Newcastle-Ottawa Scale Research Articles

Factors affecting ocular trauma in Iran: A systematic review study.

Ocular trauma (OT) is a a major cause of ocular morbidity and blindness. This study was systematically conducted to determine the factors contributing to OT in Iran. In this study, a systematic review of all published articles in Persian and English languages from 2000 to 2023 was conducted to investigate the factors affecting OT in Iran. The included studies encompassed cross-sectional, cohort, and case-control designs. Articles were selected from internationally recognized databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar, as well as Persian databases such as SID and Magiran. The search strategy involved using keywords aligned with the (MeSH) terms, such as "oculars," "trauma," and "Iran." Initially, 403 articles were identified, and ultimately, 14 articles met the inclusion criteria. To ensure the prevention of bias and assess the quality of the selected articles, the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was utilized. In the present study, the majority of individuals in the reviewed articles were categorized as having mild eye injuries (13.8%). A higher percentage of injuries was observed in males compared to females, and a higher prevalence of injuries was also observed in the age group of over 30 years compared to other age groups. Among the mechanical causes, sharp trauma had the highest prevalence rate (72.5%), while falls had the lowest prevalence rate (14%), followed by sport-related injuries (29%). Non-mechanical injuries were mentioned in only one article and had a prevalence rate of 1.5. The results of the current research have shown that among the mechanical injuries, accidents involving motorcycles and sharp objects are the leading causes of OT in Iranians. Therefore, the use of protective equipment such as goggles and adherence to traffic laws play a particularly important role, especially in men higher the age of 30. These findings highlight the necessity for targeted educational and preventive measures to reduce OT in Iran.

"Xenogeneic Bone Block in Lateral Ridge Augmentation: Where Are We Now?' A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the clinical outcomes of xenogeneic bone blocks (XBB) used for lateral ridge augmentation, specifically focusing on bone gain, graft survival, and implant survival. Data search was conducted in Pubmed, Embase, and ClinicalTrial.gov for randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and prospective cohort studies up to March 1, 2024. Horizontal bone gain (HBG), horizontal bone resorption (HBR), graft survival rate, and implant survival rate were analyzed. Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 2 and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale were applied to assess the quality and risks of the included studies. Four RCTs and five prospective cohortstudies, comprised 120 graft sites and 141 implants in total were included for the meta- analysis. Non-comparative analysis resulted in a weighted mean horizontal bone gain (HBG) of 4.38 mm and horizontal bone resorption (HBR) of 0.85 mm. Comparative analysis with data from 4 RCTs that paired xenogeneic bone block (XBB) with autogenous bone block (ABB) exhibited a statistically significant greater HBG in XBB, with a mean difference of 0.72mm (95% CI=0.067 to 1.382, p=0.031, I2=28.2%). The weighted graft survival rate for XBB was 91.3% (95% CI = 76.6% to 97.1%, I2 = 58.0 %), and the weighted implant survival rate was 84.3% (95% CI = 72.6% to 91.6%, I2 = 31.6 %). Histologically, mean percentage of mineralized vital bone in XBB ranged from 11.6% to 29.8%, and the resorption rate ranged from 7.3% to 21%. The utilization of xenogeneic bone block for lateral ridge augmentation demonstrates an acceptable survival rate and yields an adequate volume of bone for subsequent implant therapy. Nonetheless, the survival rate of implants placed in ridges augmented with xenogeneic blocks is less favorable when compared to those augmented with autogenous block grafts.

