| 1. |
- Al Alawi, Laila, et al.
(author)
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Environmental assessment of cytotoxic drugs in healthcare settings : protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
- 2020
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In: Systematic Reviews. - : BioMed Central (BMC). - 2046-4053. ; 9:1
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Occupational exposure to cytotoxic drugs is associated with various unfavorable health outcomes. This protocol reports a methodology for a systematic review and meta-analysis that aims to systematically review the published literature and quantify the level of environmental contamination of healthcare settings with cytotoxic drugs.Methods: This protocol is developed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocol-2015 (PRISMA-P) guidelines. Six electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and EMBASE) will be searched with no restrictions on publication period. Eligible studies will be identified and data will be extracted using a predefined data extraction form by at least two independent reviewers following best practice. Eligible studies should report calculated or calculable estimates on the proportion of positive samples tested for cytotoxic drugs and/or estimates on the concentration of the cytotoxic drug(s) in the tested samples. Risk of bias (RoB) will be assessed by using the RoB in Studies estimating Prevalence of Exposure to Occupational risk factors (RoB-SPEO) tool, which developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and International Labour Organization (ILO) for environmental and occupational health systematic reviews. The random-effects model will be used to perform meta-analyses.Discussion: Occupational exposure to cytotoxic drugs is associated with short- and long-term adverse health outcomes. Following this protocol, the review to be carried out will be the first to fill an evidence gap on the environmental contamination of healthcare settings with cytotoxic drugs. The findings of this review will help in the understanding of the risk of occupational exposure of healthcare workers to cytotoxic drugs and facilitate the identification of priority areas for specific interventions.Ethics and dissemination: The systematic review methodology does not require ethics approval due to the nature of the study design. The results of the systematic review will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and will be publicly available.Systematic review registration: PROSPERO, dated July 14, 2020
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| 2. |
- Al-Bluwi, Ghada S. M., et al.
(author)
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Prevalence of Celiac Disease in Patients With Turner Syndrome : Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
- 2021
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In: Frontiers in Medicine. - : Frontiers Media S.A.. - 2296-858X. ; 8
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Introduction: Celiac disease (CD) is a multifactorial autoimmune disorder, and studies have reported that patients with Turner syndrome (TS) are at risk for CD. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to quantify the weighted prevalence of CD among patients with TS and determine the weighted strength of association between TS and CD.Methods: Studies published between January 1991 and December 2019 were retrieved from four electronic databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase. Eligible studies were identified and relevant data were extracted by two independent reviewers following specific eligibility criteria and a data extraction plan. Using the random-effects model, the pooled, overall and subgroup CD prevalence rates were determined, and sources of heterogeneity were investigated using meta-regression.Results: Among a total of 1,116 screened citations, 36 eligible studies were included in the quantitative synthesis. Nearly two-thirds of the studies (61.1%) were from European countries. Of the 6,291 patients with TS who were tested for CD, 241 were diagnosed with CD, with a crude CD prevalence of 3.8%. The highest and lowest CD prevalence rates of 20.0 and 0.0% were reported in Sweden and Germany, respectively. The estimated overall weighted CD prevalence was 4.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.3-5.9, I-2, 67.4%). The weighted serology-based CD prevalence in patients with TS (3.4%, 95% CI, 1.0-6.6) was similar to the weighted biopsy-based CD prevalence (4.8%; 95% CI, 3.4-6.5). The strength of association between TS and CD was estimated in only four studies (odds ratio 18.1, 95% CI, 1.82-180; odds ratio 4.34, 95% CI, 1.48-12.75; rate ratio 14, 95% CI, 1.48-12.75; rate ratio 42.5, 95% CI, 12.4-144.8). Given the lack of uniformity in the type of reported measures of association and study design, producing a weighted effect measure to evaluate the strength of association between TS and CD was unfeasible.Conclusion: Nearly 1 in every 22 patients with TS had CD. Regular screening for CD in patients with TS might facilitate early diagnosis and therapeutic management to prevent adverse effects of CD such as being underweight and osteoporosis.
