The efficacy of low glycemic index diet on seizure frequency in pediatric patients with epilepsy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Despite extensive research examining the effect of a low glycemic index (LGI) diet on the frequency of seizures in patients with epilepsy, the findings are inconclusive. Hence, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis in order to clarify the potential effect of a low glycemic index (LGI) diet on the frequency of seizures in children. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis written in accordance with the PRISMA checklist was realized using a comprehensive systematic search in four electronic databases until October 2023 without time or language restrictions. A random effects model was employed to combine the data. The main outcomes were analyzed using weight mean difference (WMD) and 95 % confidence interval (95 % CI). In total, 13 studies met the eligible criteria and were included. RESULTS: The publications included in this study were published between 2005 and 2021. The duration of the interventions in the studies included in this analysis ranged from 6 to 58 weeks. Our findings indicated that the pooled efficacy rate for < 50 %, ≥ 50 %, > 90 % seizure reduction in patients with epilepsy receiving a low glycemic index diet was 39 % (95 % CI: 26, 52), 34 % (95 % CI: 23, 45), and 19 % (95 % CI: 13, 25), respectively. It seems that the efficacy of this ketogenic diet in reducing seizures is greater during a shorter intervention period than 12 weeks. CONCLUSION: This systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that the low glycemia index diet can be beneficial as a treatment for epilepsy in pediatric patients.

Effect of cannabis and subproducts on anthropometric measures: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Obesity poses a significant public health challenge. Research has examined the impact of cannabis and subproducts on health but varying results have hindered a consensus. AIM: This study aimed to evaluated the effects of cannabis and subproducts on body measurements. METHODS: For searching randomized controlled trials evaluating cannabis and/or subproducts use and changes in anthropometric measures, a systematic search at MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science was conducted until March 2023. The outcomes included changes in body weight, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC). Meta-analysis was realized using R software (version 4.2.1). RESULTS: In general, cannabis use reduced weight by 1.87 kg (95% CI: -3.71 to -0.03) and WC (mean difference = -2.19, 95% CI: -4.44 to 0.06). When examining subgroups, longer follow-up periods were associated with a more pronounced BMI reduction (mean difference = -1.10, 95% CI: -2.23 to 0.03). Cannabinoid CB1 exhibited an increase in body fat (mean difference = 1.70, 95% CI: 0.66-2.74). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that cannabis and subproducts could be considered adjuncts in obesity treatment by helping to reduce relevant anthropometric measurements.

Effect of recreational cannabis use on bone mineral density: a systematic review.

The recreational use of cannabis products has risen considerably worldwide over the past decade. As the cannabis legal market grows, a critical challenge has been to make substantiated claims about the benefits and adverse health problems triggered by cannabis exposure. Despite accumulating evidence from animal studies demonstrating the role of cannabinoids on bone metabolism, there are conflicting results in clinical literature regarding their effects on bone health outcomes.We undertook a systematic review to assess the evidence for the safety of cannabis use on bone health. We searched the databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science up to March 2023 for studies evaluating the effect of the recreational use of cannabis on the bone mineral density (BMD) of adults.Among the 2620 studies reviewed, three cross-sectional studies and one randomized controlled trial comprised 4032 participants from 18 to 60 years who met the inclusion criteria. Two studies showed that cannabis exposure decreased BMD, while the other 2 indicated no alteration. Despite the different study designs, the included studies showed a low risk of bias according to the Joanna Briggs Institute tool.Eligible studies present differences in cannabis products, administration routes, and exposure determination. Further longitudinal research is needed to establish multiple clinical predictors associated with potentially negative consequences of cannabis exposure, especially in vulnerable populations such as elderly individuals.

Use of digital retinography to detect vascular changes in pre-diabetic patients: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a common complication of DM and may go unnoticed until irreversible damage occurs. Its screening can contribute to the early detection. Although, there are no studies which investigate the ability of digital retinography to detect vascular changes in pre-diabetic patients. OBJECTIVE: Identify the prevalence and severity of RD in patients with pre-diabetes. METHODS: Cross-sectionalstudy carried out in a sample of patients with pre-diabetes and weight excess characterized from January 2020 to April 2023. Sociodemographic and clinical variables were collected, in addition to lifestyle habits. Retinographic evaluation was also performed using a Digital Retinography. For the analysis of all variables, the adopted significance level was 5%. The software used for the analysis was SPSS version 25.0. RESULTS: Of 108 patients selected 7.1% have alteration in the exam indicating DR. Among the participants with diabetic retinopathy, four had the moderate form (50%), three the moderate form (37%) and only one participant had the severe form (13%). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings highlight the importance of preventive measures and adequate control of these conditions in pre-diabetic patients, in order to prevent or delay the progression of diabetic retinopathy and, consequently, reduce the risk of blindness and other ocular complications.