517. INTERNATIONAL CONSENSUS AND CLINICAL CARE ALGORITHM FOR THE DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF ANASTOMOTIC LEAK AFTER ESOPHAGECTOMY

Abstract Background Anastomotic leak (AL) is a common and severe complication after esophagectomy. Guidelines for the management of AL are lacking due to limited evidence, in which case consensus can provide a sound base for guiding clinical practice. This study aimed to develop a consensus-based guideline and clinical algorithm on the diagnosis and treatment of AL after esophagectomy. Methods A three-stage modified Delphi study was performed. Stage 1 comprised a scoping systematic review to find available evidence and formulate statements. Methodological quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Stage 2 comprised a two-round Delphi survey, globally distributed to surgeons and gastro-enterologists experienced in diagnosing and treating AL. During stage 3, clinical recommendations were formulated by an international expert panel, based on the Delphi consensus and a strength was assigned following GRADE principals. A clinical care algorithm was developed based on these recommendations. This study was performed in collaboration with the ISDE Guidelines Committee. Results A total of 5.843 articles were screened, and 118 included to formulate Delphi statements. The Delphi survey was completed by 106 participants in the first round and 136 in the second. Consensus was achieved on 13 statements on diagnosis and 21 statements on treatment of AL. During the guideline development stage, 12 diagnostic recommendations were formulated covering screening, clinical signs, biochemical tests, and imaging for the diagnosis of AL. 15 recommendations were formulated regarding treatment strategies of AL and indications and techniques for supportive care, drainage and defect closure. A clinical care algorithm on diagnosis and treatment of AL was designed. Conclusion This study developed clinical recommendations based on consensus and available evidence, and designed a clinical care algorithm for the diagnosis and treatment of AL after esophagectomy. The developed recommendations and clinical care algorithm, may provide clinical support and aid standardized decision-making in clinical practice and potentially improve patient outcomes.

Mindfulness-Based Therapy for Military Populations with Chronic Pain: A Systematic Review.

Background: Due to the limited role of chronic pain medication in military personnel and the distress caused to the military population, mindfulness-based therapy has been considered for the follow-up treatment of military personnel with chronic pain. The purpose of this review is to explore the effect and the implementation of mindfulness-based therapy for the military population with chronic pain. Methods: The keywords for the search included "mindfulness" AND ("pain" OR "chronic pain") AND ("military" OR "veteran"). The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched. The Cochrane Collaboration tool was used to independently assess the risk of bias of the included randomized controlled trials, and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to independently assess the risk of bias of the included case-control studies. Results: A total of 175 papers were identified; 65 duplicates were excluded, and 59 papers that did not meet the inclusion criteria were excluded after reading the titles and abstracts. The remaining 51 papers were read in full, 42 of which did not meet the inclusion criteria. Nine papers met the inclusion criteria and were included in the study. The nine studies included 507 veterans and 56 active-duty female military personnel. All pain interventions were mindfulness-based therapy, and all of them were integrated into or adapted from standard mindfulness courses. The results all showed that after mindfulness-based therapy, the relevant indicators improved. Conclusions: Mindfulness-based therapy is an effective treatment method for the military population with chronic pain. The review indicates that future research should focus on the best setting for mindfulness-based therapy, including the course content and time.

Dwelling characteristics and mental well-being in older adults: A systematic review

The increasing prevalence of mental health challenges in older adults underscores the need for a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between dwelling characteristics and mental health outcomes. This systematic review aims to investigate house characteristics associated with mental well-being in older adults. The review meticulously explores existing literature from databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Google Scholar search engine. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was utilized to assess the quality of the included articles. Out of an initial 1182 references, 21 pertinent articles published between 2002 and 2023 were included in the study. While the geographical scope was global, a notable concentration of studies was observed in China. The synthesis of studies reveals that specific attributes of dwelling characteristics, such as high-rise and multi-floor houses, larger house size, high house quality, bathing facilities, and the use of clean fuels for heating and cooking, positively impact mental health outcomes in older adults. However, inconsistent results were found regarding the impact of construction materials on mental health outcomes. Further research is warranted to deepen our understanding of the intricate relationship between construction materials and mental health outcomes. These findings underscore the importance of considering specific dwelling characteristics in designing interventions to enhance the mental well-being of older adults, necessitating targeted strategies for creating age-friendly living environments.

Impact of dietary inflammatory index on gestational diabetes mellitus in normal and overweight women: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.

