1. |
- Georgakis, Marios K., et al.
(author)
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Association of Circulating Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 Levels with Cardiovascular Mortality : A Meta-analysis of Population-Based Studies
- 2021
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In: JAMA Cardiology. - : American Medical Association (AMA). - 2380-6583. ; 6:5, s. 587-592
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Importance: Human genetics and studies in experimental models support a key role of monocyte-chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) in atherosclerosis. Yet, the associations of circulating MCP-1 levels with risk of coronary heart disease and cardiovascular death in the general population remain largely unexplored. Objective: To explore whether circulating levels of MCP-1 are associated with risk of incident coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, and cardiovascular mortality in the general population. Data Sources and Selection: Population-based cohort studies, identified through a systematic review, that have examined associations of circulating MCP-1 levels with cardiovascular end points. Data Extraction and Synthesis: Using a prespecified harmonized analysis plan, study-specific summary data were obtained from Cox regression models after excluding individuals with overt cardiovascular disease at baseline. Derived hazard ratios (HRs) were synthesized using random-effects meta-analyses. Main Outcomes and Measures: Incident coronary heart disease (myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization, and unstable angina), nonfatal myocardial infarction, and cardiovascular death (from cardiac or cerebrovascular causes). Results: The meta-analysis included 7 cohort studies involving 21401 individuals (mean [SD] age, 53.7 [10.2] years; 10012 men [46.8%]). Mean (SD) follow-up was 15.3 (4.5) years (326392 person-years at risk). In models adjusting for age, sex, and race/ethnicity, higher MCP-1 levels at baseline were associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease (HR per 1-SD increment in MCP-1 levels: 1.06 [95% CI, 1.01-1.11]; P =.01), nonfatal myocardial infarction (HR, 1.07 [95% CI, 1.01-1.13]; P =.02), and cardiovascular death (HR, 1.12 [95% CI, 1.05-1.20]; P <.001). In analyses comparing MCP-1 quartiles, these associations followed dose-response patterns. After additionally adjusting for vascular risk factors, the risk estimates were attenuated, but the associations of MCP-1 levels with cardiovascular death remained statistically significant, as did the association of MCP-1 levels in the upper quartile with coronary heart disease. There was no significant heterogeneity; the results did not change in sensitivity analyses excluding events occurring in the first 5 years after MCP-1 measurement, and the risk estimates were stable after additional adjustments for circulating levels of interleukin-6 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. Conclusions and Relevance: Higher circulating MCP-1 levels are associated with higher long-term cardiovascular mortality in community-dwelling individuals free of overt cardiovascular disease. These findings provide further support for a key role of MCP-1-signaling in cardiovascular disease..
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2. |
- Georgakis, Marios K., et al.
(author)
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Circulating Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 and Risk of Stroke : Meta-Analysis of Population-Based Studies Involving 17 180 Individuals
- 2019
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In: Circulation Research. - 0009-7330. ; 125:8, s. 773-782
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Rationale: Proinflammatory cytokines have been identified as potential targets for lowering vascular risk. Experimental evidence and Mendelian randomization suggest a role of MCP-1 (monocyte chemoattractant protein-1) in atherosclerosis and stroke. However, data from large-scale observational studies are lacking. Objective: To determine whether circulating levels of MCP-1 are associated with risk of incident stroke in the general population. Methods and Results: We used previously unpublished data on 17 180 stroke-free individuals (mean age, 56.7±8.1 years; 48.8% men) from 6 population-based prospective cohort studies and explored associations between baseline circulating MCP-1 levels and risk of any stroke, ischemic stroke, and hemorrhagic stroke during a mean follow-up interval of 16.3 years (280 522 person-years at risk; 1435 incident stroke events). We applied Cox proportional-hazards models and pooled hazard ratios (HRs) using random-effects meta-analyses. After adjustments for age, sex, race, and vascular risk factors, higher MCP-1 levels were associated with increased risk of any stroke (HR per 1-SD increment in ln-transformed MCP-1, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.01-1.14). Focusing on stroke subtypes, we found a significant association between baseline MCP-1 levels and higher risk of ischemic stroke (HR, 1.11 [1.02-1.21]) but not hemorrhagic stroke (HR, 1.02 [0.82-1.29]). The results followed a dose-response pattern with a higher risk of ischemic stroke among individuals in the upper quartiles of MCP-1 levels as compared with the first quartile (HRs, second quartile: 1.19 [1.00-1.42]; third quartile: 1.35 [1.14-1.59]; fourth quartile: 1.38 [1.07-1.77]). There was no indication for heterogeneity across studies, and in a subsample of 4 studies (12 516 individuals), the risk estimates were stable after additional adjustments for circulating levels of IL (interleukin)-6 and high-sensitivity CRP (C-reactive protein). Conclusions: Higher circulating levels of MCP-1 are associated with increased long-term risk of stroke. Our findings along with genetic and experimental evidence suggest that MCP-1 signaling might represent a therapeutic target to lower stroke risk.Visual Overview: An online visual overview is available for this article.