Demand creation and retention strategies for oral pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV prevention among men who have sex with men and transgender women: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) have a disproportionately higher risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection than other groups. Oral HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective prevention tool and should be offered to those at higher risk. Identifying demand creation strategies (DCS) and retention strategies (RS) to improve PrEP persistence is essential to control the HIV epidemic. AIM: We aimed to identify the (DCS and RS with higher proportions among MSM and TGW. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies were conducted, with studies retrieved from five databases until November, 2022 following the Cochrane and PRISMA guidelines. The study protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022323220). The outcomes were DCS and RS for PrEP use among MSM and TGW. Strategies used for users enrolled in the PrEP-recruited (DCS) were classified as face-to-face (peer educator recruitment at social venues, nongovernmental organizations, and parties; direct referrals by health services; friends and/or sexual partners); online (chatbot or peer educator recruitment on social media [e.g., , Instagram or Facebook] or dating/hook-up apps [e.g., Grindr, Tinder, Badoo, and Scruff]); and mixed (face-to-face and online). RS was classified as provider counseling (face-to-face by a health professional; prevention of HIV risk counseling, distribution of condoms, lubricants, and testing for HIV or other sexually transmitted infections); online counseling (text messages, chatbots, telephone calls, social media, and peer educators); and mixed (all previous strategies). Subgroup analyses were conducted for each treatment strategy. Meta-analyses were performed using the R software version 4.2.1. RESULTS: A total of 1, 129 studies were retrieved from the five databases. After eligibility, 46 studies were included. For MSM, most DCS and RS were online at 91% (95% CI: 0.85-0.97; I2=53%), and 83% (95% CI: 0.80-0.85; I2=17%) respectively. For TGW, mixed DCS and RS were the most frequent at85% (95% CI: 0.60-1.00; I2=91%) and online counseling at 84% (95% CI: 0.64-0.95) compared to other strategies. CONCLUSION: Critical issues play. Pivotal role in increasing PrEP awareness among MSM and TGW, minimizing access gaps, and ensuring retention of PrEP services. Offering oral PrEP using online DCS and RS can reach and retain high numbers of MSM and TGW, and reduce HIV incidence in these populations.

Mapping evidence on health promotion in HIV testing among men who have sex with men and transgender women using the social-ecological model and the vulnerability theoretical framework: a scoping review.

This study aimed to map the scientific evidence on health promotion in human immunodeficiency virus) HIV testing among men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) based on the social-ecological model (i.e., individual, organizational and social levels) and the theoretical framework of vulnerability (i.e., individual, social, and programmatic levels). The reviewed studies indicated several barriers to accessing HIV testing (e.g., economic, structural, and bureaucratic) and demonstrated the potential for community approaches to promote greater access to HIV testing and minimize the stigma and discrimination associated with HIV testing, primarily through community leadership and social support networks. The socio-ecological model of health promotion and the vulnerability approach have the potential to contribute to improving HIV testing services by balancing the technical and political power of health services and providers with community participation while considering the social contexts. Therefore, there is a need for reflection on health promotion policies and programs aimed at expanding access to HIV testing among MSM and TGW through interventions that consider the social contexts and cultural perspectives. Moreover, inter-sectoral strategies aimed at improving living conditions and access to fundamental resources for maintaining health and well-being should be considered.

