also serve as a baseline for the decision-making processes of musculoskeletal health promotion, work exposure implementations, and prevention programs in workplaces. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42020164240

scholarly journals Clinical symptoms, comorbidities and complications features in severe and non-severe patients with COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis without cases duplication

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhufeng Wang ◽  
Hongsheng Deng ◽  
Changxing Ou ◽  
Jingyi Liang ◽  
Yingzhi Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Mortality Rates ◽  
Fixed Effects Model ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
Q Statistic

Abstract Background: The pandemic of COVID-19 posed a challenge to global healthcare. The mortality rates of severe cases range from 8.1% to 31.8%, and it is particularly important to identify risk factors that aggravate the disease.Methods: We performed a systematic review of the literature with meta-analysis, using 7 databases to assess clinical characteristics, comorbidities and complications in severe and non-severe patients with COVID-19. All the observational studies were included. We performed a random or fixed effects model meta-analysis to calculate the pooled proportion and 95% CI. Measure of heterogeneity was estimated by Cochran’s Q statistic, I2 index and P value.Results: 4881 cases from 25 studies related to COVID-19 were included. The most prevalent comorbidity was hypertension (severe: 33.4%, 95% CI: 25.4% - 41.4%; non-severe 21.6%, 95% CI: 9.9% - 33.3%), followed by diabetes (severe: 14.4%, 95% CI: 11.5% - 17.3%; non-severe: 8.5%, 95% CI: 6.1% - 11.0%). The prevalence of ARDS, AKI and shock were all higher in severe cases, with 41.1% (95% CI: 14.1% - 68.2%), 16.4% (95% CI: 3.4% - 29.5%) and 19.9% (95% CI: 5.5% - 34.4%), rather than 3.0% (95% CI: 0.6% - 5.5%), 2.2% (95% CI: 0.1% - 4.2%) and 4.1% (95% CI -4.8% - 13.1%) in non-severe patients, respectively. The death rate was higher in severe cases (30.3%, 95% CI: 13.8% - 46.8%) than non-severe cases (1.5%, 95% CI: 0.1% - 2.8%).Conclusions: Hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases may be risk factors for COVID-19 patients to develop into severe cases.

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