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3. |
- Georgakis, Marios K., et al.
(author)
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Malignant Central Nervous System Tumors Among Adolescents and Young Adults (15-39 Years Old) in 14 Southern-Eastern European Registries and the US Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program: Mortality and Survival Patterns
- 2017
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In: Cancer. - : WILEY. - 0008-543X .- 1097-0142. ; 123:22, s. 4458-4471
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Unique features and worse outcomes have been reported for cancers among adolescents and young adults (AYAs; 15-39 years old). The aim of this study was to explore the mortality and survival patterns of malignant central nervous system (CNS) tumors among AYAs in Southern-Eastern Europe (SEE) in comparison with the US Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program. METHODS: Malignant CNS tumors diagnosed in AYAs during the period spanning 1990-2014 were retrieved from 14 population-based cancer registries in the SEE region (n = 11,438). Age-adjusted mortality rates were calculated and survival patterns were evaluated via Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression analyses, and they were compared with respective 1990-2012 figures from SEER (n = 13,573). RESULTS: Mortality rates in SEE (range, 11.9-18.5 deaths per million) were higher overall than the SEER rate (9.4 deaths per million), with decreasing trends in both regions. Survival rates increased during a comparable period (2001-2009) in SEE and SEER. The 5-year survival rate was considerably lower in the SEE registries (46%) versus SEER (67%), mainly because of the extremely low rates in Ukraine; this finding was consistent across age groups and diagnostic subtypes. The highest 5-year survival rates were recorded for ependymomas (76% in SEE and 92% in SEER), and the worst were recorded for glioblastomas and anaplastic astrocytomas (28% in SEE and 37% in SEER). Advancing age, male sex, and rural residency at diagnosis adversely affected outcomes in both regions. CONCLUSIONS: Despite definite survival gains over the last years, the considerable outcome disparities between the less affluent SEE region and the United States for AYAs with malignant CNS tumors point to health care delivery inequalities. No considerable prognostic deficits for CNS tumors are evident for AYAs versus children. (c) 2017 American Cancer Society.
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4. |
- Cato, Karin, 1977-, et al.
(author)
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Antenatal depressive symptoms and early initiation of breastfeeding in association with exclusive breastfeeding six weeks postpartum : a longitudinal population-based study
- 2019
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In: BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1471-2393 .- 1471-2393. ; 19
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BackgroundDepressive symptoms negatively impact on breastfeeding duration, whereas early breastfeeding initiation after birth enhances the chances for a longer breastfeeding period. Our aim was to investigate the interplay between depressive symptoms during pregnancy and late initiation of the first breastfeeding session and their effect on exclusive breastfeeding at six weeks postpartum.MethodsIn a longitudinal study design, web-questionnaires including demographic data, breastfeeding information and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) were completed by 1217 women at pregnancy weeks 17–20, 32 and/or at six weeks postpartum. A multivariable logistic regression model was fitted to estimate the effect of depressive symptoms during pregnancy and the timing of the first breastfeeding session on exclusive breastfeeding at six weeks postpartum.ResultsExclusive breastfeeding at six weeks postpartum was reported by 77% of the women. Depressive symptoms during pregnancy (EPDS> 13); (OR:1.93 [1.28–2.91]) and not accomplishing the first breastfeeding session within two hours after birth (OR: 2.61 [1.80–3.78]), were both associated with not exclusively breastfeeding at six weeks postpartum after adjusting for identified confounders. Τhe combined exposure to depressive symptoms in pregnancy and late breastfeeding initiation was associated with an almost 4-fold increased odds of not exclusive breastfeeding at six weeks postpartum.ConclusionsWomen reporting depressive symptoms during pregnancy seem to be more vulnerable to the consequences of a postponed first breastfeeding session on exclusive breastfeeding duration. Consequently, women experiencing depressive symptoms may benefit from targeted breastfeeding support during the first hours after birth.
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5. |
- Eckerdal, Patricia, 1972-, et al.