Assessment of the relationship between the level of patient knowledge on warfarin therapy and the quality of oral anticoagulation: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between the level of patient knowledge on warfarin therapy and the quality of oral anticoagulation. This is a systematic review and meta-analysis written on the basis of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline. Searches at MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus and LILACS electronic databases were carried out on February 13, 2023, using the descriptors "Patient Medication Knowledge", "Patient Education as Topic", "Health Education", "Patient Education" and Warfarin. The steps of selection, data extraction and quality analysis of articles were performed independently by two reviewers. The analysis was performed considering patient knowledge as a possible modifier of time in therapeutic range (TTR). The meta-analysis included studies that reported the correlation coefficient (Pearson or Spearman) between patient knowledge and TTR. A subgroup analysis was performed according to questionnaires employed to measure patient knowledge. Twelve studies were selected with an overall sample size of 7634 participants and mean age 58.2 (standard deviation (SD)±12,8) years. Eleven (92.0%) cross-sectional studies. The mean TTR was 57.8% (SD±11,3%) and the average level of knowledge was 60.4%. The meta-analysis indicated that patient level of knowledge on warfarin therapy was moderately associated with TTR (rs = 0.435; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.163-0.645; I2 = 96%). Subgroup analysis indicated association between knowledge level and TTR in studies employing the OAK test (rs = 0.617; 95% CI = 0.192-0.847; I2 = 97%) and the AKA (rs = 0.269; 95% CI = 0.002 to 0.501; I2 = 94%). However, the subgroup analysis presented no significant difference between them (p = 0.14). The meta-regression showed a non-significant negative effect of age on the correlation (estimate = -0.028, 95% CI = -0.073 to 0.016, p = 0.207). No publication bias was noted (p = 0.881). To our knowledge, this is the first systematic review and meta-analysis gathering evidence about the relationship between the level of patient knowledge on oral anticoagulation with warfarin and TTR. The implementation of structured and patient-centered educational interventions is essential to effectively increase the level of patient knowledge and, thus, to improve the quality and safety of warfarin therapy. Systematic review registration number: PROSPERO CRD42023398030.

Anxiety and depression disorders in oncological patients under palliative care at a hospital service: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the risk and protective factors associated with anxiety and depression symptoms in cancer patients at an advanced stage of cancer. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on patients with advanced cancer who were receiving palliative care. Cancer patients aged 18 years or older, with preserved cognitive function who completed the questionnaires were eligible. The questionnaires of Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and health related of quality of life questionnaire; the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC-C30) were applied. Outcome variables were the depression and anxiety symptoms of cancer patients under palliative care, according to the answers to the 14 items that make up the HADS Scale. The analysis used the R software, version 4.2.0. RESULTS: Seventy cancer patients with advanced cancer were included. The colon was the most common neoplastic diagnostic (20%), followed by breast (12.9%) and lung (10%). The prevalence of depression was 44.3%, 25.7% anxiety and 52.9% had both symptoms. Patients with a high level of functionality had a lower chance of anxiety (OR = 0.80;p = 0.025), depression (OR = 0.82; p = 0.007), and anxiety and depression (OR = 0.82p = 0.008). We observed a lower chance of depression and depression/anxiety who showed a high level of Overall Performance. Three symptoms increased the chance of depression/anxiety: nausea/vomiting (p = 0.019), fatigue (0.031), loss of appetite (0.048). CONCLUSION: This study found high prevalence of anxiety and depression.Better quality of life and functionality were negatively associated with these outcomes. Examining the patient's functions will assist the clinician in alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression, giving cancer patients in palliative care more dignity. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not applicable.

Impact of cash transfer programs on birth and child growth outcomes: systematic review.

To investigate the impact of cash transfer (CTs) on birth outcomes, including birth weight, low birth weight and prematurity, as well as child physical growth were included, as assessed by anthropometric indices in children under five years of age. Searching was performed using the PubMed/Medline, Embase, LILACS, Cochrane Library, Scopus and Web of Science databases. Quantitative observational, experimental and quasi-experimental. Eleven studies were included in the review. The majority (81.8%) were carried out in low-and middle-income countries and most involved conditional CTs (63.6%). Four were clinical trials and seven were observational studies. Conditional CTs were found to be associated with a reduction in height-for-age (-0.14; 95%CI -0.27, -0.02); (OR 0.85; 95%CI 0.77-0.94); (OR = 0.44; 95%CI 0.19-0.98), a significantly reduced chance of low weight-for-age (OR = 0.16; 95%CI -0.11-0.43), low weight-for-height (OR = -0.68; 95%CI -1.14, -0.21), and low weight-for-age (OR = 0.27; 95%CI 0.10; 0.71). Unconditional CTs were associated with reduced birth weight (RR = 0.71; 95%CI 0.63-0.81; p < 0.0001) and preterm births (RR = 0.76; 95%CI 0.69-0.84; p < 0.0001). Conditional CTs can positively influence birth outcomes and child growth.

