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Environmental Pollution (Barking, Essex... Sep 2023Phthalates are chemicals widely used in plastic-based consumer products, and human exposure is universal. They are classified as endocrine disruptors, and specific... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Phthalates are chemicals widely used in plastic-based consumer products, and human exposure is universal. They are classified as endocrine disruptors, and specific phthalate metabolites have been associated with an increased risk of cardiometabolic diseases. The aim of this study was to assess the association between phthalate exposure and the metabolic syndrome in the general population. A comprehensive literature search was performed in four databases (Web of Science, Medline, PubMed, and Scopus). We included all the observational studies that evaluate the association between phthalate metabolites and the metabolic syndrome available until January 31st, 2023. Pooled Odds Ratios (OR) and their 95% confidence intervals were calculated by using the inverse-variance weighted method. Nine cross-sectional studies and 25,365 participants aged from 12 to 80 were included. Comparing extreme categories of phthalate exposure, the pooled ORs for the metabolic syndrome were: 1.08 (95% CI, 1.02-1.16, I = 28%) for low molecular weight phthalates, and 1.11 (95% CI, 1.07-1.16, I = 7%) for high molecular weight phthalates. For individual phthalate metabolites, the pooled ORs that achieved statistical significance were: 1.13 (95% CI, 1.00-1.27, I = 24%) for MiBP; 1.89 (95% CI, 1.17-3.07, I = 15%) for MMP in men; 1.12 (95% CI, 1.00-1.25, I = 22%) for MCOP; 1.09 (95% CI, 0.99-1.20, I = 0%) for MCPP; 1.16 (95% CI, 1.05-1.28, I = 6%) for MBzP; and 1.16 (95% CI, 1.09-1.24, I = 14%) for DEHP (including ΣDEHP and its metabolites). In conclusion, both low molecular weight and high molecular weight phthalates were associated with an 8 and 11% higher prevalence of the MetS, respectively. The exposure to six specific phthalate metabolites was associated with a higher prevalence of the MetS.
Topics: Male; Humans; Metabolic Syndrome; Environmental Pollutants; Cross-Sectional Studies; Phthalic Acids; Plastics; Environmental Exposure
PubMed: 37328121
DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121957 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jun 2020Hyperkalaemia is a common electrolyte abnormality caused by reduced renal potassium excretion in patients with chronic kidney diseases (CKD). Potassium binders, such as... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Hyperkalaemia is a common electrolyte abnormality caused by reduced renal potassium excretion in patients with chronic kidney diseases (CKD). Potassium binders, such as sodium polystyrene sulfonate and calcium polystyrene sulfonate, are widely used but may lead to constipation and other adverse gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, reducing their tolerability. Patiromer and sodium zirconium cyclosilicate are newer ion exchange resins for treatment of hyperkalaemia which may cause fewer GI side-effects. Although more recent studies are focusing on clinically-relevant endpoints such as cardiac complications or death, the evidence on safety is still limited. Given the recent expansion in the available treatment options, it is appropriate to review the evidence of effectiveness and tolerability of all potassium exchange resins among people with CKD, with the aim to provide guidance to consumers, practitioners, and policy-makers.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the benefits and harms of potassium binders for treating chronic hyperkalaemia among adults and children with CKD.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Kidney and Transplant Register of Studies up to 10 March 2020 through contact with the Information Specialist using search terms relevant to this review. Studies in the Register are identified through searches of CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and EMBASE, conference proceedings, the International Clinical Trials Register (ICTRP) Search Portal and ClinicalTrials.gov.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-randomised controlled studies (quasi-RCTs) evaluating potassium binders for chronic hyperkalaemia administered in adults and children with CKD.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two authors independently assessed risks of bias and extracted data. Treatment estimates were summarised by random effects meta-analysis and expressed as relative risk (RR) or mean difference (MD), with 95% confidence interval (CI). Evidence certainty was assessed using GRADE processes.
