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Equine Veterinary Journal Jan 2024The sarcoid is the most common equine cutaneous neoplasm. Evidence-based treatment of this condition is often lacking, and selection of treatment modality based on... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The sarcoid is the most common equine cutaneous neoplasm. Evidence-based treatment of this condition is often lacking, and selection of treatment modality based on clinical experience or anecdotal evidence.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the quality of the currently available best evidence regarding the treatment of the equine sarcoid.
STUDY DESIGN
Systematic review.
METHODS
In compliance with PRISMA guidelines, literature searches were performed in PUBMED, Web of Science, CAB Abstracts, EMBASE (Ovid) and Scopus in April 2021. Included papers were required to describe an interventional study examining sarcoid treatment strategy, of level 4 evidence or greater. The case definition required confirmation of at least some included lesions on histopathology, and a minimum of 6 months of follow-up was required on treated cases. Studies were assessed by two independent reviewers (KO, CD). Data extraction was performed manually, followed by risk of bias assessment. Methodological quality was assessed using the GRADE system.
RESULTS
In total, 10 studies were included in the review. Case definition was confirmed via histopathology in all included lesions in 60% of papers. Time to follow-up was variably reported. Overall risk of bias ranged from 'some concerns' to 'critical'. Reported sarcoid regression rate ranged from 28% to 100% on an individual sarcoid level, and 9%-100% on a whole horse level. Transient local inflammation was reported following most treatment strategies, with further adverse events reported infrequently.
MAIN LIMITATIONS
Review methodology excluded a large proportion of available literature regarding the equine sarcoid. Significant heterogeneity between included studies prevented quantitative synthesis and most included papers were at significant risk of bias, indirectness, and imprecision.
CONCLUSIONS
There is insufficient evidence currently available to recommend one sarcoid treatment over another. There is an urgent need for sufficiently powered, randomised, placebo-controlled trials in order to allow more definitive comparison of the efficacy of different treatment strategies.
Topics: Animals; Horses; Skin Neoplasms; Horse Diseases
PubMed: 36917551
DOI: 10.1111/evj.13935 -
Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and... Oct 2023This study aimed to investigate the correlation between the MRI high-intensity zone (HIZ) and the pathogenesis of discogenic low back pain. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to investigate the correlation between the MRI high-intensity zone (HIZ) and the pathogenesis of discogenic low back pain.
METHODS
Literature from PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Science Direct, China Knowledge Network, Wanfang Database, and China Biomedical Literature Database was searched until August 2023. Cohort studies including patients with low back pain who underwent lumbar spine MRI and discography, as well as the results evaluating the correlation between HIZ and discography for morphological changes in the disc and pain replication phenomena, were included in the analysis. The literature that met the inclusion criteria was screened, and the methodological quality of the included studies was evaluated. Meta-analysis of the extracted data was performed by using RevMan 5.1.1.
RESULTS
In total, 28 reports were included in this meta-analysis. There was a statistically significant correlation between a positive HIZ and abnormal disc morphology in discography (OR 28.15, 95% CI [7.38, 107.46], p < 0.00001). Patients with HIZ-positive discs had a significantly higher incidence of consistent pain (71.0%, 969/1365) than those with HIZ-negative imaging (29.0%, 1314/4524) (OR 7.71, 95% CI [5.29, 11.23], p < 0.00001).Segments that were HIZ-positive and had abnormal disc morphology had a higher incidence of consistent pain (86.1%, 230/267) than HIZ-negative subjects (32.2%, 75/233) (OR 14.09, 95% CI [2.12, 93.48], p = 0.006).
CONCLUSION
A positive MRI T2-weighted image of the lumbar disc with HIZ indicates disc degeneration. In addition, HIZ may be a specific indicator for the physical diagnosis of discogenic low back pain. A more advanced degree of disc degeneration on the basis of HIZ positivity corresponded to a greater probability of discography-induced consistent pain, whereas the degree of disc degeneration on the basis of HIZ negativity was less correlated with contrast-induced consistent pain.
