Iron metabolism and anemia may play an important role in multiple organ dysfunction syndrome in Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate ...biomarkers of anemia and iron metabolism (hemoglobin, ferritin, transferrin, soluble transferrin receptor, hepcidin, haptoglobin, unsaturated iron-binding capacity, erythropoietin, free erythrocyte protoporphyrine, and erythrocyte indices) in patients diagnosed with COVID-19, and explored their prognostic value. Six bibliographic databases were searched up to August 3rd 2020. We included 189 unique studies, with data from 57,563 COVID-19 patients. Pooled mean hemoglobin and ferritin levels in COVID-19 patients across all ages were 129.7 g/L (95% Confidence Interval (CI), 128.51; 130.88) and 777.33 ng/mL (95% CI, 701.33; 852.77), respectively. Hemoglobin levels were lower with older age, higher percentage of subjects with diabetes, hypertension and overall comorbidities, and admitted to intensive care. Ferritin level increased with older age, increasing proportion of hypertensive study participants, and increasing proportion of mortality. Compared to moderate cases, severe COVID-19 cases had lower hemoglobin weighted mean difference (WMD), − 4.08 g/L (95% CI − 5.12; − 3.05) and red blood cell count WMD, − 0.16 × 10
12
/L (95% CI − 0.31; − 0.014), and higher ferritin WMD, − 473.25 ng/mL (95% CI 382.52; 563.98) and red cell distribution width WMD, 1.82% (95% CI 0.10; 3.55). A significant difference in mean ferritin levels of 606.37 ng/mL (95% CI 461.86; 750.88) was found between survivors and non-survivors, but not in hemoglobin levels. Future studies should explore the impact of iron metabolism and anemia in the pathophysiology, prognosis, and treatment of COVID-19.
Food security, human health and well-being largely depend on biodiver-sity. Biodiversity supports agriculture through ecosystem services such as pollination and water purification, and provides ...access to natural medicines, which are the primary source of health care for 4 billion people worldwide.1 However, climate stressors exert signifi-cant pressure on terrestrial and marine ecosystems.1,2 Climate change causes increases to temperature and changes to precipitation patterns. Importantly, it will also cause changes to the frequency and intensity of extreme events globally.3Tropical cyclones, also known as typhoons or hurricanes,4 are among the most destructive natural hazards that threaten the nexus of food-health-bio-diversity. Between 1998 and 2017, tropi-cal cyclones killed 233 000 people and affected an estimated 726 million people worldwide.3 While recent analyses show that between 1990 and 2020 the annual number of tropical cyclones has declined, losses and damages have significantly in-creased, likely due to population growth and higher value of coastal assets.5 Be-cause of climate change, tropical cyclones are projected to become more powerful, with storm surges causing higher levels of inundation because of sea-level rise, as well as higher rates of associated precipi-tation (Box 1).6Tropical cyclones occur in areas where large concentrations of people and infra-structure exist - as well as poverty and inequalities that contribute to countries' vulnerability to climate risks. As biodi-versity is highest around the tropics,2 tropical cyclones and their associated hazards affect not only people and assets, but also species and ecosystems that sup-port livelihoods, services and products for billions of people. Hence, weather extremes such as tropical cyclones have important short- and long-term impacts on food security, health and nutrition, and biodiversity.However, much remains to be un-derstood about the range of ecological impacts of tropical cyclones; researchers and policy-makers need to give more importance to the role of biodiversity in food systems, health and nutrition.7,8 Here, we discuss how tropical cyclones affect the food-biodiversity-health nexus and highlight future research and policy opportunities.
This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the association of diabetes and glycemic control with myocardial fibrosis (MF).
MF is associated with an increased risk of heart failure, ...coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, and death. Diabetes may influence the development of MF, but evidence is inconsistent.
The authors searched EMBASE, Medline Ovid, Cochrane CENTRAL, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for observational and interventional studies investigating the association of diabetes, glycemic control, and antidiabetic medication with MF assessed by histology and cardiac magnetic resonance (ie, extracellular volume fraction ECV% and T
time).
A total of 32 studies (88% exclusively on type 2 diabetes) involving 5,053 participants were included in the systematic review. Meta-analyses showed that diabetes was associated with a higher degree of MF assessed by histological collagen volume fraction (n = 6 studies; mean difference: 5.80; 95% CI: 2.00-9.59) and ECV% (13 studies; mean difference: 2.09; 95% CI: 0.92-3.27), but not by native or postcontrast T
time. Higher glycosylated hemoglobin levels were associated with higher degrees of MF.
Diabetes is associated with higher degree of MF assessed by histology and ECV% but not by T
time. In patients with diabetes, worse glycemic control was associated with higher MF degrees. These findings mostly apply to type 2 diabetes and warrant further investigation into whether these associations are causal and which medications could attenuate MF in patients with diabetes.