To systematically investigate the association between the dietary inflammatory index (DII) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), with a focus on the role of BMI in this relationship. A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, Medline, CINAHL Complete, Chinese Periodical Full-text Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, and China Wanfang Database for rele-vant observational studies published up to August 2023. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The pooled effect size was calculated using a random-effects model. Sub-group and meta-regression analyses were performed to explore potential sources of heterogeneity. The study included 54,058 participants from 10 studies. Pregnant women with a higher DII, indicating a pro-inflammatory diet, had a significantly increased risk of GDM compared to those with a lower DII, indicating an anti-inflammatory diet (pooled OR: 1.17, 95% CI: 1.01-1.36; I²=70%, p <0.001). Subgroup analyses revealed a stronger association in normal weight stratification (OR: 1.25, 95%CI: 1.04-1.51), case-control studies (OR: 1.45, 95%CI: 1.03-2.05), Asia (OR: 1.26, 95%CI: 1.10-1.43), Europe (OR: 1.27, 95%CI: 1.09-1.48), 3-day dietary record as a dietary assessment tool (OR: 1.30, 95%CI: 1.16-1.46), physical activity adjustment (OR: 1.28, 95%CI: 1.13-1.46), and energy intake adjustment (OR: 1.33, 95%CI: 1.19-1.48). Meta-regression analysis confirmed that geographical region significantly influenced heterogeneity between studies (p <0.05). An elevated DII is independently linked to a higher risk of GDM, especially in women of normal weight.

Does COVID-19 Related Lockdown Restrictions Impact People With Musculoskeletal Disorders? A Systematic Review.

As a result of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) related lockdown restrictions, people with musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders could be at increased risk of physical and psychological disabilities. This review aimed to summarise the impact of COVID-19 related lockdown restrictions on people with MSK disorders. Six electronic databases were searched for studies in the English language published until June 10, 2024. We used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses to identify, select, and critically appraise relevant research. Two reviewers independently abstracted data from the included studies. Data were summarised using narrative synthesis, and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used for quality assessment. The search strategy identified 637 articles, 129 of which were removed as duplicates. Fifteen studies that met the inclusion criteria were analysed. The sample size the studies reviewed ranged from 40 to 1800. Having MSK disorders during COVID-19 related lockdown restrictions led to increased risk of pain, stress, depression, anxiety, MSK related injuries, decreased quality of life and increased use of emergency department. This is the first study to report that COVID-19 related lockdown restrictions led to increased risk of pain, MSK injuries and healthcare resource utilisation as well as decreased quality of life among patients with MSK disorders. These results may help inform policy and management strategies in future for people with MSK disorders to mitigate the negative impact of pandemic.

