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Colsch R, Onweni-Eze M, Byrd EM, Damush TM, Olney CM, Reardon EE, Hadidi NN. Women Veterans' Stroke Risk Factors: Identified Prevention Methods and Knowledge Gaps. Mil Med 2024:usae445. [PMID: 39325564 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usae445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 09/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Stroke is a significant health burden for veterans and the fifth leading cause of death for women. Compared to civilian women, women veterans have significant multimorbid physical and mental health conditions contributing to their stroke risk. This scoping review aimed to synthesize evidence on the stroke risk factors specific to U.S. women veterans and identify any association between risk factors and a delay in prevention and treatment for women veterans. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study was approved by the organizational Institutional Review Board. The search strategy was run across 6 databases: MEDLINE and EMBASE via Ovid, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov. A total of 1218 records were uploaded to Covidence for screening. Criteria for included studies were peer-reviewed primary research articles written in English about women veterans and cardiovascular disease and stroke risk factors. No restrictions were placed on publication date. RESULTS Fourteen articles met the inclusion criteria. Cohorts were 30 years and older. Data originated from national and individual Veterans Affairs studies. Women veterans starting at age 30 have a steadily increasing positive curvilinear association with stroke risk, indicating a need to screen earlier than the recommended age of 45 years. Stroke incidence was higher in veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, insomnia, restless leg syndrome, traumatic brain injury, constipation with laxative use, egg consumption (2-4 eggs/wk), frailty, and systemic sclerosis. When comparing White veterans and civilian counterparts, Black veterans had a higher incidence of stroke. Ten studies addressed prevention methods. The clinicians should screen and treat women veterans for post-traumatic stress disorder and constipation and consider alternative treatment methods for constipation. CONCLUSIONS Empirical literature on this matter is lacking. Examining and understanding the differences in sex, gender, and veteran status, and their association with stroke risk, is warranted. Screening women veterans for post-traumatic stress disorder and for stroke early, at 30 years of age, is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renee Colsch
- Education, Minneapolis VAMC, Minneapolis, MN 55417, USA
| | | | - Elizabeth M Byrd
- Acute, Chronic, and Continuing Care, UAB, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294-1210, USA
| | - Teresa M Damush
- Center for Health Information and Communication, Indianapolis VAMC, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | | | - Erin E Reardon
- Woodruff Health Sciences Center Library, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Niloufar N Hadidi
- School of Nursing, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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Hannan K, Li X, Mehta A, Yenokyan G, Payne JL, Shea AA, Hantsoo L. Mood symptoms and gut function across the menstrual cycle in individuals with premenstrual syndrome. Horm Behav 2024; 166:105634. [PMID: 39265472 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2024.105634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 09/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/14/2024]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms such as bloating, constipation, and nausea are common in the days before menstruation, experienced by as many as 73 % of menstruating individuals. Mood may influence the link between menstrual cycle and GI symptoms, with prior studies indicating that even among healthy controls, GI symptoms worsen premenstrually and are associated with worsening mood. Associations between GI symptoms and mood are poorly understood among those with premenstrual syndrome (PMS), a cluster of mood and/or physical symptoms that occur in the week before menses affecting roughly 20 % of menstruators. Our primary aim was to examine associations between GI symptoms and mood symptoms across the menstrual cycle, in those who do and do not report PMS using a menstrual tracking app. We hypothesized that GI symptoms would be reported more frequently in the luteal phase than follicular phase, and that frequency of GI symptoms would be positively associated with mood symptoms in those with PMS. We analyzed data from 33,628 menstrual cycles across 32,241 participants, including n = 27,897 controls (29,137 menstrual cycles) and n = 4344 PMS participants (4491 menstrual cycles). GI symptoms were reported significantly more frequently in the luteal phase than the follicular phase in both control and PMS groups (p < 0.001). Mood symptoms were significantly positively associated with GI symptoms in both groups, in both follicular and luteal phases (p < 0.001). Results suggest that premenstrual GI symptoms are a common issue, and additional work is needed to explore associations between mood and GI symptoms in the context of the menstrual cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey Hannan
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 550 N. Broadway Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Ximin Li
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Anjali Mehta
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Gayane Yenokyan
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Jennifer L Payne
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia, PO Box 800548, Charlottesville, VA 22908, United States of America
| | - Amanda A Shea
- Clue by BioWink GmbH, Adalbertstraße 7-8, 10999 Berlin, Germany
| | - Liisa Hantsoo