RT-qPCR-based pool testing for the diagnosis of COVID-19.

This study proposes a strategy for large-scale testing among a large number of people for the early diagnosis of COVID-19 to elucidate the epidemiological situation. Pool testing involves the analysis of pooled samples. This study aimed to discuss a reverse transcription technique followed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction using pool testing to detect SARS-CoV-2 in nasopharyngeal swab samples. The study proposes an innovative diagnostic strategy that contributes to resource optimization, cost reduction, and improved agility of feedback from results. Pool testing is simultaneously performed on multiple samples to efficiently and cost-effectively detect COVID-19. Pool testing can optimize resource utilization and expand diagnostic access, and is a viable alternative for developing countries with limited access to testing. To optimize resources, the pool size was determined by estimating COVID-19 prevalence in the study population.

Beyond the hype: A critical appraisal of the limitations and misconceptions of systematic reviews in the Oral pathology and medicine field.

BACKGROUND: Systematic reviews (SRs) have become a popular approach for evidence-based practice, being considered a lens through which evidence is viewed and applied. However, several published studies have been identified as scoping reviews rather than SRs. This methodological error can negatively impact clinical decision-making or new research conceptualization. AIM: This letter focuses on the increasing number of SRs in oral pathology and medicine, highlighting the most frequent methodological mistakes. RESULTS: We providing general guidance to help researchers conceptualize better their SRs and for the critical evaluation of SRs by scientific journal reviewers. CONCLUSION: Clinicians, pathologists, and reviewers, must ensure the quality of the published information.

The effects of cash transfer programmes on HIV/AIDS prevention and care outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of intervention studies.

BACKGROUND: Poverty and social inequality are risk factors for poor health outcomes in patients with HIV/AIDS. In addition to eligibility, cash transfer programmes can be divided into two categories: those with specific requirements (conditional cash transfers [CCTs]) and those without specific requirements (unconditional cash transfers). Common CCT requirements include health care (eg, undergoing an HIV test) and education (eg, children attending school). Trials assessing the effect of cash transfer programmes on HIV/AIDS outcomes have yielded divergent findings. This review aimed to summarise evidence to evaluate the effects of cash transfer programmes on HIV/AIDS prevention and care outcomes. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, LILACS, WHO IRIS, PAHO-IRIS, BDENF, Secretaria Estadual de Saúde SP, Localizador de Informação em Saúde, Coleciona SUS, BINACIS, IBECS, CUMED, SciELO, and Web of Science up to Nov 28, 2022. We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the effects of cash transfer programmes on HIV incidence, HIV testing, retention in HIV care, and antiretroviral therapy adherence, and conducted risk of bias and quality of evidence assessments using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations approach. A random-effects meta-analysis model was used to combine studies and calculate risk ratios (RRs). Subgroup analyses were performed using conditionality types (ie, school attendance or health care). The protocol was registered with PROSPERO, CRD42021274452. FINDINGS: 16 RCTs, which included 5241 individuals, fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Of these, 13 studies included conditionalities for receiving cash transfer programmes. The results showed that receiving a cash transfer was associated with lowered HIV incidence among individuals who had to meet health-care conditionalities (RR 0·74, 95% CI 0·56-0·98) and with increased retention in HIV care for pregnant women (1·14, 95% CI 1·03-1·27). No significant effect was observed for HIV testing (RR 0·45, 95% CI 0·18-1·12) or antiretroviral therapy adherence (1·13, 0·73-1·75). Lower risk of bias was observed for HIV incidence and having an HIV test. The strength of available evidence can be classified as moderate. INTERPRETATION: Cash transfer programmes have a positive effect on mitigating HIV incidence for individuals who have to meet health-care conditionalities and on increasing retention in HIV care for pregnant women. These results show the potential of cash transfer programmes for HIV prevention and care, especially among people in extreme poverty, and highlight that cash transfer programmes must be considered when developing policies for HIV/AIDS control, as indicated by the UNAIDS 95-95-95 target of the HIV care continuum. FUNDING: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, USA.