Prenatal Predictors of Survival in Isolated Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate prenatal fetal imaging findings associated with survival to hospital discharge, persistent pulmonary hypertension (PH), and need for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in fetuses with isolated congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) that are undergoing prenatal expectant management. DATA SOURCES: A systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE through PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and The Cochrane Central, and ClinicalTrials.gov from 2000 up to July 2023. METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION: Studies that reported on prenatal imaging in fetuses with isolated CDH that were undergoing expectant management were included. Primary outcomes were survival to hospital discharge, persistent PH within 28 days of age, and need for ECMO. The quality of studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Meta-analysis was performed when at least two studies reported on the same prenatal imaging evaluation. Subgroup analyses were performed according to the side (left or right) of CDH. TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS: A total of 161 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility, with 48 studies meeting the inclusion criteria: 45 (N=3,977) assessed survival, eight (N=994) assessed persistent PH, and 12 (N=2,085) assessed need for ECMO. The pooled proportion was 2,833 of 3,977 (71.2%, 95% CI, 69.8–72.6%) for survival, 565 of 2,085 (27.1%, 95% CI, 25.2–29.1%) for need for ECMO, and 531 of 994 (53.4%, 95% CI, 50.3–56.6%) for need for persistent PH. Prenatal imaging findings that were significantly associated with survival included: total fetal lung volume (mean difference [MD] 13.42, 95% CI, 11.22–15.62), observed-to-expected (O-E) total fetal lung volume less than 30% (odds ratio [OR] 0.09, 95% CI, 0.05–0.17), O-E total fetal lung volume (MD 14.73, 95% CI, 11.62–17.84, I 2 46%), liver/intrathoracic ratio (MD −9.59, 95% CI, −15.73 to −3.46), O-E lung/head ratio (MD 14.03, 95% CI, 12.69–15.36), O-E lung/head ratio less than 25% (OR 0.07, 95% CI, 0.04–0.13), mediastinal shift angle (MD −6.17, 95% CI, −7.70 to −4.64), stomach position in mid-chest (OR 0.14, 95% CI, 0.06–0.36), and intrathoracic liver (OR 0.23, 95% CI, 0.15–0.35). In subgroup analyses, findings for left-sided CDH remained significant in all the aforementioned findings. The only prenatal imaging finding that was significantly associated with persistent PH was intrathoracic liver (OR 1.96, 95% CI, 1.14–3.37), but this association was no longer significant in subgroup analyses. Prenatal imaging findings that were significantly associated with need for ECMO included: O-E total fetal lung volume (MD −10.08, 95% CI, −13.54 to −6.62), O-E lung/head ratio (MD −9.88, 95% CI, 14.44 to −5.33, I 2 30%), subgroup analysis to the left-sided CDH remained significant, percentage of predicted lung volume (MD −9.81, 95% CI, −13.56 to −6.06, I 2 34%), and intrathoracic liver (OR 2.70, 95% CI, 1.60–4.57, I 2 0%), but this association was no longer significant in left-sided CDH subgroup analysis. CONCLUSION: Several prenatal imaging findings, including lung measurements, intrathoracic liver, and stomach position, were predictive of neonatal survival. Lung measurement was predictive of need for ECMO, and intrathoracic liver was significantly associated with persistent PH and need for ECMO.

Changes in physiological signal entropy in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea: a systematic review

Background and Objective Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) affects an estimated 936 million people worldwide, yet only 15% receive a definitive diagnosis. Diagnosis of OSA poses challenges due to the dynamic nature of physiological signals such as oxygen saturation (SpO2) and heart rate variability (HRV). Linear analysis methods may not fully capture the irregularities present in these signals. The application of entropy of routine physiological signals offers a promising method to better measure variabilities in dynamic biological data. This review aims to explore entropy changes in physiological signals among individuals with OSA.&#xD;Methods Keyword and title searches were performed on Medline, Embase, Scopus, and CINAHL databases. Studies had to analyse physiological signals in OSA using entropy. Quality assessment used the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Evidence was qualitatively synthesized, considering entropy signals, entropy type, and time-series length.&#xD;Main results Twenty-two studies were included. Multiple physiological signals related to OSA, including SpO2, HRV, and the oxygen desaturation index (ODI), have been investigated using entropy. Results revealed a significant decrease in HRV entropy in those with OSA compared to control groups. Conversely, SpO2 and ODI entropy values were increased in OSA. Despite variations in entropy types, time scales, and data extraction devices, studies using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves demonstrated a high discriminative accuracy (>80% AUC) in distinguishing OSA patients from control groups. &#xD;Conclusions This review highlights the potential of SpO2 entropy analysis in developing new diagnostic indices for patients with OSA. Further investigation is needed before applying this technique clinically.&#xD;&#xD.

Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes after Vaccination with SARS-CoV-2: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Cohort Studies

