Angelico Mendy

Probiotic administration in early life, atopy, and asthma: a meta-analysis of clinical trials.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Probiotics may reduce the risk of atopy and asthma in children. However, results from clinical trials have been conflicting, and several of them may have been underpowered. We performed a meta-analysis of randomized, placebo-controlled trials to assess the effects of probiotic supplementation on atopic sensitization and asthma/wheeze prevention in children. METHODS: Random-effects models were used to calculate pooled risk estimates. Meta-regression was conducted to examine the effect of potential factors on probiotics efficacy. RESULTS: Probiotics were effective in reducing total immunoglobulin E (IgE) (mean reduction: –7.59 U/mL [95% confidence interval (CI): –14.96 to –0.22]; P = .044). Meta-regression showed that the reduction in IgE was more pronounced with longer follow-up. Probiotics significantly reduced the risk of atopic sensitization when administered prenatally (relative risk: 0.88 [95% CI: 0.78 to 0.99]; P = .035 for positive result on the skin prick test and/or elevated specific IgE to common allergens) and postnatally (relative risk: 0.86 [95% CI: 0.75 to 0.98]; P = .027 for positive result on skin prick test). Administration of Lactobacillus acidophilus, compared with other strains, was associated with an increased risk of atopic sensitization (P = .002). Probiotics did not significantly reduce asthma/wheeze (relative risk: 0.96 [95% CI: 0.85 to 1.07]). CONCLUSIONS: Prenatal and/or early-life probiotic administration reduces the risk of atopic sensitization and decreases the total IgE level in children but may not reduce the risk of asthma/wheeze. Follow-up duration and strain significantly modified these effects. Future trials for asthma prevention should carefully select probiotic strain and consider longer follow-up.

Motor vehicle air pollution and asthma in children: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Asthma affects more than 17 million people in the United States;1/3 of these are children. Children are particularly vulnerable to airborne pollution because of their narrower airways and because they generally breathe more air per pound of body weight than adults, increasing their exposure to air pollutants. However, the results from previous studies on the association between motor vehicle emissions and the development of childhood wheeze and asthma are conflicting. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to clarify their potential relationship. METHODS MEDLINE, Highwire, and The Cochrane Library databases were searched for relevant studies. Adjusted odds ratio (OR) with corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) for the association between traffic air pollutants and wheeze or asthma were retrieved from individual studies and pooled to generate summary effect estimates (meta-OR) in STATA 11.1. RESULTS Nineteen studies were included in the meta-analysis. Exposure to nitrogen dioxide (meta-OR: 1.05, 95% CI: 1.00-1.11), nitrous oxide (meta-OR: 1.02, 95% CI: 1.00-1.04), and carbon monoxide (meta-OR: 1.06, 95% CI: 1.01-1.12) were positively associated with a higher prevalence of childhood asthma. Exposure to sulfur dioxide (meta-OR: 1.04, 95% CI: 1.01-1.07) was positively associated with a higher prevalence of wheeze in children. Exposure to nitrogen dioxide was positively associated with a higher incidence of childhood asthma (meta-OR: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.06-1.24), and exposures to particulate matter was positively associated with a higher incidence of wheeze in children (meta-OR: 1.05, 95% CI: 1.04-1.07). CONCLUSIONS Living or attending schools near high traffic density roads exposes children to higher levels of motor vehicle air pollutants, and increases the incidence and prevalence of childhood asthma and wheeze.

Macrolides for the long-term management of asthma - a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

Macrolide antibiotics, which have anti‐inflammatory and immune modulatory effects, have been studied as adjuncts for the management of asthma. However, results have been contradictory and trials underpowered. We therefore sought to conduct a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCT).