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| 3. |
- Al-Ketbi, Alfan, et al.
(author)
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School bullying prevention and intervention strategies in the United Arab Emirates : a scoping review
- 2024
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In: Injury Prevention. - : BMJ Publishing Group Ltd. - 1353-8047 .- 1475-5785.
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- INTRODUCTION: Schools in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) witnessed an increase of 7% in bullying prevalence since 2005. This review aimed to map antibullying interventions in the UAE.METHODS: A systematic search was performed in five electronic databases (EMBASE, PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus and Eric) using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Review. Studies addressing antibullying interventions and grey literature in the UAE from 2010 to 2021 were included. Interventions were mapped using distribution across key sectors, public health practice levels, and organisation types. RESULTS: Of the 2122 identified papers, only 2 were included. Both articles were published in 2019 and used qualitative methods. From the search of governmental and non-governmental websites, 22 multilevel interventions were included and presented on the three levels of public health practice across the different sectors and target stakeholders. Eight interventions were at the federal level, and six were by private stakeholders. The government funded 59% of all interventions. Four interventions addressed cyberbullying, and three used multisectoral collaboration.CONCLUSIONS: Although the UAE is building capacity for bullying prevention, we found limited knowledge of antibullying prevention efforts. Further studies are needed to assess current interventions, strategies and policies.
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| 4. |
- Alfalasi, Maryam, et al.
(author)
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Effect of Nitric Oxide Pathway Inhibition on the Evolution of Anaphylactic Shock in Animal Models : A Systematic Review
- 2022
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In: Biology. - : MDPI. - 2079-7737. ; 11:6
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Simple Summary: Anaphylactic shock (AS) is the most serious consequence of anaphylaxis, with life-threatening sequelae including hypovolemia, shock, and arrhythmias. The literature lacks evidence for the effectiveness of interventions other than epinephrine in the acute phase of anaphylaxis. Our objective was to assess, through a systematic review, how inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) pathways affects blood pressure, and whether such blockade improves survival in AS animal models. AS was induced in all included studies after or before drug administration that targeted blockade of the NO pathway. In all animal species studied, the induction of AS caused a reduction in arterial blood pressure. However, the results show different responses to the inhibition of nitric oxide pathways. Overall, seven of fourteen studies using inhibition of nitric oxide pathways as pre-treatment before induction of AS showed improvement of survival and/or blood pressure. Four post-treatment studies from eight also showed positive outcomes. This review did not find strong evidence to propose modulation of blockade of the NO/cGMP pathway as a definitive treatment for AS in humans. Well-designed in vivo AS animal pharmacological models are needed to explore the other pathways involved, supporting the concept of pharmacological modulation.Abstract: Nitric oxide (NO) induces vasodilation in various types of shock. The effect of pharmacological modulation of the NO pathway in anaphylactic shock (AS) remains poorly understood. Our objective was to assess, through a systematic review, whether inhibition of NO pathways (INOP) was beneficial for the prevention and/or treatment of AS. A predesigned protocol for this systematic review was published in PROSPERO (CRD42019132273). A systematic literature search was conducted till March 2022 in the electronic databases PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Cochrane and Web of Science. Heterogeneity of the studies did not allow meta-analysis. Nine hundred ninety unique studies were identified. Of 135 studies screened in full text, 17 were included in the review. Among six inhibitors of NO pathways identified, four blocked NO synthase activity and two blocked guanylate cyclase downstream activity. Pre-treatment was used in nine studies and post-treatment in three studies. Five studies included both pre-treatment and post-treatment models. Overall, seven pre-treatment studies from fourteen showed improvement of survival and/or arterial blood pressure. Four post-treatment studies from eight showed positive outcomes. Overall, there was no strong evidence to conclude that isolated blockade of the NO/cGMP pathway is sufficient to prevent or restore anaphylactic hypotension. Further studies are needed to analyze the effect of drug combinations in the treatment of AS.
