METHODS: A literature search was conducted through PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library up until August 10, 2024. The eligibility criteria focused on observational studies that evaluated hospitalization rates among mpox cases, distinguishing between HIV-positive and HIV-negative individuals. Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used for evaluating study quality. The meta-analysis used a random-effects model to accommodate expected study heterogeneity using R software (V. 4.4).
RESULTS: The search yielded 686 records, with 14 studies meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria after screenings and full-text assessments. The pooled analysis revealed a 56.6% increased risk of hospitalization among HIV-positive mpox cases compared to HIV-negative individuals (95% CI: 18.0-107.7%). Notable heterogeneity (I² = 76%) was observed, likely reflecting variations in study settings and methodologies. Sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of these findings, and no significant publication bias was detected (Egger's test p-value = 0.733).
CONCLUSION: HIV infection is associated with a statistically significant increased risk of hospitalization in mpox cases. There is a critical need for integrated care and enhanced surveillance, especially in populations with high HIV prevalence. Our findings emphasize the importance of ongoing research to better understand HIV and mpox co-infection and to refine management strategies for this vulnerable group. Future studies should focus on long-term outcomes and the effectiveness of various management strategies across different healthcare settings.
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.
METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive search across PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science until November 10 2024, selecting studies based on pre-defined criteria that involve adults with AF and measurements of VEGF levels. The selected studies included observational and experimental designs, excluding non-English and methodologically insufficient publications. Narrative synthesis was used for summarising the results.
RESULTS: Eight studies met the inclusion criteria. The studies show a general trend of elevated VEGF levels in AF patients compared to controls, with significant heterogeneity in findings across studies. VEGF subtypes such as VEGF-A and VEGF-D demonstrated stronger associations with AF risk compared to VEGF-C. These variations point to the complex role of VEGF in AF, influencing factors like angiogenesis, endothelial function, and inflammatory responses.
CONCLUSION: VEGF is potentially a significant contributor to AF pathophysiology, with its levels reflecting disease activity. The variability observed across studies suggests a need for standardized measurement approaches and further investigation into VEGF subtypes. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies to better understand the causal relationships and the potential of VEGF as a therapeutic target and biomarker in AF management.
CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.
METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science up to July 30, 2024. Studies that met the inclusion criteria randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, case-control studies, and observational studies assessing the incidence of prostate cancer in GLP-1 RA-treated patients were included. The quality of studies was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Meta-analysis was performed using a random effects model.
RESULTS: A total of five studies were included, analyzing data from diverse international contexts. The included studies showed a reduced risk of prostate cancer with both adjusted and unadjusted effect estimates with GLP-1 RAs. The meta-analysis revealed an RR of 0.72 (95% CI: 0.610 to 0.832), indicating a statistically significant 28% reduction in prostate cancer risk associated with GLP-1 RA use compared to placebo or other antidiabetic drugs. Moderate heterogeneity was observed (I2 = 51%). Sensitivity analysis confirmed the results.
CONCLUSION: The findings suggest a significant protective association between GLP-1 RA use and reduced prostate cancer risk in men, particularly those with T2DM. This supports the potential of GLP-1 RAs not only in diabetes management but also as a strategy to mitigate cancer risk. Further research is required to confirm these findings and explore the underlying mechanisms, considering different dosages, durations of therapy, and patient subgroups based on demographic and metabolic characteristics.
METHODS: Data for this study were sourced from the Global burden of disease (GBD) 2021 study, which utilizes a Bayesian meta-regression model to estimate mortality, prevalence, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). Spatial maps depicting the age-standardized prevalence rate and age-standardized mortality rate for neonatal disorders in South Asia were generated using QGIS software. Mortality forecasts for the period 2022-2031, attributed to various neonatal disorders, were produced employing the Auto-Regressive Integrated Moving Average model in R software. Additionally, an analysis of overall neonatal mortality trends from 1980 to 2021 was conducted, supplemented by a heat map that compares DALYs attributable to various neonatal disorders across South Asian countries in 2021.
RESULTS: Between 1980 and 2021, South Asia experienced a substantial decline in neonatal mortality rates, with India and Bangladesh leading the progress. Mortality decreased by 40%, while DALYs fell by 35%, despite a 15% increase in the prevalence. The prevalence of neonatal encephalopathy due to birth asphyxia and trauma surged by 355%, yet its mortality dropped by 31%. Pakistan recorded the highest neonatal mortality and disease burden, particularly for hemolytic disease and other neonatal jaundice and neonatal encephalopathy due to birth asphyxia and trauma. In India and Bangladesh, neonatal preterm birth and neonatal sepsis and other neonatal infections contributed most to mortality. Neonatal encephalopathy due to birth asphyxia and trauma accounted for the highest DALYs. Forecasts predict continued reductions in neonatal mortality across South Asia, except in Pakistan, where persistently high rates are expected till 2031.
CONCLUSION: For South Asian countries to meet the SDG target for neonatal mortality by 2030, intensified and continuous efforts are required. These efforts should focus on identifying high-risk pregnancies and improving the quality of care during childbirth to address the root causes and reduce preventable neonatal deaths.
METHODS: Data covering South Asian countries such as Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Pakistan were obtained from the GBD 2021 portal. Age-standardized rates (ASRs) for prostate cancer metrics, including incidence (ASIR), prevalence (ASPR), mortality (ASMR), and DALYs (ASDR), were analyzed via joinpoint and ARIMA modeling techniques. Geographic variations in ASRs were mapped via QGIS software.
RESULTS: The prostate cancer ASIR, ASPR, and ASDR significantly increased from 1990 to 2021, particularly among individuals aged 60-65 years. The highest incidence and mortality rates were observed in Pakistan. The total percentage change in incidence in India was the highest at 61%. Projections indicate a continued rise in prostate cancer incidence, with South Asia's ASIR expected to reach 9.34 per 100 000 by 2031.
CONCLUSIONS: The growing burden of prostate cancer in South Asia highlights the need for enhanced screening programs, public awareness, and healthcare infrastructure improvements. Without intervention, the increasing incidence and mortality rates could strain healthcare resources, emphasizing the urgency of region-specific public health strategies.