Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Maya B. Mathur, Tyler J. VanderWeele
Summary: Meta-analyses play a critical role in cumulative science, but can lead to misleading conclusions if the primary studies they include are biased. This article provides practical guidance for addressing biases that affect the internal validity of studies in meta-analyses, focusing on sensitivity analyses to quantify potential biases. Various sensitivity analysis methods are reviewed, with a focus on recent developments that are easy to implement and interpret. The importance of routinely reporting sensitivity analyses in meta-analyses of potentially biased studies is emphasized.
ANNUAL REVIEW OF PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Joseph P. McGinley, Gu Lung Lin, Deniz Oner, Tanya Golubchik, Daniel O'Connor, Matthew D. Snape, Olivier Gruselle, Annefleur C. Langedijk, Joanne Wildenbeest, Peter Openshaw, Harish Nair, Jeroen Aerssens, Louis Bont, Federico Martinon-Torres, Simon B. Drysdale, Andrew J. Pollard
Summary: The study evaluated the association between the severity of RSV disease and host age, viral load, and RSV subtypes. Younger infants were more likely to have severe RSV disease, while older infants, higher viral load, and RSV-A were associated with fever. RSV-A and RSV-B caused similar disease severity.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
J. Dunne, G. A. Tessema, G. Pereira
Summary: First pregnancy complications are associated with a higher risk of subsequent preterm birth, with evidence strongest for pregnancies complicated by pre-eclampsia. Recurrent pre-eclampsia, placental abruption, and small-for-gestational age have strong associations with preterm birth, suggesting shared underlying causes persist from pregnancy to pregnancy. High e-values indicate that recurrent confounding is unlikely.
BJOG-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ivan Ropovik, Matus Adamkovic, David Greger
Summary: Studies show that meta-analyses in education often overlook adjustment for publication bias, and even when adjustment is made, non-principled methods are commonly used, with little impact on the final conclusions.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Nana Liu, Longjiang Zhang, Tian Tian, Jingliang Cheng, Bing Zhang, Shijun Qiu, Zuojun Geng, Guangbin Cui, Quan Zhang, Weihua Liao, Yongqiang Yu, Hui Zhang, Bo Gao, Xiaojun Xu, Tong Han, Zhenwei Yao, Wen Qin, Feng Liu, Meng Liang, Qiang Xu, Jilian Fu, Jiayuan Xu, Wenzhen Zhu, Peng Zhang, Wei Li, Dapeng Shi, Caihong Wang, Su Lui, Zhihan Yan, Feng Chen, Jiance Li, Jing Zhang, Dawei Wang, Wen Shen, Yanwei Miao, Junfang Xian, Jia-Hong Gao, Xiaochu Zhang, Mulin Jun Li, Kai Xu, Xi-Nian Zuo, Meiyun Wang, Zhaoxiang Ye, Chunshui Yu, CHIMGEN Consortium
Summary: Genome-wide association meta-analyses in populations of East Asian and European ancestries identify variant-trait associations for 44 hippocampal traits and provide insight into the genetic architectures of hippocampal and subfield volumes.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mei Xue, Qiong Wang, Bo Pang, Xiaoqian Zhang, Yicheng Zhang, Xiangling Deng, Zhixin Zhang, Wenquan Niu
Summary: This meta-analysis found a significant association between circulating zinc and the risk of childhood asthma and wheezing. Subgroup analysis showed that children with asthma or wheezing in the Middle Eastern countries had significantly lower circulating zinc levels than controls. The results suggest an important relationship between circulating zinc and childhood asthma and its related symptom wheezing.
