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BMC Oral Health Oct 2023The gold standard for a soft tissue augmentation around implants is a subepithelial connective tissue graft (CTG), but the xenogeneic collagen matrices (XCM) started to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Comparative analysis of xenogeneic collagen matrix and autogenous subepithelial connective tissue graft to increase soft tissue volume around dental implants: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
OBJECTIVE
The gold standard for a soft tissue augmentation around implants is a subepithelial connective tissue graft (CTG), but the xenogeneic collagen matrices (XCM) started to be used as an alternative. This systematic review aimed to assess the effectiveness XCM in comparison to CTG for the increasing the thickness of the soft tissue around implants.
DATA
All studies included at least two parallel groups comparing the use of CTG and XCM with a minimum follow-up of 3 months. As the primary outcome, the amount of soft tissue thickness gain after soft tissue augmentation with XCM or CTG was assessed. Secondary outcomes were clinical and patient-related outcomes; evaluation of aesthetic outcomes, patient-reported outcomes measures (PROMs) and complications. Eligible studies were selected based on the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis was applied whenever possible. The quality of the evidence of studies including in meta-analysis was assessed using the GRADE approach.
SOURCE
A systematic literature search up to January 2022 was conducted using the following electronic databases: PubMed (MEDLINE), Scopus, Cochrane Library, LILACS, eLIBRARY.RU. Unpublished researches, the gray literature, nonprofit reports, government studies and other materials were reviewed electronically using an EASY search. An additional manual search was carried out in November 2022.
STUDY SELECTION
Of the 1376 articles from the initial search, 8 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) (306 patients and 325 implants) were included in this systematic review, and 7 studies were part of the meta-analysis. Meta-analysis revealed that XCM is less effective than the CTG in increasing soft tissue thickness around dental implants. However, XCM also provides soft tissue thickness gain and can be recommended for use in various clinical situations.
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Previous systematic reviews and meta-analyses have shown that autologous grafts are more effective than collagen matrices in increasing soft tissue thickness, however, the latter can be used as an alternative. Studies included in previous systematic reviews varied in design, which could lead to limitations. The present systematic review and meta-analysis includes for the first time only randomized controlled clinical trials with collagen matrix of xenogeneic origin in the test group. Tight eligibility criteria were established, and the main parameter studied was soft tissue thickness. It was found that xenogeneic collagen matrix is effective for increasing soft tissue thickness around dental implants, however, the results obtained using an autogenous connective tissue graft are superior.
Topics: Humans; Dental Implants; Gingiva; Collagen; Connective Tissue
PubMed: 37817128
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-023-03475-0 -
Environmental Pollution (Barking, Essex... Jun 2024Plastic pollution has spread through all parts of the marine environment, representing a significant threat to species and ecosystems. This study investigates the role... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Plastic pollution has spread through all parts of the marine environment, representing a significant threat to species and ecosystems. This study investigates the role of copepods as widespread microplastic reservoirs in the marine environment, by performing, a systematic review, meta-analysis, and semiquantitative analysis of scientific articles focusing on the interaction between copepods and microplastics under field conditions. Our findings indicate that despite uniformly low ingestion of microplastics across different marine layers and geographical areas, with a slight uptake in neustonic copepods, copepods might constitute one of the largest marine microplastic reservoirs. This phenomenon is attributed more to their vast abundance than to average microplastic ingestion values. In this article, a framework for data analysis and reporting is proposed to facilitate future large-scale evaluations and modelling of their extent and impact on plastic and carbon cycles. These insights place copepods at the forefront of the marine plastic cycle, possibly affecting plastic distribution, and bioavailability, thereby opening new pathways for understanding the complex dynamics of microplastics in marine ecosystems.
Topics: Copepoda; Animals; Microplastics; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Environmental Monitoring; Ecosystem; Plastics
PubMed: 38701964
DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124092 -
Journal of Exposure Science &... Mar 2024Humans are likely exposed to microplastics (MPs) in a variety of places including indoor and outdoor air. Research to better understand how exposure to MPs correlates to...
BACKGROUND
Humans are likely exposed to microplastics (MPs) in a variety of places including indoor and outdoor air. Research to better understand how exposure to MPs correlates to health is growing. To fully understand the possible impacts of MPs on human health, it is necessary to quantify MP exposure and identify what critical data gaps exist.
OBJECTIVES
The current paper provides a human exposure assessment of microplastics in the air using systematically reviewed literature that provided concentration of MPs in air as well as doses used in toxicology studies to calculate inhalation exposure dose.