Use of C-reactive protein to guide the antibiotic therapy in hospitalized patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: C-reactive protein (CRP) is an inflammatory protein used in clinical practice to identify and monitor inflammatory and infectious processes. Recent data suggest CRP might be useful in guiding antibiotic therapy discontinuation among critical care patients. This meta-analysis analyzed the benefits and risks of CRP-guided protocols to guide antibiotic therapy in hospitalized patients in comparison with standard treatment. METHODS: Studies were searched in four databases: CENTRAL, Medline, Embase and LILACS. The search was performed until Jan 25th, 2023. The reference lists of the articles retrieved and related review studies were hand-screened to find eligible trials that might have been missed. Primary endpoints included the duration of antibiotic therapy for the index episode of infection. The secondary endpoint was the all-cause hospital mortality and infection relapses. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool. Random effects were used to pool the mean differences and odds ratio of individual studies. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021259977). RESULTS: The search strategy retrieved 5209 titles, out of which three studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in this meta-analysis. 727 adult patients were analyzed, of whom 278 were included in the intervention group and 449 were included in the control group. 55,7% of all patients were women. Meta-analysis indicated that experimental groups (CRP-guided) had a lower duration of antibiotic therapy (days) [MMD = -1.82, 95%IC -3.23; -0.40]; with no difference in mortality [OR = 1.19 95%IC 0.67-2.12] or in the occurrence of infection relapse [OR = 3.21 95%IC 0.85-12.05]. CONCLUSION: The use of CRP-guided protocol reduces the total amount of time required for antibiotic therapy when compared to standard protocols of treatment in hospitalized patients with acute bacterial infection. We did not observe statistical differences regarding mortality and infection relapse rates.

Upregulation of IL-33, CCL2, and CXCL16 levels in Brazilian pregnant women infected by Toxoplasma gondii.

Congenital toxoplasmosis can cause neurological and eye damage, behavioral alterations, or death in fetuses or babies born to Toxoplasma gondii-infected women. Several pieces of evidence suggest that socioeconomic, environmental, and inflammatory patterns linked to the maternal immune response partly drive the pathogenesis of this disease. However, immunoregulation induced by T. gondii infection during gestation is not completely understood. The aim of this study was to assess the association between T. gondii seropositivity and concentrations of plasma markers (CCL2, CXCL16, IL-17, and IL-33) in Brazilian pregnant women. Inflammatory markers were measured by immunoassays in the plasma of 131 pregnant women (13 to 46 years old). The prevalence of T. gondii infections was 45.8% (n = 60) in this population. The concentrations of CCL2, CXCL16, and IL-33 were higher in T. gondii-seropositive than in seronegative pregnant women, while the opposite was observed for IL-17 levels. In IgG+ women, a strong correlation between IL-17 and IL-33 (r = 0.7508, p = 0.0001) and a moderate correlation between CXCL16/IL-17 (r = 0.7319, p = 0.0001) and CXCL16/CCL2 (r = 0.3519, p = 0.0098) was observed. In uninfected women, a strong correlation was found between IL-17 and CXCL16 (r = 0.6779, p = 0.0001) but moderate between IL-17 and IL-33 (r = 0.4820, p = 0.0001). In summary, our data suggest that plasma upregulation of CCL2, CXCL16, and IL-33 might exert a potential protective role in the mother/fetus/parasite axis and, in addition, multiparous women are more likely to be infected with T. gondii than primiparous women.

Effects of intrauterine exposure to SARS-CoV-2 on infants' development: a rapid review and meta-analysis.

