Specific Medical Subject Headings Research Articles

Neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin in Alzheimer's disease: Targeting neuroinflammation strategies.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the accumulation of amyloid-beta plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, leading to neuronal loss. Curcumin, a polyphenolic compound derived from Curcuma longa, has shown potential neuroprotective effects due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This review aims to synthesize current preclinical data on the anti-neuroinflammatory mechanisms of curcumin in the context of AD, addressing its pharmacokinetics, bioavailability, and potential as a therapeutic adjunct. An exhaustive literature search was conducted, focusing on recent studies within the last 10 years related to curcumin's impact on neuroinflammation and its neuroprotective role in AD. The review methodology included sourcing articles from specialized databases using specific medical subject headings terms to ensure precision and relevance. Curcumin demonstrates significant neuroprotective properties by modulating neuroinflammatory pathways, scavenging reactive oxygen species, and inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Despite its potential, challenges remain regarding its limited bioavailability and the scarcity of comprehensive human clinical trials. Curcumin emerges as a promising therapeutic adjunct in AD due to its multimodal neuroprotective benefits. However, further research is required to overcome challenges related to bioavailability and to establish effective dosing regimens in human subjects. Developing novel delivery systems and formulations may enhance curcumin's therapeutic potential in AD treatment.

Conservative management in high-grade renal trauma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

To systematically investigate and analyse the aggregated data from recent studies to provide a quantitative synthesis for a conservative approach to the management of high-grade kidney trauma, as accumulating evidence supports the favourable outcomes of a conservative approach. A comprehensive search was performed using databases, including PubMed, EBSCO, ProQuest, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library, to identify studies relevant to high-grade renal trauma in both adult and paediatric populations. The compare review focused on comparing conservative management interventions, such as observation, rest, resuscitation, transfusion, symptomatic management, and angioembolisation, with operative management interventions. Search strategies incorporated specific medical subject headings and keywords related to conservative management, kidney trauma, mortality, and renal preservation. Random and fixed-effect meta-analyses were conducted to estimate the rates of nephrectomy and mortality, respectively. A total of 36 and 29 studies were included for qualitative and quantitative synthesis, respectively. The aggregated data showed a cumulative risk difference of 0.52 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.38-0.66, P < 0.001), indicating a higher likelihood of nephrectomy in cases where operative management was used instead of conservative management. In terms of mortality, conservative management demonstrated a lower risk difference of 0.09 (95% CI 0.05-0.13, P < 0.001). The results indicate that opting for conservative management in cases of high-grade renal trauma, particularly for haemodynamically stable patients, presents a lower risk of mortality and reduced probability of requiring nephrectomy when compared to operative management. These findings provide strong evidence in favour of considering conservative management as a viable and effective treatment option for high-grade renal trauma.

Gender Disparities in Care Allocation among Informal Elderly Caregivers: A literature Review

To comprehensively understand of the informal caregiving experience, it is essential to conduct an in-depth investigation into the caregiving context, including gender, family dynamics, and the caregiver's cultural background. Among these factors, considerable research attention has been dedicated to examining the impact of gender on caregiving. The objective of this study is to scrutinize studies that explore the association between informal care and the well-being of caregivers, with a particular focus on gender disparities within the caregiving domain. A systematic literature retrieval was conducted by querying the Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. The search strategy incorporated specific Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms, including "informal care", "caregiver", "health problems", "employment difficulties", "social problems", "gender", and "gender disparities". Earlier investigations into gender distinctions among caregivers for older adults have demonstrated a predominance of female caregivers, disparities in caregiving experiences, mental and physical health-related challenges, time allocation dedicated to caregiving, exposure to unpaid labor, inequalities in the distribution of unpaid work, caregiving responsibilities, and economic implications, including disparities in remuneration and pension entitlements. To promote gender equality and achieve a balance between family and work responsibilities for both men and women, there is a need to redistribute informal caregiving tasks between genders and between family and government entities. Key policy measures to address gender disparities in the provision of home care services at a national level can be grouped into four main categories: improving the quality, accessibility, and availability of long-term care; including gender considerations in the design and implementation of family leave policies and flexible work arrangements; removing economic barriers for caregivers' employment; and challenging traditional gender roles and stereotypes.

Neurogenetics and Epigenetics of Loneliness.

