-
BMC Oral Health Jan 2024White spot lesions represent the first stage of caries and their prevalence has been increasing in recent years, particularly in patients undergoing orthodontic...
BACKGROUND
White spot lesions represent the first stage of caries and their prevalence has been increasing in recent years, particularly in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. DIferential diagnosis and lesion activity are essential to decide on the clinical approaches to treatment. The aim of this study is to understand if the new diagnostic tools such as fluorescence, microradiography and computed microtomography have the potential to change the conventional treatment of white spots".
METHODS
A systematic search of available studies in the literature was carried out, using PRISMA guidelines, in Pubmed and Scopus electronic databases and manually to identify relevant articles to answer the PICO question: "Do the new diagnostic tools have the potential to change the conventional treatment of white spots?". This systematic review included randomized controlled trials (RCT), cross-sectional and longitudinal studies complying with the following inclusion criteria: (i) studies in humans, (ii) studies about white spot lesions, (iii) studies published between 2012 and 2023, (iv) studies having both diagnosis and treatment and (v) studies with full text available. In this review we excluded other systematic reviews of clinical trials and in vitro studies. The RoB tool was used to assess the risk of bias.
RESULTS
The systematic literature search identified 143 potentially relevant references, which after applying the exclusion criteria, resulted in 20 articles. Regarding diagnostic methods, most articles found were based on conventional methods of visual examination (n:10) or fluorescence (n:7). The least referenced diagnostic techniques were based on the use of clinical photographs (n:2), cross-sectional microradiography (n:1) and computed microtomography (n:1). The use of DIAGNOdent was reported by 3 in vitro studies. With regard to therapies, most studies reported the use of infiltrating resin (n:7) and fluoride-based products (n:5). Other studies have reported the use of self-assembling peptide P11-4 (n:1), home care (n:1), casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (n:2) and hydrochloric acid (n:1). Combination therapies were also considered.
CONCLUSION
Diagnostic tool does not have the potential to change the form of treatment, whether it is a conventional method or a more differentiated one.
Topics: Humans; Combined Modality Therapy; Dental Care; Caseins; Databases, Factual; Dental Caries; Fluorides
PubMed: 38195439
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-023-03720-6 -
The Journal of Dermatological Treatment Dec 2023Seborrheic keratoses (SKs) are benign epidermal neoplasms presenting as waxy, brown to black papules and plaques. Patients often seek removal for cosmetic reasons or...
Seborrheic keratoses (SKs) are benign epidermal neoplasms presenting as waxy, brown to black papules and plaques. Patients often seek removal for cosmetic reasons or irritation. The objective of this systematic review is to assess the efficacy and safety of topical treatments for SKs. Studies involving any topical medication indicated for SK removal were retrieved from Embase, Scopus, PubMed, and Cochrane. The final search was conducted on November 9, 2021, and 26 reports met inclusion criteria. A quality rating scheme was utilized to assess evidence quality. Heterogeneity of treatments and outcome measures precluded meta-analysis. Topical treatments that yielded a good-to-excellent response include hydrogen peroxide, Maxacalcitol 25 µg/g, BID Tazarotene 0.1% cream, 5% potassium dobesilate cream, 1% diclofenac sodium solution, urea-based solution, and 65% and 80% trichloroacetic acid. Local skin reactions were often mild and transient. Topical hydrogen peroxide showed the greatest evidence for clinical clearance of SKs, although there are no studies to our knowledge that directly compared hydrogen peroxide to current first-line treatments (e.g. cryotherapy or shave excision). The results of this review suggest viable and safe treatment of SK with topical therapies; however, there remains demand for topical treatments that reliably equate or exceed the efficacy of current first-line therapies.Key Points Are safe and efficacious topical treatments for seborrheic keratoses available? Topical treatments for seborrheic keratoses yield different responses and may be associated with local skin reactions. Topical hydrogen peroxide shows the greatest evidence for clinical clearance of seborrheic keratoses and may be a viable option for patients requesting noninvasive removal. No studies to our knowledge directly compare hydrogen peroxide to current first-line treatments. There remains demand for topical treatments that reliably equate or exceed the efficacy of current first-line therapies.
Topics: Humans; Administration, Topical; Cryotherapy; Hydrogen Peroxide; Keratosis, Seborrheic; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 36215682
DOI: 10.1080/09546634.2022.2133532 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2023This study aimed to systematically review research on cinacalcet and secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) using machine learning-based statistical analyses. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
This study aimed to systematically review research on cinacalcet and secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) using machine learning-based statistical analyses.