: SARS-CoV-2 infection among pregnant women causes maternal and neonatal complications. Professional societies endorse the vaccination among pregnant women. This review of the cohort studies aims to assess the short-term maternal and neonatal outcomes among vaccinated vs. non-vaccinated pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. We searched Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials, Scopus, Google Scholar, and PubMed databases. The observational cohort studies published from July 2021 to December 2022 were included. The eligibility criteria were assessed. The studies documenting maternal and neonatal outcomes and the relative risk, and 95% confidence interval were considered. Joanna Briggs Institute data extraction form was used, and the quality assessment of the included study was conducted using the Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale. The quality of the grading was summarised with GradePro software. Data from the five cohort studies are considered. 56% of the un-vaccinated pregnant women experience composite adverse maternal outcomes (RR: 3.97; 95% CI:0.73,21.49; p-value: ˂0.11). There was a reduced risk of occurrence of the meconium-stained amniotic fluid who are vaccinated (RR: 0.89; 95% CI:0.71, 1.12; p value=0.33). The unvaccinated group is 3.16 times more likely to take infertility treatment (RR: 3.54; 95% CI:2.04, 6.12; p-value: ˂0.00001). There was no significant difference concerning neonatal outcomes between both groups. The pregnant women who were not vaccinated against SARS-CoV had an increased risk for a composite adverse maternal outcome and meconium-stained amniotic fluid. The vaccine has effectively prevented the disease in the first six months. Additional studies are needed to understand the safety of the SARS-CoV vaccine.

Midregional-proAdrenomedullin as a prognostic tool in sepsis and septic shock: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Midregional-proAdrenomedullin (MR-proADM) has been recently proposed as a tool in patients with sepsis and septic shock. Our aim was to evaluate the prognostic role of MR-proADM in hospitalized patients with sepsis and septic shock. PRISMA guideline was followed. MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched up to June 2023. Primary outcome was mean difference in MR-proADM among survivors and nonsurvivors, secondary outcome mean difference in MR-proADM according to infection severity and type. Risk of bias was evaluated using Newcastle-Ottawa scale for observational studies and Cochrane tool for randomized trials. Pooled mean differences (MD) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated in a random-effects model. Twenty-four studies included 6730 adult patients (1208 nonsurvivors and 5522 survivors) and three studies included 195 paediatric patients (30 nonsurvivors and 165 survivors). A total of 10, 4 and 13 studies included, respectively, patients with sepsis (3602 patients), septic shock (386 patients) and a mixed population (2937 patients). Twenty-one studies included patients with different source of infection, three with pneumonia and one with a catheter-related infection. Most studies (n = 12) had a follow-up of 28 days. In adult cohort, pooled mean difference between nonsurvivors and survivors of MR-proADM was 2.55 mmol/L (95% CI: 1.95-3.15) with higher values in patients with septic shock (4.25 mmol/L; 95% CI, 2.23-6.26 mmol/L) than in patients with sepsis (1.77 mmol/L; 95% CI: 1.11-2.44 mmol/L). In paediatric cohort, pooled mean difference was 3.11 mmol/L (95% CI: -0.02-6.24 mmol/L). Higher values of MR-proADM are detectable in nonsurvivors adult and paediatric-hospitalized patients with sepsis or septic shock.

The expression of programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) involves in the clinicopathologic characteristics and prognostic implications of testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT): a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT) is a type of tumor with relatively lower incidence but being more prevalent in young men. The expression of programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) serves as a potential biomarker for predicting the survival outcomes of other tumors. Some studies discovered higher prevalence of PD-L1 in TGCT patients who achieved favorable treatment outcomes, while other studies showed lower or absent expression of PD-L1 in TGCT with the better prognosis as well. Therefore, in order to address this controversy and clarify the association between the expression of PD-L1 and pathological features and prognosis of TGCT, this meta-analysis was conducted. A comprehensive literature search was performed using following search terms: "testis", "testicle", "testicular", "cancer", "carcinoma", "tumor", "neoplasm", "programmed cell death ligand 1", "programmed death ligand 1", "PD-L1", "PDL1", "B7 homolog 1", "B7-H1", "B7H1" and "CD274". Relevant studies were retrieved according to the inclusion criteria from reputable databases including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI). These studies investigated the expression of PD-L1 in both tumor cells and tumor infiltrating immune cells (TIICs) in TGCT. The overall proportion of PD-L1 positivity was assessed using R programming. Pooled hazard ratio (HR) and odds ratio (OR) with corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using Revman software to evaluate the involvement of PD-L1 expression in TGCT. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used to evaluate the quality assessment of included studies. Sensitivity analysis and publication bias evaluation were subsequently performed. A total of eight eligible studies compromising 1,589 patients diagnosed with TGCT were finally included in this study. PD-L1 positivity was detected in 31% and 41% of TGCT patients' tumor cells and TIICs, respectively. The pooled data demonstrated a significant association between elevated PD-L1 expression levels in TIICs and a favorable prognosis characterized by the reduced disease progression and relapse events (HR =0.21, 95% CI: 0.13-0.33). Furthermore, PD-L1+ TIICs exhibited higher prevalence rates in seminoma (OR =2.11, 95% CI: 1.57-2.84) and embryonal carcinoma (OR =6.23, 95% CI: 2.42-16.02) patients. Notably, PD-L1 expression in TIICs displayed a tendency to increase in TGCT patients with lower stages or without lymph node metastasis. PD-L1 expression was observed in choriocarcinoma tumor cells, while yolk sac tumor and teratoma tumor cells exhibited lower or absent expression of PD-L1. Conversely, PD-L1 expression in TIICs was associated with seminoma and embryonal carcinoma, which was more commonly observed in TGCT patients with lower stages and better prognosis, thereby providing a theoretical foundation for the application of immunotherapy in relapsed/refractory TGCT patients.