METHODS
All published peer-reviewed journal articles, non-published papers, and grey literature that focused on micro- or nano-plastics in indoor and outdoor air were systematically searched using PRISMA guidelines. Literature that defined specific concentrations and size of MPs in air or exposed to human lung cells, animals, or humans with measurable health impacts were included in data extraction. Inhalational exposures were calculated for different age groups using published MP concentrations from the included literature using exposure dose equations and values from U.S. ATSDR and EPA.
RESULTS
Calculated mean indoor inhalational exposures from passive sampling methods were higher than those calculated from active sampling methods. When comparing indoor and outdoor sampling, calculated inhalation exposures from indoor samples were greater than those from outdoor samples. Inhalation exposures of MPs differed between age groups with infants having the highest calculated dose values for all locations followed by preschool age children, middle-school aged children, pregnant women, adolescents, and non-pregnant adults. MP doses used in toxicology studies produced higher calculated mean inhalational exposures than those from environmental samples.
IMPACT
This study is the first known systematic review of inhalational MP exposure from indoor and outdoor air. It also provides inhalational exposures calculated from previously published environmental samples of MPs as well as from toxicology studies.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Animals; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Humans; Infant; Male; Young Adult; Air Pollutants; Air Pollution, Indoor; Environmental Monitoring; Inhalation Exposure; Microplastics; Risk Assessment
PubMed: 38184724
DOI: 10.1038/s41370-023-00634-x -
The Journal of Hospital Infection May 2024Bacteria commonly adhere to surfaces and produce polymeric material to encase the attached cells to form communities called biofilms. Within these biofilms, bacteria can... (Review)
Review
Bacteria commonly adhere to surfaces and produce polymeric material to encase the attached cells to form communities called biofilms. Within these biofilms, bacteria can appear to be many times more resistant to antibiotics or disinfectants. This systematic review explores the prevalence and microbial profile associated with biofilm production of bacteria isolated from endotracheal tubes and its associations with antimicrobial resistance. A comprehensive search was performed on databases PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar for relevant articles published between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2022. The relevant articles were exported to Mendeley Desktop 1.19.8 and screened by title and abstract, followed by full text screening based on the eligibility criteria of the study. Quality assessment of the studies was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) customized for cross-sectional studies. Furthermore, the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in biofilm-producers isolated from endotracheal tube specimens was investigated. Twenty studies encompassing 981 endotracheal tubes met the eligibility criteria. Pseudomonas spp. and Acinetobacter spp. were predominant isolates among the biofilm producers. These biofilms provided strong resistance against commonly used antibiotics. The highest resistance rate observed in Pseudomonas spp. was against fluoroquinolones whereas the least resistance was seen against piperacillin-tazobactam. A similar trend of susceptibility was observed in Acinetobacter spp. with a very high resistance rate against fluoroquinolones, third-generation cephalosporins and carbapenems. In conclusion, endotracheal tubes were associated with colonization by biofilm forming bacteria with varying levels of antimicrobial resistance. Biofilms may promote the occurrence of recalcitrant infections in endotracheal tubes which need to be managed with appropriate protocols and antimicrobial stewardship. Research focus should shift towards meticulous exploration of biofilm-associated infections to improve detection and management.
Topics: Biofilms; Humans; Intubation, Intratracheal; Drug Resistance, Bacterial; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bacteria
PubMed: 38522561
DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2024.03.004 -
Dental Materials : Official Publication... Dec 2023The objective is to compare the preventive effect on secondary caries of glass ionomer cement (GIC) restorations with amalgam or resin-composite restorations. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
The objective is to compare the preventive effect on secondary caries of glass ionomer cement (GIC) restorations with amalgam or resin-composite restorations.
METHODS
Two independent researchers conducted a systematic search of English publications in PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane and Scopus. They selected randomized clinical trials comparing secondary caries incidences around GIC restorations (conventional GIC or resin-modified GIC) with amalgam or resin-composite restorations. Meta-analysis of the secondary-caries incidences with risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) as the effect measure was performed.
RESULTS
This review included 64 studies. These studies included 8310 GIC restorations and 5857 amalgam or resin-composite restorations with a follow-up period from 1 to 10 years. Twenty-one studies with 4807 restorations on primary teeth and thirty-eight studies with 4885 restorations on permanent teeth were eligible for meta-analysis. The GIC restorations had a lower secondary caries incidence compared with amalgam restorations in both primary dentition [RR= 0.55, 95% CI:0.41-0.72] and permanent dentition [RR= 0.20, 95% CI:0.11-0.38]. GIC restorations showed similar secondary caries incidence compared with resin-composite restorations in primary dentition [RR= 0.92, 95% CI:0.77-1.10] and permanent dentition [RR= 0.77, 95% CI:0.39-1.51]. Conventional GIC restorations showed similar secondary caries incidence compared with resin-modified GIC-restored teeth in both primary dentition [RR= 1.12, 95% CI:0.67-1.87] and permanent dentition [RR= 1.63, 95% CI:0.34-7.84].