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 550 N. Broadway Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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Mendelson S, Anbukkarasu P, Cassisi JE, Zaman W. Gastrointestinal functioning and menstrual cycle phase in emerging young adult women: a cross-sectional study. BMC Gastroenterol 2023; 23:406. [PMID: 37990300 PMCID: PMC10664285 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-023-03036-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women experience more severe gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms compared to men. The onset of puberty and the menstrual cycle may influence these differences. Additionally, health anxiety is an important construct that has been shown to play a role in increased symptomatology across many medical conditions. Using standardized clinical measures often employed to assess disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI) we aimed to identify differences of GI functioning across menstrual cycle phases and to evaluate the role of health anxiety in this relationship. METHODS Six hundred three participants completed a survey including functional GI assessment scales (PROMIS-GI®), an abdominal pain scale and map, and a health anxiety measure. They were grouped by menstrual cycle phases (Menses, Follicular, Early-Luteal, and Premenstrual) based on self-reported start date of most recent period. Multivariate analyses of covariance were conducted to identify differences between menstrual cycle phase and scores on the symptom scales. Heath anxiety was included as a covariate in all analyses. RESULTS No significant differences were found between menstrual cycle group and PROMIS-GI scores. Higher GI-symptom and pain levels were found as health anxiety increased. Pain in the hypogastric region of the abdomen was significantly higher during the Menses phase when compared to Early-Luteal and Premenstrual phases. A subset of participants with DGBI diagnoses demonstrated significantly higher GI-symptom severity on several PROMIS-GI scales when compared to matched controls who did not have those diagnoses. In addition, participants with DGBI diagnoses reported significantly greater pain across multiple abdominal regions than their non-diagnosed counterparts. CONCLUSIONS GI symptom levels as measured by the PROMIS-GI scales in otherwise healthy women were not dependent on menstrual cycle phase. Yet, the PROMIS-GI scales were sensitive to symptom differences in women with DGBI diagnoses. Overall, this study demonstrated that the PROMIS-GI measures are unlikely to be affected by gynecological functioning in healthy young women. We argue that the abdominal pain map is an essential addition to classification and diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sivanne Mendelson
- Department of Psychology, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, 32816, USA
| | - Preethashree Anbukkarasu
- College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, 6850 Lake Nona Blvd, Orlando, FL, 32827, USA
| | - Jeffrey E Cassisi
- Department of Psychology, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, 32816, USA.
| | - Widaad Zaman
- Department of Psychology, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, 32816, USA
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Minnebo Y, Delbaere K, Goethals V, Raes J, Van de Wiele T, De Paepe K. Gut microbiota response to in vitro transit time variation is mediated by microbial growth rates, nutrient use efficiency and adaptation to in vivo transit time. MICROBIOME 2023; 11:240. [PMID: 37926855 PMCID: PMC10626715 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-023-01691-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transit time is an important modulator of the human gut microbiome. The inability to modify transit time as the sole variable hampers mechanistic in vivo microbiome research. We singled out gut transit time in an unprecedented in vitro approach by subjecting faecal microbial communities from six individuals with either short, medium or long in vivo transit times, to three different colonic transit times of 21, 32 and 63 h in the validated human gut in vitro model, SHIME. RESULTS Transit time was identified as the single most important driver of microbial cell concentrations (52%), metabolic activity (45%) and quantitative (24%) and proportional (22%) community composition. Deceleration of transit was characterised by a significant decrease of specific Bifidobacterium and Veillonella spp. and increase of specific fibre degrading bacteria and nutrient specialists, such as Bacteroides, Prevotella, Ruminococcus, Bilophila and Akkermansia spp. These microbial communities reached a higher population density and net carbohydrate fermentation, leading to an increased SCFA production at longer transit times. In contrast, the carbohydrate-to-biomass production efficiency was increased at shorter transits, particularly in well-adapted faecal microbiomes from donors with short in vivo transit. Said adaptation was also reflected in the carbohydrate-to-SCFA conversion efficiency which varied with donor, but also colon region and SCFA chain length. A long transit time promoted propionate production, whereas butyrate production and butyrate producers were selectively enriched in the proximal colon at medium transit time. CONCLUSION Microbial growth rates and nutrient utilisation efficiency mediate the species-specific gut microbiota response to in vitro transit time variation, which is the main driver of in vitro microbial load, metabolism and community composition. Given the in vivo transit time variation within and between individuals, the personalisation of in vitro transit time based on in vivo data is required to accurately study intra- and inter-individual differences in gut microbiome structure, functionality and interactions with host and environmental modulators. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yorick Minnebo
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology, Department of Biotechnology, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Karen Delbaere
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology, Department of Biotechnology, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Valerie Goethals
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology, Department of Biotechnology, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jeroen Raes