Topics: Humans; Low Back Pain; Intervertebral Disc Degeneration; Intervertebral Disc; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Lumbosacral Region; Lumbar Vertebrae; Intervertebral Disc Displacement
PubMed: 37805519
DOI: 10.1186/s13018-023-04187-5 -
Acta Obstetricia Et Gynecologica... Apr 2024Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequent primary malignant liver tumor and typically develops in the context of chronic liver disease, such as liver cirrhosis... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequent primary malignant liver tumor and typically develops in the context of chronic liver disease, such as liver cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis B virus infection. Ultrasound evaluation, CT scan, and MRI are used to detect HCC. α-fetoprotein (AFP) is a common marker used to detect HCC in the non-pregnant population, which notoriously increases in pregnant women in relation to gestational age. Treatment is driven by the extent of the disease and the severity of underlying liver disease. Pregnancy may represent an obstacle to diagnosis and appropriate treatment of HCC. The aim of this descriptive systematic review was to describe the clinical features and maternal and neonatal outcomes of HCC in pregnancy.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
We performed a systematic review of the literature about HCC diagnosed in pregnancy and the postpartum period, with signs or symptoms arising in pregnancy. We included case reports and case series describing the clinical features of women diagnosed with HCC, fibrolamellar variant of HCC, and mixed HCC and cholangiocarcinoma during pregnancy or the postpartum period (with onset of symptoms during pregnancy), from inception to March 2023. The study protocol was registered with the PROSPERO database (Registration number: ID CRD42021275584).
RESULTS
We identified 180 records. The articles included in this systematic review were 47 case reports and 5 case series, for a total of 63 pregnancies. The two most frequent predisposing conditions were hepatitis B virus infection (30/63; 47%) and liver cirrhosis (14/63; 22%). Ultrasound evaluation was the most used technique to detect HCC. AFP was higher than normal in 28/46 patients tested (61%). Surgical treatment was the most used therapy, both during pregnancy and after delivery. Twenty-six patients (26/63; 42%) died within 6 months of diagnosis. Survival >24 months was 9% (4/46) in symptomatic and 29% (5/17) in asymptomatic women. No patient with cirrhotic liver survived more than 12 months. Thirty-eight newborns were alive at 28 days of age (38/63; 61%).
CONCLUSIONS
Hepatocellular carcinoma in pregnancy is associated with a high risk of maternal and neonatal mortality. Diagnosis in asymptomatic high-risk women or following abnormal maternal serum AFP screening is associated with better maternal outcomes.
Topics: Infant, Newborn; Humans; Female; Pregnancy; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; alpha-Fetoproteins; Liver Neoplasms; Hepatitis B, Chronic; Liver Cirrhosis
PubMed: 37533304
DOI: 10.1111/aogs.14640 -
Journal of Clinical Virology : the... Jul 2023Human papillomavirus associated anogenital cancers are a significant global burden. The detection of biomarkers (circulating tumour DNA; ctDNA or circulating HPV DNA;... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Human papillomavirus associated anogenital cancers are a significant global burden. The detection of biomarkers (circulating tumour DNA; ctDNA or circulating HPV DNA; cHPV DNA) in blood referred to as "liquid biopsy" may support the early diagnosis and monitoring of affected individuals.
METHODS
A systematic review, including meta-analysis of studies available in the literature on the utilization of ctDNA and cHPV DNA as diagnostic, predictive, and monitoring biomarker tests of HPV associated anogenital cancers was performed following the criteria of PRISMA.
RESULTS
A total of 31 studies were eligible for systematic review; 20 used cHPV DNA in cervical cancers; 7 used ctDNA in cervical cancer; 5 used cHPV DNA in anal cancer; no eligible studies on vulva, vaginal or penile cancer were available. The meta-analysis identified low sensitivity (0.36) and high specificity (0.96) of cHPV DNA as diagnostic for cervical cancer. Comparatively, there was high sensitivity (0.95) and specificity (1.0) of cHPV DNA for the diagnosis of anal cancer. cHPV DNA and/or ctDNA in cervical cancer were prognostic markers associated with poor clinical outcomes. Additionally, in anal cancer the post treatment detection of cHPV DNA was informative in the prediction of treatment response or progression-free survival.
CONCLUSION
ctDNA and cHPV DNA are promising diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for the detection of anogenital disease. Evolution and refinement of molecular tools is likely to improve performance further. Additionally the comparative absence of studies in the vulval, vaginal and penile context warrants further exploration and research.
Topics: Female; Humans; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms; Papillomavirus Infections; Human Papillomavirus Viruses; Anus Neoplasms; DNA
PubMed: 37163963
DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2023.105469 -
CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics Nov 2023The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy of noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) on cognition using functional magnetic resonance... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The effects of noninvasive brain stimulation on cognitive function in patients with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy of noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) on cognition using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD), thus providing the neuroimaging mechanism of cognitive intervention.
METHODS
English articles published up to April 30, 2023 were searched in the PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases. We included randomized controlled trials where resting-state fMRI was used to observe the effect of NIBS in patients with MCI or AD. RevMan software was used to analyze the continuous variables, and SDM-PSI software was used to perform an fMRI data analysis.
RESULTS
A total of 17 studies comprising 258 patients in the treatment group and 256 in the control group were included. After NIBS, MCI patients in the treatment group showed hyperactivation in the right precuneus and decreased activity in the left cuneus and right supplementary motor area. In contrast, patients in the control group showed decreased activity in the right middle frontal gyrus and no hyperactivation. The clinical cognitive scores in MCI patients were significantly improved by NIBS, while not in AD. Some evidence regarding the modulation of NIBS in resting-state brain activity and functional brain networks in patients with AD was found.
