Ultra-processed Food Intake and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: a systematic review

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality worldwide. An unhealthy diet, among other risk factors, can be involved in the development of the disease. This type of diet is usually characterized by being low in unprocessed foods (fruits, vegetables, etc.) and high in ultra-processed foods (UPFs). It has been suggested that a high consumption of UPFs could be related to the development of CVD. However, as UPFs are a broad group in which multiple foods with different compositions coexist, it is not only difficult but also a generalization to draw a conclusion about their possible association. The present systematic review studies the relationship between the consumption of UPFs and the risk of CVD. A systematic review was performed in the PubMed database. PRISMA criteria were applied to identify articles that met the following criteria: studies performed in humans, in English or Spanish, and be original articles, excluding meta-analyses and reviews. The search was performed using the terms “Ultra-processed food” or “Fast food” and “Cardiovascular disease” or “Cardiovascular risk factor”, with a total of 10 articles included: 4 prospective cohort studies, 4 cross-sectional studies and 2 modeling studies. An association between the consumption of UPFs and CVD was found in all the studies analyzed. However, there are limitations with respect to the use of different food classification systems according to the degree of processing. This systematic review concludes that more studies are needed to establish with greater evidence the relationship between the consumption of UPFs and risk of CVD.

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Obesity and Depression: Its Prevalence and Influence as a Prognostic Factor: A Systematic Review

Psychiatry Investigation ◽

10.30773/pi.2020.0099 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (8) ◽

pp. 715-724

Author(s):

Beatriz Villagrasa Blasco ◽

Jesús García-Jiménez ◽

Isabel Bodoano ◽

Luis Gutiérrez-Rojas

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Risk Factor ◽

Current Data ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Atypical Depression ◽

African American Adolescent ◽

Pubmed Database ◽

High Prevalence ◽

African American Adolescent Males ◽

The Relationship

Objective Depression and obesity are two conditions with great impact over global health. This is mainly due to their high prevalence and the morbidity and mortality associated to both. The main aim of the present systematic review is to study the association between obesity and depression and the prognostic implications derived from it.Methods A literature review was performed in the PUBMED database. 18 articles were found (9 cross-sectional studies, 6 longitudinal studies and 3 clinical trials), which were reviewed by critical reading after which a summary of the main conclusions was written.Results These selected articles confirmed that there is indeed a link between depression and obesity, although there are doubts as to the significance of this relationship. Depression is a risk factor for obesity, especially atypical depression and in African-American adolescent males. Obesity is a risk factor for depression, especially in women and for recurrent depressive disorder. The comorbidity between obesity and depression is a risk factor for a bad prognosis illness.Conclusion The relationship between both disorders has been analysed in scientific literature, obtaining significant associations but also contradictory results. The most current data demonstrates that there is a relationship between both entities, although there is no unanimity when it comes to establishing the meaning of this association.

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How Effective Is Auditory–Verbal Therapy (AVT) for Building Language Development of Children with Cochlear Implants? A Systematic Review

Life ◽

10.3390/life11030239 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (3) ◽

pp. 239

Author(s):

Paris Binos ◽

Elina Nirgianaki ◽

George Psillas

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Young Children ◽

Cochlear Implants ◽

Research Question ◽

Voice Quality ◽

Receptive Vocabulary ◽

Pubmed Database ◽

Mainstream Society ◽

Meta Analyses ◽

Auditory Verbal Therapy

This systematic review sheds light on the effectiveness of auditory–verbal therapy (AVT) outcomes in children with cochlear implants (CIs). The presented outcome is based on research findings from the last 10 years. The systematic review was designed based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and Critical Appraisal of Treatment Evidence (CATE) checklist. Specific keywords were chosen based on the research question and searched on the PubMed database. All searched papers were analysed based on specific exclusion criteria and classified into four evidence levels. The results revealed that children who participated in AV therapy can achieve linguistic skills at the same level as their hearing peers. Voice quality seemed positively affected, placing young children with CIs in the normal range for receptive vocabulary development. In contrast, reading skills seemed less benefited. AV therapy seems to contribute to integration into mainstream society. Despite the recorded speech and language improvements of young children with CIs, the aim of AV therapy is still not fulfilled. AV therapy can be seen as the best clinical practice for young children with CIs till now, but the lack of well-controlled studies is undermining.