CONCLUSIONS
GIC restorations showed a superior preventive effect against secondary caries compared to amalgam restorations, and a similar preventive effect against secondary caries compared to resin-composite restorations in both primary and permanent teeth. [PROSPERO Registration ID: CRD42022380959].
Topics: Humans; Dental Restoration, Permanent; Glass Ionomer Cements; Dental Caries Susceptibility; Dental Caries; Composite Resins; Dental Amalgam
PubMed: 37838608
DOI: 10.1016/j.dental.2023.10.008 -
BMC Gastroenterology Jul 2023This study was performed to compare a metal stent (MS) and plastic stent (PS) in terms of efficacy and complications during neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) and the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Comparison of metal versus plastic stent for preoperative biliary drainage in patients with pancreatic cancer undergoing neoadjuvant therapy: a meta-analysis and systematic review.
BACKGROUND
This study was performed to compare a metal stent (MS) and plastic stent (PS) in terms of efficacy and complications during neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) and the perioperative period.
METHODS
We performed an electronic search of the following databases until 1 June 2022: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and ClinicalTrials.gov. Studies comparing an MS versus PS for PBD in patients with pancreatic cancer undergoing NAT were included.
RESULTS
The meta-analysis showed that use of an MS was associated with lower rates of reintervention (p < 0.00001), delay of NAT (p = 0.007), recurrent biliary obstruction (RBO) (p = 0.003), and cholangitis (p = 0.03). There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of stent migration (p = 0.31), postoperative complications (p = 0.20), leakage (p = 0.90), and R0 resection (p = 0.50).
CONCLUSIONS
Use of an MS for PBD in patients with pancreatic cancer undergoing NAT followed by surgery was associated with lower rates of reintervention, delay of NAT, RBO, and cholangitis compared with use of a PS. However, the postoperative outcomes were comparable between the MS and PS. Further studies on this topic are recommended.
Topics: Humans; Neoadjuvant Therapy; Drainage; Pancreatic Neoplasms; Metals; Stents; Cholangitis; Cholestasis; Plastics
PubMed: 37438761
DOI: 10.1186/s12876-023-02874-5 -
International Journal of Sports Medicine Jul 2023The R577X polymorphism in the α-actinin-3 gene () is associated with muscle strength and power; there is an association between R577X polymorphism and range of motion... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
The R577X polymorphism in the α-actinin-3 gene () is associated with muscle strength and power; there is an association between R577X polymorphism and range of motion (ROM). We examined the effect of the R577X polymorphism on ROM through meta-analysis and systematic review. Relevant studies published before April 14, 2022 were identified from the PubMed database using the following keywords and Boolean operators: ("flexibility" or "Joint Range of Motion" or "Joint Flexibility" or "Range of motion") and ("ACTN3" or "alpha-actinin 3"). Studies that met the following criteria were included: (1) published in English, (2) included human subjects, (3) provided ROM measurements, and (4) analyzed the R577X genotype. A total of 2908 participants from seven studies were included in the meta-analysis. The additive genetic model was assessed using a meta-regression model, and dominant and recessive models were analyzed using a random effects model. The ROM in the XX+RX genotype was significantly higher than that in the RR genotype (recessive model: p<0.001), and it increased additively in the order XX>RX>RR (additive model: p=0.029). However, no significant association was observed in the dominant model. These findings further elucidate the association between flexibility and the R577X genotype.
Topics: Humans; Actinin; Genotype; Muscle Strength; Polymorphism, Genetic; Range of Motion, Articular
PubMed: 36787803
DOI: 10.1055/a-2035-8300 -
Journal of Physiotherapy Jan 2024In adults with a burn injury, do non-invasive therapies improve pain and burn scar pruritus, elasticity and vascularisation? Are any effects maintained beyond the...
QUESTIONS
In adults with a burn injury, do non-invasive therapies improve pain and burn scar pruritus, elasticity and vascularisation? Are any effects maintained beyond the intervention period?
DESIGN
Systematic review of randomised trials with meta-analyses.
PARTICIPANTS
Adults with burn scars.
INTERVENTION
The experimental intervention was a non-invasive (ie, non-surgical or non-pharmacological) therapy applied to the burn scar.
OUTCOME MEASURES
Pain intensity, pruritus intensity, elasticity and vascularisation.