Loneliness, an established risk factor for both, mental and physical morbidity, is a mounting public health concern. However, the neurobiological mechanisms underlying loneliness-related morbidity are not yet well defined. Here we examined the role of genes and associated DNA risk polymorphic variants that are implicated in loneliness via genetic and epigenetic mechanisms and may thus point to specific therapeutic targets. Searches were conducted on PubMed, Medline, and EMBASE databases using specific Medical Subject Headings terms such as loneliness and genes, neuro- and epigenetics, addiction, affective disorders, alcohol, anti-reward, anxiety, depression, dopamine, cancer, cardiovascular, cognitive, hypodopaminergia, medical, motivation, (neuro)psychopathology, social isolation, and reward deficiency. The narrative literature review yielded recursive collections of scientific and clinical evidence, which were subsequently condensed and summarized in the following key areas: (1) Genetic Antecedents: Exploration of multiple genes mediating reward, stress, immunity and other important vital functions; (2) Genes and Mental Health: Examination of genes linked to personality traits and mental illnesses providing insights into the intricate network of interaction converging on the experience of loneliness; (3) Epigenetic Effects: Inquiry into instances of loneliness and social isolation that are driven by epigenetic methylations associated with negative childhood experiences; and (4) Neural Correlates: Analysis of loneliness-related affective states and cognitions with a focus on hypodopaminergic reward deficiency arising in the context of early life stress, eg, maternal separation, underscoring the importance of parental support early in life. Identification of the individual contributions by various (epi)genetic factors presents opportunities for the creation of innovative preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic approaches for individuals who cope with persistent feelings of loneliness. The clinical facets and therapeutic prospects associated with the current understanding of loneliness, are discussed emphasizing the relevance of genes and DNA risk polymorphic variants in the context of loneliness-related morbidity.

Ethical Dimensions in Contemporary Medical Practices: A Systematic Review and Analysis of Diverse Perspectives

Objective: This systematic review and analysis aim to comprehensively explore diverse ethical perspectives within contemporary medical practices. Acknowledging the complexity of ethical considerations in medicine influenced by cultural, socio-economic, and legal factors, the objective is to synthesize insights from various studies and delve into key themes such as patient autonomy, informed consent, healthcare equity, and the ethical implications of emerging technologies. Methodology: Adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines 2020, this analysis systematically reviewed scholarly articles focusing on ethical considerations within modern medical practices from 2020 to 2023. A thorough screening process, based on specific Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms, was conducted in major databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Knowledge, and Google Scholar). Eleven relevant studies were included, representing diverse perspectives and ethical frameworks. Result: The systematic study selection process identified 11 relevant studies from an initial pool of 297 records. These studies covered a range of topics, including parental decision-making for adolescents with mental health issues, the legalization of medical cannabis, challenges in patient care during the COVID-19 pandemic and medical education ethics. The included studies were subjected to a meticulous evaluation of their characteristics, outcomes, and limitations. The findings contribute valuable insights into the multifaceted ethical dimensions of contemporary medical practices. Conclusion: This systematic review and analysis provide a comprehensive overview of diverse ethical perspectives inherent in contemporary medical practices. While recognizing the complexity of medical ethics, influenced by various factors, the study identifies patterns, gaps and divergent viewpoints within the selected studies. The analysis aims to inform practitioners, policymakers, and scholars engaged in ethical decision-making in healthcare, fostering a more informed and ethically robust approach to modern medical practices. Despite the limitations in some studies, the findings contribute to the ongoing discourse on medical ethics and highlight the need for further research and dialogue to address evolving ethical challenges in healthcare.

The Potential Threat of Vertical Transmission in Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Infection: A Systematic Review 2022.