MAIN RESULTS
Fifteen studies, randomising 1849 adult participants were eligible for inclusion. Twelve studies involved participants with CKD (stages 1 to 5) not requiring dialysis and three studies were among participants treated with haemodialysis. Potassium binders included calcium polystyrene sulfonate, sodium polystyrene sulfonate, patiromer, and sodium zirconium cyclosilicate. A range of routes, doses, and timing of drug administration were used. Study duration varied from 12 hours to 52 weeks (median 4 weeks). Three were cross-over studies. The mean study age ranged from 53.1 years to 73 years. No studies evaluated treatment in children. Some studies had methodological domains that were at high or unclear risks of bias, leading to low certainty in the results. Studies were not designed to measure treatment effects on cardiac arrhythmias or major GI symptoms. Ten studies (1367 randomised participants) compared a potassium binder to placebo. The certainty of the evidence was low for all outcomes. We categorised treatments in newer agents (patiromer or sodium zirconium cyclosilicate) and older agents (calcium polystyrene sulfonate and sodium polystyrene sulfonate). Patiromer or sodium zirconium cyclosilicate may make little or no difference to death (any cause) (4 studies, 688 participants: RR 0.69, 95% CI 0.11, 4.32; I = 0%; low certainty evidence) in CKD. The treatment effect of older potassium binders on death (any cause) was unknown. One cardiovascular death was reported with potassium binder in one study, showing that there was no difference between patiromer or sodium zirconium cyclosilicate and placebo for cardiovascular death in CKD and HD. There was no evidence of a difference between patiromer or sodium zirconium cyclosilicate and placebo for health-related quality of life (HRQoL) at the end of treatment (one study) in CKD or HD. Potassium binders had uncertain effects on nausea (3 studies, 229 participants: RR 2.10, 95% CI 0.65, 6.78; I = 0%; low certainty evidence), diarrhoea (5 studies, 720 participants: RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.47, 1.48; I = 0%; low certainty evidence), and vomiting (2 studies, 122 participants: RR 1.72, 95% CI 0.35 to 8.51; I = 0%; low certainty evidence) in CKD. Potassium binders may lower serum potassium levels (at the end of treatment) (3 studies, 277 participants: MD -0.62 mEq/L, 95% CI -0.97, -0.27; I = 92%; low certainty evidence) in CKD and HD. Potassium binders had uncertain effects on constipation (4 studies, 425 participants: RR 1.58, 95% CI 0.71, 3.52; I = 0%; low certainty evidence) in CKD. Potassium binders may decrease systolic blood pressure (BP) (2 studies, 369 participants: MD -3.73 mmHg, 95%CI -6.64 to -0.83; I = 79%; low certainty evidence) and diastolic BP (one study) at the end of the treatment. No study reported outcome data for cardiac arrhythmias or major GI events. Calcium polystyrene sulfonate may make little or no difference to serum potassium levels at end of treatment, compared to sodium polystyrene sulfonate (2 studies, 117 participants: MD 0.38 mEq/L, 95% CI -0.03 to 0.79; I = 42%, low certainty evidence). There was no evidence of a difference in systolic BP (one study), diastolic BP (one study), or constipation (one study) between calcium polystyrene sulfonate and sodium polystyrene sulfonate. There was no difference between high-dose and low-dose patiromer for death (sudden death) (one study), stroke (one study), myocardial infarction (one study), or constipation (one study). The comparative effects whether potassium binders were administered with or without food, laxatives, or sorbitol, were very uncertain with insufficient data to perform meta-analysis.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Evidence supporting clinical decision-making for different potassium binders to treat chronic hyperkalaemia in adults with CKD is of low certainty; no studies were identified in children. Available studies have not been designed to measure treatment effects on clinical outcomes such as cardiac arrhythmias or major GI symptoms. This review suggests the need for a large, adequately powered study of potassium binders versus placebo that assesses clinical outcomes of relevance to patients, clinicians and policy-makers. This data could be used to assess cost-effectiveness, given the lack of definitive studies and the clinical importance of potassium binders for chronic hyperkalaemia in people with CKD.
Topics: Aged; Cause of Death; Chelating Agents; Chelation Therapy; Chronic Disease; Humans; Hyperkalemia; Middle Aged; Polymers; Polystyrenes; Potassium; Quality of Life; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Silicates
PubMed: 32588430
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD013165.pub2 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Apr 2018Bonding of orthodontic brackets to teeth is important to enable effective and efficient treatment with fixed appliances. The problem is bracket failure during treatment... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Bonding of orthodontic brackets to teeth is important to enable effective and efficient treatment with fixed appliances. The problem is bracket failure during treatment which increases operator chairside time and lengthens treatment time. A prolonged treatment is likely to increase the oral health risks of orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances one of which is irreversible enamel decalcification. This is an update of the Cochrane Review first published in 2003. A new full search was conducted on 26 September 2017 but no new studies were identified. We have only updated the search methods section in this new version. The conclusions of this Cochrane Review remain the same.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the effects of different orthodontic adhesives for bonding.
