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The Science of the Total Environment Dec 2023Ultrafine particles (< 100 nm) are of increasing concern because of their toxicological potential. Emission processes suggest their presence in all environments,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Ultrafine particles (< 100 nm) are of increasing concern because of their toxicological potential. Emission processes suggest their presence in all environments, including at home, where particularly at-risk populations may be exposed. However, knowledge of their impact on health is still limited, due to difficulties in properly assessing exposure in epidemiological studies. In this context, the objective of this study was to provide a complete summary of indoor exposure to ultrafine particles in highly industrialised countries by examining the domestic activities that influence such exposure. We conducted a systematic review, according to PRISMA guidelines using PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus up to and including 2021. We carried out a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the selected studies with a standardised template. Exposure circumstances, measurement methods, and results were analysed. Finally, a meta-analysis of the measured concentrations was performed to study exposure levels during domestic activities. The review included 69 studies resulting in the analysis of 346 exposure situations. Nine main groups of activities were identified: cooking, which was the most studied, smoking, the use of air-fresheners, cleaning, heating, personal care, printing, do-it-yourself activities, and others. Over 50 different processes were involved in these activities. Based on available particle number concentrations, the highest average of mean concentrations was associated with grilling (14,400 × 10 cm), and the lowest with wood stove (18 × 10 cm). The highest average of peak concentrations was that for the use of hair dryers (695 × 10 cm), and the lowest for the use of air cleaners (11 × 10 cm). A hierarchy of domestic activities and related processes leading to ultrafine particle exposure is provided, along with average exposure concentrations at home. However, more extensive measurement campaigns are needed under real-life conditions to improve assessments of indoor exposure to ultrafine particles.
Topics: Particulate Matter; Air Pollutants; Environmental Monitoring; Air Pollution, Indoor; Particle Size
PubMed: 37690752
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166947 -
Journal of Personalized Medicine Apr 2024Anti-signal recognition particle myopathy (anti-SRP myopathy) is a rare subtype of immune-mediated inflammatory myopathy characterized by muscle weakness and anti-SRP... (Review)
Review
Anti-signal recognition particle myopathy (anti-SRP myopathy) is a rare subtype of immune-mediated inflammatory myopathy characterized by muscle weakness and anti-SRP autoantibodies. Although plasma exchange (PE) is used in severe cases, its role remains unclear. A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines, identifying 23 patients with anti-SRP myopathy treated with PE. Data on demographics, clinical features, laboratory findings, treatments, and outcomes were analyzed combining individual patient data if available. Sixteen (69.6%) patients were male, with muscle weakness as the predominant symptom in 100% of cases. After PE, most patients showed improvement in symptoms, and the proportion of patients with muscle weakness was reduced ( = 0.001). Relapse occurred in 17.4% of the cases. The incidence of adverse events was low (8.7%). Despite limitations, including a small sample size and heterogeneous data, our systematic review suggests that PE may be effective in inducing remission and controlling symptoms in anti-SRP myopathy, particularly in severe cases. Since evidence on PE in anti-SRP myopathy is limited, further research, including prospective multicenter studies, is warranted to understand better its efficacy and safety and establish its role in treatment algorithms.
PubMed: 38793043
DOI: 10.3390/jpm14050461 -
Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Oct 2023We have reviewed the article "Effectiveness and Role of Using Hyaluronic Acid Injections for Gluteal Augmentation: A Comprehensive Systematic Review of Techniques and...
We have reviewed the article "Effectiveness and Role of Using Hyaluronic Acid Injections for Gluteal Augmentation: A Comprehensive Systematic Review of Techniques and Outcomes" by Mortada et al. in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery with keen interest. This study aims to comprehensively assess the effectiveness and role of hyaluronic acid (HA) in gluteal augmentation. However, we raise concerns about the methodologies employed in the reviewed studies. For effective treatments, understanding the properties of the active substance is essential for standardization. Thoroughly grasping the key characteristics of the employed HAs is vital to identify correlations between these properties, outcomes, and complication risks. Understanding HA's rheological properties, including viscosity, elasticity, and cohesiveness, is pivotal for selecting appropriate dermal fillers for the gluteal region. Another significant aspect of HA use is cohesiveness, arising from internal adhesion based on HA concentration and cross-linking. This cohesiveness resists vertical forces upon implantation, influencing tissue lifting and projection. Gel texture, influenced by Cross-Linking Degree, Particle Size, Molecular Weight, and HA Concentration, also plays a crucial role. While acknowledging authors' contributions, further analysis should consider these factors. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .
PubMed: 37803247
DOI: 10.1007/s00266-023-03687-3 -
Daru : Journal of Faculty of Pharmacy,... Jun 2024Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurological disease that causes memory loss over time. Current therapies are limited and frequently inadequate. Epigallocatechin gallate... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurological disease that causes memory loss over time. Current therapies are limited and frequently inadequate. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifibrosis, anti-remodeling and tissue-protective qualities that may be effective in treatment of different diseases, including AD. Because of nanoparticles' high surface area, they can enhance solubility, stability, pharmacokinetics and biodistribution, and diminish toxicities. Besides, lipid nanoparticles have a high binding affinity that can enhance the rate of drug transport across BBB. So, EGCG nanoparticles represent a promising treatment for AD.
OBJECTIVES
This systematic review sought to assess the efficacy of EGCG nanoparticles against AD in rat/mouse models.
METHODS
Study was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, and the protocol was registered in PROSPERO. Electronic databases were searched to discover relevant studies published up to October 2022.
RESULTS
Two studies met the inclusion criteria out of 1338 and were included in this systematic review. Collectively, the results indicate that EGCG has a significant potential for reducing AD pathology and improving cognitive deficits in rat/mouse models. The formulated particles were in the nanometer range, as indicated by TEM, with good particle size control and stability. EGCG nanoparticles showed superior pharmacokinetic characteristics and improved blood-brain barrier permeability, and increased brain bioavailability compared to free EGCG. Additionally, nanoEGCG were more effective in modulating oxidative stress than free formulation and decreased AChE in the cortex and hippocampus of AlCl3-treated rats.
CONCLUSION
This systematic analysis of the two studies included showed that EGCG nanoparticles are efficacious as a potential therapeutic intervention for AD in rat/mouse models. However, limited number of studies found indicates insufficient data in this research point that requires further investigation by experimental studies.
Topics: Catechin; Animals; Alzheimer Disease; Nanoparticles; Rats; Mice; Disease Models, Animal; Antioxidants; Neuroprotective Agents
PubMed: 38079104
DOI: 10.1007/s40199-023-00494-8 -
Food Research International (Ottawa,... Jul 2024Vitamins are responsible for providing biological properties to the human body; however, their instability under certain environmental conditions limits their... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Vitamins are responsible for providing biological properties to the human body; however, their instability under certain environmental conditions limits their utilization in the food industry. The objective was to conduct a systematic review on the use of biopolymers and lipid bases in microencapsulation processes, assessing their impact on the stability, controlled release, and viability of fortified foods with microencapsulated vitamins. The literature search was conducted between the years 2013-2023, gathering information from databases such as Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science and publishers including Taylor & Francis, Elsevier, Springer and MDPI; a total of 49 articles were compiled The results were classified according to the microencapsulation method, considering the following information: core, coating material, solvent, formulation, process conditions, particle size, efficiency, yield, bioavailability, bioaccessibility, in vitro release, correlation coefficient and references. It has been evidenced that gums are the most frequently employed coatings in the protection of vitamins (14.04%), followed by alginate (10.53%), modified chitosan (9.65%), whey protein (8.77%), lipid bases (8.77%), chitosan (7.89%), modified starch (7.89%), starch (7.02%), gelatin (6.14%), maltodextrin (5.26%), zein (3.51%), pectin (2.63%) and other materials (7.89%). The factors influencing the release of vitamins include pH, modification of the coating material and crosslinking agents; additionally, it was determined that the most fitting mathematical model for release values is Weibull, followed by Zero Order, Higuchi and Korsmeyer-Peppas; finally, foods commonly fortified with microencapsulated vitamins were described, with yogurt, bakery products and gummy candies being notable examples.