This systematic review paper aimed to assess and analyze the prevalence of maternal colonization of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) also known as methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in the peripartum period and its significance on vertical transmission to the neonate and if it is a potential threat to the health of newborns. For this, multiple databases, such as PubMed, MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, and the database of Elsevier, were used to scout for relevant articles, and results were reported adhering to the principles set by Preferred Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines 2020. A specific medical subject headings (MeSH) criterion was designed to search for relevant publications on PubMed. A total of 26 articles were finally selected after a meticulous screening process, including detailed inclusion and exclusion criteria, manual reading of titles and abstracts, and availability of accessible full-text articles. A few articles were also selected after going through the citations section of the initially selected papers. Quality appraisal was done on the selected publications. Maternal colonization of S. aureus is determined to be highly prevalentwith the hypothesis that nasal colonization had higher rates than recto-vaginal sites. Increasing maternal age, history of vaginitis, and multiparity were the most common risk factors for MRSA and MSSA colonization. Premature babies were at the highest risk of MRSA colonization. Breast milk is also a risk factor for neonatal MRSA transmission. Through this systematic review, we concluded that although the rate of vertical transmission of MRSA is lower than that of MSSA, we felt that it held significance as neonates with the bug have poor outcomes due to skin and soft tissue infections and there is spread of MRSA to other neonates in the wardsand spread to siblings in cases of triplets and quadruplets and even death due to potential MRSA sepsis. Women in Africa and China had high prevalence rates of MRSA and S. aureus which can probably be attributed to a lack of access to adequate healthcare facilities. We recommend screening with regular recto-vaginal swabs and nasal swabs especially in regions with a high burden of MRSA to be performed at regular intervals after confirmation of pregnancy, as prevention and screening are effective to avoid serious complications.

The prognostic impact of the smoking status of cancer patients receiving systemic treatment, radiation therapy, and surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis

IntroductionCigarette smoking represents the main risk factor for cancer development; however, less is known about the effects of active smoking on the outcome of cancer patients receiving systemic treatment, radiation therapy, or surgery. MethodsA systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted searching the PubMed® and Web of Science® Library databases using specific Medical Subject Headings terms. Studies reporting on the prognostic impact of the smoking status concerning survival endpoints in cancer patients treated with systemic treatment, radiation therapy, or surgery were eligible for inclusion. ResultsOf 1.380 articles reviewed, 12 reports including data from 31.785 patients with six different cancer types were considered eligible for inclusion. According to the meta-analysis of the overall effect, active smoking during cancer treatment was associated with an impaired overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific mortality (CSM) as compared to former or never smokers (OS: hazard ratio (HR) = 1.61, 95% CI: 1.19–2.17, p = 0.007; CSM: HR = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.01–1.54, p = 0.046). Moreover, smoking cessation led to a similar OS and CSM when comparing former to never smoking patients (OS: HR = 1.01, 95% CI: 0.87–1.18, p = 0.818; CSM: HR = 1.04, 95% CI: 0.91–1.20, p = 0.324). ConclusionThese results underline active smoking during cancer treatment as an independent adverse prognostic factor, while smoking cessation can result in similar outcomes compared to never smokers. Limitations of the study were a substantial study heterogeneity concerning different cancer entities and variations of treatment modalities.

Machine Learning Applications in Nephrology: A Bibliometric Analysis Comparing Kidney Studies to Other Medicine Subspecialities

Rationale & ObjectivesArtificial intelligence driven by machine learning algorithms is being increasingly employed for early detection, disease diagnosis, and clinical management. We explored the use of machine learning–driven advancements in kidney research compared with other organ-specific fields.Study DesignCross-sectional bibliometric analysis.Setting & ParticipantsISI Web of Science database was queried using specific Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms about the organ system, journal International Standard Serial Number, and research methodology. In parallel, we screened the National Institutes of Health (NIH) RePORTER website to explore funded grants that proposed the use of machine learning as a methodology.PredictorsNumber of publications using machine learning as a research method.OutcomeArticles were characterized by research methodology among 5 organ systems (brain, heart, kidney, liver, and lung). Grants funded by NIH for machine learning were characterized by study sections.Analytical ApproachPercentages of articles using machine learning and other research methodologies were compared among 5 organ systems.ResultsMachine learning-based articles that are focused on the kidney accounted for 3.2% of the total relevant articles from the 5 organ systems. Specifically, brain research published over 19-fold higher number of articles than kidney research. As compared with machine learning, conventional statistical approaches such as the Cox proportional hazard model were used 9-fold higher in articles related to kidney research. In general, a lower utilization of machine learning–based approaches was observed in organ-specific specialty journals than the broad interdisciplinary journals. The digestive disease, kidney, and urology study sections funded 122 applications proposing machine learning–based approaches compared to 265 applications from the neurology, neuropsychology, and neuropathology study sections.LimitationsObservational study.ConclusionsOur analysis suggests lowest use of machine learning as a research tool among kidney researchers compared with other organ-specific researchers, underscoring a need to better inform the kidney research community about this emerging data analytic tool.