Objective:
Sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2-is) are antidiabetic drugs that improve glycemic control by limiting urinary glucose reuptake in the proximal tubule. SGLT2-is might ...suppress atherosclerotic processes and ameliorate the prognosis of patients with diabetes mellitus diagnosed with or at high risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). In this mini review, we examine the role of SGLT2-is in the development and progression of atherosclerosis throughout its spectrum, from subclinical atherosclerosis to ASCVD.
Data Sources
—PubMed and Google Scholar were searched for publications related to SGLT2-is and atherosclerosis. All types of articles were considered, including clinical trials, animal studies,
in vitro
observations, and reviews and meta-analyses. Data were examined according to their impact and clinical relevance.
Synopsis of Content
—We first review the underlying mechanisms of SGLT2-is on the development and progression of atherosclerosis, including favorable effects on lipid metabolism, reduction of systemic inflammation, and improvement of endothelial function. We then discuss the putative impact of SGLT2-is on the formation, composition, and stability of atherosclerotic plaque. Furthermore, we evaluate the effects of SGLT2-is in subclinical atherosclerosis assessed by carotid intima media thickness and pulse wave velocity. Subsequently, we summarize the effects of SGLT2-is in ASCVD events, including ischemic stroke, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, revascularization, and peripheral artery disease, as well as major adverse cardiovascular events, cardiovascular mortality, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease. Moreover, we examine factors that could modify the role of SGLT2-is in atherosclerosis, including sex, age, diabetes, glycemic control, ASCVD, and SGLT2-i compounds. Additionally, we propose future directions that can improve our understanding of SGLT2-is and atherosclerosis.
Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) lower plasma glucose through effects on insulin and glucagon secretion and by decelerating gastric emptying. GLP-1 RAs have many beneficial ...effects beyond glycemic control, including a protective role on the cardiovascular system. However, underlying mechanisms linking GLP-1 RAs with coronary artery disease are complex and not fully elucidated. In this mini-review, we discuss these mechanisms and subsequent clinical events.
We searched PubMed and Google Scholar for evidence on GLP-1 RAs and coronary events. We did not apply restrictions on article type. We reviewed publications for clinical relevance.
In the first part, we review the current evidence concerning the role of GLP-1 RAs on potential mechanisms underlying the development of coronary events. Specifically, we discuss the role of GLP-1 RAs on atherosclerosis and vasospasms of epicardial coronary arteries, as well as structural/functional changes of coronary microvasculature. In the second part, we summarize the clinical evidence on the impact of GLP-1 RAs in the prevention of acute and chronic coronary syndromes and coronary revascularization. We conclude by discussing existing gaps in the literature and proposing directions for future research.
To provide a step-by-step, easy-to-understand, practical guide for systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.
A multidisciplinary team of researchers with extensive experience in ...observational studies and systematic review and meta-analysis was established. Previous guidelines in evidence synthesis were considered.
There is inherent variability in observational study design, population, and analysis, making evidence synthesis challenging. We provided a framework and discussed basic meta-analysis concepts to assist reviewers in making informed decisions. We also explained several statistical tools for dealing with heterogeneity, probing for bias, and interpreting findings. Finally, we briefly discussed issues and caveats for translating results into clinical and public health recommendations. Our guideline complements "A 24-step guide on how to design, conduct, and successfully publish a systematic review and meta-analysis in medical research" and addresses peculiarities for observational studies previously unexplored.
We provided 7 steps to synthesize evidence from observational studies. We encourage medical and public health practitioners who answer important questions to systematically integrate evidence from observational studies and contribute evidence-based decision-making in health sciences.
Studies on the influence of fasting plasma glucose (FPG) on the development of carotid plaque (CP) and intima media thickness (CIMT) mainly focused on single FPG measures. We investigated whether ...changes in FPG (ΔFPG) are associated with incident CP and CIMT change (ΔCIMT) over time.
Analyses were based on information from 1896 participants from the VIPVIZA trial (Visualization of asymptomatic atherosclerotic disease for optimum cardiovascular prevention), with baseline and 3-year follow-up data on FPG, ultrasonographic CP (none or ≥1 lesion/s) and CIMT assessments. We studied the association between baseline FPG (prior to intervention) or 3-year ΔFPG (mmol/L) and incident CP (logistic regression) or ΔCIMT (linear regression). Analyses were adjusted for multiple potential confounders.
1896 and 873 individuals, respectively, were included in the analysis on incident CP and ΔCIMT. Participants were 60 years old at baseline and 61% and 54% were females, in the CP and CIMT analyses, respectively. Every mmol/L increase in FPG was associated with an increased odds of incident CP (odds ratio: 1.42, 95% confidence interval CI: 1.17, 1.73), but there was no association with ΔCIMT (mean difference: 0.002 mm, 95% CI: −0.003, 0.008) after 3 years. Baseline FPG was not associated with incident CP nor ΔCIMT progression.
In middle-aged individuals with low to moderate risk for cardiovascular diseases, 3-year ΔFPG was positively associated with the risk of incident CP, but not with ΔCIMT. Single measures of FPG may not be sufficient in estimating cardiovascular risk among individuals with low to moderate risk.