RESULTS
Fifteen trials involving 780 participants were included. The results indicated a beneficial effect on pain intensity on a 0-to-10 scale after massage (MD -1.5, 95% CI -1.8 to -1.1), shockwave therapy (MD -0.8, 95% CI -1.2 to -0.4) and laser (MD -4.0, 95% CI -6.0 to -2.0). The results indicated a beneficial effect on pruritus intensity on a 0-to-10 scale after massage (MD -0.4, 95% CI -0.7 to -0.2), shockwave therapy (MD -1.3, 95% CI -2.3 to -0.3) and laser (MD -4.8, 95% CI -6.1 to -3.5). Massage, shockwave therapy and silicone produced negligible or unclear benefits on scar elasticity and vascularisation. The quality of evidence varied from low to moderate.
CONCLUSION
Among all commonly used non-invasive therapies for the treatment of burn scars, low-to-moderate quality evidence indicated that massage, laser and shockwave therapy reduce pain and the intensity of scar pruritus. Low-to-moderate quality evidence suggested that massage, shockwave therapy and silicone have negligible or unclear effects for improving scar elasticity and vascularisation.
REVIEW REGISTRATION
PROSPERO (CRD42021258336).
Topics: Adult; Humans; Cicatrix, Hypertrophic; High-Energy Shock Waves; Pruritus; Pain; Lasers; Burns; Massage; Silicones
PubMed: 38072714
DOI: 10.1016/j.jphys.2023.10.010 -
International Journal of Molecular... Oct 2023Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been linked to various neurological complications. This meta-analysis assessed the relationship between glial fibrillary acidic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been linked to various neurological complications. This meta-analysis assessed the relationship between glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and neurofilament light chain (NfL) levels in the blood and neurological injury in COVID-19 patients. A comprehensive search of various databases was conducted until 18 August 2023, to find studies reporting GFAP and NfL blood levels in COVID-19 patients with neurological complications. GFAP and NfL levels were estimated between COVID-19 patients and healthy controls, and meta-analyses were performed using RevMan 5.4 software for analysis. In the 21 collected studies, it was found that COVID-19 patients had significantly higher levels of pooled GFAP (SMD = 0.52; 95% CI: 0.31, 0.73; ≤ 0.001) and NfL (SMD = 0.60; 95% CI: 0.37, 0.82; ≤ 0.001) when compared to the healthy controls. The pooled GFAP (SMD = 0.86; 95% CI: 0.26, 1.45; ≤ 0.01) and NfL (SMD = 0.87; 95% CI: 0.48, 1.26; ≤ 0.001) were significantly higher in non-survivors. These findings indicate a significant association between COVID-19 severity and elevated levels of GFAP and NfL, suggesting that GFAP and NfL could serve as potential diagnostic and prognostic markers for the early detection and monitoring of COVID-19-related neurological injuries.
Topics: Humans; Prognosis; COVID-19; Biomarkers; Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein; Neurofilament Proteins; Intermediate Filaments
PubMed: 37958721
DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115738 -
European Review For Medical and... Oct 2023This study aimed to conduct a meta-analysis to compare the effectiveness and safety between titanium mesh cage (TMC) and nano-hydroxyapatite/polyamide 66 cage... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to conduct a meta-analysis to compare the effectiveness and safety between titanium mesh cage (TMC) and nano-hydroxyapatite/polyamide 66 cage (n-HA/PA66) in the surgical treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) through anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We implemented a comprehensive search strategy across multiple databases, including Wanfang, China Knowledge Network, China Biomedical Literature Database, Wipu, PubMed, Cochran, Embase, and Web of Science. To ensure a thorough examination of available literature, the databases were searched from their inception to January 2023. Two independent researchers evaluated the quality of the included studies by using established criteria. We used RevMan 5.4 (Review Manager Web, The Cochrane Collaboration, Copenhagen, Denmark) to facilitate data extraction and analysis.
RESULTS
This analysis included seven controlled clinical studies. The meta-analysis results showed no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of operating time, intraoperative bleeding, preoperative Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score, preoperative visual analog scale (VAS) score, preoperative and final follow-up C2-7 Cobb angles, and intervertebral fusion rate (p > 0.05). However, a significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of the final follow-up JOA [MD = 0.77, 95% CI (0.58, 0.97), p < 0.00001], VAS [MD = -0.50, 95% CI (-0.71, -0.30), p < 0.00001], and sedimentation rate [RR = 0.30, 95% CI (0.18, 0.48), p < 0.00001].
CONCLUSIONS
The use of n-HA/PA66 in ACCF for treating CSM is safe and effective treatment with positive clinical efficacy. In addition, n-HA/PA66 has both effective clinical efficacy and significantly lower fusion settling rates compared to TMC.
Topics: Humans; Nylons; Durapatite; Spinal Fusion; Spondylosis; Treatment Outcome; Spinal Cord Diseases; Cervical Vertebrae; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 37916330
DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202310_34136