Effect of Plyometric Training on Sport Performance in Adolescent Overhead Athletes: A Systematic Review.

Plyometric training has been shown to be beneficial in adolescent overhead athletes. However, existing research on the effects of plyometrics on sport performance has been limited. To systematically review the current literature to investigate whether plyometric training intervention improves upper- and lower-body sport performance. Two electronic databases (MEDLINE and Web of Science) were searched using specific Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms up to February 2019, and hand-searching was performed by looking to relevant studies that were cited in other studies. A total of 932 items were identified and were further assessed for the eligibility in the systematic review. For a study to be eligible, each of the following inclusion criteria had to be met: (1) participants were aged 13 to 18 years and selected from a sports or athletic population and the study (2) involved the evaluation of a plyometric training intervention with an aim to improve sports performance; (3) must have included a control intervention and/or control group; (4) included a quantitative objective measure of sport performance variables concerning throwing, jumping, running, and sprinting; and (5) was published in English. Systematic review. Level 3. A first screening was conducted based on title and abstract of the articles. In the second screening, the full text of the remaining articles was evaluated for the fulfillment of the inclusion criteria. A total of 14 studies were included in this review. The methodological quality of the included studies ranged from low to moderate. There is moderate evidence that plyometric training intervention improves throwing and jumping performances. There is also preliminary evidence that plyometric training intervention improves sprint performance. The current evidence suggests that sport performance consisting of throwing capacity, jumping ability, and sprint performance significantly improved due to plyometric training interventions in adolescent overhead athletes.

Effects of diet interventions, dietary supplements, and performance-enhancing substances on the performance of CrossFit-trained individuals: A systematic review of clinical studies.

CrossFit (CF) is characterized as a constantly varied, high-intensity, functional movement training program, performed with little or no rest between bouts, combining strength and endurance exercises, such as running, cycling, rowing, Olympic weightlifting, power weightlifting, and gymnastic-type exercises. Several nutritional strategies are used to improve sports performance of CF practitioners; however, most of them are empirical and lack scientific evidence. Thus, the aim of this review was to determine the effects of diet intervention, dietary supplements, and performance-enhancing substances on exercise-performance parameters of CF practitioners. MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science, LILACS, SciELO, and Scopus databases were searched using specific Medical Subject Headings and keywords for clinical studies that enrolled CF athletes in an intervention using diet, dietary supplements, or performance-enhancing substances. Athletic performance was considered as the primary outcome. No other filters were applied. Including grey literature search, 219 studies were identified; however only 14 studies met the eligibility criteria. Two studies evaluated the effects of caffeine supplementation on exercise performance; five studies evaluated high- or low-carbohydrate effects on performance and other parameters. One study verified the effects of multi-ingredient supplementation on CF-specific performance and body composition. One study compared the intake of protein supplements on performance and body composition. Two studies assessed the effect of green tea and (-)-epicatechin on performance and other parameters. One study evaluated the effects of nitrate supplementation on exercise performance. One study investigated the effect of betaine supplementation on body composition and muscle performance. Finally, one study examined the effects of sodium bicarbonate (SB) ingestion on exercise performance and aerobic capacity. Only SB supplementation improved CF performance. These outcomes may have been obtained due to methodological limitations such as small sample size, lack of control over influencing variables, short period of exercise intervention. Despite the popularity and growing evidence about CF, little is known about the relationship between performance-enhancing substances or dietary interventions and CF performance. Given the lack of scientific evidence, new studies with potential ergogenic supplements, a better methodological model, and practical application are required.

An Integrative Review on Factors Contributing to Fear of Cancer Recurrence Among Young Adult Breast Cancer Survivors.

Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is the most prevalent need among breast cancer survivors. Age is the most consistent predictor of higher FCR, with prevalence rates as high as 70% among young adults. Although the association between age and higher FCR is well established, a more comprehensive understanding of the factors contributing to higher FCR among young adult breast cancer survivors is needed. The purpose of this integrative review was to explore the factors associated with higher FCR among young adult breast cancer survivors (≤ 45 years old). A literature search was conducted using PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and EMBASE databases with specific Medical Subject Headings terms delimited to FCR, diagnosis, sex, and age range. The initial search yielded 378 studies, 13 of which met the eligibility criteria. Themes include motherhood status, health behaviors and decision making (eg, surveillance behaviors and surgical decision making), psychological morbidity, and social support. Cognitive behavioral factors include cognitive processing, metacognition, illness intrusiveness, and self-efficacy. Fear of cancer recurrence among young adult breast cancer survivors is a unique construct requiring further exploration and tailored interventions to improve the health-related quality of life for this population. Oncology nurses should screen all cancer survivors for FCR, with particular attention to the unique needs of young adults. Future research should address the role of age-appropriate support and increased levels of FCR during surveillance periods.