- Laboratory of Molecular Bacteriology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- Center for Microbiology, VIB, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tom Van de Wiele
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology, Department of Biotechnology, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Kim De Paepe
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology, Department of Biotechnology, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
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Wang J, Kong W, Liu M, Wang Y, Zheng Y, Zhou Y. Association between dietary carotenoids intake and chronic constipation in American men and women adults: a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1597. [PMID: 37608273 PMCID: PMC10463530 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16367-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dietary carotenoids have been proven to improve intestinal disorders like inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer, yet little is known about the link between dietary carotenoids and constipation. This study aims to examine the relationship between dietary carotenoids intake and constipation, using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005-2010. METHODS A total of 11,722 participants were enrolled. Chronic constipation was defined as type 1 (separate hard lumps, like nuts) and type 2 (sausage-like, but lumpy) in the Bristol stool form scale (BSFS). Carotenoids intake was obtained from the average of two 24-hour dietary recall questionnaires (if only one 24-hour was available, we used it) and divided into quartiles (Q). The prevalence of constipation was calculated across men and women individuals. The relationship between dietary carotenoids intake and constipation in men and women was assessed with weighted logistic regression and smoothed curve fitting after adjusting confounders, with results displayed as weighted odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). The model was further stratified by age, race, and HEI 2015 scores (with median as cutoff) among men and women. RESULTS The total weighted prevalence of chronic constipation in this study was 8.08%, 11.11% in women and 5.18% in men. After multivariable adjustment, compared with the lowest intake, participants with the highest dietary lycopene intake (ORQ4 vs. Q1= 0.55, 95% CI: 0.36-0.84, p for trend = 0.01) and total lycopene intake (ORQ4 vs. Q1 = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.34-0.80, p for trend = 0.01) were negatively associated with the risk of chronic constipation in men, whereas increased dietary α-carotene intake reduced the risk of chronic constipation in women (ORQ4 vs. Q1 = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.48-0.98, p for trend = 0.04). Smoothing curve fitting further supported these results and provided evidence of dose-response effects. No association was found between other types of carotenoids and chronic constipation in men and women. CONCLUSIONS Increasing lycopene intake may improve bowel function in men while increased α-carotene intake may reduce the risk of chronic constipation in women. Further studies are essential to explore the role that the intake of carotenoids plays in chronic constipation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangnan Wang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
- Key Laboratory for Gastrointestinal Diseases of Gansu Province, Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Wanru Kong
- Department of Infection Management, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Min Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
- Key Laboratory for Gastrointestinal Diseases of Gansu Province, Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Yuping Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
- Key Laboratory for Gastrointestinal Diseases of Gansu Province, Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Ya Zheng
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
- Key Laboratory for Gastrointestinal Diseases of Gansu Province, Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
| | - Yongning Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
- Key Laboratory for Gastrointestinal Diseases of Gansu Province, Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
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Alvarez M, Colee J, Langkamp-Henken B, Dahl WJ. Assessing Gastrointestinal Tolerance in Healthy Adults: Reliability and Validity of a Weekly Questionnaire. Curr Dev Nutr 2023; 7:101976. [PMID: 37600933 PMCID: PMC10432906 DOI: 10.1016/j.cdnut.2023.101976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
When examining gastrointestinal tolerance to nondigestible carbohydrates, a weekly vs. daily symptoms questionnaire may lessen participant burden. This secondary analysis examined the reliability and validity of the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) in healthy adults. The internal consistency reliability of the GSRS syndromes and a daily questionnaire (DQ) comparator were determined. The GSRS syndromes prediction of slow transit stool form was assessed by ROC analysis. The DQ (α = 0.76) and GSRS syndromes of constipation (α = 0.73; ω = 0.74), and diarrhea (α = 0.76; ω = 0.77) exhibited acceptable reliability, as did the GSRS overall (α = 0.76; ω = 0.87) but not the syndromes of abdominal pain (α = 0.54; ω = 0.54), reflux (α = 0.69; ω = 0.67), or indigestion (α = 0.64; ω = 0.67). The GSRS syndromes predicted slow transit stools (AUC = 0.855), and the GSRS items of stomach pain, nausea, flatus, constipation, and diarrhea were moderately correlated (ρ = 0.55-0.64; P < 0.001) with the corresponding DQ items. The GSRS may be useful to assess gastrointestinal tolerance and efficacy of nondigestible carbohydrates given its performance at predicting slow transit stools, suggestive of constipation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Alvarez
- Food Science and Human Nutrition Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - James Colee
- Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) Statistics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Bobbi Langkamp-Henken