The association between the Helicobacter pylori infection and the occurrence of gestational diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundThis meta-analysis aims to establish a more precise association between gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) incidence and H. pylori infection by amalgamating findings from prior case–control and cohort studies.MethodsTo identify relevant studies, we conducted a comprehensive search using the Excerpta Medica Database (Embase), PubMed (Medline), Web of Science (ISI), and Scopus from January 1990 to November 2022. The screening process involved reviewing the entire text, abstracts, and titles of retrieved articles. Subsequently, data extraction was performed from the selected articles, and their quality was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale checklist. Version 17 of STATA software was utilized for the analysis, with relative risks (RR) calculated along with their 95% confidence intervals (CI) to quantify the impact of the included studies.ResultsThis meta-analysis included eight observational and analytical studies. The combined risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in pregnant women with H. pylori infection was found to be 1.97 times higher compared to pregnant women without infection (RR: 1.97; 95% CI 1.57–2.47; I2 = 0.00%; P = 0.84).ConclusionPregnant women with H. pylori infection are at an increased risk of developing gestational diabetes.

Simultaneous Increase of Mean Susceptibility and Mean Kurtosis in the Substantia Nigra as an MRI Neuroimaging Biomarker for Early-Stage Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder. Early detection is crucial for treatment and slowing disease progression. Simultaneous alterations in mean susceptibility (MS) from quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) and mean kurtosis (MK) from diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) can serve as reliable neuroimaging biomarkers for early-stage PD (ESPD) in the basal ganglia nuclei, including the substantia nigra (SN), putamen (PUT), globus pallidus (GP), and caudate nucleus (CN). Systematic review and meta-analysis. One hundred eleven patients diagnosed with ESPD and 81 healthy controls (HCs) were included from four studies that utilized both QSM and DKI in both subject groups. Three-dimensional multi-echo gradient echo sequence for QSM and spin echo planar imaging sequence for DKI at 3 Tesla. A systematic review and meta-analysis using PRISMA guidelines searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. Random-effects model, standardized mean difference (SMD) to compare MS and MK between ESPD patients and HCs, I2 statistic for heterogeneity, Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) for risk of bias, and Egger's test for publication bias. A P-value <0.05 was considered significant. MS values were significantly higher in SN (SMD 0.72, 95% CI 0.31 to 1.12), PUT (SMD 0.68, 95% CI 0.29 to 1.07), and GP (SMD 0.53, 95% CI 0.19 to 0.87) in ESPD patients compared to HCs. CN did not show a significant difference in MS values (P = 0.15). MK values were significantly higher only in SN (SMD = 0.72, 95% CI 0.16 to 1.27). MK values were not significantly different in PUT (P = 1.00), GP (P = 0.97), and CN (P = 0.59). Studies had high quality (NOS 7-8) and no publication bias (P = 0.967). Simultaneous use of MS and MK may be useful as an early neuroimaging biomarker for ESPD detection and its differentiation from HCs, with significant differences observed in the SN. 2 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 2.