Potential medium- and long-term neurodevelopmental sequelae of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection during pregnancy have not been ruled out. We aimed to systematically review and summarize the evidence regarding the effects of intrauterine exposure to SARS-CoV-2 on infant development and behavior. Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, and PsycNet databases were searched for studies published up to February 6, 2023, investigating the effects of gestational SARS-CoV-2 on infant development and behavior. We performed narrative synthesis according to updated protocols. Studies using comparison groups and with the Ages and Stages Questionnaires-Third Edition (ASQ-3) scores available were included in a meta-analysis performed according to Cochrane protocols. We used the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale to analyze the risk of bias. Heterogeneity was calculated using the I2 statistic. The search identified 2,782 studies. After removing duplicates and applying the eligibility criteria, we performed a narrative synthesis of 10 included studies and a meta-analysis of three. There was no evidence of higher developmental delay rates in infants exposed to SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy compared to non-exposed infants. However, the exposed infants scored lower than either the non-exposed children or pre-pandemic cohorts in some domains. Pooled results from the random-effects model indicated that SARS-CoV-2-exposed infants had lower scores on fine motor (mean difference [MD] = -4.70, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -8.76; -0.63), and problem-solving (MD = -3.05, 95% CI: -5.88; -0.22) domains than non-exposed infants (heterogeneity: I2 = 69% and 88%, respectively). There was no difference between the exposed and non-exposed infants in the communication, gross motor, and personal-social ASQ-3 domains.  Conclusion: We did not find evidence confirming the association between SARS-CoV-2 gestational exposure and neurodevelopmental delays. However, the meta-analysis indicated that gestational exposure negatively affected fine motor and problem-solving skills. Robust evidence on this topic is still incipient, and the available studies present methodological inconsistencies that limit the drawing of clear-cut conclusions.   PROSPERO registration: #CRD42022308002; March 14, 2022. What is Known: • COVID-19 is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes potentially linked to neurodevelopmental delays. • SARS-CoV-2 vertical transmission is rare; however, infections during pregnancy can be deleterious to the fetus, possibly mediated by maternal immune activation and other inflammatory mechanisms. What is New: • No evidence of increased developmental delay rates among SARS-CoV-2 gestational-exposed infants was found. However, a meta-analysis of three studies showed lower scores in fine motor and personal social ASQ-3 domains among exposed infants. • SARS-CoV-2 gestational exposure and the pandemic can affect child development via many mechanisms. Potential neurodevelopmental sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 exposure during gestation have not been ruled out.

The imbalance in the relationship between inflammatory and regulatory cytokines during gestational toxoplasmosis can be harmful to fetuses: A systematic review.

Objective: To evaluate the available information on inflammatory and regulatory plasma mediators in pregnant women (PW) diagnosed with toxoplasmosis. Source: The PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Lilacs databases were evaluated until October 2022. Study eligibility criteria: This review was carried out following the PRISMA and registered on the PROSPERO platform (CRD42020203951). Studies that reported inflammatory mediators in PW with toxoplasmosis were considered. Evaluation methods: After excluding duplicate articles, two authors independently carried out the process of title and abstract exclusion, and a third resolved disagreements when necessary. The full text was evaluated to detect related articles. The extraction table was built from the following data: Author, year of publication, journal name and impact factors, country, study design, number of gestations and maternal age (years), gestational period, diagnosis of toxoplasmosis, levels of inflammatory markers, laboratory tests, and clinical significance. Methodological quality was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute tools. Results: Of the 1,024 studies reported, only eight were included. Of the 868 PW included in this review, 20.2% were IgM+/IgG- and 50.8% were IgM-/IgG+ to T. gondii, and 29.0% uninfected. Infected PW presented higher plasma levels ofIL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17, CCL5, and IL-10. Regarding the methodological quality, four studies obtained high quality. Data from this review pointed out the maintenance of the inflammatory pattern during pregnancy with a closely related to the parasite. Conclusion: Immune status in PW defined the course of the T. gondii infection, where the equilibrium between inflammatory and regulatory cytokines mitigated the harmful placenta and fetus effects. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD420203951.

HIV Testing Strategies, Types of Tests, and Uptake by Men Who have Sex with Men and Transgender Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the effectiveness of strategies and types of tests on HIV testing uptake by men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW), and in reaching PLWH. Articles published up to July 2020 were identified from major electronic databases and grey literature. Data were extracted and assessed for risk of bias. Estimates were pooled using random-effect meta-analysis while heterogeneity was evaluated by Cochran's Q test and I2. This study is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020192740). Of 6820 titles, 263 studies (n = 67,288 participants) were included. The testing strategies reported in most studies were community- (71.2%) and facility-based (28.8%). Highest uptake, with facility-based testing, occurred and reached more PLWH while with standard laboratory tests, it occurred with the highest HIV prevalence among MSM. However, urine test showed a highest rate of new HIV infection. Multiple test combinations had the highest uptake and reached more PLWH among TGW. Various testing strategies, considering barriers and regional differences, and different test types, need be considered, to increase uptake among MSM and TGW.

