-
Current Environmental Health Reports Dec 2023We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis on the relation between fluoride exposure and skeletal fluorosis (SF) using a novel statistical methodology for... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis on the relation between fluoride exposure and skeletal fluorosis (SF) using a novel statistical methodology for dose-response modeling.
RECENT FINDINGS
Skeletal fluorosis, a major health issue that is endemic in some regions, affects millions of people worldwide. However, data regarding the dose-response relation between fluoride exposure and SF are limited and outdated. We included twenty-three studies in the meta-analysis. When comparing the highest versus the lowest fluoride category, the summary risk ratio (RR) for SF prevalence was 2.05 (95% CI 1.60; 2.64), with a value of 2.73 (95% CI 1.92; 3.90) for drinking water and 1.40 (95% CI 0.90; 2.17) for urinary fluoride. The RR by the risk of bias (RoB) was 2.37 (95% CI 1.56; 3.58) and 1.78 (95% CI 1.34; 2.36) for moderate and high RoB studies, respectively. The dose-response curve based on a one-stage cubic spline regression model showed an almost linear positive relation between exposure and SF occurrence starting from relatively low concentrations up to 5 mg/L and 2.5 mg/L, respectively, for water and urinary fluoride, with no substantial increase above this threshold. The RR for developing moderate-severe forms increases at 5.00 mg/L and 2.5 mg/L of water and urinary fluoride, respectively. Better-quality studies are needed to confirm these results, but greater attention should be given to water fluoride levels to prevent SF, in addition to the other potential adverse effects of fluoride exposure.
Topics: Humans; Fluorides; Fluorosis, Dental; Drinking Water; Prevalence
PubMed: 37861949
DOI: 10.1007/s40572-023-00412-9 -
Strahlentherapie Und Onkologie : Organ... Dec 2023Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are the most represented cells of the immune system in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Besides its effects on cancer cells,... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are the most represented cells of the immune system in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Besides its effects on cancer cells, radiation therapy (RT) can alter TME composition. With this systematic review, we provide a better understanding on how RT can regulate macrophage characterization, namely the M1 antitumor and the M2 protumor polarization, with the aim of describing new effective RT models and exploration of the possibility of integrating radiation with other available therapies.
METHODS
A systematic search in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines was carried out in PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus. Articles from January 2000 to April 2020 which focus on the role of M1 and M2 macrophages in the response to RT were identified.
RESULTS
Of the 304 selected articles, 29 qualitative summary papers were included in our analysis (16 focusing on administration of RT and concomitant systemic molecules, and 13 reporting on RT alone). Based on dose intensity, irradiation was classified into low (low-dose irradiation, LDI; corresponding to less than 1 Gy), moderate (moderate-dose irradiation, MDI; between 1 and 10 Gy), and high (high-dose irradiation, HDI; greater than 10 Gy). While HDI seems to be responsible for induced angiogenesis and accelerated tumor growth through early M2-polarized TAM infiltration, MDI stimulates phagocytosis and local LDI may represent a valid treatment option for possible combination with cancer immunotherapeutic agents.
CONCLUSION
TAMs seem to have an ambivalent role on the efficacy of cancer treatment. Radiation therapy, which exerts its main antitumor activity via cell killing, can in turn interfere with TAM characterization through different modalities. The plasticity of TAMs makes them an attractive target for anticancer therapies and more research should be conducted to explore this potential therapeutic strategy.
Topics: Humans; Tumor-Associated Macrophages; Neoplasms; Macrophages; Tumor Microenvironment
PubMed: 37347290
DOI: 10.1007/s00066-023-02097-3 -
Does fluoride exposure affect thyroid function? A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis.Environmental Research Feb 2024Fluoride exposure may have various adverse health effects, including affecting thyroid function and disease risk, but the pattern of such relation is still uncertain. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION
Fluoride exposure may have various adverse health effects, including affecting thyroid function and disease risk, but the pattern of such relation is still uncertain.
METHODS
We systematically searched human studies assessing the relation between fluoride exposure and thyroid function and disease. We compared the highest versus the lowest fluoride category across these studies, and we performed a one-stage dose-response meta-analysis for aggregated data to explore the shape of the association.
RESULTS
Most retrieved studies (27 of which with a cross-sectional design) were conducted in Asia and in children, assessing fluoride exposure through its concentrations in drinking water, urine, serum, or dietary intake. Twenty-four studies reported data on thyroid function by measuring thyroid-related hormones in blood (mainly thyroid-stimulating-hormone - TSH), 9 reported data on thyroid disease, and 4 on thyroid volume. By comparing the highest versus the lowest fluoride categories, overall mean TSH difference was 1.05 μIU/mL. Dose-response curve showed no change in TSH concentrations in the lowest water fluoride exposure range, while the hormone levels started to linearly increase around 2.5 mg/L, also dependending on the risk of bias of the included studies. The association between biomarkers of fluoride exposure and TSH was also positive, with little evidence of a threshold. Evidence for an association between fluoride exposure and blood concentrations of thyroid hormones was less evident, though there was an indication of inverse association with triiodothyronine. For thyroid disease, the few available studies suggested a positive association with goiter and with hypothyroidism in both children and adults.