METHODS
Publications indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection database on Cinacalcet and SHPT published between 2000 and 2022 were retrieved. The R package "Bibliometrix," VOSviewer, CiteSpace, meta, and latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) in Python were used to generate bibliometric and meta-analytical results.
RESULTS
A total of 959 articles were included in our bibliometric analysis. In total, 3753 scholars from 54 countries contributed to this field of research. The United States, Japan, and China were found to be among the three most productive countries worldwide. Three Japanese institutions (Showa University, Tokai University, and Kobe University) published the most articles on Cinacalcet and SHPT. Fukagawa, M.; Chertow, G.M.; Goodman W.G. were the three authors who published the most articles in this field. Most articles were published in , , and . Research on Cinacalcet and SHPT has mainly included three topics: 1) comparative effects of various treatments, 2) the safety and efficacy of cinacalcet, and 3) fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23). Integrated treatments, cinacalcet use in pediatric chronic kidney disease, and new therapeutic targets are emerging research hotspots. Through a meta-analysis, we confirmed the effects of Cinacalcet on reducing serum PTH ( = -0.56, 95% = -0.76 to -0.37, = 0.001) and calcium ( = -0.93, 95% = -1.21to -0.64, = 0.001) and improving phosphate ( = 0.17, 95% = -0.33 to -0.01, = 0.033) and calcium-phosphate product levels ( = -0.49, 95% = -0.71 to -0.28, = 0.001); we found no difference in all-cause mortality ( = 0.97, 95% = 0.90 to 1.05, = 0.47), cardiovascular mortality ( = 0.69, 95% = 0.36 to 1.31, = 0.25), and parathyroidectomy ( = 0.36, 95% = 0.09 to 1.35, = 0.13) between the Cinacalcet and non-Cinacalcet users. Moreover, Cinacalcet was associated with an increased risk of nausea ( = 2.29, 95% = 1.73 to 3.05, = 0.001), hypocalcemia ( = 4.05, 95% = 2.33 to 7.04, = 0.001), and vomiting ( = 1.90, 95% = 1.70 to 2.11, = 0.001).
DISCUSSION
The number of publications indexed to Cinacalcet and SHPT has increased rapidly over the past 22 years. Literature distribution, research topics, and emerging trends in publications on Cinacalcet and SHPT were analyzed using a machine learning-based bibliometric review. The findings of this meta-analysis provide valuable insights into the efficacy and safety of cinacalcet for the treatment of SHPT, which will be of interest to both clinical and researchers.
Topics: Child; Humans; Calcimimetic Agents; Calcium; Cinacalcet; Hyperparathyroidism, Secondary; Phosphates; United States; Machine Learning
PubMed: 37538795
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1146955 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jul 2023Salivary myeloperoxidase (MPO) is a key mediator of the oral immune system, acting as an enzyme that utilises HO to generate molecules with high bactericidal activity.... (Review)
Review
Salivary myeloperoxidase (MPO) is a key mediator of the oral immune system, acting as an enzyme that utilises HO to generate molecules with high bactericidal activity. While MPO determination in plasma is quite common, the use of saliva is still rare. Our systematic review was designed to answer the question "Are salivary levels of myeloperoxidase altered in patients with systemic diseases?". Following the inclusion and exclusion criteria, we included twenty-six studies. Altered MPO levels in saliva were most commonly found in patients with cardiovascular and gastrointestinal diseases. Most studies concerned unstimulated whole saliva, and only a few of them stimulated, mainly by chewing paraffin. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was the most common method for determination of MPO concentrations in saliva. Increased salivary MPO levels were more often observed for inflammatory diseases, except patients with inflammatory bowel diseases who were eligible for biologic therapy. In conclusion, MPO could be altered in the saliva of patients with systematic diseases, especially cardiovascular or gastrointestinal diseases. However, further investigations are recommended to validate these outcomes.