- Food Science and Human Nutrition Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Wendy J. Dahl
- Food Science and Human Nutrition Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
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Gearry R, Fukudo S, Barbara G, Kuhn-Sherlock B, Ansell J, Blatchford P, Eady S, Wallace A, Butts C, Cremon C, Barbaro MR, Pagano I, Okawa Y, Muratubaki T, Okamoto T, Fuda M, Endo Y, Kano M, Kanazawa M, Nakaya N, Nakaya K, Drummond L. Consumption of 2 Green Kiwifruits Daily Improves Constipation and Abdominal Comfort-Results of an International Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial. Am J Gastroenterol 2023; 118:1058-1068. [PMID: 36537785 PMCID: PMC10226473 DOI: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000002124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Consumption of green kiwifruit is known to relieve constipation. Previous studies have also reported improvements in gastrointestinal (GI) comfort. We investigated the effect of consuming green kiwifruit on GI function and comfort. METHODS Participants included healthy controls (n = 63), patients with functional constipation (FC, n = 60), and patients with constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C, n = 61) randomly assigned to consume 2 green kiwifruits or psyllium (7.5 g) per day for 4 weeks, followed by a 4-week washout, and then the other treatment for 4 weeks. The primary outcome was the number of complete spontaneous bowel movements (CSBM) per week. Secondary outcomes included GI comfort which was measured using the GI symptom rating scale, a validated instrument. Data (intent-to-treat) were analyzed as difference from baseline using repeated measures analysis of variance suitable for AB/BA crossover design. RESULTS Consumption of green kiwifruit was associated with a clinically relevant increase of ≥ 1.5 CSBM per week (FC; 1.53, P < 0.0001, IBS-C; 1.73, P = 0.0003) and significantly improved measures of GI comfort (GI symptom rating scale total score) in constipated participants (FC, P < 0.0001; IBS-C, P < 0.0001). No significant adverse events were observed. DISCUSSION This study provides original evidence that the consumption of a fresh whole fruit has demonstrated clinically relevant increases in CSBM and improved measures of GI comfort in constipated populations. Green kiwifruits are a suitable dietary treatment for relief of constipation and associated GI comfort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Gearry
- Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Shin Fukudo
- Department of Behavioral Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Giovanni Barbara
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Sarah Eady
- The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited, Palmerston North and Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Alison Wallace
- The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited, Palmerston North and Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Christine Butts
- The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited, Palmerston North and Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Cesare Cremon
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Isabella Pagano
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Yohei Okawa
- Department of Behavioral Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Tomohiko Muratubaki
- Department of Behavioral Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Tomoko Okamoto
- Department of Nutrition, Sapporo University of Health Sciences, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Mikiko Fuda
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yuka Endo
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Michiko Kano
- Department of Behavioral Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Motoyori Kanazawa
- Department of Behavioral Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Naoki Nakaya
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Epidemiology, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Kumi Nakaya
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Epidemiology, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Lynley Drummond
- Drummond Food Science Advisory Limited, Killinchy, Canterbury, New Zealand
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Vannuccini S, Jain V, Critchley H, Petraglia F. From menarche to menopause, heavy menstrual bleeding is the underrated compass in reproductive health. Fertil Steril 2022; 118:625-636. [PMID: 36075746 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2022.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Menstruation is defined as monthly uterine bleeding, regarded as a sign of reproductive health. When characterized by excessive bleeding (heavy menstrual bleeding [HMB]), it may act as a useful clinical marker for diagnosis of reproductive diseases. Endometrial and myometrial mechanisms underlying abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB), which includes HMB, have hormonal, cellular, and molecular aspects. Structural and nonstructural causes of AUB, presenting with HMB as the major symptom, result in iron depletion and consequent anemia. Heavy menstrual bleeding can be considered as a single entity to identify the possible underlying causes, which may be different to some extent to those of AUB, as a whole. Furthermore, the difficulties in defining HMB through objective methods do not allow the current epidemiological scenario on the prevalence of the symptom among reproductive-age women to be outlined. Moreover, the introduction of new diagnostic methods, including imaging technologies, entails a revision of the available figures on HMB in different age groups from menarche to menopause. In addition, a proper diagnostic algorithm for HMB should be implemented to adapt recommendations for clinical investigation when HMB is present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Vannuccini
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Varsha Jain
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Hilary Critchley
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Felice Petraglia
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy.