BIOLOGICAL TRACE ELEMENT RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Pediatrics
Sofia Tsabouri, Georgios Lavasidis, Anthoula Efstathiadou, Margarita Papasavva, Vanessa Bellou, Helio Bergantini, Konstantinos Priftis, Evangelia E. Ntzani
Summary: The meta-analysis study suggests a higher risk of asthma among children born after assisted reproduction techniques, particularly in terms of medication use. Further research is needed to uncover the causal relationship behind this association between ART and asthma.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS
(2021)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Manav V. Vyas, Jeffrey Z. Wang, Meah M. Gao, Daniel G. Hackam
Summary: This study included 23 studies of fair quality, with a total of over 2 million stroke survivors, of whom 5563 attempted suicide or died by suicide. Stroke survivors had a significantly higher risk of suicide attempt compared to those without a history of stroke, with a pooled adjusted risk ratio of 2.11. Additionally, longer follow-up time in cohort studies was associated with a lower risk of suicide, with a risk ratio of 0.97 for every 1-year increase.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Maya B. Mathur, Tyler J. VanderWeele
Summary: This paper proposes improvements to the GRADE guidelines for assessing sensitivity to uncontrolled confounding in meta-analyses of nonrandomized studies. The specific proposal suggests comparing the E-value with the strength of association of a reference confounder, considering the possibility of confounding bias that is heterogeneous across studies.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Isabelle Austin-Zimmerman, Daniel F. Levey, Olga Giannakopoulou, Joseph D. Deak, Marco Galimberti, Keyrun Adhikari, Hang Zhou, Spiros Denaxas, Haritz Irizar, Karoline Kuchenbaecker, Andrew Mcquillin, John Concato, Daniel J. Buysse, J. Michael Gaziano, Daniel J. Gottlieb, Renato Polimanti, Murray B. Stein, Elvira Bramon, Joel Gelernter
Summary: This study investigates the genetic basis of sleep duration and identifies 84 independent risk loci for short sleep and 1 locus for long sleep. It also reveals causal associations between sleep and psychiatric traits.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Zikun Yang, Chen Wang, Linxi Liu, Atlas Khan, Annie Lee, Badri Vardarajan, Richard Mayeux, Krzysztof Kiryluk, Iuliana Ionita-Laza
Summary: Fine-mapping is improved with a Bayesian model that allows for flexible effect size priors, joint modeling of summary statistics and functional annotations, and accounting for discrepancies in meta-analyses. Simulation studies show that this model outperforms existing methods in terms of power, false discovery rate, and coverage of credible sets. The proposed approach is also applied to an Alzheimer's disease meta-analysis, resulting in the prioritization of putative causal variants and genes. Causal robust mapping method in meta-analysis (CARMA) combines flexible priors, joint modeling, and outlier detection for improved fine-mapping in genome-wide association studies.
Review
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Geofrey O. O. Phutietsile, Nikoletta Fotaki, Hamish A. A. Jamieson, Prasad S. S. Nishtala
Summary: As people age, they often develop multiple health conditions and require the use of multiple medications. This can lead to an increase in anticholinergic exposure, which has been linked to declining physical function in older adults.
Review
Clinical Neurology
Yidong Deng, Peijian Huang, Fan Zhang, Tao Chen
Summary: This study conducted a meta-analysis of multiple studies and found a link between dysregulation of miRNA expression and the occurrence of ischemic stroke. Altered miRNA expression may serve as a potential biomarker for ischemic stroke.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Kristine J. Rosenberger, Aiwen Xing, Mohammad Hassan Murad, Haitao Chu, Lifeng Lin
Summary: Network meta-analysis (NMA) is commonly implemented in medical research using Bayesian methods. This study evaluated the impact of different priors for heterogeneity on NMA results, indicating the importance of reporting priors and conducting sensitivity analyses for NMAs with small sample sizes. Informative priors can lead to narrower credible intervals in NMAs with few studies.
JOURNAL OF GENERAL INTERNAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Huilin Tang, Stephen E. Kimmel, Steven M. Smith, Kenneth Cusi, Weilong Shi, Matthew Gurka, Almut G. Winterstein, Jingchuan Guo
Summary: This study aims to compare the cardiorenal benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists between White and Asian populations, as well as between the two agents in Asian patients. The findings suggest that there are comparable cardiorenal benefits of these drugs in both populations.