Maxillary Sinus Augmentation with Autogenous Tooth Grafting Material: A Systematic Review.

The aim of this systematic review was to determine whether autogenous tooth grafting material (ATGM) is as safe and effective as other bone substitutes used for maxillary sinus augmentation procedures, evaluating histomorphometric and/or histological data, implant primary stability, associated complications and radiographic bone height measurements. An automated electronic search was conducted using four databases (Medline/PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane Library), supplemented by a manual search, to identify clinical human studies using particulate ATGM for the aforementioned procedure. The included studies had a sample size of at least four patients and were published before 31st July 2024. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS) and Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist were used to assess the risk of bias in cohort studies and case series, respectively. Seven studies were included in the descriptive analysis, obtaining 128 participants (46.8% only treated with ATGM) and 192 placed implants. Due to the heterogeneity of the studies, meta-analysis could not be performed. The authors concluded that ATGM appears to be a feasible and safe alternative for maxillary sinus augmentation procedures. These results should be interpreted with caution due to the limited amount of scientific evidence on this topic and the heterogeneity between the included studies.

The Association between Maternal Endocrine-Disrupting Chemical Exposure during Pregnancy and the Incidence of Male Urogenital Defects: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The increasing incidence of hypospadias and cryptorchidism, coupled with the widespread presence of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), has raised concerns about the potential impact of these environmental factors on male urogenital development. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the association between maternal exposure to various EDCs and the risk of hypospadias and cryptorchidism. We conducted a comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases from inception until May 2024. We included case-control and cohort studies that examined the association between maternal EDC exposure and hypospadias or cryptorchidism, reporting adjusted odds ratios (aOR) or crude odds ratios (cOR). Data were extracted and pooled using a random effects model, and heterogeneity was assessed using the Q test and I-square statistics. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). A total of 48 studies were included in the systematic review, with 46 studies included in the meta-analysis. The pooled analysis revealed a significant association between maternal EDC exposure and an increased risk of hypospadias (aOR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.18-1.35, p < 0.0001) and cryptorchidism (aOR = 1.37, 95% CI: 1.19-1.57, p < 0.001). Subgroup analyses showed that exposure to pesticides, phthalates, alkyl phenolic compounds (ALKs), and heavy metals significantly increased the risk of hypospadias. In contrast, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) did not show a significant association. Significant associations were found with pesticide and PCB exposure for cryptorchidism, but not with phthalate, ALK, or heavy metal exposure. Maternal exposure to certain EDCs is associated with an increased risk of hypospadias and cryptorchidism in male children. These findings underscore the importance of addressing environmental and occupational exposures during pregnancy to mitigate potential risks. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms by which EDCs affect urogenital development and to develop effective interventions to reduce exposure among vulnerable populations.

Comparison of postoperative inflammatory response between natural orifice specimen extraction surgery and conventional laparoscopy in the treatment of colorectal cancer: a meta-analysis and systematic review.

Natural orifice specimen extraction surgery (NOSES) has attracted attention because of its minimal invasiveness. This meta-analysis compared inflammatory response profiles and infectious complications between colorectal cancer (CRC) patients treated with NOSES and those treated with conventional laparoscopy (CL). Seven medical databases were searched up to February 2024.We included studies that examined changes in the inflammatory response and outcomes in the patients after NOSES surgery. The Cochrane tool and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) were used to evaluate the quality of the studies. Pooled standardized mean differences (SMDs) and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using either fixed- or random-effects models. Review Manager 5.4 (RevMan 5.4) and the R project were used for the meta-analysis. This meta-analysis included 22 studies. Pooled analyses revealed lower tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels (SMD=-1.34,95% CI [-2.43, -0.25]; Z=2.40, P=0.02 and SMD =-1.49,95% CI [-2.15, -0.82]; Z=4.36, P<0.0001) and C reactive protein (CRP) levels (SMD=-0.56, 95% CI [-4.17, -2.50]; Z=2.19, P =0.03 and SMD =-1.24,95% CI[-1.77, -0.71]; Z=4.56, P<0.00001) on postoperative day 1 (POD1) and postoperative day 3 (POD3) for NOSES than for CL. Pooled analysis revealed significantly lower interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in the NOSES group (SMD=-1.88,95% CI [-2.84, -0.93]; Z=3.88, P=0.0001) on POD3. There were no significant differences in white blood cell (WBC) count, procalcitonin (PCT) levels or the incidence of infectious complications between the two groups. NOSES has a superior inflammatory profile and does not increase the incidence of postoperative infectious diseases. The reported results should be validated in a larger population of CRC patients.