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Flood TR, Kuennen MR, Blacker SD, Myers SD, Walker EF, Lee BJ. The effect of sex, menstrual cycle phase and oral contraceptive use on intestinal permeability and ex-vivo monocyte TNFα release following treatment with lipopolysaccharide and hyperthermia. Cytokine 2022; 158:155991. [PMID: 35944412 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2022.155991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Investigate the impact of sex, menstrual cycle phase and oral contraceptive use on intestinal permeability and ex-vivo tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) release following treatment with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and hyperthermia. METHODS Twenty-seven participants (9 men, 9 eumenorrheic women (MC) and 9 women taking an oral contraceptive pill (OC)) completed three trials. Men were tested on 3 occasions over 6 weeks; MC during early-follicular, ovulation, and mid-luteal phases; OC during the pill and pill-free phase. Intestinal permeability was assessed following a 4-hour dual sugar absorption test (lactulose: rhamnose). Venous blood was collected each trial and stimulated with 100 μg·mL-1 LPS before incubation at 37 °C and 40 °C and analysed for TNFα via ELISA. RESULTS L:R ratio was higher in OC than MC (+0.003, p = 0.061) and men (+0.005, p = 0.007). Men had higher TNFα responses than both MC (+53 %, p = 0.004) and OC (+61 %, p = 0.003). TNFα release was greater at 40 °C than 37 °C (+23 %, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Men present with lower resting intestinal barrier permeability relative to women regardless of OC use and displayed greater monocyte TNFα release following whole blood treatment with LPS and hyperthermia. Oral contraceptive users had highest intestinal permeability however, neither permeability or TNFα release were impacted by the pill cycle. Although no statistical effect was seen in the menstrual cycle, intestinal permeability and TNFα release were more variable across the phases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessa R Flood
- Occupational Performance Research Group, University of Chichester UK
| | - Matthew R Kuennen
- Department of Exercise Science, High Point University, High Point, NC, USA
| | - Sam D Blacker
- Occupational Performance Research Group, University of Chichester UK
| | - Stephen D Myers
- Occupational Performance Research Group, University of Chichester UK
| | | | - Ben J Lee
- Occupational and Environmental Physiology Group, Coventry University, UK.
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10
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Judkins TC, Oula ML, Sims SM, Langkamp-Henken B. The effect of a probiotic on gastrointestinal symptoms due to menstruation in healthy adult women on oral contraceptives: randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial protocol. Trials 2022; 23:481. [PMID: 35689274 PMCID: PMC9188249 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-06410-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction For many women, uncomfortable and stressful symptoms accompany the menstrual cycle each month, sometimes in a debilitating manner. Previous studies have reported that gastrointestinal symptoms in healthy women significantly differ by the day of the menstrual cycle, but few studies have assessed interventions intended to minimize these symptoms. Probiotics supplements have been shown to attenuate gastrointestinal symptom severity as well as self-reported feelings of stress in various populations. This study evaluates the effect of a probiotic on abdominal pain and gastrointestinal symptoms in healthy women who take an oral contraceptive, have regular menses, and typically experience these symptoms during menstruation with the primary aim being change in abdominal pain intensity related to the menstrual cycle with probiotic versus placebo supplementation. Methods and analysis In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel study, participants will receive either a probiotic or placebo supplement. Participants will begin answering questionnaires approximately 7 days before the start of menstruation (i.e., active bleeding), and 3 days later, they will begin consuming the study supplement for 8 weeks. The questionnaires administered will collect data about abdominal pain severity (primary outcome) and duration related to the menstrual cycle, digestive health, dietary intake, stress, and digestion-associated quality-of-life. A subgroup of women will provide weekly vaginal swabs and stool samples to examine the effect of the probiotic supplement on microbiota composition and diversity for exploratory purposes. Two-sided tests using a linear model and a type I error rate of α = 0.05 will be employed to test all hypotheses. Continuous variables will be presented as means with standard errors and categorical variables, as counts or proportions. Ethics and dissemination This study was reviewed and approved by the University of Florida Institutional Review Board 01. Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants prior to any study activities. Study findings will be disseminated at scientific conferences and publication in the trial registry or in a peer-reviewed journal. Any protocol amendments will be reported in the final manuscript of this study. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04457401. Registered prospectively on 07 July 2020. The trial was completed in December of 2021. Protocol version V4.0 (11-04-2020) Trial status Currently recruiting. Recruitment began in November 2020 and extend until December 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor C Judkins
- Food Science and Human Nutrition Department, University of Florida, 572 Newell Dr, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA.
