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Nutrition and Health Mar 2024Curcumin is a polyphenol derived from the L (turmeric) plant and has gained attention through its perceived anti-inflammatory characteristics. The potential... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Curcumin is a polyphenol derived from the L (turmeric) plant and has gained attention through its perceived anti-inflammatory characteristics. The potential interaction with exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) and delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) has led to investigation of curcumin as a post-exercise strategy that may have the potential to lessen acute reductions in functional strength (FS) following physical activity. The purpose of this review is to assess the evidence examining curcumin in relation to four outcome measures: FS, EIMD, DOMS and inflammation. A Medline, SPORTDiscus and CINAHL database search was undertaken with no publication date limit. Sixteen papers met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. Three meta-analyses were completed for EIMD, DOMS and inflammation, respectively, with FS being excluded due to limited research. Effect sizes were as follows: EIMD (0.15, -0.12, -0.04, -0.2 and -0.61 corresponding to 0, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h post-exercise, respectively), DOMS (-0.64, -0.33, 0.06, -0.53 and -1.16 corresponding to 0, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h post-exercise, respectively) and inflammation (-0.10, 0.26, 0.15 and 0.26 corresponding to 0, 24, 48 and 72 h post-exercise, respectively). A 96 h post-exercise inflammation meta-analysis was not conducted due to limited data. No effect sizes were statistically significant for EIMD ( = 0.644, 0.739, 0.893, 0.601 and 0.134), DOMS ( = 0.054, 0.092, 0.908, 0.119 and 0.074) and inflammation ( = 0.729, 0.603, 0.611 and 0.396). Further research is needed to thoroughly examine whether an effect exists.
Topics: Humans; Curcumin; Dietary Supplements; Myalgia; Inflammation; Muscles; Muscle, Skeletal
PubMed: 37408367
DOI: 10.1177/02601060231186439 -
Toxics Nov 2023The presence of dye in wastewater causes substantial threats to the environment, and has negative impacts not only on human health but also on the health of other... (Review)
Review
The presence of dye in wastewater causes substantial threats to the environment, and has negative impacts not only on human health but also on the health of other organisms that are part of the ecosystem. Because of the increase in textile manufacturing, the inhabitants of the area, along with other species, are subjected to the potentially hazardous consequences of wastewater discharge from textile and industrial manufacturing. Different types of dyes emanating from textile wastewater have adverse effects on the aquatic environment. Various methods including physical, chemical, and biological strategies are applied in order to reduce the amount of dye pollution in the environment. The development of economical, ecologically acceptable, and efficient strategies for treating dye-containing wastewater is necessary. It has been shown that microbial communities have significant potential for the remediation of hazardous dyes in an environmentally friendly manner. In order to improve the efficacy of dye remediation, numerous cutting-edge strategies, including those based on nanotechnology, microbial biosorbents, bioreactor technology, microbial fuel cells, and genetic engineering, have been utilized. This article addresses the latest developments in physical, chemical, eco-friendly biological and advanced strategies for the efficient mitigation of dye pollution in the environment, along with the related challenges.
PubMed: 37999592
DOI: 10.3390/toxics11110940 -
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of... 2024This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the combination of curcumin and piperine supplementation on Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG), Homeostatic Model of Insulin... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Effects of Combination of Curcumin and Piperine Supplementation on Glycemic Profile in Patients with Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the combination of curcumin and piperine supplementation on Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG), Homeostatic Model of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), and Body Mass Index (BMI) in patients with prediabetes and type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). This review was done to identify potential herbal remedies that may help improve glycemic parameters, leading to better health outcomes in combination with current antidiabetic treatment.
METHODOLOGY
This systematic review was based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). It was conducted in 2023 with sources and databases from MEDLINE, EBSCO-Host, ScienceDirect and ProQuest. This paper included randomized-controlled trials exploring the effects of the combination of curcumin and piperine on patients with prediabetes and T2DM. Systematic reviews, observational studies, case reports, case series, conference abstracts, book sections, commentaries/editorials, non-human studies and articles with unavailable full-text and written in non-English language, were excluded. The key terms for the literature search were "curcumin," "piperine," "prediabetes" and "Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus." We use Cochrane Risk of Bias (RoB) 2 for quality assessment of the included studies and Review Manager (RevMan) 5.4 to do the meta-analysis.
