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International Journal of Biological... 2017Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women. The development of breast cancer is a multi-step process involving multiple cell types, and its... (Review)
Review
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women. The development of breast cancer is a multi-step process involving multiple cell types, and its prevention remains challenging in the world. Early diagnosis of breast cancer is one of the best approaches to prevent this disease. In some developed countries, the 5-year relative survival rate of breast cancer patients is above 80% due to early prevention. In the recent decade, great progress has been made in the understanding of breast cancer as well as in the development of preventative methods. The pathogenesis and tumor drug-resistant mechanisms are revealed by discovering breast cancer stem cells, and many genes are found related to breast cancer. Currently, people have more drug options for the chemoprevention of breast cancer, while biological prevention has been recently developed to improve patients' quality of life. In this review, we will summarize key studies of pathogenesis, related genes, risk factors and preventative methods on breast cancer over the past years. These findings represent a small step in the long fight against breast cancer.
Topics: Animals; Breast Neoplasms; Female; Humans; Quality of Life; Risk Factors
PubMed: 29209143
DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.21635 -
American Family Physician Jan 2019Migraines impose significant health and financial burdens. Approximately 38% of patients with episodic migraines would benefit from preventive therapy, but less than 13%...
Migraines impose significant health and financial burdens. Approximately 38% of patients with episodic migraines would benefit from preventive therapy, but less than 13% take prophylactic medications. Preventive medication therapy reduces migraine frequency, severity, and headache-related distress. Preventive therapy may also improve quality of life and prevent the progression to chronic migraines. Some indications for preventive therapy include four or more headaches a month, eight or more headache days a month, debilitating headaches, and medication-overuse headaches. Identifying and managing environmental, dietary, and behavioral triggers are useful strategies for preventing migraines. First-line medications established as effective based on clinical evidence include divalproex, topiramate, metoprolol, propranolol, and timolol. Medications such as amitriptyline, venlafaxine, atenolol, and nadolol are probably effective but should be second-line therapy. There is limited evidence for nebivolol, bisoprolol, pindolol, carbamazepine, gabapentin, fluoxetine, nicardipine, verapamil, nimodipine, nifedipine, lisinopril, and candesartan. Acebutolol, oxcarbazepine, lamotrigine, and telmisartan are ineffective. Newer agents target calcitonin gene-related peptide pain transmission in the migraine pain pathway and have recently received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration; however, more studies of long-term effectiveness and adverse effects are needed. The complementary treatments petasites, feverfew, magnesium, and riboflavin are probably effective. Nonpharmacologic therapies such as relaxation training, thermal biofeedback combined with relaxation training, electromyographic feedback, and cognitive behavior therapy also have good evidence to support their use in migraine prevention.
Topics: Combined Modality Therapy; Humans; Migraine Disorders; Secondary Prevention
PubMed: 30600979
DOI: No ID Found -
Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health Oct 2022Globally, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in young children, and the association between severe RSV disease and... (Review)
Review
Globally, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in young children, and the association between severe RSV disease and later recurrent wheeze and asthma is well established. Whilst a causal link between RSV and wheeze/asthma is not yet proven, immunological evidence suggests skewing towards a Th2-type response, and dampening of IFN-γ antiviral immunity during RSV infection underpins airway hyper-reactivity in a subset of susceptible children after RSV infection. Age at primary RSV infection, viral co-infection and genetic influences may act as effect-modifiers. Despite the significant morbidity and mortality burden of RSV disease in children, there is currently no licensed vaccine. Recent advancements in RSV preventatives, including long-acting monoclonal antibodies and maternal vaccinations, show significant promise and we are on the cusp of a new era in RSV prevention. However, the potential impact of RSV preventatives on subsequent wheeze and asthma remains unclear. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and associated public health measures have disrupted the usual seasonality of RSV. Whilst this has posed challenges for health-care services it has also enhanced our understanding of RSV transmission. The near absence of RSV cases during the first year of the pandemic in the context of strict public health measures has provided a rare opportunity to study the impact of delayed age of primary RSV infection on asthma prevalence. In this review, we summarise current understanding of the association between RSV, recurrent wheeze and asthma with a focus on pathophysiology, preventative strategies and future research priorities.
Topics: Antibodies, Monoclonal; Antiviral Agents; Asthma; COVID-19; Child; Child, Preschool; Humans; Infant; Pandemics; Respiratory Sounds; Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections; Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human; Virus Diseases
PubMed: 36073299
DOI: 10.1111/jpc.16197 -
Nutrients Sep 2020Oral and periodontal diseases can determine severe functional, phonatory and aesthetic impairments and are the main cause of adult tooth loss. They are caused by some...