SEARCH METHODS
Cochrane Oral Health's Information Specialist searched the following databases: Cochrane Oral Health's Trials Register (to 26 September 2017), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2017, Issue 8) in the Cochrane Library (searched 26 September 2017), MEDLINE Ovid (1946 to 26 September 2017), and Embase Ovid (1980 to 26 September 2017). The US National Institutes of Health Ongoing Trials Register (ClinicalTrials.gov) and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform were searched for ongoing trials. No restrictions were placed on the language or date of publication when searching the electronic databases.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Trials were selected if they met the following criteria: randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and controlled clinical trials (CCTs) comparing two different adhesive groups. Participants were patients with fixed orthodontic appliances. The interventions were adhesives that bonded stainless steel brackets to all teeth except the molars. The primary outcome was debond or bracket failure.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Data were recorded on decalcification as a secondary outcome, if present. Information regarding methods, participants, interventions, outcome measures and results were extracted in duplicate by pairs of review authors. Since the data were not presented in a form that was amenable to meta-analysis, the results of the review are presented in narrative form only.
MAIN RESULTS
Three trials satisfied the inclusion criteria. A chemical cured composite was compared with a light cured composite (one trial), a conventional glass ionomer cement (one trial) and a polyacid-modified resin composite (compomer) (one trial). The quality of the trial reports was generally poor.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
There is no clear evidence on which to make a clinical decision of the type of orthodontic adhesive to use.
Topics: Compomers; Decalcification, Pathologic; Dental Bonding; Dental Cements; Glass Ionomer Cements; Humans; Orthodontic Brackets; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 29630138
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD002282.pub2 -
Pain Physician May 2023Percutaneous balloon kyphoplasty (PKP) is widely used to treat osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs). In addition to rapid and effective pain relief, the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Percutaneous balloon kyphoplasty (PKP) is widely used to treat osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs). In addition to rapid and effective pain relief, the ability to recover the lost height of fractured vertebral bodies and reduce the risk for complications are believed to be the main advantages of this procedure. However, there is no consensus on the appropriate surgical timing for PKP.
OBJECTIVES
This study systematically evaluated the relationship between the surgical timing of PKP and clinical outcomes to provide more evidence for clinicians to choose the intervention timing.
STUDY DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis.
METHODS
The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were systematically searched for relevant randomized controlled trials and prospective, and retrospective cohort trials published up to November 13, 2022. All included studies explored the influence of PKP intervention timing for OVCFs. Data regarding clinical and radiographic outcomes and complications were extracted and analyzed.
RESULTS
Thirteen studies involving 930 patients with symptomatic OVCFs were included. Most patients with symptomatic OVCFs achieved rapid and effective pain relief after PKP. In comparison to delayed PKP intervention, early PKP intervention was associated with similar or better outcomes in terms of pain relief, improvement of function, restoration of vertebral height, and correction of kyphosis deformity. The meta-analysis results showed there was no significant difference in cement leakage rate between early PKP and late PKP (odds ratio [OR] = 1.60, 95% CI, 0.97-2.64, P = 0.07), whereas delayed PKP had a higher risk for adjacent vertebral fractures (AVFs) than early PKP (OR = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.13-0.76, P = 0.01).
LIMITATIONS
The number of included studies was small, and the overall quality of the evidence was very low.
CONCLUSIONS
PKP is an effective treatment for symptomatic OVCFs. Early PKP may achieve similar or better clinical and radiographic outcomes for treating OVCFs than delayed PKP. Furthermore, early PKP intervention had a lower incidence of AVFs and a similar rate of cement leakage compared with delayed PKP. Based on current evidence, early PKP intervention might be more beneficial to patients.
Topics: Humans; Kyphoplasty; Fractures, Compression; Spinal Fractures; Retrospective Studies; Prospective Studies; Osteoporotic Fractures; Treatment Outcome; Bone Cements; Pain
PubMed: 37192225
DOI: No ID Found -
Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North... Aug 2015Systematic reviews and meta-analyses hold a unique position in the pyramid of evidence. They can provide transparent and rigorous summaries to answer many clinical... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses hold a unique position in the pyramid of evidence. They can provide transparent and rigorous summaries to answer many clinical questions in facial plastic surgery. They can also identify areas of research deficiency, create new knowledge, and support guidelines or policies. A well-conducted systematic review follows a structured process to minimize bias and ensure reproducibility. When appropriate, a meta-analysis is incorporated to provide a statistical synthesis that combines the results of individual studies. This powerful quantitative method is becoming more prevalent in facial plastic surgery. This article provides a practical framework to understand and conduct this valuable type of research.