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•Investigations on the associations of FPG with subclinical atherosclerosis and markers mainly focused on single FPG measures.•3-year changes in FPG were positively associated with the risk of incident CP, but not with progression of CIMT.•Single FPG measures may not sufficiently estimate CV risk among individuals with uncertain risk profiles.
Exposure to armed conflict has been associated with negative mental health consequences. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of generalised anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, and ...post-traumatic stress disorder among migrants exposed to armed conflict.
In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched online databases (Cochrane Library, Embase, LILACS, PsycInfo via Ovid, PubMed, and Web of Science Core Collection) for relevant observational studies published between Jan 1, 1994, and June 28, 2021. We included studies that used standardised psychiatric interviews to assess generalised anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder among migrants (refugees or internally displaced persons; aged ≥18 years) with pre-migration exposure to armed conflict. We excluded studies in which exposure to armed conflict could not be ascertained, studies that included a clinical population or people with chronic diseases that can trigger the onset of mental disease, and studies published before 1994. We used a random effects model to estimate each mental health disorder's pooled prevalence and random effects meta-regression to assess sources of heterogeneity. Two independent reviewers assessed the risk of bias for each study using the Joanna Briggs Institute Checklist for Prevalence Studies. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO, CRD42020209251.
Of the 13 935 studies identified, 34 met our inclusion criteria; these studies accounted for 15 549 migrants. We estimated a prevalence of current post-traumatic stress disorder of 31% (95% CI 23–40); prevalence of current major depressive disorder of 25% (17–34); and prevalence of generalised anxiety disorder of 14% (5–35). Younger age was associated with a higher prevalence of current post-traumatic stress disorder (odds ratio 0·95 95% CI 0·90–0·99), lifetime post-traumatic stress disorder (0·88 0·83–0·92), and current generalised anxiety disorder (0·87 0·78–0·97). A longer time since displacement was associated with a lower lifetime prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (0·88 0·81–0·95) and major depressive disorder (0·81 0·77–0·86). Migrating to a middle-income (8·09 3·06–21·40) or low-income (39·29 11·96–129·70) country was associated with increased prevalence of generalised anxiety disorder.
Migrants who are exposed to armed conflict are at high risk of mental health disorders. The mental health-care needs of migrants should be assessed soon after resettlement, and adequate care should be provided, with particular attention paid to young adults.
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (Horizon 2020—COFUND), MinCiencias (Colombia), and Swiss National Science Foundation.
Consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) has increased worldwide during the last decades because they are hyperpalatable, cheap, and ready-to-consume products. However, uncertainty exists about ...their impact on health. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the association of UPF consumption with all-cause mortality risk. Five bibliographic databases were searched for relevant studies. Random effects models were used to calculate pooled relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Of 6,951 unique citations, 40 unique prospective cohort studies comprising 5,750,133 individuals were included; publication dates ranged from 1984 to 2021. Compared with low consumption, highest consumption of UPF (RR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.17, 1.42), sugar-sweetened beverages (RR = 1.11, 95% CI, 1.04, 1.18), artificially sweetened beverages (RR = 1.14, 95% CI, 1.05, 1.22), and processed meat/red meat (RR = 1.15, 95% CI, 1.10, 1.21) were significantly associated with increased risk of mortality. However, breakfast cereals were associated with a lower mortality risk (RR = 0.85, 95% CI, 0.79, 0.92). This meta-analysis suggests that high consumption of UPF, sugar-sweetened beverages, artificially sweetened beverages, processed meat, and processed red meat might increase all-cause mortality, while breakfast cereals might decrease it. Future studies are needed to address lack of standardized methods in UPF categorization.
This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the association of diabetes and glycemic control with myocardial fibrosis (MF).
MF is associated with an increased risk of heart failure, ...coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, and death. Diabetes may influence the development of MF, but evidence is inconsistent.
The authors searched EMBASE, Medline Ovid, Cochrane CENTRAL, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for observational and interventional studies investigating the association of diabetes, glycemic control, and antidiabetic medication with MF assessed by histology and cardiac magnetic resonance (ie, extracellular volume fraction ECV% and T1 time).
A total of 32 studies (88% exclusively on type 2 diabetes) involving 5,053 participants were included in the systematic review. Meta-analyses showed that diabetes was associated with a higher degree of MF assessed by histological collagen volume fraction (n = 6 studies; mean difference: 5.80; 95% CI: 2.00-9.59) and ECV% (13 studies; mean difference: 2.09; 95% CI: 0.92-3.27), but not by native or postcontrast T1 time. Higher glycosylated hemoglobin levels were associated with higher degrees of MF.
Diabetes is associated with higher degree of MF assessed by histology and ECV% but not by T1 time. In patients with diabetes, worse glycemic control was associated with higher MF degrees. These findings mostly apply to type 2 diabetes and warrant further investigation into whether these associations are causal and which medications could attenuate MF in patients with diabetes.
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