Oral and periodontal diseases can determine severe functional, phonatory and aesthetic impairments and are the main cause of adult tooth loss. They are caused by some specific bacteria that provoke an intense local inflammatory response and affect-with particular gravity-susceptible subjects, because of reasons related to genetics and lifestyles (e.g., smoking and home oral hygiene habits). They are more frequent in the disadvantaged segments of society and, in particular, in subjects who have difficulty accessing preventive services and dental care. Some systemic diseases, such as uncontrolled diabetes, can increase their risk of development and progression. Recently, in addition to the obvious considerations of severe alterations and impairments for oral health and well-being, it has been noted that periodontitis can cause changes in the whole organism. Numerous clinical and experimental studies have highlighted the presence of a strong association between periodontitis and some systemic diseases, in particular, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, lung diseases and complications of pregnancy. The purpose of this editorial is to provide a current and thoughtful perspective on the relationship of diet and natural agents on oral, periodontal diseases, and chewing disorder preventions which may reflect good systemic conditions and related quality of life or to analyze indirect effects through the contribution of diet and nutrition to systemic health in order to obtain a modern diagnostic-therapeutic approach.
Topics: Diet; Diet, Healthy; Dietary Supplements; Humans; Mouth Diseases; Nutritional Status; Oral Health; Periodontal Diseases
PubMed: 32899964
DOI: 10.3390/nu12092724 -
American Journal of Obstetrics &... Feb 2023Postpartum hemorrhage is the leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide, with uterine atony estimated to account for 70% to 80% of cases, thereby... (Review)
Review
Postpartum hemorrhage is the leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide, with uterine atony estimated to account for 70% to 80% of cases, thereby remaining the single most common cause. Pharmacotherapy remains the first-line preventative therapy for postpartum hemorrhage. These therapies may be single (oxytocin, carbetocin, methylergonovine, ergometrine, misoprostol, prostaglandin analogs, or tranexamic acid) or combination therapies, acting in an additive, infra-additive, or synergistic fashion to prevent postpartum hemorrhage. Evidence is strong for the use of oxytocin, the first-line uterotonic agent in the United States for prevention of postpartum hemorrhage. Although carbetocin, a long-acting analog of oxytocin, is not yet available for use in the United States, it is likely the most effective single pharmacologic therapy for prevention of postpartum hemorrhage and need for additional uterotonics. Use of second-line uterotonics such as methylergonovine, misoprostol, and carboprost in combination with oxytocin has an additive or synergistic effect and a greater risk reduction for postpartum hemorrhage prevention compared with oxytocin alone. Therefore, combined therapy rather than oxytocin alone should be advised for preventing postpartum hemorrhage. Tranexamic acid has been found to be both effective and safe for decreasing maternal mortality in women with postpartum hemorrhage, and prophylactic use of tranexamic acid may decrease the need for packed red blood cell transfusions and/or uterotonics. The WOMAN-2 Trial, designed to assess if tranexamic acid prevents postpartum hemorrhage in women with moderate to severe anemia undergoing vaginal delivery, is currently recruiting participants. The additive, infra-additive, or synergistic action of oxytocin in combination with other second-line therapies deserves further study.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Oxytocin; Postpartum Hemorrhage; Misoprostol; Oxytocics; Methylergonovine; Tranexamic Acid
PubMed: 36028160
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2022.100731 -
Journal of Clinical Nursing Jul 2019To explore the effectiveness of interventions aimed at pressure ulcer (PU) prevention in long-term older people care facilities (LOPC).
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
To explore the effectiveness of interventions aimed at pressure ulcer (PU) prevention in long-term older people care facilities (LOPC).
BACKGROUND
Pressure ulcers cause suffering for patients and constitute a major financial burden. Although most PUs could be prevented, their number has remained high. To avoid unnecessary suffering and costs, PU prevention must be effective.
DESIGN
A systematic review.
METHODS
A systematic search was conducted in six electronic databases PubMed (MEDLINE), CINAHL, Web of Science Core Collection, Scopus, Cochrane Wounds Group Specialized Register and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. The inclusion criteria were: (a) study published in 2005-2017, (b) intervention with pre- and post-tests, focusing on PU prevention, (c) implemented in LOPC facilities, (d) persons >65 years as study population, and (e) outcomes reported as PU incidence or prevalence or healing time. The PRISMA guidelines were followed. The methodological quality of the studies was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute's MAStARI critical appraisal checklist. The data were analysed with narrative synthesis.
