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Journal of Indian Prosthodontic Society 2021This systematic review aims to identify and interpret results of studies that evaluated the changes in the color stability of maxillofacial prosthetic materials due to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
AIM
This systematic review aims to identify and interpret results of studies that evaluated the changes in the color stability of maxillofacial prosthetic materials due to chemical instability of silicones and pigments and the effect of exposure to environmental conditions and aging factors on the same.
SETTINGS AND DESIGN
This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines (PRISMA).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Relevant articles written in English only, before November 15, 2019, were identified using an electronic search in the PubMed/Medline conducted to identify pertinent articles. The relevancy of the articles was verified by screening the title, abstract, and full text, if they met the inclusion criteria. A total of 42 articles satisfied the criteria, from which data were extracted for qualitative synthesis. This review protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO registration number CRD42019124562).
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED
Since considerable data heterogenicity was present in all studies except the ones on incorporation of TiO2 for which meta-analysis using random effects model was performed.
RESULTS
The database search resulted in 234 studies, of which 202 articles were excluded due to lack of relevance, duplication, and unavailability of data. The remaining 32 fulltext articles were assessed for eligibility, out of which 2 articles were excluded. Twelve articles were yielded by manual search. A total of 42 studies were included in the present systematic review. Due to heterogeneous data, meta-analysis could be only carried out with the effect of TiO nano particle on color stability.
CONCLUSIONS
Although there has been extensive amount of research in this field, an ideal maxillofacial silicone exhibiting good color stability in various human and environmental aging conditions is yet to be identified. Human and environmental aging conditions have an adverse effect on the color stability and addition of TiO nano particle seems to improve the same.
Topics: Humans; Silicone Elastomers
PubMed: 33938863
DOI: 10.4103/jips.jips_253_19 -
Journal of Infection and Public Health Sep 2021To systematically investigate the relationship between cardiac biomarkers and COVID-19 severity and mortality. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To systematically investigate the relationship between cardiac biomarkers and COVID-19 severity and mortality.
METHODS
We performed a literature search using PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were applied to estimate the combined results of 67 studies. A meta-analysis of cardiac biomarkers was used to evaluate disease mortality and severity in COVID-19 patients.
RESULTS
A meta-analysis of 7812 patients revealed that patients with high levels of cardiac troponin I (SMD = 0.81 U/L, 95% CI = 0.14-1.48, P = 0.017), cardiac troponin T (SMD = 0.78 U/L, 95% CI = 0.07-1.49, P = 0.032), high-sensitive cardiac troponin I (SMD = 0.66 pg/mL, 95% CI = 0.51-0.81, P < 0.001), high-sensitive cardiac troponin T (SMD = 0.93 U/L, 95% CI = 0.21-1.65, P = 0.012), creatine kinase-MB (SMD = 0.54 U/L, 95% CI = 0.39-0.69, P < 0.001), and myoglobin (SMD = 0.80 U/L, 95% CI = 0.57-1.03, P < 0.001) were associated with prominent disease severity in COVID-19 infection. Moreover, 9532 patients with a higher serum level of cardiac troponin I (SMD = 0.51 U/L, 95% CI = 0.37-0.64, P < 0.001), high-sensitive cardiac troponin (SMD = 0.51 ng/L, 95% CI = 0.29-0.73, P < 0.001), high-sensitive cardiac troponin I (SMD = 0.51 pg/mL, 95% CI = 0.38-0.63, P < 0.001), high-sensitive cardiac troponin T (SMD = 0.85 U/L, 95% CI = 0.63-1.07, P < 0.001), creatine kinase-MB (SMD = 0.48 U/L, 95% CI = 0.32-0.65, P < 0.001), and myoglobin (SMD = 0.55 U/L, 95% CI = 0.45-0.65, P < 0.001) exhibited a prominent level of mortality from COVID-19 infection.
CONCLUSION
Cardiac biomarkers (cardiac troponin I, cardiac troponin T, high-sensitive cardiac troponin, high-sensitive cardiac troponin I, high-sensitive cardiac troponin T, creatine kinase-MB, and myoglobin) should be more frequently applied in identifying high-risk COVID-19 patients so that timely treatment can be implemented to reduce severity and mortality in COVID-19 patients.