RESUMEN: Esta revisión sistemática y metaanálisis tuvo como objetivo investigar la efectividad de las estrategias y los tipos de pruebas para la realización de la prueba del VIH entre hombres que tienen sexo con hombres (HSH) y mujeres transgénero (MT), y su alcance a personas que viven con el VIH (PVV). Los artículos publicados hasta julio de 2020 fueron identificados utilizando base de datos y literatura gris; se extrajeron los datos de los artículos y se evaluó el riesgo de sesgo. Las estimaciones se agruparon mediante un metaanálisis de efectos aleatorios, mientras que la heterogeneidad fue evaluada utilizando la prueba Q de Cochran y la prueba I2. Este estudio está registrado en PROSPERO (CRD42020192740). De 6820 títulos, fueron incluidos 263 estudios (n = 67,288 participantes). En la mayoría, las estrategias reportadas fueron comunitarias (71.2%) y en establecimientos de salud (28.8%). Las pruebas realizadas en establecimientos de salud tuvieron mayor captación y mayor alcance de PVV mientras que con las pruebas de laboratorio estándar se detectó una mayor prevalencia del VIH entre los HSH. Sin embargo, la prueba de orina mostró una tasa más elevada de nuevas infecciones por el VIH. La combinación de múltiples pruebas tuvo mayor captación y tuvo alcance a PVV entre MT. Es necesario considerar las diferentes estrategias, tomando en cuenta las barreras y diferencias regionales, así como los diferentes tipos de pruebas, para incrementar la realización de pruebas del VIH entre HSH y MT.

Impact of cash transfer programs on birth and child growth outcomes: systematic review / Impacto dos programas de transferência de renda nos desfechos de nascimento e crescimento infantil: revisão sistemática

Abstract To investigate the impact of cash transfer (CTs) on birth outcomes, including birth weight, low birth weight and prematurity, as well as child physical growth were included, as assessed by anthropometric indices in children under five years of age. Searching was performed using the PubMed/Medline, Embase, LILACS, Cochrane Library, Scopus and Web of Science databases. Quantitative observational, experimental and quasi-experimental. Eleven studies were included in the review. The majority (81.8%) were carried out in low-and middle-income countries and most involved conditional CTs (63.6%). Four were clinical trials and seven were observational studies. Conditional CTs were found to be associated with a reduction in height-for-age (-0.14; 95%CI -0.27, -0.02); (OR 0.85; 95%CI 0.77-0.94); (OR = 0.44; 95%CI 0.19-0.98), a significantly reduced chance of low weight-for-age (OR = 0.16; 95%CI -0.11-0.43), low weight-for-height (OR = -0.68; 95%CI -1.14, -0.21), and low weight-for-age (OR = 0.27; 95%CI 0.10; 0.71). Unconditional CTs were associated with reduced birth weight (RR = 0.71; 95%CI 0.63-0.81; p < 0.0001) and preterm births (RR = 0.76; 95%CI 0.69-0.84; p < 0.0001). Conditional CTs can positively influence birth outcomes and child growth.

Resumo Investigar o impacto dos programas de tranferência de renda (CTs) nos desfechos ao nascer, incluindo peso ao nascer, baixo peso ao nascer e prematuridade, e crescimento físico infantil, avaliado pelos índices antropométricos de crianças menores de cinco anos. Revisão sistemática realizada nas bases de dados PubMed/Medline, Embase, LILACS, Cochrane Library, Scopus e Web of Science. Foram incluídos estudos quantitativos observacionais, experimentais e quasi-experimentais, com um total de 11 estudos na revisão. A maioria (81,8%) foi realizada em países de baixa e média rendas. Também na modalidade CT condicionais (63,6%). Quatro eram ensaios clínicos, e sete observacionais. Os CT condicionais estiveram associados a uma redução nos índices de altura-para-idade (-0,14; IC95% -0,27, -0,02); (OR 0,85; IC95% 0,77-0,94); (OR = 0,44; IC95% 0,19-0,98), redução significativa na chance de baixo peso-para-idade (OR = 0,16; IC95% -0,11-0,43), baixo peso-para-altura (OR = -0,68; IC95% -1,14, -0,21), e redução de peso para idade (OR = 0,27; IC95% 0,10; 0,71). CTs não condicionais foram associados à redução do baixo peso as nascer (RR = 0,71; IC95% 0,63-0,81; p < 0,0001), e de prematuros (RR = 0,76; IC95% 0,69-0,84; p < 0,0001). Os CTs condicionais podem influenciar positivamente os desfechos ao nascer e o crescimento infantil.