Early Intervention to Improve Sucking in Preterm Newborns: A Systematic Review of Quantitative Studies.

Premature birth is associated with feeding difficulties due to inadequate coordination of sucking, swallowing, and breathing. Nonnutritive sucking (NNS) and oral stimulation interventions may be effective for oral feeding promotion, but the mechanisms of the intervention effects need further clarifications. We reviewed preterm infant intervention studies with quantitative outcomes of sucking performance to summarize the evidence of the effect of interventions on specific components of sucking. PubMed, CINAHL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PSYCOLIST databases were searched for English language publications through August 2017. Studies were selected if they involved preterm infants, tested experimental interventions to improve sucking or oral feeding skills, and included outcome as an objective measure of sucking performance. Specific Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms were utilized. Nineteen studies were included in this review: 15 randomized, 1 quasi-randomized, and 3 crossover randomized controlled trials. Intervention types were grouped into 6 categories (i) NNS, (ii) NNS with auditory reinforcement, (iii) sensorimotor stimulation, (iv) oral support, (v) combined training, and (vi) nutritive sucking. Efficiency parameters were positively influenced by most types of interventions, though appear to be less affected by trainings based on NNS alone. These findings may be useful in the clinical care of infants requiring support to achieve efficient sucking skills through NNS and oral stimulation interventions. Further studies including quantitative measures of sucking performance outcome measures are needed in order to best understand the needs and provide more tailored interventions to preterm infants.

Redefining the pharmacology and pharmacy subject category in the journal citation reports using medical subject headings (MeSH).

Background The Journal Citation Reports (JCR) Pharmacology and Pharmacy subject category is heterogeneous. The inclusion of journals with basic and clinical scopes, which have different citation patterns, compromises comparability of impact factors among journals within the category. Objective To subdivide the Pharmacology and Pharmacy category into basic pharmacology, clinical pharmacology, and pharmacy based on the analyses of Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) as a proxy of journals' scopes. Setting JCR. Method All articles, and respective MeSH, published in 2013, 2014, and 2015 in all journals included in the 2014 JCR Pharmacology and Pharmacy category were retrieved from PubMed. Several models using a combination of the 14 MeSH categories and specific MeSH tree branches were tested using hierarchical cluster analysis. Main outcome measure Distribution of journals across the subcategories of the JCR Pharmacology and Pharmacy subject category. Results A total of 107,847 articles from 214 journals were included. Nine different models combining the MeSH categories M (Persons) and N (Health Care) with specific MeSH tree branches (selected ad-hoc) and Pharmacy-specific MeSH (identified in previous research) consistently grouped 142 journals (66.4%) in homogeneous groups reflecting their basic and clinical pharmacology, and pharmacy scopes. Ultimately, journals were clustered into: 150 in basic pharmacology, 43 in clinical pharmacology, 16 in basic pharmacology and clinical pharmacology, and 5 in pharmacy. Conclusion The reformulation of the Pharmacology and Pharmacy category into three categories was demonstrated by the consistent results obtained from testing nine different clustering models using the MeSH terms assigned to their articles.

Use of scientific social networking to improve the research strategies of PubMed readers.

BackgroundKeeping up with journal articles on a daily basis is an important activity of scientists engaged in biomedical research. Usually, journal articles and papers in the field of biomedicine are accessed through the Medline/PubMed electronic library. In the process of navigating PubMed, researchers unknowingly generate user-specific reading profiles that can be shared within a social networking environment. This paper examines the structure of the social networking environment generated by PubMed users.MethodsA web browser plugin was developed to map [in Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms] the reading patterns of individual PubMed users.ResultsWe developed a scientific social network based on the personal research profiles of readers of biomedical articles. A browser plugin is used to record the digital object identifier or PubMed ID of web pages. Recorded items are posted on the activity feed and automatically mapped to PubMed abstract. Within the activity feed a user can trace back previously browsed articles and insert comments. By calculating the frequency with which specific MeSH occur, the research interests of PubMed users can be visually represented with a tag cloud. Finally, research profiles can be searched for matches between network users.ConclusionsA social networking environment was created using MeSH terms to map articles accessed through the Medline/PubMed online library system. In-network social communication is supported by the recommendation of articles and by matching users with similar scientific interests. The system is available at http://bioknol.org/en/.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13104-016-1920-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