CONCLUSIONS
Overall, exposure to high-fluoride drinking water appears to non-linearly affect thyroid function and increase TSH release in children, starting above a threshold of exposure, and to increase the risk of some thyroid diseases.
Topics: Adult; Child; Humans; Cross-Sectional Studies; Drinking Water; Fluorides; Thyroid Diseases; Thyroid Hormones; Thyrotropin; Thyroxine; Triiodothyronine
PubMed: 38029816
DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117759 -
Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory... Nov 2023Monoclonal gammopathies (MG) are characterized by the proliferation of plasma cells that produce identical abnormal immunoglobulins (intact or some of their subunits)....
Recommendations for the study of monoclonal gammopathies in the clinical laboratory. A consensus of the Spanish Society of Laboratory Medicine and the Spanish Society of Hematology and Hemotherapy. Part I: Update on laboratory tests for the study of monoclonal gammopathies.
Monoclonal gammopathies (MG) are characterized by the proliferation of plasma cells that produce identical abnormal immunoglobulins (intact or some of their subunits). This abnormal immunoglobulin component is called monoclonal protein (M-protein), and is considered a biomarker of proliferative activity. The identification, characterization and measurement of M-protein is essential for the management of MG. We conducted a systematic review of the different tests and measurement methods used in the clinical laboratory for the study of M-protein in serum and urine, the biochemistry and hematology tests necessary for clinical evaluation, and studies in bone marrow, peripheral blood and other tissues. This review included literature published between 2009 and 2022. The paper discusses the main methodological characteristics and limitations, as well as the purpose and clinical value of the different tests used in the diagnosis, prognosis, monitoring and assessment of treatment response in MG. Included are methods for the study of M-protein, namely electrophoresis, measurement of immunoglobulin levels, serum free light chains, immunoglobulin heavy chain/light chain pairs, and mass spectrometry, and for the bone marrow examination, morphological analysis, cytogenetics, molecular techniques, and multiparameter flow cytometry.
Topics: Humans; Laboratories, Clinical; Consensus; Paraproteinemias; Immunoglobulin Light Chains; Hematology; Multiple Myeloma
PubMed: 37477188
DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2023-0326 -
3 Biotech Oct 2023Drought stress remains one of the most detrimental environmental constraints that hampers plant growth and development resulting in reduced yield and leading to economic... (Review)
Review
Drought stress remains one of the most detrimental environmental constraints that hampers plant growth and development resulting in reduced yield and leading to economic losses. Studies have highlighted the beneficial role of carbon-based nanomaterials (NMs) such as multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs), single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs), graphene, fullerene, and metal-based nanoparticles (NPs) (Ag, Au, Cu, FeO, TiO, and ZnO) in plants under unfavorable conditions such as drought. NPs help plants cope with drought by improving plant growth indices and enhancing biomass. It improves water and nutrient uptake and utilization. It helps retain water by altering the cell walls and regulating stomatal closure. The photosynthetic parameters in NP-treated plants reportedly improved with the increase in pigment content and rate of photosynthesis. Due to NP exposure, the activation of enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants has reportedly improved. These antioxidants play a significant role in the defense system against stress. Studies have reported the accumulation of osmolytes and secondary metabolites. Osmolytes scavenge reactive oxygen species, which can cause oxidative stress in plants. Secondary metabolites are involved in the water retention process, thus improving plant coping strategies with stress. The deleterious effects of drought stress are alleviated by reducing malondialdehyde resulting from lipid peroxidation. Reactive oxygen species accumulation is also controlled with NP treatment. Furthermore, NPs have been reported to regulate the expression of drought-responsive genes and the biosynthesis of phytohormones such as abscisic acid, auxin, gibberellin, and cytokinin, which help plants defend against drought stress. This study reviewed 72 journal articles from 192 Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and PubMed papers. In this review, we have discussed the impact of NP treatment on morphological, physio-biochemical, and molecular responses in monocot and dicot plants under drought conditions with an emphasis on NP uptake, transportation, and localization.