Review
Infectious Diseases
Martin Gael Oyono, Sebastien Kenmoe, Ngu Njei Abanda, Guy Roussel Takuissu, Jean Thierry Ebogo-Belobo, Raoul Kenfack-Momo, Cyprien Kengne-Nde, Donatien Serge Mbaga, Serges Tchatchouang, Josiane Kenfack-Zanguim, Robertine Lontuo Fogang, Elisabeth Zeuko'o Menkem, Juliette Laure Ndzie Ondigui, Ginette Irma Kame-Ngasse, Jeannette Nina Magoudjou-Pekam, Arnol Bowo-Ngandji, Seraphine Nkie Esemu, Lucy Ndip
Summary: Yellow fever has re-emerged and caused outbreaks in the last two decades, posing challenges to global public health efforts. This study reveals a high case fatality rate and a relatively low prevalence of yellow fever virus (YFV) infection. Aedes mosquitoes and Anopheles funestus are the main vectors of YFV, and only non-human primates of the Cercopithecidae family are reservoirs in sub-Saharan Africa. The ongoing circulation of YFV in humans, mosquitoes, and non-human primates highlights the potential for large outbreaks in the region.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Jean Thierry Ebogo-Belobo, Serge Alain Sadeuh-Mba, Georges Marc Arthur Mveng-Sanding, Gwladys Monamele Chavely, Martin H. Groschup, Wilfred Fon Mbacham, Richard Njouom
Summary: This study investigated the seroprevalence of RVFV infection in animals slaughtered at the Marche huitieme slaughterhouse in Yaounde, Cameroon. The results showed the presence of RVFV in small ruminants, highlighting the need for a comprehensive surveillance system for RVFV in Cameroon.
VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Guy Roussel Takuissu, Sebastien Kenmoe, Marie Amougou Atsama, Etienne Atenguena Okobalemba, Donatien Serge Mbaga, Jean Thierry Ebogo-Belobo, Arnol Bowo-Ngandji, Martin Gael Oyono, Jeannette Nina Magoudjou-Pekam, Ginette Irma Kame-Ngasse, Elisabeth Zeuko'o Menkem, Abdel Aziz Selly Ngaloumo, Agnes Thierry Rebecca Banlock, Alfloditte Flore Feudjio, Cromwel Zemnou-Tepap, Dowbiss Meta-Djomsi, Gilberte Louise Nyimbe Mviena, Ines Nyebe Eloundou, Jacqueline Felicite Yengue, Josiane Kenfack-Zanguim, Juliette Laure Ndzie Ondigui, Ridole Martin Zekeng Mekontchou, Sabine Aimee Touangnou-Chamda, Yrene Kamtchueng Takeu, Jean Bosco Taya-Fokou, Chris Andre Mbongue Mikangue, Raoul Kenfack-Momo, Cyprien Kengne-Nde, Seraphine Nkie Esemu, Richard Njouom, Lucy Ndip
Summary: This study aimed to assess the global prevalence of occult hepatitis B in blood donors. The overall prevalence of occult hepatitis B (OBI) was found to be higher in HBsAg negative and anti-HBc positive blood donors. Only sporadic cases of OBI were reported in HBsAg negative and anti-HBc negative blood donors. The prevalence of OBI was generally higher in countries with low-income economic status.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Guy Roussel Takuissu, Sebastien Kenmoe, Jean Thierry Ebogo-Belobo, Cyprien Kengne-Nde, Donatien Serge Mbaga, Arnol Bowo-Ngandji, Juliette Laure Ndzie Ondigui, Raoul Kenfack-Momo, Serges Tchatchouang, Josiane Kenfack-Zanguim, Robertine Lontuo Fogang, Elisabeth Zeuko'o Menkem, Ginette Irma Kame-Ngasse, Jeannette Nina Magoudjou-Pekam, Carolina Veneri, Pamela Mancini, Giusy Bonanno Ferraro, Marcello Iaconelli, Lidia Orlandi, Claudia Del Giudice, Elisabetta Suffredini, Giuseppina La Rosa
Summary: This systematic review summarizes the overall prevalence of Hepatitis A virus (HAV) in different water matrices. HAV was found in untreated and treated wastewater, surface water, groundwater, drinking water, and other matrices. The results suggest that water matrices could be an important route of HAV transmission, even in industrialized countries with lower prevalence.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Fadi El-Jardali, Lama Bou-Karroum, Mathilda Jabbour, Karen Bou-Karroum, Andrew Aoun, Sabine Salameh, Patricia Mecheal, Chaitali Sinha, Sebastien Kenmoe
Summary: Conflict, fragility, and political violence in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region have detrimental effects on health. Digital health technologies can improve the quality, accessibility, and availability of healthcare services in fragile and conflict-affected states of the MENA region. This scoping review aims to provide evidence on digital health in these states for future research, investments, and policy processes.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Serges Tchatchouang, Sebastien Kenmoe, Ariane Nzouankeu, Mohamadou Njankouo-Ripa, Veronique Penlap, Valerie Donkeng, Eric-Walter Pefura-Yone, Marie-Christine Fonkoua, Sara Eyangoh, Richard Njouom
Summary: This study aimed to determine the viral etiologies of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) in hospitalized adults in Cameroon. The study found that respiratory viruses accounted for 22.1% of LRTIs, with rhinovirus, coronavirus, and influenza A virus being the most detected. No SARS-CoV-2 was detected in the study.