RESULTS
A total of three studies were included in this systematic review. Two studies from Neta et al., and Cicero et al., showed no significant difference in HOMA-IR, BMI and FPG levels between the curcumin, piperine and placebo groups. One study from Panahi et al. demonstrated a significant difference in BMI levels between the curcumin and piperine and placebo groups ( <0.01). The meta-analysis showed that FPG levels, HOMA-IR and BMI improved among patients with diabetes given in curcumin and piperine with reported mean differences (MD) of = -7.61, 95% CI [-15.26, 0.03], = 0.05, MD = -0.36, 95% CI [-0.77 to 0.05], = 0.09, and MD = -0.41, 95% CI [-0.85 to 0.03], = 0.07, respectively).
CONCLUSIONS
The supplementation of curcumin and piperine showed a numerical reduction in FPG, HOMA-IR and BMI, but were not statistically significant. Further research is needed as there is a paucity of studies included in the review.
Topics: Humans; Alkaloids; Benzodioxoles; Blood Glucose; Curcumin; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Dietary Supplements; Drug Therapy, Combination; Insulin Resistance; Piperidines; Polyunsaturated Alkamides; Prediabetic State
PubMed: 38863920
DOI: 10.15605/jafes.039.01.18 -
Complementary Therapies in Medicine Aug 2023Numerous approaches have been assigned to treat dyslipidemia (DLP). Turmeric/curcumin have been widely investigated with this regard. In the current study, we explored... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION
Numerous approaches have been assigned to treat dyslipidemia (DLP). Turmeric/curcumin have been widely investigated with this regard. In the current study, we explored the effect of curcumin/turmeric supplementation on lipid profile.
METHODS
Online databases were searched up to October 2022. The outcomes included triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), apolipoprotein B (Apo-B), and apolipoprotein A (Apo-A). We used the Cochrane quality assessment tool to evaluate the risk of bias. The effect sizes were estimated as weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
RESULTS
Out of 4182 articles retrieved from the initial search, 64 randomized clinical trials (RCTs) were included in the study. Between-study heterogeneity was significant. Meta-analysis showed that turmeric/curcumin supplementation exerts statistically significant improvements on blood levels of TC (WMD = -3.99 mg/dL; 95% CI = -5.33, -2.65), TG (WMD = -6.69 mg/dL; 95% CI = -7.93, -5.45), LDL-c (WMD = -4.89 mg/dL; 95% CI = -5.92, -3.87), and HDL-c (WMD = 1.80 mg/dL; 95% CI = 1.43, 2.17). However, turmeric/curcumin supplementation was not associated with improvements in blood levels of Apo-A or Apo-B. The studies did not thoroughly address the issues of potency, purity, or consumption with other foods.
CONCLUSION
Turmeric/curcumin supplementation seems to be effective in improving blood levels of TC, TG, LDL-c, and HDL-c; but may not be capable of improving their pertinent apolipoproteins. Since the evidence was assessed to be low and very low concerning the outcomes, these findings should be dealt with caution.
Topics: Humans; Apolipoproteins A; Cholesterol, HDL; Cholesterol, LDL; Curcuma; Curcumin; Dietary Supplements; Lipids; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Triglycerides
PubMed: 37230418
DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2023.102955 -
Journal of Personalized Medicine Sep 2023The objective of this manuscript was to review the indications, efficacy, and safety of a 585 nm pulsed dye laser (PDL) in non-malignant laryngeal lesions. Following the... (Review)
Review
The objective of this manuscript was to review the indications, efficacy, and safety of a 585 nm pulsed dye laser (PDL) in non-malignant laryngeal lesions. Following the PRISMA statement recommendations, three independent authors searched for articles published in PubMed/MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, Scielo, and Web of Science. A bias analysis was performed following NICE guidance tools. From the 506 identified publications, 19 observational studies met the inclusion criteria. The PDL improves vocal quality objectively and subjectively in vascular lesions ( < 0.005) and improves vocal quality in patients with dysplasia/leukoplasia without changing the natural history of the disease compared to other treatments. Reinke's edema and granulomas require an average of 1.5 PDL sessions for resolution. Treatment of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis requires multiple sessions, with complete remission achieved in 50-70% of patients. Regardless of the lesion, the tolerance of the procedure under local anesthesia is exceptional (84-97%), and the results in terms of regression and vocal quality are promising. The complication rate is minimal, and the procedure does not interfere with other treatment alternatives. There is no consensus on laser settings. The lack of consistent use in evaluating vocal outcomes, whether objective or subjective, prevents the comparability between studies. The 585 nm pulsed dye laser appears to be an effective and safe therapeutic option in patients with non-malignant laryngeal pathology. Future controlled studies are needed to compare the 585 nm pulsed dye laser with other lasers or cold instrument procedures.