PubMed: 37693636
DOI: 10.1007/s13205-023-03751-4 -
Molecular Biology Reports Jan 2024Various viruses cause viral infection, and these viruses have different microscopic sizes, genetic material, and morphological forms. Due to a viral infection, the host... (Review)
Review
Various viruses cause viral infection, and these viruses have different microscopic sizes, genetic material, and morphological forms. Due to a viral infection, the host body induces defense mechanisms that activate the innate and adaptive immune system. sncRNAs are involved in various biological processes and play an essential role in antiviral response in viruses including ZIKV, HCV, DENV, SARS-CoV, and West Nile virus, and regulate the complex interactions between the viruses and host cells. This review discusses the role of miRNAs, siRNAs, piRNAs, and tiRNAs in antiviral response. Cellular miRNAs bind with virus mRNA and perform their antiviral response in multiple viruses. However, the chemical modifications of miRNA necessary to avoid nuclease attack, which is then involved with intracellular processing, have proven challenging for therapeutic replacement of miRNAs. siRNAs have significant antiviral responses by targeting any gene of interest along the correct nucleotide of targeting mRNA. Due to this ability, siRNAs have valuable characteristics in antiviral response for therapeutic purposes. Additionally, the researchers noted the involvement of piRNAs and tiRNAs in the antiviral response, yet their findings were deemed insignificant.
Topics: Humans; RNA, Small Untranslated; Piwi-Interacting RNA; Zika Virus Infection; Zika Virus; MicroRNAs; RNA, Small Interfering; RNA, Messenger; Antiviral Agents
PubMed: 38227137
DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-09141-6 -
The British Journal of Radiology Nov 2023We search the current literature on data regarding the role of RT in OM treatment, focusing on the improvement of symptoms and patient quality of life.
Radiotherapy of orbital metastases: a systematic review of management and treatment outcomes on behalf of palliative care study group of Italian association of radiotherapy and clinical oncology (AIRO).
OBJECTIVES
We search the current literature on data regarding the role of RT in OM treatment, focusing on the improvement of symptoms and patient quality of life.
METHODS
This systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) recommendations.
RESULTS
From 340 citations, 60 papers were finally selected: 45 case reports and 15 case series. The case reports accounted for 47 patients. In 37/39 cases (95%), EBRT was done. Patients were mainly treated with 3DCRT, IMRT, and with SBRT. The most used RT regimens were 30 Gy in 10 fractions (23%) and 20-25 Gy in 5 fx (13%). No sever toxicity was reported. A median LC of 11 months (range 1-54 months) and a median OS of 12 months (range 1-54 months) were registered. Among the case series, a total of 457 patients were examined, 227 of whom underwent RT. The main used techniques were 3DCRT, CK, GK, SBRT, and BRT. RT doses could vary from 30 Gy/10 fractions to 60 Gy/30 fractions, 50 Gy/5 fractions, or 16.5-21 Gy in single fraction. No toxicity above G2 was reported. ORR could vary between 75 and 100%. Only two study provided information on response duration: a mean LC time of 22.8 months and a mean time to local progression of 5 months (range: 3-7). Regarding OS, the data were heterogeneous, ranging between 1 and 54 months.
CONCLUSIONS
RT for OM seems to be a safe and feasible option. More information on the RT ideal techniques and dose are still needed.
ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE
This paper tried to sum up the few and fragmented data on the use of radiotherapy for orbital metastases: the possible option ranged from 3D- and 2D-CRT to SBRT, CK, and GK, with different possible fractionations (30Gy in 10 fractions, 60 Gy/30 fractions, 20-50 Gy/5 fractions, or 16.5-21 Gy in single fraction). Regardless of the chosen approach, almost all treated patients experienced a benefit after RT in terms of OM-related symptom intensity reduction and a good acute and late toxicity profile.
Topics: Humans; Palliative Care; Quality of Life; Radiotherapy, Conformal; Treatment Outcome; Medical Oncology
PubMed: 37751164
DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20230124 -
Journal of Functional Biomaterials Aug 2023Partial or complete dentures are constructed from thermoplastic resins that are thermally processed and molded. This review examines the presently available evidence for... (Review)
Review
Partial or complete dentures are constructed from thermoplastic resins that are thermally processed and molded. This review examines the presently available evidence for the cytotoxicity of thermoplasticized denture base resins on human gingival epithelial cells, adipose cells, and fibroblasts; human amnion fibroblasts; and mouse fibroblasts. Electronic searches were performed on PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases to identify relevant articles to be included in the review until September 2022. Clinical, in vivo, and in vitro studies in English language were searched for. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Toxicological data Reliability Assessment tool (ToxRTool) developed by the European Commission's Joint Research Centre. GRADE assessment was used to evaluate the certainty of evidence. Seven in vitro studies were included in the review. The overall risk of bias was determined to be high, with the majority of studies assessed found to be reliable with restrictions or not reliable. Only two studies were considered reliable without restrictions based on ToxRTool assessment. The effect of thermoplastic denture base resins on viability and cell adherence of human gingival or amnion fibroblasts and mouse fibroblasts (L929s) is not significant. Conditioned media from unpolished specimens of resins were significantly more toxic to cultured cells than those from polished specimens. This may be of concern in cases of poor post-processing of dentures. Based on the limited evidence available, there is low-certainty evidence that thermoplastic denture base resins appear to be biocompatible and show insignificant cytotoxicity. Further well-designed trials adhering to standard reporting guidelines and using objective measures are necessary before outlining universal guidelines for best practice. Long-term in vivo and clinical assessment is necessary to corroborate laboratory findings with clinical outcomes. Denture base resins are in constant contact with oral tissues, and cytotoxic components released by the resins may irritate or inflame the tissues or provoke an allergic response.