HEALTH SCIENCE REPORTS
(2023)
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Josiane Kenfack-Zanguim, Sebastien Kenmoe, Arnol Bowo-Ngandji, Raoul Kenfack-Momo, Jean Thierry Ebogo-Belobo, Cyprien Kengne-Nde, Donatien Serge Mbaga, Elisabeth Zeuko'o Menkem, Robertine Lontuo Fogang, Serges Tchatchouang, Juliette Laure Ndzie Ondigui, Ginette Irma Kame-Ngasse, Jeannette Nina Magoudjou-Pekam, Guy Roussel Takuissu, Seraphine Nkie Esemu, Nguepgjio Nantcho Clavela, Airy Barriere Fodjo, Lucy Ndip, Jude Bigoga, Rosette Megnekou, Livo F. Esemu
Summary: This study aimed to identify maternal and fetal outcomes associated with bacterial vaginosis (BV) in pregnant women globally. The results showed that BV was associated with adverse outcomes such as preterm birth and low birth weight. While the types of maternal-fetal outcomes varied by country, BV was found to have a detrimental impact on both maternal and fetal health.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY AND REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Arnol Bowo-Ngandji, Sebastien Kenmoe, Jean Thierry Ebogo-Belobo, Raoul Kenfack-Momo, Guy Roussel Takuissu, Cyprien Kengne-Nde, Donatien Serge Mbaga, Serges Tchatchouang, Josiane Kenfack-Zanguim, Robertine Lontuo Fogang, Elisabeth Zeuko'o Menkem, Juliette Laure Ndzie Ondigui, Ginette Irma Kame-Ngasse, Jeannette Nina Magoudjou-Pekam, Maxwell Wandji Nguedjo, Jean Paul Assam Assam, Damaris Enyegue Mandob, Judith Laure Ngondi
Summary: This study estimated the overall prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) in African populations. The results showed a high prevalence of MS in Africa regardless of the definition used, confirming the ongoing epidemiological transition in African countries. The study emphasizes the urgent need for early prevention and treatment strategies to reverse this trend.
Review
Veterinary Sciences
Jean Thierry Ebogo-Belobo, Sebastien Kenmoe, Ngu Njei Abanda, Arnol Bowo-Ngandji, Donatien Serge Mbaga, Jeannette Nina Magoudjou-Pekam, Ginette Irma Kame-Ngasse, Serges Tchatchouang, Elisabeth Zeuko'o Menkem, Etienne Atenguena Okobalemba, Efietngab Atembeh Noura, Dowbiss Meta-Djomsi, Martin Maidadi-Foudi, Josiane Kenfack-Zanguim, Raoul Kenfack-Momo, Cyprien Kengne-Nde, Seraphine Nkie Esemu, Wilfred Fon Mbacham, Serge Alain Sadeuh-Mba, Lucy Ndip, Richard Njouom
Summary: This systematic review with meta-analysis aimed to determine the prevalence of Rift Valley fever (RVF) in humans, mosquitoes, and other animal species in Africa, as well as the case fatality rate (CFR) in humans. The study found that the CFR in humans was higher than the prevalence, indicating potential underreporting. The findings highlight the importance of implementing a One Health approach for RVF surveillance and control.
VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SCIENCE
(2023)