Topics: Humans; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Hydrogen Peroxide; Peroxidase; Saliva
PubMed: 37569455
DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512078 -
Journal of Thermal Biology Jan 2024Cold water immersion (CWI) evokes the life-threatening reflex cold shock response (CSR), inducing hyperventilation, increasing cardiac arrhythmias, and increasing... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Cold water immersion (CWI) evokes the life-threatening reflex cold shock response (CSR), inducing hyperventilation, increasing cardiac arrhythmias, and increasing drowning risk by impairing safety behaviour. Repeated CWI induces CSR habituation (i.e., diminishing response with same stimulus magnitude) after ∼4 immersions, with variation between studies. We quantified the magnitude and coefficient of variation (CoV) in the CSR in a systematic review and meta-analysis with search terms entered to Medline, SportDiscus, PsychINFO, Pubmed, and Cochrane Central Register. Random effects meta-analyses, including effect sizes (Cohen's d) from 17 eligible groups (k), were conducted for heart rate (HR, n = 145, k = 17), respiratory frequency (f, n = 73, k = 12), minute ventilation (V, n = 106, k = 10) and tidal volume (V, n = 46, k=6). All CSR variables habituated (p < 0.001) with large or moderate pooled effect sizes: ΔHR -14 (10) bt. min (d: -1.19); Δf -8 (7) br. min (d: -0.78); ΔV, -21.3 (9.8) L. min (d: -1.64); ΔV -0.4 (0.3) L . Variation was greatest in V (control vs comparator immersion: 32.5&24.7%) compared to V (11.8&12.1%). Repeated CWI induces CSR habituation potentially reducing drowning risk. We consider the neurophysiological and behavioural consequences.
Topics: Humans; Cold-Shock Response; Habituation, Psychophysiologic; Drowning; Water; Respiratory Rate; Cold Temperature; Immersion
PubMed: 38211547
DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2023.103775 -
Nutrients Mar 2024Water consumption is believed to be a key factor in weight management strategies, yet the existing literature on the subject yields inconsistent findings. To... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Water consumption is believed to be a key factor in weight management strategies, yet the existing literature on the subject yields inconsistent findings. To systematically assess the scientific evidence regarding the effect of water intake on adiposity, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) among overweight and obese populations.
METHODS
PubMed and Embase were searched for relevant articles published up to December 2023. The summary weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated using the DerSimonian-Laird random-effects model.
RESULTS
In this meta-analysis of eight RCTs, interventions to promote water intake or to substitute water for other beverages as compared to the control group resulted in a summary WMD of -0.33 kg (95% CI = -1.75-1.08, = 78%) for body weight, -0.23 kg/m (95% CI = -0.55-0.09, = 0%) for body mass index (BMI), and 0.05 cm (95% CI = -1.20-1.30, = 40%) for waist circumference (WC). Among RCTs substituting water for artificially sweetened beverages, summary WMD was 1.82 kg (95% CI = 0.97-2.67, = 0%) for body weight and 1.23 cm (95% CI = -0.03-2.48, = 0%) for WC. Conversely, among RCTs substituting water for sugar-sweetened beverages, summary WMD was -0.81 kg (95% CI = -1.66-0.03, = 2%) for body weight and -0.96 cm (95% CI = -2.06-0.13, = 0%) for WC.
CONCLUSIONS
In conclusion, water intake may not significantly impact adiposity among overweight and obese individuals. However, replacing sugar-sweetened beverages with water might offer a modest benefit in inducing weight loss.
Topics: Humans; Overweight; Adiposity; Drinking; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Obesity; Body Weight; Water
PubMed: 38612997
DOI: 10.3390/nu16070963 -
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology... Oct 2023Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) is a complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD) affecting mineral and bone metabolism and characterized by excessive parathyroid... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
CONTEXT
Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) is a complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD) affecting mineral and bone metabolism and characterized by excessive parathyroid hormone (PTH) production and parathyroid hyperplasia.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this analysis was to compare the efficacy and adverse effects of extended-release calcifediol (ERC) and paricalcitol (PCT) by assessing their effect on the biomarkers PTH, calcium, and phosphate in patients with non-dialysis CKD (ND-CKD).
METHODS
A systematic literature research was performed in PubMed to identify randomized control trials (RCTs). Quality assessment was done with the GRADE method. The effects of ERC vs PCT were compared using random effects in a frequentist setting.
RESULTS
Nine RCTs comprising 1426 patients were included in the analyses. The analyses were performed on 2 overlapping networks, due to nonreporting of outcomes in some of the included studies. No head-to-head trials were identified. No statistically significant differences in PTH reduction were found between PCT and ERC. Treatment with PCT showed statistically significant increases in calcium compared with ERC (0.2 mg/dL increase; 95% CI, -0.37 to -0.05 mg/dL). No differences in effects on phosphate were observed.
CONCLUSION
This network meta-analysis showed that ERC is comparable in lowering PTH levels vs PCT. ERC displayed avoidance of potentially clinically relevant increases in serum calcium, offering an effective and well-tolerated treatment option for the management of SHPT in patients with ND-CKD.