| | - Marie-Laure Oula
- Lallemand Health Solutions, 6100 Royalmount avenue, Montreal, QC, H4P 2R2, Canada
| | - Shireen Madani Sims
- Univeristy of Florida College of Medicine, PO Box 100294, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Bobbi Langkamp-Henken
- Food Science and Human Nutrition Department, University of Florida, 572 Newell Dr, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
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11
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Beke M, Burns AM, Weir S, Solch RJ, Judkins TC, Nieves C, Langkamp-Henken B. Validation of a novel quality of life questionnaire: the Digestion-associated Quality of Life Questionnaire (DQLQ). Health Qual Life Outcomes 2022; 20:53. [PMID: 35346230 PMCID: PMC8962596 DOI: 10.1186/s12955-022-01956-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Few health-related quality of life (QOL) questionnaires are designed specifically for healthy populations and are specific to gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms even though healthy individuals may frequently experience gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a tool that could assess the impact of GI symptoms on digestion-associated QOL in otherwise healthy individuals. Methods After a review of current literature and with input from experienced GI researchers, a 24-item questionnaire was created. The questionnaire was reduced to 9 items with input from focus groups comprised of healthy adults experiencing GI-related symptoms and through variability analysis. The Digestion-associated QOL Questionnaire (DQLQ) was designed to be sensitive to the physical and mental well-being changes that may occur due to GI symptoms. The DQLQ was assessed for internal consistency reliability (Cronbach’s alpha; McDonald’s omega), test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient, ICC), and construct validity (Pearson correlations) in a study with healthy, academically stressed, undergraduate students. Convergent validity was evaluated by correlating the DQLQ with gastrointestinal symptom rating scale (GSRS) scores. Divergent validity was assessed by correlating DQLQ scores with stress scores, and bowel satisfaction scores. Results A total of 594 students (age 18–30 years) completed the DQLQ. Internal consistency reliability was favorable (n = 594; α = 0.84, ω = 0.84). A high level of agreement and correlation between DQLQ scores was found with the test–retest reliability analysis (n = 273; ICC = 0.89). The questionnaire was shown to have good convergent validity through correlation with the GSRS (n = 594; r = 0.54). Divergent validity was also shown to be appropriate by correlating DQLQ scores with stress (n = 592; r = 0.13, p < 0.005), and bowel satisfaction (n = 592; r = 0.18, p < 0.001) scores. Conclusion The DQLQ is a reliable and valid questionnaire for assessing digestion-associated QOL in healthy individuals.
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12
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Agavins Impact on Gastrointestinal Tolerability-Related Symptoms during a Five-Week Dose-Escalation Intervention in Lean and Obese Mexican Adults: Exploratory Randomized Clinical Trial. Foods 2022; 11:foods11050670. [PMID: 35267303 PMCID: PMC8909258 DOI: 10.3390/foods11050670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Agavins are prebiotics and functional fiber that modulated the gut microbiota and metabolic status in obese mice. Here, we designed a placebo-controlled, double-blind, exploratory study to assess fluctuations in gastrointestinal (GI) tolerability-related symptoms to increasing doses of agavins in 38 lean and obese Mexican adults for five weeks and their impact on subjective appetite, satiety, metabolic markers, and body composition. All GI symptoms showed higher scores than placebo at almost every dose for both lean and obese groups. Flatulence caused an intense discomfort in the lean-agavins group at 7 g/day, while obese-agavins reported a mild-to-moderate effect for all five symptoms: no significant differences among 7, 10, and 12 g/day for flatulence, bloating, and diarrhea. Ratings for any GI symptom differed between 10 and 12 g/day in neither group. The inter-group comparison demonstrated a steady trend in GI symptoms scores in obese participants not seen for lean volunteers that could improve their adherence to larger trials. Only body weight after 10 g/day reduced from baseline conditions in obese-agavins, with changes in triglycerides and very-low-density lipoproteins compared to placebo at 5 g/day, and in total cholesterol for 10 g/day. Altogether, these results would help design future trials to evaluate agavins impact on obese adults.