Topics: Face; Humans; Plastic Surgery Procedures; Surgery, Plastic
PubMed: 26208766
DOI: 10.1016/j.fsc.2015.04.001 -
Frontiers in Neuroscience 2022It is well known that the intestinal bacteria substantially affect physiological processes in many body organs. Especially, through a bidirectional communication called...
INTRODUCTION
It is well known that the intestinal bacteria substantially affect physiological processes in many body organs. Especially, through a bidirectional communication called as gut-microbiota-brain axis, the gut microbiota deeply influences development and function of the nervous system. Hippocampus, as a part of medial temporal lobe, is known to be involved in cognition, emotion, and anxiety. Growing evidence indicates that the hippocampus is a target of the gut microbiota. We used a broad search linking the hippocampus with the gut microbiota and probiotics.
METHODS
All experimental studies and clinical trials published until end of 2021 were reviewed. Influence of the gut microbiota on the behavioral, electrophysiological, biochemical and histological aspects of the hippocampus were evaluated in this review.
RESULTS
The effect of disrupted gut microbiota and probiotic supplements on the microbiota-hippocampus link is also considered. Studies show that a healthy gut microbiota is necessary for normal hippocampus dependent learning and memory and synaptic plasticity. The known current mechanisms are production and modulation of neurotrophins, neurotransmitters and receptors, regulation of intracellular molecular processes, normalizing the inflammatory/anti-inflammatory and oxidative/antioxidant factors, and histological stability of the hippocampus. Activity of the hippocampal neuronal circuits as well as behavioral functions of the hippocampus positively respond to different mixtures of probiotic bacteria.
DISCUSSION
Growing evidence from animal researches indicate a close association between the hippocampus with the gut microbiota and probiotic bacteria as well. However, human studies and clinical trials verifying such a link are scant. Since the most of papers on this topic have been published over the past 3 years, intensive future research awaits.
PubMed: 36620458
DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.1065995 -
The Journal of Hospital Infection Sep 2023This systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) comprehensively compared the effectiveness of different mouth rinses in reducing the viral load/infectivity of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
This systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) comprehensively compared the effectiveness of different mouth rinses in reducing the viral load/infectivity of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) (Part I), alleviating clinical symptoms or severity of disease (Part II), and decreasing the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection (Part III).
METHODS
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomized controlled trials (NRCTs) with restrictions were searched up to 3 March 2023. Twenty-three studies (22 RCTs and one NRCT) met the inclusion criteria for this systematic review.
RESULTS
Five RCTs (454 patients and nine interventions) in Part I were eligible for NMA. The NMA results showed that, in comparison with no rinse, sodium chloride (NaCl) was the most effective mouth rinse for reducing the viral load, followed by povidone-iodine (PVP-I), ß-cyclodextrin + citrox (CDCM), hydrogen peroxide (HP), chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX), cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), placebo and hypochlorous acid (HClO). However, these results were not significant. Based on surface under the cumulative ranking curve scores, PVP-I was likely to be the most efficacious mouth rinse for reducing SARS-CoV-2 viral load, followed by CDCM, HP, NaCl, CHX, CPC, placebo, no rinse and HClO.
CONCLUSION
Due to heterogeneity of the primary studies, the effectiveness of different mouth rinses to reduce viral infectivity, improve clinical symptoms or prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection remains inconclusive.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Mouthwashes; Povidone-Iodine; SARS-CoV-2; Sodium Chloride; Network Meta-Analysis; Hydrogen Peroxide; Mouth
PubMed: 37419189
DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2023.06.022 -
Brain, Behavior, and Immunity Nov 2023The aetiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is complex and, partly, accounted by genetic factors. Nonetheless, the genetic underpinnings of ASD are poorly defined.... (Review)
Review
The aetiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is complex and, partly, accounted by genetic factors. Nonetheless, the genetic underpinnings of ASD are poorly defined. The presence of immune dysregulations in autistic individuals, and their families, supports a role of the immune system and its genetic regulators. Albeit immune responses belong either to the innate or adaptive arms, the overall immune system genetics is broad, and encompasses a multitude of functionally heterogenous pathways which may have different influences on ASD. Hence, to gain insights on the immunogenetic underpinnings of ASD, we conducted a systematic literature review of previous immune genetic and transcription studies in ASD. We defined a list of immune genes relevant to ASD and explored their neuro-immune function. Our review confirms the presence of immunogenetic variability in ASD, accounted by inherited variations of innate and adaptive immune system genes and genetic expression changes in the blood and post-mortem brain of autistic individuals. Besides their immune function, the identified genes control neurodevelopment processes (neuronal and synaptic plasticity) and are highly expressed in pre/peri-natal periods. Hence, our synthesis bolsters the hypothesis that perturbation in immune genes may contribute to ASD by derailing the typical trajectory of neurodevelopment. Our review also helped identifying some of the limitations of prior immunogenetic research in ASD. Thus, alongside clarifying the neurodevelopment role of immune genes, we outline key considerations for future work into the aetiology of ASD and possible novel intervention targets.