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| 5. |
- Abdalla, Mohammed A., et al.
(author)
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Effect of pharmacological interventions on lipid profiles and C-reactive protein in polycystic ovary syndrome : A systematic review and meta-analysis
- 2022
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In: Clinical Endocrinology. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 0300-0664 .- 1365-2265. ; 96:4, s. 443-459
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Context: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous condition affecting women of reproductive age. It is associated with dyslipidaemia and elevated plasma C-reactive protein (CRP), which increase the risks of cardiovascular disease (CVD).Objective: To review the existing evidence on the effects of different pharmacological interventions on lipid profiles and CRP of women with PCOS.Data Sources: We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science in April 2020 and updated the results in March 2021.Study Selection: The study included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and follows the 2020 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA).Data Extraction: Two independent researchers extracted data and assessed for risk of bias using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Covidence systematic review software were used for blinded screening and study selection.Data Synthesis: In 29 RCTs, there were significant reductions in triglycerides with atorvastatin versus placebo [mean difference (MD): -0.21 mmol/L; 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.39, -0.03, I-2 = 0%, moderate grade evidence]. Significant reductions were seen for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) with metformin versus placebo [standardized mean difference (SMD): -0.41; 95% CI: -0.85, 0.02, I-2 = 59%, low grade evidence]. Significant reductions were also seen for total cholesterol with saxagliptin versus metformin (MD: -0.15 mmol/L; 95% CI: -0.23, -0.08, I-2 = 0%, very low grade evidence). Significant reductions in C-reactive protein (CRP) were seen for atorvastatin versus placebo (MD: -1.51 mmol/L; 95% CI: -3.26 to 0.24, I-2 = 75%, very low-grade evidence).Conclusion: There were significant reductions in the lipid parameters when metformin, atorvastatin, saxagliptin, rosiglitazone and pioglitazone were compared with placebo or other agents. There was also a significant reduction of CRP with atorvastatin.
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| 6. |
- Abdalla, Mohammed Altigani, et al.
(author)
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Impact of metformin on the clinical and metabolic parameters of women with polycystic ovary syndrome : a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
- 2022
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In: Therapeutic Advances in Endocrinology and Metabolism. - : Sage Publications. - 2042-0188 .- 2042-0196. ; 13
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Context: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the commonest endocrine disorders affecting women of reproductive age, and metformin is a widely used medication in managing this condition.Aim: To review the available literature comprehensively on the therapeutic impact of metformin on the clinical and metabolic parameters of women with PCOS.Data source: We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane Library and the Web of Science and selected sources for grey literature from their inception to April 2020. An updated search in PubMed was performed in June 2022.Data synthesis: Two reviewers selected eligible studies and extracted data, and the review is reported following the 2020 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA).Results: In 24 eligible randomised controlled trials (RCTs) involving 564 participants who received metformin therapy, metformin was associated with significant reduction in body weight by 3.13 kg (95% CI: -5.33, -0.93), body mass index (BMI) by 0.82 kg/m(2) (95% CI: -1.22, -0.41), fasting blood glucose [standardised mean difference (SMD): -0.23; 95% CI: -0.40, -0.06], low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (SMD: -0.41; 95% CI: -0.85, 0.03), total testosterone (SMD: -0.33; 95% CI: -0.49, -0.17), androstenedione (SMD: -0.45; 95% CI: -0.70, -0.20), 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) (SMD: -0.58; 95% CI: -1.16, 0.00) and increase the likelihood of clinical pregnancy rate [odds ratio (OR): 3.00; 95% CI: 1.95, 4.59] compared with placebo.Conclusion: In women with PCOS, metformin use has shown a positive impact in reducing body weight, BMI, total testosterone, androstenedione, 17-OHP, LDL-C, fasting blood glucose and increasing the likelihood of pregnancy in women with PCOS.
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| 7. |
- Abdalla, Mohammed A., et al.