Topics: Biomarkers; COVID-19; Creatine Kinase, MB Form; Humans; Myoglobin; Severity of Illness Index; Troponin I; Troponin T
PubMed: 34416596
DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2021.07.016 -
International Ophthalmology Apr 2018Proliferative vitreoretinopathy in the inferior retina remains clinically challenging. Heavier-than-water intraocular tamponades have been developed to improve inferior... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Proliferative vitreoretinopathy in the inferior retina remains clinically challenging. Heavier-than-water intraocular tamponades have been developed to improve inferior tamponading properties, and their chemical compositions have been substantially improved over the years, in parallel with developments in vitrectomy instrumentation and surgical techniques. Herein we present an updated review of the clinical use of standard formulations and HSO, focusing on analysis of the intraocular inflammation associated with endotamponade agents, and comparison of the adverse effects of these agents on the physical and biological properties of the eye.
METHODS
A detailed literature search was conducted on PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar using the key words. Fifty-eight articles matched our inclusion criteria that were included in this systematic review.
RESULTS
Perfluorocarbon liquids and partially fluorinated alkanes are associated with tamponade emulsification, intraocular inflammation, and rises in intraocular pressure, but these associations are not as strong when these substances are mixed with a heavy silicone oil (HSO). Two recently approved heavy silicone oil tamponades, Oxane HD and Densiron 68, are now available for use in clinical practice. While the complication spectrum of the new generation of these HSOs seems to be similar to that of conventional silicone oil tamponades, they provide better support for the inferior retina and the posterior pole.
CONCLUSION
Both regular and heavy silicone oils usually yield good success rates in cases of complicated retinal detachment. Decisions as to whether to utilize heavy or regular silicone oil should be made on a case-by-case basis.
Topics: Endotamponade; Humans; Papilledema; Retinal Detachment; Silicone Oils; Vitrectomy
PubMed: 28289950
DOI: 10.1007/s10792-017-0489-3 -
Clinical Oral Implants Research Sep 2023To compare and report on the performance of implant-supported fixed dental prostheses (iFDPs) fabricated using additive (AM) or subtractive (SM) manufacturing. (Review)
Review
AIM
To compare and report on the performance of implant-supported fixed dental prostheses (iFDPs) fabricated using additive (AM) or subtractive (SM) manufacturing.
METHODS
An electronic search was conducted (Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central, Epistemonikos, clinical trials registries) with a focused PICO question: In partially edentulous patients with missing single (or multiple) teeth undergoing dental implant therapy (P), do AM iFDPs (I) compared to SM iFDPs (C) result in improved clinical performance (O)? Included were studies comparing AM to SM iFDPs (randomized clinical trials, prospective/retrospective clinical studies, case series, in vitro studies).
RESULTS
Of 2'184 citations, no clinical study met the inclusion criteria, whereas six in vitro studies proved to be eligible. Due to the lack of clinical studies and considerable heterogeneity across the studies, no meta-analysis could be performed. AM iFDPs were made of zirconia and polymers. For SM iFDPs, zirconia, lithium disilicate, resin-modified ceramics and different types of polymer-based materials were used. Performance was evaluated by assessing marginal and internal discrepancies and mechanical properties (fracture loads, bending moments). Three of the included studies examined the marginal and internal discrepancies of interim or definitive iFDPs, while four examined mechanical properties. Based on marginal and internal discrepancies as well as the mechanical properties of AM and SM iFDPs, the studies revealed inconclusive results.
CONCLUSION
Despite the development of AM and the comprehensive search, there is very limited data available on the performance of AM iFDPs and their comparison to SM techniques. Therefore, the clinical performance of iFDPs by AM remains to be elucidated.