(author)
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Delineating the association between mode of delivery and postpartum depression symptoms : A longitudinal study
- 2018
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In: Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica. - : Wiley. - 0001-6349 .- 1600-0412. ; 97:3, s. 301-311
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- INTRODUCTION: Although a number of perinatal factors have been implicated in the etiology of postpartum depression, the role of mode of delivery remains controversial. Our aim was to explore the association between mode of delivery and postpartum depression, considering the potentially mediating or confounding role of several covariates. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a longitudinal-cohort study in Uppsala, Sweden, with 3888 unique pregnancies followed up postpartum, the effect of mode of delivery (spontaneous vaginal delivery, vacuum extraction, elective cesarean section, emergency cesarean section) on self-reported postpartum depression symptoms (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale >/=12) at 6 weeks postpartum was investigated through logistic regression models and path analysis. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of postpartum depression was 13%. Compared with spontaneous vaginal delivery, women who delivered by emergency cesarean section were at higher risk for postpartum depression 6 weeks after delivery in crude (odds ratio 1.45, 95% confidence interval 1.04-2.01) but not in adjusted analysis. However, the path analysis revealed that emergency cesarean section and vacuum extraction were indirectly associated with increased risk of postpartum depression, by leading to postpartum complications, self-reported physical symptoms postpartum, and therefore a negative delivery experience. In contrast, history of depression and fear of delivery increased the odds of postpartum depression and led more frequently to elective cesarean section; however, it was associated with a positive delivery experience. CONCLUSIONS: Mode of delivery has no direct impact on risk of postpartum depression; nevertheless, several modifiable or non-modifiable mediators are present in this association. Women delivering in an emergency setting by emergency cesarean section or vacuum extraction, and reporting negatively experienced delivery, constitute a high-risk group for postpartum depression.
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6. |
- Georgakis, Marios K., et al.
(author)
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Age at menopause and duration of reproductive period in association with dementia and cognitive function : A systematic review and meta-analysis
- 2016
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In: Psychoneuroendocrinology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0306-4530 .- 1873-3360. ; 73, s. 224-243
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Introduction: The preponderance of dementia among postmenopausal women compared with same-age men and the female sex hormones neuroprotective properties support a tentative role of their deficiency in the dementia pathogenesis. Methods: Pairs of independent reviewers screened 12,323 publications derived from a search strategy for MEDLINE to identify articles investigating the association of age at menopause/reproductive period with (i) dementia and (ii) cognitive function; a snowball of eligible articles and reviews was conducted and authors were contacted for additional information. Random-effect models were used for the meta analysis. Results: Age at menopause (13 studies; 19,449 participants) and reproductive period (4 studies; 9916 participants) in the highest categories were not associated with odds of dementia (effect size [ES]: 0.97 [0.78-1.21]) and Alzheimer's disease (ES: 1.06 [0.71-1.58]). Significant heterogeneity was however noted in both analyses (12: 63.3%, p = 0.003 and 12: 72.6%, p = 0.01, respectively). Subgroup analyses by outcome assessment, study design, level of adjustment and study quality did not materially change the findings. In 9/13 studies assessing cognitive function, advanced age at menopause/longer reproductive period was significantly associated with better cognitive performance/lower decline. Due to statistical differences, no meta-analysis was possible for cognitive function. Conclusions: Existing evidence does not support an association between indices of prolonged exposure to female hormones and lower dementia risk. There are indications, however, for better cognitive performance and delayed cognitive decline, supporting a link between female hormone deficiency and cognitive aging. Current literature limitations, indicated by the heterogeneous study-set, point towards research priorities in this clinically relevant area.
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7. |
- Georgakis, Marios K, et al.