CONCLUSIONS
NIBS could improve cognitive function in patients with MCI and AD. fMRI evaluations could be added to evaluate the contribution of specific NIBS treatment therapeutic effectiveness.
Topics: Humans; Alzheimer Disease; Cognitive Dysfunction; Cognition; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Brain; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
PubMed: 37349974
DOI: 10.1111/cns.14314 -
Journal of Translational Medicine Oct 2023Animal models are widely used to study pathological processes and drug (side) effects in a controlled environment. There is a wide variety of methods available for... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Animal models are widely used to study pathological processes and drug (side) effects in a controlled environment. There is a wide variety of methods available for establishing animal models depending on the research question. Commonly used methods in tumor research include xenografting cells (established/commercially available or primary patient-derived) or whole tumor pieces either orthotopically or heterotopically and the more recent genetically engineered models-each type with their own advantages and disadvantages. The current systematic review aimed to investigate the meningioma model types used, perform a meta-analysis on tumor take rate (TTR), and perform critical appraisal of the included studies. The study also aimed to assess reproducibility, reliability, means of validation and verification of models, alongside pros and cons and uses of the model types.
METHODS
We searched Medline, Embase, and Web of Science for all in vivo meningioma models. The primary outcome was tumor take rate. Meta-analysis was performed on tumor take rate followed by subgroup analyses on the number of cells and duration of incubation. The validity of the tumor models was assessed qualitatively. We performed critical appraisal of the methodological quality and quality of reporting for all included studies.
RESULTS
We included 114 unique records (78 using established cell line models (ECLM), 21 using primary patient-derived tumor models (PTM), 10 using genetically engineered models (GEM), and 11 using uncategorized models). TTRs for ECLM were 94% (95% CI 92-96) for orthotopic and 95% (93-96) for heterotopic. PTM showed lower TTRs [orthotopic 53% (33-72) and heterotopic 82% (73-89)] and finally GEM revealed a TTR of 34% (26-43).
CONCLUSION
This systematic review shows high consistent TTRs in established cell line models and varying TTRs in primary patient-derived models and genetically engineered models. However, we identified several issues regarding the quality of reporting and the methodological approach that reduce the validity, transparency, and reproducibility of studies and suggest a high risk of publication bias. Finally, each tumor model type has specific roles in research based on their advantages (and disadvantages).
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
PROSPERO-ID CRD42022308833.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Meningeal Neoplasms; Meningioma; Reproducibility of Results; Disease Models, Animal
PubMed: 37898750
DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04620-7 -
American Journal of Cardiovascular... Jan 2024Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive, cureless disease, characterized by increased pulmonary vascular resistance and remodeling, with subsequent... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive, cureless disease, characterized by increased pulmonary vascular resistance and remodeling, with subsequent ventricular dilatation and failure. New therapeutic targets are being investigated for their potential roles in improving PAH patients' symptoms and reversing pulmonary vascular pathology.
METHOD
We aimed to address the available knowledge from the published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) regarding the role of Rho-kinase (ROCK) inhibitors, bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) inhibitors, estrogen inhibitors, and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activators on the PAH evaluation parameters. This systematic review (SR) was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) database (CDR42022340658) and followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.
RESULTS
Overall, 5092 records were screened from different database and registries; 8 RCTs that met our inclusion criteria were included. The marked difference in the study designs and the variability of the selected outcome measurement tools among the studies made performing a meta-analysis impossible. However, the main findings of this SR relate to the powerful potential of the AMPK activator and the imminent antidiabetic drug metformin, and the BMP2 inhibitor sotatercept as promising PAH-modifying therapies. There is a need for long-term studies to evaluate the effect of the ROCK inhibitor fasudil and the estrogen aromatase inhibitor anastrozole in PAH patients. The role of tacrolimus in PAH is questionable. The discrepancy in the hemodynamic and clinical parameters necessitates defining cut values to predict improvement. The differences in the PAH etiologies render the judgment of the therapeutic potential of the tested drugs challenging.
CONCLUSION
Metformin and sotatercept appear as promising therapeutic drugs for PAH.
CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION
This work was registered in PROSPERO (CDR42022340658).
Topics: Humans; Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension; Hypertension, Pulmonary; AMP-Activated Protein Kinases; Familial Primary Pulmonary Hypertension; Estrogens; Metformin
PubMed: 37945977
DOI: 10.1007/s40256-023-00613-5 -
Cancers Sep 2023Clival chordomas are rare but aggressive skull base tumors that pose significant treatment challenges and portend dismal prognosis. The aim of this study was to...