Topics: Humans; Prospective Studies; Retrospective Studies; Dental Implants; Ceramics; Polymers
PubMed: 37750533
DOI: 10.1111/clr.14085 -
Current Environmental Health Reports Jun 2023Despite increasing awareness of the ubiquity of microplastics (MPs) in our environments, little is known about their risk of developmental toxicity. Even less is known... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
Despite increasing awareness of the ubiquity of microplastics (MPs) in our environments, little is known about their risk of developmental toxicity. Even less is known about the environmental distribution and associated toxicity of nanoplastics (NPs). Here, we review the current literature on the capacity for MPs and NPs to be transported across the placental barrier and the potential to exert toxicity on the developing fetus.
RECENT FINDINGS
This review includes 11 research articles covering in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo models, and observational studies. The current literature confirms the placental translocation of MPs and NPs, depending on physicochemical properties such as size, charge, and chemical modification as well as protein corona formation. Specific transport mechanisms for translocation remain unclear. There is emerging evidence of placental and fetal toxicity due to plastic particles based on animal and in vitro studies. Nine out of eleven studies examined in this review found that plastic particles were capable of placental translocation. In the future, more studies are needed to confirm and quantify the existence of MPs and NPs in human placentas. Additionally, translocation of different plastic particle types and heterogenous mixtures across the placenta, exposure at different periods of gestation, and associations with adverse birth and other developmental outcomes should also be investigated.
Topics: Animals; Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Placenta; Plastics; Microplastics; Water Pollutants, Chemical
PubMed: 36848019
DOI: 10.1007/s40572-023-00391-x -
Biomolecules Aug 2023Following previously published systematic reviews on the diagnostic use of nanoparticles (NPs), in this manuscript, we report published methods for radiolabeling... (Review)
Review
Following previously published systematic reviews on the diagnostic use of nanoparticles (NPs), in this manuscript, we report published methods for radiolabeling nanoparticles with therapeutic alpha-emitting, beta-emitting, or Auger's electron-emitting isotopes. After analyzing 234 papers, we found that different methods were used with the same isotope and the same type of nanoparticle. The most common type of nanoparticles used are the PLGA and PAMAM nanoparticles, and the most commonly used therapeutic isotope is Lu. Regarding labeling methods, the direct encapsulation of the isotope resulted in the most reliable and reproducible technique. Radiolabeled nanoparticles show promising results in metastatic breast and lung cancer, although this field of research needs more clinical studies, mainly on the comparison of nanoparticles with chemotherapy.
Topics: Dendrimers; Isotope Labeling; Nanomedicine; Nanoparticles; Radioisotopes
PubMed: 37627307
DOI: 10.3390/biom13081241 -
British Dental Journal Jan 2018Objectives The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate fissure sealant retention in clinical studies in which investigators used flowable... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Objectives The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate fissure sealant retention in clinical studies in which investigators used flowable composites as pit and fissure sealants compared with conventional resin-based pit and fissure sealants.Data sources and data selection The authors conducted a literature search (all articles published until April 13, 2017) to identify studies for inclusion in this systematic review. They assessed the quality of the evidence provided by using the modified Jadad scale and performed meta-analyses by using a random-effects model.Data extraction and data synthesis The authors found 11 studies that met the inclusion criteria for the systematic review and nine studies that could be used for the meta-analysis. Of the 11 studies identified in the systematic review, four scored as having a low risk of bias, and seven scored as having a medium risk of bias. Our meta-analysis showed a significant positive effect of using flowable composites as a fissure sealant material (odds ratio, 2.387 [95% CI, 1.047, 5.444; P = 0.039]).Conclusion It seems that the use of flowable composite as a fissure sealing material can slightly increase the retention rate of sealants compared with conventional resin-based sealants.