(author)
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Association of Age at Menopause and Duration of Reproductive Period With Depression After Menopause : A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
- 2016
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In: JAMA psychiatry. - : American Medical Association (AMA). - 2168-6238 .- 2168-622X. ; 73:2, s. 139-149
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Importance: Estrogens have neuroprotective and antidepressive effects; however, associations between indices of reduced endogenous estrogens and risk for postmenopausal depression have not been systematically explored.Objective: To investigate the association of age at menopause and the duration of the reproductive period with the risk for depression among postmenopausal women with naturally occurring menopause.Data Sources: A search strategy for use of MEDLINE was developed (through January 1, 2015) using the key terms menopause, climacteric, reproductive period, depression, and mood disorders. References of included studies and reviews were also screened; authors were contacted to maximize synthesized evidence.Study Selection: A total of 12 323 articles, without language restriction, were screened by pairs of reviewers to identify observational studies related to the study hypothesis; 14 studies were eligible for meta-analysis.Data Extraction and Synthesis: Pairs of reviewers independently extracted information on study design and type of analysis by participants' characteristics and methods of depression ascertainment. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, and fixed- or random-effects models were implemented.Main Outcomes and Measures: Pooled-effect estimates for depression, defined by psychiatric evaluation or validated instruments, by age at menopause and duration of the reproductive period.Results: The 14 studies included in the meta-analysis represented 67 714 women. An inverse association (reported as odds ratio [OR]; 95% CI of 2-year increments) with depression in postmenopausal women was shown for increasing age at menopause (0.98; 0.96-0.99 [67 434 unique participants; 13 studies]) and duration of the reproductive period (0.98; 0.96-0.99 [54 715 unique participants; 5 studies]). Menopause at age 40 or more years compared with premature menopause was associated with a 50% decreased risk for depression (3033 unique participants; 4 studies). Pooling of studies examining severe depression showed a 5% decrease in risk of severe depression with increasing (2-year increment) age at menopause (52 736 unique participants; 3 studies); sensitivity analysis of studies controlling for past depression revealed similar results for age at menopause (0.98; 0.96-1.00 [48 894 unique participants; 3 studies). No heterogeneity or publication bias was evident in the main analyses.Conclusions and Relevance: Longer exposure to endogenous estrogens, expressed as older age at menopause and longer reproductive period, is associated with a lower risk of depression in later life. Identifying women at higher risk for depression due to early menopause who could benefit from psychiatric intervention or estrogen-based therapies could be useful in the clinical setting.
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8. |
- Georgakis, Marios K, et al.
(author)
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Comorbidity of Cognitive Impairment and Late-Life Depression Increase Mortality : Results From a Cohort of Community-Dwelling Elderly Individuals in Rural Greece
- 2016
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In: Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurology. - : SAGE Publications. - 0891-9887 .- 1552-5708. ; 29:4, s. 195-204
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association of cognitive impairment (COGI) and depression with all-cause mortality and cardiovascular-specific mortality among community-dwelling elderly individuals in rural Greece.METHODS: Cognition and depressive symptomatology of 676 Velestino town residents aged ≥60 years were assessed using Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), respectively. Eight-year all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality were explored by multivariate Cox regression models controlling for major confounders.RESULTS: Two hundred and one patients died during follow-up. Cognitive impairment (MMSE ≤ 23) was independently associated with all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.57, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.13-2.18) and cardiovascular mortality (HR: 1.57, 95%CI: 1.03-2.41). Moderate to severe depression (GDS > 10) was significantly associated only with a 51% increase in all-cause mortality. A male-specific association was noted for moderate to severe depression, whereas the effect of COGI was limited to females. Noteworthy, COGI and depression comorbidity, rather than their sole presence, increased all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality by 66% and 72%, respectively. The mortality effect of COGI was augmented among patients with depression and of depression among patients with COGI.CONCLUSION: COGI and depression, 2 entities often coexisting among elderly individuals, appear to increase all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality. Gender-specific modes may prevail but their comorbidity should be carefully assessed, as it seems to represent an independent index of increased frailty, which eventually shortens life expectancy.
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9. |
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10. |
- Georgakis, Marios K., et al.
(author)
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Surgical menopause in association with cognitive function and risk of dementia : A systematic review and meta-analysis
- 2019
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In: Psychoneuroendocrinology. - : PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD. - 0306-4530 .- 1873-3360. ; 106, s. 9-19
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Introduction: Experimental and epidemiological studies suggest female sex hormones to have long-lasting neuroprotective and anti-ageing properties. Surgically-induced menopause leads to a premature cessation of exposure to female sex hormones and could thus impact late-life cognitive function. Yet, evidence remains controversial. Methods: We systematically reviewed literature for articles investigating the association of surgical menopause (defined as bilateral oophorectomy before the onset of menopause) with risk of dementia, cognitive performance, cognitive decline, and Alzheimer's disease neuropathological indices later in life. We evaluated study quality with the Newcastle-Ottawa scale and performed random-effects meta-analyses. Results: We identified 11 eligible studies (N = 18,867). Although surgical menopause at any age was not associated with risk of dementia (4 studies; HR: 1.16, 95%CI: 0.96-1.43), early surgical menopause (<= 45 years of age) was associated with a statistically significantly higher risk (2 studies; HR: 1.70, 95%CI: 1.07-2.69). Surgical menopause at any age was associated with faster decline in verbal memory, semantic memory, and processing speed, whereas early surgical menopause was further associated with faster global cognitive decline. No heterogeneity was noted. Among women undergoing surgical menopause, a younger age at surgery was associated with faster decline in global cognition, semantic and episodic memory, worse performance in verbal fluency and executive function, and accumulation of Alzheimer's neuropathology. Conclusions: Current evidence is limited, but suggests surgical menopause induced by bilateral oophorectomy at <= 45 years of age to be associated with higher risk of dementia and cognitive decline. Additional large-scale cohort studies are necessary to replicate these findings.