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Emotional Regulation and Overeating Behaviors in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review

Behavioral Sciences ◽

10.3390/bs11010011 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. 11

Author(s):

Francesca Favieri ◽

Andrea Marini ◽

Maria Casagrande

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Emotional Intelligence ◽

Emotion Regulation ◽

Children And Adolescents ◽

Longitudinal Studies ◽

Emotional Regulation ◽

Inadequate Response ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Relationship

The worldwide prevalence of obesity has dramatically increased, mostly in children and adolescents. The Emotional Eating theoretical model has proposed that the failure in emotional regulation could represent a risk factor for establishing maladaptive overeating behavior that represents an inadequate response to negative emotions and allows increasing body-weight. This systematic review investigates the relationship between overeating and both emotional regulation and emotional intelligence in childhood and adolescence, considering both cross-sectional and longitudinal studies. Moreover, another goal of the review is evaluating whether emotional regulation and emotional intelligence can cause overeating behaviors. The systematic search was conducted according to the PRISMA-statement in the databases Medline, PsychArtcles, PsychInfo, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Sciences, and allows 484 records to be extracted. Twenty-six studies were selected according to inclusion (e.g., studies focused on children and adolescents without clinical conditions; groups of participants overweight or with obesity) and exclusion (e.g., studies that adopted qualitative assessment or cognitive-affective tasks to measure emotional variables; reviews, commentary, or brief reports) criteria detailed in the methods. Cross-sectional studies showed a negative association between emotional regulation and overeating behavior that was confirmed by longitudinal studies. These findings highlighted the role of maladaptive emotion regulation on overeating and being overweight. The relationship between these constructs in children and adolescents was consistent. The results indicated the complexity of this association, which would be influenced by many physiological, psychological, and social factors. These findings underline the need for further studies focused on emotion regulation in the development of overeating. They should analyze the mediation role of other variables (e.g., attachment style, peer pressure) and identify interventions to prevent and reduce worldwide overweight prevalence.

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Not Only Mania or Depression: Mixed States/Mixed Features in Paediatric Bipolar Disorders

Brain Sciences ◽

10.3390/brainsci11040434 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (4) ◽

pp. 434

Author(s):

Delfina Janiri ◽

Eliana Conte ◽

Ilaria De Luca ◽

Maria Velia Simone ◽

Lorenzo Moccia ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Bipolar Disorders ◽

Prevalence Rates ◽

Mixed States ◽

Total Patient ◽

Hyperactivity Disorder ◽

Mixed Features ◽

Paediatric Age ◽

Meta Analyses ◽

The Relationship

Background: early onset is frequent in Bipolar Disorders (BDs), and it is characterised by the occurrence of mixed states (or mixed features). In this systematic review, we aimed to confirm and extend these observations by providing the prevalence rates of mixed states/features and data on associated clinical, pharmacological and psychopathological features. Methods: following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we searched from inception to 9 February 2021 for all studies investigating mixed states/mixed features in paediatric BD. Data were independently extracted by multiple observers. The prevalence rates of mixed states/features for each study were calculated. Results: eleven studies were included in our review, involving a total patient population of 1365 individuals. Overall, of the patients with paediatric age BD, 55.2% had mixed states/features (95% CI 40.1–70.3). Children with mixed states/features presented with high rates of comorbidities, in particular, with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Evidences regarding the psychopathology and treatment response of mixed states/features are currently insufficient. Conclusions: our findings suggested that mixed states/features are extremely frequent in children and adolescents with BD and are characterised by high levels of comorbidity. Future investigations should focus on the relationship between mixed states/features and psychopathological dimensions as well as on the response to pharmacological treatment.

