Biomarkers associated with the development of comorbidities in patients with atopic dermatitis: A systematic review.

Biomarkers associated with the development of comorbidities in atopic dermatitis (AD) patients have been reported, but have not yet been systematically reviewed. Seven electronic databases were searched, from database inception to September 2021. English language randomized controlled trials, prospective and retrospective cohort, and case-control studies that investigated the association between a biomarker and the development of comorbidities in AD patients were included. Two authors independently screened the records for eligibility, one extracted all data, and critically appraised the quality of studies and risk of bias. Fifty six articles met the inclusion criteria, evaluating 146 candidate biomarkers. The most frequently reported biomarkers were filaggrin mutations and allergen specific-IgE. Promising biomarkers include specific-IgE and/or skin prick tests predicting the development of asthma, and genetic polymorphisms predicting the occurrence of eczema herpeticum. The identified studies and biomarkers were highly heterogeneous, and associated with predominately moderate-to-high risk of bias across multiple domains. Overall, findings were inconsistent. High-quality studies assessing biomarkers associated with the development of comorbidities in people with AD are lacking. Harmonized datasets and independent validation studies are urgently needed.

Students' use of caffeine, alcohol, dietary supplements, and illegal substances for improving academic performance in a New Zealand university.

This study aimed to describe patterns of use and attitudes towards a broad variety of substances for improving academic performance at a New Zealand university. 685 students (from 1800 invited) completed an online questionnaire (38% response rate). They were asked about their lifetime and current substance use for improving academic performance, as well as their reasons for use, attitudes and perceptions of: caffeine, alcohol, dietary supplements, prescription stimulants, other prescription substances, and illicit substances. 80% (95% CI: 76.3, 82.5) reported ever using any substance to help improve academic performance, mainly to stay awake and improve concentration. Caffeine (70%, 95% CI: 66.3, 73.3) and dietary supplements (32%, 95% CI: 28.3, 35.5) were most commonly used. 4% (95% CI: 2.7, 5.9) reported use of prescription stimulants, mostly methylphenidate, and another 4% (95% CI: 2.7, 5.9) reported using illicit substances for improving academic performance. Users of prescription stimulants were more likely than non-users to believe that they were safe, morally acceptable, and that they should be available legally for enhancing academic performance. We close with discussions on broadening the focus of substances for improving academic performance in public health debates. Further qualitative research from small countries is also needed to move towards a place-based approach for clarifying ethical implications, inform policy in universities, and understand how injustices are created through the use of and ability to purchase different substances.