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13
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Maeda K, Koide Y, Katsuno H, Hanai T, Masumori K, Matsuoka H, Endo T, Cheong YC. Questionnaire Survey of Bowel Habit in Japanese Medical Personnel. J Anus Rectum Colon 2021; 5:297-305. [PMID: 34395943 PMCID: PMC8321588 DOI: 10.23922/jarc.2021-014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aims to clarify the bowel habit, change of bowel movement throughout the cycle of menstruation, and toilet use in Japanese medical personnel. METHODS A questionnaire survey was completed by Japanese medical personnel after listening to lectures on bowel disorders. Constipation was defined according to Rome III criteria, whereas diarrhea was defined as Bristol stool form scale type 6 and 7. RESULTS In total, 463 persons (mean age, 35.6 years, range 20-91, male/female/no answer: 132/324/7) have completed the questionnaire. Constipation was significantly more often observed in females (male/female: 3%/31%, p > 0.001, Chi-squared test), while diarrhea was noted to be less in females (male/female: 1%/7%). Constipation was observed in 20% of participants in their 20s, and the constipation rate was observed to gradually increase with age. It was observed in 45% of participants in their 70s or older. Bowel movement changed to constipation around menstruation in 18% of females and changed to diarrhea in 43% of females. Constipation often occurred before menstruation and diarrhea during menstruation. Only 2% of participants used a Japanese-style toilet, and 5% of participants claimed that they were unable to pass a stool on a Japanese-style toilet. CONCLUSIONS Constipation was significantly more frequent in females and increased with age among female Japanese medical personnel. Change of bowel movement occurred in 61% of females around menstruation. Five percent of participants were unable to pass stools on a Japanese-style toilet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kotaro Maeda
- International Medical Center Fujita Health University Hospital, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Yoshikazu Koide
- Department of Surgery, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Hidetoshi Katsuno
- Department of Surgery, Fujita Health University Okazaki Medical Center, Okazaki, Japan
| | - Tsunekazu Hanai
- Department of Surgery, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Koji Masumori
- Department of Surgery, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Matsuoka
- Department of Surgery, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Tomoyoshi Endo
- Department of Surgery, Fujita Health University Okazaki Medical Center, Okazaki, Japan
| | - Yeong Cheol Cheong
- Department of Surgery, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Japan
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14
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Castanier C, Bougault V, Teulier C, Jaffré C, Schiano-Lomoriello S, Vibarel-Rebot N, Villemain A, Rieth N, Le-Scanff C, Buisson C, Collomp K. The Specificities of Elite Female Athletes: A Multidisciplinary Approach. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:622. [PMID: 34206866 PMCID: PMC8303304 DOI: 10.3390/life11070622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Female athletes have garnered considerable attention in the last few years as more and more women participate in sports events. However, despite the well-known repercussions of female sex hormones, few studies have investigated the specificities of elite female athletes. In this review, we present the current but still limited data on how normal menstrual phases, altered menstrual phases, and hormonal contraception affect both physical and cognitive performances in these elite athletes. To examine the implicated mechanisms, as well as the potential performances and health risks in this population, we then take a broader multidisciplinary approach and report on the causal/reciprocal relationships between hormonal status and mental and physical health in young (18-40 years) healthy females, both trained and untrained. We thus cover the research on both physiological and psychological variables, as well as on the Athlete Biological Passport used for anti-doping purposes. We consider the fairly frequent discrepancies and summarize the current knowledge in this new field of interest. Last, we conclude with some practical guidelines for eliciting improvements in physical and cognitive performance while minimizing the health risks for female athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carole Castanier
- CIAMS, Université Paris-Saclay, 91405 Orsay, France; (C.C.); (C.T.); (S.S.-L.); (N.V.-R.); (A.V.); (N.R.); (C.L.-S.)
- CIAMS, Université d’Orléans, 45067 Orléans, France
| | | | - Caroline Teulier
- CIAMS, Université Paris-Saclay, 91405 Orsay, France; (C.C.); (C.T.); (S.S.-L.); (N.V.-R.); (A.V.); (N.R.); (C.L.-S.)
- CIAMS, Université d’Orléans, 45067 Orléans, France
| | | | - Sandrine Schiano-Lomoriello
- CIAMS, Université Paris-Saclay, 91405 Orsay, France; (C.C.); (C.T.); (S.S.-L.); (N.V.-R.); (A.V.); (N.R.); (C.L.-S.)
- CIAMS, Université d’Orléans, 45067 Orléans, France
| | - Nancy Vibarel-Rebot
- CIAMS, Université Paris-Saclay, 91405 Orsay, France; (C.C.); (C.T.); (S.S.-L.); (N.V.-R.); (A.V.); (N.R.); (C.L.-S.)
- CIAMS, Université d’Orléans, 45067 Orléans, France
| | - Aude Villemain
- CIAMS, Université Paris-Saclay, 91405 Orsay, France; (C.C.); (C.T.); (S.S.-L.); (N.V.-R.); (A.V.); (N.R.); (C.L.-S.)
- CIAMS, Université d’Orléans, 45067 Orléans, France
| | - Nathalie Rieth
- CIAMS, Université Paris-Saclay, 91405 Orsay, France; (C.C.); (C.T.); (S.S.-L.); (N.V.-R.); (A.V.); (N.R.); (C.L.-S.)
- CIAMS, Université d’Orléans, 45067 Orléans, France
| | - Christine Le-Scanff
- CIAMS, Université Paris-Saclay, 91405 Orsay, France; (C.C.); (C.T.); (S.S.-L.); (N.V.-R.); (A.V.); (N.R.); (C.L.-S.)
- CIAMS, Université d’Orléans, 45067 Orléans, France
| | - Corinne Buisson
- Département des Analyses, AFLD, 92290 Chatenay-Malabry, France;
| | - Katia Collomp
- CIAMS, Université Paris-Saclay, 91405 Orsay, France; (C.C.); (C.T.); (S.S.-L.); (N.V.-R.); (A.V.); (N.R.); (C.L.-S.)