(author)
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Impact of pharmacological interventions on anthropometric indices in women with polycystic ovary syndrome : A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
- 2022
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In: Clinical Endocrinology. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 0300-0664 .- 1365-2265. ; 96:6, s. 758-780
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Context: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous condition affecting women of reproductive age and is associated with increased body weight.Objective: To review the literature on the effect of different pharmacological interventions on the anthropometric indices in women with PCOS.Data sources: We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane library, and the Web of Science in April 2020 with an update in PubMed in March 2021.Study selection: The study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA)2020.Data extraction: Reviewers extracted data and assessed the risk of bias using the Cochrane risk of bias tool.Results: 80 RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. Metformin vs placebo showed significant reduction in the mean body weight (MD: -3.13 kg; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -5.33 to -0.93, I-2 = 5%) and the mean body mass index (BMI) (MD: -0.75 kg/m(2); 95% CI: -1.15 to -0.36, I-2 = 0%). There was a significant reduction in the mean BMI with orlistat versus placebo (MD: -1.33 kg/m(2); 95% CI: -2.16 to -0.66, I-2 = 0.0%), acarbose versus metformin (MD: -1.26 kg/m(2); 95% CI: -2.13 to -0.38, I-2 = 0%), and metformin versus pioglitazone (MD: -0.91 kg/m(2); 95% CI: -1.62 to -0.19, I-2 = 0%). A significant increase in the mean BMI was also observed in pioglitazone versus placebo (MD: + 2.59 kg/m(2); 95% CI: 1.78-3.38, I-2 = 0%) and in rosiglitazone versus metformin (MD: + 0.80 kg/m(2); 95% CI: 0.32-1.27, I-2 = 3%). There was a significant reduction in the mean waist circumference (WC) with metformin versus placebo (MD: -1.21 cm; 95% CI: -3.71 to 1.29, I-2 = 0%) while a significant increase in the mean WC with pioglitazone versus placebo (MD: + 5.45 cm; 95% CI: 2.18-8.71, I-2 = 0%).Conclusion: Pharmacological interventions including metformin, sitagliptin, pioglitazone, rosiglitazone orlistat, and acarbose have significant effects on the anthropometric indices in women with PCOS.
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| 8. |
- Abdalla, Mohammed Altigani, et al.
(author)
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Impact of pharmacological interventions on biochemical hyperandrogenemia in women with polycystic ovary syndrome : a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
- 2022
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In: Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics. - : Springer. - 0932-0067 .- 1432-0711.
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Context: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine disease that affects women of reproductive age and is characterised by biochemical and clinical androgen excess.Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of pharmacological interventions used to decrease androgen hormones in women with PCOS.Data source: We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane library and the Web of Science from inception up to March 2021. Data synthesis Two reviewers selected eligible studies and extracted data, and the review is reported according to the 2020 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA).Results: Of the 814 randomised clinical trials (RCTs) located in the search, 92 met the eligibility criteria. There were significant reductions in total testosterone level with metformin versus (vs) placebo (SMD: - 0.33; 95% CI - 0.49 to - 0.17, p < 0.0001, moderate grade evidence) and dexamethasone vs placebo (MD:-0.86 nmol/L; 95% CI - 1.34 to - 0.39, p = 0.0004, very low-grade evidence). Significant reductions in the free testosterone with sitagliptin vs placebo (SMD: - 0.47; 95% CI - 0.97 to 0.04, p = 0.07, very low-grade evidence), in dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) with flutamide vs finasteride (MD: - 0.37 mu g/dL; 95% CI - 0.05 to - 0.58, p = 0.02, very low-grade evidence), a significant reduction in androstenedione (A4) with rosiglitazone vs placebo (SMD: - 1.67; 95% CI - 2.27 to - 1.06; 59 participants, p < 0.00001, very low-grade evidence), and a significant increase in sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) with oral contraceptive pill (OCP) (35 mu g Ethinyl Estradiol (EE)/2 mg cyproterone acetate (CPA)) vs placebo (MD: 103.30 nmol/L; 95% CI 55.54-151.05, p < 0.0001, very low-grade evidence) were observed.Conclusion: Metformin, OCP, dexamethasone, flutamide, and rosiglitazone use were associated with a significant reduction in biochemical hyperandrogenemia in women with PCOS, though their individual use may be limited due to their side effects.PROSPERO registration No CRD42020178783.
