METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science up until April 01, 2024, to find studies reporting the prevalence and severity of neurological and musculoskeletal complications associated with Lyme disease. Screening and data extraction were conducted using Nested Knowledge software. Two independent reviewers performed the quality assessment using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Meta-analyses were performed using R software v4.3, employing a random-effects model.
RESULTS: Out of 3576 records, 17 studies were included, involving 3932 participants. These studies revealed significant prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms (21.1%) and neurological disabilities (18%) among Lyme disease patients. The analysis showed a notable increase in risk for both complications in individuals with Lyme disease, with pooled Risk Ratios (RR) of 1.82 for musculoskeletal symptoms and 1.64 for neurological disabilities, indicating a significantly higher risk compared to control groups. Although heterogeneity across the studies was high, sensitivity analysis confirmed the consistency of our findings. Additionally, there was evidence of publication bias.
CONCLUSION: The study reveals significant neurological and musculoskeletal complications in Lyme disease patients, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis, comprehensive treatment, and supportive care. The noted heterogeneity and potential publication bias highlight the need for transparent research and further study on long-term outcomes.
Methods: Fasting blood samples were collected from 35 DMT2 or DMT2HTN patients each to analyze differences in serum and plasma levels of IMA, hs-CRP, FIB, total cholesterol (TC), high and low density lipoproteins (HDL and LDL), triglyceride (TG), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1C), glycated hemoglobin and creatinine.
Results: In DMT2 and DMT2HTN patients, IMA, hs-CRP, FIB, TC, TG, HDL, LDL, glycated hemoglobin and creatinine levels, including body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), were significantly higher relative to healthy controls. In addition, the levels of IMA, hs-CRP and FIB levels showed a strong link to BMI, WHR, TC, TG, LDL and glycated hemoglobin. Lastly, both DMT2 and DMT2HTN patients demonstrated a significant reduction in HDL.
Conclusion: DMT2 and DMT2HTN patients have a greater risk of developing cardiovascular related complications. This study suggests that quantifying hs-CRP, IMA and FIB levels can help diagnose the risk of developing complications during the early stages of metabolic and cardiovascular disease. Overall, the specific risk factors may be used for early identification of cardiovascular complications to decrease mortality and morbidity in T2DM patients.
METHODS: A literature search was conducted across databases including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane on October 20, 2023. The included studies reported the number of pregnant women and the count of those who were dual users. Quality assessment was undertaken using the JBI tool. The pooled prevalence of dual use was determined via a random-effects model. All statistical analyses were executed using R software, version 4.3.
PROSPERO: CRD42023486020.
RESULTS: Eighteen studies were analyzed, encompassing 5,983,363 pregnant women. The meta-analysis indicated an overall prevalence of 4.6% (95% CI: 2.0-10.3) for dual users with significant heterogeneity (I2 = 100%). Subgroup analysis based on the country showed a prevalence of 4.9% (95% CI: 2.0 to 11.6) for USA and 8.1% (95% CI: 0.00 to 1.00) for UK. Meta-regression revealed reduction of prevalence of dual use from 2019 to 2023. A potential publication bias was indicated by the LFK index and the Doi plot.
CONCLUSION: The dual consumption of e-cigarettes and traditional tobacco in pregnant women is a significant health concern, with a notable prevalence. Given the established risks of tobacco smoking during pregnancy and the uncertainties surrounding e-cigarettes, more comprehensive research and public health interventions are urgently needed to address this issue.
METHODS: We searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science through August 2024 for randomized controlled trials evaluating ensifentrine in COPD patients over a minimum of four weeks. Data extraction and screening utilized Knowledge software, and meta-analyses were performed using R v4.4 with a random-effects model.
RESULTS: From 206 studies identified, four met our inclusion criteria. Ensifentrine improved FEV1 significantly at a dose of 3 mg (LS mean difference: 40.90 mL; 95 % CI: 19.65-62.15). It also improved dyspnea as measured by the Transition Dyspnea Index (TDI) (LS mean difference: 0.91; 95 % CI: 0.61-1.21) and quality of life according to the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire-C (SGRQ-C) scores (LS mean difference: -1.92; 95 % CI: -3.28 to -0.55). Safety profiles were comparable between the ensifentrine and placebo groups, with no significant increase in treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) (RR: 1.02; 95 % CI: 0.94-1.10).
CONCLUSION: Ensifentrine significantly enhances lung function, reduces dyspnea, and improves quality of life in COPD patients, especially at a 3 mg dose. These benefits, coupled with a stable safety profile, support its use as an adjunctive therapy in COPD management.
METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science for studies published up to December 1, 2024. Observational studies assessing SHBG levels and prostate cancer risk were included. Effect sizes were pooled using random-effects meta-analysis. Heterogeneity was evaluated using the I2 statistic, and quality assessment was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Statistical analysis was performed using R software version 4.4.
RESULTS: Sixteen studies, including 720,298 participants and 90,799 prostate cancer cases, were analyzed. The pooled odds ratio (OR) for prostate cancer risk per unit increase in SHBG was 0.907 (95% CI 0.799-1.030), indicating no statistically significant association. Substantial heterogeneity was observed among the included studies (I2 = 79%; P
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases was conducted through October 2024, following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Studies reporting fall prevalence in patients with cancer aged 65 years or older were included. Pooled prevalence estimates were calculated using a random-effects meta-analysis.