Topics: Food, Fortified; Vitamins; Drug Compounding; Chitosan; Biological Availability; Humans; Biopolymers; Alginates; Whey Proteins
PubMed: 38763670
DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2024.114420 -
Life Sciences Jun 2024Liposomes, as a colloidal drug delivery system dating back to the 1960s, remain a focal point of extensive research and stand as a highly efficient drug delivery method.... (Review)
Review
Liposomes, as a colloidal drug delivery system dating back to the 1960s, remain a focal point of extensive research and stand as a highly efficient drug delivery method. The amalgamation of technological and biological advancements has propelled their evolution, elevating them to their current status. The key attributes of biodegradability and biocompatibility have been instrumental in driving substantial progress in liposome development. Demonstrating a remarkable ability to surmount barriers in drug absorption, enhance stability, and achieve targeted distribution within the body, liposomes have become pivotal in pharmaceutical research. In this comprehensive review, we delve into the intricate details of liposomal drug delivery systems, focusing specifically on their pharmacokinetics and cell membrane interactions via fusion, lipid exchange, endocytosis etc. Emphasizing the nuanced impact of various liposomal characteristics, we explore factors such as lipid composition, particle size, surface modifications, charge, dosage, and administration routes. By dissecting the multifaceted interactions between liposomes and biological barriers, including the reticuloendothelial system (RES), opsonization, enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect, ATP-binding cassette (ABC) phenomenon, and Complement Activation-Related Pseudoallergy (CARPA) effect, we provide a deeper understanding of liposomal behaviour in vivo. Furthermore, this review addresses the intricate challenges associated with translating liposomal technology into practical applications, offering insights into overcoming these hurdles. Additionally, we provide a comprehensive analysis of the clinical adoption and patent landscape of liposomes across diverse biomedical domains, shedding light on their potential implications for future research and therapeutic developments.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Cell Membrane; Drug Delivery Systems; Liposomes; Tissue Distribution
PubMed: 38599316
DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122616 -
Materials Today. Bio Jun 2024Calcium phosphate-based biomaterials (CaP) are the most widely used biomaterials to enhance bone regeneration in the treatment of alveolar bone deficiencies,...
Influence of physicochemical characteristics of calcium phosphate-based biomaterials in cranio-maxillofacial bone regeneration. A systematic literature review and meta-analysis of preclinical models.
OBJECTIVES
Calcium phosphate-based biomaterials (CaP) are the most widely used biomaterials to enhance bone regeneration in the treatment of alveolar bone deficiencies, cranio-maxillofacial and periodontal infrabony defects, with positive preclinical and clinical results reported. This systematic review aimed to assess the influence of the physicochemical properties of CaP biomaterials on the performance of bone regeneration in preclinical animal models.
METHODS
The PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science databases were searched to retrieve the preclinical studies investigating physicochemical characteristics of CaP biomaterials. The studies were screened for inclusion based on intervention (physicochemical characterization and evaluation) and reported measurable outcomes.
RESULTS
A total of 1532 articles were retrieved and 58 studies were ultimately included in the systematic review. A wide range of physicochemical characteristics of CaP biomaterials was found to be assessed in the included studies. Despite a high degree of heterogeneity, the meta-analysis was performed on 39 studies and evidenced significant effects of biomaterial characteristics on their bone regeneration outcomes. The study specifically showed that macropore size, Ca/P ratio, and compressive strength exerted significant influence on the formation of newly regenerated bone. Moreover, factors such as particle size, Ca/P ratio, and surface area were found to impact bone-to-material contact during the regeneration process. In terms of biodegradability, the amount of residual graft was determined by macropore size, particle size, and compressive strength.
CONCLUSION
The systematic review showed that the physicochemical characteristics of CaP biomaterials are highly determining for scaffold's performance, emphasizing its usefulness in designing the next generation of bone scaffolds to target higher rates of regeneration.
PubMed: 38854953
DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2024.101100 -
Critical Reviews in Food Science and... 2024Dairy powder, with abundant chemical components such as protein, fat, and lactose possessing diverse physical and chemical structures, can exhibit a surface composition...
Dairy powder, with abundant chemical components such as protein, fat, and lactose possessing diverse physical and chemical structures, can exhibit a surface composition distinct from its bulk content during the conversion of liquid milk into dry powder. Surface chemical composition is a significant parameter in the dairy industry, as it is directly associated with the techno-functional properties of dairy powder products. The current work provides an overview of the factors influencing the surface composition of dairy powders such as the bulk composition of raw milk (animal source and formulation), liquid dairy processing (homogenization, thermal treatment, and evaporation), the drying process (drying methods as well as operating conditions during the most commonly used spray drying), and storage conditions (temperature, relative humidity, and duration). The underlying mechanisms involved in the variations of particle surface composition include the mechanical properties of emulsion, milk fat globules redistribution caused by mechanical forces, adsorption competition and interactions of ingredients at the water/air interface, dehydration-induced alterations in particle structure, corresponding solid/solutes segregation differentiation during spray drying, and lactose crystallization-induced increase in surface fat during storage. Additionally, future research is suggested to explore the effects of emerging processing technologies on the surface composition modification of dairy powders.
Topics: Animals; Powders; Lactose; Milk; Desiccation; Crystallization; Particle Size
PubMed: 35916834
DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2022.2105803