PubMed: 37763142
DOI: 10.3390/jpm13091374 -
Journal of Pediatric Surgery Aug 2023Although ICG-FA may be valuable in assessing anastomotic perfusion, reliable data on its use in pediatric gastrointestinal surgery is lacking. This systematic review... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Although ICG-FA may be valuable in assessing anastomotic perfusion, reliable data on its use in pediatric gastrointestinal surgery is lacking. This systematic review analyzes whether ICG is useful for intestinal perfusion assessment in pediatric gastrointestinal surgery and safe to use in neonates.
METHODS
Systematic searches of PubMed, EMBASE & MEDLINE and CENTRAL were performed (last conducted December 6, 2021). The main inclusion criteria were (1) use of ICG for intestinal perfusion assessment and (2) use of ICG in young infants. Exclusion criteria were lack of an English or Dutch full-text and MINORS quality score <60%. Data was presented in overview tables. The usefulness in pediatric gastrointestinal surgery was assessed by surgical outcome. Safety of ICG in neonates was assessed by complication or adverse event occurrence.
RESULTS
Regarding intestinal perfusion assessment, four studies were included, reporting 45 patients (median age 1.5 years). ICG was considered useful for anastomotic blood flow evaluation and intraoperative determination of resection length. Regarding ICG safety in neonates, eight studies were included, reporting 46 infants (median age 24.9 days), of which 18 neonates. All but one studies reported the absence of complications or adverse events. Two studies reported subcutaneous dye retention, which fully disappeared within two weeks.
CONCLUSION
Although the number of available studies is small, ICG might be useful for intraoperative intestinal perfusion assessment, perhaps even more than conventional clinical assessment. Furthermore, its safety profile looks promising in neonates. Larger prospective studies are necessary to confirm these assumptions and seem warranted given the safety profile.
LEVELS OF EVIDENCE
Since this is a systematic review, a Level of Evidence for clinical studies cannot be determined for this manuscript.
Topics: Infant, Newborn; Humans; Child; Infant; Indocyanine Green; Fluorescein Angiography; Anastomotic Leak; Coloring Agents; Prospective Studies; Feasibility Studies; Digestive System Surgical Procedures; Anastomosis, Surgical
PubMed: 36404183
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2022.10.045 -
Acta Dermato-venereologica Jan 2024Utilization of lasers and energy-based devices for surgical scar minimization has been substantially evaluated in placebo-controlled trials. The aim of this study was to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Utilization of lasers and energy-based devices for surgical scar minimization has been substantially evaluated in placebo-controlled trials. The aim of this study was to compare reported measures of efficacy of lasers and energy-based devices in clinical trials in preventing surgical scar formation in a systematic review and network meta-analyses. Five electronic databases, PubMed, Scopus, Embase, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the Cochrane Library, were searched to retrieve relevant articles. The search was limited to randomized controlled trials that reported on clinical outcomes of surgical scars with treatment initiation no later than 6 months after surgery and a follow-up period of at least 3 months. A total of 18 randomized controlled trials involving 482 participants and 671 postsurgical wounds were included in the network meta-analyses. The results showed that the most efficacious treatments were achieved using low-level laser therapy) (weighted mean difference -3.78; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) -6.32, -1.24) and pulsed dye laser (weighted mean difference -2.46; 95% CI -4.53, -0.38). Nevertheless, low-level laser therapy and pulsed dye laser demonstrated comparable outcomes in surgical scar minimization (weighted mean difference -1.32, 95% CI -3.53, 0.89). The findings of this network meta-analyses suggest that low-level laser therapy and pulsed dye laser are both effective treatments for minimization of scar formation following primary closure of surgical wounds with comparable treatment outcomes.
Topics: Humans; Network Meta-Analysis; Cicatrix; Lasers, Dye; Databases, Factual; Low-Level Light Therapy
PubMed: 38189223
DOI: 10.2340/actadv.v104.18477 -
Journal of Nephrology Jan 2024Artificial intelligence (AI) integration in nephropathology has been growing rapidly in recent years, facing several challenges including the wide range of histological... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Artificial intelligence (AI) integration in nephropathology has been growing rapidly in recent years, facing several challenges including the wide range of histological techniques used, the low occurrence of certain diseases, and the need for data sharing. This narrative review retraces the history of AI in nephropathology and provides insights into potential future developments.
METHODS
Electronic searches in PubMed-MEDLINE and Embase were made to extract pertinent articles from the literature. Works about automated image analysis or the application of an AI algorithm on non-neoplastic kidney histological samples were included and analyzed to extract information such as publication year, AI task, and learning type. Prepublication servers and reviews were not included.