RESULTS
The review included eighteen studies. The study designs were RCTs (n = 10), comparable cohort or case-control studies (n = 3), and descriptive or case series (n = 5). PU incidence in LOPC facilities decreased by using computerised decision-making support systems, PU prevention programmes, repositioning or advanced cushions. PU prevalence decreased with PU prevention programmes, by using advanced mattresses and overlays, or by adding protein and energy supplements to diet.
CONCLUSIONS
There are many ways to prevent PUs in LOPC facilities; no single effective way can be identified. One-third of the preventive interventions in LOPC facilities were effective. However, systematic evidence from randomised trials on preventive interventions of PUs in LOPC settings is still lacking.
RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE
The findings can be used in practice for selecting and in research for developing effective preventive interventions of PUs in LOPC facilities.
Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Case-Control Studies; Cohort Studies; Decision Support Systems, Clinical; Homes for the Aged; Humans; Long-Term Care; Nursing Homes; Outcome Assessment, Health Care; Pressure Ulcer
PubMed: 30589987
DOI: 10.1111/jocn.14767 -
The British Journal of Dermatology Mar 2015Striae gravidarum (SG), or stretch marks developing during pregnancy, affect up to 90% of women. While not medically dangerous, SG can be disfiguring, causing emotional... (Review)
Review
Striae gravidarum (SG), or stretch marks developing during pregnancy, affect up to 90% of women. While not medically dangerous, SG can be disfiguring, causing emotional and psychological distress. However, studies specifically addressing the prevention of SG, especially during pregnancy, are sparse. Furthermore, the molecular pathogenesis of SG is unclear and may differ from that of striae from other causes. Considering these factors, we review topical modalities that have been used specifically for preventing SG during pregnancy. We identify two major strategies (end points) addressed by these modalities, namely (i) preventing the de novo development of SG and (ii) reducing the severity of SG that have recently developed. We also identify risk factors for the development of SG and suggest that pregnant women with these risk factors are an appropriate target population for prevention. In reviewing the literature, we find that there is limited evidence that centella, and possibly massage with bitter almond oil, may prevent SG and/or reduce their severity. There is weak evidence that hyaluronic acid prevents SG. Tretinoin holds promise for reducing the severity of new-onset SG, but its use is limited by its pregnancy category. Finally, cocoa butter and olive oil are not effective for preventing SG or reducing the severity of lesions. We conclude that reliable methods for preventing SG are scarce. Furthermore, available topical modalities generally lack strong evidence from rigorous, well-designed, randomized controlled trials with ample numbers of subjects. Thus, further research is necessary to elucidate SG pathogenesis, which may lead to effective prevention modalities.
Topics: Administration, Cutaneous; Dermatologic Agents; Dietary Fats; Female; Humans; Hyaluronic Acid; Massage; Ointments; Olive Oil; Plant Oils; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Risk Factors; Risk Reduction Behavior; Striae Distensae; Tretinoin
PubMed: 25255817
DOI: 10.1111/bjd.13426 -
The Journal of Clinical Pediatric... Jul 2023This scoping review aims to summarize the available evidence on strategies employed in preventing caries in patients with molar incisor hypo-mineralization (MIH). MIH... (Review)
Review
This scoping review aims to summarize the available evidence on strategies employed in preventing caries in patients with molar incisor hypo-mineralization (MIH). MIH refers to an enamel defect involving opacities, and sometimes post-eruptive degradation due to enamel porosity; resulting in outcomes ranging from a mild atypical caries to severe coronary destruction. A systematic review was conducted for literature in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Epistemonikos and Literatura Latinoamericana y del Caribe en Ciencias de la Salud (LILACS). The search was aimed at studies published between January 2010 and February 2022. Data were independently selected and extracted. 989 studies were found from the systematic search and 8 studies met the eligibility criteria. Most studies evaluated remineralization and cariogenic risk, both of which are crucial elements in caries prevention, as well as decreased sensitivity. The included studies investigated fluoride varnish, dental sealants, giomers, casein, and Icon as preventative methods for dental caries. Several methods for preventing dental caries in paediatric patients with MIH exist, but more research is needed to determine their effectiveness and safety. Any preventive intervention should consider the etiological aspects of the disease, the risk of caries, the type and extent of lesions, hypersensitivity level and patient's age. Collaboration between patients and carers is critical for disease diagnosis and caries prevention.