Clival chordomas are rare but aggressive skull base tumors that pose significant treatment challenges and portend dismal prognosis. The aim of this study was to highlight the advantages and limitations of available treatments, to furnish prognostic indicators, and to shed light on novel therapeutic strategies. We conducted a retrospective study of clival chordomas that were surgically treated at our institution from 2003 to 2022; for comparison purposes, we provided a systematic review of published surgical series and, finally, we reviewed the most recent advancements in molecular research. A total of 42 patients underwent 85 surgeries; median follow-up was 15.8 years, overall survival rate was 49.9% at 10 years; meanwhile, progression-free survival was 26.6% at 10 years. A significantly improved survival was observed in younger patients (<50 years), in tumors with Ki67 ≤ 5% and when adjuvant radiotherapy was performed. To conclude, clival chordomas are aggressive tumors in which surgery and radiotherapy play a fundamental role while molecular targeted drugs still have an ancillary position. Recognizing risk factors for recurrence and performing a molecular characterization of more aggressive lesions may be the key to future effective treatment.
PubMed: 37760463
DOI: 10.3390/cancers15184493 -
Annals of Hepatology 2023Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is an autoimmune liver disease, with 60% of patients being asymptomatic at diagnosis and 30% progressing rapidly into liver fibrosis.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is an autoimmune liver disease, with 60% of patients being asymptomatic at diagnosis and 30% progressing rapidly into liver fibrosis. Liver biopsy is standard for staging fibrosis, but performance of non-invasive methods such as transient elastography (TE) have not been evaluated. We conducted a meta-analysis of articles up to May 2022 to evaluate the performance of TE compared with liver biopsy in adult patients with PBC.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Two reviewers performed the search and assessed which articles were included. The quality of each study was evaluated according to QUADAS-2 and NOS. Meta-analysis of sensitivity and specificity was conducted with a bivariate random-effects model. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO, ID CRD42020199915.
RESULTS
Four studies involving 377 patients were included. Only stages F3 and F4 were computed in the meta-analysis. TE had a pooled sensitivity of 68% and specificity of 92% for stage F3 and a pooled sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 94% for stage F4. The AUROC curves were 0.91 (95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.88-0.93) and 0.97 (95% CI 0.96-0.98) for stages F3 and F4, respectively. The mean cut-off points of TE for stage F3 were 9.28 kPa (95% CI 4.98-13.57) and for stage F4 were 15.2 kPa (95% CI 7.02-23.37).
CONCLUSIONS
TE performance compared with liver biopsy in adult patients with PBC was excellent for staging liver fibrosis and was able to rule out cirrhosis in clinical practice.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Biopsy; Elasticity Imaging Techniques; Fibrosis; Liver; Liver Cirrhosis; Liver Cirrhosis, Biliary; ROC Curve
PubMed: 37088420
DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2023.101107 -
Neurosurgical Review Jul 2023Proton beam therapy is considered, by some authors, as having the advantage of delivering dose distributions more conformal to target compared with stereotactic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
Proton beam therapy is considered, by some authors, as having the advantage of delivering dose distributions more conformal to target compared with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). Here, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of proton beam for VSs, evaluating tumor control and cranial nerve preservation rates, particularly with regard to facial and hearing preservation.
METHODS
We reviewed, using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) articles published between 1968 and September 30, 2022. We retained 8 studies reporting 587 patients.
RESULTS
Overall rate of tumor control (both stability and decrease in volume) was 95.4% (range 93.5-97.2%, p heterogeneity= 0.77, p<0.001). Overall rate of tumor progression was 4.6% (range 2.8-6.5%, p heterogeneity < 0.77, p<0.001). Overall rate of trigeminal nerve preservation (absence of numbness) was 95.6% (range 93.5-97.7%, I = 11.44%, p heterogeneity= 0.34, p<0.001). Overall rate of facial nerve preservation was 93.7% (range 89.6-97.7%, I = 76.27%, p heterogeneity<0.001, p<0.001). Overall rate of hearing preservation was 40.6% (range 29.4-51.8%, I = 43.36%, p heterogeneity= 0.1, p<0.001).
CONCLUSION
Proton beam therapy for VSs achieves high tumor control rates, as high as 95.4%. Facial rate preservation overall rates are 93%, which is lower compared to the most SRS series. Compared with most currently reported SRS techniques, proton beam radiation therapy for VSs does not offer an advantage for facial and hearing preservation compared to most of the currently reported SRS series.
Topics: Humans; Neuroma, Acoustic; Proton Therapy; Hearing; Cranial Nerves; Facial Nerve; Radiosurgery; Treatment Outcome; Follow-Up Studies; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 37402894
DOI: 10.1007/s10143-023-02060-x