- CIAMS, Université d’Orléans, 45067 Orléans, France
- Département des Analyses, AFLD, 92290 Chatenay-Malabry, France;
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15
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Pugh JN, Lydon K, O'Donovan CM, O'Sullivan O, Madigan SM. More than a gut feeling: What is the role of the gastrointestinal tract in female athlete health? Eur J Sport Sci 2021; 22:755-764. [PMID: 33944684 DOI: 10.1080/17461391.2021.1921853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
As with much of science, the female athlete is under researched, particularly in the area of gastrointestinal (GI) physiology. Gut function is of pivotal importance to athletes in that it supports digestion and absorption of nutrients, as well as providing a barrier between the external environment and the circulation. While sex-derived differences in GI structure and function have been well characterised at rest, there remains a paucity of data examining this during exercise. The wider impact of the GI system has begun to be realised and it is now widely acknowledged to play a role in more systemic bodily systems. In the current review, we discuss localised issues including the GI structure, function, and microbiome of male and females. We also discuss GI-related symptoms experienced by athletes, highlight the differences in incidence between males and females, and discuss contributing factors. We then move beyond the gut to discuss wider biological processes that have been shown to have both sex-related differences and that are impacted by the GI system. Some of these areas include immune function and risk of illness, sleep, hormones, bone health and the gut-brain-axis. The magnitude of such effects and relationships is currently unknown but there is enough mechanistic data for future studies to consider a more central role that the gastrointestinal tract may play in overall female athlete health.Highlights There are both clear similarities and differences in male-female gastrointestinal structure and function.Females typically reported a greater prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms at rest, in particular during menstruation, but not during exercise.The links between female microbiome, oestrogen, and systemic physiological and biological processes are yet to be fully elucidated.Many of the male-female differences seen (e.g. in immune function) may be, at least in part, influenced by such GI related differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie N Pugh
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Katie Lydon
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, UK.,Trinity College Dublin/Health Service Executive Specialist Training Scheme in General Practice, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ciara M O'Donovan
- Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Ireland.,APC Microbiome Ireland, Cork, Ireland
| | - Orla O'Sullivan
- Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Ireland.,APC Microbiome Ireland, Cork, Ireland
| | - Sharon M Madigan
- Sport Ireland Institute, Dublin, Ireland.,Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
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16
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Medema G, Been F, Heijnen L, Petterson S. Implementation of environmental surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 virus to support public health decisions: Opportunities and challenges. CURRENT OPINION IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & HEALTH 2020; 17:49-71. [PMID: 33024908 PMCID: PMC7528975 DOI: 10.1016/j.coesh.2020.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 207] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Analysing wastewater can be used to track infectious disease agents that are shed via stool and urine. Sewage surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 has been suggested as a tool to determine the extent of COVID-19 in cities and serve as an early warning for (re-)emergence of SARS-CoV-2 circulation in communities. The focus of this review is on the strength of evidence, opportunities and challenges for the application of sewage surveillance to inform public health decision making. Considerations for undertaking sampling programs are reviewed including sampling sites, strategies, sample transport, storage and quantification methods; together with the approach and evidence base for quantifying prevalence of infection from measured wastewater concentration. Published SARS-CoV-2 sewage surveillance studies (11 peer reviewed and 10 preprints) were reviewed to demonstrate the current status of implementation to support public health decisions. Although being very promising, a number of areas were identified requiring additional research to further strengthen this approach and take full advantage of its potential. In particular, design of adequate sampling strategies, spatial and temporal resolution of sampling, sample storage, replicate sampling and analysis, controls for the molecular methods used for the quantification of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater. The use of appropriate prevalence data and methods to correlate or even translate SARS-CoV-2 concentrations in wastewater to prevalence of virus shedders in the population is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gertjan Medema
- KWR Water Research Institute, Groningenhaven 7, Nieuwegein, 3433 PE, the Netherlands
- Delft University of Technology, Stevinweg 1, Delft, 2628 CN, the Netherlands
- Michigan State University, 1405 S Harrison Rd, East-Lansing, Michigan, 48823, USA
| | - Frederic Been
- KWR Water Research Institute, Groningenhaven 7, Nieuwegein, 3433 PE, the Netherlands
| | - Leo Heijnen
- KWR Water Research Institute, Groningenhaven 7, Nieuwegein, 3433 PE, the Netherlands
| | - Susan Petterson
- Water & Health Pty Ltd, North Sydney, 2060, Australia
- School of Medicine, Griffith University, Parklands Drive, Gold Coast, Australia
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