Gestational diabetes mellitus and development of intergenerational overall and subtypes of cardiovascular diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectiveWe aimed to summarize the association between gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and its intergenerational cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) impacts in both mothers and offspring post-delivery in existing literature.MethodsPubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus were utilized for searching publications between January 1980 and June 2024, with data extraction and meta-analysis continuing until 31 July 2024. Based on a predefined PROSPERO protocol, studies published as full-length, English-language journal articles that reported the presence of GDM during pregnancy and its association with any CVD development post-delivery were selected. All studies were evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Maximally adjusted risk estimates were pooled using random-effects meta-analysis to assess the risk ratio (RR) of GDM, and overall and subtypes of CVDs in both mothers and offspring post-delivery.ResultsThe meta-analysis was based on 38 studies with a total of 77,678,684 participants. The results showed a 46% increased risk (RR 1.46, 95% CI 1.34–1.59) for mothers and a 23% increased risk (1.23, 1.05–1.45) for offspring of developing overall CVDs after delivery, following a GDM-complicated pregnancy. Our subgroup analysis revealed that mothers with a history of GDM faced various risks (20% to 2-fold) of developing different subtypes of CVDs, including cerebrovascular disease, coronary artery disease, heart failure, and venous thromboembolism.ConclusionsThese findings underscore the heightened risk of developing various CVDs for mothers and offspring affected by GDM, emphasizing the importance of preventive measures even right after birth to mitigate the burden of CVDs in these populations.

Association Between Iron, Folate, and Zinc Deficiencies During Pregnancy and Low Birth Weight: Systematic Review of Cohort Studies.

Iron, folate, and zinc deficiencies during the gestational period may be associated with negative perinatal outcomes, such as low birth weight (LBW), but these relationships are not yet fully established in the scientific literature and require further investigation. To systematically review the scientific production to investigate the association between iron, folate, and zinc deficiencies during pregnancy and LBW. The search was carried out using high-sensitivity descriptors in the English, Portuguese, and Spanish languages, combined with Boolean operators, adapted to each of the following indexed databases: MEDLINE via PubMed, Embase, LILACS via BVS, CENTRAL, and Web of Science. The eligibility criteria followed the PECOS (population, exposure, comparator, outcome, study) strategy. Data extraction was performed using an Excel spreadsheet with the study variables of interest. Subsequently, the information was analyzed and summarized in a table. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to perform the risk-of-bias analysis. A total of 21 042 references were identified, of which 7169 related to folate, 6969 to iron, and 6904 to zinc. After eligibility criteria application, 37 articles were included in this study, of which 18 referred to zinc nutritional status, 10 related to iron, and 9 related to folate. Studies of iron (40%), folate (66.66%), and zinc (50%) revealed a positive association between deficiencies of these micronutrients and LBW. The overall methodological quality of the studies included in this review was considered high. Iron, folate, and zinc deficiencies are still present during gestation. Nevertheless, the association between deficiencies of these micronutrients and LBW is still contradictory, and more studies are needed, as is efficient nutritional monitoring before and during gestation. PROSPERO registration no. CRD42021284683.

Associations between dimensions of the social environment and cardiometabolic health outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectivesThe social environment (SE), that is, the social relationships and social context in which groups of people live and interact, is an understudied element of the broader living environment which...