HNdb: an integrated database of gene and protein information on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

The total amount of scientific literature has grown rapidly in recent years. Specifically, there are several million citations in the field of cancer. This makes it difficult, if not impossible, to manually retrieve relevant information on the mechanisms that govern tumor behavior or the neoplastic process. Furthermore, cancer is a complex disease or, more accurately, a set of diseases. The heterogeneity that permeates many tumors is particularly evident in head and neck (HN) cancer, one of the most common types of cancer worldwide. In this study, we present HNdb, a free database that aims to provide a unified and comprehensive resource of information on genes and proteins involved in HN squamous cell carcinoma, covering data on genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, literature citations and also cross-references of external databases. Different literature searches of MEDLINE abstracts were performed using specific Medical Subject Headings (MeSH terms) for oral, oropharyngeal, hypopharyngeal and laryngeal squamous cell carcinomas. A curated gene-to-publication assignment yielded a total of 1370 genes related to HN cancer. The diversity of results allowed identifying novel and mostly unexplored gene associations, revealing, for example, that processes linked to response to steroid hormone stimulus are significantly enriched in genes related to HN carcinomas. Thus, our database expands the possibilities for gene networks investigation, providing potential hypothesis to be tested.Database URL: http://www.gencapo.famerp.br/hndb

Colon adenoma features and their impact on risk of future advanced adenomas and colorectal cancer.

AIMTo review the evidence on the association between specific colon adenoma features and the risk of future colonic neoplasia [adenomas and colorectal cancer (CRC)].METHODSWe performed a literature search using the National Library of Medicine through PubMed from 1/1/2003 to 5/30/2015. Specific Medical Subject Headings terms (colon, colon polyps, adenomatous polyps, epidemiology, natural history, growth, cancer screening, colonoscopy, CRC) were used in conjunction with subject headings/key words (surveillance, adenoma surveillance, polypectomy surveillance, and serrated adenoma). We defined non-advanced adenomas as 1-2 adenomas each < 10 mm in size and advanced adenomas as any adenoma ≥ 10 mm size or with > 25% villous histology or high-grade dysplasia. A combined endpoint of advanced neoplasia included advanced adenomas and invasive CRC.RESULTSOur search strategy identified 592 candidate articles of which 8 met inclusion criteria and were relevant for assessment of histology (low grade vs high grade dysplasia, villous features) and adenoma size. Six of these studies met the accepted quality indicator threshold for overall adenoma detection rate > 25% among study patients. We found 254 articles of which 7 met inclusion criteria for the evaluation of multiple adenomas. Lastly, our search revealed 222 candidate articles of which 6 met inclusion criteria for evaluation of serrated polyps. Our review found that villous features, high grade dysplasia, larger adenoma size, and having ≥ 3 adenomas at baseline are associated with an increased risk of future colonic neoplasia in some but not all studies. Serrated polyps in the proximal colon are associated with an increased risk of future colonic neoplasia, comparable to having a baseline advanced adenoma.CONCLUSIONData on adenoma features and risk of future adenomas and CRC are compelling yet modest in absolute effect size. Future research should refine this risk stratification.

Dimensions of the impact of urinary incontinence on quality of life of affected women: a review of the English literature

ABSTRACTUrinary incontinence (UI) is a condition encountered by many women in their middle ages and although it is not life threatening, it tremendously affects the quality of life (QOL) of affected women. The purpose of this review was to characterize the dimensions of women's QOL affected by UI. A systematic review of published literature reporting about primary studies was conducted using specific Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms: (urinary incontinence) and 1 – (quality of life), 2 – (outcome), 3 – (well‐being), 4 – (health outcomes), 5 – (women), 6 – (social well fair) and 7 – (signs and symptoms). This yielded 545 articles and 12 articles met the inclusion criteria. Searches were conducted from electronic databases including PubMed, CINHAL and SCOPUS. The studies included in the review used different measurements to reach conclusion about the effect of UI on QOL. All the studies emphasized that UI has a negative impact on at least two aspects of the affected woman's QOL. The results of the review show that UI negatively impacts women's QOL in four main dimensions such as physical health, mental health, sexual health and social well‐being. UI negatively impacts affected women's in various aspects of their life and to effectively address their health care needs it requires a multidisciplinary and holistic approach to their health care needs.