PubMed: 37623656
DOI: 10.3390/jfb14080411 -
Microsurgery Feb 2024Ischemia and ischemia-reperfusion injury contribute to partial or complete flap necrosis. Traditionally, skin histology has been used to evaluate morphological and... (Review)
Review
Systematic review of pathologic markers in skin ischemia with and without reperfusion injury in microsurgical reconstruction: Biomarker alterations precede histological structure changes.
BACKGROUND
Ischemia and ischemia-reperfusion injury contribute to partial or complete flap necrosis. Traditionally, skin histology has been used to evaluate morphological and structural changes, however histology does not detect early changes. We hypothesize that morphological and structural skin changes in response to ischemia and IRI occur late, and modification of gene and protein expression are the earliest changes in ischemia and IRI.
METHODS
A systematic review was performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Studies reporting skin histology or gene/protein expression changes following ischemia with or without reperfusion injury published between 2002 and 2022 were included. The primary outcomes were descriptive and semi-quantitative histological structural changes, leukocyte infiltration, edema, vessel density; secondary outcomes were quantitative gene and protein expression intensity (PCR and western blot). Model type, experimental intervention, ischemia method and duration, reperfusion duration, biopsy location and time point were collected.
RESULTS
One hundred and one articles were included. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) showed inflammatory infiltration in early responses (12-24 h), with structural modifications (3-14 days) and neovascularization (5-14 days) as delayed responses. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) identified angiogenesis (CD31, CD34), apoptosis (TUNEL, caspase-3, Bax/Bcl-2), and protein localization (NF-κB). Gene (PCR) and protein expression (western blot) detected inflammation and apoptosis; endoplasmic reticulum stress/oxidative stress and hypoxia; and neovascularization. The most common markers were TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β (inflammation), caspase-3 (apoptosis), VEGF (neovascularization), and HIF-1α (hypoxia).
CONCLUSION
There is no consensus or standard for reporting skin injury during ischemia and IRI. H&E histology is most frequently performed but is primarily descriptive and lacks sensitivity for early skin injury. Immunohistochemistry and gene/protein expression reveal immediate and quantitative cellular responses to skin ischemia and IRI. Future research is needed towards a universally-accepted skin injury scoring system.
Topics: Humans; Caspase 3; Reperfusion Injury; Ischemia; Biomarkers; Inflammation; Hypoxia; Apoptosis
PubMed: 38361264
DOI: 10.1002/micr.31141 -
Ear, Nose, & Throat Journal Nov 2023To summarize the current applications and potential uses of optical coherence tomography (OCT), a noninvasive imaging modality that uses near-infrared light to produce... (Review)
Review
To summarize the current applications and potential uses of optical coherence tomography (OCT), a noninvasive imaging modality that uses near-infrared light to produce cross-sectional, high-resolution images of biologic tissues, for evaluating the sinonasal mucosa in patients. Original articles utilizing OCT to image the sinonasal mucosa in patients were identified from the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Scopus databases using the search phrase: "Optical Coherence Tomography" AND (sinonasal OR intranasal OR sinus OR nose OR sinusitis OR rhinitis OR olfactory). Strength of evidence, quality of evidence, and risk of bias were measured using validated scales. Study results were qualitatively assessed. Out of 1662 original records identified through database searching, 9 studies were included in the systematic review. Levels of evidence ranged from III to IV and quality of evidence ranged from moderate to very low. Endoscopic OCT systems as well as OCT systems integrated with surgical microscopes were described in the literature. Applications of OCT for imaging the sinonasal mucosa included identifying morphological patterns unique to individual diseases, detecting mucosal structural changes after medical therapies and procedures, and evaluating mucociliary clearance. Most studies investigating OCT imaging of the sinonasal mucosa featured small sample sizes and lacked control groups. While OCT imaging could be a useful adjunct for diagnosing sinonasal disorders and monitoring response to treatment in the future, additional high-quality studies are necessary to determine if the use of OCT imaging can lead to improved diagnostic accuracy and health outcomes for patients with sinonasal pathologies.
PubMed: 38032064
DOI: 10.1177/01455613231214622