PubMed: 37717669
DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.09.010 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Oct 2016Orthodontic treatment involves using fixed or removable appliances (dental braces) to correct the positions of teeth. It has been shown that the quality of treatment... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Orthodontic treatment involves using fixed or removable appliances (dental braces) to correct the positions of teeth. It has been shown that the quality of treatment result obtained with fixed appliances is much better than with removable appliances. Fixed appliances are, therefore, favoured by most orthodontists for treatment. The success of a fixed orthodontic appliance depends on the metal attachments (brackets and bands) being attached securely to the teeth so that they do not become loose during treatment. Brackets are usually attached to the front and side teeth, whereas bands (metal rings that go round the teeth) are more commonly used on the back teeth (molars). A number of adhesives are available to attach bands to teeth and it is important to understand which group of adhesives bond most reliably, as well as reducing or preventing dental decay during the treatment period.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the effectiveness of the adhesives used to attach bands to teeth during fixed appliance treatment, in terms of:(1) how often the bands come off during treatment; and(2) whether they protect the banded teeth against decay during fixed appliance treatment.
SEARCH METHODS
The following electronic databases were searched: Cochrane Oral Health's Trials Register (searched 2 June 2016), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2016, Issue 5) in the Cochrane Library (searched 2 June 2016), MEDLINE Ovid (1946 to 2 June 2016) and EMBASE Ovid (1980 to 2 June 2016). We searched ClinicalTrials.gov and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform for ongoing trials. No restrictions were placed on the language or date of publication when searching the electronic databases.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised and controlled clinical trials (RCTs and CCTs) (including split-mouth studies) of adhesives used to attach orthodontic bands to molar teeth were selected. Patients with full arch fixed orthodontic appliance(s) who had bands attached to molars were included.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
All review authors were involved in study selection, validity assessment and data extraction without blinding to the authors, adhesives used or results obtained. All disagreements were resolved by discussion.
MAIN RESULTS
Five RCTs and three CCTs were identified as meeting the review's inclusion criteria. All the included trials were of split-mouth design. Four trials compared chemically cured zinc phosphate and chemically cured glass ionomer; three trials compared chemically cured glass ionomer cement with light cured compomer; one trial compared chemically cured glass ionomer with a chemically cured glass phosphonate. Data analysis was often inappropriate within the studies meeting the inclusion criteria.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
There is insufficient high quality evidence with regard to the most effective adhesive for attaching orthodontic bands to molar teeth. Further RCTs are required.
Topics: Adhesives; Adolescent; Clinical Trials as Topic; Dental Bonding; Dental Caries; Dental Cements; Female; Glass Ionomer Cements; Humans; Male; Molar; Orthodontic Brackets; Orthodontics; Resin Cements; Young Adult; Zinc Phosphate Cement
PubMed: 27779317
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD004485.pub4 -
Ear, Nose, & Throat Journal Jul 2018Our objectives were to review all reported cases of late flap failure in head and neck surgery and describe any relevant patterns. We conducted a systematic review of... (Review)
Review
Our objectives were to review all reported cases of late flap failure in head and neck surgery and describe any relevant patterns. We conducted a systematic review of all published cases of free flap failure after postoperative day 7 in head and neck surgery from January 1990 to January 2018. Data were collected with respect to flap type, site of reconstruction, reason for failure, and time to failure. A total of 45 cases of late free flap failure in the head and neck were identified. Among the 34 cases in which the necessary data were available for analysis, 50% of late failures occurred between postoperative day 7 and 14. Common reasons for failure were abscess and vascular compromise. We conclude that most late flap failures occur in the second postoperative week. In patients with risk factors for flap failure, close monitoring for up to 14 days after surgery could detect flap compromise before the flap is lost.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Female; Free Tissue Flaps; Head; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Neck; Postoperative Complications; Plastic Surgery Procedures; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; Treatment Failure
PubMed: 30036435
DOI: 10.1177/014556131809700712