RESULTS: Seventy-six studies, including 177,212 participants, met the inclusion criteria. The pooled prevalence of falls was 24 % (95 % confidence interval [CI], 20; 28), with significant heterogeneity (I2 = 100 %). Fall prevalence increased with follow-up duration: short-term 12 % (95 % CI, 5.2; 28.4), medium-term 23 % (95 % CI, 18.9; 29.5), and long-term 54 % (95 % CI, 14.9; 89.1) studies (p = 0.13). Older adults with breast cancer had the highest prevalence of falls at 31 % (95 % CI, 17; 48), while patients with colorectal cancer had the lowest at 15 % (95 % CI, 1; 78) (P ≤0.001). Fall prevalence ranged from 19 % in Australia to 24 % in North America (p = 0.89).
DISCUSSION: Falls are frequent among older adults with cancer, with prevalence varying by cancer type, geographic region, and follow-up duration.
METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus, covering studies up to September 8, 2024. Studies focusing on conjunctivitis, keratitis, eye lesions, visual impairment, and other ophthalmic outcomes in Mpox cases were included. Meta-analyses were performed using a random-effects model to estimate pooled prevalence rates, with heterogeneity assessed using the I² statistic. Sensitivity analyses and publication bias assessments were also conducted.
RESULTS: A total of 25 studies were included, with 22 contributing to the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of conjunctivitis in Mpox cases was 8.9% (95% CI: 4.4%-17.1%), keratitis 3.4% (95% CI: 1.4%-7.7%), eye lesions 3.4% (95% CI: 1.4%-7.7%), and visual impairment 4.3% (95% CI: 0.8%-20.6%). Other ocular manifestations had a pooled prevalence of 12.4% (95% CI: 0.6%-76.9%). Significant heterogeneity was observed, particularly for conjunctivitis and other ocular manifestations, suggesting variability in presentation.
CONCLUSION: Conjunctivitis is the most common ophthalmic complication of Mpox, followed by notable rates for keratitis, eye lesions, and visual impairment. These findings emphasize the need for early recognition, routine ocular exams, and effective management of Mpox-related eye complications. Further high-quality research is necessary to better understand and address these ocular complications.
METHOD: We extracted asthma data from the Global Burden of Disease database for South Asia (1990-2021). Joinpoint regression analysis was used to assess temporal trends in asthma burden. Total Percentage change (TPC) in age-standardized rates of incidence, mortality, and DALYs were calculated. Data were stratified by gender, and the contribution of risk factors was evaluated.
RESULTS: Asthma-related mortality in South Asia decreased by 37%, from 27.78 per 100,000 (1990) to 17.54 per 100,000 (2021). The Maldives showed the most significant reduction in mortality (78.31%), while Bangladesh recorded a 47.44% reduction in prevalence and a 62.64% decrease in DALYs. High BMI, smoking, and environmental risks contributed significantly to DALYs, with environmental factors playing a major role in countries like Afghanistan (20.73%) and Bhutan (18.58%). Females, particularly those over 20, experienced higher asthma-related DALYs than males.
CONCLUSION: Asthma burden in South Asia has reduced over the past three decades, yet the absolute number of cases continues to rise, driven by population growth and environmental risk factors. Targeted interventions addressing risk factors and healthcare disparities are essential for further reducing asthma burden.
METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science, covering studies published up to September 30, 2024. We included peer-reviewed observational studies evaluating the link between cannabis consumption and the risk of asthma diagnosis. Data synthesis employed a random-effects meta-analysis to account for heterogeneity. R statistical software (version 4.4) was used for statistical analyses.
RESULTS: The search yielded 8 relevant studies after screening 1,887 records. The pooled odds ratio (OR) for the association between cannabis consumption and the risk of asthma diagnosis was 1.31, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.19-1.44, indicating greater odds of having asthma compared to non-users. Moderate heterogeneity was observed (I² = 46%), and sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of the findings.
CONCLUSION: This systematic review and meta-analysis identifies a significant association between cannabis use and greater odds of having asthma. These findings emphasize the importance of raising awareness about the potential respiratory risks associated with cannabis use. Future research should prioritize identifying moderating factors, such as the frequency and mode of cannabis consumption, to enhance understanding of this association and provide a stronger evidence base for potential public health interventions.
CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.
METHODS: This analysis utilized data from the GBD study to assess age-standardized prevalence (ASPR), incidence (ASIR), disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) (ASDR), and mortality rates (ASMR) for COPD across Indian states. Joinpoint regression was used to analyze temporal trends, while ARIMA models predicted future incidence rates.
RESULTS: In 2021, the highest ASIR was observed in Rajasthan at 306.28, and the highest ASMR was observed in Uttarakhand at 227.19. Projections suggest that the ASIR for COPD in India will decrease from 265.16 in 2022 to 258.19 by 2031. The heatmap analysis identified states like Uttarakhand and Rajasthan as having the highest DALYs attributable to COPD risk factors, including air pollution and tobacco use.
CONCLUSION: COPD remains a public health challenge in India, with regional variability. Targeted interventions addressing air pollution, smoking cessation, and improved healthcare access are essential to mitigate the disease's future burden, particularly in high-risk regions.