Endotoxin Exposure: Predictors and Prevalence of Associated Asthma Outcomes in the United States

RATIONALE Inhaled endotoxin induces airway inflammation and is an established risk factor for asthma. The 2005-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey included measures of endotoxin and allergens in homes as well as specific IgE to inhalant allergens. OBJECTIVES To understand the relationships between endotoxin exposure, asthma outcomes, and sensitization status for 15 aeroallergens in a nationally representative sample. METHODS Participants were administered questionnaires in their homes. Reservoir dust was vacuum sampled to generate composite bedding and bedroom floor samples. We analyzed 7,450 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey dust and quality assurance samples for their endotoxin content using extreme quality assurance measures. Data for 6,963 subjects were available, making this the largest study of endotoxin exposure to date. Log-transformed endotoxin concentrations were analyzed using logistic models and forward stepwise linear regression. Analyses were weighted to provide national prevalence estimates and unbiased variances. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Endotoxin exposure was significantly associated with wheeze in the past 12 months, wheeze during exercise, doctor and/or emergency room visits for wheeze, and use of prescription medications for wheeze. Models adjusted for age, sex, race and/or ethnicity, and poverty-to-income ratio and stratified by allergy status showed that these relationships were not dependent upon sensitization status but were worsened among those living in poverty. Significant predictors of higher endotoxin exposures were lower family income; Hispanic ethnicity; participant age; dog(s), cat(s), cockroaches, and/or smoker(s) in the home; and carpeted floors. CONCLUSIONS In this U.S. nationwide representative sample, higher endotoxin exposure was significantly associated with measures of wheeze, with no observed protective effect regardless of sensitization status.

Can Falls Risk Prediction Tools Correctly Identify Fall- Prone Elderly Rehabilitation Inpatients? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background Falls of elderly people may cause permanent disability or death. Particularly susceptible are elderly patients in rehabilitation hospitals. We systematically reviewed the literature to identify falls prediction tools available for assessing elderly inpatients in rehabilitation hospitals. Methods and Findings We searched six electronic databases using comprehensive search strategies developed for each database. Estimates of sensitivity and specificity were plotted in ROC space graphs and pooled across studies. Our search identified three studies which assessed the prediction properties of falls prediction tools in a total of 754 elderly inpatients in rehabilitation hospitals. Only the STRATIFY tool was assessed in all three studies; the other identified tools (PJC-FRAT and DOWNTON) were assessed by a single study. For a STRATIFY cut-score of two, pooled sensitivity was 73% (95%CI 63 to 81%) and pooled specificity was 42% (95%CI 34 to 51%). An indirect comparison of the tools across studies indicated that the DOWNTON tool has the highest sensitivity (92%), while the PJC-FRAT offers the best balance between sensitivity and specificity (73% and 75%, respectively). All studies presented major methodological limitations. Conclusions We did not identify any tool which had an optimal balance between sensitivity and specificity, or which were clearly better than a simple clinical judgment of risk of falling. The limited number of identified studies with major methodological limitations impairs sound conclusions on the usefulness of falls risk prediction tools in geriatric rehabilitation hospitals.

Endotoxin Exposure and Childhood Wheeze and Asthma: A Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies

Background. Exposure to endotoxin has been widely investigated as a potential factor for asthma and associated symptoms in children with different results. To clarify a potential relationship, we performed the present meta-analysis to integrate the results of studies examining the association of endotoxin exposure with wheeze and asthma in children. Methods. A search for relevant studies and reviews was conducted in MEDLINE, Highwire, CINAHL, and The Cochrane Library databases. Adjusted odds ratio (OR) with corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) for endotoxin exposure and wheeze or asthma were retrieved and pooled to generate summary effect estimates in STATA 11.1. Results. Nineteen studies were included in the meta-analysis. The summary estimates suggested that endotoxin was positively associated with wheeze in infants and toddlers (meta-OR: 1.48, 95% CI: 1.10–1.98), but negatively related to asthma in school-aged children (meta-OR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.69–0.97 for endotoxin concentration and 0.68, 95% CI: 0.50–0.93 for endotoxin load). Conclusions. Based on the studies evaluated, endotoxin is a risk factor for wheeze in younger children, but a protective factor for asthma in older children. Thus, this study supports the “hygiene hypothesis.”