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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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Vitamin D deficiency and depression in adults: systematic review and meta-analysis

The British Journal of Psychiatry ◽

10.1192/bjp.bp.111.106666 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 202 (2) ◽

pp. 100-107 ◽

Cited By ~ 342

Author(s):

Rebecca E. S. Anglin ◽

Zainab Samaan ◽

Stephen D. Walter ◽

Sarah D. McDonald

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Vitamin D ◽

Vitamin D Deficiency ◽

Randomised Controlled Trials ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Controlled Trials ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Cross Sectional Studies ◽

Randomised Controlled ◽

The Relationship

BackgroundThere is conflicting evidence about the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and depression, and a systematic assessment of the literature has not been available.AimsTo determine the relationship, if any, between vitamin D deficiency and depression.MethodA systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies and randomised controlled trials was conducted.ResultsOne case-control study, ten cross-sectional studies and three cohort studies with a total of 31 424 participants were analysed. Lower vitamin D levels were found in people with depression compared with controls (SMD = 0.60,95% Cl 0.23–0.97) and there was an increased odds ratio of depression for the lowest v. highest vitamin D categories in the cross-sectional studies (OR = 1.31, 95% CI 1.0–1.71). The cohort studies showed a significantly increased hazard ratio of depression for the lowest v. highest vitamin D categories (HR=2.21, 95% CI 1.40–3.49).ConclusionsOur analyses are consistent with the hypothesis that low vitamin D concentration is associated with depression, and highlight the need for randomised controlled trials of vitamin D for the prevention and treatment of depression to determine whether this association is causal.

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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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Protocol for a systematic review on classification, outcomes and follow-up of patients undergoing reconstructive surgery after Noma disease-

10.21203/rs.3.rs-89911/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Sophie Speiser ◽

Benjamin Langridge ◽

Moira Melina Birkl ◽

Harald Kubiena ◽

Will Rodgers

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Reconstructive Surgery ◽

Time Pressure ◽

Outcome Measurement ◽

Developed Countries ◽

Classification Systems ◽

Least Developed Countries ◽

High Quality Research ◽

Meta Analyses

Abstract Background: NOMA is a significant yet neglected disease which affects children in some of the least developed countries in the world. Surgical reconstructive missions for patients affected by NOMA are undertaken regularly by surgeons from more developed countries. However, the long-term benefit and safety of these missions have recently been criticized due to a perceived lack of measurable outcomes and appropriate follow-up. We are conducting a systematic review to critically evaluate the classification systems, outcome measurement tools, and follow-up periods reported in the literature for NOMA disease. Methods: This systematic review is undertaken following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (“PRISMA”) guidelines. The databases MEDLINE, Embase and Web of Science are searched from infinity to 24th of April 2019. All original publications of studies undertaken on reconstructive surgery for NOMA disease, reporting data on outcome after surgery, follow-up time and complications are eligible for inclusion. The primary outcome of interest are the outcome measurement methods used for assessing successful reconstructive surgery after NOMA disease. Other outcomes we are assessing are methods for classification of disease severity and time to last follow-up. The quality of evidence for each summary outcome measure is assessed using the MINORS criteria. Discussion: Given the precarious situations in the countries where mission surgeons often undertake reconstructive surgery, time pressure and the lack of infrastructure on site prevent them from being able to measure the effect of their surgical outcomes. Our goal is to express the key points of debate and make recommendations for how future surgical missions can be improved. We aim to do so by comparing the current best standards of practice Publishing this protocol will help future NOMA surgeons plan their missions in a standardised and reproducible way, striving towards a future of worldwide high-quality research.Systematic review registrations: This protocol was submitted to PROSPERO on the 02.10.2020 and is currently under assessment. (ID 181931)

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