Topics: Humans; Calcifediol; Calcium; Ergocalciferols; Hyperparathyroidism, Secondary; Network Meta-Analysis; Parathyroid Hormone; Phosphates; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 37235771
DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad289 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jul 2023Aquaporins (AQPs) are a family of membrane proteins involved in the transport of water and ions across cell membranes. AQPs have been shown to be implicated in various... (Review)
Review
Aquaporins (AQPs) are a family of membrane proteins involved in the transport of water and ions across cell membranes. AQPs have been shown to be implicated in various physiological and pathological processes in the brain, including water homeostasis, cell migration, and inflammation, among others. Epileptogenesis is a complex and multifactorial process that involves alterations in the structure and function of neuronal networks. Recent evidence suggests that AQPs may also play a role in the pathogenesis of epilepsy. In animal models of epilepsy, AQPs have been shown to be upregulated in regions of the brain that are involved in seizure generation, suggesting that they may contribute to the hyperexcitability of neuronal networks. Moreover, genetic studies have identified mutations in AQP genes associated with an increased risk of developing epilepsy. Our review aims to investigate the role of AQPs in epilepsy and seizure onset from a pathophysiological point of view, pointing out the potential molecular mechanism and their clinical implications.
Topics: Animals; Aquaporins; Water; Homeostasis; Brain; Seizures
PubMed: 37569297
DOI: 10.3390/ijms241511923 -
Systematic Reviews Jul 2023The purpose of this systematic review is to collect, appraise, and synthesize existing evidence from systematic reviews and meta-analyses (SRs/MAs) on the effectiveness...
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this systematic review is to collect, appraise, and synthesize existing evidence from systematic reviews and meta-analyses (SRs/MAs) on the effectiveness of tolvaptan for water retention in heart failure.
METHODS
A comprehensive literature search was performed on PubMed, EMBASE, web of science, Cochrane reviews for SRs/Mas published between the databases' establishment to November 17, 2021. All the records were managed with Endnote 20. Standardized forms were used to extract data. Revman 5.3 was used to make forest plots to show the characteristics of outcomes. The methodological and evidence quality were respectively evaluated by AMSTAR-2 (A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews 2) and GRADE (Grading of Recommendation of Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) system.
RESULTS
A total of 9 SRs/Mas between 2015 to 2020 met inclusion criteria. Serum sodium concentration and urine output were considered as primary outcomes and body weight change and all-cause mortality as second outcomes. Through conducting forest plots, it appeared that tolvaptan brought more positive effect than conventional therapies. It was pessimistic when it comes to the quality of the 9 studies. all the 9 articles were rated as low-quality because AMSTAR 2 evaluation showed that they each had at least one critical item (items 2, 4, 7, 9, 11, 13 and 15) defect. Besides, every article had a few non-critical item defects too. The result of GRADE assessment was not optimistic, so the overall quality of the evidences was low as well.
CONCLUSION
Tolvaptan can be recommended for water retention in HF patients, but more evidence is needed.
Topics: Humans; Tolvaptan; Water-Electrolyte Balance; Heart Failure; Databases, Factual; Water
PubMed: 37516894
DOI: 10.1186/s13643-023-02293-3 -
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) Oct 2023Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive respiratory disease that, due to dyspnea, decreases patients' physical function and quality of life. The... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive respiratory disease that, due to dyspnea, decreases patients' physical function and quality of life. The aim of the research was to evaluate the effectiveness of water-based exercise (WE) in improving functional capacity and respiratory muscle strength in patients with COPD. It consisted of a systematic review and meta-analysis of eight randomized clinical trials (RCTs) from the last 10 years, found in PubMed, PEDro, Scopus and Web of Science databases. Methodological quality was analyzed using the PEDro scale and the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias Tool. Regarding the evaluation of functional capacity, mainly assessed were lung function, respiratory muscle strength, and maximal or aerobic exercise. The results showed that WE improves functional capacity compared to a non-exercising control group (SMD: 73.42; IC 95%: 40.40 to 106.45; I: 0%). There are no statistically significant differences between a WE treatment and a land exercise (LE) treatment ( = 0.24) in functional capacity, nor with respect to respiratory muscle strength ( = 0.97). These data should be interpreted with caution, as more RCTs with aquatic intervention in COPD patients are needed to elucidate whether there are differences between WE or LE according to patient characteristics and comorbidities.
Topics: Humans; Water; Exercise Tolerance; Quality of Life; Exercise; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive
PubMed: 37896650
DOI: 10.3390/s23208557