Topics: Humans; Child; Dental Caries; Dental Enamel Hypoplasia; Molar Hypomineralization; Dental Enamel; Molar; Prevalence
PubMed: 37408341
DOI: 10.22514/jocpd.2023.030 -
BMC Health Services Research Jul 2018Adverse events (AEs) seriously affect patient safety and quality of care, and remain a pressing global issue. This study had three objectives: (1) to describe the... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Adverse events (AEs) seriously affect patient safety and quality of care, and remain a pressing global issue. This study had three objectives: (1) to describe the proportions of patients affected by in-hospital AEs; (2) to explore the types and consequences of observed AEs; and (3) to estimate the preventability of in-hospital AEs.
METHODS
We applied a scoping review method and concluded a comprehensive literature search in PubMed and CINAHL in May 2017 and in February 2018. Our target was retrospective medical record review studies applying the Harvard method-or similar methods using screening criteria-conducted in acute care hospital settings on adult patients (≥18 years).
RESULTS
We included a total of 25 studies conducted in 27 countries across six continents. Overall, a median of 10% patients were affected by at least one AE (range: 2.9-21.9%), with a median of 7.3% (range: 0.6-30%) of AEs being fatal. Between 34.3 and 83% of AEs were considered preventable (median: 51.2%). The three most common types of AEs reported in the included studies were operative/surgical related, medication or drug/fluid related, and healthcare-associated infections.
CONCLUSIONS
Evidence regarding the occurrence of AEs confirms earlier estimates that a tenth of inpatient stays include adverse events, half of which are preventable. However, the incidence of in-hospital AEs varied considerably across studies, indicating methodological and contextual variations regarding this type of retrospective chart review across health care systems. For the future, automated methods for identifying AE using electronic health records have the potential to overcome various methodological issues and biases related to retrospective medical record review studies and to provide accurate data on their occurrence.
Topics: Cross Infection; Data Accuracy; Data Collection; Electronic Health Records; Hospitalization; Hospitals; Humans; Incidence; Medical Errors; Patient Safety; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 29973258
DOI: 10.1186/s12913-018-3335-z -
Journal of Dentistry Oct 2022To assess the clinical evidence for professionally applied fluoride therapy to prevent and arrest caries in older adults. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
To assess the clinical evidence for professionally applied fluoride therapy to prevent and arrest caries in older adults.
DATA/SOURCES
Two independent researchers searched the English literature published up to 31st Dec 2021 in five databases (PubMed, Scopus, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Web of Science) for clinical trials with a comparison group on professionally applied fluoride therapy for caries prevention or arrest at older adults aged ≥60 years with any follow-up period. The outcomes were the mean difference in the number of new caries/caries-prevented fraction and caries arrest rate. The Cochrane guidelines were used for the risk of bias assessment.
STUDY SELECTION/RESULTS
Five hundred and twenty-seven studies were identified, and seven studies were finally included. Five studies were rated as having 'low risk'. The root caries-prevented fraction of 38% silver diamine fluoride (SDF) solution, 5% sodium fluoride (NaF) varnish, and 1.23% acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) gel were 25-71%, 64%, and 32%, respectively. Meta-analysis indicated a decrease in the number of new root caries by 0.55 (95% CI: 0.32-0.78; p < 0.001) and an overall proportion of arrested root caries of 42% (95% CI: 33% to 49%; p < 0.001) after receiving 38% SDF application at the 24-month follow-up.
CONCLUSIONS
According to the findings, 5% NaF varnish and 1.23% APF gel prevented root caries, whereas 38% SDF solution prevented and arrested root caries in older adults. More well-designed clinical trials should be conducted to investigate various methods in caries prevention and arrest in older adults.
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Preventive measures effective in other age groups may not suit older adults, as caries type and associated risk factors vary. To date, no systematic review has evaluated professionally applied fluoride therapy in older adults. Evidence from clinical trials in older adults could aid clinical practice and public health measures. The International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) registration number: CRD42022307025.
Topics: Aged; Humans; Acidulated Phosphate Fluoride; Cariostatic Agents; Dental Caries; Fluorides; Fluorides, Topical; Quaternary Ammonium Compounds; Root Caries; Silver Compounds; Sodium Fluoride
PubMed: 36058347
DOI: 10.1016/j.jdent.2022.104273