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11. |
- Georgakis, Marios K., et al.
(author)
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Validation of TICS for detection of dementia and mild cognitive impairment among individuals characterized by low levels of education or illiteracy : a population-based study in rural Greece
- 2017
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In: Clinical Neuropsychologist (Neuropsychology, Development and Cognition. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1385-4046 .- 1744-4144. ; 31, s. 61-71
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: The efficacy of the most widely used tests for dementia screening is limited in populations characterized by low levels of education. This study aimed to validate the face-to-face administered Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS) for detection of dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in a population-based sample of community dwelling individuals characterized by low levels of education or illiteracy in rural Greece. Methods: The translated Greek version of TICS was administered through face-to-face interview in 133 elderly residents of Velestino of low educational level (<12years). We assessed its internal consistency and test-retest reliability, its correlation with sociodemographic parameters, and its discriminant ability for cognitive impairment and dementia, as defined by a brief neurological evaluation, including assessment of cognitive status and level of independence. Results: TICS was characterized by adequate internal consistency (Cronbach's : .72) and very high test-retest reliability (intra-class correlation coefficient: .93); it was positively correlated with age and educational years. MCI and dementia were diagnosed in 18 and 10.5% of the population, respectively. Its discriminant ability for detection of dementia was high (Area under the curve, AUC: .85), with a sensitivity and specificity of 86 and 82%, respectively, at a cut-off point of 24/25. TICS did not perform well in differentiating MCI from cognitively normal individuals though (AUC: .67). Conclusion: The directly administered TICS questionnaire provides an easily applicable and brief option for detection of dementia in populations of low educational level and might be useful in the context of both clinical and research purposes.
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12. |
- Iliadis, Stavros I, 1983-, et al.
(author)
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Self-Harm Thoughts Postpartum as a Marker for Long-Term Morbidity
- 2018
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In: Frontiers In Public Health. - : Frontiers Media SA. - 2296-2565. ; 6
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Introduction: Postpartum depression predisposes to maternal affective and somatic disorders. It is important to identify which women are at an increased risk of subsequent morbidity and would benefit from an intensified follow-up. Self-harm thoughts (SHTs), with or without other depressive symptomatology, might have prognostic value for maternal health beyond the postpartum period.Aim: This study is to investigate the somatic and psychiatric morbidity of postpartum women with SHTs, with or without other depressive symptoms, over a 7-year follow-up period.Materials and methods: The subjects for this study are derived from a population based Swedish cohort of women who gave birth at Uppsala University Hospital (May 2006-June 2007) and who answered the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) at 5 days, 6 weeks, and 6 months postpartum. Three groups were included: women reporting SHTs (SHT group, n = 107) on item 10 of the EPDS; women reporting depressive symptoms, i.e., EPDS >= 12 at 6 weeks and/or 6 months postpartum, without SHTs (DEP group, n = 94); and randomly selected controls screening negatively for postpartum depression (CTL group, n = 104). The number of diagnostic codes for somatic and psychiatric morbidity according to the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems system, and the number of medical interventions were retrieved from medical records over 7 years following childbirth and were used as the outcome measures, together with any prescription of antidepressants and sick leave during the follow-up.Results: The SHT group had the highest psychiatric morbidity of all groups and more somatic morbidity than controls. Affective disorders were more common in the SHT and the DEP groups compared with controls, as well as antidepressant prescriptions and sick leave. One-fifth of women with SHTs did not screen positive for depressive symptoms; nevertheless, they had more somatic and psychiatric morbidity than the control group.Conclusion: Women reporting thoughts of self-harm in the postpartum period are at an increased risk of somatic and psychiatric morbidity during a follow-up of 7 years after delivery, and this increased risk may not be fully attributed to depressive symptoms. Results underline the importance of screening for self-harm symptoms postpartum and point to a need for individualized follow-up.
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13. |
- Karalexi, Maria A., et al.