Topics: Composite Resins; Dental Caries; Pit and Fissure Sealants
PubMed: 29372708
DOI: 10.1038/sj.bdj.2018.40 -
Plant Physiology and Biochemistry : PPB Nov 2023Microplastics (MPx) and nanoplastics (NPx) are increasingly accumulating in terrestrial ecosystems, heightening concerns about their potential adverse effects on human... (Review)
Review
Microplastics (MPx) and nanoplastics (NPx) are increasingly accumulating in terrestrial ecosystems, heightening concerns about their potential adverse effects on human health via the food chain. Techniques aimed at recovering the most challenging colloidal fractions of MPx and NPx, especially for analytical purposes, are limited. This systematic review emphasises the absence of a universal, efficient, and cost-effective analytical method as the primary hindrance to studying MPx and NPx in soil and plant samples. The study reveals that several methods, including density separation, organic matter removal, and filtration, are utilized to detect MPx or NPx in soil through vibrational spectroscopy and visual identification. Instruments such as Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (Py-GCMS), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy, and fluorescence microscopy are employed to identify MPx and NPx in plant tissue. In extraction procedures, organic solvents and sonication are used to isolate NPx from plant tissues, while Pyrolysis GC-MS quantifies the plastics. SEM and TEM serve to observe and characterize NPx within plant tissues. Additionally, FTIR and fluorescence microscopy are utilized to identify polymers of MPx and NPx based on their spectral characteristics and fluorescence signals. The findings from this review clarify the identification and quantification methods for MPx and NPx in soil and plant systems and provide a comprehensive methodology for assessing MPx/NPx in the environment.
Topics: Humans; Microplastics; Plastics; Soil; Ecosystem; Polymers; Water Pollutants, Chemical
PubMed: 37918078
DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2023.108132 -
Environmental Pollution (Barking, Essex... Dec 2022The dispersion of microplastics (MPs) in coastal and marine environments and their potential harmful effects on organisms and ecosystems makes MPs pollution an emerging... (Review)
Review
The dispersion of microplastics (MPs) in coastal and marine environments and their potential harmful effects on organisms and ecosystems makes MPs pollution an emerging problem that has gained increasing attention from the scientific community. Despite the recent increase in the number of studies on MPs presence in different marine environments, investigations in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) are still relatively limited. This review presents the spatial distribution (where) and the methods applied (how) in assessing MPs contamination on LAC sandy beaches, identifying the challenges to be faced in advancing the understanding of this emerging contaminant. Most of the 39 papers reviewed were published between 2020 and 2021 (51%) and conducted on Brazilian beaches (43%). The LAC investigations apply spot sampling (69%) on shoreline stretches between 10 and 1000 km (59%). These works used inconsistent sampling methods, incomparable techniques for MPs extraction from sediments, and different measurement units to report their data. The MPs presence on LAC beaches is not negligible, as it varies significantly in its distribution and concentration (0-2457 MP/dw kg and 0-5458 MP/m). Its highest accumulation is on ocean island beaches; however, there are still large stretches of coastline (Cuba, Venezuela, Argentina) with no data on MPs presence and a small number of studies exploring these contaminants' temporal variability. The lack of standardization in the studies' methodologies, particularly their measurement units, hinders their quantitative comparison and our ability to establish baseline values regarding MPs abundance on LAC beaches. In this sense, future works should direct efforts towards the spatial and temporal expansion of their sampling, as well as protocol standardization to facilitate result comparability on MPs on LAC sandy beaches.
Topics: Microplastics; Plastics; Ecosystem; Latin America; Environmental Monitoring; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Caribbean Region; Geologic Sediments
PubMed: 36152712
DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120231 -
International Journal of Biological... Apr 2023Levan is a homopolysaccharide of fructose that has both scientific and industrial importance, with various applications in health, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food... (Review)
Review
Levan is a homopolysaccharide of fructose that has both scientific and industrial importance, with various applications in health, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food industries. Despite its broad spectrum of uses, there are only a limited number of commercial levan sources due to the high costs related to its production. To make production economically viable, efforts have been concentrated on the selection of levan-producing microorganisms, the genetic manipulation of new strains, and the use of inexpensive agro-industrial byproducts as substrates. Another efficient strategy involves the concomitant synthesis of other products with high market value and as such, the successful co-production of levan was demonstrated with fructooligosaccharides, ethanol, sorbitol, poly-ε-lysine, poly-γ-glutamic acid and polyhydroxyalkanoates. This paper offers a systematic review of important aspects regarding recent strategies involving the simultaneous synthesis of levan and other bioproducts of aggregate value reported to date and discusses the challenges and opportunities for its large-scale production and applications.
Topics: Polyhydroxyalkanoates; Ethanol; Fructose; Fructans; Food Industry
PubMed: 36828085
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.123800