RESULTS
Seventy-six (76) original research articles were selected. Most of the studies were conducted in the United States in the last 7 years. To date, research has been mainly conducted on relatively easy tasks, like single-stain glomerular segmentation. However, there is a trend towards developing more complex tasks such as glomerular multi-stain classification.
CONCLUSION
Deep learning has been used to identify patterns in complex histopathology data and looks promising for the comprehensive assessment of renal biopsy, through the use of multiple stains and virtual staining techniques. Hybrid and collaborative learning approaches have also been explored to utilize large amounts of unlabeled data. A diverse team of experts, including nephropathologists, computer scientists, and clinicians, is crucial for the development of AI systems for nephropathology. Collaborative efforts among multidisciplinary experts result in clinically relevant and effective AI tools.
Topics: Humans; Algorithms; Artificial Intelligence; Coloring Agents; Kidney
PubMed: 37768550
DOI: 10.1007/s40620-023-01775-w -
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Mar 2024Brucellosis, a widely spread zoonotic disease, poses significant diagnostic challenges due to its non-specific symptoms and underreporting. Timely and accurate diagnosis... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Brucellosis, a widely spread zoonotic disease, poses significant diagnostic challenges due to its non-specific symptoms and underreporting. Timely and accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective patient management and public health control. However, a comprehensive comparative review of available diagnostic tests is lacking.
METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS
This systematic review addressed the following question: 'What is the accuracy of the available tests to confirm human brucellosis?' Two independent reviewers examined articles published up to January 2023. The review included original studies reporting symptomatic patients with brucellosis suspicion, through any index test, with sensitivity and/or specificity as outcomes. As exclusion criteria were considered: sample size smaller than 10 patients, studies focusing on complicated brucellosis, and those lacking essential information about index or comparator tests. Sensitivity and specificity were assessed, with consideration for the index test, and 'culture' and 'culture and standard tube agglutination test (SAT)' were used as reference standards. Bias assessment and certainty of evidence were carried out using the QUADAS-2 and GRADE tools, respectively. A total of 38 studies reporting diagnostic test performance for human brucellosis were included. However, the evidence available is limited, and significant variability was observed among studies. Regarding the reference test, culture and/or SAT are deemed more appropriate than culture alone. Rose Bengal, IgG/IgM ELISA, and PCR exhibited equally high performances, indicating superior overall diagnostic accuracy, with very low certainty of the evidence.
CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE
This systematic review underscores the potential of the Rose Bengal test, IgG/IgM ELISA, and PCR as promising diagnostic tools for brucellosis. However, the successful implementation and recommendations for their use should consider the local context and available resources. The findings highlight the pressing need for standardization, improved reporting, and ongoing advancements in test development to enhance the accuracy and accessibility of brucellosis diagnosis.
Topics: Humans; Rose Bengal; Brucellosis; Sensitivity and Specificity; Immunoglobulin G; Immunoglobulin M
PubMed: 38452046
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012030 -
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.... Feb 2024Lymphatic dyes are commonly used to map the drainage path from tumor to lymphatics, which are biopsied to determine if spread has occurred. A blue dye in combination...
BACKGROUND
Lymphatic dyes are commonly used to map the drainage path from tumor to lymphatics, which are biopsied to determine if spread has occurred. A blue dye in combination with technetium-99 is considered the gold standard for mapping, although many other dyes and dye combinations are used. Not all of these substances have the same detection efficacy.
METHODS
A systematic review of PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and Medline was performed. The predefined search terms were (indocyanine green OR isosulfan blue OR lymphazurin OR patent blue OR methylene blue OR fluorescein OR technetium-99) AND combination AND dye AND (sentinel lymph node biopsy OR lymphedema OR lymphatics OR lymph OR microsurgery OR cancer OR tumor OR melanoma OR carcinoma OR sarcoma).
RESULTS
The initial search returned 4267 articles. From these studies, 37 were selected as candidates that met inclusion criteria. After a full-text review, 34 studies were selected for inclusion. Eighty-nine methods of sentinel lymph node (SLN) detection were trialed using 22 unique dyes, dye combinations, or other tracers. In total, 12,157 SLNs of 12,801 SLNs were identified. Dye accuracy ranged from 100% to 69.8% detection. Five dye combinations had 100% accuracy. Dye combinations were more accurate than single dyes.
CONCLUSIONS
Combining lymphatic dyes improves SLN detection results. Replacing technetium-99 with ICG may allow for increased access to SLN procedures with comparable results. The ideal SLN tracer is a low-cost molecule with a high affinity for lymphatic vessels due to size and chemical composition, visualization without specialized equipment, and no adverse effects.
PubMed: 38333031
DOI: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000005598