(author)
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Gender-affirming hormone treatment and cognitive function in transgender young adults : a systematic review and meta-analysis
- 2020
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In: Psychoneuroendocrinology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0306-4530 .- 1873-3360. ; 119
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Previous studies have examined whether steroid hormone treatment in transgender individuals may affect cognitive function; yet, their limited power does not allow firm conclusions to be drawn. We leveraged data from to-date literature aiming to explore the effect of gender-affirming hormone administration on cognitive function in transgender individuals.Methods: A search strategy of MEDLINE was developed (through June 1, 2019) using the key terms transgender, hormone therapy and cognitive function. Eligible were (i) cohort studies examining the longitudinal effect of hormone therapy on cognition, and (ii) cross-sectional studies comparing the cognitive function between treated and non-treated individuals. Standardized mean differences (Hedges' g) were pooled using random-effects models. Study quality was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.Outcomes: Ten studies (seven cohort and three cross-sectional) were eligible representing 234 birth-assigned males (aM) and 150 birth-assigned females (aF). The synthesis of cohort studies (n = 5) for visuospatial ability following hormone treatment showed a statistically significant enhancement among aF (g = 0.55, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 0.29, 0.82) and an improvement with a trend towards statistical significance among aM (g = 0.28, 95%CI: -0.01, 0.58). By contrast, no adverse effects of hormone administration were shown. No heterogeneity was evident in most meta-analyses.Interpretation: Current evidence does not support an adverse impact of hormone therapy on cognitive function, whereas a statistically significant enhancing effect on visuospatial ability was shown in aF. New longitudinal studies with longer follow-up should explore the long-term effects of hormone therapy, especially the effects on younger individuals, where there is greater scarcity of data.
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14. |
- Malik, Rainer, et al.
(author)
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Relationship between Blood Pressure and Incident Cardiovascular Disease : Linear and Nonlinear Mendelian Randomization Analyses
- 2021
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In: Hypertension. - 0194-911X. ; 77:6, s. 2004-2013
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Observational studies exploring whether there is a nonlinear effect of blood pressure on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk are hindered by confounding. This limitation can be overcome by leveraging randomly allocated genetic variants in nonlinear Mendelian randomization analyses. Based on their association with blood pressure traits in a genome-wide association study of 299 024 European ancestry individuals, we selected 253 genetic variants to proxy the effect of modifying systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Considering the outcomes of incident coronary artery disease, stroke and the combined outcome of CVD, linear and nonlinear Mendelian randomization analyses were performed on 255 714 European ancestry participants without a history of CVD or antihypertensive medication use. There was no evidence favoring nonlinear relationships of genetically proxied systolic and diastolic blood pressure with the cardiovascular outcomes over linear relationships. For every 10-mm Hg increase in genetically proxied systolic blood pressure, risk of incident CVD increased by 49% (hazard ratio, 1.49 [95% CI, 1.38-1.61]), with similar estimates obtained for coronary artery disease (hazard ratio, 1.50 [95% CI, 1.38-1.63]) and stroke (hazard ratio, 1.44 [95% CI, 1.22-1.70]). Genetically proxied blood pressure had a similar relationship with CVD in men and women. These findings provide evidence to support that even for individuals who do not have elevated blood pressure, public health interventions achieving persistent blood pressure reduction will be of considerable benefit in the primary prevention of CVD.
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15. |
- Papadopoulos, Andreas, et al.
(author)
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Circulating Interleukin-6 Levels and Incident Ischemic Stroke : A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Prospective Studies
- 2022
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In: Neurology. - 1526-632X. ; 98:10, s. 1002-1012
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Human genetic studies support a key role of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke. Still, there are only limited data from observational studies exploring circulating IL-6 levels as a risk factor for ischemic stroke. Here, we set out to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of aggregate data on cohort studies to determine the magnitude and shape of the association between circulating IL-6 levels and risk of incident ischemic stroke in the general population.METHODS: Following the PRISMA guidelines, we systematically screened the PubMed search engine from inception to March 2021 for population-based prospective cohort studies exploring the association between circulating IL-6 levels and risk of incident ischemic stroke. We pooled association estimates for ischemic stroke risk with random-effects models and explored non-linear effects in dose-response meta-analyses. Risk of bias was assessed with the Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS). We used funnel plots and trim-to-fill analyses to assess publication bias.RESULTS: We identified 11 studies (n=27,411 individuals; 2,669 stroke events) meeting our eligibility criteria. Mean age of all included participants was 60.5 years and 54.8% were females. Overall, quality of the included studies was high (median 8 out of 9 NOS points, interquartile range 7 to 9). In meta-analyses, 1-standard deviation increment in circulating log-transformed IL-6 levels was associated with a 19% increase in risk of incident ischemic stroke over a mean follow-up of 12.4 years (RR 1.19; 95% CI 1.10 to 1.28). A dose-response meta-analysis showed a linear association between circulating IL-6 levels and ischemic stroke risk. There was only moderate heterogeneity and the results were consistent in sensitivity analyses restricted to studies of low risk of bias and studies fully adjusting for demographic and vascular risk factors. The results also remained stable following adjustment for publication bias.DISCUSSION: Higher circulating IL-6 levels in community-dwelling individuals are associated with higher long-term risk of incident ischemic stroke in a linear pattern and independently of conventional vascular risk factors. Along with findings from genetic studies and clinical trials, these results provide additional support for a key role of IL-6 signaling in ischemic stroke.