Urinary heavy metals and associated medical conditions in the US adult population

Health effects of heavy metals have been widely investigated, but further evaluation is required to comprehensively delineate their toxicity. Using data from the 2007–2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed on 1,857 adults to examine the relationship between urinary heavy metals and various medical conditions. Cardiovascular diseases were correlated to cadmium (OR: 4.94, 95% CI: 1.48–16.56) and lead (OR: 5.32, 95% CI: 1.08–26.21). Asthma was related to tungsten (OR: 1.72, 95% CI: 1.15–2.59) and uranium (OR: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.01–2.28). Hepatotoxicity was associated with molybdenum (OR: 3.09, 95% CI: 1.24–7.73) and uranium (OR: 4.79, 95% CI: 1.74–13.19). Surprising inverse relationships occurred for excessive weight with lead (OR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.52–0.98), reduced visual acuity with cobalt (OR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.44–0.95) and cesium (OR: 0.52, 95% CI: 0.35–0.77). This study supports some previous evidence of potential relationships and provides insights for future research.

Low bone mineral density is associated with balance and hearing impairments

PURPOSE Bone demineralization affects the skeletal system, including the temporal bone, which contains the cochlea and the vestibular labyrinth. However, research on the association of bone mineral density (BMD) with balance and hearing sensitivity is limited with conflicting results. Therefore, we examined the relationship in a population representative sample. METHODS We analyzed 8863 participants to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999-2004) aged 40 years and older. Total and head BMD were measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. Balance was evaluated using the Romberg Test of Standing Balance on Firm and Compliant Support Surfaces condition 4, also indicative of vestibular dysfunction. Hearing condition was self-reported. The associations of total and head BMD with balance and hearing were assessed using multiple and multinomial logistic regressions adjusting for covariates. RESULTS On multiple logistic regression, low total BMD was associated with balance impairment (odds ratio [OR], 2.21; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.43-4.75), especially in older adults (≥65 years old; OR, 3.72; 95% CI, 1.07-12.85). In multinomial regression, low total BMD was associated with report of significant hearing impairment in older adults (OR, 5.30; 95% CI, 1.20-23.26). CONCLUSIONS Low BMD is associated with balance and hearing impairments, especially in older adults.

Immediate rather than delayed memory impairment in older adults with latent toxoplasmosis.

The neurotropic parasite Toxoplasma gondii infects one third of the world population, but its effect on memory remains ambiguous. To examine a potential relationship of the infection with immediate and delayed memory, a population-based study was conducted in 4485 participants of the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey aged 60years and older. Serum anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies were measured by enzyme immune assay and verbal memory was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination and the East Boston Memory Test. The prevalence of latent toxoplasmosis was 41%; in one way analysis of variance, anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibody levels significantly differed across tertiles for immediate (P=0.006) but not delayed memory scores (P=0.22). In multinomial logistic regression adjusting for covariates, Toxoplasma seropositivity was associated with lower immediate memory performance (OR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.44, 0.97 for medium tertile and OR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.37, 0.98 for highest tertile in reference to the lowest tertile), especially in non-Hispanic Whites (OR: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.36, 0.88 for medium tertile and OR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.30, 0.87 for highest tertile in reference to the lowest tertile). However, no relationship with delayed memory was observed. In conclusion, latent toxoplasmosis is widespread in older adults and may primarily affect immediate rather than delayed memory, particularly in White Americans.

Seropositivity to herpes simplex virus type 2, but not type 1 is associated with premature cardiovascular diseases: A population-based cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE Thirty-five years after herpesviruses were suggested to induce atherosclerosis sero-epidemiological evidence on Herpes Simplex Viruses (HSV) remains sparse and controversial. We aimed to investigate the relationship between HSV-1 and HSV-2 infections and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). METHODS AND RESULTS A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 14,415 participants (mean age 34.3 years, range 20-49) of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2010. Serum IgG-antibodies to HSV were measured by enzymatic immunodot assay and CVD were self-reported. CVD prevalence was 1.8%; 51.3% of participants were infected with HSV-1, 7.5% with HSV-2, and 15.2% with both. After adjusting for demographics, socioeconomic status, comorbidities, STD, and CVD risk factors, seropositivity to HSV-2 was positively associated with CVD (Odds ratio [OR] 1.56, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.09-2.21, P = 0.014), but not with HSV-1 (OR 1.13, 95% CI: 0.79-1.62). CONCLUSION HSV-2 may be associated with premature CVD, but not HSV-1.