GeneMesh: a web-based microarray analysis tool for relating differentially expressed genes to MeSH terms

BackgroundAn important objective of DNA microarray-based gene expression experimentation is determining inter-relationships that exist between differentially expressed genes and biological processes, molecular functions, cellular components, signaling pathways, physiologic processes and diseases.ResultsHere we describe GeneMesh, a web-based program that facilitates analysis of DNA microarray gene expression data. GeneMesh relates genes in a query set to categories available in the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) hierarchical index. The interface enables hypothesis driven relational analysis to a specific MeSH subcategory (e.g., Cardiovascular System, Genetic Processes, Immune System Diseases etc.) or unbiased relational analysis to broader MeSH categories (e.g., Anatomy, Biological Sciences, Disease etc.). Genes found associated with a given MeSH category are dynamically linked to facilitate tabular and graphical depiction of Entrez Gene information, Gene Ontology information, KEGG metabolic pathway diagrams and intermolecular interaction information. Expression intensity values of groups of genes that cluster in relation to a given MeSH category, gene ontology or pathway can be displayed as heat maps of Z score-normalized values. GeneMesh operates on gene expression data derived from a number of commercial microarray platforms including Affymetrix, Agilent and Illumina.ConclusionsGeneMesh is a versatile web-based tool for testing and developing new hypotheses through relating genes in a query set (e.g., differentially expressed genes from a DNA microarray experiment) to descriptors making up the hierarchical structure of the National Library of Medicine controlled vocabulary thesaurus, MeSH. The system further enhances the discovery process by providing links between sets of genes associated with a given MeSH category to a rich set of html linked tabular and graphic information including Entrez Gene summaries, gene ontologies, intermolecular interactions, overlays of genes onto KEGG pathway diagrams and heatmaps of expression intensity values. GeneMesh is freely available online at http://proteogenomics.musc.edu/genemesh/.

Searching PubMed for molecular epidemiology studies: The case of chromosome aberrations

The available tools for searching literature in the field of Molecular Epidemiology are largely unsatisfactory. To identify major problems in retrieving information on this discipline, we comment here on the results of a literature search on cytogenetic biomarkers in children exposed to environmental pollutants. The search, done on the PubMed/MedLine database, was based on a strategy combining descriptors listed in the PubMed Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) Thesaurus and other available tools (free text or phrase search tools). 178 articles were retrieved by searching the period from January 1, 1980 to November 30, 2004. Only 2 of the 178 articles were indexed by the MeSH term "Epidemiology, molecular" (introduced in 1994) and 30 of 178 by the MeSH term "Biological markers" (introduced in 1989). The case of chromosome aberration (CA) was emblematic of the problem: 44 of 78 articles (56.4%) were not pertinent to the search. The reasons for this poor performance are reported and discussed. Authors and indexers may be able to improve the efficiency of article retrieval in the field of molecular epidemiology by using relevant terms in the title and abstract. This may suggest appropriate MeSH terms to the indexers for the indexing process. As regards the difficulty in identifying population studies using CA, the introduction of a specific MeSH term for chromosome aberrations when used as a biomarker would improve the search process.

Determining variables for repeat prostate biopsy.

During the evaluation of prostate cancer, men who have undergone transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy with negative results present a dilemma as to what further follow-up is required. Multiple variables have been proposed throughout the literature to improve cancer detection rates not only in initial biopsy results, but also on repeat evaluation. These variables include prostate-specific antigen (PSA) velocity, PSA density, free-percent PSA, and histological findings, each of which may singly or collectively dictate the need for further biopsy. After performing a Medline literature search using specific Medical Subject Headings (prostate biopsy, repeat prostate biopsy, PSA velocity, PSA density, free-percent PSA, prostate inflammation), we critically evaluated pertinent articles. Using this accumulated data and information, we composed an algorithm to assist in the decision process for repeat biopsy.