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16. |
- Petridou, Eleni Th., et al.
(author)
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Advanced parental age as risk factor for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia : results from studies of the Childhood Leukemia International Consortium
- 2018
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In: European Journal of Epidemiology. - : SPRINGER. - 0393-2990 .- 1573-7284. ; 33:10, s. 965-976
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Advanced parental age has been associated with adverse health effects in the offspring including childhood (0-14 years) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), as reported in our meta-analysis of published studies. We aimed to further explore the association using primary data from 16 studies participating in the Childhood Leukemia International Consortium. Data were contributed by 11 case-control (CC) studies (7919 cases and 12,942 controls recruited via interviews) and five nested case-control (NCC) studies (8801 cases and 29,690 controls identified through record linkage of population-based health registries) with variable enrollment periods (1968-2015). Five-year paternal and maternal age increments were introduced in two meta-analyses by study design using adjusted odds ratios (OR) derived from each study. Increased paternal age was associated with greater ALL risk in the offspring (ORCC 1.05, 95% CI 1.00-1.11; ORNCC 1.04, 95% CI 1.01-1.07). A similar positive association with advanced maternal age was observed only in the NCC results (ORCC 0.99, 95% CI 0.91-1.07, heterogeneity I (2) = 58%, p = 0.002; ORNCC 1.05, 95% CI 1.01-1.08). The positive association between parental age and risk of ALL was most marked among children aged 1-5 years and remained unchanged following mutual adjustment for the collinear effect of the paternal and maternal age variables; analyses of the relatively small numbers of discordant paternal-maternal age pairs were not fully enlightening. Our results strengthen the evidence that advanced parental age is associated with increased childhood ALL risk; collinearity of maternal with paternal age complicates causal interpretation. Employing datasets with cytogenetic information may further elucidate involvement of each parental component and clarify underlying mechanisms.
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17. |
- Skalkidou, Alkistis, 1977-, et al.
(author)
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Risk of endometrial cancer in women treated with ovary-stimulating drugs for subfertility
- 2017
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In: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. - 1469-493X. ; 3
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Medical treatment for subfertility principally involves the use of ovary-stimulating agents, including selective oestrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), such as clomiphene citrate, gonadotropins, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists and antagonists, as well as human chorionic gonadotropin. Ovary-stimulating drugs may act directly or indirectly upon the endometrium (lining of the womb). Nulliparity and some causes of subfertility are recognized as risk factors for endometrial cancer.OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the association between the use of ovary-stimulating drugs for the treatment of subfertility and the risk of endometrial cancer.SEARCH METHODS: A search was performed in CENTRAL, MEDLINE (Ovid) and Embase (Ovid) databases up to July 2016, using a predefined search algorithm. A search in OpenGrey, ProQuest, ClinicalTrials.gov, ZETOC and reports of major conferences was also performed. We did not impose language and publication status restrictions.SELECTION CRITERIA: Cohort and case-control studies reporting on the association between endometrial cancer and exposure to ovary-stimulating drugs for subfertility in adult women were deemed eligible.DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Study characteristics and findings were extracted by review authors independently working in pairs. Inconsistency between studies was quantified by estimating I(2). Random-effects (RE) models were used to calculate pooled effect estimates. Separate analyses were performed, comparing treated subfertile women versus general population and/or unexposed subfertile women, to address the superimposition of subfertility as an independent risk factor for endometrial cancer.MAIN RESULTS: Nineteen studies were eligible for inclusion (1,937,880 participants). Overall, the quality of evidence was very low, due to serious risk of bias and indirectness (non-randomised studies (NRS), which was reflected on the GRADE assessment.Six eligible studies, including subfertile women, without a general population control group, found that exposure to any ovary-stimulating drug was not associated with an increased risk of endometrial cancer (RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.67 to 1.37; 156,774 participants; very low quality evidence). Fifteen eligible studies, using a general population as the control group, found an increased risk after exposure to any ovary-stimulating drug (RR 1.75, 95% CI 1.18 to 2.61; 1,762,829 participants; very low quality evidence).Five eligible studies, confined to subfertile women (92,849 participants), reported on exposure to clomiphene citrate; the pooled studies indicated a positive association ( RR 1.32; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.71; 88,618 participants; very