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| 9. |
- Abdalla, Mohammed A., et al.
(author)
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Impact of pharmacological interventions on insulin resistance in women with polycystic ovary syndrome : A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
- 2022
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In: Clinical Endocrinology. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 0300-0664 .- 1365-2265. ; 96:3, s. 371-394
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine condition affecting women of reproductive age. It is characterized by insulin resistance and is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The objective was to review the literature on the effect of different pharmacological interventions on insulin resistance in women with PCOS.Design: We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane library and the Web of Science in April 2020 and updated in March 2021. The study follows the 2020 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-ana. Reviwers extracted data and assessed the risk of bias using the Cochrane risk of bias tool.Results: In 58 randomized controlled trials there were significant reductions in the fasting blood glucose (FBG) with metformin versus placebo (standardized mean difference [SMD]: -0.23; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.40, -0.06; I-2 = 0%, low-grade evidence), and acarbose versus metformin (mean difference [MD]: -10.50 mg/dl; 95% CI: -15.76, -5.24; I-2 = 0%, low-grade evidence). Significant reductions in fasting insulin (FI) with pioglitazone versus placebo (SMD: -0.55; 95% CI: -1.03, -0.07; I-2 = 37%; p = .02, very-low-grade evidence). A significant reduction in homoeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was seen with exenatide versus metformin (MD: -0.34; 95% CI: -0.65, -0.03; I-2 = 0%, low-grade evidence). No effect on homoeostatic model assessment of beta cells (HOMA-B) was observed.Conclusions: Pharmacological interventions, including metformin, acarbose, pioglitazone and exenatide have significant effects on FBG, FI, HOMA-IR but not on HOMA-B.
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| 10. |
- Aburawi, Elhadi H., et al.
(author)
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Epigenetics of conotruncal congenital heart disease : Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
- 2024
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In: PLOS ONE. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 19:4
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Conotruncal congenital heart defects (CTD) are a subset of congenital heart diseases (CHD) that involve structural anomalies of the right, left, or both cardiac outflow tracts. CHD is caused by multifactorial inheritance and changes in the genes or chromosomes. Recently, CHD was found to be due to epigenetic alterations, which are a combination of genetic and other environmental factors. Epigenetics is the study of how a gene's function changes as a result of environmental and behavioral influences. These causative factors can indirectly cause CHD by altering the DNA through epigenetic modifications. This is a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis that aims to explore whether the strength of association between various epigenetic changes and CTD types varies by race. Furthermore, to determine and compare the changes in gene expression of each mutation.METHODS: Our protocol follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocol (PRISMA-P) guidelines. A comprehensive pre-search has been developed in PubMed and PubMed's Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). The final search will be performed in June 2023 in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CIANHL, and PsycInfo, without restrictions on publication years. The Covidence systematic review software will be used for blinded screening and selection. Conflicts will be resolved by a third, independent reviewer. The risk of bias in selected studies will be assessed using the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies. The data to be extracted will cover basic information on the included studies, study sample size, number of patients with various types of epigenetic changes, number of patients with various CTD types, measures of association and their 95% confidence interval between each epigenetic change and each CTD. The protocol has been registered with the International Prospero Register of Systematic Review (PROSPERO) [CRD42023377597].DISCUSSION: To the best of our knowledge, this protocol outlines the first systematic review and meta-analysis of the epigenetics of CTD. There is a growing body of evidence on epigenetics and its indirect involvement in disease by altering the DNA through epigenetic modifications in the genes associated with the causative factors for CHD. We will conduct a comprehensive and systematic search for literature in the above-mentioned seven core biomedical databases. It is very important to identify population-specific risk factors for CHD, which will have significant creative, custom-made, and effective prevention programs for the future generation.
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