low quality evidence), although only at high dosage (RR 1.69, 95% CI 1.07 to 2.68; two studies; 12,073 participants) and at a high number of cycles (RR 1.69, 95% CI 1.16 to 2.47; three studies; 13,757 participants). Four studies found an increased risk of endometrial cancer in subfertile women who required clomiphene citrate compared to a general population control group (RR 1.87, 95% CI 1.00 to 3.48; four studies, 19,614 participants; very low quality evidence). These data do not tell us whether the association is due to the underlying conditions requiring clomiphene or the treatment itself.Using unexposed subfertile women as controls, exposure to gonadotropins was associated with an increased risk of endometrial cancer (RR 1.55, 95% CI 1.03 to 2.34; four studies; 17,769 participants; very low quality evidence). The respective analysis of two studies (1595 participants) versus the general population found no difference in risk (RR 2.12, 95% CI 0.79 to 5.64: very low quality evidence).Exposure to a combination of clomiphene citrate and gonadotropins, compared to unexposed subfertile women, produced no difference in risk of endometrial cancer (RR 1.18, 95% CI 0.57 to 2.44; two studies; 6345 participants; very low quality evidence). However, when compared to the general population, an increased risk was found , suggesting that the key factor might be subfertility, rather than treatment (RR 2.99, 95% CI 1.53 to 5.86; three studies; 7789 participants; very low quality evidence).AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The synthesis of the currently available evidence does not allow us to draw robust conclusions, due to the very low quality of evidence. It seems that exposure to clomiphene citrate as an ovary-stimulating drug in subfertile women is associated with increased risk of endometrial cancer, especially at doses greater than 2000 mg and high (more than 7) number of cycles. This may largely be due to underlying risk factors in women who need treatment with clomiphene citrate, such as polycystic ovary syndrome, rather than exposure to the drug itself. The evidence regarding exposure to gonadotropins was inconclusive.
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18. |
- Skalkidou, Alkistis, 1977-, et al.
(author)
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Systematic misclassification of gestational age by ultrasound biometry : implications for clinical practice and research methodology in the Nordic countries
- 2018
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In: Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica. - : Wiley. - 0001-6349 .- 1600-0412. ; 97:4, s. 440-444
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Journal article (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Historically, pregnancy dating has been based on self-reported information on the first day of the last menstrual period. In the 1970s, ultrasound biometry was introduced as an alternative for pregnancy dating and is now the leading method in Nordic countries. The use of ultrasound led to a reduction of post-term births and fewer inductions, and is considered more precise than last menstrual period-based methods for pregnancy dating. Nevertheless, differences in early growth and specific situations, such as maternal obesity, can render its estimates less precise, leading to gestational age misclassification. Clinical implications of ultrasound dating include effect on timely induction in case of post-term pregnancies, treatment with corticosteroids in cases of anticipated preterm delivery and decision on viability in cases of extreme prematurity. Furthermore, gestational age misclassification may influence the numbers and the magnitude of some adverse perinatal outcomes, closely related to gestational age, which are recorded in the Nordic birth registers.
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19. |
- Sundström Poromaa, Inger, et al.
(author)
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Sex differences in depression during pregnancy and the postpartum period
- 2017
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In: Journal of Neuroscience Research. - : Wiley. - 0360-4012 .- 1097-4547. ; 95:1-2, s. 719-730
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Women have a lifetime risk of major depression double that of men but only during their reproductive years. This sex difference has been attributed partially to activational effects of female sex steroids and also to the burdens of pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting. Men, in contrast, have a reproductive period difficult to delineate, and research on the mental health of men has rarely considered the effects of fatherhood. However, the couple goes through a number of potentially stressing events during the reproductive period, and both mothers and fathers are at risk of developing peripartum depression. This Review discusses the literature on maternal and paternal depression and the endocrine changes that may predispose a person to depression at this stage of life, with specific focus on the hypothalamus-pituitary axis, oxytocin, and testosterone levels in men. Important findings on sex differences in the neural correlates of maternal and paternal behavior have emerged, highlighting the relevance of the emotional brain in mothers and the sociocognitive brain in fathers and pointing toward the presence of a common parents' brain. Additionally, sex differences in neurogenesis and brain plasticity are described in relation to peripartum depression.
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